Gospel singer Michele Thacker of Mathews fulfilled a lifelong dream this past summer when she went to Nashville and made a professional CD of some of her favorite gospel songs.
Titled “In His Time,” the CD contains covers of such modern favorites as “Jerusalem” by The Hoppers and “The Goodness of God” by Cece Winans, along with old standards such as “How Great Thou Art,” “Because He Lives” and “Softly and Tenderly.”
Thacker said people who have heard her sing at the numerous churches and other places she’s performed over the years have frequently asked for a CD, and she always wanted to make one but never had the money. This year she decided that the time had come.
An annual attendee of the Charles Novell School of Music, a two-week intensive training for gospel singers held this year at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, Thacker decided to tack on three extra days to her trip so she could stop off at Nashville’s Daywind Studios and finally cut her CD. The studio has access to a wide range of background tracks, including for all of the songs Thacker wanted to record, and she was able to have the mixing done by Daywind professionals.
“It’s hard work,” she said. “It’s very intense. But it was a great experience.”
Thacker ordered 100 of the CDs, and she has already sold them all and has taken delivery of the next batch. Since she never charges to sing at churches, she said, income from sales will go toward helping her continue her gospel ministry.
“It helps me put gas in my car,” she said with a laugh.
Thacker sang throughout her time at Mathews High School, making it to regional chorus, as well as being chosen as a state vocalist in 4-H competition at Virginia Tech. After graduation, she went to nursing school and has been an RN for 35 years, but she never stopped singing. She sang at Donk’s regularly until the Hudgins building collapsed in 2016, and she currently studies under Ben Waites of America’s Got Talent fame, Joyce Martin of The Martins, and Allison Speer, who sings with Bill Gaither. Last year, she sang at the invitation-only National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She would have returned at their invitation again this year if she hadn’t contracted COVID and strep throat.
“I want to sing anywhere that God wants me to go,” she said. “It’s my calling.”
“In His Time” is available for $15 at the following Mathews businesses: Stewart’s Carpet and Tile Center and Hair Creations, both located at 10571 Buckley Hall Road, and Mathews Pharmacy, located just down the road at 10858 Buckley Hall Road.