News: BeBe Winans, Ken Cook, Hawkins Family, Idol

• After excessive rounds of media coverage on the BeBe Winans' allegations of assault on his ex-wife, his publicist responded in a press release with these words: "Mr. Winans will not participate in any public display that may affect his children’s well being, but will instead use through the proper judicial channels to insure that his rights as a father are protected.” The gospel singer was charged with misdemeanor domestic assault after a dispute with his ex-wife, Debra Winans, in Nashville. An arrest warrant was filed on Wednesday last week and he was later released from the Davidson County jail Thursday after posting a $1,000 bond. Winans has stated through a previous statement from his publicist, also posted on his website, that "the allegations are inconsistent with my character."
• Ken Cook, manager of national promotions for EMI Gospel, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2009 at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN, after a long bout with colon cancer. He was 37 years of age. The gospel executive, who previously worked for Malaco and Sony Records, was influential for pushing gospel radio to expand airplay for hit singles including Mary Mary's "Heaven" and Tye Tribbett's "Victory." His more recent work surrounded projects that included Myron Butler, Kierra Sheard and Jason Champion. Cook, who is survived by his wife, Dolli, will be laid to rest on Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. Funeral services take place at New Life COGIC in Montgomery, Ala.
• The legendary Hawkins Family (which included Walter Hawkins, Lynette Hawkins-Stephens, Edwin Hawkins and Lady Tramaine Hawkins) celebrated in song during a spectacular reunion concert in Richmond, VA. They went through songs including "Special Gift," "Changed," "What Is This," "Marvelous," "Oh, Happy Day" and "When the Battle Is Over." In the audience was Donnie McClurkin (who also joined the family on stage) and Richard Smallwood. According to a review posted by Tramaine Hawkins on her MySpace page from super fan Jared Sawyers, he stated that "Walter also announced to the crowd that this was his first time away from home since he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last September." Our prayers and respects go out to Walter and to the First Family of Gospel. From the success of the concert, there is no word if a reunion tour will develop for the near future.

• American Idol will be gearing up for Motown madness beginning next week as the show's top finalists select songs from the vast catalog of Motown Records; who celebrates 50 years of music this year. Smokey Robinson and American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, who drops his new album Love IS on May 19, will perform on Thursday evening. Because of an important public address from President Barack Obama set to air on Tuesday next week, the show will instead air on Wednesday and Thursday on FOX.
• Feel free to listen to Ruben Studdard's new song, "Together," produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis by clicking here.