Darlene McCoy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Darlene "McCoy" Johnson
Darlene McCoy
Background information
Birth name	Darlene Jenise Johnson
Born	(1971-10-31) October 31, 1971 (age 53) Greenville, South Carolina
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia
Genres	Gospel Christian R&B contemporary R&B traditional black gospel urban contemporary gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2005–present
Labels	EMI Gospel

Darlene Jenise "McCoy" Johnson-Jackson (born October 31, 1971) is an American gospel singer, songwriter, author, and radio host. She is known for her inspiring music and her popular radio show.

Darlene McCoy began her music journey in 2005. Her first single was "Fallen in Love." She later released an album called Darlene McCoy in 2007. This album became very popular and appeared on the Billboard magazine charts. Darlene is also famous for being the first African American woman to host a nightly radio show that is broadcast across many stations. Her show is called Nightly Spirit.

Early life and family

Darlene Jenise Johnson was born on October 31, 1971. Her birthplace was Greenville, South Carolina. Her parents are William R. Johnson and Sadie Sherman Johnson.

Darlene grew up in the church. Her family, including her brother Reverend Curtis L. Johnson, raised her with strong faith.

Darlene McCoy's music career

Darlene McCoy signed a music contract with EMI Gospel in 2004. Her first single, "Fallen in Love," came out on September 13, 2005. This song was also featured in the movie soundtrack for Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman.

In 2007, she released an extended play (a shorter album) also titled Fallen in Love. This was a preview for her first full studio album. Her album, Darlene McCoy, was released on May 8, 2007. It reached number 22 on the Gospel Albums chart by Billboard magazine.

The album Darlene McCoy was nominated for "Urban Album of the Year" at the 39th GMA Dove Awards. Her song "Simply Because" was also nominated for "Urban Recorded Song of the Year." A music reviewer from Cross Rhythms praised the album, calling it "outstanding urban gospel." In 2011, Darlene released another single, "I Shall Live And Not Die." This song reached number 21 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart.

Darlene McCoy's personal life

Darlene McCoy has three children: Ambria Boyd, Chandler "Champp" McCoy, and Dylan McCoy. She also has a grandson named Jax Nasir Scott and a granddaughter.

Darlene is related to some famous people. She is a distant cousin of minister and activist Benjamin Mays. She is also a distant cousin of comedian and actress Moms Mabley. In February 2022, Darlene married actor Alphonso A'Qen-Aten Jackson.

Film and TV appearances

Darlene McCoy has also appeared in television.

Film roles

Darlene McCoy's albums

Here is a list of Darlene McCoy's studio albums.

Studio albums