Sara Jordan Powell facts for kids

Sara Jordan Powell, born on October 6, 1938, is an American gospel music singer and songwriter. Gospel music is a type of Christian music. Her first songs, "Touch Somebody's Life" and "When Jesus Comes," became very popular on the radio in 1972.

She released her first album, Touch Somebody's Life, in 1975. A famous music producer named James Cleveland helped create this album. Sara Jordan Powell released several more albums over the years, sharing her inspiring music with many people. She even performed at the White House for President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Later, President Ronald Reagan asked her to join a special committee. She also had the chance to meet President Bill Clinton.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Sara Jordan Powell was born in Houston, Texas. Her father was a minister, and her mother was a homemaker. She was the third of 12 children in her family. Sara started singing when she was only two years old!

She went to Texas Southern University and earned a degree in English. She also studied drama and history. After college, she moved to Chicago, Illinois. There, she learned a lot about music from Thomas A. Dorsey, who is known as the "Father of Gospel Music."

While in Chicago, she joined a group called the Sallie Martin Singers. Later, she sang with another group called the Voices of Melody. When her father became ill, she moved back to Houston. She became a teacher there, and people soon discovered her amazing singing voice. She became a popular local artist.

Becoming a Recording Artist

Around 1971, the famous Rev. James Cleveland heard Sara Jordan Powell sing in Los Angeles, California. He was very impressed and asked her to record music. Sara had never thought about recording before, but he encouraged her.

In 1972, her songs "Touch Somebody's Life" and "When Jesus Comes" became big hits on the radio. Her first album, Touch Somebody's Life, was released in 1975. After becoming a successful singer, she continued her education. She earned a master's degree from the University of St. Thomas.

On June 7, 1979, Sara Jordan Powell performed the song "Amazing Grace" for President Jimmy Carter at the White House. This was part of an event honoring Black Music. Other famous artists like Chuck Berry and Andraé Crouch were also there.

Later Career and Public Service

Sara Jordan Powell also worked as an academic advisor at Oral Roberts University. She was the Fine Arts Executive Director for the Church of God in Christ for ten years.

President Ronald Reagan asked her to be part of the Year of the Bible Committee. She also had the special opportunity to share her music and message with President Bill Clinton in Memphis, Tennessee.

Music Albums

Sara Jordan Powell's music career officially began in 1972. Her first album, Touch Somebody's Life, was released in 1975. She released several more albums with Savoy Records, including I Must Tell Jesus in 1980, and Sara Jordan Powell and When Jesus Comes to Stay in 1990. Her album The Soul of Sara Jordan Powell came out in 1995. That same year, she released Live in Houston. In 2003, she was honored by being inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.

Where She Lives

Sara Jordan Powell lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Albums List

• 1972 -- "Songs of Faith and Inspiration" (Savoy)
• 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)