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Charles Joseph Montrel Darrett, Born in evansville Indiana the second son of Richard and Helen Darrett, singers and musicians in thier own right. Known to the world as Montrel Darrett he begain singing at the early age of 4 years old. Montrel began playing three different instruments at the tender age of 5, he studied under his father Richard Darrett and uncle Tony Darrett who learned from his father Jim Darrett to play percussions early in life. It is safe to say Montrel was destined to be a great singer, songwriter, producer as well as artist. Montrel traveled the country with his 5 siblings early on wining several awards as well as hearts of people every where. He displayed exceptional range throught his teenage years and into his early man hood years. This was very rare to see a guy so muscular and with the built of a professional football player belt those type of notes out, not falseto pure chest and head voice, he was so gifted. Montrel spent 4 years in the United States Navy where he was in the Persian Gulf War and recieved medals for his service and valor as a serviceman to our country. Montrel left the service still having to complete four years inactive service to complete and eight year commitment to his country. He struggled figuring out his place in society after the service to his country so he decided to go back to school. Montrel attended an all white private college named Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville Tn. where he studied Bible Theolgy as well as majored in music theory. Montrel took private piano and voice 1 abling him to what most say perfect his craft. Dr Whaley says he was a genious in a lot of ways, his gift was so natural he learned piano seemingly overnight it came so easy for him, I knew he was a gift to Freewill and the rest of the School knew it. Montrel went on from there to perform with Dr Bobby Jones being labeled by many the next big thing. Forsaking a solo career he decided to exept an offer from John P. Kee to go on the road professionally where he recorded on the Gold record Show Up a song called Be Encouraged. His name spread like wildfire through the industry secular as well as Gospel causing people to wonder what his next move would be this would soon be known. Commission in search of a new lead singer after Fred Hammond left the group saw Montrel sing at a gospel workshop where his range astonished Mr. Marvin Sapp and there the new lead singer of Commissioned was born and he did not dissapoint. Montrel Recorded the Irreplaceble Love record with Commissioned and the project proved that Montrel was the truth. The CD won several awards as well as launched Commision to a whole new audiance. Montrel wrote a large portion of the record with Mitchell Jones and Boys To Men Showing another side of his brillance including the hit single (Untill My Change Comes) putting Commissioned at the top of the charts. Montrel still feeling that he was not reaching his full potential left Commissioned in 1997 after touring with them 3 and a half years decided to go solo where he and Ken Pennel lauched a very succesfull solo career at EMI Gospel crowning him the soul inovator of Gospel music being compared to greats such as Marvin Gay, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook and more modern soul crooners like D-Angelo, Prince and even Missy Elliot and Lauryn Hill. He has redefined himself with his latest project titled (Set The Stage) this is some fine work of art I tell you it will be avalible mid April get ready. Montrel has won several awards, Stellars and others. He has a gold and platinum Plaque from his single Oh What A freind and The song Free where he showed another side of himself the more pop alternitive side, somewhat folk as well. This guy is so definite we love him and his muse. He also won a Juno Award which is equivalent to an American Grammy Award for the work he did on the Sharron Riley project where he wrote the titlled song (Life Is) nominated for other Awards like Dove awards and A few GMA nods as well Montrel will be one of the great legacys of his generation no doubt. He is one of the greatest vocalist of this musical era and Set The Stage project will seperate him from just another Gospel singer. |
