Spensha Baker Set for Spectacular Debut Release

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It seems that whenever 15-year-old Geffen Records gospel artist Spensha Baker sings, she commands cross-genre attention with her fresh inspirational sound. Baker's memorable performances, in front of audiences ranging from churches to the White House to a Hollywood star-studded event and our U.S. Troops, have helped to generate a buzz for her highly anticipated debut release, Outloud!, in stores on August 5, 2008.

Youthful, worshipful and danceable, the 12-track OUTLOUD! is a natural musical extension of Spensha Baker, and contains a mix of musical styles with universal messages of faith, hope and love. Spensha says, "Since OUTLOUD! is my first album, we've got pop and R&B beats, traditional gospel, Praise and Worship and Contemporary Christian sounds."

OUTLOUD! was produced by a number of the music industry's most talented craftsmen, including Warryn Campbell (Kanye West, Mary Mary), Shep Crawford (Whitney Houston, Heather Headley), Eric Dawkins (Fantasia, BeBe Winans), Tim Miner (Steve Perry, DeLeon Richards) and Jazz Nixon (Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Darius Rucker). Arranger Mervyn Warren (Quincy Jones, Barbara Streisand, Vickie Winans, and Michael Buble) lent his skills to Spensha's debut.

The first single and video, "Hallelujah" (a scintillating cover of the Clark Sisters' classic), finds Baker heralding "the good news" with an anointed voice and style that cannot be denied. Other stand-outs include the uplifting title track, the urban inspirational "Love Somebody, " soul-stirring ballads "Hold On, " "Teach Me" and "Purpose" (co-written by Baker and her mother Marcy Baker) and a praise-and-worship tune "Strong Tower."

Spensha Baker's musical dream began when Geffen/Interscope Records Chairman, Ron Fair witnessed her incredible vocal talent firsthand, when Baker was a 12-year-old finalist on American Idol precursor Star Search, on which he was a judge. So impressed was Fair that he signed Baker to the record label as its first - and only - gospel recording artist.

Since signing, Baker has performed across the country at major special events, such as the "Chrysalis 7th Annual Butterfly Ball, " a major Hollywood charity event that consistently draws a "Who's Who" of film, television and music celebrities; "Grammy Jams-Tribute to Stevie Wonder" concert; and a "Salute to Gospel" performance at the White House in front of President George W. Bush. Baker also performed for over 4000 U.S. troops and their families at Fort Hoods' America Salute to the Troops, alongside other gospel luminaries such as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary.

Baker's TV appearances and performances include the 2008 Stellar Gospel Music Awards (gospel's Grammy equivalent), BET's Bobby Jones Gospel, the internationally televised Trinity Broadcasting Network's Praise the Lord, Word Network and Gospel Music Channel. She has been featured in national print such as Billboard and Urban Network, teen magazines Seventeen and Right On! Look for Spensha Baker to be spotlighted in Ebony, Gospel Today, and Precious Times, along with numerous Internet sites that include AOL Black Voices, EUR Gospel, Gospelcity.com, TheBellReport.com and blackgospelpromo.com.

Beautiful, confident, mature and wise beyond her years, Spensha Baker is a young lady who is dedicated to living her life's purpose OUTLOUD!

The Buzz on Spensha Baker:

"This young lady is very talented. Her remake of "Hallelujah" is incredible! I know the CD is going to do well."
- Dorinda Clark-Cole - The Clark Sisters

"Spensha is an incredible new, young talent, and I pray that the message she sings about will reach the next generation."
- CeCe Winans

"Spensha Baker brings a refreshing sound to gospel music with so much power and presence. She's a star with a very bright future."
- Matt Anderson, Program Director, WPRS-FM Praise 104.1/Washington, DC

"Spensha Baker is a spectacularly talented young lady who sings from the heart...You cannot help but smile when you hear "Hallelujah!"...Spensha is truly a role model for aspiring gospel artists and youths alike."
- Belinda Baxter, Program Director WJNI Charleston, SC

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