Smokie Norful

Smokie Norful is a gospel recording artist and ordained pastor. He was born Willie Ray Norful Jr. on October 31, 1975, in Oklahoma. Before his full-time music and ministry career, he worked as a history teacher. He is a licensed minister since 1997 and an ordained church elder, and he founded the Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Chicago, Illinois. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Norful has built a significant career in gospel music. He is a multiple-time Billboard "Gospel Artist of the Year" recipient and a multiple RIAA-certified gold-selling artist. His catalog includes songs such as "I Need You Now," "Nothing Without You," "No Greater Love," "Don't Quit," "I Still Have You," "Justified," "Dear God," and "In My Name." His achievements in the industry include being a two-time Grammy Award winner, taking home awards in 2005 and 2015. He is also an eight-time Stellar Award winner and a five-time Dove Award winner. In recognition of his contributions, he has been inducted into both the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.