PLACE IN “ABOUT ME” SECTION
Once in a great while, there comes one who overcomes adversity by defying the odds through strength, strong heartedness, and perseverance. Elder Cedric Ford is one such multifaceted person, known internationally as a singer, songwriter and producer, composing billboard chart topping hits. He is also an actor, nominated for best supporting actor, a minister of the gospel and a family man.
Cedric Ford was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, in a neighborhood which had its temptations and challenges, but in his home it was Christ first. He began a successful journey into the world of gospel music at a very young age singing with his family group known as "The Ford Singers. Growing up in his grandfather’s church, Cedric began his ascent into the world of Gospel music. From his early beginning Cedric Ford was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, in a neighborhood which had its temptations and challenges, but in his home it was Christ first. He began a successful journey into the world of gospel music at a very young age singing with his family group known as "The Ford Singers. Growing up in his grandfather’s church, Cedric began his ascent into the world of Gospel music. From his early beginnings it was clear that he was anointed to influence and lead many to Christ through song, with his raspy tenor voice.
At the age of 15, Cedric was appointed to Minister of Music for the Young Adult choir where he served faithfully for Twelve years. Later he was lead to what was then known as New Christian Valley Baptist Church in the South Suburbs of Chicago, where he served as an elder, preacher, teacher and worship leader. New Christian Valley known respectfully as the Valley grew into a largely successful ministry serving members above ten thousand, and is now known as Valley Kingdom Ministries International, under the leadership of the Apostle, H. Daniel Wilson.
Stage/Recording Experience: Cedric's deep gospel roots and soulful sound has allowed him to share the stage and pulpit alongside some of the greatest names in the Gospel Industry today such as; Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, Albertina Walker, Israel Houghton and New Breed, and many more.
Cedric is a featured artist on Shekinah Glory Ministry, Praise Is What I Do, CD, which has been certified gold. Cedric wrote and produced 2 songs on that CD, (Dwell among Us and Reign Jesus) that topped the billboard charts for several weeks. "Dwell Among us" has already been re-recorded and re-released in Brazil on a Brazilian Praise and Worship CD. He has again blessed the gospel music industry with his new song, Awesome & Mighty on Shekinah Glory Ministry’s latest CD, Shekinah Glory Live. This song is a favorite and is gaining heavy radio rotation for its smooth and upbeat sound that is truly a blessing to every listener. Cedric's raspy tenor voice can also be heard as a featured soloist on many live and studio recorded CDs, such as Dorothy Norwoods The Lord Is A Wonder, The GMWA Men’s Live In New Orleans, Visions, A Chorale Ministry, and The Voices of the Valley Surrender, just to name a few. Cedric credits the shaping of his talents musically, to his parents (Elder Collin and Evangelist Emma J. Ford). His musical influences are, Rance Allen, Commission, Stevie Wonder, The Clark Sisters, Donnie Hathaway, and many others.
As a celebrated writer and producer, Cedric Ford has been nominated for the prestigious, 2001 GMWA Excellence Awards, for Best Contemporary Male Artist and Best New Artist for his solo project entitled, Cedric Ford Featuring Visions A Chorale Ministry. Most recently Cedric was blessed to share in the blessing with the Shekinah Glory Ministry as they were nominated for a 2005 Stellar Award for best choir of the year. On the horizons for Cedric is a new project recorded live in Houston Texas entitled "Created 2 Worship" Featuring Cedric Ford and Heart Of Worship.
Theater: While gaining valuable experience singing and preaching in churches, the Lord began to expose and develop another one of Cedric’s talents, the ability to act. It was not long before room for his gift began to see the light of day. He has won many accolades for his performances in live musical plays. Cedric has garnered experience in the world of theater with his first play A Mothers Love featuring gospel artists Daniel Winans and Douglas Miller. Several theater productions followed with the latest being The Fabric of a Man, which was nominated for 13 NAACP Theater Awards, and won 3. Due to his phenomenal acting abilities, Cedric was nominated for best supporting actor from this award winning play written, produced, and directed by David E. Talbert. There is an accompanying soundtrack to this play, turned DVD featuring Cedric Ford, written and produced by Brent Jones. oice to any song or choral arrangement. He is a celebrated writer and producer, and has been nominated for the prestigious, 2001 GMWA Excellence Awards, for Best Contemporary Male Artist and Best New Artist for his solo project entitled, Cedric Ford Featuring Visions A Chorale Ministry. Most recently Cedric was blessed to share in the blessing with the Shekinah Glory Ministry as they were nominated for a 2005 Stellar Award for best choir of the year. On the horizons for Cedric is a new project recorded live in Houston Texas entitled "Created 2 Worship" Featuring Cedric Ford and The Worshipers, (CFW).
Today: Elder Cedric Ford now resides in Houston Texas, with his wife and two children. Not only is Cedric an anointed singer, he is an anointed teacher and preacher of the gospel. He now serves as an Elder at the “Reflections Of Christ Kingdom” affectionately called “The Rock”, under the leadership of the world renowned scholar and pastor Dr. Dana Carson. He is a loving husband, father, mentor, and a friend to the family of Christ.
