Harold Travis began his career as a youth singer at Lincoln Memorial church in Buffalo, N.Y. But after starting in gospel, he found success while delving into R&B with the group, Variations of Love. He soon found himself on tour with Rick James and later performed with Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston, Ralph Tresvant and The Gap Band.
After years in R&B, Travis decided to return to his gospel roots and recently released the song, “So Perfect.” Travis sat down with rolling out to discuss his return to gospel.
Why was it important to create gospel with an R&B feel?
R&B comes from gospel. It all started from the church. That’s why I put the R&B with the music. It’s about reaching the younger generation. If you have an R&B feel and the groove is there, they’ll listen. A lot of the younger generation won’t listen to traditional gospel. We want to make music that will connect to what they’re going through.
What are some of the new things we can expect from you musically?
The new single is “So Perfect.” The album is finished. We will release the album in the summer. I’ve opened up for Charlie Wilson in Charlotte and I have a few other dates on the tour.
What are your thoughts on R&B music today?
R&B is kind of lost today. Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake are now considered R&B. They get more recognition than many black R&B artists. It’s being taken away from us. But the real R&B feel is lacking. I’m trying to keep the music alive and to give a positive message through gospel.
Travis’ So Perfect is currently #19 on the Synergy1 Top 100 Playlist.
