Renée, the third generation in a family of artists, has spent the last decade touring as a background vocalist with Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Patty Loveless, Jessica Andrews, Pam Tillis, Billy Dean, and countless other artists in country, pop and Gospel music. She has appeared on most every major television network in the United States, as well as many broadcasts overseas.
Her career highlight came in 2000 when she was featured on CBS during the 'Faith Hill Thanksgiving Special'. When Faith asked Renée, “What does your family do for Thanksgiving?â€, she was able to share a very spiritual moment of how they express gratitude. That one event renewed a passion in Renée's soul for helping people build deeper relationships and experience more of God’s Grace in their lives. She even received a confirmation from within the band to "Step out on Faith" (no pun intended), into ministry.
God has allowed a series of events to prepare Renée for the road ahead. One of those being Faith's decision to not tour between Soul2Soul and Soul2Soul2. As a result, Renée has been writing and recording, as well as sharing her testimony through music, speaking and teaching in various churches throughout America.
Her story of salvation begins with the unconditional love of an old, retired preacher. Renée met Brother Loy Cook in 1986, almost exactly one year after tragically losing her father in a car accident. She had not grown up in church and had never experienced the kind of love that Jesus had to offer. Loy helped to fill the void from the loss of her earthly father and showed her the unconditional love of her heavenly Father. Though Renée was somewhat resistant at first, Loy never gave up on her. He'd meet her at Wendy's for a Frosty and talk about Jesus. He would always end every conversation with, "You ought to come to church on Sunday."
After 3 months, the investment Loy made in Renée paid off. She not only surrendered to Loy's invitation to come to church, she also surrendered the rest of her life to Jesus Christ. Since that day, 20 years ago, God has been preparing Renée for "The Call" of passing on this beloved gift of God's Grace.
Renée refers to Loy as the first tangible evidence that made her believe how real Jesus is. He was "Jesus with skin on." The first Christian song she wrote was a tribute to him entitled "You've Been Jesus To Me."
