is an urban psalmist. Born into a musical and talented family
Dana says she knew early on that her destiny was as a songwriter.
“There has been a clear anointing on my life”,
she says. Her musical studies began on the clarinet but an
ear for music led Dana to the piano, which she still uses
to write her songs. “I hear the melodies first”,
she says, “then the story begins”. Dana Divine
has been telling her stories through song for over twenty
five years. Rooted in Gospel music, her musical pursuit began
by traveling to churches alongside her mother, a piano player.
Ms. Divine’s early years were spent in Chicago, and
her teenage years in Los Angeles.
Dana Divine describes her youth as a “string of dance
schools, performing arts academies, and performances”.
She’s done jingles, sung in numerous choirs, choruses
and groups, and has even worked writing and performing singing
telegrams. Dana Divine learned quickly how important it was
to understand the business side of the industry and rounded
out her skill set with a B.A. in marketing, and a M.A. in
media communications. Additionally she studied in London as
an exchange student.
Everything kept falling into place. She landed her first
professional assignment at eighteen, in the U.K., where her
music is still well received. After returning from overseas
Dana had a chance meeting with James Ingram that changed her
perspective, and has been recording music ever since. With
over 14 single releases (a self-described “singles release
Queen”), Dana has worked with today’s hottest
artists including; R. Kelly, Will Smith, Billy Ocean, and
some of Chicago’s finest producers; including Hula,
Mark Pichiotti, Frank Orrall and 2004 Grammy winner Maurice
Joshua, who produced “Sweet 2 My Soul” on Dana’s
current project.
Dana’s entertainment background extends beyond music.
For five years she hosted and produced S.T.A.G.E! (Stand Tall
And Get Excited!). This televised celebration of performing
arts for children, produced by the Chicago Public Schools
is recognized as one of Chicago’s most popular cable
television shows and lauded Dana recognition for excellence
in television programming. Dana’s youth appeal opened
additional hosting opportunities including “Who Wants
to Win a Scholarship”, and other local events.
Dana Divine’s love for music has turned into her ministry.
Her stint in dance music has definitely influenced her Gospel
style. “Like Jesus, music should minister in a way that
people understand and can relate to it. Jesus spoke in parables
and David danced.”
Dana explains her love of contemporary music in the following
way: “God continues to speak to all people today. He
is speaking to them in contemporary terms. The methods that
He uses may be Holy hip-hop, spoken word, miming, interpreted
dance, Gospel- house music, etc. These are His “Nu Language(s)”.
The message is the same, but the language is different. Through
the calling of the Holy Spirit, He will continue to draw men
and women unto Him, no matter what style of music is used.”
Still Dana Divine’s music has appeal for all ages,
and she’s proved time and time again that she knows
how to orchestrate a hit song. “Runnin”, a song
in her dance music catalog is the theme song to a cable television
show abroad. This song is also licensed for use on Sony Playstation
II, and has recently been added as a ring tone for cell phones.
“Brighter Days”, another song in her catalog continues
its reign as a bonafide classic dance song. Dana’s current
release titled, “A Nu Language” is executive produced
and independently released by Dana Divine. This talented woman
demonstrates again and again that with God all things are
possible!
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