Not too long ago, this young man dreamt of stopping wide receivers in the NFL, but a high school injury ended his professional hopes. In just a short span, this jock turned gospel musician has been turning heads. From his early days as a member in the Florida A & M University (FAMU) gospel choir, Troy Sneed has been mentored by some recognizable gospel greats.
The FAMU gospel choir advisor, the late Prince J.D. Olds, recognizing Troy’s leadership qualities and musical gifting, offered him the position of Minister of Music. During this season of growth, he worked and traveled with such renowned gospel music artist as James Moore, Twinkie Clark, LaShun Pace, Dorothy Norwood, Bruce Allen, Ben Tankard and the late James Cleveland.
Upon graduating from FAMU, Troy worked as an educator at Jacksonville Beach Elementary School. But then, another door was quickly opened for him. Pastor Milton Biggham, Executive Director of Savoy Records, offered Troy the position of Georgia Mass Choir’s Assistant Minister of Music. In the past eight years, he’s traveled with the award-winning choir throughout the U.S. and abroad. Troy appeared with the choir in the acclaimed movie “The Preacher’s Wife”, starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.
Last fall, Troy recorded live with the Georgia Mass Choir as well as the ‘Youth For Christ’ choir. This 400 member mass youth choir is under the direction of Troy, who dually serves as producer and musical director. Troy currently serves as Minister of Music at the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida under the pastorate of Leofric W. Thomas, Sr.
Saturday, February 20, 1999, 7:00 p.m. marked a new course for Troy Sneed, with the debut of the Savoy recording artist’s album entitled, “Call Jesus”, with a free concert at Emanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 2407 Division Street, Jacksonville, Florida. This musically diverse album was recorded in Lee Hall Auditorium at Florida A & M University. Even though the event was well attended, the appeal and power of “Call Jesus” does not solely rest in the roster, special appearances or the unmatched musical instrumentation. It lies in its overall efforts to merge generations together. Whether through the restructuring of the classic hits, “He’s Sweet I Know,” “This Old Building,” (recorded along with the Georgia Mass Choir) and “Walk Around Heaven”, or in the modern age edge of “More Than This World To Me”, or in the praise and worship centered pieces of “Reverence To Thy Name” and “Come to Christ”, everyone will find at least one selection that will minister to them and attract their attention. In addition to featuring the soul-stirring vocal renderings of the much talked about FAMU Gospel Choir, “Call Jesus” also brings to the table the incomparable instrumentation handling of Stellar award winning artist, Bruce Allen of CGI’s Allen & Allen.
The 30-year old Sneed felt an enormous need to stay true to his traditional roots in presenting this album. As a member of a somewhat younger generation of the gospel music industry, Troy did not attempt to appease a younger audience. He simply tried to give everyone something they could enjoy and allow the world to take further notice of what Florida has to offer, particularly from young people in gospel music. According to Pastor Biggham, “We are absolutely sure that the musical offering contained in this project will make the name Troy Sneed synonymous with gospel music. It’s Powerful!!
Visit Troy Sneed’s Myspace page at: www.myspace.com/troysneed
