 |
By Eileen Soler |
Dec 20, 2003: Nine-year-old gospel singer Travis Finlay of Miramar needed no introduction on a recent Saturday when he performed at Christway Baptist Church in Miramar.
But the little warbler with a giant's voice received a nearly 15-minute introduction anyway before his performance, followed by fanfare and ardent applause from members of the church where he has worshipped and sung since he was a toddler.
''Travis couldn't talk yet and could barely roll over when I found out he could sing,'' said his mother and manager, Wendy Finlay.
That was at 15 months old. At age 2, Travis performed in his first Christway concert, his mother said, and at 3 he was the youngest member of the church's youth choir. In May, the Sea Castle Elementary School fourth-grader debuted his first album, Jesus = Love, which, Travis revealed, is ``selling like hotcakes.''
Wendy Finlay said the album was produced on a directive from God. Donations helped, from church members, family, friends and, when word spread further, money came from members of the gospel music recording industry itself, including Jamaican gospel superstar Claudelle Clarke.
'I had no money, but the Lord said to me, `This is My project. I will get you the money,' '' Wendy Finlay said. ``And here we are. Travis has no musical training. He just sings. It is a gift.''
Clarke, who was the Caribbean Gospel Music Awards Top Gospel Female Singer in 2001, made a special appearance at the concert to promote not only Travis' album but also the message revealed in each song. Gospel trio Joy and the CBC Youth Choir also performed.
The Rev. Wesley Green, the pastor of Christway Baptist Church, called Travis ''a tremendous young man'' whose Christian conviction and courage comes through loud and clear in church and school. Green said Travis is an inspiration to other children and the church community.
Travis, who said his work is a music ministry, is not interested in secular entertainment. He once auditioned to sing at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. Travis believes he was not picked because he sang a gospel song.
''I was disappointed, but I won't stop singing gospel. Maybe they weren't ready for me,'' Travis said.
Others are ready. Radio stations are playing cuts from Jesus = Love and the album is selling at eight Broward locations and worldwide on the Internet, Wendy Finlay said.
The album is available at Strictly the Best record store, 6031 Miramar Pkwy., and Daniel's Bible Book Store, 5945 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd. You can listen to the album and buy it at www.cdbaby.com/travis finlay
Reprinted from the Miami Herald