Virginia-based Gospel artist Bev Johnson loves Christmastime. In celebration of the birth of the Savior, the popular Gospel songstress has released her first Christmas single, a rendition of the seasonal favorite, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”. Renamed “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (With A Little Jazz & Love)”, the remake is produced by Stellar Award Winner Isaiah D. Thomas. The mellow track flaunts a traditional jazz flair with sprinkles of R&B and Gospel. Although the song showcases a slightly different side of the praise and worship leader, it gives her an opportunity to celebrate the season of miracles. The track is currently available for download on iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby.
Johnson decided to tap Thomas to produce the remake and to add to the jazzy arrangement she created. “’Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ has always been my favorite Christmas song,” she explains. “I think it’s the perfect song to set the scene for the holidays. I have been getting great feedback on the song. Everyone who has listened to it has loved it; they especially like the unique arrangement.” Because of the varied musical elements, Bev feels that the song has something for everyone. “People who have enjoyed the track like the smooth jazz, classical jazz and R&B flair of it. It’s definitely a song to get you in the Christmas spirit,” says Bev.
In addition to the holiday single, Bev is putting the finishing touches on a new album. Also produced by Thomas, the new CD entitled My Praise, My Worship Part II: A Soulful Praise will be released in early 2014. Bev is thrilled about her upcoming sophomore project and hopes believers will be inspired by the new songs. A new single is scheduled to drop in the first quarter.
Bev Johnson is a gifted praise and worship leader who burst onto the Gospel music scene in 2009 with her debut record, My Praise, My Worship. The live recording was the impetus for the My Praise, My Worship Music & Arts Ministry, which annually hosts a praise and worship workshop and concert featuring top college Gospel choirs and dynamic Gospel artists from the Washington, DC metropolitan area. In 2011, Bev Johnson created a scholarship, the Bev Johnson My Praise, My Worship Music & Arts Scholarship, which is presented to high school seniors who show commendable service and leadership to the Northern Virginia Community.
Born in Dallas, Texas, and singing since the age of five, Johnson has sung background vocals for Dr. Bobby Jones, Beverly Crawford and the late O’landa Draper. She’s been blessed to open up for Gospel artists such as Maurette Brown Clark and Lonnie Hunter and has been featured on the soundtrack of the BET movie, “He Ain’t Finished with Me Yet”. She has also sung with the Northern Virginia Gospel Music Workshop Choir under the direction of Minister Maharold Peoples. Bev Johnson was the first runner- up recipient of the 2012 Black Street Award, an honor she received due to her selfless contributions to the African American community. For more information on Bev Johnson, log on to www.bevjohnsonmypraise.com or connect with her on Facebook.
