Gospel singer and worship leader Rich Tolbert, Jr. is known for his uplifting and ebullient sound. He broke through with his debut 2020 song “Never Be Defeated.”

A native of the Bronx, New York, Tolbert grew up singing in church. By the age of ten was performing regularly, leading the church music worship ensemble. As an adult, he further expanded his reach as the Executive Pastor of the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Brooklyn, New York under Bishop Hezekiah Walker. There, he began conducting Sunday praise & worship services. Along with live performances, Tolbert developed a strong following on social media and eventually caught the attention of JJ Hairston, who signed him to his JamesTown Music label. In 2020, Tolbert released the song “Never Be Defeated,” which hit number one on the Billboard Gospel Digital Songs chart.

“It’s overwhelming, trusting in the process and sound God gave me while confronting defeat on many levels,” says Tolbert of both the recording process and success of Never Be Defeated. “But it’s all worth it… realizing that people’s lives are shifting and changing because of these words and melodies makes the process worth it all.”

Tolbert previously appeared on and cowrote the hit song, “Miracle Worker,” from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, garnering a Dove Award nomination and winning an ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Award for the track.