To describe or define Alvin Garrett with a singular title may be a near-impossible task. However, after getting to know him, one would have to agree that he is certainly a Pioneer of Inspirational Soul. This Alabama-born-and-raised preacher’s son has woven over twenty years of diverse experience in the entertainment industry with the common thread of hope and inspiration. Whether it’s R&B, Gospel, Pop, or Jazz, you will recognize Garrett’s inspirational fingerprint in all his music and business endeavors.
Garrett’s masterful songwriting, captivating smile, and spine-tingling voice are reminiscent of soul music legends, Sam Cooke and Al Green. This honorable comparison began in 2015 with the release of the soul-riveting song, “By Myself,” which many still compare to the timeless and epic nature of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come.”
Garrett has traveled a long road in his musical career. Not only is he a business owner, professional bassist, music and event producer, recording and performing artist, but he is also an award-winning songwriter. He has written and arranged songs for Joe, Kelly Rowland, Fantasia, Johnny Gill, Ruben Studdard, Noel Gourdin, Jordan Knight, Deitrick Hadden, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, and many others. In addition to a Grammy nomination, Garrett has won a Soul Train Award, a Dove Award, and a Stellar Award. Garrett’s 2012 debut album, Expose Yourself, was critically acclaimed by many as one of the sexiest smooth R&B albums of our time. In 2019, he released his second full-length album, This HILL, which was his homage to life lessons and his personal philosophy… “Because of HOPE, I have the INSPIRATION to pursue what I LOVE at the risk of LOSS.” This project was also the foundation for his new independent label, HILL Entertainment. In the summer of 2020, the Grammy-nominated songwriter continued to carry the torch of musical activism with his thought-provoking EP, The Awakening. Following this thought-provoking project, Garrett aimed to lift spirits and lighten the mood with his sultry-smooth album, The Lightness of Love in 2021.
In 2015, Garrett’s love for entertainment, education, and empowerment led to the development of an innovative songwriting-therapy program called, The Write Life. This program was launched in partnership with The Dannon Project, which is one of the country’s leading Department of Labor-funded re-entry and social services agency based in Birmingham, AL. The Write Life is a transformative tool for recruitment, engagement, retention, and motivation of their participants. Alvin says, “I absolutely love to motivate and encourage people by showing them how to utilize the power of words and music to sculpt their future.”
Garrett's most recent offering is a powerful new project inspired by the struggles of real individuals, creating an emotive musical journey that transcends traditional boundaries. "SFTY" is more than just an album; it's a concept born from Garrett's engagement with previously incarcerated individuals while partnering with The Dannon Project. “SFTY”, which is pronounced "Safety," is an acronym for “Songs For The Yard.” Garrett says, “I believe that this new project is the soundtrack for the quest for freedom, healing, and safety that we are all on in some way.” The musical concept of The Yard represents that precious moment of free time when individuals seek liberation from emotional and mental incarceration.
Garrett is oftentimes asked to provide a genre-specific label to define himself. In response, he simply replies, “I am a Pioneer of Inspirational Soul!”