Regina Belle
Get ready to take the gospel music experience to a whole new world when renowned pop, R&B and jazz singer-songwriter Regina Belle graces the stage for our inaugural sailing of The Gospel Music Cruise. No newcomer to the entertainment industry, Regina has devoted the last several years of her illustrious career to gospel music and currently serves as Minister of Music and First Lady of New Shield of Faith Ministries in Atlanta and Spread The Word in College Park, Georgia. The powerful vocalist lays claim to four Grammy® Awards along with hits like “Make It Like It Was,” “If I Could” and “Dream In Color.” “A Whole New World,” her chart-topping duet with Peabo Bryson for the Disney film, Aladdin, won a Grammy® for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal as well as the Academy Award for Best Song in 1993. But Regina got her start singing solos in church at the age of 8, and the last two of her nine albums represent a return to her gospel roots. With her latest release, “HIGHER,” she hopes to bring people into the presence of God, aiming for her songs to transport them to that special place.
Kirk Whalum
Legendary jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum will keep the harmonies flowing and the rhythms in check as event host on The Gospel Music Cruise 2016. The son of a Baptist preacher and himself an ordained minister, Kirk’s right at home in the gospel music industry but also has earned a stellar reputation for his work in pop, R&B and smooth jazz. In the studio, he’s collaborated with Artists including Take 6, Al Jarreau, Quincy Jones and, perhaps most memorable for both him and his listeners, with Whitney Houston on the sax solo for her rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” With more than 25 solo albums including the acclaimed Gospel According to Jazz series, two Stellar Awards, 11 Grammy® nominations and one Grammy® Award, Kirk’s made a name for himself as a preeminent entertainer with mass appeal and massive skill.
Alonzo Bodden
Season 3 winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Alonzo Bodden keeps the boat rolling – in laughter, rest assured – as comedian-in-residence for The Gospel Music Cruise 2016. With a resumé that includes numerous appearances on the late-night circuit (The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien Show, The Late Show with Craig Kilborn, The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show, and Comedy Central among others), television hosting gigs, voice-over roles and film credits, Alonzo entertains an audience masterfully. His talent has earned him international acclaim and presented the New York native with opportunities to perform in Canada, Ireland, Australia and the U.K., along with stops in Iraq and other places around the world where U.S. troops are stationed.
A Personal Invitation from Regina Belle for The Gospel Music Cruise