After graduating from high school he felt a call to music and studied music at the Jordan Music College at Butler University in Indianapolis. Shortly after, in the late ‘80s, he founded his first group known then simply as Lamar Campbell & Praise. That ensemble released a major-label album two years later that performed moderately well nationally, yielding a major hit titled, “This Debt of Love I Owe,” and made the act a significant name in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.
Lamar chose to disband that group after three years in 1992 when he felt attention had shifted toward himself and praise as ‘personalities’, and too far away from more God and ministry-centered focus, leading Lamar to form Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise in 1995. They made their debut on Tyscot Records in 1995 with Ready. Three years later, they moved to EMI Gospel, where they released Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise. I Need Your Spirit followed in mid-1999, and When I Think About You was released a year later.
From the Heart was released in 2005. Staying true to form, this album is powerful with praise and worship. Song after song will take you on a spiritual journey of praise and thanksgiving ushering you into the sweet presence of the Lord with an enthusiasm and anointing that’s more than just superior musical styling, and extraordinary vocal expression; it’s personal.
Smooth choir blends, outstanding vertical lyrics, and a fervent desire to worship make this latest project his most powerful release yet; as well as a much wanted addition to any gospel lovers’ collection.
“It’s important to reach out to the world with gospel music in order to try and draw them into the church,” says Lamar, who co-wrote eight of the album’s ten songs, “and once they are there, they’ll still need something that’s going to feed them, teach them, minister to them, and keep them there. That’s what I want this album to provide… music that gets to people’s hearts, music that puts them into relationship with Jesus Christ and with the people of God.”
