Louder Than The Music

For over 140 years, First Baptist Church South Inglewood (FBSI) has been a bedrock of worship in the heart of East Nashville, Tennessee. Formerly known as First Baptist Church Rock City founded by Reverend A.W. Wilson, their vision was to provide a spirit-filled place of worship focused on meeting the needs of the community. Now under the leadership of senior pastor Dr. J. Lamar Williams, FBSI has seen exponential growth over the years and has a music ministry that has evolved with their first live recording and national music release.

FBSI South Inglewood Mass Choir hosted their MIDNIGHT CLEAR live Christmas recording under the direction of Everett Drake, Minister of Music at FBSI. Drake spent thirty-five seasons as a singer with BET's Bobby Jones Gospel. He is affectionately known as "Mr. Amen Goes Right There," which stems from his hit song "Amen Goes Right There." Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones recently collaborated to remix and record his iconic song which landed at #1 on Christian iTunes singles chart and garnered the trio a 2024 Stellar Award Nomination for Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year.

"God has blessed me tremendously, and I believe that we haven't learned anything until we can share it with someone else," Drake says. "I am grateful for the privilege to share music and serve the music ministry of FBSI and our Church family!"

From their Christmas recording, South Inglewood Mass Choir will release their debut single "Jesus Emmanuel" on Friday, November 29, with preorders available now! The single is written and produced by GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning and nominated musician and vocalist Nathan Young.

"I am so honored and blessed to be a part of the amazing project," says Young. "This production was truly a miracle of miracles. God has a way of stretching and growing you for His greater purpose. Being part of this project is one of those testimonies."

"Jesus Emmanuel" is an original song brilliantly crafted to be the quintessential church praise song of the season! FBSI will mark their joyful holiday single release and limited release of their MIDNIGHT CLEAR album with a celebration concert on Saturday, November 30 at 5pm. The event is free to the public and will take place at FBSI, 1515 Ann Street, Nashville, TN.

“As the pastor of First Baptist Church South Inglewood, I am so very proud of our music ministry, and the hard work they’ve put into creating this compilation of Christmas music," states Dr. J. Lamar Williams. "This project has been a labor of love that fully displays the creative talents of our musical staff and choir members. I am certain it will surely become a classic for the Yuletide season.”

The FBSI music ministry and production team pray that as you listen in celebration of the Lord's birth and the holiday season, "Jesus Emmanuel" will bring peace on earth and goodwill to you!