Lonnie Saunders was born in Athabasca, AB, the youngest of 9 girls and sister to 8 brothers.  Her maternal grandfather was the first Parson in the area and apparently Lonnies mother opened the services for him – and since her mother was no singer – it (apparently) came down to Lonnie just wanting to help out.  Her father, Parson David, was quite a pianist and loved to entertain and Lonnie’s earliest recollection of “being on stage” was at community Christmas concerts, which in her youth in small town Alberta were large productions.

It would be many years before the church would hold Lonnie’s attention, but when it did, she was hooked. “The Power and Spirit in Gospel Music, when it connects, is potent.  When Franklin Graham came to our city in ’95 I was asked to lead the ladies praise and worship at the Jubilee Auditorium.   That was amazing and of course the place was packed.  That was my largest audience; not to say size is the key – one lady testified that I ‘give it my all’ singing to a few as much as when I sing to hundreds.  Size is not the key –  the Spirit is.  It’s not Gospel without the spirit of God, in my opinion.”

After that, Lonnie became known as “The Golden Voice” from Amber Valley. Then came her amazing introduction to the CGMA(Country Gospel Music Association).  In June 2009 the CGMA , who awarded Lonnie the Silver Heart for Female New Artist of the year and Female Vocalist, which had never been awarded to a first timer.  In June 2010 in Cranbrook, BC she was awarded Silver Heart for Psalmist of the year and Female Entertainer of the year.

Then in Oct. 2010 in Branson Mo.  she was awarded International Female Artist of the year, a first for a Canadian!  Lonnie is humbled by these awards and am grateful to the Gospel community for their support.