Retro Insider - "Twila Paris"

Let's take a moment to look at a woman who is a pioneer in CCM. She has 22 albums to her name, and some of her songs have made it to hymnals in churches around the world. Twila Paris is a three time GMA (Gospel Music Association) "Female Performer of the Year" and has many other awards to her credit. She is also an author, songwriter and pianist.
Twila Paris Wright was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1958. Her dad, Oren II, is the founder and chancellor for Ecclesia College in Arkansas. She also has three siblings. Twila has been married to Jack Wright for 20 years, and they have a son together. She released her first record in 1980 called Knowing You're Around. Then came Keepin' My Eyes on You in 1982. She rounded out the 80's with five records, including The Warrior is a Child.
In 1990, Cry for the Desert ushered a new decade in for her. In 1991, she released Sanctuary. This is her best selling record to date. (A Portugeuse version of "He is Exalted" is on this recording). In 1993, she released Beyond a Dream. This contained the #1 single, "God is in Control". This earned her the GMA "Song of the Year" award in 1995. She then finished off the 90's with The Time is Now, Where I Stand, Perennial, and True North.
Twila began the new century with Signature Songs, Bedtime Prayers and a greatest hits album. She continued with House of Worship, Simply, and He is Exalted: Live Worship. She released Looking Up in 2006 and Small Sacrifice in 2007, although the latter was only available through her website. With all these albums and awards to her credit, Twila Paris has often been cited as a trailblazer for the modern hymn movement, and only time will tell where her ministry will take her next.
For more information, check out her website at www.twilaparis.com