Hello, people from north! Be welcome! We hope you all enjoy this interview with Wayburn Dean, a very known former Acappella member. We would like to thank Steve Baggett for his help in English!

acappella.com.br - How are you doing?
Wayburn Dean - I am doing fantastic, life is good, God is good.

br - How long have you been a Christian?
WD - Forever, it seems, I was baptized at age 13 and raised in a strong Christian family who loved God and His word.

br - How did you decide to be a Christian?
WD - Again, I was taught Christian principles from birth, so when I began to truly understand God, Jesus Christ and the purpose of His death, burial and ressurection, becoming a Christian was the natural process.

br - What denomination are you a member of? Church Of Christ?
WD - I'm a member of the Church of Christ.

br - When did you realize that God was calling you to sing?
WD - At a very early age. I began singing at age 7 in school. I developed a love for harmony around 10 and fell in love with the power of music ministry at age 13. I don't know that I was called as much as I asked God to let me use the gift that he gave me to encourage others and glorify Him.

br - Who has influenced or supported you in this music ministry?
WD - MY MOTHER, She has always been the motor behind my music ministry. Too ofter I heard her say: To whom much is given, much is expected. Artist-wise, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Winans, Nat King Cole, Take 6. Personally, my wife Janae and my kids.

br - Besides the ministry of music, do you see God guiding you to other goals, like preaching, or teaching, or helping others in any other way?
WD - Teaching, I have always had a love for teaching. Back home in my church in New Mexico, I was the high school sunday class teacher and the young adult teacher for 10 years. For the last 3 years my wife and I have been co-teaching what is known as "Anchor Worship" classes for an inner-city middle school. Currently I am teaching the bible to a group of businessmen in the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

br - What did you do before joining Acappella? Have you sung with many quartets b4?
WD - I was a technician in the oil business in Hobbs, New Mexico. Yes, about 6 and many ensembles.

br - When did you start to sing with Acappella? How did it happen?
WD - I joined Acappella in 1988. Keith Lancaster invited George Pendergrass and I to Paris Tennesee to see and hear what his visions were for Acappella and asked us to be a part of that mission. So we decided to join the group.

br - Is there a song in your history with Acappella that means more to you?
WD - In terms of meaning, I think the song on the Sweet Fellowship album entitled "That Could Have Been Me" certainly brings a focus on your perspective and gives a humble meaning to the blessing that we have. We should never take God or his goodness for granted, but rather give thanks for what he does for us.

br - In your experience with Acappella what is the most memorable concert?
WD - Huntsville Prison, in Huntsville Texas. A very feared and dangerous prison, but it was one of the most spiritual and excited concerts that I remember. I think because they appreciated it so much.

br - What do you say about your time in Acappella?
WD - Incredible... I am very thankful to God for the experiences he allowed me to witness and be a part of.

br - Do you have a very funny moment with Acappella to share with us?
WD - Yes, Abilene Texas. Duane Adams fell off the back of the stage...ha ha...just saying that makes me laugh.

br - Why did you leave Acappella?
WD - It was time.

br - What did you do after your time in Acappella?
WD - My family and I moved to Indiana. I started a commercial music business. Eventually I moved to Michigan.

br - Would you think about singing in a quartet again?
WD - Probably not, I will probably do some projects with other artists, but not on a full time basis.

br - How is your son, Brent? I remember he sung on some Acappella Children CDs. Is he singing a lot today?
WD - Brent is doing great, He is currently a Mortgage consultant and doing very well. Yes, he still sings, I can't keep him quiet around the house. He has a great voice and one day wants to sing full time. I believe he will, it's a matter of time.

br - I heard you're doing a solo project. Is that correct? Is it a capella or instrumental?
WD - This particular album will be a mix. It will have some instrumental and some acappella. The project is entitled "As Long As I Live" I hope everyone purchases a copy. The album will be all contemporary Christian songs with my own flavor. I am excited about it so tell everyone you know to purchase their copy, I think you'll be blessed.

br - What are you doing today, besides this solo project?
WD - I am doing a number of things, I am currently working for a development firm that assists non-profit organizations in their development endeavors, producing songs and other artists, and assisting my wife in her Theater business.

br - What do you believe is the God's plan for your life at this moment?
WD - To continue to do His will and know that He and only He is in charge. Ecc. 12:13. Also, to always be ready to go on His behalf at any given moment.

br - Where are you living?
WD - Grand Rapids, Michigan with my beautiful, Godly, wife Janae and children.

br - Have you ever been to Brazil, with or without Acappella?
WD - No, never, I've always wanted to go, maybe someday!

br - If you could back in time and change something in your life, what would you change?
WD - The Apostle Paul said in Phil 3:13-14 ...but one thing I do, forgetting what is behing and straining toward what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. This is a very powerful position, one that I try to model my life after.

br - What's the weather up there right now? :)
WD - FREEZING!!!

Quick answers:
Wife: Janae
Children: Brent, Broderick, Rhea, Matthew, Kurtis, Jadon
Birthday: Can't Remember
Food: Captain Crunch
Season: Spring
Hobby: Golf, Basketball
Place: Toronto, Canada
Book: This Present Darkness
Verse: Eph. 2:8
Sport: Basketball

br - Do you have a final message for the people in Brazil?
WD - Yes, I would like the people in Brazil to know that the love of God crosses all boundaries, even though we are geographically far apart, we are one in Christ Jesus, and also to make sure you buy my album (available inwww.wayburndean.com).