Brief History:
I was born in Washington, Georgia. I have been singing and involved in music since I was four years old. At the age of eight,(or somewhere around that age) I toured around South Carolina and Georgia with my family’s Southern Gospel group. I joined the school band in fourth grade and learned to play saxophone. (Later on in life I learned to play drums, piano, and some bass and acoustic guitar.)
Life in the Army:
After graduating from high school, I joined the US Army as an administrative specialist. I maintained involvement in music through church, both singing and choir directing, and other avenues. While stationed in Germany I joined the US Army Europe Soldiers Chorus, and became Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Chorus as well as the bass section leader. I later became the lead vocalist for the US Army Training and Doctrine Command Band stationed in Fort Monroe, VA. As the lead vocalist I performed with the rock, jazz, marching and concert bands. As a member of the US Army band I was blessed to get to perform at the Country Music Hall of Fame the Tennessee and Ohio Music Educators Association, University of Kansas, Disney World and many other high profile venues. I have performed for Soldiers, civilians, Members of Congress, Governors, Prime Ministers, and Presidents all over the world and even had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem at two NFL football games. The Army recorded and paid for two CD's with 13 of our (Anxious Bench Music) original tunes on the albums. One of the songs even officially became the United States Army Training and Doctrine Commands Official Song, "Victory Starts Here." (Harper, Hayward 2006)
Life since the Army:
I got out of the Army in 2008 and was hired on as the Music Director /Worship Leader Lighthouse Worship Center in Virginia and served there from 2008 to 2013. Besides leading worship, I have narrated many concerts for the Virginia Symphony, performed often as a guest with the US Army TRADOC Band and many other local solo performances. I have been involved in teaching vocals, keyboards, and music theory and I continue to write songs, mainly Worship and Contemporary Christian songs, some of which you can check out of my music page. Since leaving Lighthouse Worship Center I have completed my Bachelors and Masters Degrees, both from Regent University, received my ordination from the Assemblies of God and planted Hope Church in the Lee Hall community of Newport News Virginia. We are excited about the future and look forward to what God has for us next.
Family Information:
I got married on February 14, 2000 to the girl of my dreams Saffiatu K. Harper. 18 years later we have five beautiful daughters ranging in age from 18 to 5 years old and we couldn't be more in love or happier.
Future Projects:
Not much going on these days. Between being a husband and father, to running my painting business and now pastoring Hope Church it really leave little discretionary time for extracurricular activities. However I love to write and hope to one day write a book or two and I will continue to write worship songs as God gives them to me.
