McKay Project Dennis & Leslie McKay
By Sam Gibbs Dennis and Leslie McKay make up the husband and wife duo of McKay Project. They make their home in the beautiful historic town of Columbus, Mississippi. Together, they have a story of hope and second chances. They have a real desire to let people know that God loves them and He never gives up on us. On stage they weave a blend of live acoustic music and harmony with Dennis on guitar and Leslie on bass. McKay Project brings a mix of blues and country to gospel music while staying true to the traditional style that so many have come to love.
Who Are They? Leslie is originally from Damascus, Arkansas and grew up on a farm with her 3 sisters in the foothills of the Ozarks. She started singing in church as a little girl while her father lead music and her mother played piano. She began learning piano at the age of seven and later added vocal training that continued throughout college. Leslie spent 3 years with the Williams Singers of Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas traveling to various churches in the southeast ministering through music. She has since added guitar and bass to her list of talents. One of Leslie’s favorite hats to wear is that of “Mom” to her daughter, Mary Katherine, who is also a talented singer. And in her spare time, Leslie also writes a blog (https://mckayproject.wordpress.com) to share her perspective on topics that the Holy Spirit lays on her heart. Dennis is originally from Vernon, Alabama and grew up in a multi-talented musical family. Most folks around the area know that if your last name is “McKay” then you have musical talent in your blood. He began playing the guitar when he was 11 years old and soon found himself on stage performing southern gospel music with his family group, The McKay Family. The family traveled all over the country for several years playing music, as well as evangelizing and sharing Jesus through the preaching of Dennis’ father, Robert McKay. In 2008, Dennis started Studio 115A in Columbus, MS which was the realization of a lifelong dream. He took the opportunity to make a full time career change and put all of his energy into his passion – music. Studio 115A started as a teaching studio for guitar instruction but Dennis quickly found himself with more than 50 students of all ages coming each week for instruction in all types of stringed instruments including but not limited to guitar, electric guitar, dobro, bass, mandolin, and even vocal lessons. Along the way, Dennis met and developed a close friendship with Ean Evans, former bass player for the world famous Lynyrd Skynyrd band. Ean was quite the producer and engineer and it was through his mentoring that Dennis obtained his schooling for the recording side of the business. As a way to practice and fine tune his skills, Dennis began offering his students the opportunity to make a recording once they reached a certain skill level. Then, in 2010 Studio 115A took the next step in Dennis’ musical dream and began offering studio recording services to the public for all types of positive music.
Where Did They Come From? As with many stories, life happens, choices are made, and paths are taken that lead to a place that isn’t what God intended. Many times, He isn’t even consulted on the way to rock bottom. That is where Dennis and Leslie both found themselves, when they found each other. Iit had been more than 15 years since Dennis had darkened the door of a church. He found himself playing in blues and rock bands and doing the bar scene. His marriage had ended and family relations were not good. To put it in perspective, Dennis remembers Leslie asking him early in their relationship if he had ever been to church or knew anything about God. She never dreamed that he was a Pentecostal preacher’s son and had traveled around the country singing gospel music. Dennis was so far removed that nothing in his life resembled Christ. Leslie was dealing with the guilt and shame of an affair with a worship pastor. She found herself at the end of marriage number two and was trying to keep from losing her daughter. Needless to say, it was a mess, but God had a plan and the Holy Spirit was hard at work in both of their hearts and minds. Their journey back to God began with the decision to try and find a church to attend. Dennis had said he didn’t see himself ever going back to church, but Leslie knew that was where they needed to be if this relationship was going to turn into something long-term. God lead them to a good church, and through loving Christians, Biblical teaching and A LOT of Holy Spirit influence, they both received forgiveness and restoration in their relationship with Jesus. Dennis had said he would never get married again, but God had another plan and another purpose. During the course of all the spiritual changes in their lives, they got married. Ironically, the couple exchanged vows at the old chapel in the gardens at Graceland in Memphis surrounded by their large families. It was a great day for celebration of new starts and true love, but this time with God in the center. Leslie says, “For the first time I knew that all the mushy greeting cards weren’t lying...it really is possible to have true love”. They had their new start and their second chance, but they will tell you that the journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been worth every moment. God has been faithful and the Holy Spirit has been powerful. Page 22