Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Lisa Stevenson.
This powerhouse vocalist was born in Wetumpka, Al, to a talented family. MLS, as she is known, in the Gospel Industry, is the eldest of 6 children, Born to Pearlie Bowen Walker & the late George Bowen. Growing up in a small community called Atkin Hill, this is where MLS roots started in Gospel Music. Being surrounded by a musical family, her dad, mom, uncles & aunts all sang Blues and Gospel music.
Being the one child who wanted to only be a Secretary while growing up, and not be a singer, MLS found herself entering talent shows at her local high school, Holtville High. After graduating from High School, she decided to visit family in Atlanta in 1985 and made this her permanent home. After attending Business school and receiving a Bachelors degree in Communication, MLS continued her musical career more while using her Secretarial skills. She would book and arrange her on travel and ministry dates.
As time would pass MLS was ordained as a licensed Minister/Evangelist in 1997. Shortly afterwards, she organized Lisa Stevenson & Company. Her true joy is just to be able to sing before audiences and minister to God’s people. Helping to build the Kingdom one person at a time. As time passed, the Legendary late Bishop Al Hobbs, of the GMWA, introduced Monica Lisa at The Stellar Awards Radio Awards Show in 2010 in Nashville, as he began to read her bio he stopped and said “wait, we are just gonna call you M.L.S.” you have too many names. That’s’ how she affectionately called M.L.S. currently. After recording several Singles throughout the years, she recorded her first Album in 2009, Finally In God’s Time.
This album earned her 2 Stellar Awards Nominations, Best New Artist & Traditional Female Vocalist. Her second Album, Recorded Live, in 2011, Live In Atlanta was released in 2013, garnered the Songstress a 2014 Gospel Blue Mic Award for Artist of the Year and a 2015 Stellar Award Nomination. Her current project, KAINOS, The Acoustic Documentary, landed at #18 on the first week of releasing. This project was a new era for Monica Lisa, going outside of her traditional box. She has toured more with this album than any other. MLS was cast for an appearance in the Tyler Perry movie, Madeas Big Happy Family and the TV series the Have and Have Nots.
This southern songbird performs a graceful balance of family, music and ministry while continuing to build and expand her career and personal well-being. During her own recent weight loss journey, MLS implemented the “Just For Me” (health and wellness) slogan and fitness challenges to encourage getting fit for the kingdom. These monthly challenges went out to her large Social Media following of supporters to inspire eating healthy, staying active and being accountable for the temple of God has given each person.
MLS also launched her own non-profit organization Christmas in a Box. The year-round campaign and community-driven call to action collect donations to provide for families in need. Christmas in A Box mission is to make every day feel like Christmas. MLS finds joy singing before audiences and serving the community but her true bliss is being the proud Mother of five children and dedicated wife to husband Derrick Stevenson, who is also her musical director and Producer. Monica Lisa is emerging as a dynamic artist and compassionate philanthropist who inspires something new and refreshing in everyone she touches.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
it has not been a smooth road. As with anything, ministry comes with challenges. Discovering who you really are, is this what you are suppose to be doing. Mine was be accepted and trusting people with your career. Which is why I was my own Manager until 2011.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about MonicazMuzik – what should we know?
MonicazMuzik, is a Music Business. We provide great Gospel Music for the community. We are very qualified in what we do and with an excellent staff.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Visibility, Friendly, outgoing, respectful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.monicalisastevenson.com
- Phone: 404-465-8737
- Email: kerry@monicazmuzik.com
- Instagram: monica_lisa_stevenson
- Facebook: The Official Monica Lisa Stevenson
- Twitter: monicalisaMLS
Image Credit:
Alton Mayweather, Cleon Frazier
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