
Godley by Name…
Living the dream........
Many people have dreams but never outwork them. Many people see obstacles as a negative thing while others see obstacles as opportunities.
Born in Bristol, UK, of Jamaican parents, Sandra grew up listening to the likes of Aretha Franklin and Anita Baker. Her earliest memories of songwriting were when she was 12 years old, performing as a soloist at her local church. She went on to perform at conferences, festivals, and front 2 bands. Sandra came out of these experiences stronger and prepared for her own solo career.
Upon her arrival to the gospel music scene, an eager audience has been treated to a woman of vast talent.
Her classy, refined vocals have been compared to Desiree, Anita Baker and Sade. In Sandra Godley, we see the embodiment of all the things in a diva we hold dear. Beautiful, yet somehow humble, Sandra Godley is so wonderfully talented that she has evolved from being just a singer/songwriter, to being a stylish, multi-genre songstress. Easily adapting to all of contemporary black music’s offerings, Godley has performed funk, disco, house, soul, and R & B effortlessly.
By herself, Sandra Godley has evolved from the embodiment of the dance-diva to an elegant songstress. Always creative and spontaneous, Godley’s use of power house vocals in conjunction with the ability of holding an audience spellbound as she solos with an acoustic guitar, has taken black music to higher levels.
With 2 (largely self-penned) albums already under her belt, Sandra’s passion as a singer, songwriter, gifted communicator and entertainer is contagious to anyone who meets her. In 2005, her decision to mark her birthday by recording her first debut album, Sweet Surrender can only best be described as truly remarkable, especially as it stands out for its refreshingly creative and honest approach.
Sweet Surrender demonstrates a variety of influences, showcasing the depth and flexibility of her abilities to include 11 tracks with a variety of styles including a twist of R & B, disco, church, and soul where she undoubtedly brings her signature energetic powerhouse vocals with an abundance of love and encouragement.
“Looking back, I’m just amazed at how this album came together during one of the most devastating times of my life. My father passed away during the making of my album and I can honestly say that it was God’s grace that saw me through.”
However, a great reward was only just around the corner. Off the back of this album she received the prestigious 2005 UK (GEM) Gospel Entertainment Award for 'Best Female Newcomer'.
“I was completely amazed and honoured to receive this reward after such a traumatic time. I hope I can be an inspiration to others to go for your dream!”
Dubbed a 'Gospel Diva' by Cross Rhythms Magazine, she sings with an unapologetic passion and enthusiasm which the youngest of singers can only dream about.
Her second album “One thing” (EP) released in August 2008 reveals a more reflective side of her music and is causing quite a stir:
Cross Rhythms Music:
“I Find Mercy" is a worshipful ballad that highlights Godley's great voice.
I Sought The Lord" is a bit of an epic incorporating a psalm-like lyric with a fabulous emotive arrangement which slowly builds so that ultimately it has a Britpop feel.”
She's supported the 'King of Gospel' Jessy Dixon twice in the UK and has performed on many BBC and Christian network channels.
One of her ‘stand out’ attributes is her unique ability to inspire and communicate to audiences of different backgrounds, cultures and ages.
She is truly an original with a powerful voice, always creative and sensitive, inspired and imaginative.
This incredible songstress is here to stay and is taking the world of gospel music by storm.
'It's all about living the dream. Winning such an amazing award sends out a positive message to all who think it's too late to live your dream.'
Sandra’s passion as an award winning artist is contagious to anyone who meets her. She’s a clear communicator with a strong ability to encourage anyone around her to keep pressing on.
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