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With a voice that will make you sit up and take notice, Karen Harding is a remarkable lady who is beginning to make a name for herself in the gospel music industry. Our industry has been enjoying this gem of a lady with a sweet spirit and BIG voice for the last 2 to 3 years and yet, many of us don't know much about her. So during the 2006 National Quartet Convention, Karen and I sat down and we talked about who she is and the great love that she has for music.

James: A lot of people, though they enjoy your music, still don't know much about who Karen Harding is, other than being previous winner in the "Exalting Him Talent Contest". Fill us in a bit on who you are, where you came from, your musical background, and any other info you are willing to share.

Karen: I've been singing my whole life, since I was about 2 years old. My parents actually paid me a quarter to stand up and sing and I was hooked from that moment on. I have loved music all of my life. My parents were music directors, my dad played the organ and my mom played the piano, so I was raised on that. We used to go see the Goodmans, the Downings and the Rambos and I just loved it. I went to Bible College when I was 16 years old and I got my degree in music and I started doing church work and working as a music director and worship leader in different churches, and I have been doing that for a very long time. The last church I was a music director at was in San Diego, California.

James: I remember hearing somewhere that you used to sing with the Downings at one point?

Karen: Yes I did, but it was basically an 8-week stint, way back in the 80's. (laughing) It was fun, but it was a little uncomfortable for me at the time, because honestly...I didn't know what I was doing and I was so green. I love Ann and we are still good friends to this day.

James: Who were your musical heroes and inspirations growing up?

Karen: I would have to say Reba Rambo. I loved Dottie's writings, but I loved Reba's voice. I literally adored anything Reba Rambo did. . I loved the Downings back in the 1970's...they had a live band and were just amazing. I loved Joy Gardner, and she was, and still is, such an amazing singer

James: You mentioned Reba, and I know a highlight for you was having her sing on your last recording, "Because of Whose I Am."

Karen: Oh I just I loved it! When I was working on my "Holdin' on to Faith" project, she called to congratulate me for winning the talent contest and I was so stunned that she took the time to do that. And I asked her if she would consider singing a song with me on my project, and she was like "yes girl!" (laughing) We sat down and decided that we wanted to do "Because of Whose I Am". I really feel God anointed the song. It's not really Southern Gospel, but Daywind sent it out as a single, and we sang it on the "Remembering the Greats" DVD and I just feel so blessed and honored to have been able to sing that song.

James: Within Southern Gospel Music circles, you're beginning to become known as quite the songwriter since Mike Bowling Group recorded "Graceland". How did you get started songwriting?

Karen: Well, I've been writing for a long time, but no one has ever really recorded my songs until recently. I just never knew how to get them out there. But I wrote three songs on my "Holdin' on to Faith" recording, so it just kind of started off from there. Daywind encouraged me to continue pursuing writing and I did. Not long ago I turned in "Graceland" and Mike Bowling just happened to be in the office at Daywind and he listened to it and said he was putting it on hold because he loved it immediately.

James: "Graceland" is totally different from anything else out there right now. How did you come to write that song?

Karen: I had been watching a documentary about Elvis and I was thinking how he lived at Graceland for such a short time, but we live in Grace all the time and that thought just stuck with me, so I just started playing around with the idea. I may not have all the things this world deems important, but I have God's grace, and that's really all that matters...I'm living in Graceland.

James: Any other cuts forthcoming?

Karen: A few other groups have songs on hold right now, but "Graceland" is my first big cut. Lillie Knauls has recorded one of my songs too. Well, actually she commissioned me to write her a song about the Name of Jesus and I wrote it on a plane trip home and it's called, "There's Power in that Matchless Name" and she recorded it on her new CD.

James: So, who are your favorite songwriters?

Karen: I love Dottie Rambo's writing...I mean you just can't touch it. I love Gerald Crabb...he's just phenomenal. Kenny and Ronnie Hinson are some of my favorites, as is Andrae' Crouch. A friend of mine that I went to college with, Geron Davis...he's just amazing. My brother is also a wonderful songwriter, and I always manage to put at least one of his songs on each recording, and Daywind has also picked up some of his songs, so I am excited for him.

James: Your vocal style is very soulful, almost black style. Would that description work for you?

Karen: You just described it! (laughing) I have a very gutsy, bluesy, soul style. There's not a big place for that in Southern Gospel, but I managed to record some very Southern Gospel style songs on my project. In fact, the next single off of my recording is a song I wrote called, "When I Tell this World Good-bye", and it has an almost Alison Krauss type feel to it...very bluegrassy, and that's real different for me. Black Gospel is what I cut my teeth on, so I can't help but sing what I hear and what I feel.

James: Music is a wonderful form of worship. From what little I know about you, music is your life.

Karen: Music IS my life. I've been doing it since I could talk. It's a release, an outlet for me to say something through music. I can't imagine the world without music, much less my life. From a joyous occasion to a sad funeral, music meets the need. You're dancing a jig when you're happy, singing a happy song...and you're crying at a funeral, and there is always a song that can say how you feel. When you can't say it, you can sing it. Music is powerful...it's a gift from God.

James: Anything new coming out for Karen Harding?

Karen: We're working on a hymns project right now. I may call it "Hymns and More..." and do mostly hymns and a couple of newer tunes. Hopefully we can get it done by Spring of next year.

James: Anything else you'd like to add?

Karen: I just want to say how grateful I am to God for the many doors He's opened. People like Daywind, the DJs and pastors who have welcomed my music with open arms...I am just so honored. I'd also like to thank Mark Lowry for using me and the choir I worked with in San Diego, California on his "Mark Lowry Goes to Hollywood" video. That was such a blast to do. Also, being able to work with the music within my denomination has been so wonderful as well. God has opened so many doors for me, and he continues to bless and anoint and I have only thanks and praise in my heart.
More info on Karen can be found on her website: http://www.karenharding.com

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