The first services will be held at New Jerusalem Cathedral, 1822 Sharpe Road in Greensboro. A memorial concert is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. The homegoing celebration will follow on Saturday, Aug. 29, with visitation with the family beginning at 11 a.m. and the celebration service at noon.

Houston will honor Ross-Bellamy the following weekend with a musical celebration on Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m. at Jericho City COGIC, 6302 Tidwell Road.

A Houston Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 9013 McGallion Road.

Ross-Bellamy, whose career and distinctive voice made her a familiar presence in contemporary gospel music, died in August. She was 52.

The Houston observances are being presented as a “Houston Celebration of Life for the Voice,” giving friends, supporters and members of the gospel community an opportunity to remember her life and musical legacy.

A native of Gonzales, Texas, Nation has built her music ministry around Christian and gospel recordings focused on faith, encouragement and worship. She is also the founder of Women Rise Up and Be Encouraged Ministries.

“My Soul Cries Yes” follows a series of releases from Nation that includes “Holding On,” “Walk With Me,” “Holding On 2.0,” “Go Tell It,” “Thank You (My Everything),” “You Cover Me” and “Back to the Ways of God.”

MyHoustonGOSPEL.com previously featured Nation following the release of “Thank You (My Everything),” noting that the song was gaining activity on the Billboard Gospel Indicator chart.

According to information provided by Nation’s team, that period also included a 2021 appearance at No. 15 on a Billboard Indicator chart.

In addition to recording music, Nation leads Women Rise Up and Be Encouraged Ministries, which focuses on faith, encouragement and restoration.

Her newest release, “My Soul Cries Yes,” continues Nation’s focus on worship and surrender and is available now.

The four-song project follows Ballard’s 2024 album, The Journey, and includes “He Won’t Fail,” “They That Wait,” “Your Grace” and “Healing.” According to Ballard, the new release centers on trusting God through prayer, setbacks, waiting and uncertainty.

“There are songs you’ll hear, and then there are songs you’ll live,” Ballard said. “My He Won’t Fail: The Journey Vol II EP isn’t just music — it’s the soundtrack for every prayer, every setback, every victory, and every moment you chose to trust God anyway.”

Ballard has been a familiar presence in Houston gospel music for years. MyHoustonGOSPEL.com previously described him as a prominent figure in Houston’s music scene while covering preparations for one of his live recordings. The site has also documented Ballard alongside other Houston gospel artists, including Kim Burrell, Nikki Ross, Shawn and Rhonda McLemore and Nakitta Foxx, during a tribute recording honoring the late Alvaneeta Nelson.

More recently, Ballard appeared at Houston’s Survivors Worship celebration honoring Earnest Pugh at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church. MyHoustonGOSPEL.com identified Ballard as Pugh’s Blacksmoke labelmate for the January event.

With He Won’t Fail, Ballard says the songs are intended for listeners facing disappointment, grief, uncertainty and seasons of waiting.

“If you’ve ever wondered whether God would come through … this EP is for you,” Ballard said.

Ballard celebrated the project with a Houston listening party on Aug. 14 and appeared as guest psalmist at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church on Aug. 16.

He Won’t Fail: The Journey Vol. II is available now on digital music platforms.

Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church has released “One Word,” the first single from the forthcoming Chapters + Verses, Vol. 2 project.

Released Aug. 21, “One Word” is presented by Dr. Marcus D. Cosby and the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Mass Choir and features Dr. James Mable Jr. Written by Wheeler Avenue Minister of Music Leon C. Lewis, “One Word” also launches the second volume of Chapters + Verses, a music initiative created by Lewis to develop new choir-centered gospel music rooted in Scripture, congregational worship and the tradition of the Black church. The project began at Wheeler Avenue with a mission of creating music “for the Church, by the Church.”

Even before its official release, the song had begun spreading beyond Houston. “One Word” has been performed at churches and gatherings across the country, including Reid Temple AME Church in Maryland, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Shiloh Baptist Church in New Jersey and the COGIC AIM Mass Choir, with Mable helping introduce the selection to audiences nationwide.

“One Word” is streaming now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube. Chapters + Verses, Vol. 2 is forthcoming.

Her passing was announced by New Jerusalem Churches of Sound Doctrine, where Ross Bellamy was a longtime member. The church described her as a beloved daughter of the ministry whose extraordinary voice carried her before audiences around the world while she remained deeply connected to her church family.

“The world heard her voice. We knew her heart,” the church said in announcing her death.

For decades, Ross Bellamy was a fixture of Houston’s gospel music community and became one of the city’s most recognizable vocalists. MyHoustonGOSPEL.com has chronicled her music and ministry for more than 15 years, documenting a career that placed her alongside some of gospel music’s biggest names.

Ross Bellamy recorded with Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard & New G, James Fortune & FIYA, The Walls Group, Rodnie Bryant & CCMC, Jonathan Nelson and others. Her memorable recordings included “He’s Been Just That Good,” “There Is No Way” and “I Surrender All” with Ricky Dillard & New G; “Make A Sound” with James Fortune & FIYA; and “Yes” with The Walls Group.

Her career also included work with Houston’s Gary Mayes & Nu Era and as part of the music staff for BET’s Sunday Best. In 2013, Ross appeared with fellow Houston-connected artists Israel Houghton, PJ Morton and Aaron Lindsay on “Sunday Kinda Love,” featured on the soundtrack to I’m in Love with a Church Girl.

Although widely known for lending her powerhouse vocals to other artists’ projects, Ross Bellamy also pursued her own music. In 2011, MyHoustonGOSPEL.com described her as one of the nation’s most sought-after vocalists as she prepared for a Houston live recording. Ross said at the time that her sound would blend gospel with jazz, praise and worship and other influences.

She later released solo music, including “God Is Able,” and continued recording even while facing health challenges. In recent years, she appeared on gospel artist Trent’s “Beautiful Day,” recorded during her health battle.

Ross Bellamy’s importance to Houston gospel extended beyond recordings. When she experienced a serious health scare years earlier, Houston gospel artists and supporters rallied around her during her recovery.

New Jerusalem Churches of Sound Doctrine extended prayers and condolences to her husband, Ty Bellamy, their children, family, friends and the countless people touched by her life and ministry.

“Her voice was unmistakable, her presence unforgettable, and the impact of her music and ministry reached far beyond the walls of the church,” the fellowship said.

She gave her final public performance at the Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention in July.

Official arrangements are forthcoming.

MyHoustonGOSPEL.com joins Houston’s gospel music community in remembering Nikki Ross Bellamy, a voice we celebrated for years, a Houston gospel original and a gift whose music will continue to speak.

The homegoing service was held Saturday, May 9, at Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport, where hundreds gathered to honor Jayla Elkins, 3; Shayla Elkins, 5; Braylon Snow, 5; Kayla Pugh, 6; Khedarrion Snow, 6; Layla Pugh, 7; Markaydon Pugh, 10; and Sariahh Snow, 11. The children were killed April 19 in what authorities have described as a domestic mass shooting. Seven of the children were siblings, and one was their cousin.

During a CW39 Houston interview, Pastor Dr. Timothy Sloan described the project as years in the making for the 125-year-old congregation. He said the church reached a point where “the world” needed to hear The Luke Church’s sound and voice.

Dr. Chad Brawley, Worship Arts Pastor at The Luke Church, said the album was created to share “the sound of our house” and contribute to a body of sacred music that other churches can sing. In the interview, Brawley described The Luke Church as a large congregation that remains “tight-knit” and said the project brings together the congregation, choir and worship leaders.

One of the project’s distinguishing elements is that it was produced entirely in-house. The album features The Luke Church’s own band, choir, praise team and worship leaders, with musical contributions from worship leader and composer Michael Dixon, who wrote several songs and helped shape the album’s creative direction.

The live-recorded album includes songs such as “Praise The Lord (Live),” “Take Up Your Cross (Live),” “Wait On You (Live),” “‘Tis So Sweet,” “Let’s Lift Jesus (Live),” “Promise Keeper (Live),” “He’ll Be Right There,” “O Taste and See” and “Winning (Live).”

“Bridges” is executive produced by Dr. Timothy Sloan and Dr. Chad Brawley, with production led by Deitrich Listenbee, Ryan Materre, Michael Dixon and Chad Brawley. Listenbee also serves as music director, with choir direction by Brawley and Dixon.

All album purchase information, including a limited edition CD, is available at https://linktr.ee/thelukechurchworship.

Promoted as an exclusive Houston gathering, the event invited a limited number of fans into a private worship setting for unplugged worship, sing-alongs, a meet and greet, and the debut of a new song. Presented by Blacksmoke Music, the evening was designed to give guests a chance to experience Cortez’s ministry and music in a close, live setting.

Following the event, Cortez shared his appreciation online, thanking everyone who came out and supported the recording. He also recognized his family, label, team, band and singers, calling the night an amazing experience and expressing excitement for the world to hear what was captured.

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A post shared by Zacardi Cortez (@cardikeev_)

The event adds to an already accomplished run for Cortez, one of Houston’s most notable voices in gospel music. Over the years, he has earned major recognition, including Stellar Award wins such as Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year and Praise and Worship Song of the Year for “You’ve Been Good to Me.” That song, along with other successful live recordings, helped further establish his reputation for delivering powerful worship moments that connect strongly with audiences.

Cortez has also continued building on that momentum through acclaimed projects such as Imprint: Live in Memphis and nationally recognized songs including “Lord Do It for Me.”

With that history in mind, this latest Houston live recording marks another strong chapter in Cortez’s ongoing music and ministry journey.

In a social media post following the service, Caldwell expressed gratitude for the support surrounding him. “Still walking on air with a heart filled with gratitude. I am truly surrounded by a village of love, prayer, and peace!” he wrote. He also thanked Bishop Walker, saying, “You delivered a powerful word and I am honored to join @fgbcfintl.”

Walker also reflected on the moment, calling it “an amazing time” and describing Caldwell’s welcome into FGBCF as “about the power of restoration and repositioning for what God is doing in this season.”

The April 13 ordination worship celebration brought together several FGBCF leaders, including Bishop Walker, founding Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop David C. Cooper and Bishop Ethan W. Ogletree Sr.

Caldwell is widely known for his leadership at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, where worship and music played a significant role in the ministry. In 2002, Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell and the Windsor Village UMC Mass Choir released Welcome to the Village through EMI Gospel, featuring songs such as “Psalm 150,” “Deliverance Is Available to You,” “I Have a Right to Praise Him” and “Come Let’s Worship.”

For many in Houston’s faith community, the moment highlighted Caldwell’s enduring connection to ministry, worship and the wider church.

Original Recording: The definitive 1992 recording was performed at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Vocalists: Barbara Johnson Tucker (Soprano) and Dr. Bettye Ransom-Nelson.

The song was conceived while Glenn Burleigh served as minister of music at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. While there, Burleigh and the church choir accompanied the pastor to St. Agnus Baptist Church, also in Houston, for a preaching engagement. It is at this service that Burleigh received the inspiration for the song. St. Agnus was well-known for its outstanding youth program, which included a “Drill Team.” “Burleigh was sitting at the back [of the church] with a tablet, writing ferociously, steadily writing as the children performed,” says singer Barbara Johnson Tucker, a member of Good Hope. As the young people performed, the idea for “Order My Steps” came to Burleigh. “Burleigh said, ‘the Lord gave him all of the verses, the whole song.’” – umcdiscipleship.org