Raymond & Co

In the early '90s, Isaiah-Raymond Dyer found himself in trouble with the law and doing time. The incarceration had a profound effect on Dyer, and he left prison a changed man with a renewed commitment to his faith. He returned to his home church, joined the choir, and in 1994 formed the gospel group Raymond & Co. with Gillian Nembhard, Christopher Gordon, Lisa Allen, and Janine Dyer. The British vocal quintet's spirited performances and tight harmonies garnered them widespread recognition that ultimately led to their entry and win at the first ever GMTV/Voice/Integrity Music Gospel Challenge. A contract with Integrity Music soon followed, and in 2004 Raymond & Co. released their debut disc, Playing Games. Incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and traditional gospel, Playing Games featured a set of urban/R&B-infused gospel songs that specifically highlighted the group's soaring and inspirational vocals. ~ Aaron Latham