Pianist Encourages Others to Do Better in Life

By SkyQuajus Turner

SMYRNA, Tenn.— Denise Hurd has served as the pianist for Grace Missionary Baptist Church for many years, encouraging others to do better in their lives with a dance in their steps.

Hurd, age 55, grew up in the fast-growing town of Smyrna, Tennessee. She started playing piano at the age of 13 when her father enrolled her in a music program. After she started playing for a number of local churches, she became the official pianist for Grace Missionary Baptist Church at 127 Nora Peebles Lane. Now Hurd uses music to influence and build an individual’s relationship with God.

            Grace, which was founded with only three to seven members, has grown to more than 75 members in the last three years. Going through musicians left and right, Grace finally found a musician that would stay and help expand their knowledge in their spiritual beliefs in music. Everyone there is thankful for Denise Hurd.

            Her past performances have drawn standing ovations. The way she touches people’s hearts and minds as well as the stories she tells is an amazing experience. One can feel the warmth, comforting feeling when sitting down and listening to her sing as well as speak with spiritual knowledge. The pastor, Fred Warren, explains how hearing her sing is like getting a spiritual message from God himself. It encourages the audience in many ways. 

            “Music is a gift from God, not an invention from man himself,” said Warren, after a recent Hurd’s performance.

            As her performance started, one could tell that she had been singing for years. Hurd has a soft-spoken singing voice. It’s not too loud, yet not too quiet, one can hear every word clearly. She sings a high alto, but she can climb to a second soprano.

            She is backed up by several talented musicians: a drummer, lead guitarist, and a bass player.

            “All praise to the highest power, our God, for allowing me to be here and do what I do for his people,” said Hurd, after a recent performance.

            For more information about Grace Missionary Baptist Church, call (615)-481-7163