By Rashad Alexander
Rudy Currence stopped by Tavern on LaGrange in Countryside to serenade the crowd on a recent Friday evening.
With the spirit of love still in the air for the month of February, the Grammy-nominated R&B singer shared some love for the western suburbs. This performance capped off his Red Hearts & Roses III Tour, which saw him visit Charlotte, Columbia, South Carolina, Atlanta, and then Countryside.
Leading up to his performance, the restaurant played various R&B records for the audience to hear while they enjoyed their food. This played in Currence’s favor, as he performed many R&B hits from other artists for the audience to sing along with, like Ella Mai’s “Boo’d Up” and John Legend’s “All of Me.”
“If they’re not familiar with my music, hopefully, they’re familiar with the covers, and then they can participate and sing along, and that’s why I always encourage people to sing with me,” Currence said after the show.
The Rock Hill, South Carolina native has a strong gospel influence in his music, making it feel like a church service in the middle of the restaurant.
Currence grew up a pastor’s kid, which inspired him to sing professionally. His gospel influences also inspired him. He talked about the transition from being a pastor’s kid to being an artist, as well as the support from his family.
“Whether I was doing R&B or gospel, I’m still making positive music about love and light in God, so the transition was smooth,” he said. “My mom has managed me my entire career… My niece, she’s on my album…my brother, he produced my first top 20 record, Testimony. It’s literally a family affair.”
Last year, Currence released his third independent album, “Stained Glass Windows.” What makes this project so meaningful for him is that he wrote and produced all 13 tracks. He described the project as a labor of love and him getting back to his roots. A standout track on the project for him was “Ransom.” He said the track was inspired by his and his dad’s favorite bible scripture, John 3:16.
“It’s just really talking about God’s love. Sometimes we get in a dark place, and we forget that there’s hope, that there’s love,” Currence said. “Songs like Ransom, I’m grateful to have them to encourage those people that no matter what you’re going through, God is the type of God that will leave the 99s and come find the one.”
Currence is currently working on a deluxe version of “Stained Glass Windows” and Christmas music for the holidays. He would also like to keep touring his album, as he feels most alive when performing in front of people.
“When you witness me, I feel like I really come to life on stage, and it translates really well in a room,” he said.
Future updates on Currence tours and his music can be found on his Instagram at @rudycurrence.
