Celia's Biography"I love life and love singing songs about life. Singing is a direct response to what life has taught me! At the age of three, I can remember singing at revivals with my dad, a United Methodist Minister. Of course, I had to stand on a chair to be seen over the pulpit! My life, my music my work are all gifts from God, and I believe God calls each of us to reach beyond our human existence and live a life modeled after Christ. Music is my means of communicating that calling -- reaching beyond words to bring healing, encouragement and joy." Celia holds degrees in Christian Education and Elementary Education from Centenary College of Louisiana. After college, she taught school for five years in the Louisiana and Texas public schools. During that time she married Ron Whitler. In November of 1989, Celia began singing concerts on weekends and eventually work got in the way of singing. She left the classroom to sing. Singing has been a true answer to a calling. "I want people to know that our faith is an exciting and dynamic adventure - to share Christ's message of unconditional love and to encourage others in their faith journeys." Celia's entry into songwriting came in 1990, when she released her first album, "Make Me Worthy". The recording blending traditional and contemporary expressions of Christian music. Her second album, "Steadfast Heart", released in 1992 blends contemporary and inspirational music. The fall of 1993 brought with it a move to the Nashville, Tennessee area. In the summer of 1998 Ron left his full time work to join the family team. He brings thirteen years of experience of local church youth ministry. Her third release "Walk Chalantly" included a broader base of songs about life and faith. Chalantly is a word coined to mean with focus, enthusiasm and passion (the opposite of nonchalantly). Its theme and songs reflect struggles of the daily journey. "The majority of people who hear my music don't limit their listening to Christian music, but listen to a blend of music that mirrors their daily lives." Release date: November 1998. Her fourth release, "Faces of Our Friends", continued with a mixture of songs. The album has acoustic roots that reflect Celia's live performances. Release date: July 1999. Her fifth release "So Far" was the result of a small group of talented people working together. Creative direction was provided by Brent Maher. Dave Flint co-produced the album and provided all of the guitar work. The recording process started with acoustic guitar and Celia's voice. Bass, Percussion and Keyboards were added. Release date: September 2001. Her sixth release is titled "Then". It a collection of Celia's favorite hymns. The collection is interpreted simply with acoustic guitar and interspersed with acoustic piano. Release date: January 2003. Her seventh release is "In Plain View". It was recorded with a full band. It includes songs written for major events that Celia was a part of. Release date: January 2004. Recordings numbered three through seven are currently available on the website. Follow the "hear or buy" links above or click on an album cover image to learn more. April 2006 Abingdon Press will release Celia's first book. Entitled "On the Way To Somewhere," it is targeted for graduating seniors. Follow the book link above to learn more. Celia has sung for more than 1,100 concerts and events in 45 states, the DC area Europe and a number of national church events. Those events combined with songwriting concerts in secular venues have put Celia in touch with people and their needs. "I believe that we all hunger for someone to share themselves with us -- so that we know we are not alone." Celia has a FREE monthly e-mail newletter. Subscriptions are available by following the "news" link Discography
Recordings released by Celia Whitler unless a publisher or label is listed. |