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Apostle's Bio
Biography of Apostle Perry Maples' Musical Career
Apostle Perry Maples, is the pastor and overseer of the Apostolic Deliverance Temple Churches International, is no stranger to the gospel music industry. He has been singing since the early age of seven, following in the footsteps of his father, Perry Maples, Sr., who managed a gospel quartet group. His love of singing praises to God carried him across the country, singing with groups like the Singsational Harmonizers and the dynamic Dixie Wonders. It was during this time that Apostle Maples penned several hits under the Songbird and Designer Records labels, which included the stirring Nobody But You Lord, the inspiring When They Get Old, and the classic The Story of Job. Some of these songs are now part of history as they are included in Kip Lornell's book, "African American Sacred Vocal Harmony Quartets in Memphis."
In June 2005, Apostle Maples was honored by the prestigious Gospel Bridge Awards at the Cook, Convention Center in Memphis as Pastor of the Year. This dynamic award also came with a Best Male Vocalist nomination for the critically acclaimed song, Holy Ghost Power. Memphians unanimously voted for the man who has been telling it like it is for nearly three decades.
In 1976 Apostle Maples took on his new role as pastor. He asked God to take away his love for gospel quartet singing so that he could totally devote himself to leading God's people. And God did just that for him. Apostle Maples did, however, continued to work with the ADT Rapture Ready Choir. The choir first TV appearance was on the Reverend Oris Mays Show. In 1991, the ADT Rapture Ready Choir appeared on perennial fixture in the gospel music world when they earned first place in he Wrigley's Spearmint Gum Singsational contest in Memphis, Paulette Douglas, the choir's directress, won first place as the best director. As the Singsational Champions, the ADT Rapture Ready Choir reached a benchmark in their dynamic musical career by continuing to wow audiences across the nation. Just as Apostle Maples asked God to take away gospel quartet singing, he asked God to give it back to him. And God honored his request. In 2003, God spoke to Apostle Maples and told him that it was time for the choir to record its own gospel CD. In June 2004, with the help of God, the anointed CD titled Apostle Perry Maples presents the ADT Rapture Ready Choir was released. It received three and a half stars from music editor Bill Ellis of The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Since the release of the CD, Apostle Maples and the ADT Rapture Ready Choir continue to be busy. Apostle Maples and the choir have appeared in the Gospel Truth magazine and the Silver Star News. The Rapture Ready Choir has been featured on one of Memphis' prominent radio stations WLOK's Friday Night Live and the ever-popular Bobby Jones Gospel Show, a fixture on BET and The Word Network. In addition, the choir appeared on TV during the Memphis in May Music Festival, and in the Sisterhood Show Case presented by Grace magazine. Apostle Maples and the ADT Rapture Ready Choir have also appeared on stage with some of the biggest names in the gospel music industry. With references like the William Brothers, Shirley Caesar, the Canton Spirituals, John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood, Edwin Hawkins and the late Thomas Whitfield just to name a few, the choir has solidified itself within the annals of the gospel music community. Furthermore, the choir was at one time directed by the late O'Landa Draper who took the choir to new heights.
Now in an effort to effectively market this project Apostle Maples looked into different avenues of promotion. After considerable debate, groundwork and prayer, Apostle Maples came to the conclusion that it was in the best interest of the ministry to start it's own publishing company. As a result, PAULUJA RECORDS was created with a vision to produce the greatest amount of dynamics. sophistication and panache in the gospel music entertainment industry today.
As a pastor, teacher, recording autist, song writer, producer & record label CEO Apostle Maples continues to promote the unchanging message of Jesus Christ and His redemptive plan for all mankind; and the choir continues to sing the praises to God inspiring many people across the world.