As a child, Jeral attended Bethel Green M.B. Church and was the church baby for a good while. He was affectionately called “Meatballs” by the Pastor, the late Rev. August Brow), and was told by an older lady at the church (late Sis. Lurline Bradley) that one day he would be a preacher. Unknown to a lot of people, he sang in the little sunshine choir and led a little song called “God Wants Me For A Sunbeam.” Years later, he took an interest in playing the drums and was quite skillful. He played at home with his mom’s pots, pans and spoons, and when he didn’t have anything in his hands, he would imitate by just beating in the air. After a while his mother had a vision that he should play the organ. Although he did not like the change, he had no other choice, he had to take music lessons. He did not like having to stop playing ball to go to music lessons, but again, he had no choice. After a while, his brother took an interest in his ability, so he began to take him around to see other musicians. At some given point, it clicked, and Jeral gave up the drums and started concentrating on the organ. His style of music at that time was unheard of and caused many frowns. His mother would make him get on the organ at home and play the traditional version of “I’ll Overcome,” and he would deliberately make an error and she would have him to play it over and over again.

As a very young teenager, he played the organ for Holiness Is The Way (Eld. Mann). The Pastor, Rev. Brown decided to start a Community Choir and allowed Percy and Jeral to be over the choir. This led to doors being opened for both of them while allowing Jeral to utilize his talent to the fullest. Many years later, after the Youth For Christ had phased out, Jeral was asked to get a choir together to sing at a Festival at the South Shore Country Club. Jeral decided to keep the choir and renamed them New Direction.

Jeral formed the choir in 1994, with the mission of bringing more youth into the church and giving young singers an opportunity to use their talents for the Glory of the Lord, thus giving them “an alternative to the distractions of the streets, which can be alluring.” Jeral explains, “I had been doing music part-time for most of my life, and I just felt a prompting telling me it was time to make that the focus of my life. I didn’t know what to expect, but I followed that word and I never looked back.”
Looking around his hometown of Chicago, he saw a lot of talented young Christian musicians, all looking for ways to serve the Lord with their vocal gifts. After feeling a strong personal call from the Lord to be in ministry to the younger generation, starting with youth of his community, Jeral got to work, enlisting the help of his older brother, Percy, who soon became “an integral part of the aggregation.”
Jeral explains, “Everything we do, my brother and I do together. It wasn’t long before he became a part of things. He has definitely been co-owner of this choir and its vision...and my key inspiration from the beginning.”

Under the label of Myrrh Records, their first album was released in May 4, 1999, entitled NEW DIRECTION. Their second album was released in 2000, entitled GET YOUR PRAISE ON. Both albums received multiple Stellar and Grammy Award nominations.

Under the label of Gospocentric Records, RAIN is their 3rd album, released February 24, 2004, which promises to bring them front and center in the Gospel community and broaden their audience appeal to include a much wider following, across generations and denominations, due to the nature and fresh mix of Gospel styles found throughout this new CD. After RAIN was released, New Direction went on tour with other Gospocentric artists, a tour called “Experience The New Life Tour,” which happened during February - March 2004.

Jeral is a devoted and loving son to his parents; a kind, loving, and giving brother to his sisters, and words cannot express his love for his oldest and only brother “JR.” The best way to describe his love for his brother is that which is spoken of in the bible between David and Jonathan; and his wife, Alisa Shanta, whom he loves unconditionally and abundantly, he respects and appreciates her so very much, and he considers her not only his companion, but his best friend; his children are the apple of his eye and each and every one of them are so very special and hold a tender spot in his heart now and for always: Toiya Ta’Nesa (TT), Jeral Vince, Jr. (Skooter), Parris Sieja (Funny Face), Jarel VaShountae(Bullet); and last but not least New Direction and his band.