"Praise God on the Organ" (Psalm 150:4)

Ovella Davis is a Detroit native, accomplished organist, pastor, and community leader with over 35 years of experience in ministry and music. She discovered her purpose through the gift of playing the Hammond organ by ear through tragedy, and that gift led her to the church, where she began a lifelong commitment to worship, music, and service. Recognized for her deep expertise on the Hammond B3, Ovella combines technical mastery with spiritual insight, offering a rare perspective on the organ’s vital role in Black church worship.

She is the senior pastor of Always in Jesus Presence Ministries (AIJP), now in its 17th year, and founder of the United Communities of America (UCOA), home of the nationally recognized youth violence prevention initiative CODE22. Through her leadership, Davis champions peace, healing, and purpose—using both music and ministry to inspire the next generation and uplift communities.

Professional organist, keyboardist, music producer, musical director, and songwriter Linell Andrews has performed in many musical environments: churches, arenas, and major stages in and out of the United States. She is originally from New York City, presently residing in Montclair, New Jersey. At the early age of five years old, Linell’s mother realized she had an ear and interest for the piano; she then set up lessons for her. In later years she started lessons for playing the pipe organ and then pursued learning how to play the Hammond organ. Linell realized at this early age she loved music of all forms and found a great interest in classical and gospel organ performance. In her teens, she became the organist for her church, where she was raised from birth. Linell’s desire is to be an instrument of God’s hands, leading his people into his presence, via the gift of playing the organ.

Nathan A. Rooks received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Norfolk State University, master’s degree in music education from Boston University and a second master’s degree in music technology from Southern Utah University. Nathan is Director of Music and Worship Arts at First Baptist Church of Highland in Landover, MD, as well as a middle school chorus and keyboard teacher in Prince George’s County Public Schools. 

Nathan is a talented and gifted musician who enjoys making music be it accompanying, conducting, producing, or arranging. Nathan has a wide range of skills being able to play, sing, and create music in many different genres at an advanced level. Nathan is classically trained and God-inspired, as he began playing the piano at the age of five with no formal training until college. 

Nathan has accompanied many notable preachers and national recording artists. He has played on many recording sessions and albums as an organist, keyboardist, and/or composer for artists such as Patrick Riddick and DW, Peggy Britt, Earl Bynum, Anthony Turner, and more. He is an author of two books: The Gospel Musician Book Vol.1: A Complete Guide for Playing Preacher Chords and Chord Progressions, Gospel Runs, Worship Music Chords and Chord Progressions and The Gospel Musician: Praise Break.

Phillip Carter is a Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, producer, minister of music, and local church consultant based in the Washington, DC-area. He has led choirs at Georgetown University, Bowie State University, and Howard University, and is known for blending traditional hymns with contemporary gospel.

Carter produced the Stellar Award-winning project Amazing and has released music including “I Shall Survive” and “Psalm 94:19.” Through daily online broadcasts reaching over 200,000 people each day, he continues to inspire faith, strengthen churches, and impact worship across generations.

He is the founder of the Hymns with Phillip Carter (HWPC) Conference and co-founder of the Maryland Southern Regional Choir, which released a single in 2025. His most recent HWPC conference releases debuted in 2026, continuing his mission to preserve and advance hymnody.

Michael Scott is an extremely accomplished musician with over 20 years of experience. He studied music education at the University of the District of Columbia and music technology at the Levine School of Music. He also had the honor of studying Choral and Gospel Music under former Naval Academy Gospel Choir Director Dr. Joyce Garrett. Under the leadership of Dr. Garrett, Michael has performed for every president of the United States since George H. W. Bush at events such as inaugurations, Christmas in Washington, and The Kennedy Center Honors.

He is highly skilled in playing the Hammond B3 organ, all keyboards, drums, bass guitar, and a host of other instruments. Additionally, he is advanced in music arranging, vocal instruction, and producing live and studio recordings. Mr. Scott’s performing career has taken him to a number of notable venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the historic Howard Theatre, the legendary Blues Alley, and Central Park Summer Stage in New York City. His eclectic yet polished style of music has even afforded him the opportunity to perform internationally. Michael’s talents have afforded him the opportunity to play for a number of phenomenal artists such as Israel Houghton, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Bebe Winans, Tonex, and many other great artist and musicians. He is currently the musical director for Season 2 winner of BET’s Sunday Best, Y’Anna Crawley, and serves as Director of Music and Fine Arts for the historical Union Temple Baptist Church.