One on one

Karessa Lang

After, the rainy days and the gloomy nights, the sun will shine again. Dallas’s gospel soloist, Dana Hemphill can testify to that. After overcoming numerous life struggles, Dana, a beautiful songbird is here today because God placed a calling on her life.  

Since the tender age of three-years-old, Dana has been singing. Born in Wichita, Kansas to Dane Sherrod, a Pentecostal singing preacher and Bertha Sherrod, a true woman of God, singing just seemed natural to the toddler. Those close to Dana can remember her standing on boxes with the microphone in her hand, as she would perform with all her might while her father played the organ. Little did she know that in a few years she would get her big break.  

“When I was 11-years-old, I was privileged to sing in the National C.O.G.I.C. Sunshine Band and we did a live recording in 1992 with Dr. Iris Stevenson,” said Dana.   

After her performance with the band, Dana was called “the songbird” by the C.O. 

Dana gave her life to Christ at age 19 and when she turned 21-years-old, God told her to leave Kansas and go to Dallas. 

“It was like in Genesis when God told Abraham to offer up his only child, Isaac up to Him, Abraham just did it and never asked any questions,” said Dana. “I followed God even though my family at the time was against me. I did not have any family here in Dallas.” 

Dana says that the move brought about many changes. 

“It was difficult but God blessed me with a job and Dallas is where I also met my husband,” said Dana. “There were times when I couldn’t pay my bills or days when I was hungry but God has been good to me.” 

Through the many obstacles, Dana continues to persevere. She decided to sing professionally in 2004 and in 2007 she was nominated as the “New Female Artist of the Year” at the Texas Gospel Awards. 

As a local gospel artist, Dana has opened up for national gospel artists like Kim Burrell, John P. Kee, Vickie Winans, Fred Hammond, Dr. Rance Allen, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Evelyne Turrentine-Agee, David & Tamela Mann, Myron Butler and many more. Kim Burrell is one of her major influences.  

“When I opened up for Kim Burrell, I felt a mixture of excitement and ambition to perform,” recalls Dana. “It was humbling being in front of her because she is so anointed. I am blessed to have opened for so many people because I get to see how they interact and I am able to look at their stage presence as a tool to help me.” 

Her observing has paid off because when it comes to stage presence, Dana nails it. She was seen performing at the 2005 the Kwanzaa Fest by gospel artist Myron Butler. He saw someone who was anointed. Dana’s husband maintained contact and today Butler is producing Dana’s first project to be released in 2009. 

When asked what people can feel and hear on her first album Dana replies, “my sound is a traditional praise and worship sound mixed with contemporary and a bit of jazz. People will be able to see me open my heart to God. I am here to lift up the name of Jesus Christ” 

Currently, Dana is working on evangelism because she is a living witness of how good God is to His children. 

“God continues to love me daily, He has been a father to me and that it why I want to work for him and I want to write love songs to Him as encouragement to others,” said Dana. 

Dana is concerned with the gospel music that is being produced today. She does not feel that the songs heard on the radio or seen on television are sincere praises and love songs to God. 

“I don’t think gospel music is what it used to be,” said Dana. “I think we have gotten away from God’s ministry and we are focusing on ourselves when the focus should be on Jesus. It is hard to hear a song that mentions the name “God” or “Jesus.” We cannot worry about the latest popular beat, we have to deliver the true message as an artist.” 

Although new in this industry, Dana says that singing gospel music professionally is very rewarding. 

“I am my worst critic but when you see someone come up to you and say that you are a blessing to them it great to know that God was affective in using you to help minister to someone else,” said Dana.  

She encourages anyone who is interested in getting into the business to keep God first. 

“It is important to pray and ask God if this is something He wants you to do and if He wants you to be a local or a national artist,” said Dana. “And if this is your calling then you must remember to enhance your craft by taking vocal lessons.” 

She also says not to believe the hype about being a part of a major record label. Dana and her husband, Minister Lewis H. Hemphill Jr. developed their own record label titled Prime Music 

“My husband came up with the name and it means, Preparing ripe individuals through ministry and education,’” said Dana. “If you are about God, He will bless and He will open doors.”

God has definitely opened doors for Dana and the doors continue to open. She has a passion for ministering through song and that’s exactly what she is going to do. 

“I’ve never had any desire to see anything else but gospel music; it is all I know,” said Dana. “The truth is that I have the fear of God in my heart and I am scared of what he might do to me.” 

To contact Dana visit www.myspace.com/danahemphill.com