Bell Armstrong performed on the 1st Annual Soul Train Awards ceremony. Her 1986 album Following Jesus won a Soul Train Music Award for Best Gospel Album - Solo in 1988. She is also a seven time Grammy Award-nominee.
The cover of Armstrong's 1987 Billboard-charting mainstream 7" single "You Bring Out The Best In Me."Vanessa enjoyed a slice of mainstream success in the late 80's. Her self-titled 1987 Jive Records debut yielded the Billboard-charting hit "You Bring Out The Best In Me," as well as the club favorite "Pressing On." [1][3] The next year's follow-up album Wonderful One featured a cover of the Labi Siffre anti-Apartheid anthem "Something Inside So Strong." The song was later remade in 1995 by Armstrong along with Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Tramaine Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, and a host of other gospel artists as a tribute to Rosa Parks. The song was serviced to radio stations to play on the 40th anniversary of the civil rights icon's arrest.
Armstrong appeared on Broadway in 1991 in a production of Don't Get God Started. "Always," a Marvin Winans composition that anchors the play, also appears on Armstrong's 1987 self-titled album. Her Broadway role lead to a cameo appearance in the Oprah Winfrey TV special The Women of Brewster Place. Armstrong was also chosen to record the theme to the popular 80's NBC sitcom Amen.
Vanessa Bell Armstrong took a 3 year self-imposed hiatus from recording before releasing A Brand New Day under a new deal with Tommy Boy Gospel in 2001. Vanessa was presented with a lifetime achievement award during 2004's Gospel Superfest.
Armstrong's 2007 album, Walking Miracle, is her first release in 6 years, and blends traditional gospel fare like "So Good To Me" (produced by Smokie Norful) with contemporary songs like "Til The Victory's Won" (produced by Fred Jerkins III) and the title track (produced by Rodney Jerkins). The latter song was inspired by Armstrong's son who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
The Secret Is Out
Vanessa Bell Armstrong Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tell me of His goodness
Of His mercy, and of His life
Tell me of His boldness
He charged me not to tell
Of the good works He had done
And I must run and tell
Each and everyone
[Chorus]
The secret is out, the secret is out
The secret is out
And it shall never be contained
The secret is out, the secret is out, the secret is out
That He shall come again
The lyrics to Vanessa Bell Armstrong's song "The Secret Is Out" are a testament to the power and mystery of Jesus Christ. The verses speak of the desire to learn more about Christ and to hear stories of goodness, mercy, and boldness. The singer is called to tell others of Christ's works, despite being charged not to share them. The chorus then proclaims that the secret of Christ's impending return is out and that it will never be contained.
The lyrics speak to the idea that the teachings and works of Christ are too powerful to be kept secret, even if there are those who would try to keep them hidden. The emphasis on the coming of Christ and his return is a reminder that his message and mission are ongoing and that believers have a responsibility to share that message with others. The song has a driving, upbeat tempo that underscores the urgency of the message.
Overall, "The Secret Is Out" is a powerful hymn of praise and exhortation to share the message of Christ with others. Its message is timeless and universal, speaking to the heart of Christian belief and the power of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me a story about Jesus Christ
Please share some details about the life of Jesus Christ.
Tell me of His goodness
Tell me about the kind and virtuous nature of Jesus.
Of His mercy, and of His life
Speak of His compassion and experience on this earth.
Tell me of His boldness
Describe the courage and fearlessness of Jesus.
He charged me not to tell
Jesus specifically asked me to not share the details of His good deeds.
Of the good works He had done
The incredible acts of generosity and kindness Jesus performed.
And I must run and tell
Despite being asked not to, I feel compelled to share and spread the word of Jesus' deeds.
The secret is out, the secret is out
The information about Jesus' good works and teachings is becoming more widely known and shared.
The secret is out
The knowledge of Jesus' kindness and message is no longer being kept quiet.
And it shall never be contained
The teachings and actions of Jesus will continue to be shared and passed down for generations to come.
That He shall come again
Jesus is expected to return to earth at some point in the future.
The secret is out, the secret is out, the secret is out
The message is spreading and cannot be kept from those who seek it.
Writer(s): john p. kee
Contributed by Eliana R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@marionmarion6852
the gospel genre produces the best singers of all time and yet so underrated
@prof32
Absolutely one of my favorite performances of hers! Yes, the voice can change but she still has a lot to give. She can still best most of the current ones out there! Both Vanessa and Aretha are my all-time favorites!!
@ministersd
THE SECRET IS OUT!! Sing it Lady Vanessa. Jesus is coming again. Hallelujah!
@GentScholar93
FULLY confused about this audience...
this was an INSANELY amazing performance!
@ministersd
Powerful and inclusive. She sang this. Praise God for her years of ministering in song.
@IsaiahRaymondDyer09
I agree age does affect the voice as does singing hard, growling, squalling etc, its just nature taking it's course BUT Vanessa is YET killing for sure! She's a Living legend!!!!
@tezb.8243
She has so many “colors” to her voice… I love it!!
@ellapresley2917
It's sad that a lot people come to services like this to be "entertained" and not ministered to. It doesn't matter to me if her voice has changed or not, she ministers and really get the message out. If you want to be entertained, then go to the "house of blues" or what ever.
@puchiebrown1565
Ella Presley true love I agree. the only worshipper was Lady Vanessa. The spirit of entertainment has taken over the churches and just to think, these are the souls that want to go back with Jesus when He comes for His bride. Not according to the Word of Truth, if you can't worship here on earth don't look to spend eternity with the Lord because that is all we will be doing. Worshipping Him. So if you want to stay on jive, play and joke time you already know where your eternity will be spent.
@jdbrunson2791
AMEN ❤🙏