After two years marked by major health battles-including a prostate cancer diagnosis and a life-threatening flesh-eating bacterial infection-legendary gospel singer, songwriter, producer, and pastor John P. Kee triumphantly returns with new music, an ambitious touring schedule, and renewed creative fire. His new album, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Part 1 (Kee Music Group / Tyscot Records), arrives on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, in digital and CD formats-perfectly timed for holiday gifting.
Listen Link: https://JPKtbpt1.lnk.to/aROPH2
The project's debut radio single, "Church Medley," is already making a powerful impression at gospel radio. Combining five of Kee's classic early hits-"I Believe," "I Won't Let Go," "It Will Be Alright," "He'll Welcome Me," and "Thank You Lord (He Did It All)"-the track showcases Kee's unmistakable voice alongside dynamic vocal turns from Zacardi Cortez and Tallie Rodgers. "Church Medley" has broken into the Top 30 on both Billboard and Mediabase Gospel Airplay charts.
"For years I ignored the fact that my old catalog touched millions of lives," says Kee, who has served as pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Charlotte for twenty years. "I kept writing what I felt were meaningful new worship songs, but fans continued to scream for the oldies. I finally gave in. These songs inspired generations-they became the fabric of people's lives. So I surrendered, went back into the studio, and recorded these classics for a new generation. I'm honored, excited, and blessed to give this gift to the world-Throwback 2025."
Over the past year, Kee recorded multiple live concerts, capturing more than 30 tracks of musical history. Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Part 1 presents 15 electrifying live performances along with two brand-new studio recordings. New highlights include the traditional favorite "Lily of the Valley" and the soulful, blues-drenched ballad "We Made It," where Kee channels the spirit of gospel icon Rev. James Cleveland.
The album also features the celebrated New Life Community Choir, shining on selections like the Quiet Storm-styled "I Worship Thee" and the high-energy powerhouse "Right Here." Longtime Kee protégés-including LeJeune Thompson, Calvin Rodgers, Crystal Smith, and Ladonna Hairston Mole-lend their vocal brilliance across the album.
Kee's return is especially meaningful given the health trials he faced in 2024. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in January, he was hospitalized weeks later with necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly spreading flesh-eating infection that required five surgeries and months of recovery. Kee had to learn to walk again. Today, fully restored, he has poured his renewed strength into touring, recording, and developing several upcoming projects, including a series of tribute albums honoring his mentor, Bishop Rance Allen.
The album concludes with two versions of the infectious studio cut "Play Yo Tambourine." The upbeat track salutes the popular 803Fresh "Boots on the Ground" line-dance movement and encourages listeners to leap from their seats in celebration. For Kee, the tambourine also symbolizes the bell he rang after completing cancer treatments-a victory he joyfully shares with listeners.
With the passion of a seasoned bandleader and the heart of a pastor, John P. Kee delivers a collection that recalls his golden era while igniting a fresh wave of praise for longtime and new fans alike.
TRACKLISTING - THROWBACK: AN EVENING WITH JOHN P. KEE, PART 1
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Turn Around
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We Glorify
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Right Here
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We Made It (feat. Tallie Rodgers)
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Lily In the Valley
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Grateful (feat. Crystal Smith & LeJeune Thompson)
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Colorblind
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Greater
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Bless Your Name (feat. Ladonna Hariston Mole)
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I Worship Thee
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Church Medley (feat. Tallie Rodgers & Zacardi Cortez)
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Come In
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God Of Mercy (feat. Calvin Rodgers)
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Lord Help Me to Hold Out / Bread of Heaven (feat. Zacardi Cortez)
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Sweeter
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Play Yo Tambourine (Church Version)
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Play Yo Tambourine
