With the world as his assignment, the inherently gifted Cedric Shannon Rives has undoubtedly arrested the attention of the masses. A dynamic and spirited talent, Cedric with ease and grace, convincingly masters the arts in musical and theatrical genres. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, a young Cedric spent the early part of his childhood being morally raised in a Bible believing church. Soon, the habitual visits to worship service, the lively singing, and the ministry of the Word would have a promising effect on the unsuspecting youngster—an effect certain to alter the spiritual landscape of his life. Following in the musical footsteps of his father, Cedric joined the youth choir.
His honey rich tone would not go unnoticed as he with intensity and registered pitch ushered the congregation into the presence of the Lord. At the ready age of nine years old, Cedric rendered his first solo. And by the age of 11, the seasoned balladeer performed his first concert. With the support of a complete orchestra, the aspiring young hopeful was the featured guest performing several gospel classics to an enthusiastic audience who expressed their approval with thunderous cheers and a standing ovation.
Consequently, such musical conditioning would set in motion the ascent of Cedric’s bright future as one of today’s most celebrated talents. A graduate of one of the nation’s most notable and rigorous performing arts centers—Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, MO, Cedric experienced measured success as he studiously cultivated and perfected his genius by majoring in music and theater which included vocal and jazz ensemble, drama, and musical theater.
As faith would have it, this exceptionally versatile 35 year old minister, actor and singer has carved an indelible mark in the music industry as an accomplished gospel recording artist and song writer. His debut album, Psalms of Deliverance, written and produced by Cedric in its entirety, is a compilation of praise, worship, and devotional songs with a contemporary gospel style. The debut has sold over 20,000 independent copies. The popular invitational hit Bow Down and Worship Him can be heard on Cedric’s second release, A Healing Place—another masterful collection of infusive gospel songs set to traditional melodies. While enjoying the fruits of his musical labor, the artistic finesse of Cedric would soon be enlisted in contemporary theater.
In 1999, Cedric joined the hit gospel musical cast of “Be Careful What You Pray For”. Uniting his remarkable vocal credentials with his natural witticism, Cedric played the three-dimensional character of Michael—a compassionate figure drawing the lost to Christ. Audiences showed their tremendous support by making the play the highest grossing national gospel musical in the year 2000. The stage play featured the likes of Cuba Gooding Sr., Shirley Murdock, and David Peaston.
Inasmuch as Cedric enjoys his God afforded achievements, he is thoroughly cognitive of the evangelistic call upon his life. And loyal to the call, this faithful servant blamelessly ministers the Gospel to every generation of our day. While Cedric’s God given gifts have indeed made room for him, he has quickly become one of the most sought after young ministers of his time. On one occasion while touring Italy and Switzerland after several winters consecutively, Cedric was an esteemed guest of the Pope at the Vatican.
Additionally, he has returned to packed arenas and historic theaters in various cities throughout Europe every winter headlining a mini-tour completing twenty-five concert dates in a 30 day period. In 2013, Cedric recorded his fourth solo project and his first completely live recording at the famous Teatro la Fortuna in Fano, Italy to be released in the 3rd quarter of 2015. Even with a heavy ministry schedule, Cedric produced and directed his first music stage play in 2014, entitled “I’m Not What I Did” starring some of the Gospel industries brightest talents.
Due to his extraordinary ability to translate the Word into music, several songs he has written have been recorded by some of today’s greatest Gospel artists including the Anointed Pace Sisters (“Hold On”, 2008 CD Return and “If I Be Lifted Up”, 2009 CD Access Granted), Darwin Hobbs (“I Praise You”, 2008 CD Free), Dewayne Woods (“Sovereignly Reign”, 2009 CD Self-Titled and “In My Heart”, 2015 CD Life Lessons), Le’Andria Johnson (“Revival Fire Fall, 2012 CD The Experience), and many others. In the third quarter of 2011 Cedric released his most anticipated project to date, entitled “Sing You Out the 4 Walls”. He recently joined the Twins Music Group which has afforded him the opportunity to travel internationally with his new group, Brothers in Gospel. These young men are a collective group who sing a variety of styles of gospel music from traditional to contemporary.
While much can be said about this multifaceted spiritual prodigy, one thing is certain—this writer, producer, singer, actor, and minister is a consummate force to be reckoned with, fueled by the divine power of God. And Cedric’s end is nowhere in sight!
MARIA JACKSON 27 MAGAZINE 