On Sunday, Tuscaloosa native Alvin Garrett will perform his poignant and powerful, self-penned song “It Starts In The Heart,” as the opening to the 56th annual Selma Bridge Crossing at 2 p.m.The ceremony will happen virtually this year, and you can register to watch for free by visiting SelmaJubilee.com.
“I am a beneficiary of those that sacrificed and put their lives on the line. I value what they were fighting for, and I have to do my part to uphold their spirit of empowerment and inspiration,” said Garrett.
Garrett, who now lives in Birmingham, spent his youth in the Druid City, graduating from Central High School. He kicked off 2021 with the first Billboard Gospel National Airplay single to hit #1 – “Patiently Praising” (feat. Lowell Pye), co-written with Fred Jerkins III. In addition, he’s amassed multiple awards including a Grammy nomination, a Soul Train, Dove and Stellar Award, and has had an impressive career that’s ushered him to the forefront of Soul and R&B as a professional bassist, producer, arranger and songwriter for Joe, Kelly Rowland, Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard, Jordan Knight, Deitrick Haddon and more.
Here’s a sneak preview of Sunday’s performance.
Blake Ells 