Witness (gospel group) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Witness
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| Origin | Detroit, Michigan |
| Genres | Urban contemporary gospel, traditional black gospel |
| Years active | 1986–2006 |
| Labels | PolyGram, A&M, Tyscot, Compendia, CGI, Intersound, Axiom |
| Past members | Lisa Page Brooks Marvie Wright (1986-1987) Tina Brooks(1986-1990) Yolanda Harris (1986-1990) Diane Campbell (1986-1996) Lizz Lee (1991-1992) Lou Ann Stewart (1991-1996; 2003-2006) Laeh Jones (1992-2006) Candace Smith (1997-1999) Ayana Thomas (1997-1999) Tasha Page-Lockhart (2003-2004) |
Witness was a popular gospel music group from Detroit, Michigan. They sang a type of music called urban contemporary gospel. Many people thought of them as the female version of another famous gospel group called Commissioned. Michael A. Brooks, who was part of Commissioned, created and produced Witness.
Contents
How the Group Changed
Witness started in Detroit, Michigan, with five members. These original singers were Lisa Page Brooks, Tina Brooks, Yolanda Harris, Diane Campbell, and Marvie Wright.
Early Years and First Album
In 1986, the group signed with the Tyscot music label. They released their first album, Keep Looking Up, that same year. After this album came out, Marvie Wright left the group.
New Members Join Witness
After their fourth album, Mean What You Say, Tina Brooks and Yolanda Harris also left. Later, LouAnn Stewart joined the group. Another gospel singer, Lizz Lee, was briefly part of Witness. She was then replaced by Lisa's sister, Laeh Page.
More Changes and a Break
After the album A Song In the Night, Diane Campbell and LouAnn Stewart left. Two singers from Detroit, Ayana Thomas and Candice Smith, joined for the album Love Is An Action Word. However, they left when the group took a break in 1999.
Witness Returns
Witness came back in 2003 for their album An Appointed Time. LouAnn Stewart rejoined the group at this time. Tasha Page-Lockhart, who is Lisa Page Brooks' daughter, also joined Witness. Tasha later became a winner on the TV show Sunday Best.
Awards and Achievements
Witness received many good reviews and awards for their music.
Album Reviews
- The albums We Can Make a Difference and Standard got three-star reviews from AllMusic.
- Mean What You Say and Love Is an Action Word received four-star reviews.
- Witness's highest-rated album was He Can Do the Impossible, which earned four and a half stars.
More Album Ratings
- Cross Rhythms gave Mean What You Say a four out of ten.
- They rated A Song in the Night very highly, with a nine out of ten.
- An Appointed Time received a seven out of ten.
- Speak to the Generations was rated an eight out of ten.
Chart Success
Witness also had success on the Billboard music charts. Their albums He Can Do the Impossible, We Can Make a Difference, Love Is an Action Word, A Song in the Night, and Standard all appeared on the charts.
Major Awards
- In 1991, Witness was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Group/Duo.
- They won the 1991 GMWA Excellence Award for Best Group.
- In 1993, they received the Stellar Award for Best Performance Group/Duo.
Music Albums
Here is a list of the albums Witness released.
Studio Albums
| Release date | Album title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Keep Looking Up | Tyscot Records |
| 1989 | I've Come Too Far | Tyscot Records |
| 1990 | We Can Make a Difference | Polygram Records |
| 1991 | Mean What You Say | CGI Records |
| June 22, 1993 | Standard | A&M Records |
| September 13, 1994 | He Can Do the Impossible | CGI Records |
| April 16, 1996 | A Song in the Night | CGI Records |
| June 2, 1998 | Love Is an Action Word | CGI Records |
| November 25, 2003 | An Appointed Time | Axiom Records |
| July 19, 2005 | Speak to the Generations | Axiom Records |
Compilation Albums
| Release date | Album title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | The Best of Witness | CGI Records |
