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Calvary Community Missionary Baptist Church plans special concert for Dec. 17

PLANNING SPECIAL CONCERT — Calvary Community Missionary Baptist Church will host “O Holy Night Gospel Concert” on Dec. 17 at the YWCA located at 320 N. Fourth St., Steubenville. The concert begins at 4 p.m. and will feature Eryke McClinton, minister of music of Wilkinsburg, Pa. Involved in its planning are, from left, Barbara Crease, Joyce Owens, concert chair Lora Clausell, Sonya McLoyd and First Lady Vivian McLoyd, wife of the Rev. Calvin McLoyd Jr., church pastor. -- Janice Kiaski

STEUBENVILLE — Calvary Community Missionary Baptist Church will present “O Holy Night Gospel Concert” featuring Eryke McClinton, minister of music of Wilkinsburg, Pa.

The concert will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at the YWCA of Steubenville located at 320 N. Fourth St. and is open to the public

Advance tickets are a $15 donation or $18 at the door. For ticket information, contact Lora Clausell, concert chair, at (304) 794-6900.

According to biography information provided, McClinton was first introduced to music as a 3-year-old who listened and watched his mother play the piano and attempted to imitate her with little success. His playing improved, however, through her teaching and mentoring and at 12, he was introduced to the church choir where she served as director and pianist. He was made its lead singer and to the amazement of the congregation, sang with authority. It was then that his mother recognized his gift of song.

In high school, McClinton won several school talent contests and was approached by a teacher who had contacts in the music business. He also was introduced to a local studio producer who offered him a recording contract. McClinton recruited two high school friends, and they formed a group called Eric and the Vikings.  With their first recording entitled “Vibrations (Made Us Fall in Love)” the record became a hit on the Soulhawk Records Inc. label.  When later approached by Motown Records, the group signed a recording contract through Robert Gordy, the brother of Barry Gordy.  Additionally, McClinton worked as a songwriter.

Eric and the Vikings experienced numerous internal problems with Motown, according to the news release, which led to the breakup of the group, “but not before they were introduced to drugs, womanizing and alcohol. While thrust into the world of drug addiction, Eryke signed a contract with Capital Records, forming the group High Fashion with two female singers.” The group recorded two albums in the United States and Italy titled “Feeling Lucky Lately” and Make Up Your Mind.”

“Due to the constant intense pressure of the music business, Eryke became more dependent on drugs and alcohol,” the news release notes. McClinton ultimately withdrew from the industry, drifted into obscurity and entered drug rehabilitation.

“It was only through the miraculous love and mercy of Almighty Jehovah that he recovered from alcohol, drug addiction and the demonic music business,” the release notes. “Today, Eryke knows what it means to be delivered and lives a saved and victorious life in the name of Christ Jesus and plays under the anointing.”

McClinton and his wife, Domonique, reside in Pittsburgh.

The Rev. Calvin McLoyd Jr. is pastor of Calvary Community Missionary Baptist Church.

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