Biography
Bishop Eddie L. Long serves as pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, a DeKalb County, GA, congregation exceeding 25,000 members. He has pursued a parallel recording career, employing urban grooves beneath his sermons to connect with broad audiences. Born in North Carolina, Long earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from North Carolina Central University, followed by a Master's of Divinity from Atlanta's Interdenominational Theological Center and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Ministry from the International College of Excellence, an affiliate of Life Christian University in Tampa, FL. His Taking Authority TV broadcasts have reached viewers worldwide, and in 2004 he and New Birth produced the Emmy-winning documentary The Face of Homelessness. Long has also issued multiple audio and video teaching series. With his Total Praise Choir he released two albums of sung and spoken inspirational material—Spirit & Truth in 2004 and New Beginning in 2006—both produced by Kevin Bond. The 2009 project The Kingdom, Vol. 1, issued by Ultimate Entertainment and helmed by former Def Jam executive James Jones, adopted a more urban sound and included appearances by Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and the GW's. Its lead single, "Righteous Forsaken," earned notable radio exposure.
Albums