It is more than one of those twists of fate that brought two people from opposite sides of the globe
together in marriage and in a music ministry. The pop band
SOZO consists of former Newsboys keyboardist Corey Pryor and
solo performer, Danielle. Their debut release, Purity, on
N*Soul Records displays a Euro-pop/dance style and a potent
message of living pure by the grace of God.
"In the 90's, teens have a lot of temptations that are thrown their
way. Our desire is to demonstrate to young people everywhere
just how powerful a life with Jesus Christ can be," Danielle
explained. The aspiration to spread the Gospel came at an
early age for the talented couple as both Danielle and Corey
are preacher's kids. Corey, a native of south Australia, grew
up under the supervision of a father who was a pastor. He
began to play the keyboards at the age of 13, and at the age
of 18, became a member of the Newsboys. Although the initial
request to join the Newsboys United States tour was denied by
my Mom, I toured with the group for three and a half years,
Corey said. While Corey was busy performing with the
Newsboys, Danielle was on stage singing in another part of
the world. Growing up in Grand Forks, North Dakota,
Danielle's dream was to become a singer. I sang to my teacher
and principal when I was four years old, she said. I traveled
and performed with youth groups, my goal always was to be on
a record label. I know now that God was preparing me.
Danielle and her mother, who became a Christian upon reading
a Gospel track, prayed for her father daily for two years.
Their prayer and Bible studies in the basement made an
impact. Not long after her father accepted Christ, the family
moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and there her father became a
pastor. Danielle made her first solo appearance before 400
people at the age of seven. She launched her music career
when she was 17, recording the album, Transformation, and
sharing the stage with such artists as Phil Driscoll, Reba
Rambo, and Donny McGuire.
The
husband and wife band works together in music, ministry, and
life. We work together as a team, Danielle explained. Instead
of fighting, we communicate by trying to understand each
other's point of view. Corey and Danielle's relationship with
each other transcends the theme of their debut release,
Purity. As Christians we are called to live a pure life
before God in every way, Corey said. We want kids to know
that they can live a pure life through Jesus Christ. With
music that both encourages and exhorts, SOZO's Purity
provides a refreshing light in a dark world. There are many
ways for this generation to be snared by Satan's power and we
will use the gifts God has given us to reach a world in need with the Gospel in these last days, Corey said.
