One of the leading figures in the gospel music community, Lemmie Battles first made a name for herself as a member of one of America's best gospel choirs before her powerful and inspiring voice led her to become a soloist. Born in Arkansas on June 21, 1952, Battles began singing at the age of five, mentored by her grandfather, and as an adult she eventually made her way to Chicago. In 1996, Battles' vocal skills and eagerness to serve the Lord led her to the Chicago Mass Choir, where she sang as an alto. Battles made her recording debut with the CMC on the 1997 release You Love Me, which rose to number 22 on the gospel charts. As Battles became a stronger and more inspired vocalist, she was given more solos with the group, and in 2003 New Haven Records released her first solo album, Let's Have a Good Time Live. In 2006, Battles released her second solo album, You're Looking at a Miracle LIVE, which earned her a Stellar Award nomination. In 2013, Battles began working with Ashro Records, and her first album for the label, Testify, dealt in part with her experiences as a cancer survivor and how her faith helped to heal her in body and spirit and live to minister to others. While Battles is a busy woman with her work as an evangelist and a solo artist who has Grammy and Dove Award nominations to her credit, she is still a member of the Chicago Mass Choir and regularly performs with the group. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi