FORT MONMOUTH, N.J. -- Listening to Beverly Bynes-Roberts softly singing along with children in her pre-kindergarten classroom, one would never tell that she can belt out gospel numbers that can raise the rafters.
A program assistant at the Child Development Center for nearly 15 years, her talents are not limited to teaching. Pursuing a passion for things spiritual, she has recently recorded her third gospel album.
"I guess it all began when I was just three years old," she recalled. "My grandfather, the pastor of what is now Refreshing Springs Holy Temple Church of God in Christ (Long Branch, N.J.), invited me up front for a solo of my favorite hymn."
The youngster joined the children's choir and, a few years later, formed a group with her three sisters, often singing on Sundays.
"My mother's family has always sung in church, and my father was a big influence as well. He got me started by writing songs for my sisters and me to sing. He also bought records by various gospel artists like the Clark Sisters, for us to listen to and emulate," said Bynes-Roberts. "We eventually made an album."
Since then, she has performed as a soloist, as well as with the Bynes Sisters at numerous state and national church conferences, garnering two first place awards. Several years ago, they accompanied their pastor to the Turks and Caicos Islands for the annual Youth Weekend Celebration, where they were the featured guests at a concert sponsored by the British Government. In due course, she was appointed Minister of Music for her church.
Much in demand to sing at wedding ceremonies, funerals and special functions, Bynes-Roberts also started a Holiday Ball at Gibbs Hall with a rousing rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner."
During a funeral service a few years ago, the head of Brown Leaf Records, LLC, heard her sing and contacted Bynes-Roberts through her father, who had been the presiding minister.
A meeting was arranged and she signed her first recording contract. After working two-hour sessions evenings and weekends for nearly one year with producer "Big Rich" Wilson, Jr., the 11-song CD "In His Presence" was released in 2008.
"Making the album was exciting," said Bynes-Roberts, "although it felt different being on my own without my sisters." She wrote the first track, "I Need Your Spirit" and then developed the majority of the other numbers with songwriter Jacki Cordery.
"We had such a close connection that I felt like I had written them myself," said Bynes-Roberts.
Her latest project, "You Can Make It", was recorded with well-known Gospel singer Alvin Darling & Celebration, his group of background singers, during a "live" performance in Newark. After Darling heard Bynes-Roberts sing at a wedding, he contacted her about joining his group.
"What an awesome experience! Alvin gave me a lot of exposure and is a man true to his word," she said. "He offered me a chance to solo and lead a song. I sang as part of Celebration and made 'cameo' appearances on two of the numbers. I approached these songs with the feeling that, no matter what people may be going through, they can relate to and be touched by them in some way."
The title of the CD took on added significance for Bynes-Roberts this past summer during a scary plane ride back from Georgia where the group had been promoting the upcoming album.
"We were flying through a really bad storm; I thought we were going to crash," she said. "Then I remembered the words of the song and knew that we would make it back safely."
What's next on the agenda for this busy wife, mother of a three-year-old daughter, teacher, professional singer and college student'
"Well, my website is currently under construction," said Bynes-Roberts. "I'd eventually like to record another album independently; and should receive my associate of applied science degree in early childhood education about a year from now. I've been blessed in so many ways."
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