Strong With It: Chris Ford

Monique Moss, Fort Wayne Rhythm & Praise’s program director, starts her interview with Gospel Artist Chris Ford by calling him the “Kirk Franklin of Fort Wayne,” for his musical omnipresence.  He’s been the face and he’s directed the voices for Gospel music in Fort Wayne for years and his reputation kind of proceeds him.  He talked about how people still make reference how he used to hold onto his mom’s dress tail and her hand as she sang in the choir.  His mother was a musical influence as well as the aforementioned Franklin.  “I’m blessed to be a witness of how gospel music has evolved,” Ford said.

The Fort Wayne Ink Spot (FWIS) wrote about director Ford’s reunion concert, last November for the Fort Wayne Youth Ensemble, now in the guise of the Chris Ford and the Power of Praise choir, the “Fort Wayne Youth Ensemble all grown up,” he said, when he described how the group naturally matured. “The Fort Wayne seasoned ensemble.” His Sounds of Redemption choir was birthed out of opportunities from his omnipresence, when you’re called the “Kirk Franklin” of a community.  Speaking of Franklin, Ford (and his choir) has sung with him.

For the second interview in the FWIS’ collaboration with Fort Wayne Rhythm & Praise 90.3 HD2, Strong with It, Ford sat with Moss on the eve of his September 15, 2019 concert (Chris Ford and Sounds of Redemption LIVE), to be held at Abundant Life Church, 3301 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805.  Special guests include Joy Westbrook and LaFrietta Norris.

For the full interview with Ford, hit up the Rhythm & Praise’s website at FWRP.org/On-Demand.