The Return of “Why Did He Do It?”

I still remember the first time I heard “Why Did He Do It?” by John Patrick Adams. The song and the lyrics game me a chilling feeling as I took a closer listen. Since then (and even years before then), the song has been recorded by many different artists and ministered by different choirs across the country. Soon after, he released other awesome tracks like “Created for Worship”, “I Owe Him” and “My Everything”.

Now, John is celebrating the 25th year anniversary of the release of “Why Did He Do It?” The song has been rerecorded with a different lead vocalist and revitalized production. Trust me, you definitely want to make sure you check it out. I recently had a chance to interview John about the 25th anniversary edition of “Why Did He Do It?”, his thoughts on the current state of gospel music and more.

Tell us about your latest re-release for “Why Did He Do It?” and why it’s so special. 
John:  “Why Did He Do It?” is special because this was the first song I’ve written to be recorded.  25 years later, it’s still blessing and ministering people across the world.

Take us back to your initial songwriting experience for “Why Did He Do It?” Also, how would you say your music has evolved over time?
John:  Well I was sitting at the piano in my parents home when I wrote it.  I actually was just making words rhyme, never knew the impact the song would have.  I finished the song and can remember the first choir to ever sing it was the Mass Choir at New Birth Baptist Church where Pastor George Pryor served as Pastor.  We were gearing up for a concert and I wanted to present something original.  Has my music evolved? Most definitely.  It has evolved not because of the trends or times, but because I’ve grown over the years.  I’m not the same person I was 25 years ago.

Why do you think there is such a resurgence of past era’s in music right now? For instance, everyone seems to really be obsessed with revisiting the 90s. Is there any era of music that you would like to revisit?
John:  I think because music in the past were written because of “Real” moments…  It wasn’t this superficial life that people present on Social Media, people were dealing with stuff and had no places to “vomit” their ish.  So many people took a pen and expressed it in music.  They allowed their writing to become their healing process, something in which i think we lack today.  Because of this, we now go back to when we felt the music opposed to hearing and liking the beat of the music.

Has reality TV and social media tarnished the gospel brand and what it stands for?
John: Social Media and TV have tarnished everything…  It has given the world a false illusion of what life truly is…  People have become obsessed with becoming what they see opposed to becoming who they’re destined to be.  Social Media has also tarnished not only the respect people have for the gospel brand, but the church and God.  Nothing is sacred anymore and God has become more of a “brand” like Nike…  People use Him to get likes and the music in most cases have become so secular until you have to fact check it before singing it.  But I get it, people want to do music full time and get paid, so in so many ways they sell out for the check.

What advice would you give up and coming songwriters in the music industry?
John: Find your true meaning and purpose in life…  Once you find it, stay true to it.  I would also tell them to create their own path, stop waiting to be discovered and introduce yourself to the world.  You don’t have to wait until you save enough money to put out a complete CD.  Start with a Single or EP and see how it goes and move from there.

Do you have any other projects that you’re currently working on?
John:  No but I’ve set a goal to release a single each quarter.   I really have no desire for a group and with most artists writing their own material these days, it makes it hard for songwriters to get their music out there.

  
Tell us where people can get your music and where they can find you on social media. 
John:  Music is on all Digital Media outlets (Apple Music, Spotify, Google Pay, iTunes, Amazon, Tidal, etc.).  To find me on Social Media, just type in my name and I’m there…