Out of the Stokes clan of Dayton, Ohio, comes STILL another multi-talented artist and performer. Doris A. Stokes, the youngest member of this star-producing family, possesses a song and style all her own. She has been singing ever since she can remember, starting in church and at home with her brothers Otha (formerly of The Ohio Players and The Sugarhill Gang), Frank, Ralph, Otis (formerly of the R&B group "Lakeside"), Arthur ("Hakim" formerly of the Dayton band "Heatwave") and her sister, Diane. The family often sang in huddles in the back room or in the basement of their parents' home. "Otis and Hakim were always in charge of giving out the singing parts to all of us and we would sing some commercial jingle or cartoon theme song in at least five part harmony!"
Like the rest of the crew, Doris was raised in a Christian home by parents who loved the Lord. "That's where it all started. It's really all we knew from the very beginning. My mom and dad made us sing in the choir. We were "drafted" into it once the secret was out that we all could sing! Since going to church was NEVER an option in our household, being in the choir was a requirement that was not open for discussion. Just like school...it was "understood."
Doris began writing songs at the age of nineteen, however, she first sang professionally at the age of sixteen with Otis on his first solo R&B project. During these teenage years, Doris also sang with their elder brother, Arthur "Hakim" Stokes, on several recordings including the soundtrack to the Disney movie, "All Dogs Go To Heaven," on Curb Records. Soon, she began singing gospel professionally, and became a founding member with contemporary gospel choir "David Minor with One Voice" of Cincinnati, Ohio. She went on to lead praise & worship services in penal facilities (prison ministry is her passion) throughout the Ohio Valley and Tri-State areas. "I realize there's nothing glamorous about singing in prison, but you are either anointed to do it, or you're not. I looked beyond the metal bars and barbed wire and realized that Jesus died for them too." Doris was later brought into her oldest brother's music ministry, the late (and dynamic) gospel saxophonist, Minister Otha Stokes, Jr., singing background vocals with his ensemble "The Gospel Troupe." She sang on Otha's debut gospel album entitled "Praise Him," which he completed before his unexpected passing in June 1999.
Doris' old choir, "David Minor with One Voice," which had disbanded in 1997, was regrouped and re-named "New Vision under the direction of Archie Byers". New Vision made an impressive impact on the gospel music scene all over Cincinnati, the Tri-State and the South. They completed one "live" CD in 2001 in which Doris was a featured soloist. New Vision has opened and/or served as the workshop choir for such gospel artists as Rodnie Bryant, LaMar Campbell, Marvin Sapp, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Minister Kurt Carr, Byron Cage, Tramaine Hawkins, Beverly Crawford and Charles Fold and the Charles Fold Singers.
Doris is fast becoming a premier guest at workshops, seminars, convocations and conferences nationwide. In addition to her role as the featured Psalmist, she is also a teacher/clinician on the importance and power of praise and worship in our churches and in our lives. She is now a member of the powerhouse praise and worship group, and Crystal Rose recording artist, "Elder Rodney Posey & Praise."
"Rodney is a master at leading God's people into His presence. I have been heavily influenced by his gift. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to have a great friend and mentor like Rodney Posey."
Other musical influences include Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin. "They have unmatched vocal abilities...awesome." Her greatest gospel "awes" go to Rance Allen, Shirley Caesar, Vanessa Bell -Armstrong and LaShun Pace (for their "not to be messed with" runs). The Clark Sisters, The Winans, Yolanda Adams (for the power of ministry behind her vocals) and Tramaine Hawkins (for her powerful soprano vocal dynamics) are also favoirtes. Out of the new era of gospel artists she gives "thumbs up" to Fred Hammond and Radicals for Christ, Hezekiah Walker, Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, Richard Smallwood and John P. Kee. "I love all of them for the unique gifts they bring to the Body of Christ."
In addition to her busy music ministry, Doris is very active as an actress/vocalist in gospel stage plays whenever the opportunity arises! She was featured in the gospel play "An Upper Room Experience" that also starred Shirley Murdock. She is presently writing her own stage production tentatively entitled, "We Are Family...?" She believes that this stage version of her testimony will have audiences hysterically laughing one moment, and in tears the next. It should also make everyone who sees it inventory themselves on some very key life issues. The stage play is based on a book Doris has written that gives an in-depth look into her full testimony of deliverance, healing and forgiveness through her emotionally painful experiences. "Penning this work was part of my therapy; but it is TOTALLY for God's glory and the edifying of those who are still wrestling with emotional pain from their past." Doris has just released her first CD SAMPLER entitled "Black Pearl" which will focus and showcase her writing abilities in contemporary Gospel as well as her production skills. "My CD will be the book in song." The full project is slated for a Spring 2004 release.
Doris is the proud mother of one son, Nouri, whom she adores. "He's my greatest motivation to be all I can be in this life. I love him so much. I've been blessed with a great kid." She attended Wilberforce University in Ohio, where she majored in Organizational Management. Doris recently earned her Master's Degree in Christian Education in Church Administration & Organization. She is now a candidate to receive a dual Doctoral Degree in Worship Arts & Sacred Music and Christian Education in Church Administration & Organization. She has been in full-time ministry for three years faithfully serving as her Senior Pastor's Executive Administrator and in music ministry.
Doris carries a very quiet, but powerful prophetic anointing on her life. She's not one to talk about it much, but she will definitely "walk in her call" when God releases her to use it! "I'm not one for big talk, titles and licenses. I just believe in walking in order, obedience and humility when it comes to serving the Lord. If you're "real," signs, wonders and the truth will follow; the Word declares that! You don't necessarily need a title to be endued with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. God Himself will equip you as necessary!"
Once you have experienced praise and worship with this new gem, there will be no doubt that you have been in the presence of the Lord and that she IS anointed! Doris is one of the best-kept secrets in the gospel music arena...but not for long! Her CD sampler and first solo effort produced by R&B hit making brother, Otis Stokes (Lakeside) and husband and wife team, Bryan & Cyndi Evans, Psalmists for Dr. Frederick Price (Senior Pastor, Crenshaw Christian Center) will reflect a lot of the pain, tragedy and triumphs over adversities that mirror her testimony. "I have suffered deep emotional pain on several levels (death, divorce, and a miscarriage), and as my experiences grew more intense, my anointing became more intense as well. In the midst of my "hell" is where I learned to become a true worshipper! This began to manifest through the songs the Lord gave me. I'm extremely excited to be moving into my season for ministry on a much broader level-God knows I've definitely paid my dues! I was satisfied for years just being in the background helping everyone else, and I still am doing just that. I consider every new platform the Lord provides to display my gifts as an awesome opportunity to be used for His glory. Through all of the pain in my life, it took the Lord Himself to teach me what I really am in Him. I am rare, precious and I have an assignment to release to the body of Christ that no one else can deliver but me. I am His 'Black Pearl'!" Keep your eyes and ears open for this up and coming princess that hails from the "Gem City." Great things are about to happen for gospel's "Black Pearl!"
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