We recently connected with Brandon Gaines and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brandon, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
I didn’t grow up in a wealthy household and there were times I remember growing up in the country of NC and having to take the rain water from two large blue containers, boil it and wash up before school in the morning because our well had run dry. I remember times when we didn’t have and people would literally bless my family with food and clothes. I didn’t mind that they were hand-me-downs. I was just happy to have something I considered new. I’ve learned that giving is better than receiving and when you give it comes back to you. I live that principle and can testify of its truth. I know what it feels like to not have, therefore I can put myself in other’s shoes who may be less fortunate. It brings me happiness to be able to be generous in my giving. I’ve learned what sacrifice is and I’ve never not seen God’s blessings when we give from our hearts. I started the I Live to Give Foundation years ago and would partner the Salvation Army every Christmas to put on a concert and toy drive for those who matriculated through that program.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a singer, mainly gospel but am expanding to Broadway soon. I recently played the role of Mister in The Color Purple and in 2021, had my first live recording of my project, Brandon Gaines-At The Right Time. It’s a gospel album with songwriter such s David Frazier and Jason Clayborn. I’ve also written a few songs on there which will introduce me as a new songwriter. We are looking. To release in 2025. Given the album’s title, I am literally living through some things in order for me to minister it effectively when the time comes. I can’t count how many times we’ve put the album release off. I am also a background and recording vocalist for Pastor Donnie McClurkin whom I’ve toured with since 2014 after my appearance on BET Sunday Best as a top 20 contestant. I’ve also had the privilege to tour with John P. Lee and Fred Hammond. Most recently, I did the Legends of Gospel Tour as the vocal director for the tour with Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker and Bishop Marvin Sapp.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
•I’ve learned perseverance. I auditioned for Sunday Best 5 times over a span of 3 seasons (3, 5, and 7) until I made the show. You never know what you’ll succeed at if you give up and you’ll appreciate yourself even more for pushing through barriers and fears.
•I’ve always learned to sing like it’s my last time. Tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone, and I want to leave a lasting impact.
•Take the negative and make it positive. I lost Sunday Best and ended up touring and becoming a lasting background vocalist for Pastor Donnie McClurkin a month after being sent home from the show. I, at one point, was called the weakest link and even though it made me tear up in those moments, it pushed me to be better so I would never feel those feelings again. I studied my craft more and I learned from every experience. As they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
I have learned to make moves that are best for me. That has included stepping away from things that I feel don’t serve the direction of my life. Making hard decisions create room for growth. It helps you see your strengths and also uncover weaknesses. I have always been a “yes” man and always tried to be perfect and please everyone until I lost my identity trying to wear the identity everyone else expected or placed on me. So I’ve learned to say no and be ok with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.IAmBrandonGaines.com
- Instagram: IAmBrandonGaines
- Facebook: Brandon Gaines Music
- Twitter: MrAGSound
- Youtube: BAGThat TV
