Lemmie Battles

One of gospel music’s foremost voices, Lemmie Battles first gained recognition through membership in a premier American gospel choir, after which her commanding and uplifting delivery propelled her into a solo career. Born in Arkansas on June 21, 1952, she started singing at age five under her grandfather’s guidance and later relocated to Chicago as an adult. Her vocal ability and dedication to ministry brought her to the Chicago Mass Choir in 1996, where she performed as an alto. She made her recorded debut with the ensemble on the 1997 album You Love Me, which reached number 22 on the gospel charts. As her artistry deepened, Battles received additional featured parts; New Haven Records subsequently issued her debut solo project, Let’s Have a Good Time Live, in 2003. Two years later she returned with the live set You’re Looking at a Miracle LIVE on the same label, earning a Stellar Award nomination. In 2013 she affiliated with Ashro Records and released Testify, an album that addressed her journey as a cancer survivor whose faith restored both physical and spiritual health, enabling her to continue ministering. Though occupied as an evangelist and a Grammy- and Dove-nominated solo artist, Battles remains an active member of the Chicago Mass Choir and continues to appear regularly with the group.