Psalmist, lyricist, producer, and arranger, Cecil Thornton is a “fresh-wind” arrival on the global music scene.
Not your typical Christian vocalist and in no way a stranger to the stage, Cecil is a trendsetter whose musical
creativity, lyrical connectivity, and vocal uniqueness catapults his music into a genre unparallel to others.
A gospel sound fused with neo-soul and jazz infl uence to create musical experiences that far exceed the
ordinary.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas to the union of Rev. and Mrs. E.D. Thornton, Cecil’s Christian roots were
inevitable. Not to mention his vocal inheritance! During his younger years Cecil recalls instances where his
mother would render stirring vocal renditions of hymns that would tear at the hearts of all in attendance.
Young Cecil paid close attention to every note, progression, and inflection without realizing he was, indeed,
developing the giftedness that was within his own heart. As the years passed and Cecil became a teenager,
his vocal ability was noised locally and he began singing in churches and other venues sharing stages with
Kim Burrell, Yolanda Adams, Kathy Taylor-Brown, V. Michael McKay and many others. Upon completion of high
school Cecil made a choice that would change his life forever.
In 1998, after his high school graduation, Cecil relocated to Atlanta to continue his education as a Music
Performance major at Morris-Brown as well as pursue a long-awaited career in music. He quickly formed
many musical relationships with vocalists, musicians and directors but one individual went on to become one
of the most infl uential of them all. In 2000 Cecil became a member of Dirk Chaney’s Chosen Aggregation and
later became heavily involved in the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA). The connection to the late
legendary Dirk Chaney was one that introduced Cecil to music in a much greater way. Dirk worked closely
with Cecil, mentoring him, to further develop his apparent giftedness and taught him what it meant to live life
as an “artist”. At the peak of his development as an artist, Cecil was featured in 2001 as a featured soloist on
the GMWA “Men of Promise” release.
In 2003 Cecil formed a group of singers who would foster change on the music scene. A small group of
singers who, together, possess complicated harmonies, incomparable connectivity, and a conservative, yet
trendy, image. The group was named “Transparent” to clearly convey this group would remain open to the
will and purpose of God as it relates the their music ministry. Together, Cecil Thornton and Transparent
are introducing a new wave of music and creative artistry to the world. Connecting the Word of God
with emotion; emotion with the creativity; and the creativity to the music to capture an amazing musical
experience.
In November 2006, Cecil Thornton and Transparent released their fi rst LIVE recording entitled “Live
Simplicity”. Without a major distributor the CD has done extremely well in both the Christian and secular
markets. Cecil’s grassroots promotions/publicity has been highly successful in marketing the product.
However, to experience Cecil Thornton and Transparent live is the best marketing tool anyone could be
afforded.
Anticipate greater from Cecil Thornton and Transparent!!!
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Cecil Thornton and Transparent's Friend Space (Top 24)
hey cecil this is boochie. its good to see that great things are happening for you. keep singing for God for only what you do for christ will last. p.s i still enjoy listening to your cd.love boochie
Hello and God Bless you Man of God!Keep doin your thing 4 The Kingdom Bruh. It's been a while since I've stopped by to greet you, but you're definitely always in my prayers my brother. Be encouraged,
Thanks for the add!!!!!! U change so much but still look like u haven't age since high school. Much luv on ur career make us proud ,1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey Cecil, i was listening to your songs and they are GREAT! Keep doing what youre doing for the Lord. Hopefully we can get a MBC Gospel Choir reunion going on. LOL!
hey Cecil, i was listening to your songs and they are GREAT! Keep doing what youre doing for the Lord. Hopefully we can get a MBC Gospel Choir reunion going on. LOL!
