VaShawn Mitchell (born November 19, 1976) is an American gospel singer and songwriter. He has produced several Stellar Award-winning projects and songs for Grammy Award winners Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Smokie Norful . 　　Born and raised in Harvey, Illinois , Mitchell graduated from Thornton High School and earned a degree in psychology. 　　Mitchell began working with mentor Lonnie Hunter at St. Mark Baptist Church. At age 20, Mitchell's musical potential was noticed by Bishop Larry Trotter and he was hired as the Minister of Music at Chicago's Sweet Holy Spirit Church. 　　As minister of music he was responsible for every aspect of the department. He went on to produce what have become some of the most noted selections in the African American church Don't Last and My Worship Is For Real . VaShawn also produced and released his first solo project entitled, So Satisfied . 　　As a songwriter, Mitchell has penned hits for Smokie Norful, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Bishop Paul Morton . He is also a worship leader and throughout the years he has written several top-selling choir recordings and spawned such memorable hits as My Worship Is For Real and Trouble Don't Last. 　　In 2012, Mitchell started the Norman Youth and Arts Foundation, named in memory of his grandfather. The Foundation sponsors summer youth camps for the arts in the Chicago area. Mitchell is also one of the only Gospel artists who acts as a spokesperson and is active with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Foundation.