Are People Ready For The New Kim Burrell

One hundred pounds sleeker and slimmer, singer Kim Burrell, 37, became the buzz of the blogosphere after moving Whitney Houston to both jubilation and tears with her brilliant performance of “I Believe In You And Me” at last week’s BET Honors. Those unfamiliar with gospel music were scratching their heads and asking: Who Is Kim Burrell? For those unfamiliar with Kim Burrell’s riffing and running music, Burrell’s Tommy Boy albums “Everlasting Life” and “Live In Concert“ are considered classics, but those who know like I know still study Burrell’s indie album “Try Me Again” like some study the Bible. A recent Shanachie release of old-time hymns, “No Ways Tired,”  has not earned the same level of adulation and sales as her early recordings, but that didn’t stop it from being both Stellar and Grammy nominated. Artists from Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan to Harry Connick Jr. to Marvin Winans are fans, often asking Burrell to lay her jazz trained gospel style to their projects. Since having a series of initially undetected heart attacks in 2009, Burrell has been on a mission to renew her life. Her new website boasts a more seductive Burrell than the PK, Pastor’s wife, and young C.O.G.I.C. mother the church world know and expect her to be. Reports of a forthcoming reality show, endorsement deal and secular album (from a woman who avowed to singer/host Wintley Phipps never to do one) has caused some to raise eyebrows, others to stand up and cheer, and all to wait in eager anticipation for what “this generation’s Ella Fitzgerald” plans to do next. Stay tuned.

TAGS: Chaka Khan, Harry Connick Jr., Kim Burrell, Marvin Winans, Stevie Wonder