Sheri Jones-Moffett – A Life With Power & Authority by Tanya LaNice
Five years after releasing her first solo CD, Sheri Jones-Moffett’s new sophomore project entitled “Power & Authority – LIVE In Memphis” has proven to be worth the wait. Filled with an incredible eclectic mix of inspirational and empowering tracks, this 10-song project, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Myron Butler, is a tribute to a musical journey while testifying to this unique moment in Sheri’s artistry. It gives platform to the amazing, multi-talented artist that she has notably evolved into. Sheri is no stranger to Gospel as her familiar face and voice came on the scene as half of the successful Gospel duo, Ted & Sheri, which formed in 1995. She would later join Donald Lawrence’s Tri-City singers and garner phenomenal recognition with powerful lead vocals on the smash hit “Encourage Yourself”. A wife, mother of a 9 year-old girl and 5 year-old boy, and melodious minister of the Gospel, Sheri is in the prime of her life taking strides one day at a time. In between steps, she took a moment to allow Frequency Inspirational an up close and candid peek into the life of Sheri Jones-Moffett.
You have a new project. How did you choose the material to include and what can people expect?
I’m very excited about the CD. For me, it wasn’t terribly difficult to select the tracks. My goal was not to succumb to what was before. My first rule of thumb was not to try and repeat what was already done as with “Encourage Yourself”. I focused on what I should be saying now. With this CD, people can expect power, authority and a sense of being renewed. I really believe that whatever the thing is you are going through and whatever season you are in at that time is what you tend to speak on most effectively.
Do you have any favorites on this project?
“Shine” has been a favorite. Another one I’m really connected to now is “Discovering”, which is about what your life is like before Christ. Each day I learn something new and the more we define a thing, the less we search for it and when you keep looking, you will ultimately learn much more than what you knew twenty or thirty years ago.
People have watched you transform from Ted & Sheri to a member of Tri-City Singers to an impacting solo artist. How were those transitions?
Every moment tends to lend itself for you to step into the next. We’re not supposed to get to a certain place and stay there. With Ted I learned the art of partnership. He was really good with handling things. With Donald Lawrence I learned teamwork and how business is supposed to run. I wasn’t in a hurry to get to where I am now. Within a group, you have so many places to hide your weaknesses and you know someone else can just fill in where you fall short. As a solo artist, there’s nowhere to hide. It’s just you and you have to make it happen. All I do is show up with the oil. I’m thankful that I have had so many great people in my life and I’m able to apply what I’ve learned.
Growing up, did you always see yourself as a singer?
I did. I discovered at 6 that I could sing. My dad would send my sister to choir rehearsal and I would sit there and wait. At one rehearsal, the lead person wasn’t there and I said “I know the song!” It was “I Love To Praise Him” and I sang my first solo part. After my performance I ran around the church telling people I sang and asked them what they were going to give me. I think I made between $18 and $21. I discovered then that I could actually sing and get paid for it!! (laughing) I always had a sharp ear and would mimic a lot. I taught myself to play piano and I played for my Dad’s church for almost 7 years. I wish I had gotten classically trained. In our community, we are so talented and we use it as an excuse not to sharpen it with education.
Where do you worship and who Pastors you?
I worship at the Awareness Center International where Dr. L.E. Braggs is the Pastor. He has a music background and he understands how it plays a role in service. He’s incredibly supportive. Sometimes I hear pastors talking against music, but I dare them to take it out of the service. No one will be there. It has a role and the only difference is that one is the word in son and the other is the word spoken. Music takes you to a place you haven’t been and it lifts and gives an escape.
Share a few things that we would never get to know by listening to your music.
I love to cook. I’m probably a better cook than I am a singer. For me, it’s another way of serving. Food gives calories which are units of energy and I see it as me giving people energy. I like to cook for lots of people. My guilty pleasure is watching reality tv shows. – especially the competitive ones. I love Scandal and, yes, I’ve been “Poped” so don’t dare call or text me while it’s on!
What are your hopes for 2014?
My goal is to not take time worrying about what happens tomorrow. My prayer is, God help me to take one day at a time. I don’t want to spend time focusing on tomorrow and miss the moments now. Give us this day, our daily bread, is my mantra for the year – as I walk in power and authority.
