Jermichael Riley

JerMichael Riley, one of Mississippi’s best kept secrets, originally of Greenville, MS is currently Music Director at the Jerusalem Temple Church of God in Christ where his father and pastor is Supt. Roy L. Riley, Sr.. JerMichael also serves as Music Director for the Greenville District of the Churches of God in Christ and as a state director for the Northern Mississippi Jurisdiction where Bishop T. T. Scott is the prelate; Former Music Director for Jackson State University’s Gospel Choir, board member of the National COGIC music department, and is a lead vocalist of the Grammy/Stellar Award-winning and world renown Mississippi Mass Choir. In 1996, JerMichael became a member of the renowned Mississippi Mass Choir. Since then, JerMichael has been blessed to tour with the choir throughout the United States of America as well as many countries abroad. The tours have included Spain (5 visits) and Italy. JerMichael’s jazzy riffs and runs have been heard singing lead with the Mississippi Mass Choir on the following albums and compact discs: “Emmanuel”: The Lord Shall Reign, and “Not By Might, Nor By Power”: If I Be Lifted Up . JerMichael has shard the stage, worked with, and introduced many of today’s gospel artists such as Dorinda Clark-Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Shea Norman, and Carolyn Traylor. He has also shared the stage with Pattie LaBelle, The Williams Brothers, Donnie McKlurkin, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, John P. Kee, Vickie Winans, Kim Burrell, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, Lucretia Campbell, Smokie Norful, Debbie Allen, The Staple Singers, Beverly Crawford, Tonex, Marvin Sapp, The Canton Spirituals, the late Rev. James Moore to name a few. He has also served as a workshop conductor, manager promoter, songwriter, soloist, vocal trainer, training in the choir ministry/leadership roles. JerMichael wants God to get the glory out of everything he does. “God gave me this talent for one reason, and that’s to give Him the glory and honor that He deserves.” JerMichael received his bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University (Jackson, MS) in Communications (with emphasis in Public Relations) and a minor in Music Education (with emphasis on the voice). He also received his Master’s degree from Freed Hardeman University (Henderson, TN) in Curriculum and Instruction. Surely after hearing JerMichael’s “riffs and runs” and “soulful sound”, you’ll know that artists such as Daryl Coley, the Clark Sisters, Carl Thomas, and Kim Burrell were a direct influence on his singing ministry. His mentor and friend was the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, which JerMichael shared the same birth date (March 26th). “Dr. Clark was more than just another gospel singer, director, producer, and trainer,” says JerMichael, “but she had an anointing that many others and I were drawn to. The richness of her strict attitude of never giving God anything but the best is a memory that I will always treasure.” JerMichael has always promoted other soloists/groups and now endeavoring upon a new aspect of the gospel music industry. Forthcoming is his solo debut. I f asked about his ministry, JerMichael simply will say, “Pray for me that I continue to do the will of the Lord.” Contact Information [email protected]