One Way Newsletter Leroy Thomas April 22nd 2024

YOURBRAND YOURBRAND

Hey Readers,

Here is a Branding Tip from an Award -winning Branding/ Marketing company: Your Brand. Your brand is way more than a logo. People are start at logo and never fully develop “THE BRAND”. Let’s first identify who or what is “the Brand”. The Brand is you or something you are pushing whether that be products, digital or whatever else you may want to do. Understanding that “YOU ARE THE BRAND”, will help you define the business or brand more. Now that you know what a brand is. Figure out what are you wanting people to say to see in regards to your brand. For Example, you can be a makeup artist and possible be very good in certain style of makeup or you are an artist and you have a very unique sound that doesn’t fit into a genre. That’s how you a start identifying yourself. And your identity should have a foundation but it’s okay if it changes or grows over time. So stop investing all that money into flyers and logo and identify YOUR BRAND.

BY CEO OF 7 Trobe Media Rica Nadine

ByCEOBIGBEN

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AWARD SHOWS

Listen up music lovers! We're about to drop some exciting news. The Quartet Music Awards is the one and only heavenly Gospel Music Awards in the land, shining the spotlight on all the talented writers, artists, and industry pros in the Gospel Quartet genre. We owe this musical extravaganza to the brains behind it all, the CEO and COO Chubbs Morton & Connie Birth. So mark your calendars, folks! The year 2024 is going to be epic with the QMA's on June 28th & 29th, and the theme is an uber-cool All Black Affair So, don't forget to save the dates and check out the website for more deets!

www.quartetmusicawards.com

Ladies and gentlemen, gear up for the ultimate BBOY GOSPEL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE on June 20, 2024! We're still cooking up the details, but stay tuned for more exciting updates!

TheGospelChoiceMusicAwardswillcommemorateits30th anniversaryonJune28-29,2024,featuringover30musicaward categories,includingClergyAppreciation,GospelIndustry Award,HumanitarianAward,LifetimeAchievementAward,and MinistryHelpAward Formoreinformation,visit wwwgospelchoicemusicawardscom

Question 1 (BIGBEN) :Where You From ?

LEROY : Houston ,Texas

Question 2 (BIGBEN) : Please tell us about how growing up in the church as kids did you enjoy singing ?

LEROY : I was raised in the traditional black Baptist church. Serving was non-negotiable. My Father was the Chairman of the Deacon ministry for several years and my mother served dutifully as a Deaconess for many years as well. It was there where I found my purpose in the body of Christ. My servitude started on the youth Usher board and as a Junior Deacon. Shortly thereafter I moved from the back of the church to the front of the church, singing in the youth choir. While I had been an attendant of fine arts schools, it was in the church choir where I discovered my love for singing.

Question 3 (BIGBEN) : What are some instruments you know how to play? , and how did you get the passion to do it ?

LEROY : From my early elementary years my love for music was fostered. The very first instrument I ever played was the Violin. From the violin i transition into the band where I played several low brass instruments. The Baritone Horn was my main horn that I mastered throught my marching & concert band career. I spent a little time with the Trombone & Tuba along with a brief stint with the Bass Guitar during my Jazz band days.

Question 4 (BIGBEN) : When was that moment that you said I want to be saved and filled with the holy Spirit?

LEROY: I was baptized at the early age of 8 years old at my home church Greater St. Paul's MBC back in Houston. I always felt the pull and the call of God on my life. At the age of 22 years old I accepted my call to preach the Gospel.

Question 5 (BIGBEN) : What are some of your accomplishments you had in your music career so far?

LEROY : I have been so blessed to release my first single entitled " Right Here Right Now" under the Nelms Music Planet Record Label. Produced by AyRon Lewis, Written by Leon Witherspoon Jr. Since its release, the single has peaked on the MediaBase chart at 69. Just recently I had the awesome privilege to perform at the Soar Awards 2024 honoring Bishop Marvin Sapp. Just a couple of accomplishments that I'm extremely proud of.

Question 6 (BIGBEN) : How is it balancing a family and wife and every day life and ministry ?

LEROY : The work life balance can be a challenge at times. Being a husband to my wife of 11 years, 3 teenage children, a business owner, A Gospel artist, A Praise and Worship Leader at my church all while managing a very demanding full time job as a Municipal Government Executive has stretched me pretty thin at times. It would be foolish to pretend as if I've managed it all by myself. I have a great support system who helps me out tremendously and all have made sacrifices in their own right to ensure that I can honor all my obligations! Too many to name but they certainly know who they are.

Question 7 (BIGBEN) : What's your career outside ministry?

LEROY : I've been in Municipal Government for nearly 20 years. I currently serve as the Director of Public Works & Utilities for a local municipality in the Houston metroplex.

Question 8 (BIG BEN) : What are some of your hobbies?

LEROY : Obviously making music is a hobby of mine. I'm also an outdoorsman and an adventure seeker. I love to fish as well as a sports nut. The one thing that I'd have to say that I've been enjoying the most is traveling with my wife and children. We LOVE to travel and see the world and all of God's wonderful creations.

Question 9(BIGBEN)

Please tell us the process of making your Hit Single " Right Here Right Now " !

LEROY : This by far had to be one of my favorite creative processes that I've been a part of. Initially I accepted submissions from various writers locally and distant. Ironically, my brother Leon Witherspoon and I had been talking about this very thing for years prior to this. Leon called and said bro I have the perfect song for you. He sent it to me and the rest was history. Melodically and lyrically, this song met every criteria that we set for this initial single. Myself along with my NMP team and management made the connection with Superproducer Ayron Lewis and in just 2 days, RHRN was complete. Sent it to be mixed and mastered by some amazing professionals and here we are. To God be all the Glory.

Question 10(BIGBEN)

What is next for Leroy Thomas Ministries ?

LEROY :I'm excited to announce that myself along with my label mate Tina Nelms will be releasing a hit single entitled "Turn It Around" featuring multi-Stellar award winner and Grammy nominated recording artist Mali Music. Also, Nelms Music Planet has partnered with the Musgrove Music label as a part of the Wave It tour featuring Mali Music. Lastly, I'll be releasing new music closer to the first part of summer. Stay tuned...

Question 11 (BIGBEN) : What is something you give to upcoming artists trying to get into the gospel industry? Give three points please

LEROY : If breaking into the industry is a desire and goal, the first thing I'd offer is:

1. Hear the voice of God in your preparation and in your decision making. Be mindful that this is a ministry but it's also a business. Ultimately decisions dictate your destiny in this business and in this field of Ministry. If God is the foundation of your plans, he will direct your paths.

2. Be intentional about your craft and your artistry. What solidifies you as an artist is when you can stay true to yourself. We have enough carbon copies. Do what makes you happy while creating quality music. This is an investment! What you put in , you will get out of it. Remain authentically you! Your style may not be for everyone but when God ordains your efforts, it matters not what man thinks.

3.Though this is a business, keep ministry on the forefront and the focal point of all your efforts. It's not about us but it's all about Jesus. Lifting the message and the cross of Christ in efforts to make Disciples and edify the kingdom. Sure the work of ministry can be a blessing and a burden but to whom much is given much is required. Let this be an encouragement to anyone who reads this, you can do it, don't second guess yourself and never doubt. If God has given you the gift,it is your responsibility to foster it and mature it to the Glory of God. Jesus said " If I be lifted up, I'll draw ALL men unto me. If God be for you, who can be against you! Go after it!

NEWSLETTER COVER STORY

Leroy Thomas discovered his spiritual and artistic gifts at an early age. A native of Houston, Tx, Leroy was introduced to music and fine arts during the early years of his educational journey as he excelled as a young musician playing several instruments. It wasn’t until his teenage years that the gift of singing broke through to the surprise of many. Leroy began singing in the youth choir at his home church, only to be thrust into the forefront as a lead singer. As he came into the knowing of his gift, Leroy’s confidence as well as his ability matured into the gifted minstrel that is on display in this season. It was in the Lord’s church that Leroy learned of Christ and became a baptized believer. The atmosphere created was conducive for him to learn and grow and become an effective worship leader and Psalmist. For several years, Leroy has been honored and humbled to serve in many capacities to bring souls to Christ and to offer biblical, practical, and sound doctrine to deepen and strengthen the believers’ knowledge and relationships with Christ. Through his experience as a servant, follower, teacher, leader, advisor, Chaplin, Youth Minister and Assistant Pastor & worship leader, Leroy became well equipped to advance, achieve and excel in the role and call of ministry. It’s been through all these roles and the Lord's call, that Leroy can exercise his God-given gifts, talents, and visions to guide, administer, collaborate, develop, empower, and counsel God’s people according to God’s Word and will for our lives. In February 2022, Leroy Thomas was signed as a new artist to the Nelms Music Planet label as the first male solo gospel artist. June 2023 Leroy is preparing to release his debut single Right Here Right Now. Leroy’s hope and prayer is that his music will reach all nations and touch the hearts of God’s people as continues to progress throughout his career.

RECORD LABELS & BUSINESSES

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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