Chris Lange, FISM News
[elfsight_social_share_buttons id=”1″]
Two years ago, Richmond Police Officer Marvin Mayo went viral with his soulful rendition of Marvin Sapp’s “The Best of Me,” racking up one million views.
🗣🗣🗣SOUND ON: @RichmondPolice officer, Mervin Mayo, is taking us all to church this Friday morning!!!
Listen to his soulful rendition of “The Best of Me,” by popular gospel singer, @marvinsapp. @NBC12 https://t.co/ekz5WYIMou pic.twitter.com/8m2gEPsLez
— Anthony Antoine FOX 26 (@AnthonyTVNews) March 6, 2020
The video also caught the attention of Tyscot Records. The Gospel record label was so impressed with Mayo’s singing that they offered him a record deal. Mayo has since released his first single under the label, titled “The Best Friend,” inspired by Mayo’s relationship with Christ.
“I’ve never expected in a million years to sign an actual recording contract with a major label,” said Mayo. “It kind of caught me off guard. Is this really happening?”
Mayo, who began singing at the age of nine, said he considers his music a ministry, drawing inspiration for the the songs he writes from his experience growing up in a public housing complex in Richmond’s inner city and how far the Lord has brought him.
“I should be dead and gone, but God spared my life, and I truly believe God spared my life because God needed me to go out and preach his word,” Mayo said.
Mayo began his career as a law enforcement officer with the Richmond Police Department in 2005 and later worked as a resource officer for Richmond Alternative School, where he felt called to serve as a positive role model for children. His decision was motivated by members of the Richmond Police Athletic League who mentored him and inspired him to join the force.
“Officer Simmons basically saved my life, and I wanted to do the exact same thing to the kids that he did for me,” said Mayo, referring to one of the officers who offered him guidance and encouragement growing up.
Whether in school or through his music, Mayo’s chief motivation in life is to lead others to Christ.
“I try to provide an experience so somebody can get saved. My ministry is to reach the unreachable,” Mayo said.
Mayo is thrilled with this new opportunity to combine his love of performing and desire to share the hope of the Gospel with others.
“Signing with Tyscot, I’m signing with people that have a relationship with God,” Mayo said.