Inspirational Network’s, Christian Artist Talent Search, age 12
Finalist on CBS-TV show, Star Search
Sang The National Anthem at Presidential Address - an event honoring President George W. Bush and military personnel
Mercedes-Benz Tribute to Stevie Wonder in 2005
White House, Celebration of Gospel
Tom Joyner Morning Show
guest bio
Spensha Baker: Living 'Outloud'
By Terri Simmons
The 700 Club
CBN.com
– OUTLOUD
Fifteen-year-old gospel singer Spensha Baker has accomplished what most her age only dream about; she signed with Geffen Records. Spensha got her big break at age 12 after performing as a finalist on Star Search, and she even performed at the White House. Following her stint on Star Search, Geffen Records Chairman and judge on one of the Star Search shows, called Spensha's home and directly offered her a deal.
The only child of a military career father and a business-minded mother, who is also her manager, Spensha loves singing for a higher purpose and sharing messages of love, faith and salvation. Her debut album, Outloud, is a testimony to how she truly lives her life.
“Outloud is the message behind the whole thing, to live your life out loud and not to be afraid of who you are and whose you are, and just to really be confident and stand firm in what you believe in,” Spensha said. Spensha’s desire is to see all those who listen to her album inspired to live their life out loud.
“I’m putting it all out on the table and saying this is me, this is Spensha. I want listeners, especially this generation, to put it all on the line and say, ‘this is who I am and who I believe in,’” she said.
When asked to describe her CD, Spensha said, “Outloud is my first album, so there are a mixture of things on it, something for every age.” Spensha describes herself as a modest and classy young lady who wants to sing the gospel.
“I’m not trying to fit anybody else’s mold. I’m not trying to be the next this or the next who. I’m just trying to be me and just sing my music and be happy,” she said. “That’s the kind of image I want people to see, that I’m modest and I’m young, but I’m singing about the right things.”
Along with her desire to do the right things in life, Spensha uses I Timothy 4:12 as reminder of the direction in which she wants her life to flow.
“My favorite scripture is I Timothy 4:12, where Paul is talking to young Timothy [a protégé] and he’s telling him don’t let the older generation look down on you because you are young,” she said. “In turn, live your life as an example so that they can see you are not just preaching it but you’re living it. I write that scripture on every autograph that I sign because that’s kind of what I’m doing with my life.”
Born in Hampton, Virginia, Spensha gave her life to the Lord at age six and started singing at home.
“I started singing when I was seven. My mom actually discovered I could sing before I realized I had a special gift from God,” she said. Spensha’s mom bought her a Stacie Orrico CD, and Spensha began singing the songs.
When Spensha’s mom her heard singing, “She put me straight in church,” she said. “From ages seven to nine, I was singing strictly in church all the time! My first public appearance was on the Inspirational Network’s Christian Artist Talent Search.”
Spensha grew up in a Pentecostal Church where traditional and contemporary gospel are popular. However, Spensha has always had a special place in her heart for Contemporary Christian Music.
“I grew up Pentecostal, but I’ve always loved Christian contemporary music like Steven Curtis Chapman and Natalie Grant,” she said. “My favorite Christian and Gospel music artists are CeCe Winans, Rachel Lampa, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribett, Jaci Velasquez and Joanne Rosario. Christian and Gospel are the only music genres I love to listen to. And it’s a choice I make, and not my parents. Gospel music is my life! I can’t picture myself singing for anyone else but God.”
Spensha also serves her church body by being an active member of her church choir. And, when she’s not singing, she’s an ordinary 15-year-old, involved in school and her school’s softball team.
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