Derrick Starks Carries on the Legacy of Family and Friends

Derrick Starks has been firmly interwoven into the fabric of Gospel music.  A proud son of Detroit, this Grammy and Stellar nominated songwriter, producer and musician has worked with some of Gospel's greatest artists, including The Thomas Whitfield Company, the late Pastor Andrae Crouch, the late Bishop Walter Hawkins, The Clark Sisters, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Bishop Paul S. Morton and others.  Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) presented Starks with its coveted Most Performed Song Award for his composition Take It Back recorded by Dorinda Clark Cole. 

Starks continues to make hits as Watching Over Me (as recorded by Bishop Paul S. Morton) hits number 15 at radio and Hang On from GEI Live featuring Kierra Sheard hit number 5 on the National Airplay Chart and number 1 on the Gospel Indicator radio chart.  Starks now stands ready to build upon the legacy laid by Ron Winans announcing the return of the Family and Friends Workshop and Live Recording in the motor city this fall.

"Detroit is so musically diverse and blessed, says Starks".  We grew up with Charles Nicks, the Craig Brothers, the Winans, the Clarks, all hailing from Detroit.  One of my earliest songwriting opportunities came via the Ron Winans Family and Friends series.  Those recordings exposed the country to some great musical gifts; we got to know We Must Work and the song stylings of Jesse Campbell and who can forget hearing Donnie McClurkin sing Stand for the first time?"  

I have been blessed to travel the country as both a musical director as well as a workshop conductor and choir trainer. I believe we have a responsibility to prepare and train others to be more effective in music ministry as well as provide a viable outlet for emerging singers and songwriters.  Dr. Mattie Moss Clark did it with her A Song is Born Series, the GMWA has done it with their recordings and we want to continue the tradition.  That's what God placed on my heart, and that's what I want to do."We will be bringing together some of the country's foremost songwriters and musicians for fellowship and information.  The workshops will cover relevant industry issues as well as need to know information, and the recording is going to be the highlight of the event."

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