Latonya Earl passed away in a tragic car accident that shocked friends and family. She will be remembered for her long legacy of music ministry. She just ministered this past Sunday. We remember her music…her life.
My condolences go out to the family of Dr. LaTonya Earl and the entire Church at Bethel’s family. No one can prepare you for times like this, but you can take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of our Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with you. #bethelsfamily
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) February 14, 2020
Music
When I Stopped Playing with Jesus
I Run To You
Only Way
Biography
Let’s take an amazing journey with a child prodigy whose career took flight at the age of 5. Just barely out of the womb, this young musically inclined songbird sprouted her wings playing piano for the Tiny Tot Choir at the church she attended. By age 13, Dr. LaTonya Earl had become the pianist for one of the largest community choirs in the Houston area. As an active member of the “Gospel Music Workshop of America” for the past 20 years, LaTonya has shared in the experience of music bringing people together. She has traveled to Kenya, Africa and sang Praise & Worship while on medical missions there. Even learning to sing songs in Swahili for daily church services and with various tribes. She has personally witnessed the documented effect of music on the history of social and cultural changes in society.
Dr. LaTonya Earl is a multi-state and regional gospel award winner, Dr. LaTonya Earl, is Worship Director at The Church At Bethel’s Family; Senior Pastor, Walter August, Jr. Dr. Earl helps to lead the entire congregation into heart-felt, Praise and Worship. Dr. Earl also regularly assists in music ministry at Blueridge United Methodist Church, Brown Chapel AME and Disciples for Christ. She currently serves on the Executive Boards for (IWAM) International Women Alliance Ministries, Breakfree Release Ministries and LaTonya Earl Ministry. Dr. Earl is also on staff at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards; as well as, a member of (NIGMA) National Independent Gospel Music Association, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Houston Gospel Alliance. Dr. Earl is a founding member of Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce, recent graduate of College of Biblical Studies, Inspire Women Leadership Institute, Christian Bible Institute & Seminary and Juliana King University.
Dr. LaTonya Earl, is a multi Rhythm of Gospel Awards and Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards winner, for the past several years. She has also received numerous nominations for awards; such as, (IGARA) Independent Gospel Artist Radio Alliance and the Edmonton Music Award / CANADA (St. Pierre’s Place). She is an author, inspirational conference speaker; and has been the featured artist in several gospel stage plays. Dr. Earl is also founder of LaTonya Earl Ministry, a kingdom building ministry through anointed speaking and music for the soul; as well as, Christian counseling, outreach, evangelism and community service. Likewise, she has been a featured soloist on various gospel music cds; soon to complete her second EP of original gospel songs and documentary. LaTonya is near completion of a PhD in Theology; and has very recently passed her board certification exam in Christian counseling. Additionally, she is now an adjunct professor at Juliana King University. A proud native of Houston, Texas; she is a living testimony and medical miracle. Dr. Earl is the wife of Rev. Walter Earl, proud mother of three children; Britney, Amber, Drew and a new grandmother of one darling baby boy, Roman. In honor of her special needs son, Drew; Dr. Earl is an advocate and strong supporter of research and awareness for autism.
Earlier Accomplishments:
Dr. Bobby Jones Showcase 2012 (Bonwier, Texas); East Texas Chapter Annual Celebration 2012 (Lufkin, Texas); Bethel’s Place Black Chamber of Commerce Annual Convention 2012 (Houston, Texas); 14th Annual Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards – VIP Luncheon & Artist Showcase 2012 (Houston, Texas); Music & Arts Conference 2012 (Dallas, Texas); Metamorphosis Women’s Conference – Winner of the Rising Psalmist Competition 2012 @ The Fountain of Praise (Houston, Texas); Break Free Release Ministries International 3rd Annual “Beyond The Veil” Retreat 2012 (West Columbia, Texas); Women of the Word Conference 2012 (Columbus, Texas); Visionary Pastor’s Awards 2012 – V. Michael McKay Singers (Houston, Texas); BET Sunday Best – Digital VIP Suite Finalist 2012 (Dallas, Texas); Rhythm Of Gospel Music Awards 2012 (Jacksonville, FL); Power2Praise Festival, Winner of Most Outstanding Artist Award (Rowlett, Tx); Featured Artist for 2012 Underground Women’s Conference with Dr. Juanita Bynum (Houston, Tx); “Pass The Mic” Artist on LeAndria Johnson’s latest release DVD – The Experience; Featured Artist for One- day Revival with Bishop Noel Jones (Houston, Tx); Gospel Stage Play – Somebody Else’s Husband (Orange, Tx); Gospel Stage Play – A Praying Grandmother (Houston, Tx); Deva Mack Productions (Houston, Tx). LaTonya Earl’s single, I Run To You was chosen by SOGN Radio as Top Playlist Song Of The Year 2012.
I Run To You is one of the 2013 Rhythm Of Gospel Nominees for the following (5) categories: Worship/Praise Artist Of The Year, New Artist Of The Year, Best Performance By Praise/Worship Artist, Song Writer Of The Year, Traditional Female Vocalist Of The Year. Additionally, LaTonya was recently voted State New Artist Of The Year 2013 – Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards. Stephanie Wright – Touch of Keys Annual Recital 2013 / Wortham Center (Houston, TX). Ark of Covenant Revival – Dr. Juanita Bynum (Lake Charles, LA). Fire Fall Revival with LeAndria Johnson – Bishop Gregory Johnson & Pastor S. Johnson (Houston, TX).
LaTonya’s latest single, That’s When I Stopped Playing With Jesus has taken off. This single has already received a nomination for the Rhythm Of Gospel Music Awards 2014-Song Writer Of The Year; and won both Contemporary Female Vocalist Of The Year and Worship/Praise Artist Of The Year). LaTonya also won two received Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards 2014 – Gospel Artist Of The Year and Female Soloist. This year, LaTonya has been the featured artist at: GMWA – East Texas Chapter Choir Anniversary (Lufkin, TX); “I’m Still Here” – Evangelist Toni Harris (Houston, TX); “March Advance 2014 / Encounter With God” – Alabaster Box Intl-Ministries (Rancho Cucamonga, CA); Gospel 1360AM Quarterly Musical (Houston, TX), to name a few.