Albany Herald

ALBANY, Ga. — While those in the world of gospel music celebrated the overwhelming success of his first album, James Fortune, his pregnant wife and the couple’s two small children were living hand-to-mouth, sleeping in hotel rooms on makeshift beds.

Unable to reconcile how the music of “You Survived,” which included the smash gospel hit of the same title, was so beloved and yet he had so little to show for it, Fortune wrestled with the doubts that started to plague his music ministry. In the throes of that doubt, he was inspired to write “I Trust You,” one of the most recognized contemporary gospel songs ever.

Fortune and his Free in Yahweh’s Abundance choir have since become one of the most in-demand acts in the industry, traveling the world to bring their message of prosperity through the support of the Almighty without resorting to the pitfalls of drugs, alcohol and other vices.

Southwest Georgians will have an opportunity to experience Fortune and FIYA tonight during a performance at Albany’s Gethesemane Worship Center at 529 N. 10th Ave.

“I Trust You,” which was the featured single on Fortune and FIYA’s second album, “The Transformation,” maintained the top spot on the Gospel National Airplay chart for 29 weeks, making it the longest-running No. 1 song of any musical genre. The hit landed him featured performing spots alongside such distinguished artists as Stevie Wonder, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond.

Fortune, who started his musical career as the percussionist for his father’s ministry in Richmond, Texas, when he was 5, released the well-received “You Survived” in 2004.

Tonight’s concert, which also features Cornelius Drake and the Foundation, starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.