Check out The Kitchen Sink for an awesome web-exclusive performance by DeWayne Woods, multiple 2008 Stellar Award winner!

by Jenny Bennett

Take me back to the early days when you were singing with The New Life Community Choir. How did that land you where you are today?

That was really my launch into the music industry. John P. Kee and New Life were already a big name; John heard me sing in a production of A Good Man is Hard to Find, and he asked me to come to North Carolina to join the group. I was there for two years when Donald Lawrence brought me into the Tri-City Singers. Donald has really trained me and allowed me to continue to sing as a choir member,and then also helpedme develop a solo career.

Health-wise you are a living, walking miracle. Why do you think God chose to heal you?

I really can't say why. I think that He trusted me to be a mouthpiece, not only about the fact that I was completely healed, but also before I was healed, just about having it [HIV]. He allowed me to give hope to a lot of people out there, and trusted me to spread the news that He is still a healer, all-powerful and all-knowing. We can never really know why these things happen.

For you so far, what has been the highlight of your musical career?

Appearing on The Kitchen Sink on Gospel Music Channel! The level of excellence here and the production is amazing, so truthfully this is the highlight. I am also nominated for five Stellar awards this year. I don't even know in what categories* because I'm so nervous that I just want to try to enjoy it, but I'm really excited for this weekend in Nashville.

If you were not a musician, what would you be?

Probably a veterinarian. I love animals and could watch Animal Planet all day. I have a teacup Yorkshire terrier named Bailey (she's with me here today on the set), a Great Dane named Brock, and three miniature Schnauzers, Cartier, Satin and Munchkin.

What's your next big project?

We're doing the second leg of the DeWayne Woods tour (called Hope Nation) all over the U.S., and I'm bringing in some friends with me this time – Tarshá McMillan and Myron Butler. I'm also working on the second record which should be released some time during fourth quarter '08.

Thanks so much!

You're welcome. Don't forget to visit my MySpace page. My Kitchen Sink promo is up!

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dewaynewoods.com

* 2008 Stellars: Male Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Urban Inspirational Performance of the Year (Let Go), Song of the Year (P.J. Morton, Let Go), CD Packaging [Sean M. Kinney (art direction); Ronald Cadiz (photography); Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet; Quiet Water/ Verity/ Zomba].

Watch Gospel Music Channel for our Gospel Insiders covering the Stellars and check with Gospel Music Channel.com for more coverage.