- About The Artist -
Denise Brunson Harris
Ms. Denise Brunson Harris is a native St. Louisan. She is the daughter of Mrs. Rita Brunson and the late Warren J. Brunson. “I am tremendously thankful for being raised in a Christian home. My parents worked very hard to make sure that my brother and I knew the Lord Jesus and attended regular church services. I grew up at Newstead Ave Missionary Baptist Church, where the pastor was Dr. W.A. Scott, Sr. (now pastored by Elder Richard Pearson,) my father was on the Board of Trustees and my grandmother, Sophronia Brunson taught the ‘cradle roll’ class in Sunday School.”
Ms. Harris was educated in both the St. Louis City and University City public school systems and served as one of the accompanist for the Accappella and Concert Choirs. After graduating from University City Senior High School, as an honor student, she received a scholarship to study music at the University of Missouri – Kansas City and was listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students. However, she decided to accept a full scholarship and attended Washington University in St. Louis, where she completed her undergraduate studies in psychology.
While at Washington University, Ms. Harris participated in the Black Theatre Workshop and appeared in the plays Rituals and Hopes, Dreams and Secrets, directed by Clyde Ruffin.
She also performed in the university’s production of the musical Guys and Dolls.
Ms. Harris was a member of the gospel ensemble, Genesis I under the direction of Ms. Diane White. Ms. Harris was a featured guest soloist on the Sunday morning television show
God’s Musical World, directed by Dr. Kenneth Billups, while she was a touring member of the Washington University Black Repertory Chorus. Ms. Harris has also performed in the hit musical, Eubie, at the St. Louis Black Repertory Theater.
Ms. Harris studied piano performance under Ms. Sona Hermanson for one semester while attending Washington University. It is with much gratitude that she also acknowledges her classical piano training from Mrs. Alleda Ward Wells (Alleda Ward Wells Studio),
Mr. Bruce Fischer and Mr. Joseph Scotty at Community School for the Arts (CASA) here in
St. Louis, Professor Stan Ford and Ms. Tyra Ross and jazz voice lessons with Ms. Babs Robnett.
Ms. Harris taught piano at both “The Agape School of the Arts,” founded by Ms. Donna C. Jones, and “The Tyra M. Ross Studios,” founded by Ms. Tyra M. Ross. “My love for music began when I was a small child listening to my mother and grandmothers, Mrs. Sophronia Brunson and Mrs. Mary Farris playing the piano and praising the Lord. They were my first teachers. I knew I wanted to take formal lessons when I heard my play aunt, Ms. Sylvia Thomas, play Chopin’s Revolutionary Etude one night on our piano. Soon after that, my father enrolled me in piano lessons.”
Denise is a member of the St. Louis Christian Center, where the pastor is Dr. Alfred D. Harvey, Jr. “I was truly inspired by the pastor’s teaching ‘Ministering to the Lord.’ It has been a blessing to me.” Ms. Harris is a member of the Sanctuary Choir and serves as a praise team member, as well.
Ms. Harris, a mezzo soprano, is a member of the St. Louis Symphony’s InUnison Chorus, directed by Maestro Robert Ray. She performed her solo debut with the internationally acclaimed St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in the 2005 “A Gospel Christmas” concert at Powel Symphony Hall in Glenn Burleigh’s, Gloria. She has studied under Richard Smallwood and has graced the stage in performances with him, Twinkie Clark, Walter Hawkins, Darryl Coley and Minister Kathy Horry. Ms. Harris has also ministered in music as a background singer for
Minister Kevin Burroughs-Neeley’s 2007 Stellar Award winning CD A Perfect Praise Volume II – Ministering to the Lord.
Ms. Harris has shared her music ministry with the listeners of the Cote Brilliant Presbyterian Church radio broadcast, where the pastor is the Rev. Dr. William G. Gillespie and where her
CD was primarily recorded and engineered by Co-Producer, Richard D. Massey.
Denise Harris’s newly released CD, How Do I Love Thee? – Praise and Worship is truly a gospel treasure. This heartfelt collection of songs is an eclectic mix of gospel, jazz, reggae,
hip-hop, Afro-Cuban and classical genres, that have been birthed out of prayer and meditation over scriptures that lead one into the very presence of The Most High God. The songs are filled with intimate conversations seeking to minister to the Lord. Every song on the CD is directed to the Lord and helps usher the listener into the “Throne Room.” The CD ends with a very moving piano solo of I Surrender All that is dedicated to the memory of her father. Ms. Harris, along with her mother, daughter, Cherise Harris and brother, Adon Brunson served as the Executive Producers of this project. Yes you can definitely say it is a family affair.
Although born and raised in St. Louis, Denise Harris’ God given talent has universal appeal. Two selections from her CD, How Do I Love Thee? were presented at the Midem World Music Conference in Cannes, France in January, 2008. The selections, Your Secret Place and Free, are featured on a compilation CD produced by Andre’L.Carter of Gospel Swap, Gospel Synergy Magazine and Gospel Power FM internet radio station, and were presented at the conference.
The title poses a question that all who aspires to love Jesus must learn the answer to.
Denise said, “I asked the Lord to teach me how to love Him in the way that He wants to be loved. He gave me these songs and continues to reveal himself and the answer to me.”
For booking information, please contact:
Love Expressions
P.O. Box 78476
St. Louis, Missouri 63178
314-680-5599
e-mail: denise@denisebharris.com
See Denise's official website at:
www.denisebharris.com
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