An area man will join a famous gospel singer in concert on Monday in El Bethel Worship Center, 4324 Holland Rd.

Evangelist Willie Riddick, 38, and Pastor Shirley Caesar will present the concert, which is being sponsored by Bishop Richard C. Shaw and Apostle Laverne J. Shaw of Faith House of Refuge Zeal of Obedience Ministries.

Most people remember Riddick as the young man who worked for 15 years in sales at Heilig-Meyers Furniture store on West Washington Street. Or you may remember him as the person who attended St. Paul RZUA Church, displaying his musical and speaking talents in many ways. Nevertheless, he is a great musician now in his own right and performing as a bass and lead guitar player with Caesar, a 12-time Grammy Award winner.

&uot;When I lived in the Tidewater area, I also worked with some great talent such as the Dynamic Tones, Peggy Britt, Earl Bynum and New Mt. Joy COGIC Choir,&uot; said Riddick. &uot;I learned a lot by working with these groups.

They probably helped me get where I am today.&uot;

Riddick is a 1982 graduate of the former Suffolk High School and is a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Army

He has been preaching the gospel since 1986 across America and parts of the world. He is now a resident of Ahoskie, N.C. and attends church at The New Community Church of God in Rich Square, N.C.

He met Caesar through his pastor, Bishop Stephen Willis Sr., and Carolyn Willis, first lady, and began playing the bass guitar with Caesar in January 2002. Since that time he has traveled extensively all over the country including the Virgin Islands and various parts of the United States – California, New York, Connecticut, Philadelphia, and Baltimore.

Riddick said that since joining Caesar, his travel has become more extensive; therefore, his evangelistic ministry has been blessed enabling him to also proclaim the gospel to more people wherever he travels.

What is intriguing about the way that Riddick and Caesar met is that she heard Riddick’s initial performance over the telephone. Since then, she now constantly refers to him as her anointed sent bass player.

&uot;Evangelist Riddick’s talents have proven the familiar passage of scripture that your gifts will make room for you,&uot; said Caesar.

However, he takes no credit for his success but gives all honor to the Lord and his mother, who has been a mentor and spiritual advisor to him throughout his life.

He applauds the support of his entire family and feels honored to be able to come back to his hometown on Monday with Caesar. His favorite motto is &uot;The safest place in the whole wide world is in the will of God,&uot; which sustains him even until this day.