O'Landa Draper facts for kids

O'Landa Draper (born September 29, 1963 – died July 21, 1998) was an American Gospel music artist. He won a Grammy Award for his amazing music. O'Landa Draper started his own choir called The Associates. Many people think he was one of the best gospel artists of the 1990s. He was nominated for many awards, including the Grammy, Stellar Awards, and Dove Award.

O'Landa Draper was famous for how he directed his choir. Some of his most popular songs include "My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord," "I See my Miracle," and "Gotta Feelin'."

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

O'Landa Draper grew up listening to gospel music. He lived in Alabama and Washington, D.C.. His mother, Marie Draper, was also a gospel artist. She helped him love this type of music.

When he was 13, O'Landa moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He joined a glee club at Overton High School (Memphis, Tennessee). There, he started writing and singing gospel songs. After high school, he went to Memphis State and directed the school's choir.

In 1986, O'Landa Draper created his own choir. He named them "The Associates." Some famous gospel singers like Earnest Pugh and Janice Gaines were once part of this choir.

O'Landa Draper's Music Career

In 1988, a famous gospel singer named Shirley Caesar asked O'Landa Draper and The Associates to sing with her. They performed on her live music video and her album I Remember Mama. Because of this, Draper and his choir soon signed with Word Records.

First Albums and Big Performances

Their first album, Do It Again, came out in 1990. Their second album, Above and Beyond, was nominated for a Grammy Award. The choir traveled all over the United States. They appeared on TV and even sang for presidents like Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

The choir also sang with other famous artists. They performed with Billy Joel at the 1994 Grammy Awards. They also sang with actress Jennifer Holliday and blues legend B.B. King. O'Landa Draper worked with Christian artists like Russ Taff and Steven Curtis Chapman too.

Workshops and Grammy Nominations

O'Landa Draper also led gospel music workshops around the world. He taught in places like Europe and the Bahamas. In 1994, he recorded a live workshop in Memphis. It featured artists like Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams. That same year, he released Live: A Celebration of Praise. This album was also nominated for a Grammy. His song "My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord" became very popular.

Later Success and Final Album

In 1996, Draper signed with Warner Music Group. He released his third Grammy-nominated live album, Gotta Feelin'. This album reached number 2 on the Billboard Magazine Gospel Album's chart. The song "Gotta Feelin'" was even featured in WOW Gospel 1998.

In 1998, O'Landa Draper released his last album, Reflections. This album won the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album in 1999.

O'Landa Draper's Legacy

O'Landa Draper passed away on July 21, 1998, due to kidney failure. This was just a few months after his album Reflections came out.

The Associates Continue His Music

In 2000, The Associates choir recorded their last album, All About Him (Jesus). O'Landa's fiancée, Patrina Smith, led the choir. The album included new songs and old favorites like "My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord." It also had a song called "I'll See You Again," which was a tribute to O'Landa. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2002.

Tributes from Other Artists

Many gospel artists have honored O'Landa Draper. In 1999, Hezekiah Walker performed a song called "I've Got a Reason (Draper's Legacy)" on his album Family Affair. Earnest Pugh also paid tribute to Draper in his 2013 album, The W.I.N. (Worship in Nassau) Experience.

In 2010, a gospel group called the Brat Pack reunited. This group included Hezekiah Walker, Donald Lawrence, and Ricky Dillard. They performed O'Landa Draper's song "My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord."

Awards and Recognition

In 2016, O'Landa Draper was honored with the Rev. James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stellar Awards. Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, and Hezekiah Walker sang some of his greatest hits. His sister and nephew accepted the award for him.

In 2018, O'Landa Draper was added to the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. His music and influence continue to inspire many.

Discography

• Do It Again, 1990
• Above and Beyond, 1991
• All The Bases, 1993
• Live: A Celebration of Praise, 1994
• Gotta Feelin', 1996
• Reflections, 1998
• All About Him (Jesus), 2001 (Released after his passing)