Peckham’s Michelle John releases new album inspired by gospel choirs of her childhood

From performing for Queen Elizabeth II to taking the stage alongside Eric Clapton, Annie Lennox, Celine Dion and Madonna, Michelle John has flown to the very top of the music world. But she is showing no signs of slowing down.

With her newly released album, God Is – Live in London, Ms John takes listeners on an emotional journey with her powerhouse vocals on full display.

She said: “Each song connects with a part of my journey.

“My life has been real and complicated but one of the most consistent things has been the songs.”

Born in Peckham, Ms John found her passion for singing whilst attending church with her mum.

By the time she was a teenager, the musician was already a member of the prestigious London Community Gospel Choir. 

She said: “These songs have survived the test of time, over many generations, all the way to my grandmother’s kitchen and my local Pentecostal Church.”

Her latest album offers a selection of tracks from power ballads to upbeat vocal performances inspired by the music she grew up on. 

Ms John said: “Trust and Obey is an old hymn that I would hear my Grandmother sing whilst preparing food in the kitchen.

“Another one of my favourites, What Shall I do, was from one of the most inspirational American traditional gospel singers that I grew up listening to, Tramaine Hawkins. I would sing to her albums all day long and drive my neighbours crazy .

“Every song has a story and is a part of my history.”

God is – Live in London, is available to download from all platforms:https://ditto.fm/god-is-live-in-london

Pictured top: Michelle John (Picture: Ernest Evwaraye)