The Malaco Music Group

Malaco Gospel Radio

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:10:00 +0000

The Malaco Music Group is proud to introduce our newest internet radio station www.MalacoGospelRadio.com.

MalacoGospelRadio.com is a 24 hour fully interactive player that allows listeners to view the artists and songs being played as well as display the album’s cover artwork that the song is associated with while making it easy to purchase that individual song, the full album or ringtone with just a click of a button; This revolutionary player gives full functionality to the listener. If you have an iPhone and would like to take MalacoGospelRadio.com on the go with you, “There’s an app for that.” Just click on the iPhone link.

D.A. Johnson, Executive Director, Gospel Division states, “MalacoGospelRadio.com was not created to compete with our media partners that has supported The Malaco Music Group family of labels for over 40 years; In contrast, MalacoGospelRadio.com was created to assist in preserving Gospel music’s extensive rich heritage, expose it through a new medium, and make the product readily available for Gospel music appreciators who enjoy and miss hearing the sounds of the legendary Choirs, Quartets, Groups & Soloists on terrestrial radio stations. Our ultimate goal is for MalacoGospelRadio.com to develop and become a full fledged functioning internet Gospel radio station with “Live” announcers throughout all day parts and to create specialty shows as does our sister internet radio station www.southernsoulradio.com.”

The Malaco Music Group houses the largest and the oldest catalog in the world. Over 150 combined years of great Gospel music between its wholly owned subsidiaries, Malaco Records, Savoy Records, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel, Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel), and it’s newly founded 4 Winds Records along with its distributed labels. At MalacoGospelRadio.com you will have the opportunity to experience all 150 years of the best Gospel music ever recorded.
Hear artists such as The Father Of Gospel Thomas A. Dorsey, The King Of Gospel Rev. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Love Coates, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sara Jordan Powell, Louise Candy Davis, The Caravans, The Soul Stirrers, The Jackson Southernaires, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Georgia Mass Choir, Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, Miami Mass Choir, The Godfather Of Gospel Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Charles Hayes & The Cosmopolitan Choir, Charles Fold & The Charles Fold Singers, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, Robert Blair & The Violinaires, The Williams Brothers, The Canton Spirituals, The Lumzy Sisters, The Truthettes, Slim & The Supreme Angels, Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC’s, Willie Banks & The Messengers, The Swan Silvertones, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Swanee Quintet, The Sensational Nightingales, The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Sunset Jubilaires, The Pace Sisters, Margaret “Babe” Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers, Rev. Julius Cheeks, James Moore, Keith Pringle, O’landa Draper, Ricky Dillard & New Generation, The Mississippi Children’s Choir, Youth For Christ, The New York Restoration Choir Directed by Donnie McClurkin, The Florida Mass Choir, The Dallas / Ft Worth Choir (DFW), The Queen Of Gospel Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, LaShun Pace, Troy Sneed, Alvin Darling, James Bignon, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Luther Barnes & The Red Budd Chior, Rev. F.C. Barnes, Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Dottie Peoples, The Princess Of Praise & Worship Maurette Brown Clark, Carolyn Traylor, Men Of Standard, BeBe & CeCe Winans and many, many more.

To listen, click on the link www.MalacoGospelRadio.com

Let us know what you think. We want to hear from you! Send us an email at malaco@malaco.com

Quita Lumzy Of The Lumzy Sisters Passes

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:00:00 +0000

The Malaco Music Group regrets to announce the passing of Quita Lumzy of the renowned Quartet group, The Lumzy Sisters.

The funeral service will be held on Monday Nov. 2, 2009 at the First Baptist Church Of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset Street, Somerset, NJ 08873.

The viewing will take place from 9-11am with the service starting at 11am.
On Sunday Nov. 1, there will be a musical celebration in memory of Ms. Quita Lumzy at her home church, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 150 Throop Ave. New Brunswick, NJ. 08901. There will be a short viewing from 2-4 pm and the concert will start a 5 pm.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by:
Anderson Funeral Services
201 Sanford Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-545-7312

The Lumzy Sisters recorded two (2) albums on the Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel) label. If you are not familiar with their music ministry, please feel free to visit www.malaco.com to read and listen to this anointed woman of God, Ms. Quita Lumzy and her sisters.

Please hold the Lumzy family and friends in prayer.

Fontella Bass "Rescue Me" - 1965

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Fontella Bass (born July 3, 1940, St. Louis, Missouri) is an American soul singer, who is best known for the 1965 R&B hit "Rescue Me", which she also co-wrote.

The daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass (a member of the Clara Ward Singers), Bass showed great musical talent at an early age -- at just 5 years old she was providing the piano accompaniment for her grandmother's singing at funeral services, she was singing in her church's choir at six years old and by the time she was 9 she was accompanying her mother on tours throughout the American South and Southwest.

Fontella continued touring with her mother until the age of 16. As a teenager, Bass was attracted by more secular music. Throughout high school she began singing R&B songs at local contests and fairs. At 17, she started her professional career working at the Showboat Club near Chain of Rocks, Missouri. In 1961, she auditioned on a dare for the Leon Claxton carnival show and was hired to play piano and sing in the chorus for two weeks, making $175 per week for the two weeks it was in town. She wanted to go on tour with Claxton but her mother refused and according to Bass "... she literally dragged me off the train". It was during this brief stint with Claxton that she was heard by vocalist Little Milton and his bandleader Oliver Sain who hired her to back Little Milton on piano for concerts and recording.

Bass originally only played piano with the band, but one night Milton didn't show up on time so Sain asked her to sing and she was soon given her own featured vocal spot in the show. Milton and Sain eventually split up and Bass went with Sain; he also recruited male singer Bobby McClure and the group became known as "The Oliver Sain Soul Revue featuring Fontella and Bobby McClure".

Watch "Rescue Me" by clicking here.

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Malaco is proud to announce the launch of MalacoGospelRadio.com, an online radio station. This station contains a fully interactive player that allows the listener to view album artwork, song title, artist name and contains purchase links for the full length album, single and ringtone.

The Malaco Music Group houses the largest and the oldest catalog in the world. Over 150 years of great Gospel music between its wholly owned subsidiaries, Malaco Records, Savoy Records, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel, Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel), and its newly founded 4 Winds Records along with its distributed labels. At MalacoGospelRadio.com you will have the opportunity to experience all 150 years of the best Gospel Music ever recorded.

MalacoGospelRadio.com features Choirs, Quartets, Groups & Soloists. Hear artists such as The King Of Gospel Rev. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Love Coates, The Caravans, The Soul Stirrers, The Jackson Southernaires, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Georgia Mass Choir, The Godfather Of Gospel Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Charles Hayes & The Cosmopolitan Choir, Charles Fold & The Charles Fold Singers, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, Robert Blair & The Violinaires, The Williams Brothers, The Canton Spirituals, The Lumzy Sisters, The Truthettes, Slim & The Supreme Angels, Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC’s, Willie Banks & The Messengers, The Swan Silvertones, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Swanee Quintet, The Sensational Nightingales, The Pilgrim Jubilees, Margaret “Babe” Allison & The Angelics, Rev. Julius Cheeks, James Moore, Keith Pringle, O’landa Draper, Ricky Dillard, Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, LaShun Pace, The Pace Sisters, Troy Sneed, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Luther Barnes, Rev. F.C. Barnes, Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Dottie Peoples, The Princess Of Praise & Worship Maurette Brown Clark, Carolyn Traylor, Men Of Standard, BeBe & CeCe Winans and many, many more.

To listen to MalacoGospelRadio.com, click here.

BEBE & CECE WINANS SING OPRAH WINFREY’S FAVORITE NEW SONG “GRACE” LIVE ON THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:46:00 +0000

“Grace” Jumps to #1 on iTunes

The Dynamic Gospel Duo Also Nominated for 2009 Soul Train Music Award

(dateline – New York, NY – October 26, 2009; source: B&C Records)

On Friday, October 23, 2009, BeBe & CeCe Winans performed live on The Oprah Winfrey Show and sang Oprah’s new favorite song, “Grace,” from their chart-topping reunion album, STILL. After the studio and television audience heard the remarkable story of an alleged armed robber who ended up kneeling in prayer with his victim, the powerful lyrics and impact of “Grace” has ignited a whirlwind with the single jumping almost instantaneously to the #1 position on iTunes.

It’s not often that a lead news story can personify the lyrical content of a song, but the story of Angela Montez and Greg Smith has done just that. On October 19, 2009, what seemed like a normal day at an Indianapolis cash advance store became the true test of faith and a modern day example of grace. Montez was working when Smith entered the store, climbed over the counter and stuck a gun in her face. When she began to cry, the tide turned. Montez told Smith not to throw away his life and then began to pray. Soon after Smith also dropped to his knees and prayed with her for ten minutes. After hugging Montez, Smith then fled the store. While appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Smith stated that when he talked to Montez, he felt as though he was talking directly to “the Man upstairs.”

“As I sat in the green room listening to this real life story, it was almost unbelievable to hear about a woman who exemplifies what the song ‘Grace’ is all about,” says songwriter BeBe Winans. “Its easy to give grace to someone you know, but what Angela did was allow God’s grace to be demonstrated through her life and as the song says, ‘still love me when I’ve done wrong.’ I hope this song will resonate in people’s hearts and inspire all of us to realize the importance of grace in our everyday lives.”

STILL entered the Billboard charts as the #1 Gospel and Christian album when it was released on October 6, 2009. The success of the new album was also paralleled on the digital side as it claimed the #1 position on iTunes and Amazon’s Christian/Gospel charts. Proclaimed as “inspiring and uplifting” by the nation’s number one newspaper, USA Today, the platinum selling, Grammy-Award winning duo also received a 2009 Soul Train nomination in the Best Gospel Male, Female or Group category and will perform “Grace” live when the newly revamped award show tapes in Atlanta, GA on November 3rd. The 2009 Soul Train Awards will premiere on the new Centric Network on Sunday, November 29th.

BeBe and CeCe Video from Oprah

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 +0000

In case you missed the Oprah show on Friday, check out BeBe and CeCe's performance here:

Click here for Oprah performance

Enjoy!

Oprah!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:13:00 +0000

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD THAT BEBE & CECE WINANS WILL BE PERFORMING “GRACE” LIVE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009 ON THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW! (Check your local listing)

THANKS FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT!!!

Tina Diamond, JT Watkins Bring Back A Classic 'Tramp'

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:09:00 +0000

There was a time when the term "southern soul" spoke volumes about the music you might be about to hear. There was a time when those words evoked the names of empires such as those found at Stax, Atlantic, King and eventually Malaco. Southern soul was the epitome of dynamite musicians going beyond technical proficiency and reaching deep into that unnamable internal region that gave performances a grit and grease that made you want to slip and slide, dance and glide. Southern soul was the epitome of fullblown, slick, but tight rhythm and horn arrangements. And, it was the epitome of singers singing their natural born you-knowwhats off! Think Johnny Taylor, Sam & Dave, Dorothy Moore, Denise Lasalle, Jimmy Hughes? It was that ether region where blues, rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues because something else- something that I once heard a guy describe as a feel that would make your toe curl up in your boot!

But, alas, for reasons too lengthy to get into right here, those days seemed to pass and the machines took over and drove the musicians out and along with them, those killer singers who need to feel the pulse of humanity to work their best magic. I'm not going to get into a rant about all that and depress you, especially given that help seems on the way. No, it's not John Connor set to do battle with the terminators. It's phenomenal blues singer Tina Diamond and renowned R&B bandleader JT Watkins breathing new life into a classic and at the same time the current near moribund southern soul scene. This modern day dynamic duo has resurrected Lowell Fulson's seminal "Tramp" that not only was covered by a ton of folks, but provided a signature bass line that became the foundation of many a soul hit back in the day. Ironically, it was a cover by an earlier king and queen duo that actually made the song a big hit. Back in 1967-a year after Fulson put his original out there-the legendary Otis Redding and his Stax label mate Carla Thomas, daughter of the inimitable father of southern funk, Rufus Thomas, put out a smoldering version of their own giving the tune a whole different twist with the back and forth banter between the sexes. Now Diamond and Watkins have put out an updated take on the tune that stays true to what many consider the definitive Redding- Thomas version, but with their own energetic thing into it.

First of all, where Carla almost seems playfully teasing Otis about being a no good tramp in the early version, Diamond sounds like she means business-like she's telling Watkins she's already found out he can't deliver the financial goods he promised and it's time to get to steppin'! Likewise, Watkins is strong in his defense of his position, giving this version- ooooooo, and this might sound blasphemous in some quarters- even more edge than Otis and Carla. Plus, Diamond and Watkins do an equally great job in the singing sections, although their version leans a bit more toward the blues side of the R&B flavor than previous versions. (You've got to give it to Redding and Thomas for the soul version and, well, you'd be hard pressed to find a version with more lowdown, raw funk than Fulson's original!) My friend and mentor, a real soul legend, Frank-O Johnson, told me I was going to love this one and I do. This is some killer stuff!

A word about the music: Respect where respect is due. Normally, I'm death on modern R&B and southern soul productions for a number of reasons I'll let you guess about. But, I've got to say this set really moves me, thanks to the expert production of the great Harrison Calloway who has reconstructed his own lovely version of the classic Stax arrangement. (Makes sense. Calloway was one of the originals from down there-a trumpeter in the FAME Gang at Muscle Shoals!) Frankly, this has to be among the absolute best modern southern soul productions I've ever heard. And, I challenge the average listener to tell me: "Is it really or synthesized?"

Okay, now I'm waiting for Diamond and Watkins to head back into the studio with a dynamite rhythm section, horns, guitars and the like and put out that soul album folks have been waiting for over the years. Hey, Tina, JT, can you hear me now? ~ Frost Illustrated

Harrison Calloway Nominated For Mississippi Jazz Foundation Award

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:01:00 +0000

Malaco arranger, Harrison Calloway, will be inducted in the Mississippi Jazz Foundation on December 11, 2009, at the Alamo Theatre in Jackson, Mississippi. This induction is awarded to Mr. Calloway for his outstanding work in the field of music education.

Malaco Gospel Radio Now Online!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:20:00 +0000

Malaco Records is proud to bring to you the hot new station www.malacogospelradio.com. Visit the website now and listen!

The Malaco Music Group houses the largest and the oldest catalog in the world. Over 150 years of great Gospel music between its wholly owned subsidiaries, Malaco Records, Savoy Records, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel and its newest acquisition, Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel), newly founded 4 Winds Records along with its distributed labels and MalacoGospelRadio.com is where you will get to experience all 150 years of the best Gospel Music ever recorded.

MalacoGospelRadio.com features Choirs, Quartets, Groups & Soloists. Hear artists such as The King Of Gospel James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Love Coates, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Georgia Mass Choir, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, Robert Blair & The Violinaires, Willie Banks & The Messengers, The Sensational Nightingales, Margaret “Babe” Allison & The Angelics ,James Moore, Keith Pringle, O’landa Draper, Ricky Dillard, Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, LaShun Pace, , Luther Barnes, Rev. F.C. Barnes, Dottie Peoples, Maurette Brown Clark, Carolyn Traylor, Men Of Standard, Bebe & CeCe Winans and many, many more.

BeBe & CeCe Reach #1 On The Billboard Charts

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:04:00 +0000

Below is a special 'thank you' from BeBe and CeCe on going #1....

Dear Gospel radio family,

We would like to take this time to say thanks for all of the love and support you have shown us throughout the years.

It has been 15 years since we’ve recorded an album together. As a result, we feel extremely blessed to see our first single, “Close To You,” climb to #1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. We couldn’t have done it without you. With the recording of our recent project, it has been a humbling experience to reflect on our journey and the realization that you all have been with us from the very beginning.

We’re extremely excited about our new album, “STILL” being in stores on October 6, 2009 and pray that it touches you and your listeners in a very special way.

Thank you for all that you do and have done for us. May God continue to bless you and yours.

Blessings,

BeBe & CeCe Winans

BeBe & CeCe "Grace" Official Leak!

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:07:00 +0000

The response has been awesome to "Grace" that we wanted to post it online for you to enjoy. Leave us some comments below. Don't forget, October 6th is the release date for BeBe and CeCe's album "Still".

B-Hamp’s Do the Ricky Bobby Featured on MTV’s Dance Craze Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:54:00 +0000

Who knew the best dance routine accessory would be a fire extinguisher? B-Hamp’s hit song, “Do the Ricky Bobby” was featured this week on MTV’s Dance Craze Challenge. Seattle’s dance crew, “Massive Monkees” incorporated a master mix of the track with a trampoline, fire extinguisher and polaroid. Do the Ricky Bobby. Stop. Pose for the frame.

New Video From B-Hamp "I B Jiggin"

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:06:00 +0000

To purchase the B-Hamp album and for ringtones visit Malaco at www.malaco.com.

Gospel Music Singer CeCe Winans Inspires Students

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Gospel singer CeCe Winans was interviewed by Belmont’s Harry Chapman Wednesday for the first “Insider’s View” of the fall semester in an appearance sponsored by the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and the Office of Spiritual Development. Winans--a former Belmont trustee who has won numerous Grammy, Dove and Soul Train awards, among others--discussed her successful career as a Gospel artist and offered words of wisdom to a room packed with students.

Coming from a very large family consisting of seven older brothers and two younger sisters, singing was a part of life in the Winans household. CeCe started her career singing with older brother Bebe, and the two had enormous success in the gospel music industry.

Winans accredits her success to her strong faith and says she felt the call of God early on in her life. “The foundation of my life and career has been staying faithful to the Word of God and faithful to God and his plan for my life. You know everything is going to be all right if you stay focused on him,” she said.

Winans sought to inspire the younger generation in the audience, noting that it is often easy in life to get so busy doing “good stuff” that people often leave the “great stuff” out. She discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with good people who will keep you grounded and always remembering to be true to who you are. “If it comes from the heart, it is going to touch the heart,” said Winans. “Celebrate the great things about yourself and believe in yourself.”

The idea for Winans Always Sisters Forever Brothers conference, which was held in the Curb Event Center in July, emerged from the idea of wanting to pour into the lives of the younger generation and encourage young people to include God in everyday life. She is also reuniting with her brother Bebe for the first time in 15 years for a new album that will be available Oct. 6.

--Story reported by Aileen Wark - Bellmont University Blog

BeBe and CeCe are Back with ‘Still’

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:47:00 +0000

B&C Records in conjunction with Malaco Records is proud to announce the upcoming release of Still, the highly anticipated and eagerly awaited new studio album from gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. Still will be available online and in stores on Tuesday, October 6.

Still is BeBe & CeCe’s first album in more than 15 years and is the reunion that has been on the lips of fans around the world since it was announced earlier this year. Since the their self-titled debut album in 1987, this chart-topping brother and sister duo topped the R&B and inspirational charts with their debut single, “I.O.U. Me,” and generated Grammy nominations, Dove and Stellar Gospel Awards. BeBe & CeCe were the first African-American artists to receive significant airplay on CCM radio stations and the second African American artists to receive the Dove Award in the Group of the Year category.

Premiering 11 new BeBe & CeCe classics, Still includes the album’s recently released lead single, “Close to You” which has received critical acclaim and success for its soul-stirring, smooth sound and pristine vocals. The video for the single was recently launched on Yahoo and can be viewed by logging onto http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos. Other tracks on Still include the heart wrenching “Grace,” “Things” (featuring brother Marvin Winans), “Let It Be” (featuring Mary Mary) and “I Found Love” (Cindy’s Song) which is destined to be the wedding song of the year.

With assistance from longtime producer and collaborator Keith Thomas, along with Warryn Campbell, Percy Bady, Peter Zizzo, Merv Warren and Mario Winans, BeBe & CeCe weave their love for God in a faith-fueled gospel sound that combines a tuneful blend of R&B, pop, soul, jazz and more.

In conjunction with the release of Still, the BeBe & CeCe Reunion Tour will criss-cross the country later this year. ~ Soul Audio

Close To You Video by BeBe and CeCe Winans

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:18:00 +0000

It's here! The new video from BeBe and CeCe Winans "Close To You". Share your thoughts with us about it.

BeBe & CeCe will headline a tour with Jonathan Butler and brother, Marvin Winans

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:43:00 +0000

BeBe & CeCe will headline a tour with Jonathan Butler
and brother, Marvin Winans

DATE CITY VENUE

Oct 30 - 31
Cincinnati, OH Aronoff Center P&G
Nov 1
Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
Nov 4
Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
Nov 5
St. Louis, MO Fox Theatre
Nov 6
Chicago, IL Arie Crown Theatre
Nov 12
Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Nov 13
Dallas, TX Nokia Theater
Nov 14
Houston, TX Verizon Theater
Nov 20
Memphis, TN Orpheum Theater
Nov 21
Baltimore, MD Lyric Theater
Nov 22
Philadelphia, PA Tower Theater
Nov 24
Washington DC DAR
Nov 25 - 27
New York, NY Beacon Theater
Nov 28
Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theater
Nov 29
Oakland, CA Paramount Theater

Flashback: Dorothy Moore "Misty Blue"

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:48:00 +0000

We found this old video on YouTube of Dorothy Moore singing 'Misty Blue'. This continues to be a great song for Malaco. Check it out.

The National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. brings their Convention to the "City of Brotherly Love", Philadelphia, PA.

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Join us as we celebrate 90 years of service with a weeklong celebration of fun, laughter, enriching workshops, dynamic teachings, and great music.

July 26, 2009 - Sunday Morning Prayer Breakfast $30.00

Tuesday, July 28th 2009 - Unity Luncheon $55.00
Christian Comedian and All Male fashion show

Friday July 31st 2009 - 90th Anniversary
Banquet and Installation

Malaco Recording Artist "Dorothy Norwood"
Deadline to purchase tickets are
July 17th and they're $65.00

We will be in the Philadelphia downtown area from July 27- 31st 2009
Philadelphia Marriot Downtown
1201 market St, Philadelphia PA, 19107

If you would like to learn more about the association or if you would like to join Click here
www.nationalchurchushers.org

It Ain't Over Praise Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:50:00 +0000

Star Jones - It Ain't Over Testimony

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:55:00 +0000

It was brought to my attention that on this past Sunday, Star Jones posted her testimony on her http://positivelystar.blogspot.com/ how she was blessed by Maurette Brown Clark’s It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over) at a time when she needed to hear a word of encouragement.

I know a lot of programmers have been playing this song for sometime now, but God is still using this song It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over) to bless his people whether you are a hollywood star like Ms. Star Jones or work a 9 to 5 like the rest of us.

God is still healing the hearts of His people.

I just wanted to share with you all what Star Jones has written…

Sometimes God speaks to us when we least expect it...but we most need it. I had that experience today and felt like I needed to share it...actually SHOUT IT! Why I don't know...but if my epiphany blesses someone, I'm willing to step out there...

The past few days have truly been amazing in my life. I've had some good business meetings, had the privilege of hosting a fundraiser for my friend David Paterson, the Governor of NY, helped raise $200,000 for Art for Life and hosted a lunch for the family of my guy at my home...making him proud. Sound like I had it "going on" right? WRONG...

I went out to pick up some crab for dinner tonight and I found myself experiencing a low moment. Nothing in particular happened...I just had a moment where I felt overwhelmed, inadequate and sad. Instead of celebrating my blessings; I started reviewing all the stuff in my life that I WASN'T happy with and got down on myself so intensely...that I started to cry...sitting in the car all alone.

Then God spoke to me...

A song came on the satellite radio just as the tears started to flow and I truly felt the presence of the holy spirit take over. Maurette Brown-Clark was singing "It ain't over...until God says it's over"...and I had to literally pull the car over and just PRAISE HIM!

Thank you Lord for reminding me that YOU are in control of ALL THINGS! The stuff that makes me feel good about myself is your gift to me...and the stuff that I have to struggle through is also a gift; because it makes me stronger.

I didn't have a crisis of faith...because my faith is stronger than that...but I did forget that I am HIS child... and he promised to give me the DESIRES OF MY HEART! He reminded me...so I stopped and praised HIM.

I know people in the public eye don't like to share that they have moments of fear, vulnerability and doubt...but I want you to know that we do...and those of us who believe in the omnipotence of God...go to our knees.

I don't know WHAT the future holds...but I state with complete certainty that I know WHO holds my future and FAITH in his word will see me through. I have been blessed with so much...and I want to thank HIM publicly and share it with others. My heart is full tonight with praise for my gifts.

We all go through tough times at one time or another...but remember this... God brought the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt...but before they reached the promised land they had to be washed in the blood (go through the red sea), and then languish in the wilderness for 40 years.

What that says to me is that we don't get the blessing without the struggle.

That is my testimony today...and I make a promise to God that it will be my daily testimony from now on.

The official video from Malaco Records:

New Orleans street performer 'Grandpa' Elliott Small winning new fans

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:19:00 +0000

Street singer and blues harmonica player "Grandpa" Elliott Small is a familiar sight to any New Orleanian who has strolled the Royal Street pedestrian mall. In his red T-shirt, blue overalls and bushy white beard, the blind musician has anchored the corner of Royal and Toulouse for more than a decade -- sometimes solo, sometimes with a friend on keyboard or guitar. In the Quarter, he's an institution.

And now, thanks to the documentary project "Playing for Change: Peace Through Music," he's taking it worldwide.

The project -- a 20-track CD, available now; and a documentary film, set to air nationally on PBS throughout August -- is the result of four years of field recording by Los Angeles recording engineer Mark Johnson. And, the resulting band Playing for Change continues to tour, making a stop on Saturday night (July 18) at Tipitina's.

Johnson got the idea for the project in 2005, when he happened upon singer Roger Ridley performing Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" for tips on the Santa Monica pier. He spent the next few years traveling the world, recording and filming more than 100 musicians. He recorded South African buskers. He took his digital equipment into the Himalayas. He taped an Irish children's choir that united Catholic and Protestant singers. He got tracks in India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Israel.

He even recorded Bono.

And of course, he waxed "Grandpa" Elliott Small on his corner in the French Quarter.

Once the field work was done, Johnson created each track, by editing together, seamlessly, dozens of recordings from separate artists taped throughout the world. The album's final version of "Stand by Me," the song that inspired the project, is an astonishing pastiche, featuring 37 artists who had not yet met one another. The result is that the "Playing for Change" record is more than just a compilation; it's cross-cultural sonic unification.

The performers did finally meet. On June 27, the Playing for Change band, featuring more than two dozen musicians whose tracks became "Stand by Me," headlined the Jazz/World stage at the United Kingdom's monstrous Glastonbury Festival. It is one of the world's largest outdoor music festivals. ("I thought the Jazz Fest was big," Small said.)

A YouTube video of the band performing "Stand by Me" got more than 20 million views earlier this year, making it the No. 1 rated clip in the site's history, and turning the project into something of a global phenomenon. The two-disc CD/DVD set released by Hear Music debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard charts at the end of April, and has already sold more than 100,000 copies.

Not bad company for a French Quarter street musician from the 6th Ward.

Before he grew into the tag "Grandpa" (and before he grew his Santa Claus beard), Small already had a long career in New Orleans music. Growing up in the Lafitte housing development, music became his refuge from an unhappy home life, Small said.

"My stepfather was a man who did not love his child," he said. "But my uncle would come to the house, and play the harmonica to me."

Small's uncle played in a band with former Ink Spot Lloyd Washington, and often let his nephew come to the Dew Drop Inn to hear them play. Small did not completely lose his sight to glaucoma until 2005, and as a young man, he made the rounds as a soul singer in local clubs. He recorded singles with legendary arranger Wardell Quezergue, some of which are available on Malaco and Tuff City Records compilations of New Orleans funk. In the early '60's, he recorded "I'm a Devil" for Bang! Records of New York, and made a splash performing it while wearing what some fans remember as a red devil's suit complete with horns and pitchfork.

"Well, it wasn't called a devil suit," he said. "It was a pretty, silk red suit, that looked good. It was a nice show." At the time, Small remembers, he was billed as "The Harmonica King."

Small was featured on out-of-town bills promoted by the day's top New Orleans booker, Joe Jones.

"I went on tour with The Temptations and I helped the Dixie Cups go up to New York," he said. "I also had the honor to meet Lieber and Stoller (in New York), although I don't think they would remember me now. I was a young kid when I was up there."

By the '80s, however, Small had had enough of the grueling schedule. Bad decisions and unfair contracts, he said, had soured him on the industry. So he took his music to the streets, where it would belong only to him and to the passersby who heard it.

Small had debuted as an entertainer on the streets of the Quarter at age 6, tap-dancing for quarters to bring home to his mother.

"I learned from watching Fred Astaire movies on television," he said. And now, Small is on television. On June 30, he performed the national anthem at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium. He and other "Playing For Change" musicians appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Conan O'Brien on Thursday.

"I have so much fun playing in the French Quarter," Small said. "And I'm still having fun."

by Alison Fensterstock, Contributing writer, The Times-Picayune
Friday July 17, 2009, 5:00 AM

The Messengers In The Studio At Malaco Records

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:05:00 +0000

On July 9, 2009, The Messengers were in the studio at Malaco working on their new album. We were lucky enough to get some footage.

BeBe and CeCe Winans and Heavy D on ITunes

noreply@blogger.com (Malaco Records) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:52:00 +0000

Check out the Reggae section of ITunes to find "Vibes" by Heavy D under the What's Hot section. Also, BeBe and CeCe Winans are under the What's Hot section of the RB/Soul section.