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Alvin Garrett (singer)

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This article is about the singer-songwriter. For the American football player, see Alvin Garrett.

Alvin Garrett
Bornc. 1980
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S.
OriginBirmingham, Alabama, U.S.
GenresR&B, soul, inspirational soul, gospel
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, producer, actor
Years active2010s–present
LabelsIndependent

Alvin Garrett (born c. 1980) is an American singer-songwriter, bass guitarist, record producer, actor, and social entrepreneur. A Grammy and Dove-nominated songwriter,[1] he has written for artists in gospel, R&B, and soul genres, including Kelly Rowland, Joe, Fantasia, and Ruben Studdard.[1] His solo music blends inspirational soul and contemporary R&B, with charting singles such as “’Til I Get Back to You,” which reached No. 15 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart in 2023,[2] and “You Give Me Life” (2025), which received critical coverage.[3][4][5] Garrett is also the founder of The Write Life, a songwriting-therapy program supporting formerly incarcerated individuals.[1][6]

Early life and education

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Garrett was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The son of a preacher, he began playing bass guitar at age 11 and performed in church throughout his youth. He graduated from Central High School in 1996 and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from Samford University.[1]

Career

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Songwriting and production

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Garrett began writing professionally in the early 2010s, working with gospel and R&B artists. He collaborated with Fred Jerkins III of Darkchild Gospel and has received nominations for the Grammy Awards, GMA Dove Awards, and Stellar Awards.[1] In 2025, he was nominated for a Stellar Award for Song of the Year as a co-writer of “Clap My Way,” performed by Micah Lee and produced by Fred Jerkins III.[7] His songwriting credits include work for Deitrick Haddon, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Kelly Rowland, Fantasia, Joe, Noel Gourdin, Jordan Knight, and Ruben Studdard.[1]

Garrett is also credited as a songwriter on Joe’s “I’d Rather Have a Love,” which reached No. 18 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Songs chart in 2013. He co-wrote two No. 1 singles on the Gospel Airplay chart: Fred Jerkins’ “Patiently Praising,” featuring Lowell Pye (2021), and Lamont Sanders’ “He Kept Me” (2022).[2]

Solo music career

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Garrett released his debut solo album, Expose Yourself, in 2012. His breakthrough single, “By Myself,” arrived in 2015. He followed with:

  • This HILL (2019)
  • The Awakening (2020)
  • The Lightness of Love (2021)
  • SFTY (2024)[6]

In 2023, his single “’Til I Get Back to You” reached No. 15 on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart.[2] In 2025, he released “You Give Me Life,” which received coverage from multiple outlets for its retro-styled production and lyrical themes.[3][4][5]

Writing for Rolling Out, Jonell Whitt

characterized the song as emotionally uplifting and reflective of Garrett’s commitment to traditional R&B influences.

— Jonell Whitt, Alvin Garrett is giving us life one song at a time

SoulTracks praised the track for its classic vocal style and smooth, mid-tempo production.[4] The Urban Music Scene noted Garrett’s strength as a songwriter, emphasizing the song’s purposeful themes and emotional resonance.[5]

Acting and public appearances

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While best known for his music, Garrett has appeared at civic events including the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee and has led songwriting therapy workshops in Birmingham and Chicago.[1][6]

The Write Life

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In 2015, Garrett established The Write Life, a songwriting-based program aimed at supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. Developed in collaboration with The Dannon Project, the initiative integrates music and lyric writing as tools to foster self-expression, emotional resilience, and positive decision-making. Garrett has stated that the program’s impact influenced his 2024 album, SFTY.[1][6]

Musical style and influences

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Garrett describes his music as “inspirational soul,” a blend of gospel, classic soul, and funk. He cites Earth, Wind & Fire, Al Green, Sam Cooke, and The Mighty Clouds of Joy among his core influences.[8][1]

Personal life

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Garrett lives in Birmingham, Alabama. A devout Christian and preacher’s son, he promotes messages of hope, faith, and personal responsibility. His motto is: “Because of HOPE, I have the INSPIRATION to pursue what I LOVE at the risk of LOSS.”[1]

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • Expose Yourself (2012)
  • This HILL (2019)
  • The Awakening (2020)
  • The Lightness of Love (2021)
  • SFTY (2024)

Notable singles

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  • “By Myself” (2015)
  • “’Til I Get Back to You” (2023) – No. 15, Billboard Adult R&B [2]
  • “You Give Me Life” (2025)

News coverage

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Alvin Garrett: Grammy-Nominated Artist Inspires with Music for the Soul". The Birmingham Times. June 27, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d "Byron Messia, Gia Margaret & Kassa Overall Hit Billboard Charts". Billboard. May 17, 2023. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c Whitt, Jonell (June 19, 2025). "Alvin Garrett is giving us life one song at a time". Rolling Out. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d "First Listen: Alvin Garrett gives us "Life" on new single". SoulTracks. May 29, 2025. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d "R&B/Soul Singer Alvin Garrett Releases New Track "You Give Me Life"". The Urban Music Scene. February 26, 2025. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  6. ^ a b c d e "Alvin Garrett Releases His Inspiring New Album, "SFTY"". ENSPIRE Magazine. April 12, 2024. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  7. ^ "2025 Stellar Awards Nominees". Stellar Awards. Central City Productions. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
  8. ^ a b "Alvin Garrett Believes Love Is a Great Unifier". ENSPIRE Magazine. January 19, 2022. Retrieved June 25, 2025.
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