Kelontae Gavin

Discovered as a high-school student via social media, Kelontae Gavin is a hit-making contemporary gospel singer and worship leader who broke into the mainstream with 2018's "No Ordinary Worship," which appeared on his debut album, The Higher Experience. Gavin continued to be a steady presence on the gospel charts with subsequent efforts The N.O.W. Experience (2021) and Testify (2023). The energetic contemporary gospel vocalist from Ridgeville, South Carolina unwittingly launched his career with a performance of Rev. Paul Jones' "I Won't Complain." Recorded in his high school cafeteria in 2014 and uploaded to YouTube, the interpretation caught the attention of Atlanta-based pastor and music executive Marquis Boone. Gavin signed with Marquis Boone Enterprises in early 2016 and, through Boone's affiliation with the long-running Tyscot label, released his debut single, "Higher," that November. The song was written by his mother, Priscilla Smalls, and produced by Grammy winner Myron Butler. Around that time, Gavin made his nationally televised debut on BET's Joyful Noise. In 2018, he returned with his full-length debut, The Higher Experience, which peaked at number two on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums chart. Included on the album was the single "No Ordinary Worship," which reached number four on the Hot Gospel Songs chart. Gavin's sophomore effort, The N.O.W. Experience, appeared in 2021 and included the chart-topping "Hold Me Close" and guest spots from Isaiah Templeton and rapper Aaron Cole. Two years later, he returned with Testify, an uplifting 15-song set featuring contributions from Jekalyn Carr, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Marquis Boone, Amber Smith, Pastor Kendall McDowell, and Priscilla Smalls. The LP included the gospel radio hits "Take Rest" and "Live Again." ~ Andy Kellman