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Past Interview: The Whitfield Music Group
By: Renee'

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Interviewing Larry and David Whitfield of The Whitfield Music Group was definitely a tribute to the memory of their brother, “The Maestro” Thomas Whitfield (1954-1992). The interview was both enjoyable and informative, and the CD entitled “This Time” is a must-have because it is anointed. The Whitfield Music Group is about Ministry.

Detroit Gospel.com caught up with the Whitfield brothers and the group before one of their rehearsals. The group has a lot to say through their music and here’s what they had to say to Detroit Gospel.com and God’s people…

DG.com: What was it like being Thomas Whitfield’s brother?

David: For me it was exciting.

David went on to tell us that his excitement came from seeing how the music industry worked and its level of influence over people. David spent a lot of time with Thomas when he was first getting started in gospel music. Being around Thomas was a tremendous learning experience for David. David expressed how exciting it was to see success come to Thomas and how it made him realize that he too wanted to become a minister of music when he grew up.

Larry: Pretty much the same.

Larry agreed with David on what it was like growing up with Thomas. However, Larry added that he was Thomas’s baby brother, and being the youngest, people often confused him as being Thomas’ son because he resembled him so much. Larry also shared how he traveled with Thomas “back in the day” when Thomas was the musician for Prayer Tabernacle under Rev. Craig. But, what excited Larry the most about Thomas was listening to him sing, because for Larry, Thomas’ singing was so unorthodoxed. Larry said that when he was little he tried to pattern himself after Thomas. He smiles as he recalls singing in the bathroom, making the same facial expressions.

Click for audio excerpt from interview: Larry Whitfield talks about his brother, Thomas A. Whitfield, Jr.

DG.com: How did the project, “This Time” come about?

Larry: Years of challenges, years of longsuffering, years of praying, and years of singing with the group which started in 1994.

Larry expresses how everyone in the group has gone through something and how the Lord brought them out. So, as Larry puts it, “Coming together years later to put together this album – ‘This Time’ is the proper name.”

David: The songs on this project pretty much outline what we’ve been through.

David gives us an example as he explains that “Just A Little Talk With Jesus” was a song birthed out of the recognition that we can’t do anything in and of ourselves. “It was when we surrendered ourselves to God - God birthed this project through Larry.” David went on to say that for a long time Larry wouldn’t write music and when he did, the music reflected more of Thomas Whitfield. But, inside the ministry of Thomas Whitfield was Larry Whitfield, so when they submitted to God what their music was to be, “God put it together like two hands in a glove.” David expressed that for a long time he didn’t think he would be doing business in the music industry, but he realizes it was, “God’s purpose by design.” So this project comes out of God’s people experiencing God. “‘This Time’ we will do God’s will because nothing we do is in and of ourselves”.

DG.com: What would you say your Testimony is in regards to this project?

Larry: I was part of a ministry in leadership, but had not committed totally to God, so God shut me down for two years.

Larry shares with us how during this process he prayed for God to restore him and pull him out of the mess that only God could pull him out of. He prayed to the Lord, “If you get me out this time [thus the title of the CD was born], I’ll pray and spend more time with you.” This time restoration happened after 6 years of being ministered to at Mt. Zion New Covenant Baptist church, under the leadership of Bishop Charles L. Middleton. “God fed me, then restored me.” Larry also adds that God gave him favor and started opening doors. Larry started out being part of the praise & worship team sitting under his spiritual father in praise & worship, Howard Webb. Currently Larry is the Minister of Music at his church.

David: The greatest experience for me was watching the Lord bring my brother through his situation.

David adds that not stepping in, and allowing the Lord to work in his brother’s life was powerful. “It was what moved me into my ministry.” David noted how powerful it is to be moved through seeing God bless someone else. The Whitfield Music Group is in the business of building ministry and not about contracts or money, so for David to see different levels of testimonies with the same God, walked him to another level.

Click for audio excerpt from interview: David Whitfield talks about the move of God in the ministry of gospel music.

DG.com: Who are some of your musical influences?

David: Watching God’s glory take place in Thomas’ life had an influence on me.

David spoke on how seeing healing and deliverance take place through Thomas Whitfield’s music compelled him to be a part of the music business. The impact Thomas Whitfield had on the music industry was the strongest influence on David to do what he now does.

Larry: My influence will always be Thomas Whitfield. The way he carried himself and the way he sang was a great influence on me. He was like no other.

Larry also mentioned how he and Thomas used to listen to Louise McCord, Eulagene Hurley, Richard Rockmore and DJ Rogers, all pioneers of gospel music. Larry’s personal favorite (other than his brother Thomas Whitfield) is Pastor Marvin Winans who he calls “Mr. Gravy” because when he adds to a song, “it’s gravy” (he smiles). Fred Hammond and Byron Cage, whom he has known since their very early days in gospel music, are also among Larry’s influences. But, by far, Thomas has had the biggest influence on Larry’s singing.

DG.com: What do you consider The Whitfield Music Group’s ministry?

Larry: We minister to the lost and encourage the people of God.

“As Christians we need encouragement,” but Larry makes it clear that the main ministry of the Whitfield Music Group is to the lost; the people who may not have a personal relationship with the Lord.

Stephanie Mickens, one of the original Whitfield Music Group members, spoke on behalf of the group on what it is like singing with the Whitfield brothers. “Being in a group based on ministry and foundation in Jesus Christ takes commitment.” Stephanie says she has seen people come and go because it’s hard being committed, but ministering to the lost is what she believes God has given to Larry and David. The group is committed and blessed to be a part of the ministry of the Whitfield Music Group.

Click for audio excerpt from interview: Stephanie Mickens talks about staying committed to the ministry

DG.com: Any closing remarks?

Larry: We’re living in the last days. We took this saying for granted as children, but we can see the signs are so prevalent now.

Larry adds that there is an urgency to share Christ with the lost so anyone who is a believer and has a music or preaching ministry should be getting the word out. Larry wants to encourage up-and-coming artists to seek God’s Kingdom and His Righteousness. He truly believes that if gospel artists use their gifts and talents for God’s pleasure, all desires will be added. In closing, Larry acknowledges the gifts, talents, and commitment of the group members and music director Demetrius “Krayon” Nabors as a gift from God.

1. We Worship (CLICK TO LISTEN TO SAMPLE)
2. Just A Little Talk
3. Render Praises Intro
4. Render Praises (CLICK TO LISTEN TO SAMPLE)
5. Lord you Told Us
6. This Time (CLICK TO LISTEN TO SAMPLE)
7. Intimacy (into-me-see)
8. I Worship You (CLICK TO LISTEN TO SAMPLE)
9. Proclamation
10. Backslider
11. Dreamer

Production/Copyright
LaDe Productions
Larry Whitfield / Demetrius Nabors
ASCAP 2003