Cedric Shannon Rives, known in America for his talents not only as a singer but also as a composer and musical theatre actor. Born in Missouri, he spent his childhood and adolescence immersed in music and prayer. Following in his father’s footsteps, Cedric began singing in his church’s youth choir. The expressive power of his voice captivates the congregation, allowing them to sense a spirituality and the presence of the Lord. By the age of 9, Cedric was already singing as a soloist, and at 11 he gave his first concert, accompanied by a full orchestra. He graduated from one of America’s most prestigious performing arts centres – Central Visualtalento – with qualifications in music and theatre, jazz and musical theatre. An actor, singer and teacher by the age of 25, Cedric made his debut on the music scene as a gospel artist with the album *Psalms of Deliverance*, which sold 10,000 copies. His tracks

“Bow Down” and “Worship Him”, from his second album, are well-known in the United States.

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In 1999, he was part of the cast of the musical “Be Careful What You Pray For”, and in 2004 in “A House Divided”, receiving great critical acclaim. In 2001, C-Jam Music brought him to Italy for the first time, and since then he has performed in prestigious theatres; he was also a guest at the Vatican Concert, singing for Pope Wojtyla.

In 2011 and 2012, he took centre stage on the American gospel scene with his latest album, *SING YOU OUT THE 4 WALLS*. He will be touring Italy once again with his new group, “The Unlimited Praise Gospel Singers”, a group of talented singers of Cedric’s calibre, hailing from various parts of the United States.
Leader: Cedric Shannon Rives

Soprano: Yolanda Marant

Alto: Chamekay Cooper

Tenor: Trevor Keys
Keyboard: Nikki Ervin

Drummer: Hane Wilson