The Story
A vault of 400 songs.
One purpose.
Luma Praise Music is the release platform for a multi-decade archive of original compositions by Lawrence M. Beamen — vocalist, psychologist, and ecopreneur. Not a rigid religious brand. Not a performance vehicle. A steady, disciplined rollout of music written as prayer.
124 fully recorded studio masters sit unreleased. A new anthem drops on the 1st of every month — until the vault is open.
Southern Seeding
Mississippi to California
Born into a quiet, humble missionary family in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vocal gifts recognized at age 6, forged in the rich traditions of Southern gospel. At 12, the family relocated to California. At 16, he was living completely on his own — forced to navigate life and education independently.
The Historic Yes
Singing for Rosa Parks
On a Sabbath morning at Market Street Seventh-day Adventist Church in Oakland, a local educator asked the 16-year-old to perform classic Negro Spirituals for Rosa Parks at an NAACP event. That pivotal 'yes' opened doors — performances for Pope John Paul II, President Bill Clinton, and Mayor Willie Brown followed within the year.
The National Stage
America's Got Talent · Top 5
A rendition of 'Ol' Man River' earned a standing ovation from the celebrity judges. Beamen advanced to the Top 5 live show finals and headlined a residency at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. Over his career he has shared stages with Patti LaBelle, Kirk Franklin, and Crystal Lewis.
The Mentorship
At the feet of Andraé Crouch
Grammy-winning legend Andraé Crouch took Beamen under his wing with a permanent rule: "Lawrence, less is best. Don't write songs with a ton of lyrics. Make sure the chorus is short and redundant." Crouch refused to teach him verses — the verse is the meat and potatoes; only the composer can write his own story. Isaiah Jones ("God Has Smiled on Me") mentored the studio side.
The Enterprise
ECOVATE Innovation Solutions
Today Beamen serves as Chairman and CEO of ECOVATE, a sustainable textile company helping corporate spaces transition to zero-water, zero-energy, zero-chemical waste. He directs Luma Praise from behind the scenes as executive producer, lyricist, and arranger.
The Metaphor
"We are singing to someone we've never met, seen, or heard. So I guess it is a form of love music. It's like talking to a woman you've never met and trying to express how you feel — but she keeps communicating with you, assuring you. That's my metaphor of how I think God is."
— Lawrence M. Beamen
The Band
Bay Area session excellence
Don Turney
Music Director · 30+ Years
Classically trained jazz musician. Beamen's collaborator since age 21. Translates complex chord structures into clean, traditional gospel arrangements undercurrented by advanced jazz theory.
Derrick Hall
Keys & Arranger
Acclaimed studio session keyboardist bringing warmth and pocket to every track.
Lionel Holoman (LJ)
Multi-Instrumentalist
Premier player known for harmonic depth and instinctive movement across the arrangement.