Le'Andria Johnson

Last updated

Le'Andria Johnson
Birth nameLe'Andria Delores Johnson
Born (1983-01-23) January 23, 1983 (age 41)
Palatka, Florida, U.S.
Genres Gospel, contemporary Christian
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active2010–present
Labels Music World, RCA Inspiration
Website leandriajohnson.com

Le'Andria Delores Johnson (born January 23, 1983) is an American gospel singer. She was the season three winner of the BET gospel singing competition show Sunday Best . [1]

Contents

Johnson's Sunday Best coronation song, "I Shall Leap into My Destiny", co-written by Johnson, entered the Billboard Gospel chart at number 1. Johnson's post-Sunday Best recording The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson was released in August 2011, [2] Music World Entertainment Gospel and Music World Music. The album debuted at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Gospel Albums, number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Independent Albums, and number 24 on the Billboard 200. [3] Johnsons' second major-label album The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson, which included seven new songs, was released in February 2012. [4] Johnson is the first Sunday Best contestant to receive a Grammy Award, which she won in 2012 for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.

Early life

Johnson was born in Palatka, Florida, to Bishop Gregory Johnson and First Lady and Pastor Sharon Johnson. [5] [6]

Johnson, who was born into a musical family, began singing at age two in her father's church, HQ Ministries in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She went on to become the praise and worship leader within the church.

Before auditioning for the show, Johnson was a performer, producer, and singer-songwriter. Johnson, who had three children at the time, [7] was motivated to audition for the show by her children to give them a better life. Johnson had gone through her second divorce and was having a tough time staying financially sound. The day before she left Orlando to try out in New Orleans she lost her house to foreclosure. Her friends and family helped her get to the audition, and Johnson carried what she could and auditioned in flip flops, socks, and the clothes she had on her back. Johnson was almost eliminated because her appearance was not up to par, [8] [9] a sentiment expressed by two of the judges Mary Mary, especially Erica Campbell. However, after performing "This is the day The Lord Hath made," she was unanimously voted through, and was given a standing ovation by Campbell. Le'Andria Johnson has two godchildren James La 'France Gibson, and Quateem Bolden. [10]

Sunday Best

Johnson had many good performances on the show, though at times the judges and mentor Kim Burrell sensed a hesitation in her, as if there was something on her mind, that she just couldn't quite shake off. On the eighth episode, in a conversation that made the air, Johnson told Burrell that at one point she chose death over life in a "mentor ]. [11]

In a private conversation while being mentored Johnson told mentor Kim Burrell that there was a time that she thought she could not go on in this life, but in that moment God kept her "in the midst of it all," [12] which was the primary reason she chose to sing the song on episode four of the season.

During the final performance show, Le'Andria faced off against Elder Goldwire McLendon for the title of Sunday Best. [13] Johnson performed "I Love the Lord", "He Was There", and "In the Midst of It All".

On June 20, 2010, Le'Andria Johnson was crowned the winner of and claimed the title of Sunday Best. [12] [14] [15] [16] As part of her win, she won a national recording contract, a 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, and a cash prize courtesy of Degree Nature Effects. [16]

Johnson and Elder Goldwire McLendon had taped the finale a month before with two different endings, they both appeared on 106 & Park as finalists, and she found out that she had won, while back home in Orlando, watching with her family. [17] Johnson was reported to have said, "I was like, 'For real?'. It was crazy, it was bananas, like fireworks. I've never seen my family so happy." [17]

Post-Sunday Best

After winning Sunday Best, Johnson's label, hoping to capitalize on her new-found audience, released an EP of seven songs on September 6, 2011 entitled The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson, which spawned the hit, "Jesus", the performance of which would go on to give Johnson her first Grammy nomination and subsequent win. She also co-wrote the Grammy-winning song. [18]

With the success of her first EP, Johnson became the first Sunday Best winner to release two more projects. She released a self-titled, Christmas EP on November 21, 2011, [19] and another project known as: The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, on February 14, 2012. [4]

In addition to her second EP, a 14-song album was released also on February 14, 2012 entitled: The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition. [20]

Philanthropy

Johnson, herself homeless at the time of her audition, did a benefit concert called "Up From the Ashes" at South Church in Lansing Michigan. The original concert date was April 1, 2011, but the concert was ultimately postponed when Johnson found out her brother had been shot and killed in Orlando Florida. [21] She learned of the news moments before leaving for Michigan. The concert was held on May 6, 2011. Johnson's various life challenges have not deterred her ministry and anointed singing in the Christian community.

Johnson recently started IPC (Imperfect People Changing) Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. Their first service was held on June 16, 2013.[ citation needed ] On New Year's Eve 2014, Johnson and IPC Ministries held an outdoor concert bringing food, clothing, praise and worship to the streets of Atlanta. The concert was a huge success, which motivated Johnson to establish iProgress, an outreach initiative which gives back to those less fortunate in the city of Atlanta. iProgress distributes, food, clothing, bibles, and in-kind gifts once a month, outside the homeless shelter at Peachtree and Pine Street.

Controversy

Johnson expressed in an in-depth interview with the Associated Press [9] that for quite some time after her Sunday Best win she partied, drank, and "lived it up" while singing the Gospel and pastoring. This was an issue because many in the Christian community felt that her conduct revealed troubling character and spiritual issues. [22]

Rumors started to circulate about Johnson as she performed on Celebration of Gospel with a noticeable bulge in her midsection. Johnson received negative attention after she confirmed that she was pregnant with her fourth child, unlike the previous three children, this one was out of wedlock. [23] [24] Johnson continued to perform and minister through the pregnancy. [25] [26] [27] [28]

In September 2015, Johnson broadcast for 10 minutes on Periscope while drinking Patron, a brand of tequila. [29] During the broadcast, she used profanity, criticized the church, including Christians who were being hypocritical. ’" [30]

Johnson's Periscope appearance stirred controversy and outrage by some in the Christian community. [30] A few days after her broadcast, she appeared on Praise 102.5 FM (Joy105.com) to defend her actions. Johnson said she broadcast on Periscope to "keep it real" and "invite people into her life." [31]

Preachers of Atlanta

In 2015, Johnson began filming with Preachers of Atlanta, a reality show spin-off of the Oxygen hit Preachers of L.A. that chronicles the lives 5 Atlanta-based preachers live within ministry. Despite the show's focus on liberal theologies – all of the preachers have, at some point on the show, expressed disdain for the impractical and oppressive regimes of contemporary American churches – Johnson has been a standout in her non-traditional techniques of ministering and pastoring. For starters, she is a woman and pastor; women's leadership is still incredibly controversial in the church. Johnson does not believe in the traditional liturgical techniques of the black church or formal attire. She has also been known to pass out cigarettes and condoms to people in the inner city neighborhoods of Atlanta. [32] This move has been quite controversial among her fellow preacher friends on the reality show. According to Le'Andria, "although we do not condone it, some people are going to smoke or have sex anyway, in which case we want them to be safe. Many people will not have a conversation about God, the Bible, or spirituality. When we say we try to "meet them where they are," this is to simply start a conversation, share testimonies, and minister the gospel of Jesus. You find that despite their current situation, many of the people know the Bible and are ready to change their lives; they appreciate not judging them or scolding them, but simply having an open and honest conversation with them. The came to church afterward, and are still coming." Some of Johnson's peers see these actions as abetting sinful behaviors in the name of Jesus.

Le'Andria's infamous Periscope incident was a subject of debate in the last several episodes of season 1 of Preachers of Atlanta. Her colleagues on the show all felt that her conduct was inappropriate and failed to support Le'Andria in the way that she had expected they would. She frequently comments that she feels that they don't understand her. On the finale episode of season 1 of Preachers of Atlanta, Le'Andria comes to a realization, with the help of a ministerial mentor, that her actions have been inappropriate, and promises to recommit herself to a holy and righteous life. [32]

Discography

Albums

YearAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
[33] 		US Gospel
[33] 		US Indep.
[33]
2011The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson EP
  • First Extended Play
  • Release date: September 6, 2011
  • Label: Music World Gospel
2413
2011Christmas Best
  • First holiday album
  • Release date: December 22, 2011
  • Label: Music World Gospel
—10—
2012The Evolution of Le'Andria Johnson EP
  • Second Extended Play
  • Release date: February 14, 2012
  • Label: Music World Gospel
6928
2012The Experience
  • First studio album
  • Release date: September 18, 2012
  • Label: Music World Gospel
85322
2017Bigger Than Me
  • Second studio album
  • Release date: July 21, 2017
  • Label: Provident Label Group
—1—

Singles

YearTitleUS Gospel [33] Album
2011Jesus15The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson
2012It's Gonna Be Alright25The Evolution of Le'Andria Johnson

Nominated for NAACP Image award For best gospel album

Awards

YearAssociationCategoryResult
2011Digital Gospel Music AwardsBest Female Gospel Artist [34] Won
2012 Grammy Awards Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance [35] [36] [37] Won
2013 Stellar Awards Best New Artist [38] Won
2013Stellar AwardsBest Contemporary Female Vocalist [38] Won
2016Steeple AwardsFemale Artist Of The YearWon

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gladys Knight</span> American singer (born 1944)

Gladys Maria Knight, known as the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer. A ten-time Grammy Award-winner, Knight recorded hits through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her family group Gladys Knight & the Pips, which included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monica (singer)</span> American singer and actress (born 1980)

Monica Denise Arnold is an American singer, rapper and actress. Born and raised in College Park, Georgia, she began performing as a child and joined a traveling gospel choir by the age of ten. Monica signed with record producer Dallas Austin through his label Rowdy Records in 1993, and gained prominence following the release of her debut studio album, Miss Thang (1995). Her follow up releases were met with further commercial success; her second, The Boy Is Mine (1998) remains her best-selling album and spawned three Billboard Hot 100-number one singles: "The Boy Is Mine", "The First Night" and "Angel of Mine".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">India Arie</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1975)

India Arie Simpson is an American singer and songwriter. Her debut album, Acoustic Soul, was released in 2001, and she has since released six more studio albums. Arie has sold over five million records in the US and ten million worldwide, and has won four Grammy Awards from 23 nominations, including Best R&B Album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CeCe Winans</span> American gospel singer (born 1964)

Priscilla Marie Winans Love, known professionally as CeCe Winans, is an American gospel singer. Winans has garnered 15 Grammy Awards, the most for a female gospel singer; 31 GMA Dove Awards, 17 Stellar Awards, 7 NAACP Image Awards, along with many other awards and honors to her credit including being one of the inaugural inductees into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. Winans is considered one of the greatest gospel artists of all time, and is the most-awarded and best-selling gospel act of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angie Stone</span> American singer and actress (born 1961)

Angela Laverne Brown is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She rose to fame in the late 1970s as member of the hip hop trio The Sequence. In the early 1990s, she became a member of the R&B trio Vertical Hold. Stone would later release her solo debut Black Diamond (1999) on Arista Records, which was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America and spawned the single "No More Rain ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chanté Moore</span> Musical artist

Chanté Torrane Moore is an American singer-songwriter, television personality, and author. Rising to fame in the early 1990s, Moore established herself as an R&B singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kandi Burruss</span> American TV personality, singer-songwriter (born 1976)

Kandi Burruss, known professionally by her mononym Kandi, is an American actress, businesswoman, dancer, producer, singer, songwriter, and television personality. She first gained notice in 1992 as a member of the multi-platinum R&B female vocal group Xscape. As a songwriter, she has received writing credits on the singles "Bills, Bills, Bills" by Destiny's Child, "There You Go" by Pink, "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored" by Ariana Grande, and "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran. In 2000, she won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for her work on the TLC hit song "No Scrubs".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yolanda Adams</span> American gospel music singer

Yolanda Yvette Adams is an American gospel singer, actress, and host of her own nationally syndicated morning gospel show. She is one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, having sold over 10 million albums worldwide. In addition to achieving multi-platinum status, she has won four Grammy Awards, four Dove Awards, five BET Awards, six NAACP Image Awards, six Soul Train Music Awards, two BMI Awards and sixteen Stellar Awards. She is the first Gospel artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Song. She is also the first Gospel artist to be awarded an American Music Award.

Ke'Tara Shavon "KeKe" Wyatt is an American singer-songwriter and television personality. After performing in a number of girl bands and working as a songwriter during her teenage years, in 2000 she garnered national attention after her successful collaboration with fellow R&B singer Avant, In 2001 her rendition of "Nothing in This World" led to a nomination for the Best New R&B/Soul/Rap Artist award at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. After a number of charting collaborations and solo releases, in 2012 she starred as a cast member in TV One's R&B Divas: Atlanta, which featured the lives of five 1990s chart-topping R&B singers. She was featured in all 3 seasons of the show. She also performed with the group at events such as Essence Music Festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karen Clark Sheard</span> American gospel singer (born 1960)

Karen Valencia Clark Sheard is an American gospel singer and songwriter. Clark-Sheard is the youngest member of gospel group the Clark Sisters, which was formed in 1973. She is also the mother of contemporary gospel singer and actress Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, with whom she frequently collaborates. She has released five solo albums and 17 with the Clark Sisters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary Mary</span> American gospel duo

Mary Mary is an American urban contemporary gospel duo composed of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell. Formed in 1998, Mary Mary was launched into mainstream recognition following the release of their best-selling debut album, Thankful (2000), which contained the hit single "Shackles ". Their followup album Incredible (2002), reached number one on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Their self-titled third album, Mary Mary (2005), which contains themes the public interpreted as a channel to the group's experience,. That album also contains the worldwide hits "Heaven", "The Real Party", and "Yesterday".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Regina Belle</span> American singer-songwriter

Regina Belle is an American singer-songwriter who started her career in the mid-1980s. Known for her singles "Baby Come to Me" (1989) and "Make It Like It Was" (1990), Belle is most notable for two hit duets, both with Peabo Bryson: "Without You", the love theme from the comedy film Leonard Part 6, recorded in 1987; and "A Whole New World", the main theme of the Disney's animated feature film Aladdin, recorded in 1992, with which Belle and Bryson won the Grammy award. The theme song "Far Longer than Forever" from the animated movie The Swan Princess, performed with Jeffrey Osborne, was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1995 for Best Original Song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamela Mann</span> American gospel singer and actress

Tamela Jean Mann is an American gospel singer and actress. She began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Mann was a primary vocalist on several tracks while with Franklin's group, including "Now Behold the Lamb", and "Lean on Me", the latter of which also included Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, and Bono. She began her solo career by releasing the albums Gotta Keep Movin (2005), and The Master Plan (2009).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kim Burrell</span> American gospel singer

Kimberly Jean Burrell is an American gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor from Houston, Texas.

Sunday Best is a gospel-singing reality television competition on BET.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tori Kelly</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1992)

Victoria Loren Kelly is an American singer-songwriter. She first gained recognition after posting videos on YouTube as a teenager, and made it through to Hollywood week on the ninth season of American Idol in 2010. Thereafter, she independently released her self-produced debut EP in 2012, Handmade Songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anita Wilson</span> Musical artist

Anita M. Wilson is an American gospel music singer, songwriter, and music producer.

Koryn Mattanah Hawthorne is an American contemporary Christian music and gospel singer. Hawthorne was a finalist in season 8 of NBC's singing competition The Voice, at the age of 17, as a member on Pharrell Williams's team. After placing fourth on the show, Hawthorne got signed to RCA Inspiration, a division of Sony Music dedicated to gospel music recordings. Her debut studio album, Unstoppable, was released on July 13, 2018, and earned her multiple awards nominations, including two Grammy nominations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Caesar</span> Canadian singer-songwriter

Ashton Dumar Norwill Simmonds, known professionally as Daniel Caesar, is a Canadian singer-songwriter. After independently building a following through the release of two critically acclaimed EPs, Praise Break (2014) and Pilgrim's Paradise (2015), Caesar released his debut studio album, Freudian, in August 2017, which garnered widespread critical acclaim. He released his second studio album, Case Study 01, in June 2019. In March 2021, Caesar was featured alongside Giveon on Justin Bieber's single "Peaches", which serves as his first number-one song on the US Billboard Hot 100. Caesar released his third studio album, Never Enough, in April 2023 as his first release under Republic Records.

References

  1. ↑ Staff, BET (July 4, 2012). "Season 3 winner signs deal". Bet.com.
  2. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Jesus – Single by Le'Andria Johnson". Itunes.apple.com. August 23, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Le'Andria Johnson Music News & Info". Billboard. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  4. 1 2 "iTunes – Music – The Evolution of Le'Andria Johnson by Le'Andria Johnson". Itunes.apple.com. February 14, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  5. ↑ "Guest Blogger and Sunday Best winner thanks parents". Bet.com.
  6. ↑ Glenn, Torrence (July 5, 2012). "Le'Andria Johnson Talks Life After Sunday Best and How She Overcame Her Breaking Point". Path Magazine.
  7. ↑ Leggett, Steve (January 23, 1983). "Le'Andria Johnson – Music Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  8. ↑ "The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson". Cbn.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  9. 1 2 Jonathan Landrum Jr. – Associated Press (October 14, 2011). "Gospel stardom a bumpy road for Le'Andria Johnson – Yahoo! News". News.yahoo.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  10. ↑ "WATCH: Le'Andria Johnson's Story to Success – BCNN1". Blackchristiannews.com. March 29, 2012. Archived from the original on January 5, 2014. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Le'Andria Johnson - Endow Me". YouTube . Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  12. 1 2 "BET Crowns Leandria Johnson 2010 'Sunday Best' Winner". EURweb. June 21, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  13. ↑ "LeAndria Johnson Sunday Best pictures, bio, news". Poptower.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  14. ↑ http://www.eurweb.com/2010/06/bet-crowns-leandria-johnson-2010-sunday-best-winner/ She won a recording contract/
  15. ↑ "BET Sunday Best Winner Debuts "The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson" + Mt. Zion Super Sunday Performance [Video] – The Queen's Castle | The Queen's Castle". Thequeenscastle.net. August 31, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  16. 1 2 "Single Mother LeAndria Johnson Named Winner of 'Sunday Best' 3". Christianpost.com. June 21, 2010. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  17. 1 2 "'Sunday Best' winner LeAndria Johnson: 'Always be positive' – The TV Guy – Orlando Sentinel". Blogs.orlandosentinel.com. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  18. ↑ "She Said: Exclusive Interview With Le'Andria Johnson". GospelPundit.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  19. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Christmas Best – EP by Le'Andria Johnson". Itunes.apple.com. November 21, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  20. ↑ "iTunes – Music – The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson (Deluxe Edition) by Le'Andria Johnson". Itunes.apple.com. February 14, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  21. ↑ "LeAndria Johnson reveals tough year, battle with Alcohol and loosing her brother". Beesuarez.com. October 5, 2011. Archived from the original on January 18, 2013. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  22. ↑ Thursday (October 27, 2011). "Le'Andria Johnson, Twice-Divorced Mom of 3 Confesses Sins, Prepares to Release Christmas EP – EEW Magazine – EEW Magazine". Buzz.eewmagazine.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Alisha L. Gordon, MEd: LeAndria Johnson and the Lessons We Should All Learn". Huffingtonpost.com. April 26, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  24. ↑ K.B. "MySista Gurl: Le'Andria Johnson Confirms Pregnancy". .MySista Gurl. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  25. ↑ — April 3, 2012 (April 3, 2012). "Le'Andria Johnson Reveals to Philly Crowd That She is Pregnant". ROOTMagazineonline.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  26. ↑ "Unwed 'Sunday's Best' Singer's Pregnancy Upsets Some Fans | Madame Noire | Black Women's Lifestyle Guide | Black Hair | Black Love". Madame Noire. April 13, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  27. ↑ "Le'Andria Johnson Still Ministering Despite Out of Wedlock Pregnancy". EURweb. June 29, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  28. ↑ "Gospel artist Le'Andria Johnson offers up Sunday's worst". Exministries.wordpress.com. June 1, 2012. Archived from the original on August 5, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  29. ↑ "Leandria Johnson's Drunken Periscope Rant 2015 (Video)". YouTube. September 9, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  30. 1 2 "Pastor Le'Andria Johnson Slammed for Cursing and Drinking on Periscope". Guardian. September 15, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  31. ↑ "Le'Andria Johnson Responds 2 Cussing & Being Drunk on Periscope Prophet Brian Carn Calls N2 Radio (Video)". YouTube. September 15, 2015. Retrieved September 15, 2015.
  32. 1 2 3 4 "allmusic (LeAndria Johnson > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles)". Allmusic . Retrieved October 5, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Digital Gospel Music Awards: Le'Andria Johnson Wins Big". EurWeb. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
  34. ↑ Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com. "Le'Andria Johnson". GRAMMY.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  35. ↑ "54th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees and Winners". GRAMMY.com. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  36. ↑ "'Sunday Best' Season 3 Winner Le'andria Johnson Wins Her First Grammy Award – Ratings | TVbytheNumbers". Tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com. February 13, 2012. Archived from the original on June 25, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
  37. 1 2 "Le'Andria Johnson Gets Early 30th B-day Present: Wins Two Stellar Awards". EurWeb. Retrieved December 8, 2015.
Preceded by Sunday Best winner
2010 		Succeeded by
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.