By Sheilita K. Douglas
Special to the Observer

Charlotte gospel music producer Cedric Thompson gets a moment to shine in the national spotlight: He's up for a Grammy Jan. 31.

He received a "Best Traditional Gospel Album" nod for work on the all-star gospel CD, "Oh Happy Day." The project received two additional nominations - Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group with Vocals ("Higher Ground," featuring Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters) and Best Gospel Performance ("I Believe," featuring Jonny Lang with the Fisk Jubilee Singers).

Queen Latifah, Jon Bon Jovi and Joss Stone are just a few of the heavy hitters who put their spin on some inspirational classics.

We recently caught up with Thompson by phone from his north Charlotte home. The interview has been edited.

Q: Tell us about the project.

The vision was...for each artist to work with a known choir. I produced Queen Latifah (title track), Mavis Staples & Patty Griffin ("Waiting for My Child to Come Home") and also the vocals for Michael McDonald & the West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir ("Storm Before the Calm").

Q: What are your favorite songs on the project?

My favorite song would probably be the song that Johnny Lang did ("I Believe"). His voice is just so soulful. It was also a thrill to work with Michael McDonald and legends like Mavis Staples.

Q: What exactly does a producer do?

Today, a lot of people call "beat makers" producers. But really a producer's job is to put a record together from top to bottom, from handling the budget to putting together the right musicians and artists. You also decide on the arrangements and choose the right vocals.

Q: Your wife, LeJuene Thompson, is a gospel artist, and your sons perform and record with you as well. What's it like to work with family?

My wife, to me, is one of the best vocalists out there. Even when I think I've heard it all from her, she still does things that amaze me. It's an honor to work with her. It's been a treat to see our son C.J. (18) coming up as a producer, and he's a drummer second to none. Our son Chris (16) is singing and getting into keyboards. And then Chandler (13) is trying to decide what he's going to do. It's a joy to be able to work with family.

Q: What's on your iPod?

The one I really listen to now a lot is Tommy Sims.

Q: Who would you like to work with?

Andrae Crouch. Mary J. Blige, too. And I would love to produce a duet featuring my wife and Anthony Hamilton.

Q: What would a Grammy win mean for you?

The last time I was nominated was for producing "Twinkie Clark and Friends: Live in Charlotte," a few years ago (2003). I really am honored... To be able to bring that home would be one of the highlights of my career. And if not, I'm still gonna do what I do because this is my call.

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