Premier Gospel News

11 Apr 2023

John P. Kee: "Rance did it first, not Kirk"

Renowned gospel artist John P. Kee, recently took the time to discuss his most recent project honouring the late legendary Rance Allen. The project aims to capture the spirit and essence of Rance Allen's music while giving it a fresh, contemporary twist. Rance Allen, known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary R&B sounds, left an indelible mark on the music industry. When asked about Allen's initial influence on his music and ministry in a recent interview with Muyiwa, John P. Kee shared a personal story: "If you listen to John P. Kee on 'I Do Worship' and the high notes and the things we sing in that particular song, all of that came from Rance Allen." Kee also spoke about how Allen managed to bridge the gap between gospel and R&B music genres, predating other artists like Kirk Franklin who are often credited for their crossover success. He noted that it was Rance who truly "crossed over with the message of Jesus Christ," paving the way for future gospel musicians, saying: "well, everybody gives Kirk Franklin credit for being the first gospel artist to really cross over. And that's not true. Rance crossed over and he didn't just cross over. Rance crossed over with the message of Jesus Christ." The impact of Rance Allen's music extended beyond just gospel circles; his iconic performances at events like Watts Stacks in 1972 showcased his ability to share his message with broader audiences. While initially met with resistance from some churches and religious leaders, Allen's courage to take risks has proven to be inspirational for many musicians today. John P. Kee acknowledges that he himself has always been an unorthodox artist and pastor, often defying traditional expectations by embracing different styles of music and ministry methods. This fearless approach has allowed him to make a significant impact on both gospel and secular music. Watch here: For his tribute project honouring Rance Allen, John P. Kee has collaborated with several artists like Fred Hammond, Gene Moore, Jason Nelson, B Slade, Tony Russell, and others. These musicians have come together to recreate some of Allen's most memorable songs, infusing them with their unique styles while preserving the spirit of the originals Written by Cassandra Maria  
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