Get To Know Gospel Sensation Jarell Smalls

 

In the world of contemporary gospel music, few artists blend deep traditional roots with a refreshing millennial energy quite like Jarell Smalls. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Smalls has carved out a space in the genre that honors the legacy of classic quartet and church choir music while ushering it forward for a new generation of listeners. Raised in the rich spiritual soil of Charleston with early influences coming from the church environment his mother and grandmother instilled, Smalls describes his upbringing as “Good Old Fashion Church.” It was here—surrounded by sacred song and communal worship—that his musical gifts were first nurtured. Star 99.7Before his solo breakout, Smalls founded the gospel group Gospel Inspiration in 2007, which released its first album Get Ready in 2009, providing a foundation for his future work. Smalls’ discography reveals a steady artistic evolution. Jesus Is the Reason (2013) — A Christmas gospel project that introduced him to a wider audience, with the standout single. “Mary Rock the Baby” earning significant attention in gospel circles. A New Season (2019) — A widely acclaimed album released with his ensemble Jarell Smalls & Company. This record marked his true breakthrough, blending traditional quartet fervor with contemporary production and heartfelt lyrics. The album’s centerpiece, “Prayer Room (Come On In The Room),” emerged as a chart-impacting hit single, revitalizing a classic gospel message for today’s listener while earning widespread radio rotation and significant streaming traction. We Need Your Power (2020) — Released amid global challenges, this powerful anthem extended his reach, charting on gospel indicator charts and reinforcing Smalls’ voice as one of encouragement and spiritual resilience. Recent Singles — Into the mid-2020s, Smalls has continued issuing music, including notable tracks such as “Got To Be Saved” (2024) and “Church The Way I Remember” (2025), keeping his message active in modern gospel spaces. Smalls’ work has not gone unnoticed in the industry. In 2019, A New Season earned nominations at the prestigious Stellar Gospel Music Awards—often described as the gospel industry’s equivalent of the Grammys—for categories including Traditional Duo/Chorus Group, Traditional Male Vocalist, Traditional CD, and Quartet of the Year. That same project received recognition as a contender in the Traditional CD of the Year category at the 34th Annual Stellar Awards. Across multiple seasons of gospel radio

airplay reports, Smalls and his ensemble’s music—especially his single “Moving By The  Spirit” with Jarell Smalls & Company—has regularly appeared in Gospel Format charts, signaling ongoing listener engagement and broadcast popularity. Black GospelRadio+1 Inspirations and Ministry Focus. Smalls’ artistic inspirations draw from the legacy of classic gospel quartet voices, dynamic church worship traditions, and the broader spiritual mission that drives gospel music. He views his music not simply as performance, but as ministry—intended to break through barriers and minister to congregations and individual listeners alike. Star 99.7This commitment is reflected not only in his studio recordings but also in his live performance presence. Smalls has toured the United States extensively, bringing his powerful voice to churches, gospel luncheons, community events, and regional festivals. Notable live appearances include performance events like “Heaven on the Rooftop”, where Smalls delivered spirited gospel worship to packed audiences at High energy gatherings. Star 99.7Beyond Music: The Man Behind the Mic. In addition to music, Smalls’ journey has included personal trials and triumphs. After surviving a serious health crisis in 2020, he emerged with renewed purpose, documenting elements of his experience in his forthcoming book I HAVE A REASON TO LIVE, further testifying to his faith and resilience. Today, Jarell Smalls stands as a compelling force in gospel music—a bridge between time-honored tradition and a reinvigorated millennial vision of praise. Whether through his charting singles, award-recognizing albums, or electrifying live performances, Smalls continues to inspire and uplift listeners across denominational and stylistic divides. His voice—rich with conviction—is unmistakably part of the next chapter of American gospel.