Warner Music Nashville Names Rod Riley President And CEO Of Word Entertainment

Warner Music Nashville (WMN), the Nashville-based music operations of Warner Music Group Corp., announced that Rod Riley has been named President and CEO of Word Entertainment, WMG's Christian music division. In his new role, Riley will oversee Word's entire operation, including A&R, sales and marketing, music publishing, distribution, church resources and artist services. Riley succeeds Mark Bright and will report directly to John Esposito, President and CEO of Warner Music Nashville. Bright, one of Nashville's most acclaimed producers, will continue to work with WMN under the terms of his existing production deal with Warner Bros. Nashville.

In making the announcement, Esposito said: "Mark has done an outstanding job as the head of Word, and it is a testament to the great depth of talent we have at WMN that allows us to not only continue our relationship with him under the terms of his existing production deal but also to not miss a beat by appointing Rod as the head of Word Entertainment. And while we are delighted to give Rod this well-deserved promotion, we are thrilled that we can make this change while also allowing Warner Music Nashville to continue its very valuable relationship with Mark. We could not be more supportive of Mark's decision to go back full time to being one of the best producers in Country music, and I look forward to continuing to work with him through his production deal with Warner Bros. Nashville."

"I am deeply honored to accept this role as we prepare to enter Word's 60th year of making Christian music. It's been a great pleasure to work as part of the Word organization, especially since it has meant seeing this team bring about consistently incredible results, both in our established businesses, as well as in all of the new areas we have entered," said Riley. "We're in the midst of the music industry's most challenging transition period, so I'm even more thankful to Espo for trusting me with these new responsibilities. I'm confident that working together with this exceptional Word team we'll see that Word's best days are before us."

"I believe that Rod Riley is the perfect choice to lead Word into the next decade," said Mike Curb, Chairman of Word Entertainment. "He has the vision and the experience to meet this major challenge."

Riley has served as Chief Operating Officer of Word Entertainment since 2008, and has been responsible for all the business operations of Word Label Group, Word Music Publishing, Word Distribution and Word Music. Since joining Word Entertainment in 2005 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, he has been instrumental in revitalizing the company's staff and artist roster, as well as aggressively expanding Word's artist services business, including launching or acquiring businesses in merchandising, e-commerce, artist booking, touring, brand management and sponsorship.

Prior to joining Word, Riley served as Senior Director of Sales at Provident Music, Sony Music's Christian music label. In 1999, while still with Sony, Riley and his wife, Susan, launched Fervent Records, a record label and music publishing company that is home to such acclaimed artists as BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Sidewalk Prophets, pureNRG and Big Daddy Weave. Originally distributed through Sony, Riley sold Fervent to Word Entertainment in 2005.

(August 8, 2010)

Vote For Your Favorite Washington, D.C. Church Choir To Perform Live At Verizon Center

Online Voting is Now Open for Verizon's How Sweet the Sound Regional Competition, Featuring Hosts CeCe Winans and Donald Lawrence; Tickets Are on Sale Now

Starting July 18, music fans from Washington D.C. can cast their votes for their favorite church choir from the Washington D.C.-area to advance to the 2010 regional Verizon's How Sweet the Sound competition. By voting online at www.HowSweetTheSound.com their voices can be heard in America's premiere gospel singing competition. Up to eight choirs from the Washington D.C.-area who receive the most online votes will perform at the regional event, which will take place at Wachovia Center on Saturday, September 18, and will compete in front of Gospel legends and judges for the title of best church choir in Washington D.C. and up to $16,000 in cash and prizes. The winning choir from the regional competition will also have an opportunity to represent Philadelphia in Verizon's How Sweet the Sound grand finale event. Online voting for all 14 cities is open for two weeks, beginning at approximately 12:01 a.m. ET on July 18 and ending at approximately 11:59 p.m. ET on August 1. Tickets to Verizon's How Sweet the Sound at Verizon Center are on sale now. Floor and lower-tier seats are $7, and upper-tier seats are available for $5. For more information on purchasing tickets, visit www.HowSweetTheSound.com or visit the Web site for Verizon Center at www.verizoncenter.com.

"I am thrilled to co-host the 2010 Verizon How Sweet The Sound competition. Gospel music is the foundation of American popular music and is a celebration of community. Gospel is part of my soul and I look forward to experiencing it with you," said CeCe Winans.

"This event has become the marquee event in the Gospel community, and we are proud to be able to share it with our customers and the community," said Marquett Smith, vice president - corporate communications, Verizon Wireless. "Verizon's How Sweet The Sound is just one program of a much larger community effort for Verizon."

After reviewing all of the audition tapes submitted by church choirs around Washington D.C., the top church choirs were selected by a panel of judges including Gospel artists Earnest Pugh and Patrick Lundy to compete in the online portion of the competition:

Few Voices Category:

o Aktiv Gospel Chorale (Baltimore, MD)

o BRYDGES (Upper Marlboro, MD)

o Gospel Choir (Landover, MD)

o Holy Nation Sanctuary (Triangle, VA)

o The SBC Chorale (Washington, D.C.)

o The Master’s Child Church Choir (District Heights, MD)

o Total Prayze Chorale (Denton, MD)

o Voices of Deliverance (Washington, D.C.)

Many Voice Category:

o Men’s Harvest Choir (Baltimore, MD)

o Sanctuary Choir (Baltimore, MD)

o Greater Morning Star Bishop’s Choir (Largo, MD)

o Greater Mount Calvary Men of Valor (Washington, D.C.)

o Voices of Empowerment Temple (Baltimore, MD)

Details about How Sweet the Sound, including schedules, online voting, judging criteria and the official event rules is available online at www.HowSweetTheSound.com.

(July 28, 2010)

Who’s Who In Gospel Music To Celebrate Life Of GRAMMY Winner Bishop Walter Hawkins With A-List Concert At The Paramount Theatre On Tuesday, July 20, 2010 @ 7:00 PM PST and Funeral on Wednesday, July 21, 2010 @ 11:00 AM PST

Musical Celebration Features Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary and Bebe Winans

A who’s who of the gospel world is gathering to pay final respects to Grammy Award winning gospel legend, Bishop Walter Hawkins, who passed away July 11th after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

On Tuesday, July 20th, some of the biggest names in gospel music will congregate at The Paramount Theater for a musical salute to Walter Hawkins who is known for his classic gospel songs such as “Goin’ Up Yonder,” “Marvelous,” and “What is This?” The musical celebration is titled, The Man, the Music, The Ministry: A Musical Salute to Bishop Walter Hawkins.”

Among the stars confirmed to sing Hawkins’ evergreen compositions are platinum artists such as Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, and Donnie McClurkin. Also performing is Hawkins’ sister, Lynnette Hawkins, R&B artist Ledisi, Karen Clark Sheard, Daryl Coley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Byron Cage, Melvin & Doug Williams of The Williams Brothers, guitarist Jonathan DuBose Jr., D.J. Rogers, and The Love Center Choir.

Making a special appearance will be Hawkins’ longtime vocal muse and former wife, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, whose dramatic vocals were featured on Walter Hawkins masterpieces such as “Changed,” “Goin’ Up Yonder,” and “He’s That Kind of Friend.”

The music directors for the evening will include Hawkins’ brother, Edwin Hawkins, Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, Richard Smallwood, and Hawkins’ longtime music director, Rusty Watson. The masters of ceremonies duties will be shared by Bebe Winans, Marvin Winans, and Black Entertainment Television (BET) personality, Dr. Bobby Jones.

The concert takes place Tuesday, July 20, 2010 @ 7:00 pm at the Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-2303. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Paramount Theater at: (510) 465-6400

The funeral will take place the following morning, Wednesday, July 21, 2010 @ 11:00 am at the Paramount Theater. Bishop Kenneth Moales (of Prayer Tabernacle Church of Love, Inc. in Bridgeport, CT) will officiate at the ceremony.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Walter Hawkins Memorial Foundation. Cards, letters and donations may be mailed to: Love Center Ministries, 10440 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94603.

(July 14, 2010)

Israel Houghton Releases Love God Love People August 31

New Album From Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar, Dove Award Winner Features Special Guest Vocalists Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Take 6

Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton highlights the greatest Gospel commandment with Love God. Love People. releasing August 31 on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. Featuring the musically masterful energy that has become synonymous with Israel Houghton recordings, the album also reveals special guest appearances by Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and Take 6’s Claude V. McKnight, III, Mark Kibble and Joey Kibble, as well as song co-writes with Meleasa Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims and Michael Gungor.

As a worship leader, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, Israel is also known for his work as a master collaborator, drawing out the best performances from all those around him. Having written or co-written 11 CCLI Top 500 favorites, creating a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe, Love God. Love People. follows Israel’s acclaimed GRAMMY Award winning and Billboard Top 200 hit, The Power Of One, and promises to be an inspiration to all who listen.

“Love God. Love People. is a return to a simple, foundational Gospel command: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself,” says Israel. “Virtually every song touches on this profound simplicity. It all comes down to ‘Love God, love people.’ Period.”

Israel co-produced the new album with longtime collaborator Aaron Lindsey, whose credits include Shirley Caesar, Martha Munizzi, CeCe Winans and many more, and with Tommy Sims, whose writing, recording and performing credits range from Bruce Springstein and Garth Brooks to Wynnona and Kelly Clarkson. The trio of producers also co-wrote five of the songs, including the first Gospel single, “You Hold My World.” Three additional songs were penned by Israel and his wife Meleasa.

Love God. Love People. blends the musical genres of worship, rock, funk and power pop, and was recorded and engineered by Danny Duncan (India.Arie, Hillsong LIVE, Natalie Grant, CeCe Winans) at Abbey Road Studios in London.

“I was living out a dream come true recording at Abbey Road,” says Israel. “The ‘stomps’ on the famous staircase for ‘Name Of Love’ were just absolutely special and unforgettable. And I wept several times while The London Session Orchestra played ‘Others’ and ‘Hosanna.’ I later spoke to some of the string players who were crying while they played… absolute presence of God was captured!”

Other album highlights include Israel singing “Hosanna (Be Lifted Higher)” with Take 6’s Claude V. McKnight, III, Joey Kibble and Mark Kibble, who arranged the track. “Mercies” features the unmistakable voice of Kirk Franklin, while “Surprises” is augmented by the talent of Fred Hammond.

Special guest instrumentalists on the album include Akil Thompson (son of drum master Chester Thompson from Weather Report and Genesis) and Michael Gungor (who co-wrote “You Won’t Let Go” with Israel) on guitars. On drums are Dan Needham (Amy Grant, Vanessa Williams, Michael McDonald) and Teddy Campbell (Seal, Celine Dion, Smokie Norful). Co-producers Tommy Sims and Aaron Lindsey handle the bass and keyboards respectively. Backing vocals on select tracks are handled by Daniel Johnson, Erica King and Charlin Moore, all members of New Breed, a music ministry organization founded and led by Israel.

Writing or co-writing all but one of the songs on Love God. Love People., Israel creates music that breaks down barriers and defies categorization. Israel uses his own multi-cultural upbringing as a reference point with a desire to draw people of all races, ages and cultures together. Israel laughingly describes himself as “black kid who grew up in a white family in a Hispanic neighborhood.”

Active as worship leader in his local church, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, Houston, Israel has served as worship leader at Hillsong conferences, Franklin Graham crusades, and is a featured CompassionArt songwriter and artist. Israel also ministers through concerts in the U.S. and around the world, has accompanied Alicia Keys at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards for a performance of George Michael's “Freedom '90,” and has performed at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, taking part in a segment saluting Gospel music alongside the likes of Aretha Franklin and BeBe Winans.

In 1995, Israel and Meleasa Houghton founded New Breed Ministries, an organization they continue to run and that is comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and together serve the Church at large. Since then, Israel has been featured on FOX, CBS, ABC, BET, CNN, TBN and CBN, and has amassed a legion of followers that crosses generational lines with popularity across African American, Latin and Caucasian listener lines. While blasting down barriers, he has been fittingly graced with 2 Gold-selling albums, 3 GRAMMY Awards, 6 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award.

Israel Houghton is signed to Integrity Music, distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution and to the general market by Columbia Records/Sony-BMG Distribution. For more information, go to www.israelhoughton.net.

(July 13, 2010)

GRAMMY Winner Walter Hawkins Passes Away

Ripon, CA - Walter Hawkins, the Grammy Award-winning gospel singer/ composer and pastor of Oakland's Love Center Church, died @ 2:48 PST on July 11th at his home in Ripon. For the last two years, Hawkins has been battling pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.

During the 1970s, Walter Hawkins personified a new wave of gospel artists such as his brother Edwin Hawkins of "Oh Happy Day" fame, and Andrae Crouch, who brought a youthful contemporary vibe to gospel music. Hawkins cut a series of best-selling "Love Alive" LPs that remain gospel classics to this day. Hawkins' songs have been recorded by a who's who in music ranging from Aretha Franklin and "American Idol" champ Ruben Studdard to Vickie Winans and M.C. Hammer.

"The impact that Walter Hawkins had on gospel music was so profound and far-reaching that it is now, and forever shall be, part of gospel's DNA," says gospel music historian, Bob Marovich, who edits The Black Gospel Blog.

Hawkins was born May 18, 1949 in Oakland, CA. Reared in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination, Hawkins became a master pianist as well as a dynamic singer with an operatic vocal range. His brother, Edwin, had already made a name for himself in 1969 when "Oh Happy Day" became an international hit. While studying for his master's of divinity degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Hawkins recorded his first LP "Do Your Best" in 1972. An October 1972 Billboard magazine reviewer wrote, "Walter Hawkins is a pianist of enviable accomplishments while his vocal prowess is in no way disputable. He's gathered around him an exceptional crew of sidemen and vocalists and the total effect is completely invigorating."

The following year, Hawkins became a pastor and founded the Love Center Church in East Oakland. After forming the Love Center Choir, he recorded their first album as a church family. He used $1,800 he borrowed from his mother-in-law to complete the project. It was the first in a series of LPs named "Love Alive" and it debuted on Light Records in 1975. The album featured his then-wife, Tramaine, leading "Changed" and "Goin' Up Yonder" which became two of the biggest gospel songs of the decade. A runaway smash, the "Love Alive" album sold a staggering 300,000 copies. The five "Love Alive" LPs featured classic gospel songs such as "I Love the Lord," "Be Grateful," "I'm Goin' Away," "Thank You, Lord" and "Until, I Found the Lord."

In the '80s, Hawkins recorded a number of solo LPs and produced a number of artists, including Tramaine. Although, he had earned nine Grammy Award nominations during his career, Hawkins only won one for his performance on "The Lord's Prayer" LP in 1980 (he also performed on the televised Grammy Awards ceremony that year). In 1990, Hawkins released "Love Alive III" which became the biggest seller of the "Love Alive" album series. The radio favorites were "There's A War Going On", "I Love You, Lord" and "He'll Bring You Out." The LP spent 34 weeks at #1 on the Billboard gospel album sales chart during the almost 100 weeks it spent on the survey. The album went on to sell over a million copies. The 1993 "Love Alive IV" also peaked at #1 on the album sales chart and spent a year on the survey. In between projects, Hawkins was ordained a Bishop in October 1992.

As elder statesmen in gospel, Hawkins became a favorite for cameo appearances in recent years. The Mississippi Mass Choir had a hit with him on "Hold, On, Soldier" in 1993 and Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers watched him steal the show on "Seasons" from their "Go Get Your Life Back" CD in 2002. The 2001 "Love Alive V" CD featured a huge comeback hit for Hawkins with the ballad, "Marvelous." Hawkins' final solo CD "A Song in My Heart" won a Stellar Award for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year in 2006. He was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

After surgery for pancreatic cancer in late 2008, the Hawkins Family (Walter, Edwin, Tramaine, and sister, Lynette) staged a successful, multi-city Hawkins Family reunion concert tour. At the time of his death, Hawkins was planning a new "Love Alive" CD concert recording for this fall.

Hawkins relished being a pastor as much as he enjoyed singing. "Early on I thought my ministry and my music were apart from each other. But now I see they work hand-in-hand," he once said. "I can go a lot of places with my music that I can’t go as a pastor and vice versa. The purpose of both is getting the message out to people. I’ve had some material blessings and it’s okay to have them, but to be blessed with peace of mind and joy in your life, that’s when you will be truly fulfilled."

Hawkins is survived by his two children, Walter "Jamie" and Trystan Hawkins; daughter-in-law, Myiia Hawkins; two grandchildren Jamie- Daniel and Jahve; a host of nieces and nephews; the Love Center Church family and Choir; and his siblings Carol, Feddie, Edwin, Daniel, and Lynette. Funeral arrangements are pending.

In memory of Walter Hawkins, click here for one of the few interviews by the artist on his last release.

(July 11, 2010)

The Word Network's "The Lexi Show" Comes To An End

Cable TVpersonality/singer, Lexi's weekly television program, "The Lexi Show," has come to an end.

The critically acclaimed talk show ran on The Word Network (a Detroit based Christian cable channel), for four seasons.

Throughout its history, the popular show became known for Lexi's candid and often controversial conversations with gospel celebrities.

On her program, Grammy-nominated artist Tonex publicly admitted for the first time that he had been involved in homosexual relationships.

Lexi's also interviewed the ex-wife of gospel legend Bebe Winans about allegations that the platinum-selling recording artist had domestically abused her.

"The Lexi Show" broke barriers in Christian journalism by talking about real life issues that are often swept under the rug in ecclesiastical circles.

"I'm overwhelmed with the unbelievable number of letters, phone calls ande-mails I've received in support of my show," the former Stellar Award nominee says.

"I'm thankful and grateful to all of the fans of the show and will have a new home for the show soon.”

Fans can view past episodes of "The Lexi Show" online via YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/lexitelevision.

(July 7, 2010)

Multi-Stellar Award Winner And Dove Award Nominee Jonathan Nelson To Release Highly-Anticipated Sophomore CD Better Days

Ten Song Set of Positive Praise Music Due In Stores September 2010

Stellar Award winner Jonathan Nelson is gearing up for his sophomore Integrity Music CD, Better Days, slated to release September 14. The 10-song CD of divinely-inspired affirmations was produced by Grammy Award winning producer Aaron Lindsey (Israel and New Breed, Martha Munizzi, and Marvin Sapp).

Nelson has quickly emerged as one of the leading voices on today's praise and worship music scene. Over the last half a dozen years, he’s put his stamp on urban praise music as the composer of now classic tunes such as Donald Lawrence's "Healed", Youth for Christ's #1 smash "The Struggle Is Over," and Bishop T.D. Jakes' "My Praise Is My Weapon."  Then, in 2008, Nelson stepped from the shadows to reveal himself as a charismatic worship leader with his Top 10 smash "My Name Is Victory" which spent an astounding 65 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. That song and his debut album, Right Now Praise, earned Nelson three Stellar Awards, an astounding total of eight Stellar nominations and a coveted Dove Award nomination as Best New Artist of the Year.

There are bound to be just as many award nominations for Better Days this time next year. Recorded live at Nelson's home church, The Faith Center in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the album features Nelson's top-notch backing ensemble Purpose and delivers a powerful, much-needed message for today.

"The world needs to hear these proclamations," says Nelson."''My Name is Victory' was a great start but this new album is centered on the Word to help change the world."

Referencing the title which was suggested by Purpose member James Johnson, Nelson adds, "When he brought it to me, it just spoke to me about what the project is about...We are living in a time of recession, earthquakes and oil spills. People need to hear a message of encouragement that better days are here."

From the Caribbean lilt of "Cry Holy" and the old school church influence on "Another Way" to the majestic congregational praise on "Smile," the whole CD shines with messages of hope and encouragement through Jesus Christ. “These are faith declarations,” Nelson adds.

"Faith is the engine you use to speak things over your life. These are songs of faith, hope, and empowerment."

As "Expect The Great," the first radio single from Better Days, makes its way up the Billboard charts, Nelson is reflective on his place on today’s music scene. "I understand my responsibility as a worship leader all the more," Nelson adds. "I have been given the assignment of writing lyrics that the people of God will sing over themselves and ultimately to God. If we sing to each other about his goodness, mercy, power, love and faith, we create an atmosphere for healing, miracles, signs and wonders. I've given my will completely to God! By faith, I now say yes to God. I sincerely believe this CD is going to be monumental because many listeners will also say yes to God in every area of their life. Then, we all will truly experience better days!"

For additional information on Jonathan Nelson, visit http://www.jonathannelson.org/ , http://www.integritymusic.com/ or http://www.integritydirect.com.

(July 7, 2010)

Phil Tarver Hits #4 On Billboard With Place Of Worship CD

Worship Leader Of Gold-Selling Shekinah Glory Ministry Gives Kingdom Records 2nd Highest Chart Debut In Its History

Kingdom Records is celebrating the #4 debut on Billboard's Top Gospel Albums sales chart of Phil Tarver's highly anticipated third U.S. solo CD release, Place of Worship. This is the second highest single debut in Kingdom Records' history. The label's signature RIAA-certified gold-selling ensemble, Shekinah Glory Ministry, debuted at #2 on the chart with their October 2007 CD release, Jesus.

"Wow! To God be all the glory for this wonderful blessing. God is able, and I give Him all the praises for everyone who supported this project. Thank you," Tarver said on hearing the news. "This is the biggest debut in Phil's history as a soloist," says Kingdom Records President Joan Sullivan. "His last CD came in at #14. Since that time, Phil has gone literally around the world, ministering and providing encouragement. From 'Mighty God' and 'Better Than That' to 'God is Able,' his singles and his ministry have touched hurting people and left them with hope. We at Kingdom Records are excited about this project and Phil's future. The best is yet to come."

The set was recorded live before an overflow crowd of 3,000 fervent worshippers at Valley Kingdom Ministries International this past February. This brilliant collection is sure to solidify Tarver's standing as one of the most in-demand and celebrated praise and worship leaders in the world as the radio single "God Is Able" continues its climb up the MediaBase gospel chart where it's currently perched at #18. Tarver is the worship leader for the million-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry. He's recorded four solo CDs (including one only available in South America). His prior CD Draw Nearer features the Top 20 single "Better Than That." To learn more about Kingdom Records and its artists, visit www.kingdomrecordsinc.com.

Kingdom Records, Inc. is the fulfillment of the vision of Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, Senior Pastor of Valley Kingdom Ministries International. Apostle Wilson conceived the idea from God to start a praise and worship ministry and to name it Shekinah Glory Ministry and to name the label Kingdom Records, while on sabbatical in the Arizona desert in 1999. The company was established in 2000. Kingdom Record's primary mission is to create music that pierces the kingdom of darkness and enlarges the Kingdom of God. The company is lead by music industry veteran Bernie McLean, Joan Sullivan, Junito R. Harris, Jr., and Michael Weatherspoon. In addition to the gold-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry and Phil Tarver, Kingdom Records has expanded its roster with the addition of Gospel's Lady of Soul Cynthia Jones, Tonya Baker, the Brown Sisters, and the legendary R&B group, The Whispers.

(July 7, 2010)

Music World Entertainment/Spirit-Rising Music Signs Acclaimed Gospel Singer Micah Stampley

Acclaimed gospel singer, songwriter, producer and Stellar Award nominee, Micah Stampley, joins Music World Entertainment (MWE) with a management and recording joint venture through the company's faith-based label, Spirit Rising Music. His new release will come under Interface/Spirit Rising Music.

Micah Stampley, a powerful, multi-octave and gifted artist is leading the way to the new generation of gospel music. His debut CD, The Songbook of Micah hit the music charts as the second-highest debut for a Male Gospel Artist inBillboard's history at #3 and was acknowledged as "one of the Top 11 Gospel Artist of 2005."

With a staggering powerful and sensitive voice and an inspired writer's hand in music and words, he has become one of gospel's most talked-about talents.

Mathew Knowles, Founder, President and C.E.O. of Music World Entertainment states, "When I look at the talent and what we are building at our Spirit Rising Music gospel label with Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Pastor Rudy, the new signing of Dr. Juanita Bynum and now with Micah, who is a brilliant artist with success in Praise and Worship, I am grateful."

From birth in Los Angeles to his humble youth in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Micahdeveloped a profound music talent at a young age that has led to a celebrated journey. In 2004, the Stellar Awards named him as the 1st Stellar Award Star Search Winner. In addition, in 2006 he received two Stellar Award nominations for "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "New Artist of the Year. 2008 brought more nominations for "Praise and Worship Album of the Year" and "Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year." That same year his "I Believe"music video debuted at #1 on the Gospel Music Channel and remained there for five weeks receiving a nomination for "Best Soul Video of the Year." His staying power was cemented. This year, Micah received a fifth Stellar Award nomination for his CD, Ransomed as "Praise and Worship Album of the Year."

Speaking of the new venture with MWE/Spirit Rising, Micah says, "The unique partnership we've created is a pivotal step in my journey to leave a legacy for my children and spread my wings into my other artistic passions. My goal has always been to assist people in getting into a deeper intimacy and relationship with God."

He is a minister, husband, father of five, musician and leading community philanthropist. He also has a unique royal distinction. His Royal Majesty King Adamtey I, Se Suapolar of the Se (Shai) Kingdom of Ghana, West Africa, adoptedStampley as his son. Prince Micah Martey along with his wife, Heidi, hopes to one day build a school of the performing arts in Se Kingdom.

Micah and Heidi's non-profit, "Operation I Believe, Inc" a 501 (c) (3) organization, launched in 2006 with platforms that include humanitarian and outreach initiatives.

Micah has been featured in EBONY, Upscale, Charisma and a host of other magazines. He is a regular musical guest on TBN's "Praise The Lord" and has performed on BET Celebration of Gospel, Gospel Music Channel, World Network and INSP Christian Networks. AOL Black Voices named Micah as "one of the Top 10 Gospel Geniuses." Micah is currently a Benny Hinn Psalmist and travels with him to crusades and events around the world.

Talented. Anointed. Inspired. Driven. Dedicated. Michael Stampley is a music phenomenon on the rise and a leading voice in the future of gospel.

For more information on Micah visit: www.myspace.com/micahstampley

(May 15, 2010)

Changing Of The Guards: Founder of Chicago’s Historic Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Rev. Clay Events To Pass Torch Of Gospel Music To Pastor Charles Jenkins During Best Of Both Worlds CD/DVD Live Recording Session

May 30, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m. at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

Since 2000, Pastor Charles Jenkins has been pastor of the historic Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church that was founded by Rev. Clay Evans in 1950. Since its inception, the church has been noted as much for its joyous best-selling gospel choir albums as for its stirring sermons. This Memorial Day weekend, the church will build upon its stellar legacy with a live CD/DVD recording entitled Pastor Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Live: The Best of Both Worlds - the first Fellowship CD with Jenkins at the helm.

Over the last five decades, Rev. Clay Evans, who ordained Rev. Jesse Jackson, has recorded three dozen sermon LPs and best-selling choir albums such as 1996’s #1 smash I’ve Got A Testimony. Jenkins is continuing the musical work Evans began back in the 1950s and it represents a Passing of the Torch - musically - from the 84-year old Evans to the 34-year old Jenkins. “The Best of Both Worlds is a celebration and presentation of the traditional gospel, CCM, and praise and worship music. This project is a hybrid of music we sang in the past, and music we are singing now in black churches,” Jenkins says. “The record is stuff you can sing on Sunday morning.”

As a musician and songwriter, Jenkins founded Chicago’s own Joshua’s Troop, and has collaborated with a stellar array of producers and artists. He also wrote “You’ve Been A Friend” on Israel & New Breed’s Grammy-winning Live in South Africa CD. The recording will take place Sunday, May 30, 2010 @ 6:00 p.m. at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 4543 South Princeton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60609. Admission is free.

Through the years, Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church has become known as The Ship because of Evans’ longtime quote: "Its a friendship, its a kinship, its a relationship, what a fellowship, all aboard come on let's go to the other side.” Now, after nearly 10 years of new leadership and 9,000 new members, The Ship reemerges and introduces a new generation in gospel music for all to enjoy.

(May 15, 2010)

Universal Music Christian Group Launches Imago Dei Music Group With Pioneering Entertainment Executive Max Siegel

Universal Music Christian Group (UMCG), a division of Universal Music Group Distribution, the award-winning sales and marketing arm of Universal Music Group, has partnered with pioneering entertainment executive Max Siegel to launch Imago Dei Music Group (iD Music Group), a division of Max Siegel Inc. The announcement was made by Jim Urie, President Universal Music Group Distribution, Rhoda Lawrence, Vice President of UMCG, and Max Siegel, Chief Executive Officer, iD Music Group.

In the company's first joint venture, UMCG has partnered with Mr. Siegel, an executive with years of experience in virtually every area of the entertainment industry, including sports, music, television and film. iD Music Group was brought to UMCG by Next Plateau's president, Eddie O'Loughlin, who will play a key A&R role. The label will begin looking for new artists immediately and plans to release their first albums in 2010.

"We're thrilled to be in business with an executive of Max's caliber," stated Mr. Urie. "He is a true renaissance man whose track record of accomplishments speaks for itself. We are delighted to welcome him to the UMGD family."

Max L. Siegel is the former President of Global Operations at Dale Earnhardt Inc., one of the top motor sports franchises in NASCAR. As one of the most influential executives in the entertainment and sports industries, Siegel made history as the highest-ranking African American executive in NASCAR. Siegel oversaw the entire organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all DEI's properties including motor sports teams, licensing, promotion, business development and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.

An accomplished entertainment executive, attorney, author, conference organizer and television and film producer, he is one of the most sought after persons in the entertainment industry. He is a cum laude graduate from Notre Dame Law School. With more than 15 years of brokering deals and project management, Siegel is known for his sharp and savvy business expertise.

"Lifestyle entertainment has always been a passion of mine," commented Mr. Siegel. "Aligning iD Music Group with the "best in class" was a priority for launching the label. We have done just that by partnering with Universal Music Group. This partnership will allow us to fully integrate music into the lifestyles of people around the world in a unique and positive way."

The former Sony BMG/Zomba Label Group executive held dual positions as Senior Vice President of Zomba Label Group and President of Zomba Gospel. During his tenure at Sony BMG, Siegel helped the company score more No. 1 hits and gold and platinum records than ever before. Siegel served on the executive team that produced top gospel and pop artists including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Vickie Winans, Kelly Price and more. www.maxsiegel.com www.idmusicgrp.com.

Initial releases from iD Music Group will include "Champion," from Darwin Hobbs (June 22) as well as BET "Sunday Best" winner Y'Anna Crawley's debut album (July 13).

(April 26, 2010)

BET's Hit Gospel Singing Competition 'SUNDAY BEST' Makes Its Divine Return This Easter Premiering Sunday, April 4 at 8:00 p.m.

Season Three of "Sunday Best" Introduces New Judges, New Competition and the First-Ever International Auditions in Lagos, Nigeria

Premiering on Easter Sunday, April 4 at 8:00 p.m.,* BET's hit singing competition SUNDAY BEST returns for a third season of higher praise and tougher competition. Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, the new season welcomes gospel recording artists Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams to the stellar team of judges including returning multi-award winning siblings Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary. Making U.S. stops in Detroit, New Orleans and Philadelphia, SUNDAY BEST season 3 throws the net even wider to include auditions in Lagos, Nigeria.

The premiere episode of SUNDAY BEST season 3 will be dedicated to the first ever international auditions in West Africa. Host Kirk Franklin, new judge Pastor Donnie McClurkin and guest judges Kim Burrell and British Nigerian gospel artist Muyiwa Olarewaju venture to Lagos, Nigeria to audition over 1,000 hopefuls all vying for a spot to travel to New Orleans and compete on the main stage to be BET's SUNDAY BEST. In addition to the coveted title of SUNDAY BEST, the winner of season three will receive a brand new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO and prizes from Degree Nature Effects and Colgate. Additional sponsors for SUNDAY BEST season three include Pillsbury Grands, Nationwide, General Mills and Design Essentials.

During each week's hour-long competition, viewers will be treated to the entertaining and sometimes hilarious audition process followed by musical performances from the SUNDAY BEST top 20 contestants. Fans can expect a season filled with candid feedback from the all-star team of judges and surprise visits from an array of celebrity mentors. SUNDAY BEST is a 12 week series executive produced by D'Angela Proctor Sneed and Nia T. Hill of Strange Fruit Media, Kirk Franklin and Erica and Tina Campbell. For up-to-the-minute information, exclusive footage and photos on SUNDAY BEST, please visit www.bet.com. Also, follow SUNDAY BEST on twitter, www.twitter.com/SundayBest3.

(April 3, 2010)

THE BLUEPRINT: A Plan for Overcoming Life's Obstacles

By Kirk Franklin

For some people, obstacles are minor bumps in the road on the way to success. For others, obstacles represent a major catastrophe of epic proportions threatening to disrupt any chance of success they may have otherwise had. But for seven-time GRAMMY� award winner Kirk Franklin, obstacles represent the challenges needed to propel you through life. In THE BLUEPRINT: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms (Gotham Books; May 18, 2010; $25.00), Franklin reveals how he turned negative aspects from his own life-drugs, an absent father, teenage parenthood, poverty, etc.-into blessings by learning from them and moving forward. The beauty of THE BLUEPRINT is that Franklin by no way claims to be perfect or have insider knowledge of how to live your life wisely, but rather puts his setbacks and faults on full blast and suggests that oftentimes people, like Franklin at one point, go through life without a plan for success, simply living purposelessly, and without a person to show them the right way. THE BLUEPRINT fills the void of not knowing which way to turn and arms you the necessary tools to succeed.

By the time Franklin was just fifteen years old, he was a young father, without an encouraging figure in his life, and just another statistic on the street. As he explains in THE BLUEPRINT, "The street corner was my classroom. The 'hood was my Harvard." He went through life thinking he knew it all, and blamed the fact that he didn't have a role model for not being able to achieve his dreams, until the day he realized he had to turn his life around and become the man he needed to be on his own. That is what Franklin has outlined in THE BLUEPRINT-a chance for young people to become the person they need to be, no matter what the situation, or where they come from.

Today, Franklin is the proud father of four and devoted husband of fourteen years, as well as one of the biggest multiplatinum-selling gospel artists of all time. He credits his faith in God and a very close mentor he found later in his life for his success.

Whether you're down and out, misguided, or simply need a boost to push forward, THE BLUEPRINT is the essential guide to creating a better you, one day at a time. Success doesn't come easy, but it will come with a helping hand. Follow THE BLUEPRINT and start living the life you were always meant to live.

THE BLUEPRINT:
A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms
Gotham Books | May 18, 2010 | $25.00 | ISBN: 978-1-59240547-3
www.kirkfranklin.com

(March 14, 2010)

Marvin Sapp�s The Best In Me #1 At Gospel Radio

Marvin Sapp�s new CD & DVD HERE I AM will be in stores March 16. The highly anticipated project embodies the heart and soul of Marvin Sapp with songs that will refresh and fortify the spirit.

The first single, �The Best In Me� is currently #1 at Gospel radio and, according to Billboard, has already matched the 2008 peak of his seminal �Never Would Have Made It.� �The Best In Me� also recently achieved the largest position jump (#78 - #14 Hot R&B/Hot Songs Chart) in 18 years by a gospel track, as well as the largest jump in four years among all genres.

HERE I AM, the follow-up to Sapp�s 2007 breakout project Thirsty, was recorded live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is a shining example of the gift of music that resides in Marvin Sapp. The CD was produced by Aaron Lindsey with vocal direction by Myron Butler and Sapp�s robust tenor as the main attraction. The 12-track disc features such standouts as �Here I Am;� �He Has His Hands On You,� and �Fresh Wind.�

Sapp says �the title track speaks to me as an individual and the things I've endured over the last three years. I'm still standing, even under the waves of pressure and difficulties - from sickness in my wife's life to the more general challenges of my own life.�

�He Has His Hands On You� is a beautifully comforting song offering a reminder that whatever challenges people may face, it is all part of God's master plan. �Many times people feel like giving up because they don't understand the process of God. Just knowing they are part of His plan, no matter what is going on, can keep them encouraged�it reinforces the scripture that says man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.�

�Fresh Wind� is an up-out-your-seat praise jam that is as irresistible as it is righteously funky and infectious. Sapp says �Fresh Wind� speaks of how people need to experience an individual revival. �Some folks think that once they've experienced the will of God one time that's all they need. The truth is that our daily prayer ought to be for God to send a fresh wind on a consistent basis � that we may be replenished in spirit and function the way that He is calling us to function. This song is just some old-fashioned PentecostalChurch!�

On March 16 Marvin Sapp will mark the release of HERE I AM with an intimate interview and mini-concert in Chicago as part of the music series The Experience (www.amusicexperience.com). Fans who pre-order the CD or DVD atwww.verityrecords.com will be gain access to a live stream of The Experience featuring Marvin Sapp.

HERE I AM is also available for pre-order at iTunes.

(March 14, 2010)

Soulcare Music And Gospelcity.com Release New CD Gospelcity Shout

GOSPELCITY SHOUT 2010 Is A Definitive Collection of Gospel Gems From 10 Artists Including New Direction, Dottie Peoples, Micah Stampley and the Chicago Mass Choir; Plus a Special Message from Paula White

In partnership with the leading Gospel music website in the country, Gospelcity.com, SoulCare Music presents GOSPELCITY SHOUT 2010, available now.

GOSPELCITY SHOUT 2010 is a fresh collection of music that invites the listener to sing along as they celebrate in the presence of the King of Kings. The CD includes church songs of praise and worship, majestically led by passionate minstrels of God.GOSPELCITY SHOUT 2010 features contemporary songs for the church like New Direction's "Lord You're Worthy" and traditional gems like Chicago Mass Choir's "I Believe In The Power" and 2010 Stellar Award Winner, Dottie Peoples' "Do It!" The songs are introduced by a very special message from Paula White.

GospelCity.com will be co-marketing this release with SoulCare Music. With tens of thousands of website fans, GospelCity.com will provide viral promotion via online marketing and social media integration. A brand new re-designed version of GospelCity.com is set to launch in conjunction with GOSPELCITY SHOUT 2010.

"For over a decade, GospelCity.com has married gospel music and the internet to change and affect the lives of users around the world. It is a great privilege to extend our brand to this fantastic collection of music," remarks the website's Strategic Development executive, Richard Picart.

SoulCare Music is a label whose mission it is to equip people to find wholeness and hope through the power of music. The GOSPELCITY SHOUT brand is the label's debut music series.

GospelCity (http://www.gospelcity.com) is recognized as a leading web destination for Urban/Gospel Christian music fans and consumers who desire to access Christian music, artist information, inspirational content, community exchange and spiritual programming online. GospelCity.com offers an easy and enjoyable means to connect consumers with the Christian music industry and the larger music industry that focuses on traditional gospel music, southern gospel music, and Contemporary Christian music.

(March 14, 2010)

Myron Butler & Levi Offers New Live Album Revealed�Live In Dallas Available In Stores & Online March 30th

EMI Gospel to release the all-new project REVEALED ... Live In Dallas from Myron Butler & Levi on March 30, 2010. Recorded live in his hometown of Dallas, TX, Butler and long time vocal group, Levi, take their signature brand of urban praise and worship to a whole new level.

Butler's first live album features a balance of distinct urban contemporary praise songs with Sunday morning ready church songs. Butler presents REVEALED ... Live In Dallas as a way for listeners "to lyrically and spiritually connect to knowing who God is and to reveal God's character." The lead single and title track "Revealed,"kicks off the project in high-gear with excited energy. The song is a call to God for His glory and His presence.

REVEALED ... Live In Dallas is a musical experience that audiences can both participate in and enjoy. "I created this album to be something the church can touch; something praise & worship teams can duplicate and sing in their church every Sunday morning," said Butler.

Noteworthy tracks include "Speak Into The Atmosphere," a definitively praise and worship song; an artful rendition of the pop classic "Time After Time;" and "Just Can't Live" a contemporary praise and worship song at its best, featuring Kirk Franklin. Also just in time for Easter, Butler offers the outstanding "Run To The Cross," featuring label mate Smokie Norful, which talks about God's finished work on the Cross.

With crisp vocal and musical arrangements, REVEALED ... Live In Dallasshowcases Butler's strengths as both writer & producer and Levi as one of the best vocal ensembles in today's current gospel market.

Butler has also partnered with the Gospel Music Channel and the American Heart Association for their Most Powerful Voices on-line competition. Butler will share his expertise and offer vital tips to aspiring choirs vying for the grand prize - the opportunity to perform live on stage with Butler at The Power Awards concert in New York on May 7, 2010 at the historic Apollo Theater.

REVEALED ... Live In Dallas will be available in stores and on-line everywhere March 30, 2010.

(March 14, 2010)

Are You Willing to Take A Stand?

Nationally syndicated radio host Cory �Coco Brother� Condrey�s new album encourages believers to take a STAND for Jesus

Radio personality, TV host, philanthropist, devoted husband, new father�these are just some of the many titles that can be used to describe Cory �Coco Brother� Condrey. This year, he�ll add yet another label behind his name, record producer.

On March 30th, Condrey will release his debut CD STAND 2010 on Tyscot Records. Featured on several tracks, Condrey is joined by an all-star cast of gospel greats like Israel Houghton, Smokie Norful, Bebe Winans, Canton Jones, Joann Rosario-Condrey and Tye Tribbett; STAND 2010 is an enthralling listening experience from the time you press play. If you�ve ever tuned in to Coco Brother�s nightly program, you�ll know just what to expect: hot music, revealing testimonies from well-known artists as well as his listening audience, and an endless amount of heart-pounding, life-changing worship.

According to Condrey, STAND 2010 is not just another means of expanding his growing entertainment empire. This CD has a far greater purpose.

For years, he has used his popular syndicated radio shows Coco Brother Live and The Spirit to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While not every one is afforded with such a public platform, Condrey believes anyone can still reach out to lost souls and make a major impact. This is the belief that inspired him to create the Stand Campaign and the upcoming STAND 2010 CD which serves as the soundtrack to the movement. �This campaign teaches believers that every one of them is important,� said Condrey, �You may never be called to speak on a microphone before thousands of people, but each of us is called to ministry, you are called to save souls through the life you live�.

The age-old adage �If you stand for nothing, you�ll fall for anything� reigns even more true in a society that bombards young people with messages of immorality and confuses religion with relationship. STAND 2010 was carefully crafted to include songs and inspirational moments (spoken words) that will encourage all believers to win souls with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency.

Fans will have a myriad of opportunities to become directly involved with both the STAND 2010 CD and national outreach efforts. Some of these opportunities include fan song submittal to be included as a bonus track on the STAND 2010 CD, fan-generated �STAND� video responses and Jesus Rallies.

From now until March 29th, fans can create videos showing their support for this movement by posting their very own STAND videos declaring they are �standing� for Jesus because�and asking others are they willing to take a stand. These clips, no longer than 5 minutes each, will be included in an online video campaign to promote the STAND 2010 CD. In addition, STAND will be making stops around the country during events called �Jesus Rallies�. If you are interested in having one of these rallies at your local church, please contact Tyscot Records 317-479-2343 x 302.

Fans will also get the opportunity to meet both Coco Brother and his wife, gospel songstress Joann Rosario Condrey during nationwide CD signings/Meet & Greets that are planned to celebrate the release of Stand 2010.

For more information about the Stand 2010 CD, please visit www.thestandcampaign.com , www.tyscot.com or call 317-479-2343 x 302.

About The Stand Campaign

The Stand Campaign is an evangelistic ministry founded by Cory & Joann Condrey in 2007. The purpose of Stand is to encourage the Body of Christ to become aggressive evangelists in their communities. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Stand also forms partnership with community organizations and churches that enable believers to help their communities through charitable outreach efforts. Just recently, Stand joined forces with Hosea Feed the Hungry to collect nearly 3000 blankets for Atlanta�s homeless. The Stand Campaign does not represent a specific church or ministry. It represents the whole body of Christ. For more information about the Stand Campaign visit:www.thestandcampaign.com

(February 27, 2010)

BET�s Hit Gospel Singing Competition �Sunday Best� Hits the Road Again In Search Of The Next Great Gospel Superstar

Season Three of SUNDAY BEST to Make National Stops In Detroit, New Orleans and Philadelphia

Premiering on Easter Sunday, April 4, BET's hit singing competition, SUNDAY BEST returns for a third season of higher praise and tougher competition. Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, the new season welcomes gospel recording artists, Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams to the stellar team of judges including returning multi-award winning siblings Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary. And if the U.S. talent pool wasn't enough, SUNDAY BEST kicked off the 10-week competition by venturing to Lagos, Nigeria in West Africa for the first ever international auditions.

U.S. auditions began on February 20 in Detroit and will conclude on March 6 in Philadelphia. SUNDAY BEST season three U.S. auditions will be open to contestants age 18 and older who have government issued forms of identification. Doors to the venue will open at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 12 noon.

In addition to the coveted title of SUNDAY BEST, the winner of season three will receive prizes from the Ford Motor Company, General Mills and Nationwide Insurance. Other brands integrated into the series include Walgreens, Design Essentials and Unilever's Degree Brand. SUNDAY BEST season three will tape the stage portion of the show at the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

2010 SUNDAY BEST PHILADELPHIA LOCATION:

When: March 6, 8 a.m. - noon

Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center

One Convention Center Place

1101 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

For up-to-the-minute information, footage and photos on SUNDAY BEST, please visit www.bet.com

(February 27, 2010)

Andra� Crouch, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, Dottie Peoples, CeCe Winans, Byron Cage And Many Other Music Legends & Today's Hitmakers Part Of GMC'S Black History Month Line-Up In February

Gospel Music Channel (GMC) (http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com) will celebrate Black History Month this February with music and artists that have inspired the world.

In addition to major premiere programming and specials, GMC will also present special vignettes throughout the month featuring artists including Marvin Sapp, Byron Cage, Canton Jones, Ricky Dillard, Beverly Crawford, The Murrills and Angella Christie reflecting on the events and historical figures in the Black Community that have shaped their lives personally and professionally.

Other highlights of gmc's Black History Month Celebration include: The basic cable television premiere of the 25th Anniversary of The Stellar Awards, the premier Gospel event that recognizes and honors Gospel artists, on Sunday, Feb 28 at 8:00 p.m. ET.Vickie Winans, Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin co-host this memorable evening. Legendary vocalists Tramaine Hawkins, Shirley Caesar and Dottie Peoples appear on stage together as do Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Byron Cage. The show also features piano collaborations from Smokie Norful and Richard Smallwood, Hezekiah Walker with his Love Fellowship Choir and Ricky Dillard and New G with a Choir Collaboration. Other performers include BeBe & CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin singing a medley of hits, Crystal Aikin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Israel Houghton performing with Mary Mary, and Donald Lawrence with the Verizon Wireless "How Sweet the Sound" winners, the Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir.

The world premiere of the 2010 BMI Trailblazers Awards Tribute to Donnie McClurkin & Andra� Crouch (Sunday, Feb. 21 at 8:00 p.m ET.)The all-star special -- recorded Jan. 15 in Nashville as part of The 2010 Stellar Awards festivities -- includes appearances and inspired live performances from a selection of contemporary stars and gospel powerhouses. Byron Cage hosts the tribute to McClurkin, which features inspired live performances by Latice Crawford, Micah Stampley, Pastor Marvin Winans, and Yolanda Adams, who is joined by McClurkin for a rousing rendition of "We Fall Down." Adams then hosts the musical homage to Crouch. Spine-tingling performances are delivered by stars including Adams, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, TaTa Vega, Mary Mary, Pastor Marvin Winans, and Dorinda Clark Cole.

GMC world premieres A Love Song for Haiti: The Making of 'Are You Listening' (Feb. 21 at 9:30pm) an exclusive special that goes behind-the-scenes of the gospel community's answer to "We Are the World." Kirk Franklin wrote and produced the song to benefit Haiti and assembled a who's who of gospel greats for the recording including: BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Shirley Caesar, Jeremy Camp, Marvin Winans, J. Moss, Smokie Norful, Dorinda Clark Cole, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kiki Sheard, Donald Lawrence, Bishop Paul Morton, Micah Stampley and James Fortune.

For a complete schedule of GMC's BHM programming, go to http://www.gospelmusicchannel.com/schedule.GMC can be seen in 46 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

(January 31, 2010)

Legendary Quartet, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, Celebrate 50 Years In Gospel Music

New Album �At The Revival� In Stores on January 26, 2010

The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, three-time Grammy winners and the #1-selling Gospel quartet of all time, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in Gospel music with the release of AT THE REVIVAL. An all-new collection of studio tracks, the 10-song album marks their third effort on EMI Gospel and will arrive in stores and online January 26, 2010.

"Rarely comes a time where an artist maintains relevance, let alone continues for half a century," says Larry Blackwell, Vice President/General Manager for EMI Gospel. "We are honored and privileged to partner with Joe Ligon & the truly iconic Mighty Clouds Of Joy for their first release of the next 50 years."

At the Revival is sure to be an instant classic, as the Clouds apply their trademark harmonies to soulful R&B and rock rhythms. The project was produced by celebrated soul-music producer/songwriters Raphael Saadiq (Mary J. Blige, John Legend) and DeVante Swing (Al Green, Usher). Both men were huge fans of the Clouds and count the Gospel quartet tradition among their earliest musical influences.

For lead singer Joe Ligon and The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, At the Revival is the perfect capstone to five decades as one of the music industry's most enduring acts. Timeless in delivery and timely in style, the album features the group's powerful sound along with their unwavering message of the Gospel.

"Here's a group that's still here after 50 years," Ligon says. "Here's a group that is dedicated - a group that believes that there is a God. Here's a group that loves what they are doing. Here's a group that has caused a lot of people to give their life to Jesus."

The Mighty Clouds Of Joy was founded in the mid-1950s in Los Angeles, CA by teenaged schoolmates Joe Ligon and Johnny Martin. They made their recording debut in 1960 with the song "Steal Away To Jesus." In the decades that followed, the quartet became true pioneers as the first Gospel group to appear on Soul Train and to tour with major secular artists including, Paul Simon, Marvin Gaye and The Rolling Stones. The Mighty Clouds Of Joy were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.

(January 31, 2010)

Former Brooklyn Tabernacle Lead Vocalist Presents a Benefit Concert For Earthquake-Stricken Haiti At The Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 8 PM

Paige Strackman�s Evening Of Gospel Music Aims To Raise Funds For The Caribbean Grace Children�s Feeding Program

Haiti has just experienced the worst earthquake in its history. Hitting 7.0 on the Richter Scale, the quake has completely devastated the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The Red Cross is estimating that over 3 million people have been affected by the natural disaster. The country was already in a tenuous state with over 80% of Haitians unemployed. Over half live on less than $1 a day and 40% of the Haitian population doesn�t have access to health care. With the recent earthquake, the plight of this third world country deeply touches the heart of gospel recording artist Paige Strackman and she�s endeavored to make a difference.

Known for leading songs such as �Days Of Elijah� and �You Are Holy� with the multiple GRAMMY Award winning Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Strackman has put her faith into action by organizing a benefit concert for Haiti to be held at The Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 8 PM. Tickets for the event at Carnegie Hall range from $24.50 -$52.50 and discounts are available for seniors and students. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.CarnegieHall.org or at the Carnegie Hall Box Office located at 881 Seventh Avenue in New York City. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the Caribbean Grace Children�s Feeding Program.

The evening will feature Strackman with Jason Michael Webb (CeCe Winans, Michael Bolton, Fantasia) as Music Director and the Harlem Quartet featuring Ilmar Gavil�n and Melissa White on violin, Juan-Miguel Hern�ndez on viola and Desmond Neysmith on cello. Strackman, a renowned vocalist in her own right and a member of Christian Cultural Center led by Pastor A.R. Bernard located in New York City, has made multiple appearances on the Trinity Broadcasting Network with Dino, CeCe Winans and Carman. Portions of the proceeds from her debut project Who Can Compare To You? are being donated to Haiti and she currently has a goal of raising $7,000 in 2010 which will buy almost 14,000 pounds of rice, enough to feed 650 children twice a week for a year.

This cause is close to the heart of Paige�s family as her husband is from Haiti. So Paige and her children started Lemonaid for Haiti (www.lemonaidforhaiti.com) where they set up a lemonade stand in their Brooklyn community ultimately raising thousands of dollars for the impoverished country. The funds raised were then donated to Caribbean Grace Children�s Feeding Program. Elsie Lherisson, the founder and head of the Port-au-Prince-based Program, is thrilled at the donations she�s received through Lemonaid For Haiti and other similar efforts. Started in 1996, the Caribbean Grace Children�s Feeding Program provides two nutritious meals each week to over 600 children. For many children, it�s their only source of daily nutrition.

Those who are unable to attend the concert are encouraged to log on to www.lemonaidforhaiti.com to make tax deductible contributions to this urgent cause. For more information about Paige Strackman, go to www.PaigeStrackman.com.

(January 22, 2010)

Gospel Greats Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams Join the All-Star Team of Judges for the Third Season of BET's 'Sunday Best' Premiering Easter Sunday, April 4, at 9:00 P.M.

First-Ever International Auditions in Lagos, Nigeria Raise the Stakes in the Search for the Next Great Gospel Star

Premiering on Easter Sunday, April 4 at 9:00 p.m.* BET's hit singing competition, SUNDAY BEST returns for a third season of higher praise and tougher competition. Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, the new season welcomes gospel recording artists, Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams to the stellar team of judges including returning multi-award winning siblings Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary. And if the U.S. talent pool wasn't enough, SUNDAY BEST kicks off the 10-week competition by venturing to Lagos, Nigeria in West Africa for the first ever international auditions. U.S. auditions will begin in February 2010. In addition to the coveted title of SUNDAY BEST, the winner of season three will receive prizes from the Ford Motor Company, General Mills, Nationwide Insurance and Walgreens.

Season two of SUNDAY BEST ended on a high note with 1.7 million viewers tuning in to the excitement as Y'anna Crawley, a single mother from Washington, D.C. took home the title, a national record contract and a 2009 Lincoln MKS. Many of the finalists from season two are also in high demand, traveling the country and living out their music career dreams. And the good news doesn't stop there. Third runner-up Latice Crawford and top 10 finalist Jeff Spain are madly in love and will be featured in a new reality series, ALMOST MARRIED, scheduled to premiere on BET this summer. The series will follow the two during the course of their relationship, their desire to get engaged and perhaps married. Season three of SUNDAY BEST will tape in April. Each week during the hour-long contest viewers will be treated to musical performances from the remaining SUNDAY BEST hopefuls along with candid feedback from the all-star team of judges and surprise visits from an array of celebrity mentors. The current season of SUNDAY BEST is executive produced by D'Angela Proctor Steed and Nia T. Hill of Strange Fruit Media, Kirk Franklin and Erica and Tina Campbell.

The Ford Motor Company, General Mills, Nationwide and Walgreens are returning sponsors of the third season of SUNDAY BEST. For up-to-the-minute information, footage and photos on SUNDAY BEST, please visit www.bet.com.

(January 20, 2010)

Donald Lawrence And Ted Winn To Appear On TBN�s �Praise The Lord� Show On Monday, January 18, 2010 @ 10 PM EST

Grammy Award winning artist/producer Donald Lawrence will be a special guest on the Trinity Broadcasting Network�s (TBN) �Praise the Lord� Martin Luther King Jr. Day special. The show will be hosted by charismatic pastor Dr. Zachary Tims of the New Destiny Christian Center outside of Orlando, FL.

Lawrence will be interviewed about his career, his latest CD �The Law of Confession Pt. 1� and on what King Day means to him. Lawrence will also perform his new radio single �There Is A King In You.� Other guests include Pastor Gregory Dicklow, John Gray and Pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr.

The psalmist for the evening will be Stellar Award winner Ted Winn and his vocal team who will perform three songs from his best-selling new CD �Balance� (Shanachie Entertainment). The new CD features cameos by Vanessa Bell Armstrong, DeWayne Woods, Jonathan Nelson and Myron Butler. Erica Campbell of the platinum-selling Mary Mary gospel duo says, �Ted's music and his voice are awesome and necessary in today's music culture. He brings a style and quality that is sure to be a favorite for many people.�

Winn�s latest single �The Lifter� is currently #33 on the gospel radio chart and climbing.

(January 15, 2010)

BET'S Celebration Of Gospel Features Television Premiere Of Marvin Sapp's "Best In Me"

Powerful Song is First Single From Sapp's Upcoming CD HERE I AM; Fans Can Call 616.773.1547 For Personal Updates From Marvin Sapp

When BET's Celebration of Gospel airs this Sunday it will feature the first televised performance of "Best In Me" - the new single from Marvin Sapp's upcoming CD HERE I AM, which is set for release on March 16, 2010.

Produced by Aaron Lindsey, who also co-wrote the song with Sapp, "Best In Me" is sure to have Celebration of Gospel viewers humming its melody on Monday morning. "Best In Me" powerfully affirms the purity of God's love in an unforgettable way with the redemptive vamp "He's mine/and I'm His/it doesn't matter what I did/He only sees me for who I am."

Sapp says,"It is a song about how the love of God is everlasting and completely uplifting to me, it really speaks to any individual who may have had low self esteem because they have let people define them who did not create them. I always say, God created us in his image and likeness, and He should be the one to define us."

"Best In Me" is currently available through all mobile providers as a ringtone/ringback and as a full track. Marvin Sapp fans can also get exclusive news and information about the new CD from Sapp himself by calling 616-773-1547.

(January 7, 2010)

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