73. Faith Walk! w/ Loretta Merritt, Singer and Songwriter

The word is passion. And for Loretta Merritt it all starts with the voice. In fact, the Brooklyn native and youngest of five children has always enjoyed singing ever since her days coming up in the church where she was a featured talent in the children, youth, and young adult choirs. Loretta’s passion for music was ignited when she was first exposed to gospel legends such as the Clark Sisters, Cece Winans, and Yolanda Adams. The gifted vocalist’s strong foundation was set. For her it was always bigger than just music. It was and remains Loretta’s life. She was blessed and excited to utilize her singing and acting abilities, in 1985, in an Off-Broadway play, “I’m Reaching for the Stars” in New York City, where she had a leading role. Excerpts of the play were later aired on the Manhattan Cable Television.   She was later inspired to sing, record, and tour with the renowned gospel choir James Hall and Worship and Praise. The choir was privileged to perform at The Stellar Awards, Bobby Jones BET, New York City Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, along with Gladys Knight, Michael Bolton, and other renowned artists, to name a few. “Singing with the choir was one of the greatest experiences in my life,” says Loretta. “The power in our voices exuded greatness!” She adds. Loretta was thrilled to have the opportunity to develop her vocal talents further at the Juilliard Adult Evening Program in 2013. She studied the basics of vocal performance and mastered a wide variety of music from the layered complexities of classical to the bombastic majesty of Broadway.   With hard work, dedication, and faith, one of Loretta’s dreams became a reality. She released her first single, “No One Greater” on April 26, 2019, played on The Bobby Parker Radio Show, The Gospel Grind Radio, WJOU Praise 90.1FM, and all digital platforms.   At the 25th Annual Gospel Choice Music Awards in 2019, Loretta Merritt took home New Independent Artist of the Year award. On September 2019 she sang at “Christmas in September,” a live taping at Jamaica Performing Arts Center in New York, which was aired on Tim Warner (Spectrum) 79 & 1998 | Cablevision (Optimum) 68 | RCN 83, Verizon FIOS 43, and online streaming worldwide.   Loretta enjoys performing at various concerts. On June 6, 2020, Loretta ministered in songs at the Saturday Night A.M.N. Live, via YouTube and Facebook, where she sung, “Turning Around for Me.” No matter what people were going through during the pandemic Loretta wanted her audience to know that God will turn the situation around. Loretta has been working with Grammy Winner Singer-Songwriter, Makeba Riddick-Woods at the Young Dreamers Consulting Agency where Loretta has found her sound, recorded songs. August 20, 2021, she released her amazing Single, “His Name,” written by Makeba Riddick-Woods and produced by Kid Classic and her Official Music Video was released October 22, 2021. For Loretta singing is not only a passion but also where she finds joy. Making an impact in people’s lives; encouraging others, uplifting, and ushering them into the presence of the Lord is her true calling. Loretta’s singing has touched audiences and they, in turn, have impacted her by just knowing that they were blessed. Loretta humbly states, “I was touched when a young teen girl came to me crying because my singing resonated with her, as she was going through challenges. It is times like this when I know I am living in my purpose and my singing is not in vain.”Her inspiration in writing songs comes from life experiences of herself and others. As she is creating, putting pen to paper, she believes when the lyrics are heartfelt and moves her, it will move others. “Music is a language of its own; It can reach people where other avenues cannot, which is why it is so powerful,” explains Loretta. Loretta believes that through God we can do all things and is forever grateful to serve Him through this ministry. “God has entrusted me to share my gift to the world,