Her music has been performed at the White House—in 1979 for President Jimmy Carter; she was joined by Chuck Berry, Billy Eckstine, Evelyn "Champagne" King, and Andraé Crouch.
Sara Jordan Powell was born on October 6, 1938, in Houston, Texas, the daughter of a minister and pastor at the Turner Memorial Church of God in Christ, and his wife, who was a homemaker.
[1][2] While she was back in Houston, Powell became a teacher at a school, where she was encouraged to sing during a commencement ceremony, and after that she was a highly sought after local artist.
James Cleveland eavesdropped on one of her singing engagements in Los Angeles, California, and at his request, she met with him the next day.
[1][2] She attended Southwest Theological Seminary, and obtained her master's degree from University of St. Thomas, after achieving musical success.
[1][2] Powell had the opportunity to perform "Amazing Grace" for President Jimmy Carter at the White House, while they were honoring the Black Music Association, with the likes of Chuck Berry, Billy Eckstine, Evelyn "Champagne" King, and Andraé Crouch, on June 7, 1979.
[1][2] Powell had the opportunity to minister to President Bill Clinton in Memphis, Tennessee, along with Dr. Bernard Johnson, at the requested of Bishop Lewis Henry Ford.