Remembering Rev. Timothy Wright

Originally posted on the Rev. Timothy Wright Online Memorial, April 29, 2009

Rev. Milton Biggham best described him during his introduction on the Grammy-nominated Been There, Done That project in 1995. It was probably the first time Rev. Timothy Wright was ever called on a publicly as the "Godfather of Gospel," but the description and momentous honor fit him perfectly. For over forty years, Rev. Wright had created a sound all together his own - chiseled into a mold designed after the Brooklyn sound along with the urban dynamics of George Clinton’s funk and the soulful, raw energies of James Cleveland’s gospel. With gospel forefathers Rev. Isaac Douglas, Bishop F.D. Washington and the legendary Institutional Radio Choir providing the soundtrack for his upbringing, Rev. Wright began his musical career by establishing the Timothy Wright Concert Choir in 1976. The move afforded Wright the opportunity to record for a host of music labels including Tomato and Atlanta International Records in the 1980s. By this time, Wright had already developed a strong following for his workshop-friendly and melodic-driven selections along with his exuberant passion during his moments of ministry.

Wright would go on to record several projects for AIR before his groundbreaking career move to Savoy in 1988. His Savoy debut, Who’s On the Lord’s Side, along with his Myrna Summers collaboration (We’re Going to Make It) exposed Wright’s craft and musical abilities to an even larger audience and also earned him his first Grammy nomination and a Stellar Award. The next set of albums felt as if Wright was on an international tour staged with mammoth live recordings. Using a footnote from the handbook of Rev. James Cleveland, Wright brought together some of the world’s best choirs and singers to join with him on his newborn compositions. From Cincinnati’s B/J Mass Choir on the Grammy-nominated Been There Done That album to the Chicago Interdenominational Mass Choir (I’m Glad About It) to the London Fellowship Choir (Live in London) who also shared the stage with gospel luminaries Bruce Parham and LaShun Pace, Rev. Wright was sure to make an impact on the world by using some of the best trained and unexposed emerging groups to hit the gospel scene. But none of his past discoveries could match the greatness of his most prized achievement: the New York Fellowship Mass Choir.

After gaining inspiration in Indianapolis, Indiana after attending the 1993 Gospel Music Workshop of America, Rev. Wright sat down with Savoy Records’ president Rev. Milton Biggham to see if he could duplicate the same spirit of unity and brotherhood exemplified in 1,000+ voice choir of the 25,000 member convention using the community and professional choirs of New York. The task was sure to be tedious, especially since the city of New York had not quite experienced a large conglomerate of singers in gospel music. But Rev. Wright made it all possible with his breathtaking 1994 Savoy recording Come Thou Almighty King. The album, recorded at featuring a stellar set of choirs and groups that included Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship (Crusade) Choir, Donnie McClurkin’s New York Restoration Choir, Albert Jamison’s Triboro Mass Choir, Robert Lowe’s Queens Community Choir, James Hall’s Worship and Praise and groups led by David Bratton, Eric McDaniel, Jae Nixon and Roger Hambrick. The spirit of unity floated like a butterfly through song selections like “Come Thou Almighty King,” the energetic “We Bless Your Name,” the heartfelt ballad “When We Reach That Wonderful Place” and David Bratton’s magnum opus “Revelations I.” What felt like a one-time event shocked the gospel community once again as the choir, larger than ever, united for a ten-year anniversary in 2004. This time, the album was flooding with superstar talent including Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, Dottie Peoples, Hezekiah Walker, Valerie Boyd, James Hall, Kervy Brown, Danny Eason and Maurette Brown-Clark. The choir was even featured on Wright’s last two recordings: Let’s Celebrate (He Is Risen) and Jesus Jesus Jesus.

The song "Who's On the Lord's Side" also remains a benchmark in Rev. Wright's forty-year music career. In 1992, it was covered by CCM rock band Petra on their Grammy-award winning and best-selling Unseen Power album. R&B/soul legend Patti LaBelle also revived the song twice: on her PBS' Going Home to Gospel special in 1991 and on her MCA live recording, Live! One Night Only in 1998.

While traveling home after a church convention in July 2008, tragedy struck when Rev. Wright was involved in a fatal car accident caused by a drunk wrong-way driver. The accident silenced the lives of his wife, Betty, and his 14-year old grandson, D.J. Wright was injured and survived the devastating wreck. Rumors of his death began to plague the message boards, but were quickly diminished when Wright began the fight of his life while going through a number of surgeries and entering rehabilitation at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Due to failing health caused by the accident’s injuries, Rev. Wright, the beloved gospel singer, pastor and songwriter, succumbed to this life on April 23, 2009. He was 61.

Important Notes:
On Episode 15 of FOX's hit police drama New York Undercover (aired Jan. 19,1995), Rev. Timothy Wright and members of the New York Fellowship Mass Choir made a guest appearance on singing "Trouble Don't Last Always."

Rev. Wright was nominated twice for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album at the Grammys for Come Thou Almighty King and Been There Done That.

He served as pastor of the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center COGIC in Brooklyn, NY until the car crash on July 4, 2009.

On May 5, 2009, Malaco Records, who also currently owns the masters to the AIR Gospel catalog, plans to release a double-disc compilation, The Godfather of Gospel, containing eighteen tracks in all from Rev. Wright's career. Hit songs will include "Come Thou Almighty King," "Been There Done That," "Trouble Don't Last Always," "For the Rest Of My Life," "Who's On the Lord's Side" and "We're Going to Make It."

Memorial and funeral services for Rev. Wright are as follows:

VIEWINGS:
Sat. May 2nd, 12-8pm & Sun. May 3rd, 1-5pm
Grace Tabernacle 1745 Pacific Street
Brooklyn NY 11213

MUSICAL
Sun May 3rd, 7pm
Pilgrim Church
1338-44 Broadway
Brooklyn NY 11221
Bishop Albert Jamison, pastor

HOME GOING SERVICE
Monday, May 4, 2009 at 10AM
Pilgrim Church
1338-44 Broadway
Brooklyn NY 11221
Bishop Roy E. Brown, Pastor

[WRIGHT OF PASSAGE]

Timothy Wright Online Memorial [PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com]

Rev. Timothy Wright on MySpace [MySpace]

CD Pre-Order: The Godfather of Gospel [Malaco Records]

Church mourns 'music minister' Rev. Timothy Wright [Daily News Brooklyn]

Timothy Wright, famed NY gospel singer, dies at 61 [AP]

106 & Gospel Cancelled

We kind of saw it coming.

Originally hearld as cable's answer to reaching the hip-hop community with gospel, BET officially announced their decision to cancel 106 & Gospel; sighting poor ratings to be the show's determining fate.

According to Black Voices guru Jawn Murray, the show was nixed from BET's lineup due to its horrific airtime on Sunday at 12 noon - a time when most of their target audience were likely to be at church.

The show, which featured hosts Angel Taylor (Trin-i-tee 5:7) and Jor'el Quinn (21:03) and guest appearances from Tye Tribbett and Kierra Sheard, became gospel music's golden token in helping reach the hip-hop community and newer audiences when it was announced to be the spin-off of the urban-focused, video countdown show 106 & PARK; which airs on weekdays and is still hearld as BET's #1 show in ratings (according to Wikipedia at current press time).

EJ Gaines, of popular gospel blog Gospel Pundit, began an online protest over the outrage of the show's cancellation by posting a petition to keep the show alive. After securing more than 1,600 signatures, BET released an official press statement from executive vice-president Stephen Hill in response to the grassroots campaign. The statement mentioned they "will continue to create new and exciting shows to entertain our audience. However, at times we must also face the hard task of making tough programming decisions, as in the case of 106 & GOSPEL, which was recently cancelled."

To see the 106 & GOSPEL online petition, click here.

[106 & NIX]

BET'S 106 & GOSPEL Cancelled [EURweb.com]

BET Bids Bye-Bye to '106 & Park' Spin-off [AOL Black Voices]

BET's Response to the Petition to Save 106 & Gospel [GospelPundit.com]

Save 106 & Gospel [PetitionSpot.com]

Shirley Caesar Rocks Hall of Fame

Nashville, TN - It has long been noted that Rock and Roll has its roots in Gospel music, so it was only fitting that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame kicked off their 2009 Induction Week by honoring Pastor Shirley Caesar with the first annual “Rock My Soul” concert. The award was presented to Shirley Caesar Sunday March 29th in recognition of her contributions as “an artist who uplifts and enlightens many, using her gift of music and ministry.”

The sold-out "Rock My Soul" show at Cleveland Ohio’s Playhouse Square's Allen Theatre included performances by artists J. Moss and Richard Smallwood & Vision as well as tributes from city officials and artists who had gathered to celebrate Pastor Caesar and her over 40 year ministry. As the headliner, Shirley Caesar completed the evening of celebration with the kind of powerful gospel performance that has made her an icon.

Mayor Frank G.Jackson delivered a proclamation highlighting her contributions to gospel music and its affect on the rock and roll movement. The program progressed with tributes by local aggregations; “The Word” Church and the Antioch Baptist Church choir featuring Helen Turner-Thompson, along with other local performers Tyniece J. and Company, and Stormy Cleveland.

With more the than 2,100 attendees on their feet for most of the evening, those less familiar with gospel music were drawn in by the praise and worship experience. When they thought it couldn’t get any better gospel music mainstay Richard Smallwood took the stage and sang “Lord, you are the source of my strength.” J. Moss then followed with an acappella rendition of Caesar’s “No Charge”. The soul-stirring song, originally recorded in 1983 by Caesar, continues to garner an up roaring of praise.

As Caesar was preparing to take the stage, greeted with a standing ovation, she exclaimed: “This is the day the Lord has made and I am going to rejoice.” Along with her coveted Caesar Singers she used the stage as a canvas to paint a praise-filled picture; dancing and singing many of her hit songs from the past 40 years.

The “Rock My Soul” tribute is a celebration of the roots of rock and roll music. “While this is the first year for this event, it is our hope that it will be an annual, community-wide celebration honoring rock and roll music’s gospel roots and incredible legacy of Cleveland churches,” shares Terry Stewart, President and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Photos Credits: Scott Shaw (The Plain Dealer) and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum

[ROCKIN' ROBIN]
Light Records [Official Website]

Thousands sing praises of gospel music, Hall of Famer Shirley Caesar [Plain Dealer]

Pop Winans (1934-2009)

The patriarch of the Winans dynasty, David "Pop" Winans passed away "at a hospice center in Nashville, TN, with his wife at his bedside" on April 8, 2009 at the age of 74; according to the Detroit Free Press. He moved to Nashville to be close to several of his children after suffering a series of strokes and a mild heart attack in October 2008.

Known for being the father of 10 children, who went on to become outstanding recording artists in the field of gospel music, "Pop" recorded two albums along with his wife, Delores, as Mom & Pop Winans on the Sparrow label and recorded a solo project, Uncensored; which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Gospel Album in 2000. Gospel remained strong to Pop Winans and can be traced all the way back to 1949 where he met with his wife, Delores, while singing with the legendary Lucille Lemon Gospel Chorus, which at one time was led by the late James Cleveland.

Winans also was best remembered for his moving vocal performance on Carlton Pearson's Live at Azusa 2 project (Warner Alliance) when he stormed through a moving remake of Sister Rosetta Tharpe's "This Train." In his latter years, he was featured on "Praise the Lord" programs with his wife on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

“He was called Pop because that’s what he was, a father figure to all of us,” said Karen Clark Sheard, member of the famed Clark Sisters. “He was a man we all looked up to.”

Funeral arrangements for Pop Winans are scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at Perfecting Church in Detroit, MI, where his son, Marvin L. Winans, serves as pastor.

[IN MEMORY OF POP]

Gospel giant Pop Winans dies [Detroit Free Press]
Gospel great Pop Winans dies [Tennessean.com]

2009 Recommendations...So Far

Okay, there's been a load of new album releases to hit the markets in the last few weeks and even though I cannot review everything that comes out, I decided to leave a few remarks and comments about a few mentions here at the PRAYZE Report. And because I am an avid lover of my soul and R&B (distant cousins of gospel) and a little bit of everything else, I'm going to bring them to attention here as well.

Soul/R&B

Tortured Soul
Did You Miss Me
(TSCT Records/Columbia)

I was brought to attention to this group when they added me as a friend on MySpace. I never heard of them before, and just like most groups and artists that add you on those online network communities, I didn't pay them much attention. But I decided to check them out before I added them and was instantly hooked to their soulful stew of house and R&B. They even bring together the classic Motown percussion sounds on the Hitsville title track. "Did You Miss Me" brightens up with the "Baby Love" handclaps and reminiscent guitar drives along with the cool, sexy vocals of Chrisitan Urich. It's almost like a Robin Thicke/John Legend (a la Once Again) but with a glorious polished sound that blends the guitar work of Chic and the just-as-fascinating Euro/Italio synth disco sounds of Change. "In My Fantasy" sweetly blends disco joys into their '80s galactic echoes. Dance floors should light up on their upbeat offerings, which dominate the course of the project. Other standouts include "Special Lady," the clever '80s vibes of the instrumental "In Motion" and the soft lounge/dance strobes of "Time to Make Up Your Mind." If you are fans of the rich soul of House producers Masters at Work and you love the mix of live instrumentation with clever electronic advancements, you won't have a problem at all digging into this mesmerizing musical experience. Definitely one of the most creative works in dance-meet-soul music since Chic's Risque'. Did You Miss Me must be really making noise since it's practically hard to find online and in US stores. Most online stores are sold out. Good look finding a hard copy.

And what are others saying:
"It is a disc that gets better with each listening, as both the group's musicianship and the natural irresistibly of the songs provide 2009's first great gift to the club scene...and to quite a few home stereos too." - SoulTracks.com

"Tortured Soul's way of working within a house learned club ready vibe while still bringing it out into more of song based, kind of blue eyed soul realm is pretty much unrivaled -- and this set is a masterful example." - Dusty Groove America

Link: http://tstcrecords.com/press.htm

Various Artists
Now That's What I Call Motown
(Universal/EMI/Sony/Motown)

Jamming the best of Motown into one disc is probably the hardest musical task to the human mind, but the folks at Universal-EMI try their hardest to make the event possible for their ever-popular Now series. And why not, Now has delivered compilations for almost ever genre and music style possible since its creation. And since the musical legacy of Motown has become the greatest and most celebrated chapter in the history of America's 20th century music, giving birth to music legends like Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and the Temptations, why not give them a piece of the Now franchise. In time for the 50th anniversary of Motown's first hit "Money (That's What I Want)" from Barrett Strong, this compilation neatly packages 25 of Motown's best from the Marvelettes "Please Mr. Postman" to Rick James' "Super Freak" from the 1981 LP Street Songs. With only 90 minutes, it's extremely difficult to smash Motown's discography into an introductory CD, but this one is probably the best place to start and you get more bang for your buck. Sure, people will complain when they see only three Holland/Dozier/Holland selections on board and may even quibble when they see certain Motown stars (Spinners, Thelma Houston, Boyz II Men, Debarge, a solo Lionel Richie) omitted from the super list, but what is presented is probably the very best singles one can recall firstly from the Motown library. Marvin Gaye's pivotal "What's Going On" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" are historic and are represented, along with the Temps' "My Girl" and Mary Wells' "My Guy" (both penned by Smokey Robinson). Rounding out the set are clever offerings like Diana Ross' "Upside Down," the highly-forgotten Edwin Starr protest song 'War," Gladys Knight's "Neither One of Us" and the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back." If you just need one disc to introduce the Motown story, look no further.

Now That's What I Call Motown! landed at #13 on the Billboard 200 in January 2009.

Kudos to ThinkTank Marketing.

And what are others saying:
"...this volume of the Now series is one of many decent single-disc introductions to the label." - AllMusic.com

Gospel

Israel Houghton
The Power of One
(Integrity Music/Colubmia)

Don't get it twisted, this is not his first solo project. But judging from the potency of the cuts offered on The Power of One, this remains his best. Energetic funk inspired from Prince's hymnal captures the grooves of "Saved By Grace," while the upbeat reggae/hip-hop bounce of "Just Wanna Say" sounds as big as anything Houghton has ever put out, even with New Breed. The Mary Mary collaboration on "Every Prayer" is the album's definite ballad, while Houghton submerges into newer and comfortable styles with the reggae-styled "Surely Goodness," the pop-friendly vibes of "Moving Forward" and the U2/John Mayer-tinged "Sing (Redemption's Song)." Amazingly, there's more gospel to chew on this release...even if the worship offerings are fewer on this round. The lyrics, still strong in their design, are more inspirational and universal, which might give Houghton an advantage on mainstream radio. With these grooves and innovative breaks into Houghton's worship system, it's hard to deny his place in today's music scene.

I'm still wrestling with Integrity Music's failure of sending me a press kit or CD for review. When it comes to Israel & New Breed, "I gitz no love."

The Power of One debuted at #1 on both Christian Albums and Gospel Albums charts and also #34 on the Billboard 200.

To read the PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com album review, click here: http://www.prayzehymnonline.com/reviews_israelhoughton01.html

And what are others saying:
"When music and musicianship are this worshipful, virtuoso, and varied, it's easy to get caught up, kick back, and join the praise." - ChristianityToday.com

[MORE INTO RECOMMENDATIONS]
Tortured Soul [Press]
Tortured Soul [MySpace.com]

Motown 50 [Official Website]
Israel Houghton - The Power of One: Album Review [PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com]

Donnie McClurkin Is Tired of Big Pimpin' Preachers

Finally...someone speaks about the over excess of super indulgent preacher lifestyles.

Donnie McClurkin, best-selling gospel singer, songwriter and a pastor himself, spoke with Essence in an article last week about the fancy opulent lifestyles of the church's rich and famous and candidly expressed his grief about their unwise choices.

"As pastors, we have to link arms and have bi-partisanships. The [Black] church has always been the face of the community. Now we have to take on the responsibility of becoming true servants to the people from all walks of life. I get so mad when I see these pimpin' preachers driving Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, flying around in their private jets, and making it seem like prosperity and money is the way of God when 90 percent of your congregation is on Section 8 or can't figure out how they are going to keep their lights on or feed their kids. I'm big on perception, and what would it look like for me to live so lavishly if the people in my church are struggling?”

This seems to be a popular matter on blogs and messages boards (see the Mo'Kelly Report and Firstlovechristian.com) lately as the lifestyles of Juanita Bynum and more recent Pastor Jamal Harrison-Bryant (of Baltimore, MD) are now causing a fixed blog sensation with the faith community. And while McClurkin has made his share of big bucks for his chart-topping albums, he goes on the record in the article to state that he doesn't receive "a dime" from the church he started eight years ago.

"I have one vehicle and it's not a Mercedes, it's a Lincoln Navigator. I don't receive a dime—not an Abraham Lincoln copper coin—and haven't for the last seven-and-a-half years because I'm okay.”

With the recent announcement of GM Motors CEO Rick Wagoner being forced to resign due to their failure to re-strategize the company in the face of a sour economy, it is probably time for the big pimpin' preachers to retire their lavish lifestyles and face reality. The super deluxe offerings is soon to run dry.

McClurkin is prepared to release his upcoming album, We All Are One (Live in Detroit); expected to hit stores March 31, 2009.

[WE FALL DOWN SOME MORE]
Donnie McClurkin Disgusted with Pastoral Excesses [GospelToday.com]

Freebies with Donnie McClurkin's Pre-Order from Verity [PRAYZE Report]

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.

J Matt Talks About Gamble & Huff at SoulMusic.com

Gospel music isn't the only music genre that peaks my attention. Raised on the good stuff from my mom -n- pop's records, I found myself studying, learning and exposing myself to musical styles and genres consisting of pop, soul, R&B, disco, jazz and rock.

This month, I contributed an appreciation article to David Nathan's SoulMusic.com on the rich and enduring legacy of one of the greatest tag-team contributors to the soul music kingdom: Kenneth Gamble & Leon A. Huff. Their dynamic and creative forces drove the legendary Philadelphia International Records - one of the greatest black music labels of all time - to the top of the charts and opened doors for dozens of great music acts including Teddy Pendergrass, Patti LaBelle, Bunny Sigler (talented songwriter who has just recently recorded a gospel album), the O'Jays, the Intruders, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, M.F.S.B. and Billy Paul. But beyond their smart entrepreneur skills, their work as a songwriter duo helped define the blueprint of '70s soul music and even pioneered what most music historians call the pulse of the disco movement. With the accompanying talented rhythm, string and horn sections of M.F.S.B., Gamble & Huff pumped out dozens of R&B and pop hit singles that include "Back Stabbers," "Only the Strong Survive," "Close the Door," "For the Love of Money," "When Will I See You Again, "The Love I Lost," "Love Train," and "If You Don't Love Me By Now." The list goes on and on and on.

The appreciation article on Gamble & Huff can be viewed at SoulMusic.com at:
http://soulmusic.com/gahueyofe.html

SoulMusic.com is one of the coolest websites focused on preserving the rich heritage and legacy of R&B and soul music. And I'm glad to be one of the fortunate ones to make such a contribution to their popular database of history. David Nathan (a.k.a. "British Ambassador of Soul), for those who may not know, is a stellar writer, music historian and has written wonderful liner notes for countless compilations and re-issues for Luther Vandross, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and Aretha Franklin, just to name a few.

[TALKIN' BOUT SOUL MUSIC]
Gamble & Huff Express Yourself Feature [SoulMusic.com]
SoulMusic.com [Official Website]

Freebies with Donnie McClurkin's Pre-Order from Verity

Pre-order Donnie McClurkin's WE ALL ARE ONE (Live in Detroit) NOW for just $9.99 and get a free poster and free instant download of "Trusting In You"! Pre-order at http://www.verityrecords.com/

Promotion runs untill March 30th! Be sure to check out "Wait On The Lord", featuring gospel powerhouse Karen Clark-Sheard.

Listen to the song here!

Wait On The Lord (AAC, Streaming, 128k, Audio)http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=yZy2noYF0XOmQiS3ERkg7ytv7_8AKRsf&UserName=Unknown
Wait On The Lord (MP3, Streaming, 192k, Audio) http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=s5hOJYvcvTXzeoqCzYxtoHu30LIcKGbX&UserName=Unknown

“Whatever I have, I offer to the Lord, and whatever He wants to do with it, He does.” This is Donnie McClurkin’s approach to making music.

McClurkin’s smash releases have brought home a trophy case full of awards which includes: 2007 Trumpet Award; two (2) Grammy Awards, Best Traditional Gospel Album- Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs (2006), Best Soul Contemporary Gospel Album- Again (2004); NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel Artist (2004), a BET Award (2001), a (2002) Soul Train Music Award and a number of Dove and Stellar Awards. His upcoming CD – WE ALL ARE ONE (Live In Detroit), his 4th for Verity Gospel Music Group, is sure to continue this trend.

Recorded at Straight Gate International Church in Detroit , the set features Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters on the first single “Wait On The Lord.” Other tracks include “Choose to Be Dancing,” “When You Love” featuring Mary Mary and Cece Winans; “Trusting In You” and more.

McClurkin’s television appearances are a mixture of performances on shows like Good Morning America, CBS Saturday Early Show, The View, Essence Awards, BET Awards, Trumpet Awards, UNCF: Evening of the Stars, Extra! TV Guide Channel, and cameos on sitcoms such as UPN’s “Girlfriends”, “The Parkers” and Paramount Studio’s award winning film “The Fighting Temptation” starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Beyonce Knowles. He has been featured in USA Today, New York Times, Essence Magazine, Ebony & Jet Magazine, Billboard, Daily Variety and Hollywood Reporter and many others. Still with all the fame and acclaim he has accrued, McClurkin’s sights for posterity are set on things far greater than material gain.

McClurkin served as an assistant to Pastor Marvin Winans at Detroit’s Perfecting Church for over a decade; he was ordained and sent out by Winans in 2001 to establish Perfecting Faith Church , in Freeport , New York . After overcoming an abusive childhood McClurkin was compelled to share his story with others in his book, “Eternal Victim/Eternal Victor! As a teen he was drawn to street evangelism and prisons; his evangelistic approach and passion to minister to people are evident whenever he’s before an audience. Whether it is on Sunday mornings or in a large arena, his mission is to reach people with the good news of the gospel. “As much as I love music and singing, more now than ever before, I feel my greatest strengths and calling lie in pastoral ministry. It’s my very existence and my greatest joy,” said McClurkin.

When asked what message he wants his life to convey, McClurkin says, “I hope people will be able to say that I really had a true relationship with God,” he concluded. “Not only did I sing it, but my very life exemplified it…no façade or hypocrisy. When I was wrong, I was wrong, but I took blame rather than allow holiness to appear to be some fabricated way of life. I want that people will not have seen me, but rather seen that this is what a relationship with Jesus is like and I would hope it could be said that holiness was what I lived, and what I passed on to the next generation, and the next.”

[MADE TO PRE-ORDER]
Pre-Order Donnie McClurkin's We All Are One for $9.99 Promotion [Verity Records]

Wait on the Lord [AAC, Streaming]
Wait on the Lord [MP3 Streaming]

BeBe Gets Physical

Move over Chris Brown, you got some major competition now.

For gospel music lovers, this isn't the news we like to report, but it's news anyway. BeBe Winans is now the buzz on blogs for "allegedly pushing his ex-wife to the ground during an argument last month.;" according to pop blog Smoking Gun. Within the court filing, Winans, 45, and his former spouse got into a "verbal altercation" on February 13 about "custody issues dealing with their children." Winans was arrested for a misdemeanor domestic assault charge and was held briefly in the Davidson County Jail before posting a $1000 bond.

The incident went under the radar - until now. And the gospel community is now at a stand still. In the wake of Chris Brown's abusive tirade on singer pop star Rhianna and the commotion surrounding their careers, BeBe Winans is currently serving as a co-host and judge of BET's Sunday Best; now in its second season. Not sure if he's going to remain in that seat since protesters demanded Chris Brown be removed from the list of nominees at this year's Teen Choice Awards. They may call on the same actions from Winans.

And even bigger worries are bound to emerge: BeBe & CeCe Winans have a reunion album they are preparing to drop later this year. Surely this issue will disappear from the headlines, but not from the minds of those that cherished BeBe's healthy, wholesome, father-like image. As one colleague told the staff at PRAYZEHYMN today, "Sunday Best has become Sunday Worst."

[BEBE MAKES A BOO-BOO]
Gospel Star BeBe Winans Arrested for Assault [Sandra Rose]
Gospel Star In Assault Rap [The Smoking Gun]
BeBe Winans's Former Wive Talks About Assault [HelloBeautiful.com]

March Madness in Alabama Music

Alabama has always had strong music roots, whether the world noticed it or not. And the sheer thought of American Idol winners and runner-ups including Ruben Studdard, Taylor Hicks and Bo Bice is just another proud moment tucked in Alabama's rich heritage. It's such a relief that the Birmingham News is presenting a March Madness-styled tournament to find the No. 1 music icon that best represents the state. And boy, is there a rich list of selections to filter through. From the great jazz/pop crooner Nat King Cole to honkey-tonk pioneer Hank Williams, from jazz great Sun Ra to the dynamic soul legend Wilson Pickett, the offerings are a-plenty and cover a multitude of music genres; stretching from pop to gospel.

And out of the 64 seeds selected, the Birmingham News was gracious to put a good number of gospel legends through. And they are:

Birmingham native Dorothy Love Coates, also lead singer of the Original Gospel Harmonettes; who recorded a heap of gospel hits including "99 and a Half," "Get Away Jordan" and "That's Enough" and "You Can't Hurry God."

Ten time GRAMMY-Award winning pop/jazz/gospel sextet Take 6, who established their group at Oakwood College in Huntsville, Ala. Mervyn Warren, an original member, who has produced for Whitney Houston, Take 6, Quincy Jones, David Foster, Celine Dion, Brandy and Leann Rimes, was also born in Huntsville, Ala.

Vestal Goodman, a singer raised on the Southern Gospel tradition, sung with the Happy Goodmans. She enjoyed a healthy career singing with Bill & Gloria Gaither during their Homecoming celebrations.

The Blind Boys of Alabama, who started their career as students at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939, is a multiple GRAMMY-award winning quartet are driving forces in the traditional gospel genre and have recorded hits with Ben Harper, Aaron Neville, Mavis Staples, George Clinton and were even joined by Prince on state at a Knitting Factory show in 2008.

Other favorites in the list include the Temptations (former members Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and, later, Dennis Edwards are all from Alabama) Stax artist Eddie Floyd (known for writing and recording "Knock on Wood"), Sun Records' founder Sam Phillips, the legendary Muscle Shoals Backing Band, jazz great Dinah Washington, Motown artist Martha Reeves, Lionel Richie & the Commodores, blind blues sensation Clarence Carter, country-rock band Alabama and Tony-Award winning actress Nell Carter.

If you are interested in voting for your favorite gospel star, or any one of these great heroes in the music world, you still have a little time left. Submit your vote for first-round picks by going to: http://blog.al.com/bn/madness. Should be a March Madness most Alabamaians won't forget.

[TREAT HOME ALABAMA]
Who's Your Number One? [Al..com]
Choose Alabama's Top Music Icon: Vote Now [Al.com]
Download Complete Bracket - [PDF]

Mister McCoy Just Can't Take the Heat

While I am used to being in the hot seat, criticism is something that we all expect. Regardless if we are doing the best of our service or just lacking on a few accomplishments, we are met with pressure all the time. But the irony of the locals who celebrate their buddies and com padres is that while it is okay to attack others on their shortcomings and even their bloopers, you just can't point a finger at them when they end up on the hot seat.

Let's take a good long look at Mr. Brian McCoy. His personal home videos mainly feature Birmingham groups that are so dear to him (Arthur Beard & Elements of Worship, Chosen Generation, Prince Yelder). But he carefully screens the comments so that each piece of commentary reflects only good things and positive feedback from the public. I could okay that personal choice if only if McCoy reflected the same kind of fortitude with other groups and ministries. See, the old street saying rings aloud: "Be careful how you treat others, it just might come back to you and bite you in the ___." The same YouTube subscriber waddle on deep waters when he posts commentaries that criticize the recent BET Celebration of Gospel, men who sing like Karen Clark-Sheard and posting Chris Crocker parodies of embattled Birmingham, Ala. mayor Larry Langford. Goodness gracious, we have another pot calling a kettle black.



I was bugged by this episode while checking out a video of McCoy's local hero, Arthur Beard and his group. In a video titled Wonderful Is Your Name, where the group leaps into a 8-minute version of the Hezekiah Walker/Melvin Crispell mid-tempo jam bearing the same name, only positive feedback is featured. I wanted to toss up a joke...it was a light humor joke on how the director begins to jump up and down in a chaotic frenzy that looks more like Pokemon' doing jumping jacks [check it out at 3:11; video below]. The comment was never posted. That can be understandable since everyone can't take a joke. But McCoy easily pokes fun at other ministries and gospel singers and choirs...but it's totally unfair to talk about his own buddy system. How distasteful and...hmmm...hypocritical.



The hypocritical scale is tilted even more so when he writes that he "DO NOT TOLERATE CRITIQUES ON THIS CHANNEL! IF IT'S MINISTRY, NO CRITIQUING." Interesting, why is it okay for you to critique sharply and not your subscribers?

McCoy, here's some words of wisdom you may want to take heed to...don't talk about folk and their ministries aloud and you can't take the heat. Keep your thoughts to yourself. By the way, hasn't your pastor, the Rev. Gregory L. Clarke of New Hope Baptist Church (another person void of negative comments on his posts), been sentenced to 21 months in prison for "under reporting on his tax returns $110,000 in earned income during the years 2000, 2001 and 2002. I thought so.

[RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO]
Judge says convicted Birmingham pastor must go to prison Friday [Religion News Blog]

Judge says convicted pastor must go to prison Friday (CBN.com]

Three federal judges hear appeal in Rev. Clarke's tax fraud conviction [Al.com]

Gospel Today Bows Out from Printing

With the difficulties of today's economy putting a blunt death sentence on major print publications (Life) and popular black magazines like Honey, Savoy and Emerge, its staggering blow has extended itself to the 20-year old gospel lifestyle magazine Gospel Today. Recently announcing their retirement from the printing press, Dr. Teresa Hairston, the mag's founder and overseer, remains optimistic about its future as they re-strategize their business into an online-only publication.

In a press statement, Hairston hopes to "share news, information, products and services regarding the urban Christian community with the global community. The world is moving to Internet, and many of our advertisers and subscribers are already there."

Currently distributing e-blasts and offering online subscriptions only for its GospelToday.com e-magazine, the Atlanta-based company is hoping to locate a print partner to provide subscribers a friendly print alternative of their online e-zine. Still, the problem rises over the idea that subscribers will have to pay for the online services.

The magazine made national headlines back in September 2008 when a certain issue was pulled from Lifeway Christian Stores, a chain of Southern Baptist-operated bookstores, due to its cover story featuring popular female pastors.

The magazine is also known within the gospel industry for establishing the Gospel Heritage Foundation; which oversees the annual Praise & Worship Conferences usually held in February.

[GOSPEL TODAY, GOSPEL YESTERDAY]

Gospel Today Magazine Suspends Printing [Black Voices]

Gospel Today Issue Pulled from Lifeway [PRAYZE Report]

Gospel Today [Official Website]

Win an Autographed Copy of Motown: The Complete No 1's Boxset

Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, remains a glorious beacon in American history for help shape the advent of rhythm & blues and soul music into American pop culture. The historical relevance in its role in integrating pop music, being the first record label owned by an African-American and to primarily feature African-American artists who achieved crossover success, speaks volumes of the evolution of R&B music. When Smokey Robinson & the Miracles debuted with their number one R&B hit, "Shop Around," the world couldn't get enough of that Motown magic. And then came the careers of Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Temptations, Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Tammi Terrell, the Four Tops, Mary Wells, Jr. Walker & the All-Stars, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Spinners, the Jackson 5, Rick James, the Commodores, Lionel Richie, Debarge and Boyz II Men.

To celebrate Motown's 50th anniversary, ArtistDirect.com is giving away a copy of the 10-disc box set Motown: The Complete Motown Number 1's, autographed by Berry Gordy himself! Featuring unforgettable classics from legends like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations and The Jackson 5, this retrospective is all you need for a complete homecoming to Hitsville USA. Now is your chance to win this piece of musical history signed by the father of Motown himself, Berry Gordy! Find out how to enter here!

[MOTOWN POWER]
Enter the Contest [ArtistDirect.com]
Motown 50 [Official Website]

2009's GRAMMY Rundown

Did you really think that we were going to act as if the 51st Annual Grammy Awards never took place without saying a little something about it? Of course you didn't. Our coverage of the biggest annual award show for the last number of years remains one of our early highlights in the year and while a few recent Broadband issues have plagued my computer the last week, we have learned the prophetic quote to be true: "Where there's a will, there's a way." So here goes our report.

The super-long show, containing a run-through of performances from a string of genres, was quite bland on the surface. Not because great talent weren't available for the big day but the STAPLES Center's terrible echo problem, usually suitable for those oh-so-popular Laker games, isn't a good fit for big concert performances. Especially the ones with a big string/horn section and high volumes of heavy-amp guitars and "wamm-bamm" drum work. Well, that's what you got, one performance after the other. There were a few minor exclusions: the acoustic guitar accompanying performance of Sugarland's hit song and 2-time GRAMMY winning "Stay" and one of the evening's unforgettable moments featuring Jennifer Hudson's re-emergence back to the stage with an inspiring, tearful rendition and family dedication of "You Pulled Me Through." The song, with its gospel inflictions and string-laden background, was met with a standing ovation by the crowd. Hudson, whose mother, brother and nephew were killed in October, also won a GRAMMY for R&B Best Album and was announced by Whitney Houston. While her speech prior to the chant of the awards' winner was a bit uncomfortable - even leaving residue of the embattled Bobby Brown era, she looked graceful and as good as ever.

R&B vocal legend Al Green also graced the stage with pop/R&B superstar Justin Timberlake, who was a fill-in for the arrested and absent Chris Brown, and delivered a fitting tribute to the infamous Memphis soul sound. "Let''s Stay Together" was the choice of song - and naturally - Green stole the show. With that incredible energy and those super high notes, you just can't lose with the Reverend. While not aired, the Rev. picked up two wins for R&B Duo/Group (with John Legend on "Stay With Me (By the Sea)" and Traditional R&B Vocal Performance (also another duet with Anthony Hamilton). Both songs are from his highly-acclaimed Blue Note release Lay It Down. Carrie Underwood, the big American Idol superstar, delivered a loud and percussion-driven performance on "Last Name." Not quite country as it is funky, she still delivered an upbeat set that gave the night a little more sizzle. Other nice additions to the show included a touching tribute to the late Levi Stubbs with a Four Tops' medley featuring Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, surviving member Duke Fakir and Smokey Robinson, along with special tribute to the rich musical legacy of New Orleans. Robin Thicke graced the stage with Lil Wayne on "Tie My Hands," and the legendary jazz wizard Allen Toussaint delivers a big blast of funky jazz with Terence Blanchard and his Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

Probably the worst of the evening's performances, the Jonas Brothers aren't all that horrific as folk would imagine. Goodness, they aren't great singers, but you don't have to always have that great voice in rock/pop sometimes. Image usually does most of the work. But forgetting the lyrics to the Stevie Wonder monster smash "Superstition" with the legend himself playing behind you isn't a good idea. He may be blind, but even he had to laugh at the boys when they stumbled over their lines. And no one still can explain why Kanye West decided to go back to his '80s wardrobe to pull out a very outdated hairstyle and a sparkly jacket that may have been better off in Liberace's closet. The rap segment, featuring Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Kanye and T.I., was all about competition. Each one trying to out beat the other. Rather than spit out some unity of the brotherhood, they took you back to the rap death matches of Brooklyn from hip-hop's early years. Too bad a super pregnant M.I.A. looked as if she was going to drop in one millisecond. And with the Rat Pack imagery and black-and-white cinematography, it looked more ghetto than classy. But I guess that's what make hip-hop records sale anyway...right?

But the evening wasn't all bad news - it was a definite return up the rating scale for CBS for "the biggest night in music." Miley and the Jonas Brothers left empty-handed, Coldplay and Adelle were also big winners, along with a surprising stunner from Robert Plant and Allison Krauss winning Record of the Year. The press were predicting Coldplay to sweep this year's event. Though it was close, most of the big albums and artists walked away with prizes.

In the gospel category, Kirk Franklin won two big awards earlier that evening for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album (The Fight of My Life) and his moving ballad "Help Me Believe" in the Best Gospel Song category. Definitely a song I recommended earlier as a single in my 2007 album review. The Blind Boys of Alabama won in the Traditional Gospel Album; knocking out Dorinda Clark-Cole, Deitrick Haddon, first-time nominee Bishop Charles E. Blake's West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir and the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. CeCe Winans and Mary Mary also took home trophies.

Biggest snub goes to Raphael Saddiq, who was nominated three times in the R&B categories for his brilliant and well-acclaimed The Way I See It album.

TIME Magazine covered the events' performances and rated each one individually. Some got mighty grades (Justin Timberlake/Al Green got a B+, Coldplay, Hudson, Underwood) and some not so wonderful (Kid Rock, Katy Perry, Paul McCartney). Wow, TIME gets a bit edgy on a Beatle. Ain't that a mystery.

[KILLER GRAMS]
Grammys 2009: The best and worst performances [Belleville News-Democrat]

Time Magazine Rates the Performances: The Grammys in Review [Time.com]

GRAMMY Awards [Official Website]

American Music Ball Cancelled

Last night, TMZ reported that some of the dozen planned inauguration balls were in deep trouble due to poor ticket sales. The American Inauguration Ball, headed by music legend Dionne Warwick, was cancelled for those reasons. Her party was set to feature headliners including Yolanda Adams, George Clinton, Chaka Khan, Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful and Kirk Franklin. Alongside with her star-studded event, the joint party for the kids at the Hip-Hop Ball, which featured hip-hop stars Ludacris and T-Pain, was also axed at the last minute. Ticket sales proved to be a troubling factor for both events, with sales reaching over $450.

At Gawker, a popular online blog, they decided to leave some extra commentary on the subject after it was revealed how pricey the tickets were going. "Like subprime mortgages packaged up and resold as AAA bonds, the promoters were hoping they could transform their ball scams, through some alchemy, into Obama gold. We may feel bad for Warwick — but not for the fool who hired her."

But they also forgot to report the big truth: Dionne booked too many gospel acts. You know folk ain't going to pack a music hall for a gospel concert even for $50. $450 is really pushing it.

[DIONNE'S NOT HAVING A BALL]
Dionne Warwick Not Having a Ball at Inauguration [Gawker]

Sunday Best Finalists Make Official Debut

If you are a fan of Sunday Best (BET's version of American Idol), you may finally be relieved to know that Zomba Gospel has officially released albums of the finalist and runner-up. But there's more to the story - both projects dropped on music shelves on the same week.

Crystal Aikin, the crowned winner from the state of Washington, uncovers her self-titled project containing ten tracks layered with production from Kirk Franklin, PAJAM, Asaph A. Ward and Dre & Vidal. Though she confesses that the album contains something for everybody according to a December press release, the bulk of the project aims to reach the urban contemporary audience.

Chicago native Shari Addison, who cites her musical influences to be Shirley Caesar, Luther Vandross and Patti LaBelle, gives up a more traditional approach to her album and by staying transparent of the soulful personality she exerted while on the show. She was the runner-up, but it seems like she's getting more attention from radio and also from the press with her debut.

ChristianityToday.com gave Addison's new album a four (out of 5) star rating, while Aikin's album trailed behind with three stars. Her selected single, "No Battle, No Blessing," opened up in 2009 as the number one song added at R&R. GRAMMY-award winning producer Kevin Bond, whom worked on the lead single, is joined alongside other producers including Percy Bady, Donald Lawrence and Daniel Witherspoon.

Even though this is not a super battle like what we have come to expect from big shows like American Idol (remember Ruben and Clay or Justin and Kelly), Zomba is doing a good job in pitching a Holy Ghost duel between the two - with both albums being released on the same date. This is far from being declared a competitive war. But there's enough invested in the Sunday Best brand to determine if it will return to the airwaves after their newest season kicks off. In regards to Aikin and Addison, we just have to watch and wait to see what the final numbers will be next week to determine who come out on top. For Zomba and BET's sake, the battle is far from over.

[SHARI VS. CRYSTAL]

New music from Crystal Aikin [EURweb.com]

Shari Addison releases new music [EURweb.com]

Review: Crystal Aikin [ChristianityToday.com]

Review: Shari Addison [ChristianityToday.com]

Remembering Claude Jeter

While today's generations of gospel music followers have grown very close to the beats and grooves of their radio, much of gospel's great history - though overlooked and barely embraced - stands as a testament of the genre's mighty evolution. Important to that great history is the legacy Rev. Claude Jeter left behind.

One of the greatest quartet singers that ever lived, Jeter, born in Montgomery, Alabama, played an astronomical role in modern gospel music by shaping up the traditional avenues of quartet gospel with his smooth falsetto style and his silky vocals; ultimately influencing a rising list of R&B vocalists like Eddie Kendricks, Smokey Robinson and Al Green. He founded the legendary Swan Silvertones in 1938 and led them up the charts in the late 1940s and early '50s while recording for King Records and later for Speciality. In the jubilee gospel style, the Silvertones developed a strong reputation for solid performances and for pushing the envelope towards a more contemporary style. Their greatest results, with Jeter out front on lead vocals, appeared on songs like "Lord I've Tried," "I'm Coming Home," "I'm a Rollin'" and the haunting "Motherless Child." They later softened up their sound when arranger Paul Owens joined the group; incorporating a more relaxed jazz sounds on their recorded work.

Jeter is best remembered for his landmark hit "Oh Mary Don't You Weep" in 1959. Within the song Jeter ad-libs the phrase: "I'll be a bridge over deep water, if you trust in my name." These words would serve as the pure inspiration for pop icon Paul Simon when he scored "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with singing partner Art Garfunkel in 1970. "Troubled Water" is best noted as Simon's most successful song associated with the 1960's duo. Another interesting point in Simon's classic hit is how the song lyrically also pays homage to the Silvertones for their inspiration. Within the third verse, the beginning line mentions, "Sail on, silver girl, sail on by." Most music historians note that Simon was thinking of Jeter and the legendary Silvertones.

Jeter remained with the group throughout the first half of the '60s until the group moved to the HOB label. He wanted to focus more on his solo career and ministry.

After being inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002, Jeter remained somewhat low-key. In 1988, a gospel festival sponsored the reunion of Jeter with the Silvertones, along with other gospel greats like the late Marion Williams and the Faithful Harmonizers. In a 1988 New York Times article, Jeter spoke of gospel's great story of survival:

''Our music' goes clean back to the days of slavery. That's when my great-grandmother and grandfather, they worked them as slaves and they worked them in the fields, and they didn't feed them on nothing but fatback and corn bread. They'd be tired, they'd be exhausted from the heat and everything, but they'd look up toward heaven, and they'd say, 'Jesus, I'm going to be there someday.' We've been living on hope for 200 years.''

Jeter passed away on January 6, 2009 in New York City at the age of 94. He leaves behind a powerful legacy and a mesmerizing catalog of timeless music that is most certain to last for 200 more years.

[IN LOVING MEMORY OF REV. JETER]

Pop/Jazz; At Gospel Festival, Music Inspired by Hope [New York Times]

Another Quartet Soldier Gone: Claude Jeter Dies [Black Gospel Blog]

Year In Review Series at PRAYZEHYMN Online.com

Happy New Year, boys and girls.

Want to wish you the vert best in 2009 and that great joy, expectation and promise will come flowing your way. A great way to start the new year is by reflecting on the great things of the last year. 2008 had its share of problems (but of course), but we were fortunate to report the best of gospel music in our annual write-up at PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com. Below you will see what articles we have available for you.

The Top 50 Gospel Songs of 2008
Our annual Year In Review series continues with our jumbo listing of the top fifty gospel songs to come out in 2008. Mary Mary gets up, Jonathan Nelson comes out victorious, Regina Belle makes a good placement and Marvin Sapp's "Never Would Have Made It" makes the list, but you may be surprised at who makes the number one spot.
http://www.prayzehymnonline.com/articles_prayzehymn_best_songs2008.html

Essentially 2008
What an interesting year 2008 has been. As usual, we wrap up the year in our Year In Review series beginning with our super-duper countdown of the year's best gospel albums. If you think you really know who the #1 pick is...you may want to think again. Check out our exclusive list of essentials along with our comments. Lo and behold, the top 12 gospel albums of 2008.
http://www.prayzehymnonline.com/articles_essentially2008.html

We are still working on the Year In Review 2008 article. So please bear with us as we working on the last write-up highlighting 2008.

[BEST OF 2008]

The Top 50 Gospel Songs of 2008 [PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com]
Essentially 2008 [PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com]

J Moss Owes Child Support

"I'm not perfect/but I'm trying/When u needed me there
were a few times I didn't come running" - J Moss; from song "I'm Not Perfect"

This didn't pass our radar - we just failed to mention it pretty much.

While the Big Three auto companies continued to cry out to U.S. senators for a financial bailout on Capitol Hill, the Detroit News didn't miss one heartbeat in reporting the recent upset with gospel artist J. Moss; who was has been ordered by an Oakland Circuit Court judge to pay child support to a Georgia woman.

He is ordered to pay $1,028 a month to Lakisha Hughes, 28, of Douglasville, GA concerning her son, Christion until he reaches the age of eighteen. A paternity test was taken proving the 36-year old singer to be the child's father.

Did we add that Moss is a married man and has two other children with his wife? According to the Detroit paper, that seems to be the case. Another startling revelation surrounds Hughes' testimony citing that Moss offered to pay abortion expenses during her pregnancy. At the time of the article, Moss was not able to be reached for comment. Might be a good time for the singer to take a little hiatus from recording. At least 'til this cools down some.

Kudos to GospelCity.com and the Detroit News for the article.

[MORE MOSS MESS]

J Moss Must Pay Child Support [Gospelcity.com]

Singer must pay child support [Detroit News]