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Sara Jordan Powell
Born (1938-10-06) October 6, 1938 (age 86)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Origin Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Genres Gospel, traditional black gospel
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter
Instruments Vocals, singer-songwriter
Years active 1972–present
Labels Savoy
Associated acts Thomas A. Dorsey, Sallie Martin Singers, Voices of Melody, James Cleveland

Sara Jordan Powell is an American gospel music singer and songwriter. She was born on October 6, 1938. Her first songs, "Touch Somebody's Life" and "When Jesus Comes," became popular in 1972. They were played a lot on the radio.

Her first album, Touch Somebody's Life, came out in 1975. It was produced by the famous James Cleveland. Sara Jordan Powell has released several other albums, including I Must Tell Jesus (1980) and The Soul of Sara Jordan Powell (1995). She even performed at the White House for Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

Who is Sara Jordan Powell?

Sara Jordan Powell is a well-known gospel singer. She started her music career in 1972. Her songs are about faith and hope. She has shared her music with many people. This includes performing for United States presidents.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Sara Jordan Powell was born in Houston, Texas, on October 6, 1938. Her father was a minister. Her mother was a homemaker. She was the third of 12 children. Sara started singing when she was only two years old.

She went to Texas Southern University. She earned a degree in English. After college, she moved to Chicago, Illinois. There, she learned from Thomas A. Dorsey, a famous gospel music pioneer. She also joined the Sallie Martin Singers. Later, she sang with the Voices of Melody.

After her father became sick, she moved back to Houston. She became a teacher. People heard her sing at a school event. Soon, she became a popular local singer.

Singing for Presidents

In 1979, Sara Jordan Powell sang at the White House. She performed for President Jimmy Carter. Other famous artists like Chuck Berry were also there. This event honored Black Music Association.

President Ronald Reagan later asked her to join the Year of the Bible Committee. She also had the chance to sing for President Bill Clinton. This happened in Memphis, Tennessee.

Her Music Career

Sara Jordan Powell's recording career began in 1972. Her songs "Touch Somebody's Life" and "When Jesus Comes" were very popular. These songs were on her first album. It was produced by James Cleveland. The album was released in 1975 by Savoy Records.

She released four more albums with Savoy Records. These included I Must Tell Jesus (1980) and Sara Jordan Powell (1990). In 1995, she released The Soul of Sara Jordan Powell. That same year, she released Live in Houston. In 2003, she was honored. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.

Where is She Now?

Sara Jordan Powell lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has also been an academic advisor at Oral Roberts University. For ten years, she was the Fine Arts Executive Director for the Church of God in Christ.

Her Albums

Here are some of Sara Jordan Powell's albums:

  • 1975 – Touch Somebody's Life (Savoy)
  • 1980 – I Must Tell Jesus (Savoy)
  • 1990 – Sara Jordan Powell (Savoy)
  • 1990 – When Jesus Comes to Stay
  • 1995 – The Soul of Sara Jordan Powell (Savoy)
  • 1995 – Live in Houston (Compendia)
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