Phil & Brenda Nicholas

Gospel music Duo, Phil Nicholas born February 18, 1954 in Chester, PA and Brenda Nicholas born December 16, 1953 in Carney's Point, New Jersey, are American gospel singers,^[1] producers, and songwriters.^[2][3] Married February 18, 1978 in Penns Grove, NJ, the couple relocated to Los Angeles, CA later that year. A few short years later, they rose to the top of the Gospel music industry in the early 80’s due in part to being the originators of the Christian Love Song & Christian Wedding Song.^[4] Many of these tunes topped the Billboard gospel, CCM, and radio charts, including The Closer I Get To You (1983),^[5] Dedicated (1985),^[6] A Love Like This (1987),^[7] and I Do (1990).^[8] Their first major hit, God’s Woman (1981)^[9] has become a signature song for Christian women everywhere.^[10] Over their career spanning almost 4 decades they have won and been nominated for Grammy, Dove, and Stellar awards.^[11][12]

Because of their many radio hits and #1 albums in the U.S. and abroad,^[13]Phil and Brenda have toured extensively throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, making appearances most notably at Carnegie Hall, Constitution Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Forum,^[14] Madison Square Garden and The Apollo Theater. The couples’ TV appearances include TBN, 700 Club, and BET.^[15][16]

Ebony magazine stated, "The husband and wife gospel duo, who started their own record label (Command Records) in their living room, demonstrate that they are a dynamic force in the gospel music industry.”^[17] Through their record company which was headed by their partner, former Motown producer, Kent Washburn; they were responsible for recording and producing several other artists such as The CLC Youth Choir, Kenny Smith, Vernessa Mitchell, Rodney Friend and Allen T.D. Wiggins.

Starting in June of 1998 they began annually hosting "The Nicholas Love Cruise” which was dubbed “Marriage Ministry on the High Seas” by Charisma Magazine.^[18] For 12 years the cruise became a haven for married couples in trouble and people just looking to fortify their relationships. For many of those years the keynote speakers were Dr. A.R. Bernard (Christian Cultural Center, New York City) and the late Dr. Myles Munroe (Bahamas Faith Ministry).^[19]

Personal life

Phil & Brenda Nicholas have two children, Jennifer born in 1980 who works in the entertainment industry and Phil Jr. (PJ) born in 1991. In the mid 90’s they put their music career on hold to care for PJ who was diagnosed with Autism and Down Syndrome. Their latest project entitled BreakThrough (2015) details some of their struggles since their hiatus and is meant to be an encouragement to people dealing with the pressures of life.^[19]

Discography

1. Tell The World - 1981 – Message Records – Billboard Chart peaked at #23
2. Words Can’t Express – 1983 – Command Records – Billboard Chart #10
3. Dedicated - 1985 - Command Records – Billboard Chart #1
4. A Love Like This – 1987 - Command Records – Billboard Chart #2
5. Live In Memphis – 1988 - Command Records/Word Inc/A&M – Billboard Chart #10
6. More Than Music – 1990 - Word/Epic Records – Billboard Chart #14
7. Back To Basics – 1991 – Word/Epic Records – Billboard Chart #12
8. Inspirational Sounds – 1993 – Command Records – Billboard Chart (Compilation CD with one new song)
9. Contemporary Sounds – 1993 – Command Records – Billboard Chart (Compilation CD with one new song)
10. Fired Up! – 1994 – Command Records/KTel – Billboard Chart
11. Our Love (Marriage Enrichment) – 1999 – Command Records – Billboard Chart
12. Breakthrough (Songs of Encouragement) – 2015 – Command Records – Billboard Chart

Sources:^[20][21]

References