FeBe and The Chosen Ones
By Jeanette Lindsey
Posted: 7:23p.m .est, January 21, 2008

Febe Johnson-Jackson

“When I was around 12 years of age, I realized that singing would be a part of my destiny.” Throughout her lifetime this acuity has been evident and proven in the life of Febe Johnson-Jackson. This well-known psalmist began singing when she was twelve years old; “It was my mother who pushed me into this endeavor, states Jackson.” She conveys that it was the strength and support received from her loving mother that kept her dream alive.

 

Jackson started out singing with the Lakeside Gospel Singers, which was a family group that included her mother and five aunts; however, due to them not having the aspiration to travel she branched off and began performing as a soloist. Proverbs 18:16 (KJV) states that, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” This separation was the beginning of Jackson’s “gift” to sing to begin working in her favor. New doors to great opportunities began to open up, which would eventually lead her to the path of distinguished artists and psalmists. Determined to be a blessing and an encouragement to others, she continued to walk towards her goal and destiny… alone, but not really alone. With God as her guide and having such an angelic voice, she was soon discovered and presented with an opportunity to make a soundtrack for the movie Rosewood in 1986. From this point Jackson’s career began to soar; invitations flowed in, which caused her to begin traveling from state to state.

 

As Jackson’s career as a soloist progressed, destiny caused her path to cross with a group of young ladies; and as divine destiny would have it, they often performed at the same functions. She admired their character and their “gift” to sing. This admiration and her ability to see the hand of God working on her behalf, guided her to make an appeal to the young ladies. After praying and seeking God’s direction, she experienced a peaceful affirmation that these young willing vessels were the chosen ones. “They are the chosen ones because they were chosen by God,” affirms Jackson. They accepted their divine order and thereby the awe-inspiring FeBe and The Chosen Ones came to fruition. The original Chosen Ones was composed of five young ladies that started out with Jackson while they were in high school. Today’s group of anointed singers believes in lifting their voices as they sing praises such as, If God is for me; It’s me Lord; God did it; and I’m Sorry. The members are Kimberly Hawkins, Sabrina and Courtney Green, Rinardo Pruitt, Darlinda Stevens, and Christopher Bush (alternate). “They are faithful and dedicated to this group and the will of God for their lives. They understand that if they are to sing with me then they have to walk/live the life that they are singing about,” conveys Jackson.

 

Throughout the years, FeBe and The Chosen Ones have shared the stage with many artists such as, Evelyn Turrentine Agee, the God Did It lady, and the Lumzy Sisters. In 2005 Doc McKenzie and the Highlites (Darryl Henley) held a compilation for gospel artists in which FeBe and the Chosen Ones was privileged to be a contestant and only female group amongst the competitors. In March 2007, they were also in a competition for new artists wherein they were to compete with quartets from all over the world. This competition was held in Jackson, Mississippi in which they came in first place. During the week of November 19–21, 2007, they appeared on the Bobby Jones Show, in which they performed along side artists such as Dottie Peoples, Vicky Winans, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. This career path has also connected her with Blackberry Records (William Brothers) who will do a live recording of her later this year.

 

Jackson states that she contributes her success to, “God, her mother, the Chosen Ones, and the least ones. When I say the least ones I am reminded of the scripture that states, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (ref. Matthew 25:40).’ I am compelled to go after the ones that everybody talks about. I look at them and I look at I once was there; but by the grace of God, and as the recording artist, Marvin Sapp sings, I Never Could Have Made it Without Him… this keeps me going. In regards to the least ones, I ask God to help me become not that which I cannot stand to see. When I see people struggling, I realize that I am not better than them, because it could have been me.” In addition, she conveys that FeBe and The Chosen Ones unique style also contributes to their accomplishments and longevity. Although they are of the quartet industry, their style is different.

 

Singing is a ministry, and as I sit and listen to her share it is evident that she has a heart for people. “When I see someone crying out to be saved, seeing people delivered, and observing how my personal testimony is instrumental in helping to bring about that deliverance… that pushes me further. It lets me know that my work does not stop here. People hear my songs and are encouraged; it’s all about seeing others being helped, this is what makes me want to sing,” states Jackson. She is not only gifted in singing, but she also writes all of her songs; however, every now and then she does a remix of some of the old gospel favorites such as, At the Gate I Know; “because these songs help us remember where we came from,” affirms Jackson.

 

Jackson truly enjoys singing and states that, “The sky is the limit for Febe and the Chosen Ones; and as long as God be for us who can be against us” (ref. Romans 8:31). Nevertheless, it was not surprising when she shared that preaching is beginning to become more purposeful in her life. Singing will always be an important part of who she is, but Jackson conveys that, “Preaching is what I was called and chosen to do.” She currently fulfills this assignment as a member of The Sons of God International Church, under the tutelage of Dr. Janet Clary, pastor. Dr. Clary states that, “FeBe and The Chosen Ones music ministry come from many trials and tribulation, but I know that it was God that brought them through. Prophetess Jackson is not just a singer but a woman of God with a Word in her belly to change lives. The call on her life is not just local but international and I await God’s promises on their behalf.” Jackson previously fellowshipped with Shady Grove Church where Reverend Chester Brown is the pastor, and also One Accord Ministries where her ministry commenced under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Effie Slaughter.

 

Psalm 100:1-2 (KJV) states, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” Therefore, to those of you that believe singing praises is your ministry, or if you just want to come before the Lord with singing, Jackson says, “Pursue your vision; for where there is no vision, the people perish (ref. Proverbs 29:18). Pursue your vision no matter what you go through; no matter what comes your way, let none of those distractions stop what God has called you to be.”

 

Febe is the daughter of Mrs. Carrie Butler and Wilbert Butler (step-father); she is married to Reverend Gregory Jackson; and is the mother of five children.