Grammy Nominated Bloomfield College Alumnus Speaks to Freshman Class

By Alicia Cook

**Updated 3/23/17: Al Sherrod Lambert was a song writer on Lalah Hathaway's Grammy winning album, Live. The album took home best R&B Album of the Year at the 2017 Grammy Awards.**

Bloomfield College alumnus Al Sherrod Lambert ’08 is an American singer, songwriter, and producer from Newark, New Jersey. Lambert, now residing in Los Angeles, received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and African American Studies from the College.

The Grammy-nominated songwriter was dynamically involved at the College, serving as a Resident Advisor and founding member of the Gentlemen’s Qualities (GQ) organization. He helped create the First Ladies of Bloomfield College organization, which similar to GQ, focuses on mentoring and empowering Bloomfield College students. Lambert is also a member of the Bloomfield College Fraternity Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.

Bloomfield College extended Lambert’s first full-time job offer upon graduating. Lambert accepted, and became an admissions counselor at the College, a job he would continue for two years before venturing to California to make his mark in the music industry.

Lambert flew to his home state of New Jersey this past summer to speak to the incoming freshman class at their orientation. During his hour-long speech, he provided students with advice, from finding the right resources on campus to tips on the best local food and barber shops in the Bloomfield area.

“Bloomfield College is a family,” said Lambert, to 500 new Bloomfield College Bears. “The people here care about you and want to see you graduate and do well.”

To say Lambert himself has “done well” is an understatement.

In 2010, he began his writing career working alongside Grammy Award winning producer Eric Hudson on actor/singer Jamie Foxx's album "Best Night of My Life." Lambert co-wrote "Sleeping Pill" and "All Said and Done" on Foxx's album.

Lambert continued his songwriting success when he co-wrote the single "25/8" for R&B superstar Mary J. Blige, which appeared on her album "My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act 1)."

In 2012, Lambert began working with English Grammy Award winning producer Harmony Samuels. He co-wrote the single "Think Like a Man." The song was performed by Jennifer Hudson, featuring Ne-Yo and Rick Ross, for the movie "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man."

That same year, Lambert began working on R&B singer Fantasia’s fourth studio album, "Side Effects of You.” Lambert wrote/co-wrote many songs on the project, including the single "Without Me" featuring Kelly Rowland and Missy Elliott.

In 2013, Lambert was nominated for three Grammy Awards for his work on Fantasia's album.

Moreover, that year, Lambert wrote on the debut single "The Way" for actress/singer Ariana Grande featuring Mac Miller. The record was a huge success, and entered at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was officially certified Platinum by the RIAA on June 19, 2013, and has currently sold over two million copies in the United States.

Lambert’s additional writing credits include “Say Yes” by former Destiny’s Child singer, Michelle Williams. The song featured Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland and reached number one on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart.

Given Lambert’s passion for and success in the music business, he was excited to see the new Center for Technology + Creativity on campus. This building will no doubt benefit students studying music technology at the College. Music technology majors will obtain a solid understanding of music theory and production, and have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment and software.

“Dreams come true,” promised Lambert to the crowd. “And they can be birthed right here at Bloomfield College.” 

View Orientation Photos.

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