Tony Cummings spoke to New Orleans pastor and singer STEVEN PERRILLOUX about his fascinating life.

Steven Perrilloux

Whether it's traditional church wreckers roaring out God's praises, smooth virtuosos crooning soulful encouragement to the saints, or new urban evangelists giving gospel an R&B or hip-hop flavour, one this is certain, African American gospel is flourishing. Countless gospel albums are being released into the booming market. But one release that stands boldly out from the crowd is 'Only You' by Steven Perrilloux. Here is an album that follows none of the popular stylistic paths. Best described as old school soul gospel with a jazz undertone, it is the work of a singer, pastor, actor and percussionist. As well as being a showcase for Steven Perrilloux's richly soulful voice 'Only You' is also a platform for Bernard Stevenson who wrote all the songs and produced the project. Steven explained how the two came to form such a close musical relationship. "Bernard and I met in Los Angeles through one of his friends who was a saxophonist who invited me to perform with a group called Spirit Filled and we became like brothers quickly. We've been friends for 24 years. Bernard is a gifted, talented and anointed producer, songwriter and arranger. We're covenant brothers. We're like a Jonathan and David that have embraced each other's calling and we are helping each other to fulfill God's purpose in our lives. He's currently working on his first album due out next year. It will be awesome!"

The recording of 'Only You' was far from easy. "The pressure of the time and logistics because of distance - Bernard lives in California and I am based in Louisiana - meant the album was a big challenge. Even Bernard doubted that we'd be able to complete the project within the year and a half deadline we had set. But we did it through God's grace."

Steven has released previous albums, the cassette releases 'Vision' and 'Count It All Joy'. But singing is far form being Steven's only gift. I asked this charming and intelligent man to give me a potted biography of his fascinating life. "I was raised as Roman Catholic. I believed in Jesus, but I didn't feel 'saved'. I lacked knowledge of Scripture. There were high moral standards in my home of walking in love, however, there were some distortions not in accordance with Scripture. I was an aggressive boy in my behaviour, but I knew that I was different. I just couldn't put my finger on it. It was like a déjà vu experience. I remember the story of Moses when I was 11 or 12 years old. The thought came before the experience. One day I was walking through a ditch and the thought came to me that I'd be like Moses. And I remember this and that God would use me. Little did I know at that time that I'd be called to minister."

As a teenager Steven's interest in music really kicked in. He commented, "I always had a love for music and I was drawn to drums by way of a few bands in my area. I learned through observation and was naturally gifted. I was attracted to percussion because I felt these instruments were a way to express my passion, a release and an expression."

The late '70s found Steven dissatisfied with the way his life was heading. "After graduating from Southern University and my experiences with drugs, alcohol and women, I arrived at a place where I was no longer satisfied. I redirected my time and energy toward buying musical equipment and through that process, God began to deal with my heart to change my behavior to the best of my ability. I began to change, in part, not completely. There was a song by The Commodores 'Jesus Is Love' and I would sing that as a part of my practicing every night. And that same year, 1980, God opened the window of heaven and I saw the world of the Spirit twice. On July 15, 1980, I saw the glory of God's light. On December 12, 1980, I saw a vision of Jesus. He said, 'Go and tell my people what you have seen.' Not knowing Scripture, at first I thought he meant music. However, later I understood there was a pastoral and prophetic call on my life."

After such a powerful spiritual experience a new direction began to slowly become clear for the talented graduate. By the '90s he was receiving ministerial training and was ordained at Los Angeles' Crenshaw Center where in 1993 he was ordained. Moving back to New Orleans he started the Riverlands Christian Center Church. A powerful minister, Steven had opportunities to undertake ministry trips to Brazil in 1994 and 1997 and to Ghana in 1999. Then in 2002 he made his first visit to Europe, to Switzerland.

He remembered, "Seven members of my church and 25 others who were music ministers went to Zurich and did a seven city tour. We ministered in cathedrals and other venues. These opportunities were wonderful. The audiences really appreciated the ministry and worship."

Recently Steven began working on writing an autobiography. This, unexpectedly, led him into "almost" appearing in the hit Denzil Washington movie Déjà vu. Steven explained, "This came about as a result of the call upon my life. I went and applied to be an extra so that I could glean experience and knowledge about the film industry because I plan to produce a film based on my life. Unfortunately, the footage with my scenes landed on the cutting room floor. However, it was exciting and informative. I learned a lot about the industry. I also got to work in a Brad Pitt film. I did not apply for that. I was already on file as an extra and was called. They wanted me to play a train conductor. Instead, they placed me in another scene that required that I smoke and so I declined. So now I'm in a tent revival scene."

The release of the 'Only You' album on Steven's own Crosstown South Music has brought forth a positive response. A panel of industry professionals named the song "Only You" the number one Independent Gospel Song in Gospel USA magazine's June-July issue. As pastor in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans his final comment has a powerful resonance. "My goal is to bring God's message to his people through song, and the kind words of support from family and friends and the many sacrifices made by my beautiful wife Rita are the motivating force behind this album. My greatest burden is to reach all of mankind, especially victims of the most recent disasters, with words of consolation, guidance and wisdom through the words of our Lord in song."