Kurt Carr

Kurt Carr is a composer, performer, and worship leader in gospel music, whose work has influenced the sound of contemporary sacred music for more than three decades. After high school, Carr entered the music program at the University of Connecticut, where he studied classical music and earned a fine arts degree. Inspired by albums from gospel artists Walter Hawkins, James Cleveland, and Andraé Crouch, Carr graduated with a deepened appreciation for classical music and was mentored by Richard Smallwood, who encouraged him to incorporate diverse musical styles into his compositions.

Carr’s music blends traditional gospel composition and vocals with elements of R&B, jazz, soul, blues, and urban contemporary gospel harmonies. His career advanced when the Rev. James Cleveland, known as the King of Gospel music, recognized Carr’s talent during the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Within months, Carr relocated to Los Angeles, becoming musical director and traveling internationally with Cleveland until Cleveland’s passing.

Carr later became director of the West Los Angeles Church of God in Christ Choir, collaborating with both gospel and secular artists, including Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Yolanda Adams, and Kirk Franklin. At West Angeles, Carr directed the 300-voice choir weekly. The choir’s "Saints in Praise" albums influenced the approach to Sunday morning music among African American musicians and singers.

As a recording artist, Carr has developed a catalog with his ensemble, The Kurt Carr Singers. After founding his own record label, GospoCentric, Carr led the group through several albums rooted in traditional gospel, including "Serious About It!", "No One Else," and "Awesome Wonder." "No One Else" sold more than 100,000 copies and remained in the top 10 of the Billboard Charts for over a year. Carr’s compositions, such as "The Presence of the Lord Is Here," "For Every Mountain," "I Almost Let Go," "In the Sanctuary," and "God Blocked It," have become modern gospel standards. "For Every Mountain" was recorded by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and earned a Grammy Award. His album "Bless This House" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart. The release "Bless Somebody Else" features a 16-track compilation with gospel and mainstream artists, including Faith Evans, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Erica Campbell, and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Carr’s contributions to gospel music have earned him multiple honors, including 10 Stellar Awards, one GMA Dove Award, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, two Grammy nominations, and the BMI Trailblazer Award. He also received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stellar Awards and holds two honorary doctorate degrees. Carr has performed in venues such as the White House, Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center, Hollywood Bowl, and Carnegie Hall.

In addition to performing, Carr serves as Faculty in Residence in the Department of Music at the University of Arkansas, where he contributes to the study and preservation of Black sacred music traditions and teaches master’s-level courses. Carr is also Creative Director of Worship at The Fountain of Praise in Houston, Texas, leading the mass choir and ministering through music during services and special events.