Jason Bethel
Jason Bethel has the heart of a worshipper. For the songwriter, recording artist and worship leader, music is just a means to move the heart of God and to pull the believer into the presence of the Lord. The leader of the Gospel ensemble, Spoken For, made a Gospel industry debut with his first project, All In, including the critically-acclaimed songs “I Lift My Hands”, “Worthy Of All Myself” and “Just Another Day”. Now the Detroit-bred artist is putting the finishing touches on his sophomore CD, a 2015 release, and has recently dropped the CD’s first single, “You’re God”. A personal and heartfelt song, “You’re God” is the keyboardist and producer’s first national release and positions him as a force to be reckoned with in the Gospel music scene.
Music seemed like an inevitability for Jason. As a youth, he was groomed by his father, a pastor and songwriter. In addition, his uncle played for Parliament Funkadelic. Influenced by noted Detroit musicians Marvin McQuitty, Ester Smith and Michael Mindingall, Jason became his church’s music director at the age of 12 and the church pianist at 14. Gifted with the ability to create songs since the age of 10, he and his father developed the church’s musical repertoire with original songs.
He pursued a degree in music at Tiffin University, majoring in vocal jazz and chorus. With his undeniable love for Gospel music, he was key in forming the school’s first Gospel choir. During his time as a student as a member of the ensemble “Up In The Air”, he was blessed with opportunities to open up for and sing with household names such as Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jennifer Holliday and Take 6. Since graduating, he’s made a name for himself in the world of Gospel music. As a musician and producer, he’s worked with artists such as Gospel great Rance Allen, Sunday Best Winner Tasha Page-Lockhart and his father, Pastor Gregory Bethel. He’s also played behind Gospel superstar Kierra “Kiki” Sheard.
In 2013, Jason formed J. Bethel & Spoken For, a group of gifted and anointed singers who Bethel calls “innovative, energetic and God-driven”. Members Nikki Stephens, Cynthia Stansfield, LaToya Nakima Williams, Zshawntanique V. Starks, and Phillip Pettigrew give Bethel the perfect background to execute his God-breathed songs. All In was the group’s first foray into the world of recording. The project’s singles, released in 2012, caught the attention of some in the industry which set the scene for the upcoming project.
“You’re God”, a lively, up-tempo praise jam, is the lead single from the upcoming release. With a thumping beat and vibrant vocals, the track makes praise contagious. Penned by Bethel, it’s an unforgettable tune, a perfect opener for praise teams on Sunday morning. “‘You’re God’ is about what God means to me,” shares Bethel. “When I think of God, I just don’t think of Him as deity or divinity, I think of Him as father. Whoever and whatever it is that I need Him to be, that’s what He is to me,” says Bethel.
When it comes to music ministry, God has called him to use music as a vehicle to help save souls. An ordained minister and minister of music at Word of Life Christian Center in Detroit, MI, Bethel is very serious about reaching the lost. “There is no demographic that I am aiming for,” says Jason. “I believe God has called me to bring people into the Kingdom. Also, I believe He’s anointed me to give others a platform to use their gifts and talents. But ultimately, it’s about keeping Jesus as a focus in Gospel music. That’s it for me.” Recently, J.BETHEL & SPOKEN FOR has appeared on "Atlanta Live", "CELEBRATE" on TCT Network, "REJOICE" and "The Bobby Jones Showcase" on IMPACT NETWORK hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones and Dr. Merdean Gales!!