Catching Up with the Legendary Janet Paschal: A Hallels' Exclusive Interview

Janet Paschal is an inspirational gospel vocalist and writer, often hailed as one of the most soulfully versatile voices in Christian Music. Her 1994 album, Journey of Grace, made a mark, but it was her 1997 album, The Good Road and a book by the same title (authored by Paschal) that put her on the map. Since then, she has released nine more successful albums, garnering numerous awards and Dove and Grammy nominations. She is consistently named one of Christian Music's top female vocalists.

With more than 100 concerts a year, Paschal has performed at such notable venues as Carnegie Hall, The Sydney Opera House, The Grand Ole Opry, and The Kennedy Center. 

In 2005, Paschal was diagnosed with breast cancer and received 11 months of treatment. Following a clean bill of health, Paschal recorded a project of hymns titled, Sounds Like Sunday, which benefits breast cancer research. Her latest releases include a CD titled Treasure and a book titled, Treasures of the Snow.  

We are so honored to catch up with Janet Paschal for this Hallels' exclusive interview:

Hallels:  Thank you so much Janet for your time.  It has been quite a while since your last album "Treasure."  So, what have you been doing since the release of "Treasure" in 2008?
I have been working on my degree - a promise I made myself when I began singing professionally at 18 years old. It is challenging, and time consuming, and thoroughly enjoyable!

Hallels:  I guess the million dollar question fans (including myself) are asking is when can we see a new album hit the shelves?
I will go back in the studio when I write/find songs that I cannot bear to leave unrecorded. 

Hallels:  If you are working on a new album, what direction will the new record take?  Southern Gospel?  Worship?  Covers?
I'll stick with what I have done the thrust of my career: inspirational.

Hallels:  Your last album "Treasure" made history  when your single "Hide Me Sweet Rock of Ages" hit #1 on the August 2009 Singing News Top 80 Chart. You were also the first full-time female soloist to have a No. 1 song on the magazine's charts. Did you expected such a response?
No - I was thrilled and pleasantly surprised.

Hallels:  Are you also planning on getting a new book out too?
I don't have plans for a third book today, but I'm sure there will be one:)

Hallels:  Being someone who loves the Lord through your ministry of music, speaking and writing, what are some truths about God you have learnt recently?
The Lord is reminding me to turn my focus away from what I do, and toward who HE is. It's simple, but easy to miss! 

Hallels:  You are also currently performing concerts all over the country, for our readers who would like to hear you sing or just find out more about you, where can they go?
They can find my concert schedule here:  www.janetpaschal.comI also have a regular column in the Gaither's Homecoming Magazine called 'The Good Road'. 

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