THE MUSIC MINISTRY OF TED & SHERI

For gospel phenoms Ted and Sheri, this word is more that just the title of their sophomore album (their debut release on Word/Warner). It is indicative of the two- time Stellar award duo’s outlook on life these days.In case you’ve been out of the loop for the past few years, Ted Winn and Sheri Jones-Moffett have been taking the gospel music industry by storm. Touting a fresh sound coupled with anointed lyrics and phat beats, these Memphis, TN natives have been continuously garnering critical acclaim while establishing a grassroots following across the country and overseas. Originally members of The Voices of Binghampton (now known as Kevin Davidson & The Voices), Ted & Sheri have honed their musical mettle with some of Gospel’s most notable figures. Sheri has been a featured soloist with Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, while Ted has yielded his vocal styling to Richard Smallwood and Vision. Yet, it was their collaboration with each other that has generated the greatest buzz.“It was really a God-ordained situation,” says Ted. “After meeting in The Voices some 11 years ago, I asked Sheri to join a group I started (Ted Winn and Deliverance). Invariably, Sheri and I began to receive invitations to sing out of town without the rest of the group. The other members could see as well as we that God was utilizing Sheri and me for a Divine purpose. That’s the short version!”“We really learned patience in the beginning.” offers Sheri. I worked the same job for almost 10 years, never telling my co-workers of my ambition and calling in the music ministry. God taught us how to trust in Him when the situation and present circumstances don’t look like what He promised.”Eventually, several industry executives noticed the tandem. It would be an independent label, however, that got the privilege to record Ted and Sheri’s debut album. “Church Howse records were a great home for us.” Ted continues. Neily Dickerson (Church Howse Music president) believed in our vision and allowed us to delve into our creative sides with confidence and ease. It’s very rare to be given that much latitude on your first endeavor and for that we will always be grateful.”“Neily is a genius in the Gospel music industry!” shouts Sheri. “She was able to position us in places that most indie labels couldn’t access. We owe a lot of our success to her innovative marketing skills. More than that, she will always be someone who I hold dear as a sister in Christ and a friend.”That first album, The Healing Starts Right There… garnered two 2003 Stellar Awards for the duo (Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year). That the album was released with limited distribution only makes this amazing feat that much more impressive.After signing to a new label, Word/Warner records, the duo got busy working on the follow-up album. Was it difficult to start writing for this one? Would there be pressure to duplicate the success of the first CD?“For me, this album was a logical progression from the first one.” Ted explains. “With The Healing, we focused on issues that God had brought us through. Our life experience had left indelible marks on us, and it was necessary that we minister healing from those places.”Sheri adds, “It was also an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves. We wanted to let the people know that we were facing the reality of our existence with God’s help. Now, we are sharing the results of that commitment. God has brought us the healing we sang about, so it’s time to Celebrate!