THE PRINCE OF GOSPEL, JOHN P. KEE, RETURNS TRIUMPHANTLY WITH NEW ALBUM THROWBACK: AN EVENING WITH JOHN P. KEE, PART 1

 

After navigating two challenging years of serious health battles—including cancer and a flesh-eating virus—legendary gospel icon John P. Kee is officially back, stronger than ever. Renewed, restored, and reinvigorated, the beloved singer, songwriter, and producer has returned to the stage with a packed touring schedule and to the studio with a powerful new creative fire.

These experiences have culminated in his highly anticipated new album, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Part 1 (Kee Music Group / Tyscot Records). The project will be available in both digital and CD formats on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, making it a timely and meaningful holiday gift for fans everywhere.

Listen Link: https://JPKtbpt1.lnk.to/aROPH2

A CELEBRATION OF CLASSICS FOR A NEW GENERATION

The album’s first single, “Church Medley,” is already making a joyful impact at gospel radio. This dynamic track blends five of Kee’s beloved early hits:

“I Believe”

“I Won’t Let Go”

“It Will Be Alright”

“He’ll Welcome Me”

“Thank You Lord (He Did It All)”

While Kee leads the medley, powerhouse vocalists Zacardi Cortez and Tallie Rogers contribute heartfelt performances throughout. The single has quickly gained traction, breaking into the Top 30 on both the Billboard and Mediabase Gospel Airplay charts.

JOHN P. KEE ON HONORING HIS LEGACY

“For years I ignored the fact that my old catalog touched millions of lives,” says Kee, who has served as pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Charlotte, NC for over twenty years. “While I was focused on writing new worship music, fans kept calling out for the classics. Eventually, I had to admit that these songs shaped and inspired generations—they became woven into people’s lives for over four decades.

So, I surrendered to that truth. I went back into the studio to re-record these timeless songs for a new generation. I’m honored, excited, and blessed to share this gift with the world—Throwback 2025.”

 

 

 

Over the course of a year, Kee recorded several of his live concerts and collected over 30 tracks for a thick anthology of his biggest hits. Kee is releasing 15 of the live tracks and two new studio cuts on Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Part 1. It features the traditional styled “Lily of the Valley” and the bluesy ballad, “We Made It.” Kee does a spot on impersonation of the iconic Rev. James Cleveland on the latter. The set also boasts Kee’s signature New Life Community Choir singing and shining brightly on songs such as the Quiet Storm-styled singalong, “I Worship Thee” and the sonic boom, “Right Here.”

Fans are happy to see Kee back on the road. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2024 and a few weeks later was hospitalized with necrotizing fasciitis, a potentially lethal flesh-eating infection. The latter required five surgeries and a lengthy convalescence where Kee had to learn how to walk again. He’s bounced back from both illnesses and has put all his new energy into making new music. He’s currently working on a few new music projects for himself such as Throwback, and a series of tribute albums to his musical mentor, Bishop Rance Allen.

Throughout the Throwback proceedings, Kee features his church-famous proteges such as the aforementioned artists as well as LeJeune Thompson, Calvin Rodgers Crystal Smith and Ladonna Hairston Mole on various selections. The album concludes with two versions of the new studio cut, “Play Yo Tambourine.” The song is a catchy nod to the 803Fresh “Boots on the Ground” line-dance craze, inviting church folks to leap from the pews and play yo tambourine. Kee also equates the playing of the tambourine to the ringing of the bell after his cancer treatments were completed. Kee commands the sessions with the combined charisma of a circus ringmaster and a singing psychologist who knows just the words to lift the spirits of his patients. It’s a joyous reminder of Kee’s heyday hits but with just enough sanctified zeal to attract new fans.