From Gospel Roots to Southern Soul: Lomax Spaulding on His Musical Journey and Pursuit of Country Music Dreams

From Sunday mornings in Georgia churches to sold-out stages across the globe, Lomax Spaulding has lived a musical life shaped by soul, spirit, and sheer talent. A guitarist, singer, and seasoned performer, Lomax’s journey spans gospel roots, R&B tours, Southern Soul classics, and now—country music dreams. His distinctive blend of emotional storytelling, smooth guitar work, and powerhouse vocals has earned him accolades, worldwide recognition, and the respect of legends. In this exclusive conversation with Dr. Jameelah “Just Jay” Wilkerson, Lomax reflects on his early influences, unforgettable performances, and what it means to evolve as an artist without ever forgetting where you come from.

Lomax, you began playing guitar, piano, and singing at a very young age. How did your early experiences in church shape your musical journey?

Growing up, I attended a local church where my mother and father were members. I never joined the choir or became a part of the music department. It wasn’t until later in life that I met a friend who played bass in my hometown, and we started jamming together. His mom was a member of the COGIC organization, and we were allowed to play in church. That was my first experience playing guitar in church, but I still didn’t sing. I would not be the artist I am today had it not been for this wonderful experience. All credit to The Most High.

Transition to Gospel:

After touring with many successful R&B groups, you returned to gospel music in 2004. Can you share what led to that decision and how it impacted your musical creativity?

While performing in Baku, Azerbaijan in 1999, I worked on my first gospel project, entitled Depending on You. My mom had always encouraged me to record one, so I did. It was the first project I recorded on the K.A.L.A. Entertainment label and at their recording studio. I guess it’s the only gospel project I’ve ever recorded. I feel there will be another one, but I’m not sure when.

Memorable Performances:

You’ve had the honor of performing for the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. and even met Michelle Obama. What was that experience like for you?

It was my second time being a part of great history. Both were unforgettable and wonderful memories. While attending a meeting with the NCBW in Washington, DC, the unveiling of the Sojourner Truth bust was discussed. This was the first Black, first Black female bust included among so many other notable figures in the Capitol. On 04/28/2009, I was invited to attend the ceremony and given the opportunity to compose and perform an original song entitled Nothing But The Truth. To add to the unforgettable experience, Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark Cole, and I brought the song to life!

Southern Soul Exploration:

You ventured into Southern Soul and worked with artists like Mel Waiters. What drew you to this genre, and how does it differ from your previous musical endeavors?

While growing up in a small town in Georgia, my home was located behind the Black business district, known as ‘The Sandy Bottom.’ Artists who once performed there included James Brown, Otis Redding, Little Richard, and Ray Charles, just to name a few. There were Juke Joints, and throughout the day, I could hear sweet soul music coming from the Piccolo. Bobby Blue Bland, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, James Brown, Brook Benton, Tyrone Davis, Denise LaSalle, and so many more filled the air with their music. This sound has stayed with me since I was a little boy and continues to this day. I started my solo career in Soul music in 2011. I’ve played guitar with Marvin Sease, William Bell, Mel Waiters, Lebrado, and Jeff Floyd. I wrote, performed, and produced the song ‘Got No Curfew’ for Mel Waiters.

After graduating from high school, I moved to Atlanta. My friend had formed a group called First To Earth, and I played with him for a while. One day, while visiting a studio on Arden Ave., I was given the opportunity to play guitar on Tony Troutman’s hit ‘Your Man Is Home Tonight.’ While at the studio, I had the pleasure of meeting and playing guitar on a few tracks with Ali-Ollie Woodson, who later became a member of the legendary group The Temptations. I also met two talented brothers, whose father was a bishop, and they invited me to church that Sunday. I guess you could say I was back to gospel. Lol. This was also my first time singing in church, and it was a wonderful experience. The church was located at the corner of Candler and Glenwood Rd. in Decatur, GA. After hearing me play guitar, the pastor offered me a job with the church! It was the best news I had gotten in a while—no more being a maintenance man on Washington Rd., picking up paper in the mornings in 30-degree weather at the apartment complex. LOL.

This would be my first opportunity to sing in church, and it was a wonderful experience. Later, I moved to New York and shared the stage with jazz organist Charles ‘The Burner’ Earland, Johnny Kemp, Melissa Morgan, Poogie Bell, John Adams, Timmy Allen, and Vincent Henry.

Soul music has always been, and will always be, a part of who I am. I guess I would say the music business is the music business, and I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a lot from the artists I worked with in the R&B genre. That experience helped me perfect my solo career.

Life Lessons Album:

Your album “Life Lessons” received a lot of praise. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this album and your favorite track from it?

It was my first Soul project, but like any of the music I contribute my energy to, I work hard to come as close to what I consider perfection as possible. I was playing guitar with Mel Waiters and working with him on his new single Got No Curfew, so I was working hard. Long hours in the studio and flying out to San Antonio, TX, every weekend was a challenge, but it was well worth the hard work and effort. That project really meant something special to me, but if I had to pick one out of the ten songs on Life Lessons as my favorite, I would have to say Swing It.”

Awards and Recognition:

You’ve been nominated for several Blues Critic Awards. How do these nominations influence your career and your approach to making music?

It’s good to know what others think and feel about my work, and it is a blessing to have so many people who appreciate my music. Receiving an award is always an honor. I was fortunate to receive the AMG Perseverance Award and to have worked on two platinum projects while collaborating with the group XSCAPE.

In 1986, I was a member of the group CA$HFLOW, and our singles Mine All Mine, Reach Out, and Party Freak charted. We reached number 3 on Billboard, and our picture was featured on the front cover. We opened for CAMEO on the WORD UP TOUR in the UK, which also gave us the opportunity to appear on Top of the Pops in the UK alongside Simply Red with I’ll Keep Holding On and Doctor and the Medics with Spirit In The Sky.

Between 1994 and 1997, I played guitar with SILK, XSCAPE, Keith Sweat, and JAGGED EDGE. In the 90s, I also played guitar on several tracks while working with Jermaine Dupri and So So Def, including Kriss Kross’s The Night, XSCAPE’s Who Can I Run To, and Mariah Carey’s Always Be My Baby.

After my last tour with Keith Sweat, which took me to London, Germany, and Holland, I put together my own group and went on tour in Jakarta, Surabaya, Indonesia, Singapore, Cartagena, Spain, Taipei, Taiwan, and Baku, Azerbaijan.

The talent that The Most High has blessed me with has allowed me to travel the world, and the awards and recognition have instilled in me a deep respect for the music business and for those who are a part of it. These experiences have shaped who I am today.

Country Music Dream:

You’re now pursuing a lifelong dream of recording and performing country music. What inspired this transition, and what can fans expect from your upcoming country projects?

My father loved country music, but during my younger days, he would occasionally bring home different music genres. He saw my talent in music well before I did, which allowed me to prepare for my musical journey later in life. Over time, I found myself getting opportunities to share the stage with many artists across various genres.

Interview by: Dr. Jameelah “Just Jay” Wilkerson