Kathy Troccoli: Singing For The King
Kathy Troccoli is a multi-talented veteran of the Christian music world. Having spent the last 28 years in music and ministry, K.T. (as she is know to friends and family) is an intriguing woman. She has allowed both successes and trials to shape her over the years, equipping her for a multi-faceted career. Kathy is intelligent, funny, and raw. She bears scars that have produced a powerful and insightful communicator. We spoke to her recently…
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND AT WHAT AGE DID YOU DISCOVER YOUR MUSICAL TALENT?
I was born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Long Island when I was a little girl. My father encouraged my vocal abilities at age fourteen when he heard me singing a Carole King song in my room.
HOW DID YOU CAME TO CHRIST?
In 1978 I was working at a local pool taking memberships. I noticed a co-worker reading the Bible during her lunch hours. No one read the Bible in my family. It intrigued me and I began asking her all sorts of questions. I never heard about Jesus in the way she described Him to me. I took her up on her invitation to go to her church. On August 5, 1978 in a small Baptist church on Long Island, I gave my life to Christ.
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU BECAME A FULL-TIME CHRISTIAN SINGER?
I was singing in small dinner lounges and clubs around New York. Shortly after I became a believer, I began writing songs about my new found faith and all that it meant to me. I would sing at a coffee house or church and would get invited to several other churches. It became clear to me how much I loved to use my music to encourage people. Prior to singing though, I worked at the community pool and did the odd stint as a waitress/receptionist. They didn’t last long though – I was a national artist by the time I was 24 years old.
REFLECTING BACK ON THE CAREER YOU HAVE THAT SPANS DECADES, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE KEY TO BEING A SUCCESFUL CHRISTIAN ARTIST?
Many artists can have ‘successful’ Christian careers if you are just talking about record sales or radio airplay. The important thing is to be a person of authenticity and integrity. I often pray that my worth in public would be who I am in private. I believe that is important to God.
HOW DO YOU STAY HUMBLE IN AN INDUSTRY THAT SEEKS TO MAKE PEOPLE INTO CHRISTIAN ‘ÇELEBRITIES’?
I have gone through so many things in my life. We all have – and we all have clay feet. Understanding who I would be and where I would be without Jesus is ever before me. I continue to invite those close to me to speak into my life. Without challenge we stay in shallow stagnant places.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROMFOR THE SONGS YOU HAVE WRUTTEN?
Life. The pain. The elation. The longing and disappointments. The prayers. I not only try to write my heart but those of others also. Besides – we all are made of flesh and blood and struggle with so many of the same things. Our stories are similar. I try to write about those things – yet offer the hope we have in Christ.
YOU ARE A REGULAR SPEAKER AT CHRISTIAN CONFERENCES…
Yes. About 12 years ago I began getting opportunities to speak as well as sing at women’s events. My time with Women of Faith (a conference with tens of thousand of women) helped me see that God had something more for me to offer women than just my songs. I would just share my story.
Women would relate. It was the essence of “comfort those with the comfort you have received”. I have travelled all over the United States and around the world speaking and singing to women of all ages, denominations and ethnic groups. Being able to minister to women out of my past pain and scars has been an incredible gift from the Lord.
YOU HOST VARIOUS CHRISTIAN CRUISES. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THIS EXCITING MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY?
I have hosted twelve cruises, all over the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. There have been many wonderful artists that have been my guests. There is a concert every night, devotions in the mornings, and worship on the top deck of the ship under the stars. It is so fun and spiritually filling all at the same time.
Many people have come and I have made new friends. Just this past year we had a group of ladies from Africa on my cruise – sweet sisters in the Lord.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STRONG, DYNAMIC WOMEN WITH REGARDS TO HONOURING AND RESPECTING THEIR HUSBANDS, WHILST NOT FOREGOING THEIR OWN CALLING/MINISTRY?
I am a single woman; never been married. I have had my heart broken through the years and have also broken some hearts. I can truly say though that I am content in all that God is doing in my life. He has been the best husband, father and friend.
He is the great “I Am”. My Provider. My Deliverer. My Anchor. He is a constant giver of Grace and peace. As long as He allows I will keep singing His praises and telling others of His amazing love.
YOU HAVE VISITED SOUTH AFRICA BEFORE AND HAVE A HEART FOR OUR CONTINENT. TELL US MORE?
I have been to Johannesburg and also into deep places of Mozambique to help the poor. I would love to come again.