UM’s Breland travels 4 million miles to sing the one song that matters

UM’s Breland travels 4 million miles to sing the one song that matters

When Roger Breland took the first step down the road toward a career in Christian music he had no idea what a long journey it would be. 

In 47 years he traveled more than 4 million miles across 47 countries, presented more than 12,000 concerts and produced 100 albums. His 31 years with TRUTH, one of the first internationally successful contemporary Christian groups, helped launch the careers of artists such as Avalon and 4Him. 

Bottom line

He spent another 16 years on the road with Voices of Mobile, an ensemble he co-founded with Al Miller, dean of the Alabama School of the Arts at University of Mobile (UM). They led an expansion of the university’s music program that includes the school’s first doctoral degree in musical arts. 

Along with faculty whose expertise ranges from opera to worship leadership they have prepared thousands of graduates to pursue their professional calling as musicians, educators, worship leaders, music industry professionals and more. 

Now with his touring career drawing to a close Breland’s lifetime of accomplishments was recognized May 11 when UM awarded him the honorary doctor of humane letters. 

When Breland accepted his honorary doctorate Voices of Mobile was on the platform with him, singing a song he finds most appropriate for a lifetime of music and ministry: “God is Able.” 

The honory doctorate from UM joins other accolades for Breland. He and TRUTH were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and he holds an honorary doctorate from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

But his greatest accomplishment isn’t found in the number of miles traveled or concerts performed.

It’s in the message he has taught students in the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts in the Alabama School of the Arts at UM.

“There’s really only one song to sing, and that is the song that will honor God. We want to do that with excellence,” Breland said. And it’s not enough, he tells them, to simply believe the words of the song.

“The bottom line for people who live our life on the platform in ministry is not that you believe what you sing,” he said. “The most important thing is that you live what you sing. I want students to know that what they do involves so much more than music.”

UM Interim President Fred Wilson said Breland’s “obedience to taking the message of Christ all over the world with music” reflects the heart of students and faculty across the university to serve Christ.

“We’ll really never know the impact it’s had this side of heaven,” Wilson said. “Voices of Mobile and other ensembles have taken the message of Christ, as well as the message of University of Mobile, to congregations around the world.”

Breland’s career began with serving small rural churches in Alabama during his college years. Following graduation from Troy University he served as choral director at Opp High School and minister of music at First Baptist Church, Opp. His full-time church ministry began as minister of music at Spring Hill Baptist Church, Mobile, then he formed TRUTH. 

Influence on students

In 2002 he joined UM as artist-in-residence, served as co-founder and director of Voices of Mobile and was named dean and later executive dean of the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts. 

UM graduate Andrew Goodwin said Breland practices what he preaches. Goodwin is among several alumni who form the male vocal group Veritas that toured internationally with Sandi Patty and performs in churches and concert halls across the nation.

“I would not be who I am today if it were not for the influence Dr. Breland has had on my life. He has had the single greatest impact on my career as an artist and taught me the importance of the ‘small things.’ Everything I know about being a successful musician, teacher, husband, father, leader and friend I learned, not from listening to, but from watching Dr. Breland,” Goodwin said.

When Voices of Mobile wraps up its final tour July 7 the group will have presented 150 concerts this academic year alone, including appearances in Cuba, Romania and England. During the course of 16 years Breland and the ensemble have presented 2,000 concerts across 12 nations and recorded 16 albums.

Collin Clardy, who currently serves as assistant director of Voices of Mobile and is pursuing a master’s in theology, will take over as director in mid-July. 

This fall Breland will make the transition to executive director of Voices of Mobile and work toward establishing the Roger Breland Endowed Scholarship to help the next generation have the advantage of a Christ-centered higher education. 

In his new role he will assist in fundraising for scholarships and special projects while continuing to assist in the Roger Breland Center for Performing Arts. (UM)