Dream Concert
Since 1990, the Realizing the Dream Concert has welcomed well-known authors, actors and singers to the stage of The University of Alabama’s Moody Music Hall.
Smokie Norful
Pastor Smokie Norful is a world-renowned pastor, award-winning recording artist, educator, author and visionary with a strong passion for winning souls and transforming the lives of others. He has reached the heights of success in both ministry and music, with more than 27 years of preaching and 19 years of pastoring, as well as a celebrated music career spanning more than two decades. He has achieved five No. 1 Billboard albums and sold more than six million albums worldwide and has earned two GRAMMY® Awards, 11 Stellar Awards, five Dove Awards, one Soul Train Music Award, two NAACP Image Award nominations and three BET Award nominations. He serves as the senior pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and Victory City Atlanta in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Previous Concert Performances
2025
Le’Andria Johnson, gospel singer
2024
Jason Nelson, gospel singer
2023
Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, gospel singer
2022
Kierra Sheard-Kelly, gospel singer
2020
Jonathan McReynolds, singer
2019
Marvin Sapp, gospel singer
2018
Mary Mary, gospel singers
2017
Kirk Franklin, gospel singer
2016
Jonathan Butler, singer
2015
CeCe Winans, gospel singer
2014
John Legend, singer
2013
Take 6 and the Aeolians, singers
2012
Chris Kozak Jazz Quintet with guitarist Eric Essix
2011
Alabama Symphony Orchestra and
violinist Daniel Bernard Roumain
2010
Alabama Symphony Orchestra with area singers
2009
Aaron Dobynes, singer
Belinda George-Peoples
Prentice Concert Chorale and area school choirs
2008
Stillman, Shelton State and UA choirs
2007
Benita Washington, gospel singer
2006
Stephanie Jordan, jazz singer
2005
Everett McCorvey, opera singer
2004
Yolanda Adams, gospel singer
2003
Tonea Stewart, actress and professor
2002
Al Green, gospel and soul singer
2001
Take 6, a cappella singers
2000
Ossie Davis, actor
1999
Vivian Malone Jones, civil rights pioneer
1998
Roberta Flack, singer
1997
Maya Angelou, poet and philosopher
1996
Sidney Poitier, actor
1995
Harry Belafonte, singer
1994
Julian Bond, civil rights leader
1993
Cicely Tyson, actress
1992
Della Reese, singer
1991
William Warfield, opera singer
1990
James Earl Jones, actor