About Nadeen

Nadeen’s Journey of Faith and Song

EARLY BEGINNING 

For over 40 years Jamaican born, Nadeen Edwards has been leading congregations into vibrant praise and worship ushering in the  presence of God. She started singing in Jamaica West Indies under the direction of Jeffery Shields. About six months after arriving in Queens New York in 1981 she started choirs and taught piano and voice. Signed to Pow Wow records in 1983, after winning the Miss CUNY Caribbean pageant, she released her first R&B single “ inside track”,. Which made its debut on the CBS series, “The Equalizer.”

While continuing to fulfill her contract with POW Wow records Nadeen served as choir director at her local church. First Baptist church was the church home for her aunt and uncle who had migrated to Queens in the late 1950s. They sponsored Nadeen so she moved in with them and gave her an opportunity to continue her education. Nadeen received her bachelor’s degree in computer science from Queens College and later on in 1993 her masters from East Stroudsburg University ( ESU) in secondary education with a concentration in Mathematics. From 1982 -1993 Nadeen and Derek served three choirs and founded the East Elmhurst Corona community choir. This choir of over 60 young people performed throughout the tri-state area and drew crowds to Christ through gospel music. The ministry provided a sturdy biblical foundation for the youth. Among these talented and dedicated young people birthed community and church leaders. They became missionaries , pastors, worship leaders and community advocates. A legacy of servitude was planted and continues to flourish up to this day.

MOVE TO THE MOUNTAINS – HILLSIDE INN

On August 14,1988, Nadeen married her best friend and pianist Derek Edwards. In May of 1989 Nadeen and her husband moved to Pennsylvania after recovering from a surgery that would later cause infertility issues. They built their home in Mount Pocono, and one day while shopping for furniture at Rosen’s furniture store she met the late  Wayne Bolt. He mentioned the black owned resort Hillside Inn that was being reopened and invited her and her husband to check it out .

After meeting,  the late Albert R Murray and his wife and performing an impromptu worship experience in their home; the owners invited Nadeen  to Sing at the hotel on Sundays at what was known as the “Gospel hour”. This short worship service served as a thank you from the Murrays to their guests before they would check out from their stay at the hotel resort. During that time they met pastor Majors of Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Stroudsburg. His church was in need of Musician and asked if the Edwards could help start a youth choir. They agreed and after a vibrant summer of music and celebration, Derek and Nadeen agreed to stay on as music directors. Pastor majors passed away soon after and Derek and Nadeen served the mission for nine years.

While serving at the church, which was just across the bridge from East STroudsburg University, the church extended their mission to the students by reaching out to students offering open invitation to fellowship. 

ESU

In 1990 Nadeen had enrolled in the masters program at ESU and realized while connecting with students on campus that there was a need for Spiritual growth. So, Nadeen and her husband started meeting students who resided on campus in one of the dorm lobby to sing and worship. Gospel music united and created friendships and fellowship on campus. The then president, President Dillman along with Neal Simpson, Patricia Graham and Professor François encouraged and supported the idea of a gospel choir. In 1990 East Stroudsburg University Gospel choir was formed, now known as the Voices Of Triumph. Graduated from ESU with a masters in Secondary education with a certification in secondary Mathematics, Nadeen did not want the choir to end because it provided a spiritual and community connection for students. Especially those away from home. Music was the glue. The choir sang at campus events and community events. It was a blessing to the faculty, staff and students.

POCONO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL DISTRICT

And the GOSPLE CHOIR

Nadeen was hired in January 1993 by Mountain school district as a math teacher. By September Nadeen started connecting with students and realized that a gospel choir could be birthed. With the support of the assistant principal at that time Charles Green, Lettie Lladoc, and the superintendent Dr. Krauser The Pocono mountain gospel choir was  birthed. The choir sang at various churches, nursing homes and at the yearly Tobyhanna army depot community luncheon. Over the years, The choir  received community service awards from the Tobyhanna army Depot. The choir also came in third at The Mcdonald Gospel Fest which back then was held in New York City. In 2000 Nadeen decided to accept teaching position at Stroudsburg School District, she passed the choir torch  to Mrs. Meredith Lamb. In 2013 Mrs. Lamm passed away after battling cancer. As you can imagine, the students, district and of course the members of the choir was devastated.

LEGACY CONTINUES

NEW NAME, SAME MISSION

During Mrs. Lamm’s leadership, The choir was renamed Urbane. Mrs. Lamm and Mr Thomas one of the monitors and newly assigned cultural liaison at Pocono Mountain, added a band  and the choir grew. Urbane Gospel Choir continued the legacy of community service. That summer Mrs. Brenda Fladger the principal Pocono West high school reached out to Nadeen and asked if she would come and help so as to continue what she started in 1994. Nadeen and Derek would return as choir  directors of Urbane  for the next 11 years. In the years that followed, they would present concerts in memory Merideth Lamm allowing her legacy to live on. In 2023 Nadeen retired from Pocono West with the hope that someone would continue the legacy of the Pocono Mountain gospel choir. 

NEW SCHOOL, SAME CALLING

Nadeen maintained her desire to reach young people by any means necessary. Teaching is her calling. Whether it’s mathematics or music the goal is the same. Go into all of the world and live Christ-like so that those around you will see what love looks like. While at Stroudsburg she encouraged her students to live a respectful honest life always preparing for the future. While at Stroudsburg school district she was able, with the help of God, to use her influence to promote change. She knew that, “ Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

MLK

She was able to express worship authentically without emphasis being on religion but on love. As Martin Luther King said,

“If we are not careful, our colleges will produce a group of close-minded, unscientific, illogical propagandists, consumed with immoral acts. Be careful, ‘brethren!’ Be careful, teachers!”

MLK 

She mentored and tutored students and worked as an advisor for the environmental club, step team and the NAACP and Future Leaders Club. In 2002 stroudsburg Junior High received an award for the Assembly. She created Diversity Day and fought to allow students to present an assembly for the students and faculty to celebrate black history month. On February 29, 2024 the first Diversity day assembly, MANY VOICES ONE HOPE was  presented.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” She drew attention to “Little Bethel”  and historical landmark of black history located a mile from the school. This by short documentary was produced by students and presented to the student body during Black History Month. To kick off spring she started an initiative to promote positivity and mental health, “ Smile”. Using Kirk Franklyn’s song smile as the sound track. 

WORSHIP LEADERS

From 1999 to present Nadeen and Derek have been working as worship leaders and band Director for several churches in the Poconos. Nadeen has been organizing choirs and worship teams, and Derek has been building bands. They have traveled the area searching for musicians and singers who would serve as worship leaders and musicians for several churches. This is their kingdom work. Their passion for music and desire  to spread the gospel has helped unite denominations and provide hope and peace through music in the Pocono area.

KINGDOM WORK

Nadeen’s Kingdom work spans several states and denominations. Over the 35 years in the Poconos,  has opened or recorded with several artist: Alvin Slaughter, Vickie Yohe, Ricardo Sanchez, Take Six, and Jeremy Rosado from The Voice. Over the years God has directed her and has open doors for her to develop and create opportunities to reach the world. Her passion for music and desire to use the gifts that God has given her as a tool to introduce Christ and love on people motivates her to keep on going. She uses every opportunity to spread the Gosple by encouraging people to love God, to trust in God who is the author and finisher of her faith. She is passionate about reaching the world for Christ especial the younger generation. She wants the world to know that Jesus is Lord and it is through Him that she lives and breathes and have our being.