Tony Terry: Kodak Moment

There are some artists that seriously need no introduction at all. Their music speaks for themselves. Anyone that had an ear for good R&B during the early 90s can easily recall the prized favorites of that time. Artists like PM Dawn, Al B Sure, Johnny Gill, Mary J. Blige, SWV, Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men, TLC and Envouge may come to mind. But did you forget to think of Tony Terry; the radiant and charming voice of young love whom stormed the airwaves with hits like "With You" and "Lovey Dovey". Of course you didn't. And also, he doesn't need an intro either.

But let it go on record that while his resume' has grown since then, you may want to rejoice over his most recent run-in with gospel music on his latest project, "Changed!". While Terry has mentioned he is not forsaking his musical career in R&B, he wanted to express his faith on record and render to the masses a project reflecting his gratitude to God for His many blessings.

In a recent interview on Miss Jones in the Morning (HOT 97, NEW YORK) Terry told listeners, “I am grateful to God for all I’ve been able to achieve, but I’m not finished yet!”

Inside his latest project is a nice photo spread, using impressive lighting and a very sensual side of the R&B crooner. We felt led to share those images with you...definitely proving that homeboy still has the looks. And after a good listen of the album, he also proves he has those incredible vocals as well.

[TERRY SPOTLIGHTS]
Tony Terry Official Website

Tony Terry Gets "Lovey Dovey" With God (EUR Web)
Album Review (PRAYZEHYMN)

Buy "Changed!" for $12.99 (Super Duper Club)

Jerry Mannery Steps Down

Malaco Records is going through major changes. This week, it was announced that Jerry Mannery, longtime Executive Director of the Gospel Division at the Malaco Music Group, will be stepping down from his longtime position and will be working with OwenMorris Communications, based in Chicago, as Client Service Director and Entertainment Marketing Director. As for the Malaco void, D.A. Johnson was promoted to the vacancy and will oversee the gospel divisions of Malaco Records which include: Savoy Records, Malaco Records, Muscle Shoals Gospel Records, and Atlanta International Records. Mannery was instrumental in helping to start the Mississippi Mass Choir with the late Frank Williams and for many years remained their Executive Director. He also was responsible for the new birth of gospel music from 1989-1995 which placed Malaco Records on the map; dominating Billboard and Cashbox charts with successful releases from the Mississippi Mass Choir, LaShun Pace, Rev. Clay Evans, Ricky Dillard & the New Generation Chorale, Dorothy Norwood and Rev. James Moore.

They usually say change is good...we hope that this is for the best. We wish Jerry Mannery much success as he moves on with his career and pray God's Blessings upon Malaco Records during this mode of important transition.

[MORE ON MANNERY AND MALACO]
DA Johnson Appointed Executive Director (Gospelcity.com)

Malaco Music Group (Official Website)

[ph blogcast] Limited Time Only!

Ready. Set. Click. Download.
In just seven days the new PRAYZEHYMN Blogcast will be temporarily removed. And only 25 PRAYZEHYMN-fanatics can download the exclusive file. So check it out.

This time around, we heat things up with 30-minutes of glorious running time - covering various topics and neat conversational pieces related to gospel music - our "You've Got Mail!" addition - 2 neat songs - addressing da "haterade" and a whole lotta' more. Download your version on your computer, mp3 player or ipod today. Just make sure you are using a hi-speed connection. The file is pretty large.

Oh, and there's much more to come.

[DOWNLOAD & LISTEN]
PRAYZEHYMN Blogcast (Apr. 18)

-temporarily down-

Preaching Out Of Season

Um, not sure if you got a hold of this sound clip, but this one is worth hearing. To some, this is not worth hearing it. It all depends on if you can take it. My commentary on this: Everyone ain't called to preach. This sound clip literally proves that.

Hope you enjoy. Just one piece of advice: If you are at work, please wear earphones for this one. We don't want sensational laughter to invade the workplace and to get the supervisor's attention.

[DOWNLOAD & LISTEN]

Everybody Ain't Call To Preach (MP3)

Dr. Charles Fold Passes

During the time period of 1968-1974, Rev. James Cleveland began to perfect his style and craft; reshaping the models of traditional gospel music as it relates to choirs. He had an inner lust for perfected harmonies and desired to instill that on his recordings - predominately used in a live recording setting. He hit it big with the Angelic Choir of Nutley, a church choir based in New Jersey, during this time period and began to search for other choirs to release his newfound, effective formula with. In 1975, Cleveland decided to record with a new group based in Cincinnati, Ohio called the Charles Fold Singers and history was made as the album, "Jesus Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me", went gold the following year and the title cut, a rendition of the Gladys Knight hit, was nominated for a Grammy. He later reduplicated that success with "Touch Me" in 1976 which featured the hits "May The Lord God Bless You Real Good", "Say You Love Me" and the title cut.

Fold became instrumental for helping to develop the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA); serving as active president over the GMWA Chapter Representatives. He, along with the Charles Fold Singers, went on to record over twelve albums and won a Grammy in 1981. He was best known for his powerful vocal abilities, directing skills, and for accompanying many artists during the 1970s and 80s on piano. He passed away Friday, April 7, 2006, after "a period of failing health" (quote taken from Gospelflava.com). He will be missed and will be celebrated for his active ministry and contributions towards the gospel music industry.

Funeral and tribute arrangements are as follows:

Friday, April 21, 2006

Visitation:
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church
9991 Wayne Avenue
Lincoln Heights (Cincinnati), OH 45215
(513) 772-5422

Musical:
7 p.m.
Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church

Saturday, April 22, 2006
Calling:
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Service:
10 a.m.
Crossroad Community Church
3500 Madison Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45209
(513) 731-7400

The photo below was scanned from the photo spread on the James Cleveland and the Charles Fold Singers Volume 2- Recorded Live "Touch Me" album.

[FOLD DEPARTS]

Dr. Charles Fold Passes (Gospelflava.com)
Gospel Music Workshop of America

Bright Road and Career For Mandisa

What do we know about Mandisa Hundley, now that she reach the Top 10 this season on reality-TV show hit American Idol and shockingly departed the competition with the lowest amount of votes this Wednesday (April 5)?

Well, we know that the Antioch, TN native was rated by all three of the judges (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) to be a sure favorite and final contender towards the end of the competition. We know that she has the belting voice of angels and has proven so on her renditions of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman", Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" and "Cry". She even did the unthinkable in performing "Shackles (Wanna Praise You)", a familar gospel selection from the archives of Mary Mary. It was a public display of her faith and allowed the world to see Jesus Christ on a pop stage. How incredible was that. Her voice is a silky powerhouse vocal that easily conjures comparisons to incredible giants such as the legendary Chaka Khan and gospel/R&B/disco diva Loletta Holloway. But her voice was one of a kind, unlike any of the American Idol finalists, in this season's edition of American Idol. She will surely be missed on the AI screen from this day forward, but we are sure that "a bright road and career" awaits her. Whether she does gospel or R&B or even a pop-flavored record, we are sure her vocals will not be watered down and are sure that good music will come from her future footsteps.

If anyone in Memphis or Nashville knows how to get in touch with her, let a brotha know. I've been a big MANDIVA fan and still am. We know that contracts will be coming her way.

While the show moves on, R&B influenced Elliot Yamin and the soulful Paris Bennett, whom has been compared to previous AI winner Fantasia Barrino, are still hopefuls to funkier ratings for FOX's big show. Ace Young, whom I cited as one of my favorites, is slowly taking a dive into the bottom due to his unenergetic performances and lifeless song choice. Maybe he will improve. But it is probably very evident that Chris Daughtery will easily sail to the top and win this year.

In the meantime: Keep your eyes out for Mandisa. She's blessed.

[MAN-DIVA-LICIOUS]
American Idol: Mandisa Page
Mandisa Makes Her Faith Known (Christian Examiner)
Mandisa Fan Club (Yahoo! Group)
[Previously on the PRAYZE Report]
Off The Subject: Idol Chatter

NuthinbutMOREgospel

Seems like the webmaster at Nuthinbutgospel.com decided to take things up a notch. The site now features new extensions and more appealing graphics for the eyes. It almost feels like there is hours of content to look at. For years, besides the reposted press kit bios from the music labels, the format at Nuthinbutgospel.com mostly surrounded RealAudio from mainstream and independent artists, album reviews from the NBG gang and an extensive album releases page which also features album covers and release dates. Now, the site boasts more content and cool pages to view including the irresistible blog page (which looks complicated compared to most blogger's layouts) and the much-more-personal Outro Page. Regardless of where you go on the site, you are sure to find good gospel and good coverage. Nuthinbutgospel.com continues to be one of the most popular websites for traditional and contemporary gospel music, and remains one of our favorites. You can also spot NBG at MySpace.com; joining the hundreds of gospel groupies and hippies already hooked to the new interactivity community.

5 THINGS WE LIKE ABOUT NUTHINBUTGOSPEL:
1. The latest indies are covered.
2. Almost two songs from each album can be heard in the Music Center.
3. Webmaster reviews have improved with more truth and less "butt-kissing".
4. Layouts and color schemes are graphically impressive.
5. Tries to be original and authentic with new changes each month.

5 THINGS WE DON'T LIKE ABOUT NUTHINBUTGOSPEL:
1. Choice of songs sometimes don't reflect the best of the artist in the Music Room.
2. Death threats we get each month about stealing their graphics. Yeesh!
3. What happened to the rare Ol' Skool throwbacks?
4. The webmaster reviews may have gotten better, but some of those guest reviewers think each album is 'perfect'. What's up with that?
5. The Top 20 hot gospel singles are not all singles...more like personal album favorites. And they are not always hot. Ouch!

[NUTHIN' BUT MORE TO READ]

Nuthinbutgospel.com (Official Website)

Interview with Louis Williams (prayzehymnonline.com)

Nuthinbutgospel on MySpace.com

Anthony Hamilton: Gospel-style

One good listen to Anthony Hamilton's silky soulful voice and you are bound to fall in love with his delivery, his passion of music and the uniqueness of the total package. He has captured the minds of new soul converts with his engaging choice of power-packed lyrics upon moving melodies like "Charlene" and "Comin' From Where I'm From". And while riding on cloud nine of success, he has released yet another project entitled "Ain't Nobody Worryin'"; which is strengthened by the lead single "Can't Let Go". Picking up the project is a definite good thing - while enjoying what he does best, you can find Hamilton pouring out his spirituality on two cuts. "Everybody" grooves with an irresistible Bob Marley-influenced bounce soaked in inspiring words. "Everybody needs love in their life/Everybody needs a little sun to shine/Shine down on me, on me". Loving that? Well, dig the even-better "Pass Me Over", which expresses Hamilton's views of our falling society filled with pain, depression, poverty and fear. But he expresses "His Word is what kept me"..."lay your burdens down"...and "if you catch me dreaming, please don't wake me til I'm done, just leave me sleeping til the morning comes. Just pass me over, make believe I'm not there, just leave me be, until the Savior comes". While the lyrics are strong enough to shed a tear, the music is full of gospel-tinged sensation. Kelvin Wooten, whom has worked with Huntsville's best like Jamel Strong and is one of Alabama's seasoned musicians, produces the track and lays down a very good foundation at that.

It's always good to hear a person express their faith and their love for God in their music - especially when it's coming from someone who knows what real soul music is. Anthony Hamilton may have won the affections of the soul music's fans, but he has surely expressed his gratitude to the "real" soul music. Bless the Lord, O my soul...

[MORE HAMILTON GOODIES]

AnthonyHamilton.com (Official Website)
PRAYZEHYMN Music Center

Tell Martha Not To Moan

Another footnote in the Martha Munizzi history book.

The Stellar Award winner has released her double-disc debut, "No Limits" on the Integrity Gospel label and has topped the #1 slot on the Billboard Gospel Music charts during its first week of release. The WOW Gospel 2006 compilation is now parked at the #2 spot, with Kirk Franklin and Juanita Bynum following behind. How incredible is that.

Munizzi is probably the first recorded non-black to top the Gospel charts. Just a sidenote: her previous projects, "The Best Is Yet To Come" and "Since He Came" climbed to the Top Ten on the Billboard Gospel charts. "No LImits" is her first to hit #1.

Malcolm Williams Spotlight

It's no secret to say that gospel artists, in modern times, must work even harder to reach the top. And while success comes with a great price, some tend to make the job look easier than others. Malcolm Williams is one that has struggled to reach the point he's at now, but he has done in the public's eye with a moderate ease. Still many question who he is, what label he's on, what is his brand of ministry and other questions as he treads the ongoing path to household recognition. With two great independent projects "Renew Me" and "Gotta Make It" and writing compositions for Dottie Peoples, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Mark Hubbard and the GMWA Mass Choir proving just how talented this brother really is, Malcolm Williams is striving to reach that point.

His latest project, "Walking In My Destiny" is a familiar set of traditional choir tunes and contemporary gospel jams that feature Great Faith's commanding background vocals during a staged live recording session in Chicago, Illinois. Williams pens most of the material and directs the choir; proving that he's still in the running to becoming America's Next Ricky Dillard. And with guest appearances from DeAndre Patterson, Paula Payden-Champion and the remarkable voice of Kim McFarland, the album is sealed with enough energy to invade a Sunday Morning church service. And on the Univocal Records, a new and innovative independent label headed by former EMI Gospel associate Shawn Tate, it's probably evident that this star is heading in the right direction.

Cuts like "Everything That Has Breath" and "All To Jesus" reminds us of Ricky Dillard's style, while "Due Season" and "God Can" reminds us of the glory days of the Thompson Community Singers. And "I've Got A Right" is just straight-up churchy. You can easily see how the sounds of Chicago has influenced this young brother's craft. Like him or not, Williams is on the move to keeping good church-choir music alive.

And also based off of the selected photo shots, you can also see he could have easily been a model. Move over Lonnie Hunter!

An extensive review of the project can be traced to www.prayzehymnonline.com.

[MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE]
Malcolm Williams (Website)
Tate & Associates (Official Website)
"Walking In My Destiny" Review (PRAYZEHYMNonline.com)
Hear The Music (PRAYZEHYMNonline.com)

Final Tonex' Update

Ok. The Tonex' coverage is getting way out of hand. This will be the final blog on this matter. Period. But you will be seeing a comprehensive article explaining why on PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com.

Tonex' (Anthony C. Williams, II) has returned to MySpace.com with not one page, not two, but a host of pages and blogs. And if that's not confusing enough, he has released another independent project (EP) to the world under the name T. Bizzy (his production name); which also bears the controversial Parental Advisory Explicit Content sticker. The project is currently available on iTunes. For the previous couple of months, Tonex' has confused a many group of gospel fans and followers with his troubling decisions to bow out of the recording industry. With public announcements appearing on radio broadcasts, press releases from his blog and website and gospel e-zines featuring the news, the confirmation distorted the idea of all of this being mere rumors. Now, he has reemerged under the Nureau Ink banner with the aliais T. Bizzy.

What can be said about all of this is Anthony C. Williams stating that Tonex' was retiring. Maybe he meant that the stagename and the character of Tonex' was bowing out. Hypothetically, Tonex' retired, but on a literal note, Anthony C. Williams didn't state he would.

Regardless of what, the confusion is still bubbling over. And God is not the author of confusion. Due to such confusion, links to Tonex's world will not be posted. Sorry.

Below are a few artifacts hand-picked from those sites to prove the statement made. And to those that believe the PRAYZE Report only posts gossip, rumors or lies, the evidence will always speak for itself.

Juvenile Delinquents

The state of Alabama has a well-known history of excessive criminal behavior towards religious or sensitive groups. Of course, many states probably experience this kind of craziness as well, but none as popular and as publicized as Alabama. After the big fiasco centered around the segregation lifestyle of the 1960s and the Civil Rights Movement, the press has always enjoyed their coverage of the rural way of life in Alabama. And today should be no different.

Announced early Wednesday morning on March 8, 2006, two men (Russell Debusk, Benjamin Moseley) were arrested in connection with a spate of fires that damaged or destroyed at least ten Alabama churches and a third suspect was being sought. All three suspects are white college students. And with a big awe or surprise, it has also surfaced that two of the suspects attended Birmingham-Southern College; a popular Southern Christian university. Another big sidenote: two of the guys have residence in Hoover, Alabama: a well-known suburb south of Birmingham mostly dominated by whites (goes to show you there's a such thing as white-on-white crime). The FBI is still investigating to see if these horrible acts would be considered hate crimes under the Church Arson Prevention Act. And to clear up any potential discerpensies, the attacks did not appear to be racially motivated since some of the churches had majority white congregations and some had majority black congregations.

But it should be clear, whatever the punishment is, it needs to be severe. Even if the crimes were committed by white juveniles. Goodness, ten church fires ain't no joke.

[THE DETAILS]

Two arrested in Alabama church fires (Reuters)

Off The Subject: Idol Chatter

Did I tell you that I'm an American Idol junkie?

Well, in previous years, I've tried to cover the phenomenal seasons of American Idol (AI) on the Prayze Report. And this year, Season 5, is no exception. Especially when I get my eye on some real talent. But let me just get straight to the point. This year, the guys are very impressive and knocking da gals out of the ballpark. Sorry, but it's true.

When you mix sex appeal with good vocals, you got yourself a winner. Heartthrob Ace Young is already proving that. And while he's definitely winning a popular fanbase with the ladies (and the guys), it's probably evident that he will be one of the last guys standing in this competition. If not, he just may be crowned the winner.

But the serious attraction, vocally, is a white boy with soul. And boy, when I can say he can "sang", he can do just that. Elliot Yamin has the voice of a R&B legend I mean seriously. When he sings, he sends me through rings of excitement and sheer delight. If there's anyone on this show I am ready to hear on radio right now, it would be this guy. Amazingly, he has taking a good spin at the R&B/soul material and has selected good songs to showcase his virtuoso vocal skills...the boy can even rip and run. So it's no doubt he will probably make a good R&B record, even though he may fall into the pop category as well since he's also...hmmm...light-skinned. LOL. He just doesn't have the look. Kinda gritty and, oh yeah, them, toofs. Reminds me of the Amish Invades R&B. But yeah, he definitely has the voice of the entire competition. Jon B, move ovah' quick!

I am from and currently live in Birmingham and I know that alot of people are expecting for me to root for Taylor Hicks (Mr. Soul Patrol). He's a good singer and is the only white guy in this competition serious enough to go for the old soul stuff. You know, Ray Charles, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Al Green. Taylor has the voice of a young Michael McDonald, and the look of him as well. Grey hair. But I'm not pulling for another Birmingham superstar. Alot of talent is in this area, and people are just noticing that for some strange reason. But with Bo Bice still heating up Sweet Home Alabama and Ruben Studdard being crowned a winner in the AI series, I think it would be unfair to see another Alabama-based singer take home the crown. So while Taylor is cool with me, I don't think he will be going home with the crown. But expect him to release an album. That's a sure thang.

Now the girls have been slacking in my opinion. But Mandisa Hundley (that's her last name according to FOX sources) is a sheer powerhouse. She's a good mix of Loletta Holloway, Jennifer Holiday and a tiny sprinkle of Chaka. While many may fall away from her because of her weight, I think she's just right for the competition. It's about the talent, and she surely has the vocals to win anyone over. You will be seeing her in the end. Awesome talent!

Chris Daughtry (the white guy with the bald head) has also been quite convincing. While I'm not a fan of rock music, I will say that the boy is an expert in stage presence. He surely commanded the stage last night; proving that he wants to win this competition. And he's not a bad singer, just a serious yeller. Don't think he's going to do an R&B song until they pull out the Motown hits, but Chris is okay with me. For now.

I don't know what happened with Jose "Sway" Penala last night. Um, he just didn't bring it. He has surely proved that he has the chops and the pipes to own a stage, but he just didn't connect the song with the audience in my opinion. I also thought he was scared of something.

Gedeon just scares me. Don't know why. I must give him props on this, he definitely has some pearly whites. Don't his smile remind you of Gospel's Lonnie Hunter.

Now who needs to go home (tonight)? I think crooner Will Makar (whom sung a Frank Sinatra tune in the key of "ouch") , Heather Cox (why did she sing "Hero") , Alley Cat Brenna Gethers (whom destroyed the potential of a great performance with the good music on Donna Summer's "Last Dance") and goofy-nerdy Kevin Covais (whom literally killed Marvin Gaye's "Grapevine") will be checking out of the AI hotel. Definitely not radio material and not good enough for an album release in the near future. And yeah, the rest of the girls may need to pack as well. Yikes, where is the passion?

Sorry about the delay and the shortage of pictures. Maybe more next week.

[MORE IDOL SENSATIONALISM]

American Idol [Offical Website]

AceYoung.org [Fan Site]

Mandisa [Yahoo! Group]

Taylor Hicks [Fan Site]

Jose Penala [Fan Site]

Preaching The Gossip

Well, in the last couple of weeks, the infamous PRAYZEHYMN praze report (blog) has been labeled the gospel industry's gossip spot. Not a good image for a blog that reports various subjects, events, and covers artists, album releases, promotions and other goodies within gospel music and abroad. Not only that, has been known to report the facts. But one of the most craziest reports to hit the Internet without seeing any coverage from the PRAYZEHYMN Offical Blog (exclude the many questions on the Message Board) is the false reports from an unknown and unfamiliar media source from Mediatakeout.com reporting Hezekiah Walker would be stepping down as pastor because of a person's accusations of his sexual orientation.

The reports were revealed to be false and Pastor Hezekiah Walker, who is known by many as the "Pastor of Hip Hop" and manages the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in New York, spoke regarding the craziness. Don't believe it? Well, check it out for yourself.

Regardless of what, being a freelance writer and one whom has studied the in's and out's of essays, articles and press releases, I basically knew the article was a hoax. Now, whether any of the information is totally fabricated or partially factual, it has yet to be seen. But the article didn't mention any valuable sources, didn't quote any statements from Walker at all and didn't even feature the writer of the article's name. So sad.

Journalism can be a b****. In this case, we have seen how bad and how terrible the media can be. What's even depressing is how the saints jump on the bandwagon to entertain such gossip. And to set the record the straight, PRAYZEHYMN and this blog in particular reports the news. If it's in the media, that's what I report. Whether one likes it or not. But I urge the believers in Christ Jesus to continue pressing toward the mark. Let's preach the good news; the Gospel. And don't be ashamed of it either.

[AND THE INDUSTRY RESPONDS...]
Hezekiah Walker Speaks Out (Gospelcity.com)
Hezekiah Walker Rumors Prove To Be Propoganda (Gospelcity.com)
Hezekiah Walker and Gay Affair Story False (Gospelcity.com)
The Article That Started it All (MediaTakeout.com)

More On Tonex': Not Enough Space

BREAKING NEWS...AGAIN!

It is known that Anthony C. Williams, II, better known as Tonex', created a blog/webpage for his fellow supporters and fans on MySpace.com, a popular online community which is highly supported by major celebrities including TV personality Carson Daly and Kierra "KiKi" Sheard. He provided weekly updates featuring audio blogcasts, commentary and even responses to his viewers. After the big upset of his retirement from the industry, Tonex' commented and began to let out his tension in a very suitable fashion. Thousands of newcomers visited the site and joined MySpace.com just to get a closer encounter with Mr. Tonex and to express their sentiments regarding his career move. Even Kirk Franklin jumped aboard the bandwagon to respond to Tonex's retirement announcement and his page on MySpace.com. This week, a major shocker provides yet another stone of drama to the recent Tonex' transfiguration: the MySpace.com site has been removed. There is no factual knowledge as to why the page was discontinued, but the site features this statement:

Invalid Friend ID. This user has either cancelled their membership, or their account has been deleted.

The saddest revelation of all of this may very well be found in the top message on his official website. Even though his website barely features any links to bio info, products or anything into a virtual dimension of Tonex's presence, it does mention at the top:
"Under Re-construction"

Could this be a sign of a possible return of Tonex or is it just a regular notice proclaiming Tonex's site is a work in process. In music history's timeline, he is known to morph or transfigure into a different being. Maybe this is just a season of change. Or maybe not. Only the future holds the answer.

In the meantime, the hundreds of supporters, fans and groupies of Tonex' whom joined MySpace.com and frequently visited and interacted with Gospel's version of Prince are left without a virtual home to turn to.

[MORE OF THE TONEX SOAP OPERA]

Out The Box For Good

Tonex' Interview with KJLH Radio

Kirk Franklin Talks About Tonex' (Kirkfranklin.us)

Valentines' Blogcast

Seems like the PRAYZEHYMN blogcasts are getting popular and popular. Maybe it's my voice or my personality. Not really sure. But here's another one...just in time for Valentines' Day. Wishing all of the PRAYZEHYMN Family much love on this special day.

BTW, the music in the background is a loop from one of my favorite love songs, "Girl, It's True Yes I'll Always Love You)", from the late great Barry White, on the "Can't Get Enough" album. Yeah, I went way back on yall'.

Another cheap down-south low-budget cheesy J. Matt production. LOL.

PRAYZEHYMN Blogcast (Feb. 14)

Bynum-Weeks Takeover: Atlanta Edition

Ok. All jokes aside.

Prophetess Juanita Bynum is taking her Global Destiny crusade to Atlanta starting March 5th - this time she is committing to pastoring fulltime. That's right, pastoring. Even though Atlanta is flooded with plenty of pastors and churches and many people within the Greater Atlanta community may wonder if it is even necessary to have another high-profiled preacher in the Hotlanta city limits, Bynum along with her teammate - I meant helpmate - Dr. Thomas Weeks III will be setting up their brand of ministry, full of heavy-dosed preaching, wailing and dangerous bucking, in Atlanta.

For awhile, this was presented around the World Wide Web as a rumor. Dr. Weeks confirmed those rumors on his website and is allowing the First Lady the distinctive opportunity and priviledge to pastor in one of the largest and fast-growing cities in the entire South. Let's just hope the church hoppers from Ma$e's former church won't start a riot over this piece of news. Seems like everyone wants a piece of Atlanta. Who's next to dominate? Elder Bernice King?

Purposed Church Schedule:
Wed:
5 pm. and 7 p.m.
Sun:
Prayer - 5 a.m.,
Services: 6 a.m., 8 a.m., 10 a.m.

[MORE INFO...]

My Global Destiny.com (Official Website)

Grammys Recap

The winners have been announced and in the GRAMMYs way, the televised celebration of the 48th Annual Grammy Awards was full of highs and lows. The closest to a live gospel or spiritual performance included Mariah Carey singing her soulful jolts and belting high notes on her "We Belong Together" performance, while jumping into an emotional "Fly Like A Bird", backed up by three-time Grammy nominee Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Choir. Closing the event was a soulful tribute to the late Wilson Pickett, featuring the Soulman himself Sam Moore (of the legendary Sam & Dave duo) and Yolanda Adams on background vocals with country superstar Bonnie Raitt. It may have been an uncomfortable situation for the gospel diva singing "In The Midnight Hour", but we are certain she could relate.

Of course, while the tough press continues to beat against Kanye West, he left with only Best Rap Album and a major performance with actor/singer Jamie Foxx on "Golddigger" after receiving a bulk of nominations this year. Big winners in other categories included American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, U2, Mariah Carey and John Legend. The late Luther Vandross' posthumous tribute album also was a big favorite (two wins), while performances from jazz great Herbie Hancock and pop sensation Christina Agulleria spawned major applause and was probably the most memorable of all the performances. Even though Shirley Caesar didn't go home with her Grammy (as spoken of in her album's title cut), Donnie, Yolanda and CeCe took home the trophies; proving once again the popular your name, the greater the chance of winning.

And the gospel winners are:

Gospel Choir or Gospel Chorus: "One Voice," Gladys Knight, choir director.
Nominees: "I Speak Life," Donald Lawrence & Co., "Live At The Fellowship," VIP Mass Choir, "One Church," The Choir Of Life (USA, Japan) and the Kurt Carr Singers, "20/85 The Experience," Hezekiah Walker & LFC

Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album: "Purified," CeCe Winans.
Nominees: "Day By Day," Yolanda Adams, "Mary Mary," Mary Mary, "The J. Moss Project," J. Moss, "Dream," BeBe Winans

Best Gospel Performance: "Pray," CeCe Winans.
Nominees: "Looking For You," Kirk Franklin, "Lift Him Up," Hezekiah Walker & LFC, "I Call You Faithful," Donnie McClurkin, "Be Blessed," Yolanda Adams

Best Gospel Song: "Be Blessed," Yolanda Adams, James Harris III, Terry Lewis and James Q. Wright, (Yolanda Adams).
Nominees: "Lift Him Up," Hezekiah Walker & LFC, "We Must Praise," J. Moss, "Again I Say Rejoice," Israel & New Breed, "Heaven," Mary Mary

Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album: "Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs," Donnie McClurkin. Nominees: "I Know The Truth," Shirley Caesar, "Be Exalted," Marvin Sapp, "The Rose of Gospel: Live From Houston," Dorinda Clark-Cole, "Say The Name," Martha Munizzi, "Singing The Old Time Way," Bishop G.E. Patterson & Congregation

Friday Night Live Blogcast

Thank God It's Friday. I'm sick right now (with a lil' cold), but steadily getting ovah it. Well, you get a chance to hear me in the latest blog post. From the Stellars to Tonex's present meltdown over the industry, catch up on the latest. And it's two full installments.

PRAYZEHYMN Blogcast - Part I (Feb. 2)
PRAYZEHYMN Blogcast - Part II (Feb. 2)

Shirley Goes To Jail

Well, we all were desperate in getting our tickets to see Tyler Perry's latest creation, "Madea Goes To Jail". But you might want to hold out for a minute and catch the latest gospel craze. More like crazy.

Pastor Shirley Caesar, mostly refered as the Queen of Gospel Music, embraced the Grand Ol' Opry stage at the 21st Stellar Awards (actually who's really counting) with a performance of her newest single from her highly-talked about "I Know The Truth" project.

On her set, Shirley sung a traditional tune tucked in a country-flavored batter called "Jailbird" with Rev. Dallas Lockett dueting with her. Caesar is telling a story about a man who gets time in the pokey. That's where Lockett comes in. He plays the victim in the song. And with a fake background enclosed behind him of jailbars and a prop choir lip-synching with glee, you begin to wonder if this is all we can afford for a 2006 performance on a televised gospel award show. The song was so frustrating to me that I decided to turn the TV off for good.

I'll just stick to Madea...especially when I am certain I can count on hearing some good gospel music and will witness a better grade of excellence. Hey, I know I will get my $45 dollars worth. Otherwise, I'll just wait for the DVD.

Some extra highlights I didn't miss during the Stellars:
1) What happened to Fred's head? He's looking like Predator. Not good.
2) Do we need to buy Deitrick a comb?
3) Ain't Vickie on that Star Jones' diet? Just wondering.
4) Donald may have swept the Awards, but didn't he look...like...he...needed some of that ProActive?
5) What the heck are we wearing to these award shows?
6) Jonathan Nelson accepted the award for "I'm Healed", but is it Donald's award or Jonathan's. I'm confrused (yes, I spelt it right...lol)

If I think of anything else, I'll post it later on. Keep praying for the gospel community.