Karin Sabin
Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy John Paul Lam
Pepperdine is home to its very own rising musical star: John “JP” Paul Lam.
Lam, a junior, is nationally recognized as an artist and most recently placed first in the national Gospel Music Association’s 2004 Spotlight Vocal Solo, which got him attention from major record labels.
“Singing is something I feel blessed to do, but even more than that, it’s something I feel called to do,” Lam said.
Lam is a major talent at Pepperdine because of his vocal ability and his talent for writing his own songs. Even more so, Lam is known around campus for his passion, faith and heart.
Lam released his solo album, “Nineteen,” this summer. Lam wrote almost all of the songs on his solo album between the ages of 16 and 19. He began to write songs with his mom at age 3.
“‘Nineteen’ is all JP’s heart, soul, and mind crammed onto one plastic disc,” said Ryan House, a friend of Lam’s.
The album was well received, and he toured this summer with the album.
Rollo Dilworth, a best-selling gospel music composer and professor of music and director of choral activites at North Park University in Chicago, invited Lam to study there next semester and Lam agreed to this arrangment.
“As a songwriter, JP’s skills are superb,” Dilworth said. “As evidenced by his debut recording, the depth and sincerity of his lyricism reveal a maturity in his writing style that is unmatched by any young writer I have ever seen.”
At Pepperdine, Lam is a telecommunications major with an emphasis in music. Lam said “it has been a blast” to attend Pepperdine.
“From my first contact with Dean Paul Long in the admissions office to being a part of Songfest last year, to studying telecom, singing in the choir, and studying voice, I could not have dreamed of studying in a better environment or with a group of greater people,” Lam said.
On the weekends, Lam can be found at Duke’s, singing and entertaining people with Hawaiian music on the guitar and ukulele with his best friend and tour partner, junior Kenneth Primeau.
Lam’s musical talent is paired with a strong faith in God.
“JP is a driven individual with a heart for God which is reflected in the way he loves people,” House said. “He will go out of his way to make the outsider feel like he is on the inside. He is an individual who will always stick by your side.”
Lam also recognizes his faith as a central component to his life.
“Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to sing for my God and draw people closer to Christ though my music,” Lam sai.d. “I express myself and my heart best through music.”
According to House, Lam is an inspiration to others on campus and to those who hear his music.
“JP inspires me to pursue my dream and to not look back,” House said. “One of the coolest things that I have witnessed about JP is the influence that he has on other people. He lives his life with one face no matter where he goes and people respect him for that, and they trust him. He will always be there if someone needs a hand.”
His personal qualities are equally matched by his musical ones.
“It is my belief that JP is exceptionally gifted as a musician,” Dilworth said. “In my experience as a teacher and professional musician, it is very seldom that I come across an individual like JP who is a strong singer, songwriter, and keyboard player.
“As a singer, JP has a distinctive and versatile voice that extends from a low, rich, mellow baritone to a high pop style or sometimes smooth falsetto style tenor timbre. He is able to achieve a range of vocal colors and stylings that far exceed the vocal capabilities of most singers.”
“On a spiritual level, JP takes his faith journey very seriously. He clearly understands that his extraordinary musical gifts are a blessing from God. JP also knows that he has a responsibility to share this musical gift with others as a means of witnessing and communicating the unconditional love of God,” Dilworth said.
In the future, Lam said he would “love to continue composing and performing because sharing Jesus through the arts is where my heart is.”
Experience Lam’s music and ministry by listening to his solo CD, “Nineteen,” at his Web site, www.johnpaullam.com.
10-07-2004
