Milbert E.S. McKenzie (born April 29, 1949), who goes by the stage name Doc McKenzie, is an American gospel musician. He started his music career in 1990, and released six albums, which were released by Atlanta International Records, Savoy Records, and Meltone Records. Milbert released three albums of note, Ride with Jesus in 1996 with First Lite Records, 1998's Live, also with First Lite, and 2009's Renewed with Ophir Records, all of which charted on the Billboard magazine charts, exclusively on the Gospel Albums chart.

Doc McKenzie
Birth nameMilbert E.S. McKenzie
Also known asDoc McKenzie
Born (1949-04-29) April 29, 1949 (age 75)
Olanta, South Carolina
OriginLake City, South Carolina
GenresCCM, gospel, traditional black gospel, urban contemporary gospel, Christian country music
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, singer-songwriter
Years active1990–present
LabelsAtlanta International, Savoy, Meltone, First Lite, MCG, New Haven, Ophir
Websitedocmckenzieandthehilites.com

Early life

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Milbert was born on April 29, 1949, in Olanta, South Carolina,[1][2] the son of Leroy and Cora McKenzie, who were farmers.[1][2] The family attended St. Mark's Holiness Church in Lake City, South Carolina.[1][2] His pastor at the time, Bishop, R. C. Eaddy, gave him his moniker "Doc" because he could fix anything.[1][2] He started leading his church choir at the age of six. The Hi-Lites were started by his sister Beronzy McKenzie, and his cousin Handy McFadden, and they relocated to Paterson, New Jersey, for a time during the 1960s and 1970s, moving back home in the mid-1980s to begin their musical recording careers.[1][2]

Music career

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Milbert began his recording career in 1990, with the release of six albums by three labels, Atlanta International Records, Savoy Records, and Meltone Records.[3] He released Ride with Jesus on October 22, 1996, with First Lite Records,[3] and this was the breakthrough release on the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart at No. 28.[4] The musician release, Live, on September 15, 1998, by First Lite Records,[3] and this charted on the aforementioned chart at No. 21.[4] His next album to chart, Renewed, was released by Ophir Records on September 1, 2009,[3] and this placed at No. 14 on the Gospel Albums chart.[4]

Discography

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List of selected studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions[4]
US
Gos
Ride with Jesus
  • Released: October 22, 1996
  • Label: First Lite
  • CD, digital download
28
Live
  • Released: September 15, 1998
  • Label: First Lite
  • CD, digital download
21
Renewed
  • Released: September 1, 2009
  • Label: Ophir
  • CD, digital download
14

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Carpenter, Bil (2005). Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 289. ISBN 9780879308414.
  2. ^ a b c d e "2003–2004 Bill 1203: Doc McKenzie". South Carolina State Legislature. April 28, 2004. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d "Doc McKenzie : Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
  4. ^ a b c d Billboard. "Doc McKenzie : Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 31, 2015.
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