An interview with local Stellar award-winning Gospel artist Kendall Hunter Pt. 1

As a Stellar award-winning songwriter and 2008 Gospel Choice Awards’ “Best Male Artist of the Year”, Kendall Hunter is making his mark in the Atlanta, Georgia gospel music scene. Described as “radical, innovative, soulful, and anointed,” this gifted singer-songwriter, producer and music minister has a “lyrical, compositional and vocal style ranging from urban contemporary and neo-soul, to traditional gospel, praise, and worship” (www.kendallhunter.us). 

He is most recently known for his contemporary arrangement and lead vocals on the old traditional song and radio smash, “Glory Glory” by the Miami Mass Choir and also for his musical composition of the Grammy and Stellar Award winning Karen Clark Sheard’s new single entitled "He Knows" featuring her sister, Dorinda Clark-Cole. This thirteen-year veteran lead vocalist for the Miami Mass Choir answers a few questions about his music, influences, and new project: 

 1.When were you called into the music ministry?
I was called into the music ministry at the age of 5 years old, singing and leading songs in the youth choir where my grandfather the Late Bishop Boykin Hunter was the pastor. My lil brother, cousins and I started our own group at my grandfather’s church at the age of 8 years old singing at all the main church events and national convocations. It was at the age of 13 when I took my first Minister of Music position becoming the youngest Minister’s Of Music in the South Florida Tri Counties. Making $60.00 per Sunday, I had to give my sweet mother $20 out of the 60 and was left with $40, hilarious, but I really appreciate my mother the late Jacquelyn Hunter teaching me responsibility at an early age. 
 
2.When and why did you move to Atlanta?
I moved to Atlanta on December 13th 2005.  After an awesome journey that I had in south Florida, I honestly felt like my season was up in my hometown and it was time for me to step out and further the gifting and ministry that God birthed in me. Through much prayer and fasting, Atlanta was the city I felt released to go and live and to begin and fulfill this assignment that I’m on right now. 
 
3.Who are your influences?
Wow! ahhhhh… actually I really embrace all “GOOD” music and am best influenced by whatever is current from a few of the greats out there like: Marvin Winans, Kirk Franklin, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Rodney Jerkins, Warren Campbell, MaryMary, Fred Hammond & John P. Kee. 
 
4.What else inspires you?
I would certainly have to say without a shadow of doubt, The Holy Bible, and listening to good teaching and preaching. Romans 10:17 says that, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.