phe·nom·e·non; noun. An exceptional, unusual, or abnormal person, thing, or occurrence. Seldom do artists have the luxury of surrounding themselves with virtuoso talent. Fewer still have the technical tools and abilities with which to enhance said talent at their beck and call. Rarest of all are those who respond to the difficult and daunting challenge of harnessing, sculpting, directing and focusing such singularly unique abilities into one precision crafted, finely tuned vessel. These words describe Derrick Horne: Proficient keyboardist, bassist, guitarist; prolific songwriter and astounding lyricist; accomplished arranger and producer; seasoned MIDI programmer and recording engineer; gifted vocalist; musical prodigy who began performing publicly at age 6; learning guitar on his father’s knee; as a teen, routinely honored at university jazz festivals and statewide concert band competitions; at 13, playing on his first recording; at 17, recording with the legendary James Cleveland; at everything he does, phenomenon. When timing, preparation and opportunity intersect, destiny can be apprehended. Darryl Ford, Detroit’s top on-air gospel jock and business manager to Thomas Whitfield, was on tour when he first saw and heard Horne. Immediately struck with Horne’s talent and personality, a friendship and business relationship grew, and soon Horne relocated from his native Texas to Detroit. This move opened the door to touring with Whitfield, Fred Hammond, Commissioned, Witness, Vicki Winans, and others. Whitfield, known as the Maestro, was Horne’s greatest piano influence, as well as his inspiration for playing piano.‘‘ It was a dream come true to work with him’’. Destiny called. Derrick Horne answered. Horne’s passion for excellence fueled his debut release ‘‘Servant’’ and the classic ‘‘This Time it’s Personal’’ , which was followed by his 2004 release ‘‘I Still Believe’’. Each project showcases his many musical gifts. A myriad of influences create his musical tapestry, captured in projects which fuse old and new school pop/r&b with jazz, blues, rock, funk, and classical. His fluid vocal phrasing and delivery draws constant comparisons with DJ Rogers, James Moore, and jazz great Bobby Caldwell. No surprise then that many enjoy his newest release ‘‘Live… My Purpose’’. Slated for 2008 release is ‘‘All Jazzed Up”, his inaugural smooth jazz offering, ‘‘The Healing Flow”, which features healing scriptures set to varying musical movements, “Blessed Encounters”, a hymn collection, and “It Feels Like Christmas” which features a new spin on Holiday favorites. Horne has literally appeared on hundreds of recordings, resulting in six (6) Grammy nominations, numerous Stellar and GMWA Awards, several Dove Award nominations, and two (2) GMWA ‘‘Producer of the Year’’ nominations. Horne has anchored radio favorites in genres ranging from contemporary to traditional and everything between, inclusive of Marvin Sapps’ “Thirsty”, Lakewood Church’s ‘‘You Are Good’’, Rodney Bryant and CCMC’s ‘‘Angels’’, which he wrote and sang, and Doug Miller’s classic ‘‘Lord I Want to be Holy’’, also from DH’s pen. You’ll find him on releases from artists such as Testify, Freda Battle & the Temple Worshippers, The Texas Boyz, Doug Williams, the Drifters, Christian Jazz artist Harold Rayford, Mississippi Mass Choir and others. He recently completed composition/production duties on Donna Richardson-Joyner’s DVD “Sweating In the Spirit 2”. (for more see discography) TV appearances include CBS ‘‘This Morning’’, TBN’s ‘‘Praise The Lord’’, and The Daystar Network. Horne was seen and his arrangements heard weekly in millions of households worldwide on the Lakewood Church TV program, ‘‘Discover The Champion in You’’. He served as Band Director/Worship Leader for the 30,000 member Houston based church. Derrick was formerly Worship & Arts Pastor/Worship Leader for Covenant Church of New Orleans, which is the local outreach of Jesse Duplantis Ministries. His worship songs have become standards at many ministries worldwide, and are heard on many popular telecasts including ‘‘Celebration’’, which airs on the Daystar Network. He also continues to host and be featured on his own television music specials. Many of his compositions have been solicited for film and TV by BET, the Chicago Housing Authority and others. This is due to his uncanny ability to craft custom jingles and theme music for commercial and industrial use. Horne currently has several compositions/productions running on national media, including openings for Deeper Life Ministries, Church of Champions, Woodlands Christian Center and others. His reaches far beyond the boundaries of gospel music, having toured and recorded with today’s top Alternative/Adult Contemporary artists and worship leaders such as Judy Jacobs, Martha Munnizzi, Marvin Sapp, Shane & Shane, Israel Houghton, Chris Tomlin, Caleb Carruth, Ross King, Jamie Smith, and Joel Engle. A longtime champion of independent music, he established Yokebreaker Productions, which houses record label & production operations, pro A/V consulting, educational and media services. Horne consistently proves to be one of the few worship leader/psalmists with the ability to cross multiple music genres and generations while retaining startling authenticity at each one. The massive number and variety of recordings he has contributed to is evidence of this fact. Some attribute this to his over 30 years of study and application in the music world. Others, once experiencing his ministry, understand immediately his passion for worship, music, and life in general. Of all this, Horne says, ‘‘I‘m all about impacting and encouraging music lovers with the Gospel. Somebody out there has yet to feel the power and authenticity of this Christian message. My mission is to bring that message to them in a way that’s current & relevant and yet convicting.” Experience the Phenomenon. www.derrickhorne.com or www.myspace.com/yokebreaker For booking/scheduling information call (713) 979-6033 or e-mail: booking@derrickhorne.com