Gospel singer and organist Lonnie Hunter III was born and raised in Harvey, Illinois. He was inspired to perform by his mother, herself a professional gospel vocalist, and after graduating high school, he served five years as lead singer for the U.S. Air Force Jazz Band. In 1980, Hunter accepted the position of Minister of Music with the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cathedral in Harvey; nine years later, the church's choir took top honors in the Singsation National Gospel Choir Competition. Their debut album, Lonnie Hunter III & the Voices of St. Mark, followed on the Mu...