Posted in: Gospel by deedee on September 17th, 2008 | 0 Comments
He mesmerized us in June of 2002 with his powerful vocals on the very passionate, “I Need You Now”. With that song alone, Smokie Norful’s name became a household word.
He mesmerized us in June of 2002 with his powerful vocals on the very passionate, “I Need You Now”. With that song alone, Smokie Norful’s name became a household word. The former high school history teacher is the son of W.R. Norful, an AME preacher. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, but reared in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Smokie’s love for music was evident at the tender age of two. His parents encouraged his talents by providing music lessons, and exposing him to a wide range of musical styles including soul and R&B, as well as gospel.
Known as the “Voice of Inspiration”, Smokie has truly inspired others through his music and message. He wrote “I Need You Now” at a time when he was going through some major crisis in his life; two of his closest family members were facing medical issues. His father, who had been having heart problems needed emergency surgery and his wife, Carla had been diagnosed with cancer, which was expected to prevent conception. The song, “I Need You Now”, was Smokie’s cry to God for help. It was his way of praying to God and saying “Lord I need You to straighten out this turmoil in my life; I can”t make it without You.’ It was his way of releasing his pent-up emotions, his worries, his fears.
But, “I Need You Now” which sold over a million copies, was just a stepping stone to his subsequent success as a gospel recording artist. Norful went on to record, “Nothing Without You”, which earned him a 2004 Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. “Nothing” was a song Smokie originally wrote to serenade Carla on their wedding day. It was also a message expressing his love for and belief in God. However, the wedding musicians failed to learn the music, so Smokie was unable to sing it. Although, Smokie was disappointed at the time, the song proved to be very successful, maintaining its Number 1 status on the record charts for several months after its release.
In addition to the title track, the “Nothing” CD contains another personal and stirring single, “God is Able”, written after Norful and his wife were blessed with their second child. He considers their second child a miracle baby, whom he and Carla were surprised with. So naturally the song is near and dear to Norfuls’ heart.
