Biography/Early years:
Kurt Carr was born in the early 1960s in Hartford, Connecticut, where he grew up in a family who believed in Jesus, but was not deeply involved in church. At the age of 13, Kurt found himself being increasingly drawn to the church. In his early teen years, he performed as an actor and dancer at the Hartford Stage Company in a Broadway musical called "On the Town," which was directed by the late Clay Johnson. He became an active member in his church's music department. At the age of 17, he realized that he was being called to do something even higher with his life. After high school, Kurt entered into the music program at the University of Connecticut, where he studied classical music and earned a Fine Arts degree. Carr is a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
Music Career:
Kurt was Andrae Crouch's piano accompanist for Crouch’s music ministry for one year. After playing there for a year, Rev. James Cleveland hired Carr to be musical director and pianist for Rev. Cleveland’s ministry. He was employed there for seven years until Rev. Cleveland died. Eventually, Carr became director of the West Los Angeles Church of God in Christ Choir, where he had the opportunity to work with both Gospel and Secular musical artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, and Kirk Franklin. In 1989 while in Los Angeles, Carr formed a six member vocal ensemble Gospel singers group, called The Kurt Carr Singers. The group has grown to seven members and now includes sopranos Yvette Williams, Nakitta Clegg-Foxx, and Michelle Prather, altos Timiney Figueroa-Caton, Vonnie Lopez, and Nikki Potts, and tenors Troy Bright and Brandon Winbush.
Carr’s music is an interesting blend of traditional Gospel composition and vocals, elements of R&B, jazz, soul, blues, and the distinct modern harmonies and singing styles found in Urban Contemporary Gospel. The Kurt Carr Singers under Kurt Carr’s direction and musical influence have created six albums. Kurt Carr has won four Stellar awards.
Discography:
1991: Together
1994: Serious About It
1997: No One Else
2000: Awesome Wonder
2005: One Church
2008: Just the Beginning
From: Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurt_Carr
Grateful People Grateful Praise
Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With hearts overflowing, we gather today
A grateful congregation of saints in praise
We are grateful people, we are grateful people
A grateful congregation of saints in praise
Because we're grateful, because we 're grateful
We give, we give grateful praise
We realize it's an honor to dwell in this place
To bask in the refuge of mercy and grace
They are offering a praise, put a smile on your face
We are grateful people, we are grateful people
A grateful congregation of saints in praise
Because we 're grateful, because we 're grateful
We give, we give
When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all He's done for me
My very soul cries out Hallelujah
I've got to thank God and praise God
For the great things he's done for me
We are grateful people, we are grateful people
A grateful congregation of saints in praise
Because we 're grateful, we give, we give grateful praise
Because we're blessed, grateful praise
Anybody really grateful?
Yes, I am, really am
Are you the one that's really grateful?
Yes, I am, really am
If you're grateful, clap your hands
The lyrics of Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers's song "Grateful People Grateful Praise" express the joy and gratitude of the congregation towards God. The first verse paints a picture of people lifting their hands and voices in thanksgiving to God. Their hearts are brimming with joy, and they gather as a community of believers to offer praise. The second verse acknowledges that it is an honor to be in the presence of God and to be safe under His grace. The choir encourages people to wear smiles, reminding them that they have much to be thankful for.
The chorus repeats the theme of gratefulness, reinforcing the message of the song. It exhorts listeners to give praise because of their gratitude. The bridge takes the lyrics to a more personal level, as the singer relates his own experience of God's goodness in his life. He testifies that his soul cries out in joy and thanks to God for all that He has done. The song ends with the choir asking if there are any grateful people in the congregation and inviting them to clap their hands.
In summary, "Grateful People Grateful Praise" is a hymn of thanksgiving and praise, celebrating the goodness of God and the joy that gratitude brings. The lyrics encourage believers to give voice to their appreciation for all that God has done in their lives and to come together as a community to offer worship.
Line by Line Meaning
With our hands lifted up, our mouths filled with praise
We lift up our hands and praise God with everything we have.
With hearts overflowing, we gather today
Our hearts are full of love and joy as we come together.
A grateful congregation of saints in praise
We, as a thankful group of believers, come to praise Him.
We are grateful people, we are grateful people
We acknowledge our thankfulness to God always.
Because we're grateful, because we 're grateful
We give praise because of the gratitude we feel.
We give, we give grateful praise
Our thankful attitude inspires us to give Him praise.
We realize it's an honor to dwell in this place
We understand that it is a privilege to be here in His presence.
To bask in the refuge of mercy and grace
We take comfort in being covered by His mercy and grace.
They are offering a praise, put a smile on your face
We lift our hands in praise of what He has done and it brings us joy.
When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all He's done for me
Reflecting on all the good things He has done brings about overwhelming gratitude.
My very soul cries out Hallelujah
I can't help but express my feelings of gratitude to Him.
I've got to thank God and praise God
I am driven to give Him thanks and praise.
For the great things he's done for me
I am grateful for all the wonderful things He has done for me.
Because we're blessed, grateful praise
We give praise because we have been blessed.
Anybody really grateful?
Has anyone else felt the fullness of gratitude like we have?
Yes, I am, really am
Yes, I am truly grateful.
If you're grateful, clap your hands
If you are grateful, show it with action.
Contributed by Gianna Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.