Karen, Although you have only been singing Southern Gospel music professionally for a few years, you have been singing for a long time. Tell us how your story began.
When I was two years old, my parents would give me quarter to stand on a chair and sing at church. By the time I was four, I started singing tenor with my eight year old brother, Gary. I have been singing in church ever since.
Whose music inspired you to become a singer?
I remember my parents singing all the time. We always had music going in our home. I remember listening to The Rambos and The Happy Goodmans as a child and thinking "I want to do that!" My parents always encourged me to follow my dreams. I sang along with every record.
In 2003, your singing career changed. What happened and what did it mean to you?
In 2003, I won the Exalting Him Talent Search. The Christian based singing contest aired on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and included an enormous amount of talent. I was so blessed to be chosen by industry professionals as the winner, which included a recording contract. I soon packed my bags and moved from California to Nashville, TN to begin my professional singing career.
You have had the opportunity to share your music and various platforms. Tell us a few and your most memorable moment.
I have been very blessed to share the stage with some of the best in Gospel music. The Gaither’s, Mark Lowry, Michael English, The Isaacs, Mike Bowling, Reba Rambo-McGuire, The Crabb Family, Nancy Grandquist, The McGruder’s and Kurt Carr are just a few. My most memorable moment would be..well, winning Exalting Him ranks way up there!! Also getting to sing with Reba Rambo-McGuire was awesome! In March of this year, I got to sing at a Gaither Homecoming Concert. Bill called me out to sing "What A Lovely Name" with Ben Speer and Michael English!!! That was a moment for me!! God just keeps surprising me!!
How does it feel to be the newest member of the Cross & Crown Music roster?
Incredible! It is a God thing. He just knows how to work things out. I am thrilled to work with Brian Lawing and the whole team. Cross & Crown is really working hard to make sure this single gets out and the message is heard!! The future is bright!! Proverbs 3:5,6
“Freedom, Oh What A Word!” is your first radio single on Cross & Crown and is playing on radio stations right now. Tell us more about the song and writing it with John Darin Rowsey.
“Is that the sound of chains falling, that I just heard, Freedom, oh what a word!” speaks of Jesus breaking peoples chains and setting them free and that is what this song is about. I had already written the chorus and John helped me write the verses. We wanted people to know that no matter what the situation, Jesus can set you free!
There is a special appearance by a popular Southern Gospel singer on the song. Tell us about the collaboration.
I was honored to have Mike Bowling sing the harmonies on my new single. Mike has been an encouragement since I moved to Nashville and I am so happy to have the opportunity to sing with him again. He is amazing! Mike and Kelly cut my song "Graceland" and did a fabulous job!
Cross & Crown Music is sponsoring a special contest to celebrate the new single. Can you give us the details?
Cross & Crown Music has launched a contest in conjunction with the new single release. Radio listeners can phone or e-mail their personal stories of what freedom means to them to their local radio stations from July 1st until July 15th. They will be entered into a contest and have the chance to win free DVDs and CDs from the “Memories From MorningStar” library. The winning stories will also be featured on http://www.crossandcrownmusic.com. A national winner will be selected August 1st.
What’s next for Karen Harding?
I will continue to travel and sing as God opens doors. I want to be an encouragement to the body of Christ. God can do anything. Are you just crazy enough to believe He has huge plans for you? His thoughts and plans for you are a lot bigger than you could ever dream up!!
You are an accomplished songwriter as well. Are you writing currently?
I'm always writing. I get a thought and jot down the idea. I want to stay current and speak what God wants my songs to say.
You are currently involved with many women’s and single’s ministries. Tell us why they hold a special place in your heart.
Well, I am single, never been married, and I speak to singles. God has a plan for your life. Be okay with who you are and where you are in life. There is nothing wrong with being single.
Womens conferences are about encouraging and empowering women to be strong in Christ. Trusting God to take care of every situation in your life. Stop fretting and start trusting! I love encouraging people to trust God! He NEVER fails!!
How can fans keep up with Karen Harding and how can Pastors and Promoters book you for their church or concert event?
All my information can be found at http://www.karenharding.com and you can follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/karenharding
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 07/02/2009
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Karen is a great talent. We worked with her at the sogospel music fest a few weeks ago and were so impressed with her singing and her humility. What a voice!
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