Vicki Yohe

By Rene Williams

Praise and worship has started to become very popular in the black church. Artists such as Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Byron Cage and Judith Christie-McAllister have opened the door to a new style of worship and new style of praise. Not so long ago, the black church wasn’t quick to embrace praise and worship. But Fred Hammond through a prophetic word from God, “lifted God up as high as he could and watched what He would do,” not knowing that he would almost single-handedly create a new genre in black gospel.

Although the genre has long been popular in Contemporary Christian music, it’s just starting to catch on in gospel. Artists on the CCM side like Twila Paris, Michael W. Smith and Third Day started the trend and it continues to grow. But what’s truly interesting is that white praise and worship artists are starting to gain popularity in black gospel. One of those artists is Vicki Yohé. Known for her mega-hit Because Of Who You Are, she has taken gospel by storm. Although she’s been in the industry for years, especially on the Christian conference circuit, it was only recently she started getting major attention from black gospel radio. Her project, I Just Want You (PureSprings Gospel) , soared to #7 on the Billboard Top Gospel chart and exposed the world to this anointed woman of God. Singing with a rarely found soulfulness, she has left many black churches in awe of her talent and gifting.

Take a moment to listen as she talks about her upbringing, where her ministry lies, what worship means to her and why some Christians haven’t gotten the blessings they’re seeking.

Gospelcity.com: Tell us about your church background.

VY: I grew up in a Pentecostal denomination. My father was a pastor who pastored a congregation that was about 30% African American. That’s where I got into black gospel. I was around it my whole life.

GC: Your music is popular in CCM circles. Would you say that’s where you got your start?