“This is another new avenue I’m trying to get into — maybe start promoting some concerts,” Higgins said.
Higgins said he has many friends and family in the Cleveland area and thought it would be a good place to start the new venue.
“When you’re breaking out something new, you want to go where your strength is,” Higgins said.
For those attending the concert, Higgins hopes it will give them hope for the United States and point them back to its “spiritual roots.” Higgins also hopes it will help people keep their faith alive.
Growing up in Cleveland, Higgins began singing in church at a young age. By 10, he was leading the choir at his father’s church. At age 15, he had started a youth choir, Washington Avenue Youth Choir, that toured on the weekends and sang at revival services.
“I just think I was born to sing,” Higgins said.
Later he started and toured with the “Rock City Boys.” Higgins was also influential in starting local Anthony Burger’s career in 1976 by hiring him for The Singing Celestials.
By 1988, Higgins had moved from Cleveland to Chattanooga and started his solo career. Higgins has recorded more than 40 solo albums.
“In my solo career, I began to notice a lot of the artists out there, who my style was kind of like — country but with Christian lyrics, didn’t have a home and no one representing them. So I started the (Christian Country Music) Association in 1992,” Higgins said.
“From that (the Association), I gave a home to many of these artists, not only in Christian but in secular music as well.”
He also moved to Nashville, in 1992.
Higgins said he started POWERSOURCE Inc. in 1996 “to really make an impact in this genre of music.”
The company does a little bit of everything to promote artists and the Christian country genre. Although the company is not a record label or a management company, Higgins does produce music. The goal of his work is to promote songs of “faith, family and country.”
“The music that I put forth is something the whole family can enjoy,” Higgins said.
This genre gives artists the opportunity to do country music while staying with their Christian roots, according to Higgins.
Higgins also helps develop artists through his company.
“I’ve been where these artists have been and that makes me a great teacher,” Higgins said.
Through major awards shows like the Inspirational Country Music awards, Higgins has helped jump-start independent artist’s careers. The ICM awards give independent artists the opportunity to perform alongside big names in the industry.
Through his work, Higgins said he has sought to take inspirational country to a wider audience. His favorite things about working in music are being able to be creative and keep projects going. He also enjoys performing.
Higgins’ homecoming performance will be accompanied by performances by local band I Fifty Five, Ken Hicks & The Testimony Quartet from Chattanooga and special guest Jason Crabb & The Jason Crabb Band.
Tickets for the event are $15 ($13.50 for Lee University students) or $17 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m.
For more information call 615-742-9210 ex. 229 or e-mail info@powersourcemusic.com.
