Norman Lee's 4th CD - "Beyond" - Gospel music at its best

Appearing on stage in a bright white suit, his polished look oozed confidence and charisma. Known for his engaging personality, model good looks, and stellar vocal talent, Norman Lee brings the total package. “He sings from his heart,” says Elizabeth Verna, a resident of The Villages. “I think he’s a great entertainer and a beautiful person.” 

 

 Norman Lee is no stranger to the stage, performing 290 dates a year on average. He has garnered a fan base from far and wide, and holds celebrity status in The Villages where he regularly entertains at venues such as Katie Belles, Margarita Republic and Market Square.  

 

But Norman will be the first to tell you that his shining personality and star talent come from a higher place. “I am a Jesus Christ card-carrying member,” Norman declared during his May concert event. 

 

“Christian artists usually sing to Christian audiences; when it comes to my CDs and the songs I feel led to write and share, I am boldly going into a secular audience,” said Norman. “I don’t always know what the reaction will be, but I make my shows a fun, upbeat celebration.” 

 

 

This is witnessed firsthand at The Savannah Center where Norman’s inspired ability to bring thousands to their feet to sing along or clap to his songs seems as natural as honey dripping from a beehive. 

 

To further connect with concert-goers, Norman leapt off the stage while singing to get up-close with his audience – reaching out to shake hands and give high five’s as he transversed the aisles with his impromptu greeting. It is evident that Norman loves people and loves to entertain. “Christian music is the closest to my heart. It is my pleasure to serve you and to serve the Lord."

 

While his musical repertoire spans classic secular artists from Elvis and Jimmy Buffet to Garth Brooks and Neil Diamond, Norman’s CD launch party showcased the music he loves best – original gospel tunes birthed from a powerful, personal testimony of God’s grace and love. “Beyond” continues a journey that chronicles his road to recovery and redemption – taking life experiences and weaving them into songs that share his faith, and serve to teach and inspire others.

 

 

On a path to stardom in Nashville, fame got the best of him. When drugs and alcohol were thrown in to the mix, Norman fell hard. “I lost everything but my guitar and the clothes on my back. I slept on my pastor’s couch. I came to realize that being down on my knees was the best place to be. It was from there that God was able to bring me to a place in my life where it was no longer about ‘me’ and trying to live up to expectations.” 

 

Now Norman’s goals are simpler and pure in heart: living a life that is obedient and pleasing to God. What flows from this revival is a love of people and a Holy-Spirit-infused gift to share Jesus Christ in a glorifying way. “When I think about what Jesus did for me personally and the freedom He offers to all who believe in His saving power, melodies and lyrics flood my soul,” says Norman. “Songwriting is part of my one-on-one worship experience with the Lord.” 

 

 

 In his newest CD, “Beyond,” Norman’s 10 songs share a universal message: experiencing and encouraging God’s love, and living life with an eternal perspective – beyond the here and now.

 

“Though at times it is hard to understand, there is more to life than just this life; we must never lose sight of the heaven beyond this world,” explains Norman.

 

The CDs title track speaks of “a life beyond all our imagination, beyond all the trials this life could ever bring – beyond anything we could have possibly experienced. In that beyond there is a God who has always been, and is always loving us.”

    

“I Pray for You,” offers a stirring music video viewable on Norman Lee’s website: www.normanleeprayon.com. Produced by Billy Fields (affiliated with The Church on the Square), the song and visuals tug at the heartstrings with images of humankind in need of prayer and the unity that prayer brings to a hurting world.   

 

During the concert Norman described his inspiration for the song: “I receive emails from people all over the world asking for prayer – not for them – but wanting prayers for others. It shows me the faith people have, and the power of prayer in this world. Our sisters and brothers over in the military… I was thinking of them too. Say, ‘I’ll go home and pray for someone tonight!’” 

 

While Norman’s previous CD, “Child of God” showcases a smorgasbord of genres from urban gospel to country to jazz, “Beyond” hones in on contemporary gospel serving up a steady flavor of hearty “meat and potatoes” worship. 

 

Songs like “Cover Me” and “His Holy Name” lead listeners comfortably through attributes of praise, adoration, and reverence. One feels satisfied… like they would after enjoying a great meal with good friends.

 

The same can be said of Norman Lee’s CD launch event, where fans got first dibs at hearing Norman’s latest musical creation live on stage. For Altamonte Springs, Fla.-resident Sarah Stephens, it was her first Norman Lee concert. “I truly enjoyed the evening,” said Sarah. “The whole performance was a joy!” 

 

A talented trio of female singers as well as the St. Paul Parish Choir admirably backed up Norman’s vocals. Tracy Collins on keyboard/piano and Tom Bourquine on drums rounded out the talent pool featuring Norman Lee doing what he loves best: sharing his heart and soul through song and making others feel special!   

 

To discover more about Norman Lee, obtain his CDs, view concert photos and see his performance calendar, visit his website: www.normanleeprayon.com

 

 

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Thanks for reading,

 

Michele Hudson

Orlando Events Examiner