GospelVocalist.com
THE MAKING OF A GOSPEL MUSIC AMBASSADOR
Start off with a Biblical name and you've got a good beginning. Translated from the Hebrew language, Elisha means 'God of Salvation'. After accepting Jesus in her life at age 11, she had no idea she'd later share God's message in song. Be that as it may, this ambassador required training getting to know the message and method.
As a teen, Elisha read the Bible at night before going to sleep. She sharpened her skills by teaching children's Sunday School classes and attending Bible Study.
Elisha spent hours upon hours imitating artists on radio and records -- Stephanie Mills, Barbra Streisand, the Clark Sisters, and Aretha Franklin to name a few. On Sunday mornings, Elisha was awakened by the gospel records her mother would play.
After so much travelling, they had finally been able to attend worship services regularly. That's when Elisha landed her first church solo "Wade in the Water".
She took interest in the piano around age thirteen and was drafted to play when the church musician relocated to another state. At the time she had taught herself to play a waltz and one hymn. She had a great ear though, and taught the church choir to sing perfect harmony a cappella.
Ambassadors are required to travel so God prepped Elisha extensively by having her born into a military family. She learned to deal with the heartache of moving from place to place by quickly making new friends. If that lesson didn't do the trick, Elisha married her friend Lonnie Mitchell, who later became an ordained traveling preacher.
In addition to being a soloist, God has blessed Elisha to accompany and/or direct numerous choirs over the past 25 years. She has been called upon to organize city-wide choirs for special events and national touring companies such as "Young Messiah" and "God's Trying To Tell You Something".
Elisha enjoys the full range of what gospel music offers its listeners. There's gospel rap, jazz, soul, pop, country -- whatever you like to hear. Gospel music has a message of salvation that transcends the confines of music styles. After years of doing justice to other artist's work the Lord inspired Elisha to write and compose in the late nineties.
Her debut album, FOUNDATION, speaks to each believer regardless of age or season in life. The Lord has given her new songs for her sophomore album The Word In Song.
Elisha is married to Pastor Lonnie Mitchell. They have four children and three grandchildren. Together they serve the congregation of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Spokane, Washington.
ELISHA, The Singer:
Festivals and Fairs / Political Fundraisers / Civic & Service Gatherings / Sporting Events /Graduations / Retreats / Conferences / Government Agency Functions / Weddings / Funerals
ELISHA, The Director/Pianist:
Young Messiah Tour-City Choir / God's Trying to Tell You Something Local Production Choir / OSUSU Women's Choir / Alvin Slaughter Concert Choir / M. L. King, Jr. Observance Choir / Family Life Conference Choir / Spokane Community Gospel Choir / Angels With Attitude Community Youth Choir / Fairchild Air Force Base Gospel Choir / Bethel B.A.S.I.C. Choir/ Lion King Promotion Ensemble / Sing Gospel Workshop / Gospel Jazz Christmas Concerts