Brandy was always so full of life; it never occurred to us that she might have more than this going on. So while on business in Charleston, S.C., I was invited to hear Brandy (then 14) sing at a talent competition. It was a long show, but a good one with over 150 contestants. Well, you know those rare moments in life… the “knock me over with a feather - I didn’t see that coming” experience? The contestants began to gather back into the ballroom as if anticipating something, and my curiosity was aroused as to what it might be. At that moment a willowy blonde took center stage, and absolutely set the room on fire with her voice as she took charge of the stage in a manner unlike anything we’d seen that night. She crooned and pleaded, and she brought the house down.
Though it seemed almost too obvious, Brandy was voted the winner and went on to win this statewide competition, American Talent Showcase, for at least 5 consecutive years thereafter.
With minimal outside help, Brandy’s life took a new direction. Her father put a band together and Brandy toured the South, doing popular country music covers at festivals and fairs. It was exciting at first and even educational at times, but as Brandy became more experienced in the limelight the attraction began to wear thin. She longed for a greater depth of meaning in her life.
Brandy eventually quit the music business taking all her personality and liveliness into her personal life with her husband, Josh Allison. Their relationship thrived as she even went out on long runs with him, hauling everything from produce to livestock. Move forward 5 years to Aug 20, 2010, the tragic date when everything in her young life changed. Josh, who was no doubt still confused and upset over the sudden death of his mother just one month before, was killed instantly in a high-speed motorcycle crash. Brandy’s world turned upside down.
When a tragedy like this befalls a couple this young, it’s impossible to predict how you’ll act, but Brandy found a way to face her challenges without fear. While everyone around her seemed paralyzed by the utter shock of what had happened, her courageous conviction inspired all, as we watched her reaffirm her faith and strengthen her walk with Jesus. Still it took her a time of grieving and prayerfull contemplation to redirect herself as a servant of a living God. “I had to be useful” Brandy wondered. “What had God given me to use for His Glory?”
It was during this time of uncertainty that Brandy wandered into Best Buy and bought three CDs.“I didn’t know anything about Contemporary Christian music, but I bought three of the best sellers: Casting Crowns, Third Day, and Amy Grant. I had been listening to country music and crying my eyes out every day until that point, but God started speaking to me through the lyrics of Christian music and each day had me feeling a little more positive.”
A little time and a lot of work ensued and it wasn’t long until Brandy caught the attention of Alert Entertainment. No sooner than the introduction was made, the country to Christian crossover hit the studio to record for her fourthcoming national debut (due out the first half of 2012). “Music is my therapy and people need to know I’ve been through a lot, but have come out of the fire so strong in my faith. My goal is for the music to relate to people wherever they’re at, and even if they can’t relate to my situation, hopefully they’ll be able to be uplifted by the overall positive attitude.”
A case in point comes in “Reflection of You”, a track about a girl who’s incredibly broken down and wondering if things will ever get better, but ultimately realizing God has a perfect plan. “The Girl I Knew” comes from the third person perspective, but resonates just as strongly with the performer as an anthem about making the most of each day. And then there’s the duet “Seven Days”, featuring multi-platinum hit maker Eliot Sloan (Blessid Union of Souls’ front man) which encourages with a message of striving to serve God on a daily basis, even amidst earthly distractions and stresses.
With hands to Heaven, Brandy blossoms to her fullest on “My Hallelujah” – a beautifully written string accompanied song of reverance and praise.
“I want to share God’s goodness and my story with people and I want to save lives”, asserts Allison. “I was a lost soul and it took me loosing my husband to see life differently. We never know if we’ll be here tomorrow, and while we hear that all the time, it didn’t hit me until it happened. But I’ve been walking that road of faith for a full year and I haven’t turned back like I have in the past. That’s where I want my story to start.”
With her wide-ranging vocals, she has no trouble communicating with crowds from all walks of life. Though Allison’s hoping her country fans join in for this journey, she also looks forward to meeting new listeners, citing an influence pool as diverse as Amy Grant, Francesca Battistelli, Natalie Grant, Addison Road and Laura Story.
“I would like to be a well-known contemporary Christian artist, if only because that means I’ll have the ability to reach more people, but I’m fine if that doesn’t happen,” she adds. “Whatever happens is all in God’s hands and I’m just going with the flow. I want to touch one life at a time and as many as I can for the rest of my time here. I want people to know no matter who you are, what you’ve done or what road you’ve gone down in the past, Jesus can change your life and turn it all around.”
