Divine Inspiration: The Soulful Force of Modern Gospel

Divine Inspiration is a Grammy-winning gospel and soul collective from Chicago, Illinois. The group, led by powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Anya Rivers, has redefined contemporary gospel music with its blend of traditional choir fervor and modern R&B production.

Early career

Formed in 2008, Divine Inspiration began as a weekly choir practice in the basement of Chicago's Greater Faith Community Church. Anya Rivers, then a music director, started recording original compositions with the core vocalists, self-releasing the independent EP "Testify" in 2011.

This grassroots project caught the attention of several labels, leading to a development deal with Harmony Grove Records in 2012. Their first major-label single, "Lift Every Voice," gained traction on gospel radio charts that same year.

Breakthrough

The group's national breakthrough arrived in 2015 with their sophomore album, "A New Day." The album debuted at number three on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and crossed over to the Billboard 200.

Its lead single, "Grace Found Me," spent 12 consecutive weeks at number one on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart and was certified platinum. This success established Divine Inspiration as a major commercial force within the genre.

Key tracks

Grace Found Me — This platinum-certified 2015 single became their signature anthem and first chart-topper.

Testify (2011 Version) — The raw, original recording showcases the group's foundational vocal power and songwriting.

Phoenix — A 2018 collaboration with Kirk Franklin that won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song.

River — The title track from their 2020 album is a soulful ballad highlighting Anya Rivers' lead vocals.

Stand Up — This 2022 socially-charged track features John Legend and expanded their audience into mainstream soul.

Following "A New Day," Divine Inspiration headlined major gospel festivals and collaborated with artists like Yolanda Adams and PJ Morton. Their 2020 album "River" debuted at number one on the Gospel Albums chart and earned them a second Grammy award.

The group has since launched its own independent imprint, Faithful Sound, through a partnership with RCA Inspiration. Their music continues to evolve, incorporating more live instrumentation and jazz influences on recent tours.

Fans of Divine Inspiration's uplifting sound and vocal prowess also enjoy Tasha Cobbs Leonard for her dynamic worship style. Jonathan McReynolds shares a similar approach to introspective, songwriter-driven gospel. The Clark Sisters represent the legendary vocal harmony tradition that inspires the group. Maverick City Music parallels their modern, collective approach to the genre.

Divine Inspiration's catalog is a staple on contemporary gospel and inspirational radio stations across the country. Their hits receive regular airplay on both terrestrial FM gospel channels and dedicated online faith-based music streams.

You can hear the powerful music of Divine Inspiration on various gospel and soul radio stations featured right here on our website. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover their timeless tracks and experience their inspirational sound.