ST. PETERSBURG – Too Smooth has done it again! Once again he has brought a big name star to the Tampa Bay area. The great Shirley Murdock will be staring in his upcoming play “My Gospel Valentine,” hitting the stage at the Palladium Sun., Feb. 15.
Best known for her R&B hit single, ‘As We Lay,’ R&B turned gospel singer, Shirley Murdock, has had it on her heart to become a gospel singer since her teens. Growing up in a happy but broken home and being one of six children, Murdock said as a child she would mimic musical greats such as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder using a hairbrush as a microphone.
Many R&B songs later, when Bishop T.D. Jakes invited her to sing on one of his CDs, she was easily able to make the transition from R&B to gospel.
‘Jesus is Love,’ Murdock’s collaboration with Ben Tankard and Lionel Richie, is one of the most played songs on Sirius XM Radio Gospel channel for eight years since its initial release.
When watching one of her performances, the audience becomes more of a participant than an on-looker; they are moved into becoming one with the pageantry. Look her up on YouTube.com to check her out and you’ll find it difficult not to be swept in by her high-spiritedness, as she sings from the heart and isn’t afraid to show what she’s made of.
From the Tampa Bay area, Too Smooth, owner of Too Smooth Entertainment, manages gospel singers, comedians and produces stage plays and more. He said he got his name from when he played basketball at Florida Memorial University in Miami and because of the way he dresses.
“St. Pete is our first stop because I’m from this area,” said Too Smooth whose favorite songs by Murdock, “It’s in Your Hands,” and “I Love Me Better,” are on her “Soulfood” album.
“This is a Valentine’s Day show for Christians,” averred Too Smooth. “Who says there’s not anything for Christian’s to do on Valentine’s Day? Well, this is it.”
“My Gospel Valentine” also features Christian comedian Darian HAIR-Larious Perkins, who has performed on BET’s Def Comedy Jam, comedian John X from Clearwater and saxophonist Mama Cobb from Cocoa Beach.
“It’s clean so you can bring the whole family. It’s a Christian comedy,” explained Too Smooth.
The show begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20, $25 and $30. To purchase tickets go to: www.mypalladium.org.
Also, Too Smooth Entertainment will be bringing Bruh-Man, comedian Reginald Ballard from the 90s hit television show “Martin,” to the Palladium April 4.
For additional information, contact Too Smooth at 813-244-7474.
