Gospel Recording Artist Carl “CL” Carr Releases Debut CD “REDEEMED”: In Stores Now
Born in Virginia and raised in Newark, NJ. Carl “CL” Carr was destined to do music. I, like many other people I grew up with, come from a family of many gifted Singers, Songwriters, from my Mom and Dad.
From the very first time he sat down and fiddled with the Piano in the church where his siblings and extended family worshiped, CL was intrigued with this instrument. The Piano was basically the only instrument in our church that no one ever bothered to play because my Mom and others played the Guitar. (Rhythm).
Even at that age, ( he began around 13) without any training lessons or music school, you could tell God was doing something special with him. I would sit down for hours and hours just banging the keys until a melody I could sing to would come out, that’s how I started writing songs . Although he sang in the church choir and various area choirs and such as the Newark Boys chorus, Carl “CL” Carr shied away from being in front. I was always content with being the background I guess. He would go on to enroll in the U.S.Navy where he took first place in many talent shows he entered and was selected to try out for the prestigious Navy Band but declined because it would have taken him further away from his family.
That’s when I think I began gain a little more confidence in singing solo. Upon completion of his service (Honorably). Carl began to pursue Music with the passion of lion on the prowl.
He formed a group with two of his brothers and two cousins , “(THE CARR BROTHERS)” “(which later became Xodus)” They began to create a buzz in the area and caught the eye of Ben Tankard of Tribute Records who offered them a deal after they performed on the same stage with Fred Hammond and Yolanda Adams.
Things didn’t work out with that situation, but what happened next, was even better. From the buzz the group was creating and I was beginning to get notice from Writing and Producing with Major and Independent Songwriters/Producers such as Rodney Jerkins, Joe Priolo (PINK, MYA), Alex Cantrall (JO JO) and Joe ‘Flip” Wilson, to name a few.
This caught the eye Kedar Massenburg former president of Motown Records and current President and CEO of Kedar Entertainment who CL refers to as his mentor. Even though things in the end didn’t work out as we would hope, I learned much of what I know today about publishing, marketing etc. from Kedar. Gaining a reputation for his strong lyrical melodies and musical arrangements, Carl began to place songs with artist such as Mya and have songs featured on soundtracks such as Kazam. This caught the attention of Robyn Crawford (former manager of Whitney Houston) who was looking for a Songwriter/Producer like him to work with the artist she assembled on their newly formed label, Better Place Records.
Working with Robyn and Whitney was cool at the time and they provided a world class studio equip with everything a Producer could want. We put on a showcase for the label introducing their artist to industry bigwigs such as Clive Davis, Silvia Rhone where every song performed that night was either Written or Produced by him and partner at the time, Joe P.
The label later folded and it seem as if another opportunity lost. Frustrated with the industry and broken promises, CL decided to take a break from music and chill. That lasted for a minute until he heard a singer he would eventually sign to his company.
I knew this is what I’ve been waiting for , someone I could help mold and shape into a POP/ROCK star. This artist had it all, the look, voice and dance.
When she told me she no longer wanted to sing but concentrate on college, I was absolutely crushed. We poured our hearts and soul ( as did she) into that project, and to walk away in the middle of a mini National Promotional Radio campaign , it was hard to swallow.
After getting over that, he began to do some serious soul searching, seeking and asking God for direction even though he knew down inside what he had to do. For a long time, God had been dealing with me with regard to my music and where I should be. He began to show me all the doors he opened, he also closed because I lost sight of who opened them in the first place. Never did he envision singing solo, that was for the more gifted vocalist in the group and family.
I could always sing, but I thought I needed to sound like this one or that one, do a run like others. Then he realized , just be yourself and let God do the rest. Ever since he decided to Redeem his life back to Christ, CL has been on a mission, and that mission will be closer to completion with the release of his single’ KING HE IS” from the forthcoming CD titled “REDEEMED”
More… To get you copy or download CL Carr debut album “REDEEMED” from ITunes (click here) or purchase through Paypal (click here)