Clifton Ross, III on WOLB 1010 AM with Doni Glover, 7.28.09 - 10 am - Baltimore
Be CAPTIVATED Be INSPIRED Be UPLIFTED
Hailing from the great City of Detroit, Clifton Ross, III, a Howard University Fine Arts degree candidate, is a gifted musician sharing his talents most often as a moving vocalist, a skilled musical director and an innovative musical consultant. Just recently, many have become familiar with Clifton as one of the top contestants in the online and nationally televised BET Sunday Best Competition. Clifton credited Sunday Best as one of the most incredible experiences in his life, but this is not quite the beginning of Clifton’s story. Growing up in arms reach of gospel music pioneers such as the Winans and the Clark Sisters shaped Clifton’s musical development tremendously. These legendary performers would challenge Clifton to be more than just a gifted singer but a vessel called to inspire others to embrace their purpose and pursue their dreams with an unyielding passion and fervor.
As a young man, Clifton worked diligently to develop his gift from his high school marching band to traveling internationally with the world renowned Mosaic Youth Theater. Upon arriving on the prestigious Howard University campus, his commitment to musicianship reached new heights. He joined the Howard University Choir under the dynamic tutelage of Dr. James Weldon Norris and would later find his own leadership calling within the Howard Gospel Choir as the Musical Director. Since the Fall of 2004, Clifton has served as the Musical Director of the Howard Gospel Choir. Under his masterful leadership the choir has continued in a pursuit of musical excellence through rigorous rehearsal and engagement schedules. The choir has participated in two recordings, two international tours, and a plethora of local and national engagements. As the director Clifton reminds the choir among many things that are called to be “smart singers” challenging them to do more than just sing notes but to make music and change lives.
Evidence of Ross’ musical genius reaches far outside of the realm of Howard University. Soon after arriving on Howard’s campus he partnered with fellow classmates singer/songwriter Jarmone Davis and Scott Forbes to form the urban gospel trio R.E.A.L. (Radically Encouraged About Life). With one album to their credit, the group challenged youth with their “real” lyrics confronting “hushed” issues such as suicide and depression and daring listeners to believe and hope for something greater.
When audiences experience Clifton, whether he is hosting a show or singing a selection, the responses have been the same – Clifton is one of a kind. When Clifton was asked what he wanted people to know about him, he responded very simply: “I want people to discover what they have been called to do and go after it. Some people are meant to be singers, some are teachers, some are Presidents, lawyers…whoever you are there is something for you to do. Do it like your life depends on it.”
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