Donna Jackson Talks About Song Writing and Her New Album "Hold on to Your Dreams"

Donna Jackson is a singer and song writer from Savannah, Georgia.  Ever since she was 12, she has been singing across churches all over North America. She also leads worship across various churches in the greater Georgia area.  Her ability to capture an audience and bring them into the presence of Jesus has been picked up by many.  This has led her to the release of her first Southern Gospel album "Rescue Me."  

As a result, Jackson has been a featured musical guest on TBN, The Inspiration Network, Atlanta Live, Together Again and many other Christian Television Networks.  Now she has partnered with Jim Collins who has produced many artists on Crossroads Music (the musical home of the McKameys, Soul'd Out Quartet, the Talleys and others) for her latest album "Hold On to Your Dreams."

We are so honored to be able to catch up with her for this Hallels' exclusive interview:

Hallels:  For our readers who may not be familiar with you, who is Donna Jackson? 

A lot of folks have discovered my original song, "Pastor's Song" on YouTube or Great American Gospel TV, however, many folks have never heard of me. I'm NEW on the Bluegrass/Country Gospel and Southern Gospel scene.  It's my prayer the Lord uses the songs He has given me to touch hearts and lives in a mighty way and it's my prayer the Lord receives All the Glory. The enemy tried to "steal" my voice a few years ago and attacked my vocal cords, the Lord is the one who miraculously healed me and allowed me to continue singing.  I feel honored, humbled and blessed to sing for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!  It's the Truth; there is no better music than Gospel Music, especially when its inspired by God and "lines up" with God's Word. 

Hallels: How would you describe your style of music?

I would describe my style as Country/Bluegrass Gospel and Southern Gospel.  This style of music is what I grew up on in my home state of Georgia and I've embraced it more and more in the past few years.  As long as the music and the lyrics lift up the Name of JESUS, that's what it's all about. Mentioning JESUS today, can definitely offend some folks, I've discovered. But, if you look at the prophets and disciples in the bible, what they wrote in scripture may have not been popular in their day, but it was "THE TRUTH" inspired by the Holy Spirit and that's what matters! And that's what changes lives, God's Word, either spoken or in a song, it's so powerful! 

Hallels:  You write most of your own songs.  When did you start writing?

I remember writing poems as a small child, around 5 years old or so, and then I started writing songs around the age of 16. The first song I wrote was "What would Jesus do" and this was about 1 year BEFORE all the "what would JESUS do" bumper stickers and T shirts came out!  I was SHOCKED and I felt like "What"??? It's like I felt the Lord say, "Slow down Donna, it's not your time.  You will write other songs, don't worry".  As I grew in the Lord and learned from life's experiences, the Lord began to give me songs more frequently and allowed me to hear these songs "in my spirit" and "in my mind" and write them on paper. I can always tell when the Lord wants me to share a song with others because He keeps on placing that particular song in my spirit. I felt a "call" to go into Full time music ministry in January 2007 and now I see God is making a way for that to become a reality.

 Hallels:  I particularly love the stories you have interwoven in your songs, particularly in "John 3:16" and "The Thief."  Can you tell our readers more about these songs?

I began writing the song, "John 3:16" in 2010, I didn't actually finish writing this song until April of 2014, a day before heading to Crossroads in North Carolina. I couldn't get this song "out of my head" for years; I knew one day I would record it. This verse is Awesome and one of my favorite bible verses! Jesus paid the ultimate price for us all! He died for every single person who has ever lived or will ever live on this planet and He did it all because He loves us! What a Blessing and gift God has given us, the hope of Eternal Life through Jesus, the Son of God!  The Lord placed it on my heart to include this line in the song with the scripture/ John 3:16 "To believe He is the Son of God and know that He's the Only Way or reject Him and live in darkness, it's your choice to make"  "Jesus loves you, so much He died for you".  God gives every person a "CHOICE". He didn't create us as Robots, who MUST serve Him, but rather created people who can choose to serve Him.  It's true; God will never force Himself on anyone.  He's a perfect Gentleman. I WANT to serve Him and that's why I gave my heart to him as a little girl.  I thank the Lord for His mercy and grace and for saving my soul!

The Thief:   This song was written and inspired through the scripture John 10:10.  "Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came to give us life and life abundantly". I began writing this song in 1991 and the Lord didn't give me the rest of the song until 2014, again, right before heading to Crossroads. God's never late; He always comes through right on time.  The Lord changed my song line up, that's for sure and it's a good thing!  I wanted to make sure this particular song labels Satan for who he really is, a Thief!  And that there's Hope because JESUS came to give life and life abundantly!   

Hallels:  I believe "Wait Upon the Lord" is a song that means a lot to your family members especially your mother.  Can you tell us the story behind this?

Isaiah 40:31- Has always been my favorite bible verse!!!  "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint".  My Parents, Tom and Faye Jackson went on a vacation in Tennessee in 2004 and my Mom gave me a beautiful picture with this scripture on it, it's hanging on my wall today, I love it and I'll never take it down, It's one of my favorite gifts. When Mama heard this song, she loved it and yes, it's one of her favorites.

Hallels:  Jeff Collins of Crossroads Music helped produce the album.  What are your further plans with this record and with Crossroads?

The folks at Crossroads are Awesome and Extremely Talented! I definitely plan to work with them in the future.  I would like to mention, Jeff Collins truly made the song "John 3:16" amazing! Wow, can he flat play that piano!!! He can make it sing! 

I also want to thank Chris White w/ Crossroads Music and he's the reason I ended up at Crossroads.  In talking with Chris, I knew God lead me to his studio in Arden, NC. and Chris encouraged me to record my original songs. This motivated me to finish some of the songs on the new album entitled, "Hold On To Your Dreams"

Crossroads plans to release my original songs on Christian radio throughout the US in Sept. or Oct. this year.  This is a True Blessing and I'm very excited and honored to have this opportunity. 

Hallels:  For our readers who would love to purchase your album or learn more about you, where can they go?

I welcome anyone to visit my website at www.donnajackson.org  and contact me on the Contact link or email me at donnajacksonsings@gmail.com

My albums are available for purchase or individual downloads.  "Samples" of each song are available as well.  Thank you for taking the time to read this interview and I pray the Lord's greatest blessings for you all!

Donna Jackson Ministries

P.O. Box 896

Hinesville, GA  31310 

Donna Jacksonwww.donnajackson.org 912-876-7208 

 

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