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Group | John Laws | Paul David Kennamer | Benjamin Dixon | Kelly Mowrer "Be Strong in the Lord..." Ephesians 6:10 A group of young men dedicated to the Lord, proclaiming the Message throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Their talent and distinctive musical style have been compared to such diverse groups as Take 6, Acappella, and the Gaither Vocal Band. A full-time music ministry based near Huntsville, Alabama, Valor receives airplay on radio and television stations worldwide.
John’s name appears on more than five million records for his work in various capacities such as producer, chief engineer, arranger, studio vocalist, and songwriter. Before Valor, John spent 11 years with the music ministry of Acappella and Vocal Union refining his talent as a recording and sound engineer. A project he later engineered received prestigious industry recognition with a 2002 Grammy nomination. While in college, music played a major role in John's conversion. Today, he continues to marvel at the power of music to soften hearts and turn them to God. "It was a huge revelation to me that God desires to have a relationship with us every bit as close as any relationship we have here on earth. He has a purpose for each of us—and gives us talents that equip us to serve Him." "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
This promise embodies a major guiding principle in the life and music career of Paul David Kennamer. He began singing at the age of 11 months, well before he could even talk. Paul David's first recording—"How Great Thou Art"—was made at age 20 months. Since that time, his amazing vocal mastery and range have received ongoing acclaim from key industry professionals and enthusiastic listeners everywhere. Pat Boone characterizes Paul David’s voice as exceptional and calls him an incredible bass singer. To a worldwide television audience, Boone exclaimed, “Paul has one of the most remarkable voices you will ever hear in your lifetime … He has a five-octave range, and three of them are lower than you have ever heard.” But praise for his outstanding talent only becomes more remarkable when coupled with recognition of his genuine humility and desire to serve others. Keith Lancaster, founder and owner of Acappella Company, says, “Paul is a phenomenal talent with his own unique style. He has a tremendous spirit and it’s a joy to work with him.” Inspired by George Younce and J.D. Sumner, Paul David began singing bass in a high school quartet. Later, the Acappella Company asked Paul to join with them on several projects, including a tour throughout Brazil with Acappella International. He also performed with the Vocal Union where, as Word artists, they shared the stage with such talent as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Brian Duncan, Cindy Morgan, and Kirk Franklin. Also primarily responsible for the intricate vocal arrangements that are quickly becoming a hallmark of Valor's unique sound, Paul David credits the influence of arrangers ranging from Lari Goss to Mervyn Warren and Mark Kibble. "For me, part of the enjoyment of arranging comes from combining elements from music I heard while growing up with more modern styles—bringing them together to create warm, rich harmonies that fuse something familiar with something new." Paul David feels incredibly blessed. “I love music. It has always been a huge part of my life, but until the last few years I didn’t understand what a powerful tool it is. When a person tells me how one of our songs helped them through a crisis in their life, I can see God working. What I find even more amazing is that our ministry is also changing me. My own faith is being strengthened and ultimately, I’m being drawn closer to Him.”
With musical influences including Take 6, Kevin Max Smith, Micheal English, and Aaron Herman, Benjamin developed a multi-faceted approach to music. "One of my goals in singing is to be a chameleon; to adapt elements in music genres ranging from classical to pop to vocal instrumentation—learning to create a fresh, new sound that, I hope, surprises people." Benjamin grew up singing in church. Beginning in high school, he held feature roles in musical productions and sang barbershop. Later, while obtaining his B.S. in music, he performed for numerous prestigious college events and toured extensively throughout the United States, England, and Scotland. He also appeared on ABC's Good Morning, America. Before
joining Valor, Benjamin appeared on various radio shows, sang the national
anthem for major sporting events, taught classes at national music conferences,
and was featured on CNN during the American Idol auditions for the second
season. "When I joined Valor, I learned a new standard of commitment to striving for excellence in every part of life—not just in developing vocal talent, but also in serving others and being someone God can use. I am experiencing the impact our music can have not just on a person's ear, but also on a person's heart. That impact is a blessing only from God and every day it encourages me in my own relationship with Him." "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8
Kelly Mowrer (piano and keyboards) is an extremely rare combination of creativity, consistency, communication skills, and character, controlled by a heart desiring simply to serve others. Kelly's mastery of the piano has touched millions of lives around the world, giving her a platform like few other Christian pianists. She wraps her gift around many different styles and genres of music but never loses sight of her audience. She has played for public and private events in such prestigious venues as the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California; the Edward Jones Dome at the America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri; the Will Rogers Auditorium/Coliseum in Ft. Worth, Texas; and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Kelly also contributes both song-writing and arranging skills to Valor. A song she wrote after 9/11, "Together We Will Stand," received a coveted Telly Award as part of a commemorative video aired multiple times worldwide. Valor's performance of the song was also featured during the 2004 Stand for the Family rallies with Dr. James Dobson. "For me, music is an awesome way to experience a sense of the presence of God," says Kelly. "When we go into churches, or schools, or prison yards, and I watch the songs that mean so much to me also encouraging others, it's just an incredibly humbling experience, plus a huge blessing all in one." Kelly's amazing speed and accuracy consistently leave the listener speechless. This provides the opening to then share what is arguably her greatest gift - the amazing warmth of a witness from her heart. Kelly's ability to speak of God's love and mercy in her own life delivers the greatest message - not only to those who hear her in concert, but also to those who watch her show compassion and encouragement in her every day life. "God has been so faithful to me, so merciful when I deserved just the opposite. I realize again and again how He has blessed me. In whatever ways God uses our music to touch others, He uses those even more to reach me."
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John
Laws
Paul
David Kennamer
Benjamin
Dixon
Kelly
Mowrer