LOCAL GOSPEL STAR RELEASES FIRST ALBUM

JACKSON -- Robyn Hosp loves angels.

The largest Christmas tree in her home is covered with the beautiful creatures. Some flap their wings, others move a few inches from the tree before returning to their original places.

Angel figurines sit around the room. Hosp even sports a sparkling angel pin on her lapel.

It makes one consider that it may be angels who give Hosp the lilting, magical voice she dedicates to gospel singing. After all, she has almost no formal training in the art.

Hosp started singing in the first grade in Millersville. Her high school choral teacher took her aside for a little private instruction, but Hosp never took actual singing lessons.

She was content to sing at weddings, church services and small gatherings. Then, 10 years ago, she and fellow performer Mike Dumey started Spotlight Tonight, a five-member troupe that puts on variety shows.

Over the years, people asked if she would record an album. John Mills, who owns Riverside Recording in Cape Girardeau, was one of them.

"For a long time, we talked about getting into the studio," Hosp said. "It always seemed to be the wrong time -- I was pregnant, our financial situation wouldn't allow it, this and that."

Earlier this year, fellow local gospel artist Kristen Swinford asked Hosp, 39, to sing backup on a album of original songs. Hosp agreed, and the work made her think about doing her own album.

The time finally was right during Thanksgiving week.

"It really was a family effort," Hosp said. "My husband and I sat down with the kids and asked, `What songs do you like to hear Momma sing?'"

Her husband, Ken, and her sons, 11-year-old Adam and 3-year-old Drew, picked their favorite 10 songs.

It was a rush to get the album out by Christmas, but Hosp released "My Life is a Song" Saturday at an open house at her home. The tracks have been recorded before by other artists. Hosp gives them her personal touch.

She said she elected to do a gospel album because gospel is her "first love."

The album is a mix of old-time gospel and upbeat modern hits. "God is Walking Me Through" and "I'll Rejoice" make listeners tap their toes while "What God Deserves" is a reflective song focusing on devotion to the Lord.

Her album, available on cassette and CD, is particularly special because of a commitment the singer made to her mother, Marandia Welker. Until she died 1 1/2 years ago, Welker always encouraged her daughter to pursue her dream of recording an album.

"After I lost her, I felt I had to do it," Hosp said. "I felt God's hand in it."

The album is dedicated to her mother.

Ken Hosp said he was excited when his wife's finished work arrived at his home Friday night.

"This is something she has been wanting to do forever," he said. "It exceeded my expectations. I knew she could sing very well, and now everyone can share in that."

The tapes and CDs are available at "The Way" Christian bookstore in Jackson and at First Baptist Church in Jackson.