Today we’d like to introduce you to Davian Taylor.
Hi Davian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, at what used to be “South Fulton Medical Center”. (I added that, because others brag on Grady!)
I took an interest in religion at a very early age. My dad’ s side of the family have always been heavily involved with the churches, and music community in the CSRA area (Paschal & Kyler families). For years, I’d beg my mom to let me join my Nana’s church, yet she wasn’t in favor, being that we lived in Stone Mountain and wouldn’t be as active as I would’ve liked to have been (I respect that). Alternatively, my mom would also enroll me into singing & dance lessons with Tameko Starr in Decatur, GA, which helped form my love for singing and conducting groups.
After becoming deeper involved with studying the Word as years progressed, I felt convicted to give my life to Jesus at the age of 15 years old and joined the First Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Appling, Ga; under the leadership of Rev. Roscoe F. Perry (who brags about knowing me since I was a “fat little baby”). This church is historic, founded by former enslaved African Americans and still functioning today! I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Christopher Crenshaw, Brandon Lynn, Alkeesha Durrette & Toni Paschal for how they all inspired me and my love for worshipping God in song!
During all of this time, choir music always had my attention! My great-grandmother, Lucille Jones, would make sure I’d get to church in time, to see the choir process in! And while she had breakfast going, either “The Parade of Quartets” or “Bobby Jones Gospel” would be on the television.
In 2017, I joined the Atlanta Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Inc. and started receiving the training I desired, to assist a church music department. From there, I’ve had the opportunity to work with such departments like the New Life & Faith Christian Church (Decatur, GA; Pastor W. Pharr), New Morning Light Baptist Church (Conley, GA; Rev. C. Hamilton), Kingdom Fellowship Ministry (Atlanta, GA; Rev. Dr. S. Calloway), and currently the Welcome Friend Baptist Church in Ellenwood, GA (Rev. J. H. Smith Sr. (Pastor Emeritus) & Rev. K. Daniel (current Pastor).
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As an aspiring artist, it’s hard not giving ear to some of the negative things you hear and take them personal. I’d rather not go in detail about (my) experiences, because they really showed me how important it is to keep your mind on Jesus!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Music Administrator, and aspiring Gospel artist. What sets me apart from others is that I have not “arrived” yet, and I don’t desire to. Jesus is my audience, and I aim to please His Spirit in my worship.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am in search of sopranos, altos, and tenors to help me in gospel artistry. Me and my small group of singers are working on releasing original music. We rehearse every Wednesday night at 7:30 pm in Atlanta, GA.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daviantaylorltc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@daviantaylor4565
- Email: davtheminstrel@gmail.com
