Rising Stars: Meet Amethyst

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amethyst.

Hi Amethyst, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have spent my entire life immersed in musical settings. As a seasoned musical force, singing has innately been an integral part of my life and one of my greatest passions. As a daughter of the COGIC church, I have been exposed to top-notch music ministry. I began singing at the tender age of 3 with my Sister, Angelyn. My Mother was my vocal trainer and Minister of Music at the church where my Father pastored. I recall being pushed out as a child to lead songs with the adult choir. I was challenged with songs like Richard Smallwood’s “I Love The Lord” and Dr. Mattie Moss Clark’s “I Thank You Lord” and “Climbing Up The Mountain”. I went on to record and lead songs with the National Sunshine Band of the Church Of God In Christ.

As a high-school student at Crete-Monee High School, I was a member and lead vocalist of the Faces & Cavaliers Show choirs. We competed locally and nationally. I was selected as the Best Female Vocalist for two consecutive years at the National Showstoppers Invitational Competition at Epcot in Orlando, FL. As a college student at Northwestern University, I served as the Director of Northwestern University’s 50 Voice Gospel Choir for three consecutive years.

For the past 16 years, I have served as Director of Music Ministry and Praise & Worship Leader for Holy Temple Cathedral COGIC in Harvey, IL.

In 2019, I released “Do It” on Gospel radio. The debut single was received well and introduced me to the Gospel music community in an impactful way. I was honored to be a supporting vocalist in 2020 on Season 6 of FOX’s hit show, “Empire”. In 2021, I released, “Redeemed”, which features Grammy Award-winning artist, Mali Music. In July 2022, I won my first Stellar Award for Rap/Hip Hop Song Of The Year for my song “Redeemed”. A few months later, I was on the first round ballot for the Grammy Awards. Most recently, I have just released my 3rd single, “Still Gon’ Do It”, and I will be launching my luxury, embellished candle line, “Majesty By Amethyst” in February 2023.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. But, I am grateful for every struggle, obstacle, and challenge that I have overcome.

They empowered me to walk into my destiny. My greatest struggle was myself….coping with feelings and thoughts of not being enough. I wondered if people would embrace my music. I asked myself many questions like whether my skill set was sufficient, whether was I relatable, whether had I aligned myself with the right individuals who believed in me and could help propel me forward, did I have the resources to match the magnitude of my vision. The answer was clear. Faith and fear could not reside in the same place. I CHOSE FAITH! I understood that my grace and anointing was different. There were individuals whose life would only be transformed through my obedience and the fulfillment of my calling. God had assigned them to me!

In 2014, I was told I had an enlarged thyroid or goiter. After a series of tests, ultrasounds, and a biopsy, clinicians could not confirm or deny whether it was malignant or benign. So, I had a partial thyroidectomy, and the right side of my thyroid was removed. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to speak or sing with full strength again. But, I’m a miracle! I recovered ALL!!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an Artist, Speaker, & Actress. I love helping people! It has always brought me joy to enrich the lives of others by assisting them to reach a state of wholeness. I am a giver by nature and love to make others smile. I am most proud of being in position to fulfill my calling, as well as leaving a legacy and mark that will honor God. The honors, trophies, and awards I have received are a result of my hard work and dedication. However, I would not have any of it if I did not answer the call on my life. Singing and praying have always been two of my greatest passions.

Furthermore, I have seen some of my dreams and aspirations come into fruition, but they have only caused me to develop an inward drive to dream bigger, work harder, and reach higher. I believe I differentiate myself by just being me. I have learned to embrace my uniqueness. In addition, I believe that how I approach my mission, which fuses faith and fashion truly sets me apart. Someone described it as “the glam, glitz, and the glory”! Most importantly, I conscientiously strive to stay in my own lane and capitalize on the anointing and grace on my life.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many individuals that have mentored, influenced, or made a deposit in my life. I must pay homage to my parents, Supt. Douglas D. Moye, Sr. and Pastor Amethyst (Amy) Sledge. They recognized the calling of God on my life when I was a child and began to cultivate the gift inside of me before I was old enough to recognize it on my own. My Mother was my first example of a songstress, choir director, and organist. In addition, I honor the legacy of my grandparents, Rev. Augustus & Frances Moye, and Bro. Robert & Lizzie Walton. Undoubtedly, much of my success has been the result of the love, support, and push of my husband, Brandon Turner. I am grateful for the support of my entire family. But, I am especially appreciative of my Sister, Angelyn who has sung with me most of my life and served in the capacities of BGV, MUA, stylist, and hairdresser. Pastor J. Rashad Jones has covered me and opened many doors for me. I want to give special recognition to my best friend, Camia Farr who has been one of my biggest supporters and has had a significant impact on my brand.

Finally, I am thankful for my vocal coaches, Jeff Morrow and John Neubauer, the incredibly gifted Asaph Ward, my dear friend and radio rep, Debra “Snoopy” Hanna, and my manager, Tony Marshall. Last but not least, I would like to acknowledge my brother-in-law, Marcus Hodge who has played a vital role in my career and produced my first EP as a Recording Artist, including the Stellar Award Winning, song, “Redeemed”.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/amethystsings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amethystsings/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/amethystsings
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@amethystturner3689
• Other: https://linktr.ee/amethystsings 

Image Credits
Alston Media Group, Juan Anthony, Chris Evans, and Marcus Ingram