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SPRINGFIELD — Danielle Stephens isn't about to lose count — she's owed two teeny gramophones.

The gold-plated ceremonial types.

As a member of the praise and worship group Israel and New Breed, the Springfielder technically has won two Grammys.

She's still waiting on her little 78-rpm statuettes.

"If Aerosmith gets one, they all get one. Y'all better give me my Grammy," Stephens argued, half-joking.

Such is the life for a background singer.

Group namesake Israel Houghton got his — most recently for beating out the likes of Casting Crowns, tobyMac and Michael W. Smith in February for best contemporary gospel album.

But the half-dozen backup singers who make up New Breed tend to get overlooked when it comes to accolades.

After nine years in the background, Stephens is about to step into the foreground.

Having spent the better part of a decade touring the country and the world with Israel and New Breed, Stephens has been back in Springfield since January plotting a solo career.

She'll make her move April 5 when she records her debut solo album live in concert at Greater Grace Temple.

"I'm nervous, but it's a must," Stephens explained. "I believe God is going to open up the doors for me to travel on my own."

A 1993 South High grad — John Legend's third cousin for those of you keeping score at home — Stephens already has done her share of traveling.

In 1997, out of school and between jobs here at home, she was invited to sing at a studio session in Detroit.

By chance, Fred Hammond's keyboard player also was at the session — and, by chance, his boss was looking for a new alto.

"I believe in destiny," Stephens said.

She became that alto.

"I went up and came back another person," Stephens recalled.

Two weeks later, she was singing with gospel star Hammond and his Radical for Christ group.

"When I got my first check, I couldn't believe it," she said.

For that first show, Stephens made $150.

Before long, she left behind Hammond, and his platinum success, to join forces with an unproven artist — Houghton.

"I took to Israel," Stephens said. "I liked where he wanted to go. The approach Israel wanted to take would cover all denominations, all nationalities. Fred was more gospel and centered around the black church.

"Sunday is the most segregated day of the week."

While she hasn't technically left New Breed, Stephens will use a page from Israel's playbook by recording her solo debut live.

For praise and worship music, it seems to work best to gather a crowd and just hit record.

"It's something about capturing the moment," she said, "when God makes his presence known."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0352 or amcginn@coxohio.com.

How to go

What: Danielle Stephens concert and recording session

Where: Greater Grace Temple, 380 W. Leffel Lane

When: 7 p.m. April 5

Tickets: $20 (includes a pre-order of the CD). Go to daniellestephenslive.com or call (937) 401-2411.