Funeral arrangements have been announced for Delores Carr, mother of Kurt Carr. They are as follows:
Wednesday, April 9th, 2014
Visitation 11am to 12noon
Homegoing Celebration Noon to 1pm
Hopewell Baptist Church
280 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT
GOSPEL REVELATION joins those around the country praying for the family during their time of bereavement.
Houston’s New Light Christian Center shared the news via Youtube of Tye Tribbett’s appointment to the office of Youth and Young Adult Pastor. Bishop. I. V. and Lady Bridget Hilliard started the New Life Christian Center in 1984 with approximately 23 members. Today, membership currently numbers over 28,000.
PJ Morgan, one ofthe most respected and in-demand Hammond B3 superstars in gospel music celebrated his birthday on March 31st with news of a product endorsement from Hammond USA. Morgan will assist the company in introducing their products to musicians and churches across the country. “This is an honor for me,” says Morgan. “I just love making music and to now be affiliated with Hammond USA is beyond my wildest dreams.”
In addition to his work as producer for Maurette Brown Clark and recording sessions with Tramaine Hawkins and Pastor Shirley Caesar, he’s well known for his twenty year stint as a musician with Black Entertainment Television (BET) where he’s also played in The Ray Chew Orchestra during the cable network’s annual “BET Honors” broadcast since its inception in 2008. Morgan also serves as director of music at Reid Temple A.M.E. church in Glenn Dale, MD. Plans are in motion for the release of a Gospel Jazz CD to be completed before the end of 2014.
Dream Records threw its hat in the GOSPEL arena with the announcement of its Dream Gospel label and the signings of Jason Wright and the Master’s Touch, Ziel and B. Chase Williams. Dream Records was founded in 2008 by David Hanley, lead singer of the Christian Rock band Press Play. Dream Label Group is the home to CCM artists Aaron Bagwell and Cindy Cruse Ratcliff.
Jason Wright and The Master’s Touch will be going into the studio this summer to record their debut album on DREAM Gospel to be released July 8th. B. Chase Williams’ single is headed to radio now with a full CD release scheduled for the summer.
Sunday Best Season 3 Winner LeAndria Johnson is now a part of the RCA Inspiration family. “I’ve been a fan of Le’Andria’s ever since her first performance on Sunday Best,” said Geo Bivins, General Manager of RCA Inspiration. “Vocally, her gift is amazing. We are all very excited to have her here at RCA Inspiration.” “Le’Andria has a very unique gifting for bridging generations of gospel music lovers,” said Joseph Burney, A&R Vice President of RCA Inspiration. “She brings incredible vocals and a passion for people to every stage. I look forward to supporting her essential ministry.”
GOSPELflava extends its congratulations to Erica Campbell as Help makes its debut at the top of the charts. The highly anticipated solo project from Campbell is #1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and the Billboard Gospel and Christian (combined) Chart. Help is number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 6 on the independent albums chart.
“We are extremely proud of the effort that Erica has put forth thus far and we are looking forward to bigger and greater things for her in the very near future. This type of amazing artist only comes along once in a blue moon,” said Warryn Campbell CEO MyBlockInc. “eOne Music celebrates Erica Campbell on the #1 debut of her new album, HELP,” said Phil Thornton eOne Music VP Marketing & New Business Development. “Working together with Erica and My Block on the successful launch of her first solo record, HELP kicks off just the beginning in Erica’s journey as a solo artist. Erica’s breakthrough artistry continues to resonate with fans, and we are excited to continue developing Erica’s ongoing success as one of music’s most preeminent artists.”
Gospel’s favorite television host, Dr. Bobby Jones is celebrating today as Rejoice With Me (EchoPark/JDI), his first CD in 7 years makes it debut at #5 on the Billboard Gospel Albums Chart, the highest debut in his 35 + years career. “I’m thrilled that the public has responded in such a big way,” says Jones. “I pray that the music continues to inspire people.”
Thomas A. Dorsey III is leading efforts to preserve the history and legacy of his grandfather through the organization of the Thomas A Dorsey Project. Widely regarded as the Father of Gospel Music, Thomas Dorsey a noted blues musician who found God in the midst of personal tragedy combined elements of the blues with spiritual lyrics and personal life experiences to form Gospel music. Dorsey composed over three hundred songs, including Precious Lord, Take My Hand, a favorite of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr which was sung at his funeral by Mahalia Jackson and recorded by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin, Candi Staton, Al Green and others. Dorsey was featured in the documentary Say Amen Somebody with Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith, Sallie Martin, The Oneal Twins & The Barrett Sisters.
The Thomas Dorsey Project aims to increase awareness of Thomas A. Dorsey’s contributions to the rich tapestry of American culture and expose new generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and music lovers over the world to his works.
Its high tide over at Riverphlo Music Group as Letting Go, the brand new single from Commissioned alum Marcus Cole is now available. Letting Go is the first single from the Soul Preacha CD which is expected to be released this summer
The project is a reunion of sorts as it once again teams Cole with Super Producer Luther Mano Hanes (Andraé Crouch – “The Journey” and “Live In Los Angeles”, Israel & New Breed – “A Timeless Christmas”, Jonathan Butler – “Brand New Day”, Cece Winans – “Live In the Throne Room DVD” and “Thy Kingdom Come”) for the first time since Cole’s 2006 debut project Write My Song.
Riverphlo’s roster includes Cole, the legendary Andrae Crouch, Vonnie Lopez and Leon Timbo.
JJ Hairston is headed to radio; this time as the host of “Sunday Praise with J.J. Hairston” on Hot 93.7 FM (WZMX).
Hairston notes “it’s a huge opportunity to spread the gospel,” It’s a Hip-Hop station! This is the first time this station has had gospel music on their station. So the fact that they’re entrusting me as the host and that they’re trying gospel music is huge! Many of the listeners don’t go to church so this program may be introducing many of them to the gospel for the first time and hopefully, eventually, to Christ.”
Sunday Praise will air from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. every Sunday beginning March 30th. Be sure to look for JJ and the Youthful Praise ensemble on the BET Celebration of Gospel airing on April 6th as well as the release of their new single It Pushed Me hitting radio in April.
The Gospel Music Association will celebrate the music of Grammy and Dove Award winners Take 6 during its annual GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Induction and Honors Ceremony on April 29th. The event will take place at the Allen Arena on the Lipscomb University campus in Nashville.
With 18 albums, 12 Grammy and 5 Dove Awards to their credit, Take 6 has come a long way from their humble beginnings on the campus of Oakwood College. Their self titled debut CD released in 1988 won two of their first Grammy Awards and saw them rank in the top ten on both the Jazz and Contemporary Christian charts.
Anita Wilson is up to something good. The Grammy, Stellar, and Dove-award nominated singer keeps the flame of Urban contemporary burning with her unparalleled fusion of Gospel and Soul. As audiences everywhere fell in love with her debut album Worship Soul, Wilson readies us for more of the same with her sophomore album VINTAGE WORSHIP.
“That’s What He’s Done For Me” the album’s lead single makes its debut on the James Fortune Radio Show and serves as the first representative of how VINTAGE WORSHIP truly lives up to its moniker. A modernized relic of gospel’s golden days, “That’s What He’s Done For Me” rings from start to finish as an ode to traditional gospel, but seasoned with Anita’s unmistakable soulful flair.
Listen for music from the new album on radio and be sure to catch Anita on Dorinda Clark Cole’s The Gospel According to Dorinda on the Word Network this month.
Congratulations to Bishop Hezekiah Walker! His Every Praise has been atop the Billboard Charts for 26 non-consecutive weeks at #1. Every Praise now tops his former chart topper, “Souled Out,” with the Love Fellowship Choir, which topped the chart for 14 weeks in 2009.
Praise for Live Through It, the new CD from James Fortune & FIYA was solidified today with news that the 2 disc CD scored a #1 debut on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart, in addition to making its initial landing at #13 in top albums on the Billboard 200 chart. This feat marks a career-high for Fortune with his highest first week of sales in his career thus far.
Pastor Keion Henderson is making a bold proclamation for Jesus Christ in Houston, Texas inspiring hope and changing lives as he interacts with people each week. He founded the Light House Church in 2009 with just over 100 members. The congregation has swelled to over 2,500 and is one of the Houston area’s fastest growing congregations. Seeing a need for growth in the church’s music ministry, Pastor Henderson decided to add Earnest Pugh as the assembly’s new Pastor of Worship. “It is an honor to announce the addition of Earnest Pugh to our church,” Pastor Henderson noted. “It’s a perfect match. He fits in with our church’s culture and shares the same vision as I. We are excited to embrace his talent and utilize his God-given gifts to help grow our congregation even further.”
The EPM Music Group will soon release a Word & Worship CD on Pastor Henderson to bring greater awareness to his dynamic preaching, teaching and singing ministry. “I’m excited about my future with the church and also about the blooming of Pastor Henderson’s ministry,” Pugh adds.
Set your DVR’s for Tuesday, March 18th as Karen, Jackie and Twinkie help to make Queen Latifah’s day with a rousing rendition of "You Brought the Sunshine" on her syndicated daytime talk show. The Clark Sisters was just one of many surprises as the show celebrated Queen Latifah’s birthday. Check your local listing for time and station information in your area.
Congrats to the GOSPEL nominees for the 45th Annual NAACP Image Awards, taking place February 22, 2014 and airing on TV One.
Outstanding Gospel Album – (Traditional or Contemporary)
“20 Year Celebration Volume 1 – Best For Last” – Donald Lawrence (Quietwater Entertainment/eOne Music)
“Azusa: The Next Generation” – Hezekiah Walker (RCA Inspiration)
“Best Days Deluxe Edition” – Tamela Mann (Tillymann Music)
“Good God” – Shirley Caesar (eOne Music)
“Music From the Motion Picture Black Nativity” – Various (RCA Inspiration
