Monthly Archives: April 2012

JIMMY NEEDHAM BREAKS FIRST WEEK SALES RECORD WITH LATEST ALBUM CLEAR THE STAGE

Inpop Records’ Jimmy Needham has reached a milestone in his young career by achieving the highest first week sales for his latest album, Clear The Stage. Immediately after hearing the new project, the industry started proclaiming the album as Needham’s strongest debut to date, and the first week sales validate that statement. Clear The Stagehas sold 3,899 units, and led to the project debuting on the Christian Combined Chart at #9 and the Christian Adult Contemporary Soundscan Chart at #5.

“I’m so grateful for everyone who continues to support my music and ministry,” says Needham. “I’ve only always wanted to promote an accurate view of Jesus to a world that needs it, and continue to create music that reflects the truth.” 

Momentum is still building for the album with the new single, “If I Ever Needed Grace” going for adds at radio. Some early adds on the song include, KFSH/Los Angeles, CA; WBVM/Tampa, FL; WFHM/Cleveland, OH; WBSN/New Orleans, LA; WDJC/Birmingham, AL and WCSG/Grand Rapids. NewReleaseTuesday.com has already listed the single in the Top Twenty on the website’s Top 40 songs of 2012.

“‘If I Ever Need Grace’ not only highlights Jimmy’s amazing vocal talents, but it also showcases his ability to write a song that conveys God’s greatest gift for all of us,” says Rodney Miller, Music Director, 95.9 The Fish Los Angeles. Media accolades continue pouring in for Clear The Stage with DenverPost.com saying, I enjoyed “Clear The Stage,” because of the mix of music – I’m not a fan of a CD’s songs all sounding the same – and the thought-provoking lyrics. Add in the whimsical with “Daddy’s Baby Girl,” and the listener won’t get bored with the well-written and produced 10-song CD.

NewReleaseTuesday.com adds, Fun, funky and full of faith, Clear The Stage is undoubtedly Jimmy Needham’s finest work to date.

CW’s Place.com says, On his new release, ‘Clear The Stage,’ artist Jimmy Needham proves that when you’re willing to let go of things and turn control over to God that good things will happen!

ChristianMusicReview.com exclaims, His new album “Clear The Stage” is a solid follow up to Nightlights and has a few special songs that can hit your heart strings.

For press and tour updates on Jimmy Needham please visit his revised and updated website www.jimmyneedham.com.

About Jimmy Needham:
Needham released his first album, Speak, in 2006, on Inpop Records, and it generated respect and well-earned recognition from the Christian music industry for this talented singer/songwriter from Katy, Texas. The project generated three singles “Fence Riders (#14),” “Dearly Loved (#8),” and “Lost At Sea,” which charted for an incredible twelve weeks at the #2 position. Needham’s second album, Not Without Love resulted in four hit singles including “Forgiven and Loved” as the break-out Christian AC hit, climbing to #6 nationally, while “A Breath Or Two,” peaked at #3 at Christian CHR radio. Needham’s third project, Nightlights, debuted at #1 on iTunes Top 200 Christian & Gospel Albums chart and #25 on iTunes Top 200 Albums chart for all genres of music. Needham’s newest album, Clear The Stage released March 26, 2012. Needham lives in Dallas, TX with his wife, Kelly, and his toddler daughter, Lively.

About Inpop Records
Inpop Records is an independent music label based in Brentwood, TN and is home to some of the best-known bands in Christian music. Distributed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inpop Records has become one of the top-selling independent labels within the industry, having established a reputation for seeking out the best artists in emerging talent and for expanding the music marketplace with sound and ideas. Inpop’s roster includes Newsboys, Mat Kearney, Jaci Velasquez, Tricia Brock, Jimmy Needham, and The Advice among others. For more information, visit inpop.com.

 

This post was written by admin | April 9, 2012

President Barack Obama Reflects on Jesus’ Death & Resurrection in Easter Address

President Barack Obama spoke about the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection in his own life and that of other Christians as he offered his greetings to all those celebrating Easter and Passover this weekend across the United States.

“For me, and for countless other Christians, Easter weekend is a time to reflect and rejoice,” the President said during his weekly address Saturday.

On Good Friday, he said, “many of us took a few quiet moments to try and fathom the tremendous sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.” On Easter, he added, “we will celebrate the resurrection of a savior who died so that we might live.” Easter is a celebration of “redemption at God’s hand.”

The President also acknowledged that Jews would gather Saturday for a second Seder and retell the story of the Exodus.

“And tomorrow, my family will join Christians around the world as we thank God for the all-important gift of grace through the resurrection of His son, and experience the wonder of Easter morning,” he said. These holidays, the President added, were rooted in “miracles” in the history. “They connect us to our past and give us strength as we face the future.”

At the annual Easter Prayer Breakfast Wednesday morning, Obama recounted what Jesus said: “In this world, you will have trouble,” and said the story of Christ’s agony and resurrection had helped him over the tough moments of an embattled presidency, according to The Associated Press.

Obama on Saturday said these sacred days could be a time to recommit ourselves to following Jesus’ example. “We rededicate our time on Earth to selflessness, and to loving our neighbors. We remind ourselves that no matter who we are, or how much we achieve, we each stand humbled before an almighty God.”

He said the miracles behind Easter also remind us of “the common thread of humanity” that connects us all. “Christ’s triumph over death holds special meaning for Christians. But all of us, no matter how or whether we believe, can identify with elements of His story. The triumph of hope over despair. Of faith over doubt. The notion that there is something out there that is bigger than ourselves.”

Obama said these beliefs help unite Americans of all faiths and backgrounds. “They shape our values and guide our work. They put our lives in perspective.” Obama and his wife, Michelle, wished a blessed and Happy Easter “to all Christians celebrating the Resurrection with us.” Others, he hoped, would have a weekend “filled with joy and reflection, focused on the things that matter most.”

Obama and his family were members of the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Ill., before his presidential run. Since then, the Obama’s have not found a home church.

 

This post was written by admin | April 9, 2012

This Weeks Billboard Top 10 Gospel Albums: JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise Debut at #1

Congrats to JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, whose latest album, After This, has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart, the highest debut of the choir’s career.

Also worth mentioning is Le’Andria Johnson, who continues to have 2 albums in the Top 10.  Jessica Reedy’s album continues to climb as it now charts in the top 10.

Next week, look for Marvin Sapp to debut at #1, with Anita Wilson also charting in the Top 10. 

The rest of the Top 10 in Gospel is:

1 | JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise – After This
2 | WOW Gospel 2012
3 | Fred Hammond – God, Love & Romance
4 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
5 | William McDowell – Arise
6 | Maranatha! Gospel – 2012 Top Gospel Songs
7 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
8 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson
9 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
10 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart

 

This post was written by admin | April 9, 2012

TODAY is Good Friday! Read About the Historical & Spiritual Significance

Happy Good Friday to everyone!  Good Friday (from the senses pious, holy of the word “good”),is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover. It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday or Easter Friday, though the latter normally refers to the Friday in Easter week.

Based on the details of the Canonical gospels, the Crucifixion of Jesus was most probably on a Friday. The estimated year of Good Friday is AD 33, by two different groups, and originally as AD 34 by Isaac Newton via the differences between the Biblical and Julian calendars and the crescent of the moon. A third method, using a completely different astronomical approach based on a lunar Crucifixion darkness and eclipse model (consistent with Apostle Peter’s reference to a “moon of blood” in Acts 2:20) points to Friday, 3 April AD 33.

The Celebration of the Passion of the Lord takes place in the afternoon, ideally at three o’clock, but for pastoral reasons a later hour may be chosen. The vestments used are red (more commonly) or black (more traditionally).^[ Before 1970, vestments were black except for the Communion part of the rite when violet was used. Before 1955 black was used throughout. If a bishop or abbot celebrates, he wears a plain mitre.

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, which is calculated differently in Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, the full moon on or after 21 March, taken to be the date of the vernal equinox. The Western calculation uses the Gregorian calendar, while the Eastern calculation uses the Julian calendar, whose 21 March now corresponds to the Gregorian calendar’s 3 April.

This post was written by admin | April 7, 2012

Former Sunday Best Finalist, Latice Crawford Signs with Verity Gospel Music Group

James “Jazzy” Jordan, executive vice president, Verity Gospel Music Group, today announced that the label has added Latice Crawford-Spain to its roster. Crawford-Spain is perhaps best known as a finalist in the second season of BET’s highly successful gospel music talent search, Sunday Best. A crowd favorite with a small frame and a big voice, Crawford-Spain left an indelible mark in the Gospel music industry since being introduced to the nation as a contestant on the show in 2009. About her new deal with Verity, Crawford-Spain says “I’ve waited to be here for three years, Verity was always the place that I wanted to be once I accepted the whole singing as a career thing…I’m super excited.”

“We’re looking forward to great things from Latice,” says Jordan. “She is the total package, she has an outstanding voice, she is a true worshipper, and she is a gifted writer. Latice has a clear vision for where she wants her music ministry to go, and we look forward to working with her to get there.”

In this picture, finalizing Crawford-Spain’s Recording Agreement, are L-R: Roger Skelton, SVP Business & Legal Affairs, RCA Music Group; James “Jazzy” Jordan, Executive Vice President, Verity Gospel Music Group; Latice Crawford-Spain; Rashan Staley, manager; Kojo Benil, attorney.

Photo Credit: B. Jeffrey Grant-Clark

Stanley Brown, former Sunday Best music director, and Senior Director, A&R, for Verity Gospel Music Group, says: “I think Latice is one of the strongest female vocalists in Gospel music. She has great tone, she’s a great song stylist, but she also has a captivating stage presence that makes her unforgettable.”

Crawford-Spain says that her experience on Sunday Best propelled her to pursue singing professionally. “I never wanted to sing; the effect of Sunday Best hit me after the show began airing. I would get approached by people who were transformed by Sunday Best and who talked about how certain performances effected their lives. Music is a life changer, and those stories made me want to do this for a living; they made me want to walk in my calling.”

Crawford-Spain says of her debut, “I definitely want this CD to be an uplifting album for women and girls – women are so materialized in society, I want to reiterate who we are in Christ. We have ministries and we have callings just like everyone else does. I just want a kingdom album, I don’t want it to be classified as church music, etc…I just want to do music that uplifts the kingdom and brings people back to the kingdom. I want something classic; something timeless. I want the old feeling of music back; real lyrics, real feelings that convict somebody’s heart and make them want to change.”

The daughter of a preacher, Latice Crawford-Spain grew up in the Bronx and Queens, New York. She is married to Jeff Spain, another Sunday Best season two contestant. The two met on the show. Crawford-Spain currently splits her time between Atlanta and New York and occasionally leads praise & worship, along with her husband, at Wisdom Chapel International in the Bronx.

This post was written by admin | April 6, 2012

Rising Contemporary Gospel Artist CHENETA JONES Makes Key Appearances In Preparation for Debut Release May 22

This post was written by admin | April 6, 2012

Bishop T.D. Jakes Speaks About Trayvon Martin Case

Bishop T.D. Jakes’ new book may have come out at just the right time—a time when the nation has been rocked by the untimely death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla.

Seventeen-year-old Martin died on Feb. 26 at the hand of George Zimmerman, a 28-year-old who claimed self-defense. Martin’s death has rallied the multicultural masses to demand justice.

Jakes was on MSN’s Jansing & Co. show to discuss the Martin case and forgiveness, the topic of his new book Let it Go. On the show, Chris Jansing, the host of Jansing & Co., asked the Dallas megachurch pastor if he agrees with Sybrina Fulton, Martin’s mother, that the police and the media are trying to kill her son’s reputation by calling him a hoodlum.

“I think we’re really trying to gather all the facts. I think it’s prudent upon us that we do that. Had we not applied the pressure that we did, I’m not sure that those facts would have come out as succinctly as they are coming out now,” Jakes told Jansing.

“Every parent has teenagers who go through adolescence but you don’t want your children to be profiled. And we want to make sure that is not the case, I’m not saying that it is but we need to make sure that that is not the case and that justice is not misappropriated.”

Jakes did question, however, why Zimmerman has not been arrested.

“I think that if the shoe were on the other foot—had it been Trayvon who had killed some other child in some other situation—then he would have been arrested,” Jakes argued.

Jakes also appeared on Starting Point with Soledad O’Brien on CNN. He told O’Brien that forgiveness is connected with personal healing rather than exonerating the perpetrator.

“Forgiveness says I’m not going to allow myself, 10 years from now, to still be sitting on the side of the bed seething in anger at the individual,” Jakes said. “That I have to find a way to move forward, and that I unhitch myself from this incident and move on with my life.”

Click Here to watch the video-taped interview. 

 

This post was written by admin | April 6, 2012

Christian Rap Innovator and Record Label Owner Mr. Del Announces Two Summer CD Releases

This post was written by admin | April 6, 2012

KJ-52 DROPS HIS NEWEST PROJECT, DANGEROUS, THIS WEEK TO RAVE REVIEWS

This week, BEC Recordings’ KJ-52 released his seventh studio album, Dangerous, which debuted in the Top 10 on the iTunes® Christian & Gospel Album chart this week. The title track is climbing the radio charts — at CHR the song is New and Active this week, and at Rock it has moved into the Top 25. Fans can also Tweet to unlock, listen and enter to win a promotion by clicking on this link.

Dangerous comes after 11 years in the music industry and more than 575,000 albums sold for this hip-hop veteran. In addition to KJ overseeing the album, it includes tag teams with producers Tedd T. (Mute Math, Delirious) and Aaron Sprinkle (Deftones, Hawk Nelson, Jeremy Camp). Fans will recognize the special guest vocals, which include GRAMMY®-nominated Lecrae (“They Like Me”) Canton Jones (“It’s Going Down”), Dre Murray (“That Was My Life”), George Moss (“Do the Bill Cosby”), Thi’sl (“Shake ‘Em Up”) Rhema Soul (“Speed That Light”) and Emily of Shine Bright Baby (“So Far Apart”).

Here is what the media are saying about KJ-52’s latest effort:

“KJ-52 can be unapologetically straightforward about faith. His latest has the high production value of something like Kanye West or the Black Eyed Peas, but the subject matter is youth-group ready.” – Christianity Today

“Dangerous is KJ’s best album to date. He’s created a great project for long-time fans and will definitely win some new converts.” – C. E’Jon Moore, The Christian Manifesto

“His seventh solo album, Dangerous brings with it every reason why he is still at the top of his game.” – ChristianMusicZine

“This release is filled with Christ-driven themes, fun-laced flavor, and sweet beats that are worthy to played at any house party.”
– JesusFreakHideout.com

“Kj-52 is a pro at blending humor, hope, and depth into every album, while still keeping the energy of hip-hop alive and movin’. Just like the artist who created it, Dangerous is diverse and unlike any other in its genre. It’s clear that even after eleven years of creating music, KJ-52 hasn’t lost a beat.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com

KJ-52 is taking this new album on the road for the upcoming 4thirty1 Experience. For complete tour dates and information visit his Facebook page.

About KJ-52:
Releasing his debut project in 2000, KJ-52 continued to do his “thing” five records later for a total of six projects released. Three of his four titles have scanned over 100,000 units-the only Christian hip-hop artist in history to do so. KJ-52 has become one of the most trusted names in music as a songwriter, producer, minister, and comic poet. KJ-52 is a six-time Dove Award winner.

This post was written by admin | April 5, 2012

Riva Tims Speaks on Zachery Tims, Infidelity, and New Book

In an exclusive interview with the CBN’s 700 Club, Riva Tims speaks about her late ex-husband Pastor Zachery Tims and her new book “When it All Falls Apart.”

CBN.com reports that in just a few short years, Pastor Zachery and Co-pastor Riva Tims, his wife of 15 years, grew their church of 5 to an astonishing 8,000- member congregation. But the pressure of their meteoric rise would eventually take its toll… on their marriage, on their ministry, and on the life of pastor Zachery Tims. 

Riva Tims has spoken very little about the events that lead up to the death of her ex-husband…. Until now.

“I loved that he had a boldness about him. He wasn’t afraid. He was always thinking big… doing things grand.  And that really pulled me in.”

Zachery and Riva were 22 when they first met at church. With a shared passion to win souls to Jesus they married and shortly thereafter ventured out to start a ministry in Orlando, Florida.

“We labeled ourselves an outreach ministry. So our whole goal was to pull people in from the street, not to pull them from other churches, but really to get those that were unsaved. And I think the people felt our love, they felt our sincerity, and we were young. We had a lot of zeal for the Lord, a lot of excitement.”

“If God said, ‘Go on TV.’ we had the faith to do it.  If God said, ‘Go into the community,’ we just had the faith to do it.” 

But as church membership grew at an astonishing rate so did their stature in the church world.

“It becomes an empire. It becomes your own name that’s highlighted. And it becomes about you when that’s never how it’s supposed to be. Everything ought to point to Jesus! Everything ought to point to the Lord.”

“And if you’re not careful, they’ll begin to worship you more than they worship God.”

“In the beginning it did not affect us. He used to put on the back wall, HUMILITY, a huge sign. So every time he preached he would see that. But then when we moved to our last building, and TV, you know, we were on national television people were calling all the time, it started to infiltrate the church.

And began to interfere in their marriage.

“There was somewhat of a distance that began to take place. I could still connect, but I knew that there was something different.”

“The travel – When he began to travel a lot and wouldn’t allow me to go. Then I knew something was wrong.”

“It was always a reason why I couldn’t go. That’s when I knew.”

Click Here to Read the full report on CBN.com
 

This post was written by admin | April 5, 2012

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