OXFORD, MS. – Sandi Patty, one of the most contemporary Christian performers ever, with five Grammy awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, five gold records and 11 million units sold, kicks off the acclaimed Ford Series Thursday (Nov. 15) at the University of Mississippi.
The concert is set for 7 p.m. concert in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $39 to $50 for various seating, available by visiting the UM Box Office in the Student Union or by calling 662-915-7411.
Patty’s one-night-only performance is not to be missed, said Norm Easterbrook, Ford Center director.
“Sandi Patty is known as ‘The Voice’ for a reason – her sound is magical and a true gift,” Easterbrook said.
Sam Haskell, former worldwide head of television at the William Morris Agency, agreed. Haskell and his wife, Mary, are close friends of Patty.
“Mary has always said that Sandi’s voice is a gift from God,” he said. “Sandi Patty has been a special friend to Mary and me for 25 years. I personally represented her during my many years as an executive at the William Morris Agency. Her list of Grammy Awards and Dove Awards heralds a career in Christian music that has rarely been challenged. You will not want to miss this concert.”
With more than 40 Dove Awards, Patty is the most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history. She was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2004 and as an Indiana Living Legend in 2007.
She has released more than 30 albums, including her latest Dove Award-winning album, “The Edge of the Divine” (2010). Her debut full-length symphonic pops album “Broadway Stories,” conducted by Maestro Jack Everly, was released in October 2011.
Patty was introduced to the music world with her rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” during the rededication of the Statue of Liberty in 1986. Her version of the national anthem has become synonymous with patriotic celebration, including performances at “A Capitol Fourth” with the National Symphony, the Indianapolis 500, the Dedication of Camp David Chapel and ABC’s “Fourth of July Special.”
While her 30-year career is heavily rooted in the gospel music industry, Patty has extended her career outside the genre in recent eyars. She has performed with symphonies across the country, including the New York Pops, Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, Dallas Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Houston Symphony and Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Besides her prolific musical career, Patty is also an accomplished author. For the bestseller “Broken on the Back Row,” she received the 2006 Silver Angel Award. Her other titles include “Life in the Blender,” “Falling Forward,” “Layers” and her latest book, “The Edge of the Divine.”