Award-winning gospel singer and songwriter Stephen B. Steward is touring the East Coast singing God’s praises. His lead single, “With My Whole Heart,” is touted as a soul-stirring collaboration with Grammy Award-winning gospel legend Andre Crouch.
It’s a hit on the Billboard Top Gospel Singles Chart and has helped him nab three 2013 Prayze Factor People’s Choice awards.
Even though he’s promoting his debut album, Steward is no stranger to the gospel music genre. He’s also a recognized producer.
Read what he has to say about his inspiration and mentors, and find out more about his 10-city East Coast tour.
When did you learn you had the gift of song? It was the year 1987, when I really understood that songwriting was a gift from God. One day I was struggling with my own thoughts to write and in the midst of my struggle I said, “God, if the gift of song is within me, let it flow out of me like living water.” Thereafter, writing became spontaneous and instantaneous in some situations.
Why did you choose gospel?
Gospel was the first genre of music that I was introduced to as a child. I really didn’t have a choice coming up in the Steward household, so I guess you can say gospel chose me. I learned that there’s an intimacy in God’s word whether spoken in song or a sermon that speaks even to the heart of a child. Gospel has always been my first love of music so I have to stay loyal to what I fell in love with as a child.
Who is your inspiration?
Well, this may sound old fashioned, but Jesus is my inspiration to write, compose and to sing. He has first place in all I do. My father inspired me to sing as I watched him sing and play music growing up. Regarding a musical inspiration, hands down, my mentor and friend, Andrae Crouch. I ate, slept and lived Andrae’s music growing up in Mississippi. His music was moving, powerful, bold and encouraging. I listened to and studied everything he wrote and still admire his gift to this day!
If you could sing on stage with any singer, who would it be and what would you sing?
That’s a tough one! But at the moment, I would have to say Israel Houghton and the song would be, “If Not For Grace.” How cool would that be?
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