There have been countless times when I have heard or seen a live performance by a young artist, and immediately I get the feeling certain success will follow. I’m not saying that the artist will grow to become an international superstar, but I can sense a measure of success within the industry. Such was the case a little over a year ago, when I discovered the music of a budding young singer by the name of Koryn Hawthorne. In fact, I heard her singing before I found out her name. Once I learned her name, it lead me to learn more about her. That’s when I found out she was an alum of the reality television competition The Voice. Yes, the gift of singing was on display each time I heard the young artist after that. It reminded me of something I experienced several years ago.
Before I relate the story it would be good to first introduce Koryn Hawthorne to readers who may not know her. Hawthorne was born to Summers Dozier-Simon and Corey Hawthorne in the small town of Abbeville, Louisiana, where she grew up. She has been performing since the age of 9, when she joined an organization called Louisiana Kids, in which she would compete against other kids in her state. As she got older she continued to sing locally at nursing homes, churches, and different charity events.
Koryn Hawthorne auditioned for the eighth season of The Voice singing Emeli Sandé’s “My Kind of Love”. She stole the nation’s heart as a contender on Season 8 of NBC’s “The Voice”. As a top 4 finalist, Koryn made quite an impact on judges and audiences throughout the show with her powerful voice and endearing personality. I’m not a fan of the show, and never really watched an entire episode. However, I went back to view many of the performances that have been written about. Throughout the competition, Hawthorne’s evolution as a singer caught the attention of the coaches. Adam Levine pointed out that never before in the history of The Voice had he seen “such a drastic, incredible, unbelievable journey”. Williams compared her drive to succeed to that of Beyoncé. Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza declared May 6, 2015 “Koryn Hawthorne Day” and presented her with the key to the city.
After her fourth place finish in the competition, the young singer managed to find a fan base and a place in the heart’s of many. Hawthorne got signed to RCA Inspiration, a division of Sony Music dedicated to gospel music recordings, and started working on her debut material. Yes, she was ready to start a career in gospel music. It was a perfect fit for her. That’s were my story of years ago is somewhat similar to Hawthorne’s path.
Several years ago I happened to be in attendance at an audition for Latin singers/dancers for a television show. It was not a reality show competition like The Voice, remember, this was in the 1990’s, a while before such shows were rolled out and gained popularity. However, the audition is the reason why I realize that the likes of Simon Cowell would never be found at an open audition. All of the singers/dancers in attendance had representation with them. They were all invited by the producers of the show. Every performer was very good with resumes of work within the entertainment industry. I watched every audition. Most were stopped after a few measures of music. The good ones were taken to the side to give additional contact information and instructions of the next step. One young woman sang quite well and was allowed to finish her song. However, everyone present knew that she did not have the “look” the producers needed for the show. Nevertheless, one of the producers took her to the side for a conversation. Afterward I got an opportunity to speak with her and asked what they told her. She said they explained that she did not have the “look” they wanted, but wanted to keep in touch for other opportunities.
As I spoke with her about her goals in music, I noticed that she was a wonderful person who wanted to share her gift of singing with others. I asked if she ever thought about a career in gospel music. She said that was a passion of hers. I then encouraged her to pursue a path in that direction, as I thought she might find a road to success that really fit her personality. She agreed.
I wish I could tell you that the young singer made it and is a success today, but I don’t know. I lost touch with her and I’m not sure what happened from there. Nevertheless, when I read about Koryn Hawthorne, I was reminded of that story.
While she finished fourth in the competition, Koryn made quite an impact on judges and audiences with her powerful voice and emotive performances. Week after week, she captivated crowds and showcased poise and presence not usually seen in a teenager. The thing that impressed me more than hearing Koryn sing was her interviews. Quite poised and well-spoken far beyond her young years, Hawthorne appeared ready for the next step.
Koryn Hawthorne – EP, a four-track EP, was released on August 11, 2017. Koryn’s powerhouse vocals and impassioned delivery attracted some of music’s biggest names, like Grammy Award-winning producers and songwriters Warryn Campbell, Makeba Riddick, Bernie Herms and Joaquin “The Bear” Bynum, who produced and penned her debut material. The EP has earned Hawthorne two Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominations for New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year.
Koryn’s full-length debut, Unstoppable, was released on July 13, 2018 and reached number 1 on the Top Gospel Albums, while the album’s lead single, “Won’t He Do It”, reached number 1 on Billboard’s three main gospel charts. Hawthorne is the first woman to top four gospel charts simultaneously in five years as well as the longest number 1 female artist holder on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs Chart.
With any artist, the performance of songs is personal. Emotions play a major part in reaching the ears and hearts of an audience. I get the idea that Koryn Hawthorne is doing exactly what she want’s to do musically. “The purpose of my life is so clear to me,” she explains. “Choosing to give my gift back to God through music is what sets me apart from other artists. I can sing anything, but I choose to sing songs that makes people want to feel what I feel.”
Going forward I think Koryn Hawthorne might change styles at least once. That’s her choice. Though lyrically I’m sure her music will remain the same. “My music is universal. It’s not gospel. It’s something totally different.”
For certain Hawthorne’s music will continue to inspire others. Especially young people at this time in her life. “I want to be a good example to my generation. I want the 16-year-old girl listening to my song to say, ‘I want what she has and I want to live like she’s living.” she says. “My creative sound crosses genres and you can’t put the sound of God in a box. Hopefully, just about everyone, from any walk of life, can relate to my music.”