Alvin Garrett has written hit songs for artists such as Kelly Rowland, Joe, Ruben Studdard, and Fantasia to name a few the artist’s names have been synonymous with projects that invoke change in humanity and music of compelling remembrance. The artist has related to the title of Pioneer of Soul due to his inspiring words behind hits from Gospel Groups such as Trin-I-Tee 5:7 and this year's gospel chart-topper "Patiently Praising" by Lowell Pye. Alvin is back with his new project all about love entitled "The Lightness of Love" debuting his single "My Gift To You". This project will inspire those who listen to get back to life and get back to loving their life and those around them.
Alvin shares with me what it was like to receive the notifications that he was a contender in five Grammy categories and words of encouragement for writers who might feel they are not being noticed. Garrett states, “Of course it’s exciting to be in contention for multiple Grammy nominations, but I mostly find it humbling to be in this position.” He continued, “As a Grammy-nominated songwriter, I know the responsibility that comes with the recognition of my fellow academy members. So, I try to create the type of music that lives up to the high expectations that come with it all. I always encourage others to focus on creating excellent music, whether they are ever recognized for it or not.”
The Birmingham native has also partnered with the Dannon Project to create a writing program to assist young aspiring writers to creatively learn the art of songwriting and use it as a tool to express their emotions and feelings. The "Write Life" is a songwriting therapy program Alvin uses his own innovative songwriting techniques to teach and develop life management skills, effective communication, and emotional maturity. Mr. Garrett is very passionate and believes that music is a powerful influencer of culture.
To describe or define Alvin Garrett with a singular title may be a near-impossible task. However, after getting to know him, one would have to agree that he is certainly a Pioneer of inspirational Soul. This Alabama-born-and-raised preacher’s son has woven over twenty years of diverse experience in the entertainment industry with the common thread of hope and inspiration. Whether it’s R&B, Gospel, Pop, or Jazz, you will recognize Garrett’s inspirational fingerprint in all his music and business endeavors.
Garrett’s masterful songwriting, captivating smile, and spine-tingling voice are reminiscent of soul music legends, Sam Cooke and Al Green. This honorable comparison began in 2015 with the release of the soul-riveting song, “By Myself,” which many still compare to the timeless and epic nature of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.” In the summer of 2020, the Grammy-nominated songwriter continued to carry the torch of musical activism with his thought-provoking EP, The Awakening. With the weight of the Covid-19 pandemic and the heaviness of social unrest, Alvin Garrett crafted a collection of songs that sought to speak to and awaken the Soul of America. Now, Garrett is lifting spirits and lightening the mood with his beautiful new project, The Lightness of Love.
As soon as you hear the first swooning riff of the lead single, “My Gift To You,” you will instantly agree that Alvin Garrett is giving listeners a Cloud 9 experience with this album. When asked what inspired this new project, Garrett said, “The Awakening was and still is, a much-needed introspective musical conversation. However, in my desire to lift the heaviness of that conversation, I found “The Lightness of Love”.” Once you begin this 27-minute musical journey, you will most certainly press repeat and float away to Garrett’s calming and sultry voice.
Garrett, himself, has traveled a long road in his musical career. Not only is he a business owner, professional bassist, music and event producer, recording and performing artist, but he is also an award-winning songwriter. He has written and arranged songs for Joe, Kelly Rowland, Fantasia, Johnny Gill, Ruben Studdard, Noel Gourdin, Jordan Knight, Deitrick Hadden, Trin I-Tee 5:7, and many others. In addition to a Grammy nomination, Garrett has won a Soul Train Award, a Dove Award, and a Stellar Award. Garrett’s 2012 debut album, Expose Yourself, was critically acclaimed by many as one of the sexiest smooth R&B albums of our time. In 2019, he released his second full-length album, This HILL, which was his homage to life lessons and his personal philosophy…”Because of HOPE, I have the INSPIRATION to pursue what I LOVE at the risk of LOSS.” This project was also the foundation for his new independent label, HILL Entertainment.
In 2015, Garrett’s love for entertainment, education, and empowerment led to the development of an innovative songwriting program called, The Write Life. He currently teaches this amazing class with The Dannon Project, which is the country’s #1 Department of Labor funded re-entry and social services agency based in Birmingham, AL. The Write Life has become a transformative tool for recruitment, engagement, retention, and motivation of their participants. Alvin says, “I absolutely love to motivate and encourage people by showing them how to utilize the power of words and music to sculpt their future.”
Garrett is oftentimes asked to provide a genre-specific label to define himself. Moving forward, he’ll simply reply, “I am a Pioneer of Inspirational Soul Music.”
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