Mike Bowling From Where I Stand
Sitting down and talking to Mike Bowling was a pure delight. I can quite honestly tell you that there is not a funnier man on the planet. It was nearly impossible to conduct a serious interview with this man. However, at the same time it was easy to see that his heart is pure and what you see is what you get. Mike truly believes in what he is doing and has a true servant's heart.
Mike was only 16 when he began his career in Gospel Music. He began by joining the legendary LeFevres which he stayed with for two years. He and his brother,Jeff, then formed a family group by the name of Family Tradition that traveled for ten years. Mike then sang with the Hinsons and then joined the great group, The Perrys. While with the Perrys, Mike married Kelly Crabb on April 6th 1998 and had a beautiful baby girl, Loryn Hope, in December of 1999. The year 2003 brought another milestone for Mike and Kelly when they announced the arrival of new daughter Katelanne Elaine. In 1999 Mike launched his solo career with the release of All that I Am and began playing piano for the Crabb Family. Mike's first number one song was his first release from his second project The Call. "Thank God for the Preacher" made Mike the first Southern Gospel soloist to have a number one song in seven years. His second release, "The Call" also reached number one making Mike the only Southern Gospel Soloist ever to have back to back number one songs.
 Mike is also a gifted songwriter with recordings by groups like The Perrys, The Kingsmen, The Whisnants and the Crabb Family as well as having produced such groups as The Crabb Family, The Hoskins family, and Kelly and Annie McRae. Mike's first priority in everything is Ministry.
I asked Mike whether he preferred to sing in a group or as a soloist. "I have mixed emotions on that subject. I dearly miss the onstage support and singing the harmony parts. I would sing harmony all the time if I could. The bottom line is whether it's with a group or by myself, I just want to sing."
Mike's new album Where I Stand Is set to be released in June of this year. When asked who were making special background appearances on this album his face lit up. "I couldn't be more pleased and honored to have wonderful voices like Joyce Martin McCollough, Kelly Crabb Bowling, Angie Hoskins, Leann Eminis and John Wesley Rowels. I am so blessed to have these wonderful people as a part of my project. I am also so glad to have been able to record a love song to my wife. That means so much to me."
When asked where he saw Southern Gospel heading in the future, he stopped, thought deeply and responded, "I see it opening its doors to other styles. People are slowly becoming more accepting and I desperately want to see it grow and expand." I asked Mike where he saw God leading and directing him as an artisit. "Man, I just want to be real. I want God to allow me to minister. Number 1 songs are great but they really mean nothing. I just want God to use me to reach people. I want to have true heart."
Crystal Burchette (Daywind Publicist) was present during this interview. She had to bring up Mike's love for practical jokes. She asked Mike to tell us about one of his favorites. "Oh my. You're going to get me in trouble." He said as he laughed out loud. "Well, before I was a singer I was a Respritory Therapist. I was woking in the nursery of a hospital and it was around the time when "Cry Babies" were out. These were baby dolls that would cry and sound just like a real baby. So, I got one and wrapped in a blanket so it looked like I had a real baby in my arms. I came running into the nursery screaming for help. I told them someone had left this baby on the ground outside and I couldn't help it. This doll was crying and sounded just like a real baby. All the nurses came running up to me to help and when I handed them this doll and they realized what it was, well�Let's just say they chased me all over the hospital and bruised me up really good. It was absolutely hilarious!" Mike deeply loves practical jokes so if you are ever around him, watch out! He has even sent and charged a dozen pizzas to his publicist while she was on a diet. The man is cruel�but oh so funny. What a great guy to hang out with!!
Many people also don't realize that Mike's hidden talent is photography. He has even photographed quite a few CD covers for artists. "I love it! If I wasn't singing, that's what I would be doing!"
I also learned that Mike's favorite word is "Daddy". How can you blame him? He has two gorgeous daughters that are his entire world. He also told me that his least favorite word is "Diet". "I hate diets and give up on all of them."
Mike has had many accomplishments in his carrer:
"The Call" - Number One
"Thank God For The Preacher" - Number One
Top 20 songs:
"I Take Him Back"
"Another Valley Left Behind"
"Goodbye To Mercy"
"Somebody Did Some Praying For Me"
"No Stranger To the Valley"
"Forgiven, Forgotten, Forever, Amen"
Awards and Achievements:
"A Crabb Collection," produced by Mike Bowling won the 2003 Dove Award for Southern Gospel Recorded Album of the Year.
First Southern Gospel soloist in seven years to have a number one song.
First Southern Gospel soloist to have back to back number one songs.
It's My Life won SouthernGospelNews.com's country/bluegrass album of the year in 2004.
Mike is truly a wonderful person to be around. He is very humble and just wants to be able to reach people. His new album, Where I Stand is set to be released in June 2004. I encourage all of you to run out and buy this album. It is phenomenal! Please go by and visit Mike's website [url=http://www.mikebowling.net]http://www.mikebowling.net[/url] . Drop him an email and let him know how much he is appreciated!
You can also see Mike Bowling perform at the 5th Annual SoGospelNews convention on July 28th at River of Life in Smyna, TN.
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Written: 04/30/2004 
Author: SGN
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