Donnell Eley (a.k.a. d.eley and BISHOP by many of his Christian friends in the gospel music arena) is an artist, musician, singer and songwriter from Baltimore, MD. He was born and raised in Charm City. He began playing at the age of 8. He’s been playing for 22 years.
Growing up in a strong Christian environment, he understood the importance of worship. He considers himself to be a worshipper. He believes we were created to worship God. His Christian heritage is from an apostolic background. He grew up at The Rehoboth Apostolic Church and at 17 continued his Christian service at The Faith United Baptist church where he has served as the Minister of Music and an associate minister.
He has been the minister of music at the Faith United Baptist Church located in Northeast Baltimore for 13 and a half years and an associate minister for 8 years. He loves his pastor and church family dearly and appreciates their continued support. In February 2008 he began ministering in music at the Shiloh Baptist Church of Edgemere.
As a musician and an artist, he arranges music for other artist, singers and writers. Recently he recorded one of his original songs with the Maryland Mass Choir. He plays and performs with the Maryland Mass on occasions. Other than being the minister of music at his church, you may see him ministering around town at other area churches, playing, helping with different projects and stepping in for his musician friends with whom he networks with. He does weddings, receptions and other engagements with a small band he works with.
Besides his passion and love for gospel music, he has also performed R&B music. He networks with other producers and artist in this field. He has performed at the Belvedere Hotel on Wednesday nights located on 1 Chase Street for their R&B live comedy/poetry evenings. His gospel flavor comes from his R&B flavor. He has also performed lived with Dru Hill.
He acknowledges God who placed the gifts and talents in him a long time ago.
Without Christ in his life, he believes his life would be without purpose. He gives God thanks for every blessing, accomplishment, trial and valley because he knows God is with him wherever he goes. He has a heart for God and God's people.
A shot out to all the artist, modeling agencies, record labels, event planners, musicians, producers, and managers doing it big especially here in MD. Its happening in Bmore. To Pastor Peterson and The FUBC Family. Love you all. To his musical sons and daughters: Tom-Tom Williams,Damian Mindley, Ronald Green and Tia Speaks. Ya'll guys have grown musically. You have your own styles and you are killing. Continue to grow. To the ones I'll be working with soon, keep practicing and stir up the gifts in you. What God has started in you, He will continue it until the end.
To everyone, be blessed.
