Billboard.biz - Chrisitan Music News

Tim McGraw, Lamb of God and 'Grammy' Albums Aiming High On Next Week's Billboard 200

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2012-01-25 21:13:00.0

While Adele's "21" seems set to spend an 18th nonconsecutive week at No. 1, according to industry sources, Tim McGraw's "Emotional Traffic" could drive in at No. 2 on the list. Those in the know suggest the album may sell between 60,000 and 65,000 copies by week's end on Jan. 29. Also look for rock band Lamb of God to debut in either the Nos. 3 or 4 slots, as its "Resolution" is aiming to sell around 50,000 copies.

Kaye Stevens, Singer and Actress, Dead at 79

Associated Press — 2011-12-30 08:30:00.0

Singer and actress Kaye Stevens, who performed with the Rat Pack and was a frequent guest on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show," has died at a central Florida hospital. She was 79.

Hilary Weeks Becomes First Mormon Artist to Rank in Top 10 on Billboard Christian Albums Chart

Wade Jessen, Nashville — 2011-11-04 13:10:00.0

Veteran artist Hilary Weeks has become the first Mormon act to debut in the top 10 on Billboard’s Christian Albums list. With more than 4,000 copies sold according to Nielsen SoundScan, the artist’s eight album “Every Step” (Shadow Mountain) opens with Hot Shot Debut honors at No. 6.

Ricky Skaggs Wins Big at 2011 Inspirational Country Music Awards

Deborah Evans Price, Nashville — 2011-10-31 16:25:00.0

Faith, family and country music were celebrated Friday night (Oct. 28) at the 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Awards at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Ricky Skaggs was the evening's top winner, claiming the Entertainer of the Year award as well as the trophy for Musician of the Year.

Christian Rockers Casting Crowns Cruising To Possible No. 1 Album

Keith Caulfield, Los Angeles — 2011-10-19 18:40:00.0

Watch for Christian rockers Casting Crowns' "Come to the Well" to possibly debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart next week, with perhaps 95,000-110,000 sold by week's end on Sunday, Oct. 23, according to industry prognosticators.

Jessy Dixon, Gospel Star & Pop Collaborator, Dies at 73

Herbert G. McCann, Associated Press — 2011-09-26 20:07:00.0

Jessy Dixon, a singer and songwriter who introduced his energetic style of gospel music to wider audiences by serving as pop singer Paul Simon's opening act, died Monday. He was 73. During a more than 50-year career, Dixon wrote songs for several popular singers, including jazz and rhythm and blues singer Randy Crawford.

Delois Barrett Campbell, Gospel Legend of Barrett Sisters, Dies at 85

Carla K. Johnson, Associated Press — 2011-08-03 06:57:00.0

When she sang "Fly Away," Delois Barrett Campbell's voice soared to the church rafters and her joy raised the roof. The gospel legend was the oldest of the three singing Barrett Sisters, who electrified audiences worldwide with their powerful harmonies. She died Tuesday at a Chicago hospital at age 85, daughter Mary Campbell said.

Musician Coalition Calls For Boycott of CBS Over Grammys Category Cutting

Nekesa Mumbi Moody, Associated Press — 2011-06-30 16:35:00.0

A coalition of musicians protesting the Recording Academy's decision to drop 31 categories from the Grammy Awards is stepping up the pressure, calling for a boycott of the Grammys' telecast partner, CBS, and hiring a lawyer to explore legal action.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Mary Mary Honored at ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Music Awards

Erica Thompson, New York — 2011-06-27 07:00:00.0

This past weekend, Sean "Diddy" Combs received the prestigious Founders Award from Dr. Dre while Mary Mary garnered the Golden Note Award at ASCAP's 24th Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards. Other honorees included Ludacris, Alicia Keys, and B.o.B.

Nashville Music Council Seeks to Leverage City's Vast Music Resources

Chris Talbott, Associated Press — 2011-06-23 08:01:00.0

With the likes of Jack White, Emmylou Harris onboard, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean wants to capitalize on the city's vast music resources with the Nashville Music Council, a 60-member group that draws together the music community, city leaders and business interests.

69-Cent Bonanza: iTunes, Amazon Selling Hundreds of Tracks At .69 Cents Each

Glenn Peoples (@billboardglenn), Nashville — 2011-05-13 16:16:00.0

It not exactly a price war just yet, but iTunes has 302 songs priced at 69 cents songs acting as a counterweight to Amazon’s 226 69-cent songs.

Francesca Battistelli Wins Gospel Artist of the Year at Dove Awards

Jonathan Landrum Jr., Associated Press — 2011-04-21 07:19:00.0

Francesca Battistelli continues her strong surge as Christian music's biggest star winning artist of the year, best female vocalist and pop-contemporary recorded song at the 42nd annual Dove Awards Wednesday (April 20) night. Chris August, Singer Jason Crabb and the group Point of Grace joined Battistelli also claimed three Doves apiece.

Dove Awards for Christian Music To Debut in Atlanta

Associated Press — 2011-04-20 07:15:00.0

The Dove Awards show for Christian music is leaving Nashville for the first time in its 42-year history and organizers expect the new production in Atlanta to be just as successful and uplifting.

Georgia Music Hall of Fame Executive Director Resigns

Associated Press — 2011-04-04 06:49:00.0

Lisa Love, the executive director of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, is leaving the Macon museum. Love said she's been thinking about her next step for a while, ever since the state said it would stop funding the museum on June 30.

Chart Moves: Katy Perry, Rihanna Set Records; Lupe Fiasco, Christian Music on Billboard 200

Keith Caulfield, L.A., Gary Trust, N.Y. — 2011-03-17 13:00:00.0

A look at the notable movers and shakers on this week's Billboard Hot 100 singles and Billboard 200 albums charts.