Susan Boyle dreamed a dream: from church volunteer to global recording artist (with video)

October 29, 1:16 AMNashville Gospel Music & Entertainment ExaminerKathryn Darden

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Photo of Susan Boyle from press kit

Part 1 of a 2-part series

Susan Boyle's Dream

After a life of obscurity in a small Scottish village, the world met Susan Boyle in April of 2009 when she appeared as a contestant on “Britain’s Got Talent,” singing "I Dreamed a Dream" from my favorite Broadway show, Les Misérables.

Boyle's plain appearance, her awkwardness on stage and her claim that she wanted to be a professional singer like Elaine Page elicited snickers from the crowd as well as the “Britain’s Got Talent” judges. Then she started singing... (If you have somehow missed this moment in music history or just want to relive it, the video of Susan Boyle singing "I Dreamed a Dream" is below.)

Susan Boyle - I Dreamed a Dream

Now, Susan Boyle's dream has come true as she has indeed become a professional singer with a debut CD which will be released on November 23 by Integrity Music and Sony Music.  I Dreamed a Dream culminates the 48-year-old Boyle's journey from a former church volunteer who cared for her aging mother to a global recording artist. The collection of gospel, classic and pop songs is expected to be one of the biggest-selling records of the year, already setting records as the largest CD pre-order in the history of Amazon.com. 

Album cover art from press kit

Produced by Steve Mac (Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Il Divo), the 12-song disc showcases Susan Boyle's vocal range and reflects her inspiring story.  Featuring her signature songs “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Cry me a River,” the album also includes pop songs like the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses" and The Monkee's “Daydream Believer.”  The original song “Who I Was Born To Be” was written especially for Boyle.

I Dreamed a Dream - Gospel Songs

I Dreamed a Dream also includes Boyle's renditions of gospel favorites including “How Great Thou Art,” “Up To The Mountain” and “Amazing Grace,” as well as the Christmas classic “Silent Night.” "My faith is my backbone," Boyle explains in her official bio.

Susan Boyle says "How Great Thou Art” is  "A hymn which has a great personal meaning to me as it reminds me of my friend who liked to sing this hymn in church." 

“Up To The Mountain” Boyle states, is a song of "Reassurance, love and the ability to keep going no matter what ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ life thows at you. God is our Light."

The song "Amazing Grace” she says is about revelations and finding your way. "Everything was new to me.  I was Scared, Hope it’s better.  I know it can be with your continued support which I find both comforting and humbling."

Boyle refers to "Silent Night" as  "A touching hymn at Christmas - hope you like it."

The release date of November 23  for Susan Boyle's I Dreamed A Dream is on a Monday rather than the usual Tuesday to allow for the Thanksgiving holiday. The CD will be distributed to Christian retail by Integrity Music. 

The Britain’s Got Talent sensation has also announcedshe is taking her CD to QVC where it will be offered with a bonus DVD created especially for the QVC. QVC will launch her latest release on Wednesday, November 4 at 9 PM when fans will have the opportunity to order I Dreamed a Dream with the bonus DVD that features rare footage of Susan Boyle, nearly a month before street date.

You can catch Susan Boyle Boyle around the release of her debut as she makes appearances on "Today" show on November 23, "The View" on November 27 and "Dateline" on November 27.

Read more about Susan Boyle in Part 2: Who is Susan Boyle? Britain's Got Talent success story Susan Boyle