Spirit 'N' Truth

An audience member should expect to first be inspired by the music and lyrics. The testimony of this group is most times overwhelming to the audience.

Both the client and the audience should expect a professionally laid out sound and performance.


2013
Spirit ‘N’ Truth is a Gospel ministry comprised of seven men who were formerly incarcerated—at the same institution, at the same time. By the Grace of God all of them are now free! The ministry was formed in the summer of 1993 by Reginald D. Richardson, who- after singing secular music for most of his life- was moved by the Spirit of the living God to turn his talents to the ministry of gospel. He approached three of his long time friends, the Late Herbert Hinton, Raymond Towler and the Late John E. Todd, and asked them to join in his vision. They had all met in 1985, at the beginning of their incarceration. Without hesitation, all the men committed themselves to the ministry. With two of the strongest vocalists in Grafton Correctional and the most prolific keyboardist, guitarist, bassist and drummer in the newly formed group, they knew that they would need another musician and a couple of vocalists. So, they approached Antonio Jackson, a young 20- year old with little use for gospel music in his life, but who had the talent to be a very good drummer; John B. Wright Jr., who came with a gospel background, and had the ability to arrange music; and Timothy J. Page, another strong vocalist in GCI who expressed an interest in singing gospel music.
The major criteria for becoming a member of the group was, and still is, that the person must truly love Jesus Christ, accept Him as their personal Savior and must live and walk according to the precepts of God’s word. All of the initial members had no problem giving their lives and talent back to the Lord and did so one right after the other.
After their first rehearsal, they realized that they had something powerful that could minister to fellow inmates, staff and volunteers, and they set out to learn as many songs as they could. With only 2 hours of rehearsal time allotted to them each week, they would sometimes learn 5-6 songs!
Soon, the other inmates began to take notice of the newly formed gospel ministry and began to lend their support by asking for them to minister at the many functions that were held throughout the year in GCI. They received constant offers to perform during Kwanza festivities, Black History Month, Talent Shows, Latin History Month, Christmas, Easter and various religious services throughout the year. Without hesitation they would lend their talents wherever needed. As they continued their Christian walk the Holy Spirit inspired them to continue to use their gifts and talents to His glory. Thus Spirit ‘N’ Truth was mandated into a true ministry for the Lord.

Several years after the inception of Spirit ‘N’ Truth, an opportunity came for the group to be allowed to professionally record their material, sell the tape to the inmate population and use the proceeds to donate to worthy causes in Lorain and other surrounding areas. The recording was written and co-written by Reginald D. Richardson, John B. Wright Jr. and Herbert Hinton and sold several thousand copies.
Unfortunately, both Herbert Hinton and John E. Todd passed away before they could see the ministry that they worked so hard in start to spread its way into society. Ironically, John would be released and would sing at Herbert’s funeral. Several years later, Reggie was released and was there to sing at John’s funeral.
Shortly thereafter, Michael Milbert and Rodney Smith both joined the group. Not long thereafter, they began to minister at local churches, fulfilling promises made to volunteer members who had come inside of the institution and encouraged them. Within one year, they had performed over 20 live concerts.
In May of 2010, Raymond Towler was finally exonerated through The Innocence Project. ((link hidden), (link hidden),)(link hidden). Reggie met him on the day of his release and they agreed to meet and discuss Raymond’s involvement in Spirit ‘N’ Truth. Within weeks they were rehearsing and ministering around the State of Ohio. The long-awaited release from bondage for the former inmates did not deter them from responding to the call that God placed on their lives for this musical ministry.
These men, along with Sarah have completely dedicated their lives and musical talent to the service of the Lord.

Since its inception Spirit N’ Truth has ministered to thousands. Their styles range from traditional to contemporary gospel and are comprised of some of the finest musicians and vocalists in the Greater Cleveland area. It is often said that their ministry is a “Gospel Stress Buster”! They were the first group to have been offered a professional recording and television contract while incarcerated, and remained in constant demand to minister to the general population, institutional staff, and visitors. They have performed in over 45 concerts in the past year.

As Spirit N’ Truth forges along the path that God has laid before them they continue to be a blessing to all who are fortunate enough to witness their extraordinary talents and testimonies. So feel free to clap your hands, lift your voices, or put on yo’ shoutin’ shoes and join them as they worship the Lord with song, praise, and testimony “In Spirit ‘N’ Truth”! Hallelujah!
Reginald D. Richardson, an ordained and licensed minister is the founder and one of the lead singers of the group. His 3 octave vocal range helps to give the group their unique sound.
Raymond Towler serves as Bass Guitarist, Lead guitarist, Keyboardist, Drummer or Trumpeter. His contribution to the ministry is instantly recognizable and unmatched. His jazz influence gives the group a distinctive sound.
Michael Milbert is one of the 2nd tenor vocalists of the group. His ability to work a traditional song and a congregation is truly anointed.
Elder Antonio Jackson is an ordained Elder and serves as the drummer of the group. When he plays, he seems to be playing in front of God Himself!
Rodney Smith serves as the background vocalist and backup drummer for the group. His presence on the drums is unmistakable.
Art Teague is one of the lead vocalist of the group who also plays guitar and is a songwriter. He first began singing with the group in 2004 and his anointing can be heard throughout the groups repertoire and certainly adds to the overall sound of the ministry.
The group is also joined by keyboardist, Michael “Keys” Hawthorne who although is only half the age of the youngest member of the group, plays with the blessing of God as if he’s been playing since keyboards were created!

The Christian Post
(link hidden)

The Cleveland Plain Dealer—(Copy link to browser)
(link hidden) the praises of god (link hidden)ml

The only rider would be to have refreshments made available to the group and complimentary tickets. The staging would be to accommodate four (4) vocalist and four (4) musician's with a professional sound system. We would furnish our own instruments.