East Polk County is populated with many talented musicians, and Tracy Powell is no exception. She is a quintessential triple threat: A doting wife of 15 years, mother of five children, business-savvy entrepreneur and spiritual leader. But it is Powell's love affair with music that led her to achieve a lifelong goal - the release of her debut album, "Just Jesus," in 2006.
"Music has always been important to me ever since I can remember," recalls Powell, 37, a Bartow resident. "I always wanted to do a CD. My aunt, my grandmother's sister, was a gospel artist (Willie Mae Norman), and she had an album in our house. I would pick it up out of the album slots and always look at it and just think, 'I would love to do that.' "
Music has played an influential role in Powell's life. Its presence during her childhood in Polk County was constant, with music permeating through the walls of her family's home as she and her three siblings listened to a musical range from gospel to Prince.
At age 7, Powell knew she wanted to sing, and her first solo was to Karyn White's "Superwoman" during a talent show. Now, she sings her own songs at concerts statewide.
Powell credits "divine intervention" for providing her with words to write the songs featured on "Just Jesus." Immediately after she woke up on Christmas morning in 2005, Powell put pen to paper and wrote the album's title song. Within 30 minutes, she wrote eight additional songs.
"I heard these songs in my dream," she says. " 'Just Jesus'-I call it my baby. It was the first song I ever recorded."
Powell, who along with her husband, Timothy Powell, is a pastor at All About Jesus International Outreach Ministries Inc. in Winter Haven, has shared the stage with many notable musicians, including Yolanda Adams, Chaka Khan, Javen Campbell, Donnie McClurkin, Shirley Murdock and Vickie Winans. She met these stars through her prior involvement with Without Walls Central Church in Lakeland, where she was a member and singer in the church's choir.
"Before they would perform, I would sing," she says. "These are all people I listened to on the radio and bought their CDs, so that was even more exciting."
Powell says she most admires Cece Winans and Vicki Winans, whom she has met a few times.
"She's so down to earth; she made you feel so welcome," she says. "They're my secret mentors and they don't even know it."
In addition to local exposure, Powell's talent has been broadcast on the Tampa Bay Christian Network, as well as on gospel stations WDCF 1350 AM in Dade City, WWAB 1330 AM in Lakeland and Family Radio 1490 in Winter Haven. She also took part in Dade City's Gospel Jamboree.
Her enjoyment of music extends beyond a personal level as well. About two years ago, Powell and her husband started T&T Entertainment, a company that helps bring exposure to local musicians, including the gospel-rap group D.F.S.B., whose album will be available next year.
"It's about bringing different artists in and seeing their passion for what they love and trying to establish them in the business of music," she says. "My husband and I teach them everything that's been taught to us."
Bartow resident Michael Bonney, 18, is a background singer for Powell. He says she taught him a lot about the recording arts, which he now happens to be studying further at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa.
"To me, she's like my second mom," he says. "She's very inspirational. There are a lot of things I learned from her about life and God himself."
Dorothy Colbert, Powell's best friend and assistant and also a Bartow resident, helps with Powell's business ventures, from booking shows to helping with T&T Entertainment. The two women have known each other for 20 years, and Colbert admits there is a balance to be kept when working alongside a best friend - especially one she considers a mentor.
"She is so real, and she does not judge you," says Colbert, 41, who is also an ordained minister. "I can talk to her and know that anything I say to her will not go any further than her ... I've never had a truer friend."
Presently, Powell is working on her next album, which she expects to be complete by May 2010. The album will feature new songs written by Powell, as well as a newly recorded version of "Just Jesus."
"When I go out and sing that song, I let people know that it's like God and I are talking to one another," she says. "I'm telling him questions and he's answering my questions."
Powell says she has received only praise and support from family, friends and other listeners worldwide who have heard her music, thanks to the accessibility of the Internet.
"I don't want to leave this Earth and have that dream on the inside of me and that gift," she says. "I know where I come from, and I'm humble and I try my best to stay grounded. People didn't give this to me; God put this in me."
Powell's CD, "Just Jesus" can be purchased at Family Christian Stores in Lakeland by calling 863-899-3445 or at www.CDbaby.com.
