Alvin McKinney

Dr. Alvin McKinney an ordained Minister by the late Rev. Dr. Joseph Lee Jr. He is also branded international Recording Artist/Virtuoso Alto Saxophonist, composer, arranger, producer, and musical director. He started his musical journey playing drums at age four. At age twelve, he picked up his first Saxophone.

It became his first passion, and the focus of his career aspirations in music. He attended the University of Memphis, where he studied Classical Saxophone under Professor of Saxophones, Mr. Allen Rippe. He performed with the Marching Band, Jazz Band, the MSU Saxophone Quartet, and won the Woodwind Concerto competition in 1986. He graduated in 1989 with BME in Music Education and concentration in Saxophone Performance.

He went on to study Saxophone Performance under renowned Professor of Saxophones, Mr. Donald Sinta, at the University of Michigan Master’s Program, where he taught Jazz Styles as a Graduate Assistant under Mr. Ed Sarath. He received his Doctorate in Sacred Music from the Global Evangelical Christian College and Seminary Inc., in Wetumpka, Alabama.

He serves as the Pastor and Minister of Music for Redeemer Church of Christ-Power of God Ministries. He hosted ‘Joyful Jazz Ministries’ on The Cross TV Network, Live Internal Broadcast, in Duarte, CA, from November 2015 to April 2016, featured Christian Artists and Producers, Grammy Award Winning/Nominated, World Class Artists in all music genres.

Dr. McKinney ministered with the Praise and Worship teams of Benny Hinn Ministries and was featured with Morris Cerullo World Evangelism, Pastor Bob Reich’s ‘Media Fellowship International’ in Beverly Hills, CA, and in Dubai for Pastor Ade Ojedokun’s “International Gathering of Firebrands” Revival.

Calibrations with: Bishop Dr. George Dallas McKinney, Bishop Dr. Lee & Pastor Dr. Renardo Ward, Bishop Napoleon D. Rhodes, Pastors Andrae & Sandra Crouch, Jason Crabb & Crabb Family, Phil Driscoll, Kirk Whalum, Dr. Margaret Pleasant Doureaux, Dr. Michael Beckwith, Dr. Stephen Adeninyi, Musicians In Action, Jensine Bard Ministries, Praisefest Ministries, Frank Shelton Ministries, Dr. Gary Greenwood, Dr. Jynona Norwood, Deborah Mann Thomas, Billy Rivers, Temple of Deliverance-COGIC, Mississippi Blvd. Church, Metropolitan B.C., Awaken MEmphis, Memphis Union Mission, and more.

Toures/Performances: In Ghana, West Africa, Russia, and throughout the West Indies. Dr. Iris Stevenson-McCullough and Crenshaw Elite Choir in France, Notre Dame, Moneco, Tunisia, Spain, Switzerland; Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. at The White House for President Barack Obama.

• Performed as SEASON OPENER @ Overton Park Shell, w/ Memphis Black Arts Alliance – Memphis, TN
• Performs songs from his Gospel/Inspirational Jazz CD, “A Spiritual Journey,” including the original composition ‘And All Heaven Smiles’, also; New CD Single Release of “AMAZING GRACE REMIX”, remix by Jimmy Spice Curry
• Headlined at the House of Blues’ Gospel Brunch in Hollywood with Sylvia St. James; and with Ray Sidney & The Firm Soundation in Anaheim, CA
• Performed his Prayerful Rendition of The National Anthem for the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, the MLS Chivas Soccer in Carson, CA, and The 2020 World Champion Los Angeles Lakers Basketball Organizations, and others.

Plays multiple of Instruments: All Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet, Midi Wind Controller, Keyboards, Drums & Percussion Music Genres: Gospel/Inspirational Jazz, Gospel/Christian Hymnals, Traditional Classical, Traditional Jazz, Swing Jazz, Latin Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Blues, and many other Music Genres

Award/Recognition: In Barbados, he Headlined/received the Face of Africa-Ambassador of Human Rights Award from the International Gathering for Peace and Human Rights of Africa, Bishop Dr. C.A. Ogbu, and much more…