Event Speaker: Corey Barksdale

Corey Barksdale is a Christian Singer/Songwriter who uses illustrative lyrics, biblical teachings, and eclectic vocals to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and messages of inspiration that are relevant in today’s society! Corey’s faith in God and commitment to helping others keeps him grounded, focused, and determined to use his music to change the world!

A native of Chicago, IL, Corey was often encouraged to share his gift of song throughout the city at a very early age, he sang in his local church, his school choir, and as member of Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago for 12 years. Singing and songwriting quickly became a constant in Corey’s life… “I can remember singing as long as I’ve been talking, it’s a gift from God, I’m grateful” – Corey Barksdale

While young, Corey has acquired nearly 20 years of experience in Music Ministry. Due to his unique abilities and leadership skills, he has been requested to serve as a Worship Leader and/or Vocal Clinician within the Music Ministry of various churches throughout Chicago, of the many request, he was happy to accept invitations from Living Word Christian Center, where Dr. Bill Winston is Pastor, Fellowship Chicago where Charles Jenkins is Pastor and Victory Apostolic Church where Dr. Andrew Singleton Jr. is Pastor.

Corey’s unique sound has afforded him appearances on National Television Shows and Networks including, WGN (Singsation Gospel Show), The Word Network (Rejoice in the Word), TBN, TLN and The Steve Harvey TV Talk Show. Barksdale’s life and musical journey has been featured in The Chicago Defender, Dayton Daily News, Indigo Magazine, Chicago Tribune, and a noted mention in Sister 2 Sister Magazine. “One thing about being an Independent Artist, when good things happen, there’s never any question of how… I already know, GOD DID IT!” – Corey Barksdale

In 2010, Corey was invited to co-write and record a duet song for the first time. The request was made by his college buddy, Grammy/Stellar Award Nominee, Jonathan McReynolds. The song was titled “Why” from his Life Music Project. Since then, Corey has ventured out into his greatest passion, writing songs for various artist throughout the music industry.

Corey has done much of his work in the city of Chicago, but God has opened doors for him to create, perform, teach, and learn music internationally as well. He has toured in Sweden, Israel, Amsterdam, and China… “I feel like I’m suppose to travel, like I’m suppose to share my music (God’s Message) to nations. I’ve been blessed to begin this journey at a young age and I hope to continue” – Corey Barksdale

January 2016 was an exciting and memorable milestone for Corey. This time marks the official release of Corey’s first body of original work, a 5 song EP, titled “Hello My Name Is… Love”! As stated in the EP’s title, this small body of work addresses our love for God, self, and others in a way that is enjoyable for a diverse group of listeners. Corey shares, “My Mother and music industry friends from Sweden love the “Prayer Medley”, Radio Stations and my little sister took a strong liking to “Unconditional”, while many Pastors and Ministry Leaders enjoy “Persona”, I’m happy to share something for everyone”.

Corey is preparing for great things to happen in the near future, the start of a Non-Profit Organization, the first of an annual Benefit Concert in favor of urban youth, and the release of a new single at the top of 2017!