World-class singers come from churches. The choir gave Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Lizzo their magnificent vocals. R&B legend Tweet recently revealed how the place of worship gave her the strength to return to music after a long absence before driving her away again.
Charlene Keys is Tweet. She met Missy Elliot in the late 1990s after leaving her daughter with her parents in Panama City to pursue music. Missy helped Tweet burst into the public with “Oops (Oh My)” in 2002 due to their friendship. Tweet had already backed Ja Rule, Bubba Sparxxx, Petey Pablo, and Timbaland. Tweet credited gospel for her voice and skill. The Winans, Harvey Watkins, Canton Spirituals, and Clouds of Joy influenced her.
Tweet said her faith kept her going when the music industry abandoned her. As her second album failed, she sought divine guidance. “I feel frustrated because, in this business, you’re not always accepted,” she said a few years ago. I know he’ll get me through anything I’m going through. I used to get irritated, but I’ve developed spiritually that I try not to focus on how I’m feeling in that moment.”
Tweet, like many vocalists raised in the church, found her secular music in conflict with her faith. She left for almost a decade. After her initial success, she returned in 2016 and admits to many challenges. Tweet claimed eOne renewed her faith in the music industry. Her album Charlene followed.
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By 2019, Tweet was at odds with the church and its culture. She and her daughter told Jasmine Brand about their terrible religious community experience. Tweet said she loves Jesus but is done with church. The R&B artist also swore off tithing. “I’m not giving anybody tithes,” the singer said.
Tweet claimed her pastor was in her daughter’s DMs despite being married. Tweet stated she preferred the outdoors to church or home. Pastor Jamal was also dumped.