Let's Talk Kingdom w/Catrina -Interview with Gospel Artist Rhonda Aiden

Rhonda La Verne Aiden was born in Louisville KY, to the late Alice Edwards Aiden and Willard Lee Aiden. The youngest of 4 siblings, Rhonda’s first love for music came from her father, Willard, who played the saxophone in the 60’s and 70’s. Jazz was one of his favorite genres. After the tragic loss of her mother in 1976, Rhonda’s grandparents, the late Quinton L. and Rachel Cooley Edwards, relocated both her and her siblings to Chesterfield VA. As a descendant of Eartha Kitt, her musical talent and acting abilities came naturally.

At the age of 6, Rhonda sang her first solo debut at The Baptist Children’s Home of V.A . She was a very creative and energetic child. “A Great Big Beautiful God” was accompanied by her aunt, the late Estelle Katie Bohannon. She attended Swansboro Baptist church located in Richmond, Va., Coming from a family of gifted and talented musician, it all began at Union Branch Baptist Church located in Chesterfeild V.A., where she was baptized at an early age. She was very active in the church participating in Sunday school and VBS, as well as taught a youth Sunday school class at the age of 11. Rhonda developed a love for gospel and inspirational music, nurtured by her aunt Apostle Francine Cole, who has her own ministry, Bible Covenant Believers In Christ Deliverance Ministries, located in Petersburg, Va. Her aunt adopted Rhonda and cared for her as though she was her own child. At the age of 12, Rhonda and three of her cousins formed a group called The Precious Jewels. The group then sang at various venues throughout the Petersburg tri-city area, with one favorite, “Hard Fighting Soldier” led by Michael Cole. Rhonda’s uncle Carlton Edwards was in a group called Gospel Unlimited and Rhonda was inspired by watching him perform on stage.