Sara Jordan Powell was born on October 6, 1938, in Houston, Texas, the third of twelve children to a Church of God in Christ pastor. She began singing publicly at the age of two, astonishing worshippers with her rendition of “I Need Thee, O I Need Thee” during a devotion led by Bishop C. H. Mason. Her gift for music continued to grow as she pursued higher education at Texas Southern University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English with minors in drama and history.

After graduating, Powell moved to Chicago, where she apprenticed under gospel pioneer Thomas A. Dorsey and later joined the Sallie Martin Singers, followed by the Voices of Melody under Dr. Charles Clency. In 1972, her solo career gained national attention with the release of “Touch Somebody’s Life” and “When Jesus Comes,” produced by Rev. James Cleveland on Savoy Records. Savoy became her musical home through the 1970s and 1980s, releasing several of her most celebrated albums, including I Must Tell Jesus (1980), When Jesus Comes to Stay (1990), and The Soul of Sara Jordan Powell (1995). She later recorded with the Compendia Music Group, releasing Live in Houston in 1995.

Throughout her career, Powell shared stages with some of the most iconic names in gospel and popular music. She performed alongside Mahalia Jackson, Andraé Crouch, James Cleveland, Billy Eckstine, Chuck Berry, and Evelyn “Champagne” King, among others. One of her career highlights came in 1979 when she sang “Amazing Grace” at the White House for President Jimmy Carter during a Black Music Association tribute that featured legendary artists across genres.

Powell was later appointed by President Ronald Reagan to the Year of the Bible Committee and ministered at the request of Bishop Louis Henry Ford to President Bill Clinton in Memphis. Her ministry through music has taken her around the world—from Calcutta, India to the halls of the White House.

In addition to her music career, Powell earned a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas and pursued theological studies at Southwest Theological Seminary. She served as an academic advisor at Oral Roberts University and spent a decade as the Executive Director of Fine Arts for the Church of God in Christ, shaping the future of gospel worship and performance. In recognition of her impact, she was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame in 2003.

Today, Sara Jordan Powell is celebrated as a gospel music pioneer whose artistry, faith, and commitment to excellence have influenced generations. Her voice and ministry continue to inspire, solidifying her place as one of the most beloved figures in the history of gospel music.