Thursday, October 30, 2008

24th Annual Stellar Award Nominations



Central City Productions, under chairman Don Jackson, announced the nominees for the 24th Annual Stellar Awards - which takes place on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Leading in multiple categories are Marvin Sapp, Beverly Crawford, Jonathan Nelson, Ricky Dillard, CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Endurance, Youthful Praise and Canton Jones.

Also announced, renowned comedian/actor Sinbad will be serving as the host for the live taping.

The Stellar Awards have also selected their honorees for the upcoming show. The James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award will be awarded to Daryl Coley, while the Most Notable Achievement award will be given to Vickie Winans. The Ambassador Bobby Jones Award will be given to the Rance Allen Group.

Below you will find an extensive list of categories and their respected nominees for the 24th annual Stellar Awards.

Artist of the Year
Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
Kirk Franklin; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel


Song of the Year (Songwriter; Song; Label)
Canton Jones ; "My Day"; Arrow Records
Jonathan Nelson and Justin Savage; "My Name Is Victory"; Integrity Music
Marvin Sapp / Matthew Brownie; "Never Would Have Made It "; Zomba Label Group
Myron Butler and John Webb; "Stronger"; EMI Gospel
Percy Gray; "God Is My Everything"; New Haven Records


Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage; Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation; Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
Isaiah D. Thomas; The Greatest; Habakkuk Music
Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
Marvin Winans; Alone But Not Alone; PureSprings Gospel
The John Tillery Project; The Next Level; Danbla Records


Female Vocalist of the Year
Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
CeCe Winans;Thy Kingdom Come; PureSprings Gospel
Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
Jessica Greene; 4 The World; Habakkuk Music
Shirley Caesar; After 40 Years... Still Sweeping Through the City; ShuBel Records/Light Records


Group Duo of the Year
Deitrick Haddon Presents Voices of Unity; Together in Worship; Tyscot Records
Israel & New Breed; Live: A Deeper Level; Integrity Music
Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
The John Tillery Project; The Next Level; Danbla Records
Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston; Exalted ...Live in Baltimore; Evidence Gospel / Light Records


New Artist of the Year
Jai Reed; Anointed for Purpose; TLR Records
Jessica Greene; 4 The World; Habakkuk Music
Melody; The Reason; N'Flyte Music Group
Terrell Hunt; Awesome; Rich Escape Music
The Murrills; Donald Lawrence Introduces The Murrills Family Prayer; Verity/Zomba Label Group


CD of the Year
Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
Kirk Franklin; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel
Tye Tribbett & G.A.; Stand Out; Columbia Records/Axis


Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir Just Having Church Live; New Haven Records
Isaiah D. Thomas; The Greatest; Habakkuk Music
Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel
Tye Tribbett & G.A.; Stand Out; Columbia Records/Axis
Shekinah Glory Ministry; Jesus; Kingdom Records


Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey; Thirsty; Zomba Label Group
Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Introduces The Murrills Family Prayer; Verity/Zomba Label Group
Isaiah D. Thomas, Warren Jones, & Christopher Leach; The Greatest; Habakkuk Music
Jonathan Nelson, Justin Savage, & Kenneth Shelton; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
Kirk Franklin & Harold Martin; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group


Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
Deitrick Haddon Presents Voices of Unity; Together in Worship; Tyscot Records
Israel & New Breed; Live: A Deeper Level; Integrity Music
Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
Myron Butler & Levi; Stronger; EMI Gospel
Vashawn Mitchell and Friends; Promises; Tyscot Records


Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
Bishop F.C. Barnes & Co.; The Barnes Family Reunion II; AIR Gospel
Doug & Melvin Williams; Duets II; Blackberry Records
Endurance; I've Got a Home;SCCME Records
Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's; So Much To Be Thankful For; MCG Records
The Canton Spirituals; Driven; Verity/Zomba Label Group


Contemporary Male of the Year
Byron Cage; Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation; Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
Canton Jones; Kingdom Business; Arrow Records
Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
Marvin Winans; Alone But Not Alone; PureSprings Gospel
The John Tillery Project; The Next Level; Danbla Records


Traditional Male of the Year
Bishop Paul S. Morton; Embracing the Next Dimension; Light Records/ Tehillah
Keith 'Wonderboy' Johnson; Keith 'Wonderboy' Johnson presents The Rising Stars of Quartet Vol. 1; Malaco Gospel
Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's; So Much To Be Thankful For; MCG Records
Luther Barnes; The Barnes Family Reunion II; AIR Gospel
Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group


Contemporary Female of the Year
CeCe Winans;Thy Kingdom Come; PureSprings Gospel
Doreen Vail; Odyssey; Vail House Productions
Joann Rosario; Joyous Salvation; Verity/Zomba Label Group
Regina Belle; Love Forever Shines; Pendulum Records
Tonya Hairston Ware; The Voice; Princess Production Company


Traditional Female of the Year
Angela Spivey; Angela Spivey and The Voices of Victory "Eyes on the Prize"; Tekoa Records
Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
Dorinda Clark-Cole; Take It Back; Zomba Label Group
Dorothy Norwood; No Request; Malaco Gospel
Nancey Jackson-Johnson; The Launch Out Project; Habakkuk Music


Contemporary CD of the Year
Canton Jones; Kingdom Business; Arrow Records
Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
Marvin Winans; Alone But Not Alone; PureSprings Gospel
Deitrick Haddon Presents Voices of Unity; Together in Worship; Tyscot Records
Israel & New Breed; Live: A Deeper Level; Integrity Music


Traditional CD of the Year
Beverly Crawford; Live From Los Angeles; JDI Records
Bishop Paul S. Morton; Embracing the Next Dimension; Light Records/ Tehillah
Endurance; I've Got a Home;SCCME Records
Chicago Mass Choir Just Having Church Live; New Haven Records
Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group


Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year (Artist; Song; Label)
Canton Jones; "My Day" Arrow Records
CeCe Winans; "Waging War" PureSprings Gospel
Deitrick Haddon featuring Ruben Studdard & Mary, Mary; "Love Him Like I Do " Integrity Gospel/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; "My Name Is Victory " Integrity Music
Kirk Franklin; "Declaration: (This Is It)" Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group


Music Video of the Year (artist, song/CD title, label)
Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion; Journey Music Group
Deitrick Haddon featuring Ruben Studdard & Mary, Mary: "Love Him Like I Do"; Gotta Have Gospel! 5; Integrity Gospel/Gospocentric/Zomba Label
Kirk Franklin: "Declaration"; The Fight of My Life; Fo Yo Soul/Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group Marvin Sapp: "Never Would Have Made It"; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
Myron Butler & Levi: "Stronger"; Stronger; EMI Gospel


Contemporary Choir of the Year
Brent Jones & The T.P. Mobb The Ultimate Weekend; Tyscot Records
James Fortune & FIYA; The Transformation; WorldWide Music
Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose; Right Now Praise; Integrity Music
Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston; Exalted ...Live in Baltimore; Evidence Gospel / Light Records
Ricky Dillard & New G; The 7th Episode: Live in Toronto; Nuspring Records/EMI Gospel


Traditional Choir of the Year
Bishop Charles E. Blake presents The West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir No Limit; EMI Gospel
Bishop Paul Morton & The Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir; Embracing the Next Dimension; Light Records/ Tehillah
Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion Darius Brooks & The Tommies Reunion; Journey Music Group
Chicago Mass Choir Just Having Church Live; New Haven Records
The New Life Community Choir featuring John P. Kee Nothing But Worship; Zomba Label Group


Instrumental CD of the Year
Angélla Christie; The Breath of Life; ACSM Record Company
Barry D; Born To Play; TAQA Records/New Day
Courtney Nero; Make Me Walk; Courtney Nero Music
Esther Williams & Davey Yarborough; In the Spirit; DAV-EST
Jeff Majors; Sacred Major 7th; Music One


Special Event CD of the Year
Briana Scott; O What A Night; Waterbrooke Music
Dr. Bobby Jones; Bobby Jones Presents Ultimate Gospel; Time Life
The Clark Sisters; The Best of the Clark Sisters Encore; Dexterity Sounds
Vickie Winans; Happy Holidays from Vickie Winans; Destiny Joy Records
Yolanda Adams; What A Wonderful Time; Columbia


Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Da' T.R.U.T.H; Open Book; Cross Movement Records
FLAME; Our World Redeemed; Cross Movement Records
Frontlynaz; Game Over; Frontlynaz, Inc.
Sho Baraka; Turn My Life Up; Reach Records
Trip Lee; 20/20; Reach Records


Children's Performance of the Year
Ashley Payne; Peace in Heaven; Champion-Payne Productions
Dijon; A Kid's Point of View; Verity/Zomba Label Group
First Coast Children's Choir/FISH Kids; Raise the Praise/"Raise The Praise" Fitness; Spirit of Life Records
Kaira Miller; In God's Time/It Ain't Over; GFM Entertainment
The Bradby Girls; So Grateful; Jewel Records


Quartet of the Year
The Blind Boys of Alabama; Down in New Orleans; Time Life
Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's; So Much To Be Thankful For; MCG Records
Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires; The Barnes Family Reunion II; AIR Gospel
Endurance; I've Got a Home; SCCME Records
The Canton Spirituals; Driven; Verity/Zomba Label Group


Recorded Music Package of the Year [art credit / album (artist) / label]
Aziz Peregrino-Brimah for Bezworks Design, LLC [www.bezworks.com] and Vickie Winans (art Direction/design); David Deutsch, (photography); Happy Holidays from Vickie Winans (Vickie Winans); Destiny Joy Records
Michael Jay, (graphics); Arron Holmes(logo sketch art); Roussan Etienne, Jr.(photography); In His Image Band Gospel Go-Go, Live in DC: In His Image Band Gospel Go Go: "Word Of God" (In His Image Band); R.O.U. Marketing
Michelle Lukianovich (art direction/design); Keith Major (photography); Thirsty (Marvin Sapp); Verity/Zomba Label Group
Michelle Lukianovich (art direction/design); Meghan Foley/ Michelle Lukianovich (art director); Keith Major (photography); Take It Back (Dorinda Clark-Cole); Zomba Label Group
Donald Lawrence Introduces The Murrills Family Prayer (The Murrills); Verity/Zomba Label Group


Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Byron Cage; Live at the Apollo: The Proclamation; Gospocentric/Zomba Label Group
Marvin Sapp; Thirsty; Verity/Zomba Label Group
Israel & New Breed; Live: A Deeper Level; Integrity Music
CeCe Winans;Thy Kingdom Come; PureSprings Gospel
Shekinah Glory Ministry; Jesus; Kingdom Records

Monday, October 27, 2008

A Nightmare for a Dreamgirl



A very disturbing story hits the home of Jennifer Hudson, the former American Idol finalist and proud Academy Award winner. In an intensifying and on-the-hour drama investigation, the bodies of Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and 29-year-old Jason Hudson were pronounced dead Friday in their South side home in Chicago. An Amber alert was also issued on Friday for 7-year-old Julian King, nephew of Jennifer Hudson. The child is still reported missing.

Police are investigating the situation very closely but do not know the motives as of yet of their killings. They are certain that the case is "domestic related;" according to police spokesman Dan O'Brien.

In a MySpace blog post on Sunday, Jennifer Hudson said she was grateful for community support and posted a picture of her sister's son.

"Thank you all for your prayers and your calls. Please keep praying for our family and that we get Julian King back home safely," the blog entry said. "If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please contact the authorities immediately ... Once again thank you all for being there for us through this tough time."

In state custody at this time is William Balfour, 27, the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia Hudson. He is considered to be a suspect in a "double homicide investigation." He is currently on parole and has a very discouraging record of previous crimes against him including a seven year sentence to prison for attempted murder, vehicular hijacking and possessing a stole vehicle.

The timing of this grueling and depressing saga of drama comes at yet another peak for the beloved Oscar-winning actress and singer. She is currently enjoying the success of her recently-released best-selling album and a number one single ("Spotlight") on the R&B/Hip-hop charts and can be seen in the motion picture The Secret Life of Bees.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Remembering Dee Dee Warwick



Another soul legend has passed us by. She probably didn't earn the bright glow of celebrity found in her infamous sister Dionne Warwick, but Dee Dee Warwick was a class act that cut some a number of R&B hits in the 1960s and 70s with "Foolish Fool," "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" (later recorded by the Supremes) , the original version of "You're No Good" (also re-recorded by Linda Ronstadt in 1975) and the Top Ten R&B hit "She Didn't Know (She Kept on Talking)."

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Warwick started singing as a teenager and joined The Gospelaires and her renowned family gospel group The Drinkard Singers (also featuring Cissy Houston and Dionne Warwick). At the height of the Drinkard Singers' career, Warwick would continue to provide background vocals for their albums; leading to historic background sessions with greats like Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Wilson Pickett.

Dee Dee reunited with her singing family members (Cissy, Whitney, Dionne) on "Family First;" a song featured in the Tyler Perry movie soundtrack Daddy's Little Girls. Warwick also recorded with Dionne in January 2008 on her gospel album Why We Sing; performing a duet with her sister on the album's title track. These two works ended up being the last of her released work. Dee Dee Warwick died Saturday at a nursing home in Essex County, said family spokesman Kevin Sasaki. She had been in failing health in recent months, he said, and her sister was with her when she passed away.

She indeed will be missed. Yet her memory lingers with us...in spirit and in song.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Lecrae Tops Billboard's Gospel Charts



For the second week since its September 30th release date, hip-hop/Christian rapper Lecrae tops the Billboard's Gospel charts at number one with his third album release Rebel; selling an astonishing 9,800 copies in its first week and 5,600 copies during the second week of release. The album also did remarkably well on the pop charts - peaking at an astonishing number 60. Incredible for a gospel rap album. By the way, the album knocked former number one and gold-certified album, Marvin Sapp's Thirsty, to the number two spot.

Rapzilla, an online Christian hip-hop magazine, calls the album "a verbal onslaught against the world's view on life in modern day culture."

Lecrae is the first holy hip-hop star to top Billboard's gospel charts for two consecutive weeks in a row. Goes to show you how gospel music is changing before our very eyes. I don't think Grandma is gonna like this one bit.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Gospel Today Issue Pulled From Lifeway



We failed to report on the other big news headliner for the month of September, but still felt it was of great importance to discuss it. During the height of a heavy political season and with an turbulent market and economy on our hands, Lifeway Christian Bookstores - one of the largest U.S. chains of Christian books, magazines, film and other media resources - made it an effort to pull the Fayetteville, Georgia based Gospel Today Magazine from its shelves during the months of September and October. The reason behind their decision had little with the book's popularity and everything to do with the five smiling women embracing its September/October issue. Five popular and influential women pastors, dressed in black and resting on church pews, embraced the front cover - including Pastor Tamara Bennett, Pastor Claudette Copeland, Bishop Millicent Turner. Pastor Sheryl Brady and Pastor Kimberly Ray. The store, owned by the Southern Baptist Convention, decided not to display the issue on its stores' shelves due to their belief and policies that restricts the role of a pastor to men.

“It’s really kind of sad when you have people like [Gov.] Sarah Palin and [Sen.] Hillary Clinton providing encouragement and being role models for women around the world that we have such a divergent opinion about women who are able to be leaders in the church,” Gospel Today's publisher Teresa Hairston said. “We weren’t trying to pick a fight. We just did a story on an emerging trend in a lot of churches.”

Lifeway will still carry the controversial issue but will be sold after customer request. Meaning you must walk up to the front counter and ask for it. While behind-the-counter items are quite familiar in retail because of a number of issues ranging from low-volume quantities to high demand, from high-theft reasons to age prevention, the bold hypocrisy of Lifeway Christian Stores for their reasons to hide their merchandise from the public is a baffling subject for discussion.

Here's the problem that arises to the surface. If you don't agree with the magazine and its point-of-view, pull the magazine PERIOD. But Lifeway doesn't exactly pull the magazine for good. They also didn't just pull the issue. The magazine is still available for purchase, but you have to ask for it...because it's sitting behind the service desk. One thing's for sure: it is apparent that the Southern Baptists aren't too crazy to miss out on a good sale. Now I wonder what else is behind that service desk for sale that's not on the shelf.

JUDGING THE BOOK BY ITS COVER

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Announcing: Paul Porter CD Giveaway



The highly-anticipated debut project from Paul Porter - the renowned lead singer of the Christianaires - is finally out. And with guest appearances from Rance Allen and Harvey Watkins, Jr., A NEW DAY is proving to be one of the year's most talked-about gospel projects. The project, released on Light Records, boasts the radio singles "What Did You Do?" and the uptempo jam "I Made It Through" and is currently in stores now!

But you can one of the fortunate ones to win a copy of the project in our WALK IN THE LIGHT CD Giveaway contest. Thanks to the good folks at Light Records, five lucky contestants will be chosen as winners. All you have to do is answer the trivia question correctly and email us at admin@prayzehymnonline.com the right answer with your full name and city location. With just a little brainstorm power and prayer, we are most certain you will get the answer right.

The trivia question is:
What American Idol winner mentioned in an autobiography their affection to the musical influence of Paul Porter?

For more information and details (especially the deadline) on the WALK IN THE LIGHT CD Giveaway, click the following link:
http://www.prayzehymnonline.com/walkinthelightcontest.html

[PH UPDATE]
Edited: OCTOBER 20, 2008


The contest is over for the WALK IN THE LIGHT CD Giveaway. We had a great number of people who entered the contest but as said previously, only five contestants would be selected. And we are ever proud to announce our winners! They are:

Lisa Toussiant // Scarborough, Ontario Canada
Jermarlo Brown // Huntsville, AL
Ruth-Michelle Senegal // Manassas, VA
Keemon Leonard // San Marcos, TX
Tristian Williams // Durham, NC


The correct answer to the trivia question was Fantasia Barrino.

More CD and DVD giveaways and contests are to come...so stay tuned!


[A NEW DAY BREAK]
Walk In The Light Contest [PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com]
Paul Porter CD Review: A New Day [PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com]
Didudance.com [Official Website]
Light Records [Official Website]
Paul Porter MySpace Page [MySpace.com]