Gospel Music Fever™

Delois Barrett Campbell "Her Legacy Lives On" Musical - March 11

2012-03-02T10:55:00.002-05:00

Click flyer to enlarge

On what would be the weekend of her 86th birthday, the life and legacy of Delois Barrett Campbell will be celebrated at Chicago's First Church of Deliverance. Some of Chicago's finest--including Shekinah Glory Ministry, Chicago Mass Choir, Kim Stratton, and DeAndre Patterson--will gather in tribute to the internationally renowned soprano vocalist of the famed Roberta Martin Singers and the phenomenal Barrett Sisters. Admission is free.

Campbell, recognized as "The Royal Lady of Gospel," exchanged time for eternity on August 2, 2011 (see related story). This year, she was honored posthumously at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, during which new trophies were unveiled bearing her name among the inscriptions of several other gospel greats.

Set for release later this year is a documentary chronicling the life and career of Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters. For the trio, it is a career that spans more than 60 years.

"Go on...God is still in charge!"

2012-02-27T07:12:00.086-05:00

The Original Messengers paid homage to their founder and quartet frontman, the late Willie Banks, with a lively concert Saturday evening, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Roxboro, NC. Led by Rev. Curtis Watson, the tribute included a stroll down memory lane with "God Is Still In Charge" and "God's Goodness," among the Mississippi quartet's notable songs. Banks, who passed 19 years ago this month, is remembered for his relaxed stage persona and flat-footed presentation, which intermingled story-telling with blues-tinged gospel.

Kirk Franklin, Sounds of Blackness, T.D. Jakes win NAACP Image Awards

2012-02-17T22:30:00.033-05:00

Winners of the 2012 NAACP Image Awards aired tonight on NBC. Gospel and inspirational nominees were represented across several categories. Below are the categories that had at least one gospel or inspirational nominee, with the winner denoted in red. Congratulations to all!

Outstanding New Artist

Committed
Epic

Diggy Simmons
Atlantic Records

Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.
Columbia Records

Mindless Behavior
Streamline/Conjunction/Interscope Records

Wynter Gordon
Big Beat/Atlantic Records

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration

Boyz II Men
Benchmark Entertainment/MSM Music Group

Cee Lo Green feat. Melanie Fiona
Elektra Records

Mary J. Blige feat. Drake
Geffen

Sounds of Blackness
Malaco Music Group

The Roots
Island Def Jam Music Group

Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary)

Becoming
Yolanda Adams
N House Music Group

Church on the Moon
Deitrick Haddon
Verity Gospel Music Group

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin
Verity Gospel Music Group

Something Big
Mary Mary
Columbia Records

The Journey
Andraé Crouch
RiverPhlo Entertainment

Outstanding World Music Album

Afrodiaspora
Susana Baca
Luaka Bop

Carnival Fever
Brother B
King Chero Records

Live at 2011 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Boukman Eksperyans
MunckMix, Inc.

Sounds of Blackness

Sounds of Blackness

Malaco Music Group

The First Grader
Alex Heffes
Varese Sarabande

Outstanding Song

"Best Thing I Never Had"
Beyoncé
Columbia Records

"Fool for You" feat. Melanie Fiona
Cee Lo Green
Elektra Records

"I Smile"

Kirk Franklin

Verity Gospel Music Group

"So In Love" feat. Anthony Hamilton
Jill Scott
Warner Bros. Records

"Someone Like You"
Adele
Columbia Records

Outstanding Reality Series

All-American Muslim
TLC

American Idol
FOX

Dancing with the Stars

ABC

Sunday Best
BET

Tia & Tamera
Style Network

Outstanding Literary Work - Instructional

A Year to Wellness and Other Weight Loss Secrets
Bertice Berry
Freeman House Publishing

Living My Dream: An Artistic Approach to Marketing
Synthia Saint James
Create Space

Our Difficult Sunlight: A Guide to Poetry, Literacy, & Social Justice in Classroom & Community
Quraysh Ali Lansana
Teachers & Writers Collaborative

The T.D. Jakes Relationship Bible: Life Lessons on Relationships from the Inspired Word of God

T.D. Jakes

Atria Books

Too Important to Fail: Saving America's Boys
Tavis Smiley (Author), Juan Roberts (Illustrator)
SmileyBooks

Kirk Franklin, Le'Andria Johnson win Grammys at the 2012 pre-show

2012-02-12T18:46:00.004-05:00

Gospel's Grammy winners have been announced at the 54th Grammy Awards pre-show. The recipients are listed in red.

Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance

“Do Everything”
Steven Curtis Chapman
re:Creation

“Alive (Mary Magdalene)”
Natalie Grant
Music Inspired By The Story

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath
Leaving Eden

“Jesus”
Le’Andria Johnson
The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson

“I Lift My Hands”
Chris Tomlin
And If Our God Is For Us...

Best Gospel Song

“Hello Fear”
Written by Kirk Franklin (performed by Kirk Franklin)
Hello Fear

“Sitting With Me”
Written by Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon (performed by Mary Mary)
Something Big

“Spiritual”
Written by Donald Lawrence (performed by Donald Lawrence & Company feat. Blanche McAllister-Dykes)
YRM (Your Righteous Mind)

“Trust Me”
Written by Richard Smallwood (performed by Richard Smallwood & Vision)
Promises

“Window”
Written by Canton Jones (performed by Canton Jones)
Dominionaire

Best Gospel Album

The Love Album
Kim Burrell

The Journey
Andraé Crouch

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin

Something Big
Mary Mary

Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition
Trin-i-tee 5:7

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song

“Blessings”
Written by Laura Story (performed by Laura Story)
Blessings

“Hold Me”
Written by Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens (performed by Jamie Grace feat. Tobymac)

“I Lift My Hands”
Written by Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin (performed by Chris Tomlin)
And If Our God Is For Us…

“Strong Enough”
Written by Matthew West (performed by Matthew West)
The Story Of Your Life

“Your Love”
Written by Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram (performed by Brandon Heath)
Leaving Eden

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Ghosts Upon The Earth
Gungor

Leaving Eden
Brandon Heath

The Great Awakening
Leeland

What If We Were Real
Mandisa

Black & White
Royal Tailor

And If Our God Is For Us…

Chris Tomlin

Gospel community reacts to the death of international superstar Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T00:16:00.124-05:00

By Libra Boyd

Gospel Music Fever

Originally posted Feb. 12, 2012 at 12:16AM

Last Updated Feb. 13, 2012 at 9:08AM

Whitney Houston and Kim Burrell at the 2011

BET Celebration of Gospel, after their unforgettable

performance of "I Look to You."

Photo from www.whitneyhouston.com

I was taking in a comedy show Saturday evening when I received word of Whitney Houston's demise at the age of 48. Actually, I was listening to an up and coming balladeer pay a fantastic musical tribute to another music icon who left us too soon, Luther Vandross. There was nothing I was able to say when my friend turned to me stunned and whispered, "Libra, Whitney Houston is dead," except, "It's got to be a hoax. Google it." How I prayed to be right!

After the search results confirmed the shocking news, I sat through the show reflecting on Whitney's music. She was a pop icon. She is a pop icon. And she, like countless other entertainers, started in her church, New Hope Baptist in Newark, NJ. Gospel influences were all around her. Her mother Cissy Drinkard Houston, a superb soprano--who once sang backup for Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, and Aretha Franklin--was a member of the well-known gospel recording group, the Drinkard Singers. Her cousins Dionne and Dee Dee Warwick were members of the Gospelaires, later renamed the Sweet Inspirations. Aretha is Whitney's godmother.

Awards and recognitions amassed throughout Whitney's career are unmatched by any other female artist. Even The Preacher's Wife original soundtrack, which features her flawless vocals on a number of gospel and R&B tracks, is reported to be the best-selling gospel album of all time.

Expectedly, the Twitter world has been abuzz with sentiments from the gospel music industry.

Richard Smallwood, whose composition "I Love the Lord" was performed by Whitney on The Preacher's Wife soundtrack, tweeted, "No words...my heart is so heavy. Love and prayers to Cissy Houston And Bobbi Kris and the rest of the fam. RIP Whitney Houston." Later, he added, "[T]his is just SO surreal. Cant wrap my mind around it......[sic]"

"I'm so sorry to hear of the news of Whitney Houston," posted Kierra Sheard. "She was one of music's greatest. I'm praying for the family."

James Fortune said via tweet, "We have lost an ICON! I am deeply saddened by the news of Whitney Houston's passing! Praying for her family! RIP."

From left: Houston, Caesar and Winans

The chart-topping diva shared close relationships with CeCe Winans and Shirley Caesar through the years. In 1996, the trio's gospel medley brought down the house at the 38th Grammy Awards show. Sunday, Winans shared on Twitter, "I LOVED her SO much, but God loved her more. I pray she's resting in His arms!"

"RIP Whitney Houston...," tweeted duo Mary Mary. "[O]ur hearts are so heavy we'll always Love you...[sic]"

Cemented in the annals of BET's Celebration of Gospel is Whitney's surprise duet with Kim Burrell in 2011. The vocal powerhouses brought the riveted audience to its feet with Whitney's "I Look to You" from her last album of the same name.

Sunday evening, Burrell told CNN at the Grammys that she last heard from her friend the day before.

"I got to LA for this, and she told me to call her when I got here; we [were] going to go the Clive [Davis] party last night. So I called her and I missed her and so...she called me and missed me and so she left a message at about 2 o'clock....I called back several times and of course I didn't get an answer, because my friend (pause) had died." Burrell said Whitney was "in great spirits as always."

Burrell became emotional as she continued to speak of their close friendship of 13 years. "I love her," she said through tears, "And she's my sister--and she'll always be my sister. I love her dearly." She went on to share that she'd spent time with Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina, who calls her "Auntie Kim," on Saturday.

Grammy-winning producer Kevin Bond tweeted, "'I Look To You!'.......What a befitting song for her ending! After Everything and Everyone else is gone I look to you God! [sic]"

Jason Nelson appropriately petitioned on his Twitter page, "Please keep the family of Whitney Houston in your prayers. This loss affects all of the music community."

GMF indeed extends condolences to Whitney's family and friends. Our prayers are with them as they mourn the passing of one whom the world knows as a true music sensation.

Aretha Franklin: Pumping Out Soul and Preaching Up Gospel

2012-02-10T14:00:00.005-05:00

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Mostly everyone knows that Aretha Louise Franklin is the Queen of Soul. If not, at her insistence, they'd better recognize. I'm pretty confident that everyone at Durham Performing Arts Center is clear about it, but after the second half of last night's ninety minute show, some may think she's solidified a spot among gospel's royals, too.

Photo: The Herald-Sun | Bernard Thomas

Aretha's fans see she makes no apologies for her relationship with Jesus Christ, and aficionados know her roots run deep in the church. So it was, Her Majesty took us on a ride through five decade's worth of R&B and soul hits before sitting at the piano to play and sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water." It was easily the most emotional performance of the night, with her instrumental intro and interlude underscoring the depth of her musicianship. And while the song itself isn't gospel, its composer Paul Simon cites Rev. Claude Jeter's line, "I'll be your bridge over deep water if you trust in My name," taken from the Swan Silvertones' "Mary Don't You Weep," as his inspiration.

Maybe that's why Aretha got to feeling churchy and wound up hurling a sermonette at the audience by the song's end, testifying that the Lord'll make a way. Of course, charismatic church folk know they can't just "think about Jesus" without wanting to "dance all night." By the time her hallelujahs infiltrated the rafters and penetrated the heavens, the orchestra had cued up music for a praise break.

From there, Aretha stepped back to centerstage. Staying in her gospel vein (which incidentally brought her the biggest selling album of her career, Amazing Grace), she sang the worshipful "One Night with the King" before abruptly shifting gears to her 80's R&B smash "Freeway of Love." Determined to include God on that ride too, Aretha shouted "Good God Almighty" and recited the 23rd Psalm while her singers turned the corner on the vamp and changed lanes--first chanting "freeway" and then "higher," before accelerating to an exclamatory "Jesus!"

The old school would call it straddling the fence. Somehow, however, the Queen has managed to maneuver the freeway of sacred and secular without being frowned upon by the same churchers who declare it to be disgraceful when other artists do so. Personally, I'm okay with the presence of gospel tunes in her concert repertoire. Considering the massive success of Amazing Grace though, I think she'd be just fine singing an entire gospel number and letting it stand alone. No fusion needed. Or let's see, how can I phrase this lyrically? Ah yes, Let It Be.

All the same, there is a reason Aretha is the Queen. A darn good reason. And whether it's pumping out soul or preaching up gospel, the living legend totally gets my R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Producer Milon Fenner, Jr. has his mind on music and music on his mind

2012-02-07T08:40:00.145-05:00

By Libra Boyd

Gospel Music Fever

Milon Fenner, Jr. does it all. No, really, he does.

Singer, songwriter, producer, studio engineer, radio personality, and owner of Music Revived Records are some of the hats he sports over the course of what I can only imagine to be a 24/7 work schedule. Surely, Milon can't possibly require sleep like the average person; and just think, this all started as other little kids were getting amped about kindergarten.

"I've been singing since the age of five, when my uncle started me off with the family group called The Powell Tradition," says Milon. "I've been singing with them ever since."

Musical talent was something his parents also recognized in him and cultivated early on. "My parents, Milon Fenner, Sr. and the late Mary Powell Fenner bought me [practically] every instrument for Christmas...so this is an industry I've been in for 25 years."

To say that Milon has been on his grind is a gross understatement. At his Music 4 Life Recording Studios, he has recorded and produced everyone from Robert Holland (formerly of the Drifters and currently with Doc McKenzie & the Highlights), Cedrick & the Spiritual Voices, The Chosen Few, Bennie Raindrop, and Snap & New Vision, to the Original Stars of Faith (not to be confused with Marion Williams' group), Yasmine Green, and his own group The Powell Tradition. That's the short list--and the grind is paying off; this year, Milon is nominated for a Southern Coalition Movement (SCM) Gospel Award for Producer of the Year.

Besides his studio hustle, the 30 year-old super-producer is in the process of writing a movie, which he also plans to direct.

What's more is that Milon is making music of his own--composing songs through his songwriting subsidiary, From Milon's Pen--and prepping for his solo recording with collaborations that are a quartet lover's dream.

Click flyer to enlarge

"I am going to be releasing a solo record entitled Reflections of Me, which will feature George Dean of the Gospel 4, Greg Kelly of the Supreme Angels, Percy Griffin of the Swanee Quintet, and Robert Holland," shares Milon excitedly. "I have the honor of recording and producing [Robert's] solo project, A New Beginning, that will be released in early 2012, and I'm honored that he and [these other] great singers are going to be part of my solo project."

Milon is quick to acknowledge that gospel music has no shortage of great singers; neither does it have any scarcity of undiscovered talent. This is why he is focused on helping to provide opportunities for exposure and development with the launch of the "Center Stage" Gospel Talent Showcase.

"The showcase will be June 2, in Tarboro, NC. Seminars will start at 9am and the showcase will start at 5pm," he explains. "This will be a live DVD recording [and it's] a great showcase to help all artists...a great networking tool. Anyone interested in the showcase--or any of the other music services I offer--definitely should contact me at 252-217-7697, and I'm on Facebook too."

What on earth is left to do for a man who already does everything?

"Did I mention that I've done some acting too?" he quips.

David Peaston of R&B and gospel acclaim has died

2012-02-04T11:59:00.026-05:00

David Peaston, son of the Clara Ward Singers' Martha Bass and brother of soul singer Fontella Bass ("Rescue Me"), died Wednesday from complications of diabetes. He was 54.

Photo credit: Ian Dickson/Redferns

Peaston is probably most known for his songs, "Two Wrongs (Don't Make It Right)" and "Can I?" which came following his big break on Showtime at the Apollo in the late 1980's.

In the early 1990's, the Soul Train Award winner recorded a gospel album with his mother and sister called Promises: A Family Portrait Of Faith.

GMF sends condolences to Peaston's family, friends, and supporters.

You can read more about his career at www.stltoday.com.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Mahalia Jackson's passing

2012-01-27T10:27:00.019-05:00

On this date in 1972, Mahalia Jackson--widely regarded as the world's greatest gospel singer--passed away. She was 59 years old. (Almost all news reports indicated she was 60, because her birth year was supposedly 1911. Her grave marker, however, bears the inscription of 1912 as her year of birth; therefore, she would not have turned 60 until October of 1972.)

Fifty-nine years of age is awfully young, but in her relatively short lifetime, Jackson blazed trails with her contemporaries, stirred souls with her spirited performances, and advocated for civil rights with the heavyweights. One of her notable associations during that era was with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A piece published in The Dispatch on Jan. 28, 1972, announces her death and quotes then-President Richard Nixon on her far-reaching impact: Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson Dies at 60.

October 26th will mark the gospel singer's 100th birthday.

Related Story
Mahalia Jackson's hometown commemorates her 100th birthday with several events

"Victory Is Mine" featured on soundtrack of Oscar nominated movie

2012-01-26T10:34:00.000-05:00

Malaco Music Group recently announced that a Malaco published gospel song appears in the Academy Award nominated film The Help.

"Victory Is Mine," written by Dorothy Norwood and Alvin Darling, and a staple in congregations across the country, is featured in the movie.

The Help and/or its actresses are nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.

Mavis Staples talks about her courtship with Bob Dylan, impact of her family's music

2012-01-23T08:07:00.008-05:00

Graham Rockingham of The Hamilton Spectator recently shared a delightful interview with gospel/soul/folk songstress Mavis Staples.

Read what the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner says about Bob Dylan's marriage proposal as well as the impact of the Staples Singers' music here: Mavis Staples recalls her lost love.

Le'Andria Johnson performs in Raleigh - Jan. 21

2012-01-21T12:15:00.001-05:00

Click flyer to enlarge

Tickets can be purchased at http://newliteentertainment.ticketleap.com/the-women-of-gospel-music.

Johnny Otis (1921-2012) - "The Godfather of Rhythm and Blues"

2012-01-20T15:28:00.000-05:00

Johnny Otis, singer, musician, bandleader, and former pastor, died Tuesday. He was 90 years old. Otis, who was the son of Greek immigrants but identified himself as a member of the black community, was the father of singer-songwriter and musician, Shuggie Otis.

According to his bio, the multi-talented artist discovered, among others, Etta James, who was once a featured vocalist in his band. (James passed today at the age of 73.)

In a career that spanned seven decades, Otis, sometimes referred to as "The Godfather of Rhythm and Blues," enjoyed one success after another in the music industry. He was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In later years, Otis reportedly founded and pastored the now defunct Landmark Community Gospel Church in California.

You can read more about his extensive career in the Chicago-Sun Times and The New York Times.

GMF offers sympathy to the relatives, friends, and fans of Johnny Otis.

Etta James succumbs

2012-01-20T11:00:00.005-05:00

Etta James, famed singer whose best known hit is perhaps "At Last," has died just a few days shy of her 74th birthday.

James, like countless other blues, R&B, and soul singers, got her start in the church. Gospel historian Bob Marovich conducted an interview with her several years ago that he will re-air on his radio program "Gospel Memories" next week. See his piece for more information: Etta James dies at 73.

GMF extends condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Etta James. Her music will not soon be forgotten.

VaShawn Mitchell wins big at Stellars (Complete List of 2012 Winners)

2012-01-15T11:17:00.003-05:00

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Photo Credit: Rick Diamond

For VaShawn Mitchell, it was a weekend to remember at the 27th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Mitchell had his hands full, leaving with six trophies for his CD Triumphant, which features Billboard's number one gospel song of 2011, "Nobody Greater."

A special moment in the evening came when Kirk Franklin, after having won Song of the Year for "I Smile," shared his award with fellow category nominee Darius Paulk, the writer of "Nobody Greater."

Other honorees of the evening were Vy Higginsen, who was presented the Thomas Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award, and John P. Kee, who received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Higginsen is perhaps most recognized as the founder of Gospel For Teens and as the first black female writer, producer, and director of the longest running Off-Broadway musical in the history of American theatre, Mama, I Want to Sing.

Photo Credit: Rick Diamond

The James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kee for his remarkable music career that spans over three decades and encompasses a myriad of gospel music accolades. In the late 1980's, he was crowned the Prince of Gospel.

During the pre-show (see related story), the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award was given to Dorothy Norwood.

Daughters of "The Royal Lady of Gospel" Delois Barrett Campbell (who passed in August 2011, at age 85) were also recipients of a special Stellar Award at the pre-show. The trophies will now bear Campbell's name among the inscriptions. Additionally, fans of the Barrett Sisters were thrilled to learn that a film documentary chronicling the life and extensive career of Campbell and her siblings is scheduled for release in March. It will feature vintage music footage and lively candid interviews with the internationally acclaimed trio.

The Stellar Awards will air nationally on the Gospel Music Channel, Saturday, February 11. Visit www.thestellarawards.com and click Local Airdates for the broadcast dates and times in your area.

Below is this year's complete list of winners.

Artist Of The Year
VaShawn Mitchell

Song of the Year
"I Smile" - Kirk Franklin

Male Vocalist Of The Year
VaShawn Mitchell

Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year
Kim Burrell

Group/Duo of the Year
Mary Mary

New Artist of the Year
Y'Anna Crawley

CD of the Year
Hello Fear - Kirk Franklin

Choir of the Year
Ricky Dillard & New G

Producer of the Year
Kirk Franklin

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
Mary Mary

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
The Rance Allen Group

Contemporary Male of the Year
VaShawn Mitchell

Traditional Male of the Year
Smokie Norful

Contemporary Female of the Year
Kim Burrell

Traditional Female of the Year
Beverly Crawford

Contemporary CD of the Year
Hello Fear - Kirk Franklin

Traditional CD of the Year
How I Got Over - Smokie Norful

Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance Of The Year
VaShawn Mitchell

Music Video of the Year - Short Format
"Nobody Greater" - VaShawn Mitchell

Music Video of the Year - Long Format
Church on the Moon - Deitrick Haddon

Traditional Choir of the Year
Mississippi Mass Choir

Contemporary Choir of the Year
Shekinah Glory Ministry

Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year
Music Remastered and Sacred Organ - Moses Tyson, Jr.

Special Event CD of the Year
Bishop Morton Celebrates 25 Years of Music - Bishop Paul S. Morton

Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Rehab: The Overdose - Lacrae

Children's Project of the Year
Teen Pure In Heart Live - Pure-N-Heart

Quartet of the Year
The Rance Allen Group

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Make It Loud! - Martha Munizzi

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Triumphant - VaShawn Mitchell

Spoken Word CD Recording of the Year
Look at You Loving Me - Selah

Radio Station of the Year - Major Market
KJLH 102.3FM - Los Angeles, CA

Radio Station of the Year - Large Market
WHAL 95.7FM/1460AM - Memphis, TN

Radio Station of the Year - Medium Market
WLOU 1350AM - Louisville, KY

Radio Station of the Year - Small Market
KOKA 980AM - Shreveport, LA

Stellar Award winners of non-televised categories announced at pre-show

2012-01-14T07:30:00.004-05:00

Dorothy Norwood and family of Delois Barrett Campbell receive special awards

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Dorothy Norwood accepts the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award, recalling her years of traveling during the era of racial injustice and discrimination.

Gospel music's version of the Grammys is taking place this weekend in Nashville. The first winners of the 27th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards were announced last evening at the 2012 pre-show, held before a capacity crowd at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Hosts of the non-televised event were Byron Cage and Maurette Brown Clark.

"Gospel's Greatest Storyteller" Dorothy Norwood received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award. The Caravan alumna's career spans more than half a century.

In addition to the awards presentations, a special award was given to the daughters of pioneering gospel great Delois Barrett Campbell, who passed away August 2011. Because of her internationally renowned contributions to gospel music with the Roberta Martin Singers, the Barrett Sisters, and as a solo artist, her name will be inscribed on the Stellar Award.

Mary Campbell, daughter of Delois Barrett Campbell, speaks as (from right) daughter Sue Campbell-Ladd, presenter Erma Davis, and cousin Skip Barrett look on.

Categories and winners announced at the pre-show are as follows:

Beverly Crawford

Contemporary Male of the Year
VaShawn Mitchell

Traditional Female of the Year
Beverly Crawford

Contemporary Female of the Year
Kim Burrell

Contemporary Choir of the Year
Shekinah Glory Ministry

Choir of the Year
Ricky Dillard & New G

Traditional Choir of the Year
Mississippi Mass Choir

Traditional CD of the Year
How I Got Over - Smokie Norful

Contemporary CD of the Year
Hello Fear - Kirk Franklin

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Triumphant - VaShawn Mitchell

Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year
Music Remastered and Sacred Organ - Moses Tyson, Jr.

Children's Project of the Year
Teen Pure In Heart Live - Pure-N-Heart

Music Video of the Year - Long Format
Church on the Moon - Deitrick Haddon

Urban Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year
"Nobody Greater" - VaShawn Mitchell

The Rance Allen Group

Quartet of the Year
The Rance Allen Group

Producer of the Year
Kirk Franklin

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Make It Loud! - Martha Munizzi

Special Event CD of the Year
Bishop Morton Celebrates 25 Years of Music - Bishop Paul S. Morton

The Stellar Awards continues tonight at the Grand Ole Opry with hosts Dorinda Clark-Cole and Marvin Sapp. Stay close to GMF for the complete list of this year's winners.

Photo Credit: Stellar Gospel Music Awards

Lexi signs with Malaco

2012-01-10T11:29:00.015-05:00

The Malaco Music Group recently announced the signing of Alexis Allen, professionally known as "Lexi."

Lexi has amassed an impressive following through both music and television. Before realizing her destiny to have a musical ministry of her own, she was a background vocalist for Gerald LeVert, Fred Hammond, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. Her most critically acclaimed project, A Praise in The Valley, garnered her a Stellar Award nomination.

In early 2006, Lexi became the "face" of the The Word Network. The birth of the The Lexi Show, a one-on-one style talk show, became Lexi's new endeavor and proved to be a groundbreaking success for the network. The fifth season of The Lexi Show currently airs every Saturday at noon (EST) on The Word Network. In addition, Lexi can be heard weekly on "The Yolanda Adams Morning Show," bringing listeners the latest gospel news.

Executive Director of Malaco's Gospel Division, D.A. Johnson, says, "Fans of [Lexi's] television show will be pleasantly surprised when they are finally introduced to her music. I'm excited to see what God is going to do in this season of her life."

Lexi comments, "I am humbled to be a family member of the iconic recording label Malaco Records. I am honored to have the opportunity of continuing in the legacy of great singers, musicians and music."

Lexi's debut Malaco CD, entitled Phenomenal, produced by Marcus Cole of Commissioned, will be released in spring/summer 2012.

Andraé Crouch talks about dyslexia and songwriting

2011-12-27T12:25:00.009-05:00

Many would be surprised to learn that the legendary composer of numerous treasures like "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Soon and Very Soon," and "My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)" has dyslexia.

In a recent AP interview, eight-time Grammy winner Andraé Crouch shared his unique approach to songwriting, despite having a disorder that impairs his reading and comprehension abilities.

Read the interview here: Gospel's Andraé Crouch calls dyslexia his blessing.

Emily Harris of Bobby Jones & New Life has died

2011-12-23T21:24:00.010-05:00

Tonya Osborne Photography

Emily Harris, longtime member of Bobby Jones and New Life Singers and the Nashville Super Choir, has died. Harris's rich vocals are featured on several songs, notably "I'm in His Care," from Bobby Jones and New Life's early 1990's release Bring It To Jesus.

Homegoing arrangements are as follows:

Musical Celebration

Wednesday, December 28th

7 PM

Homegoing Celebration

Thursday, December 29th

11 AM

All services will take place at Cathedral of Praise Church of God in Christ, 4300 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN. Read the obituary as posted by Terrell Broady Funeral Home here: Emily Harris.

GMF extends sympathy to and prayers for the Harris family and Dr. Bobby Jones, New Life, and the Nashville Super Choir during this most difficult time.

Noël Divin - Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir

2011-12-23T11:42:00.116-05:00

Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir
Noël Divin (2011)
http://www.gospelcelebration.qc.ca

By Libra Boyd

Gospel Music Fever

I close my eyes and feel as though I've been transported to a concert hall filled with wonderful Christmas music by a heavenly chorus. I open my eyes and here I sit, in my car, taking in harmonious French and English holiday songs from Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir's 12-track CD, Noël Divin.

This offering is bursting with contemporary gospel flavor, thanks to superb arrangements by Michael McElroy and Joseph Joubert. The heavily orchestrated tracks feature a jubilant version of "Go Tell It on the Mountain," churchy enough for Sunday morning--Chicago style, and a lovely soft pop rendering of "Minuit, Chrétiens" ("O Holy Night"), both performed by the choir's founder, soprano Fernande Angers.

Just as exultant is "Joy to the World," with its majestic horn prelude. This hand-clapper would've fit perfectly on the soundtrack of a Penny Marshall-directed Christmas movie starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. Slowing the pace but not the continuity is the moving "Noel Noel." The song's lyrical structure coupled with the choir's execution are reminiscent of Kirk Franklin and the Family (minus Kirk's spoken-word lead).

Among the year's better holiday music projects, Noël Divin invokes the true spirit of the season, resonating delightfully with gospel listeners and choir enthusiasts.

Favorites
"Minuit, Chrétiens" - "Go Tell It on the Mountain" - "Noel Noel"

Fever Meter
SMOKIN' (4 of 5 Stars)

Music of several gospel artists banned from Radio One playlists

2011-12-21T10:38:00.001-05:00

From Music World Entertainment Website

If you miss hearing Le'Andria Johnson, Trin-i-tee 5:7, and Micah Stampley on your favorite Radio One station, there's a plausible explanation: their music has been axed as a result of a lawsuit filed by Radio One against Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment.

You can read more about this move's impact on all the artists associated with the entertainment company here: Radio One has banned music associated with Mathew Knowles.

"I Don't Need Anything But You" - C. Lewis

2011-12-20T08:28:00.001-05:00

"I Don't Need Anything But You"
C. Lewis (2011)

ExCLEWsive Productions

Innovative hip-hopper C. Lewis reminds us that Christmas is about more than presents with his brand new mid-tempo track, just in time for the holiday. He invites his audience to live, love, and give with sweet rhymes and the melodic R&B-seasoned hook: "I don't need anything but you!"

This is a singer/rapper on his holiday grind, and he is so intent on getting his message out that he's making the single available as a free download and ringtone by clicking here.

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" - Valerie Woodard

2011-12-19T13:06:00.001-05:00

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Valerie Woodard
Whole Armor Recordings (2011)
www.valeriewoodard.com

Valerie Woodard serenades listeners with her remake of the timeless classic, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Simply orchestrated accompaniment turns your attention to the beauty of her tone and clarity of her voice.

Enjoy for yourself!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://valeriewoodard.bandcamp.com/track/have-yourself-a-merry-christmas"&amp;gt;Have Yourself A Merry Christmas by Valerie Woodard&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

"Christmas Everyday" - New Creation

2011-12-15T07:22:00.005-05:00

"Christmas Everyday"
New Creation featuring Pastor George Crews, III
From the CD, Help Is On The Way (2011)
newcreationsings@gmail.com

New Creation takes an oldie on a spin with Pastor George Crews, III guesting on lead. The Hillsborough, NC based group escorts its listeners back in time with a cover of the Temptations' "Christmas Everyday," featured on New Creation's non-Christmas gospel CD, Help Is On The Way.

Oldtimers will recall the Temps' Melvin Franklin lending his sultry bass to the song's lead (or even Smokey Robinson's version before that, with the Miracles). Crews, by contrast, is a tenor who delivers this swinging tune with near-equal oomph. The main distinction here, of course, is that Pastor Crews and New Creation direct their affirmation to Jesus and the fact that He makes it Christmas everyday.

Related Story
Help Is On The Way - New Creation (CD Review)

"It's Christmas Time" - Ronnie R. Riles, Sr.

2011-12-14T07:11:00.002-05:00

"It's Christmas Time"
Ronnie R. Riles, Sr.
From the CD, Bad Boys Need God Too (2009)
www.upthapraise.com

Ronnie R. Riles, Sr. makes a plea for more Christ-centered love in "It's Christmas Time."

Highlighting all the wonderful sights and sounds typically associated with the holiday--mistletoe, stockings, and energetic children--over the unhurried groove, he returns his subsequent verse with an abbreviated narrative of Christ's birth; hence, the real meaning of the season.

It's time, Riles says, "to show your love...to love everybody!"