It's hard to believe that what started as a family jam session around a piano in Middletown, Ohio, has become a lifelong passion and pursuit. Mom liked the way our voices blended together. She couldn't wait to show us off at the New Era Baptist Church the following Sunday morning. We sang the old hymn, "At The Cross", and at that moment, a new era began in my life. I was four years old then, and I've been singing ever since. I lovingly acknowledge my family, Maude O. Winston, Joan and Robert Bailey, Ora K. DeMaria, Jodell, Tracey, Bradford, and Walter Bailey, and Dale Monroe Fisher, for all their love and support.
Music has taken me around the world, and has introduced me to countless friends and incredible experiences. I am grateful to the many teachers, encouragers, supporters, collaborators, and listeners who were sent by God into my life. Because of you, I am able to continue my journey. Allow me to recognize, among the many, these true friends and mentors. Helen Ruth Watkins, Royal A. Ivory, Rev. Wendell H. Wallace, Randy Hiller, Jim and Tammy Bakker, Thurlow Spurr, Michael A. McKinney, Cynthia Clawson, Welton and Maurina Esprit, Bob Krogstad, Vicki Hampton, and Wynonna Judd.
Because of the following people, this recording exists. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to the wonderful people of Denmark, my dear friends Georg and Anne Julin, Dan and Miriam Rasmussen, Tom McKuen, Voice Celebration, every composer, arranger, designer, musician, producer, and technical person who materially participated in this project. My God bless you richly for being such a blessing to me.
As you listen to "Past And Present", I pray that you will see with your mind's eye, where I've come from, and where I'm headed, musically. I'm a firm believer in the power of The Word. It has the power to change lives. I want my music and lyrics to reflect my heart, my personal experiences, my goals, my dreams, my desires, and aspirations.
Finally, thank you for listening. May the music encourage you, uplift, and inspire you, make you laugh, cry, and sing along, and make you dance! Go ahead, close your eyes and open your heart and listen.
Bob Bailey
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