The history of the African-American church is undeniably a history of overcoming.  

Stories of Christian faith took seed in the imagination of slaves to form Negro Spirituals.  Melodies and harmonies joined with powerful images of deliverance, offering hope to the hopeless.

For Smokie Norful, that musical heritage and the ministry traditions of the Black church were integral parts of his upbringing.  The son of a pastor, he learned the ways of God and the role of ministry in the bosom of the AME church.  The rich inheritance inspired his passion as a recording artist and songwriter, while laying a firm foundation for his current work as Senior Pastor of the nondenominational, Chicago-area ministry Victory Cathedral Worship Center.

“Music is an instrument of communication and an outlet of passionate expression,” Smokie says.  “It has always carried our messages, whether it’s our heartfelt love or our desperate pleas for God’s attention in our lives.  We are a passionate people by nature, so the fact that music is such an effective vehicle for expression makes it a natural progression within our church experience.”
On April 23, 2010, at Oklahoma’s Tulsa Convention Center, Pastor Smokie Norful, along with Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. and the AME’s 12th Episcopal District, gathered to celebrate the musical legacy of the African-American church. Joined by several of the shining voices of this generation---including Joe Ligon, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Melvin Williams, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Keshia McFarland, and Myron Butler--Norful returned to his roots, paying loving tribute to a spectacular canon of songs.  

Songs That Carried Us captures the excitement of that historic night.  “The songs on this project have been staples in the Black church experience for many generations,” Smokie shares. “These were the songs that were instrumental in my grandparents’ faith walk, and the amazing truth is that they haven’t lost any of their power.”

As an award-winning songwriter, Smokie’s admiration for the music of the African-American church goes deeper than the emotional impact of the songs. “The most moving component of the older, traditional songs is the richness and meaning of the lyrics.  The hymns were so thoughtful and had such an incredible theological message,” he says. “There was no way I could go through my whole music career and not rehearse and introduce this music to our church family.”

Teaming with Smokie for this unique celebration was Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.  He, along with the members of his church district, brought their love for the songs of the AME hymnal to the recording.  “Music has been an art that has transformed cultures and generations,” says Green.  “This project represents the heart of our existence throughout the Church and what has sustained us throughout life’s struggles.”

While showcasing his musical history, Smokie also shaped this project with an eye toward the future. “I love seeing younger generations embrace the older songs and even put their own flavor on them,” he says.  “It is a dynamic thread of generational connectivity that is undeniable.  As powerful and moving as some of the new songs are, I don’t want us to ever forget the songs that carried our grandparents and the Church in general.”

Among the most special moments on the project is Hymn Medley, a duet featuring Smokie and his father, Rev. Dr. W. R. Norful, Sr.   The performance is a touching milestone in Smokie’s recording career as he shares the microphone with the man who gave him his start in life and ministry.      

“My parents were both an incredible influence upon my life, ministry, and music,” Smokie reflects. “The lessons my father taught me were mostly through example. He didn’t usually have a lot to say about my music---other than his obvious, visible joy and Godly pride in my music ministry efforts---but his lifelong commitment to serving others through the use of his gifts, his endurance, and his undying love for the church of Jesus Christ was all the message and encouragement I needed.”

Without question, Smokie’s father contributed greatly to both the man and pastor his son would become.  But, as Smokie explains, his father’s influence had an even more significant impact on his start in music: “There was one incident that I believe is the direct cause of my music and ministry, besides it being the Lord’s divine will.  There was an annual conference in our denomination and I was scheduled to sing.  Well, I had never seen so many people nor wanted to be in front of them. I got cold feet. My father knelt down beside me and basically gave me an ultimatum.  He said, ‘Either you’re going to sing or I’m gonna...’ well, you get it. Needless to say, I’ve been singing ever since!”

What began as an act of discipline grew into inspirational artistry.  Songs That Carried Us now stands as a landmark in an admirable career.  With this project, Smokie Norful links the generations, giving honor to the past, celebrating the present, and pointing toward the future.