Claude Perkins was born in Richmond VA. in 1951 and was raised in Church by two dedicated Christian parents. He joined Bon Air Methodist church at the age of 13 and sang in the adult choir at the age of 16. Upon entering the working world at DuPont in 1972 and losing touch with the church due to a swing shift, he drifted away from the Lord until after he married. His wife Brenda had gone to Bellwood Baptist and encouraged him to follow. When he had finally returned to his senses and realized how much he needed Jesus Christ in his life, he joined Bellwood Baptist and gave his life to Him on September 20, 2010, and was baptized. He joined the adult choir and soon, another singing group which morphed into the New Life Gospel Singers. After his mother's declining health forced her into a nursing home, the group started their ministry. After seeing how much uplifting music and faith meant to those in those places, they took on more and more. Now, they have 8 different nursing homes. His favorite gospel groups are the Kingdom Heirs, Gold City, and the Triumphant Quartet. Favorite scripture and life verse is Philippians 4:13. Being retired allows more opportunities to serve Christ and he also enjoys many other activities in the Church.