When Gospel recording artist BeBe Winans decided to write a book about his longtime friendship with the late Whitney Houston, he figured doing so would help him “embrace the pain” he felt over the sudden and expected loss of the world-renowned singer.

Winans has said that his book was written with the blessing of the Houston clan. But the timing of the book’s release this summer didn’t sit well with Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy, who signed a book deal with HarperCollins in June for a book that she hopes will “tell the unabridged and unbelievable story of her daughter’s life as well as her own.” She also wanted to be the first to weigh in on her daughter’s personal life. Cissy’s book is scheduled to be released in February.

Cissy Houston told The Wall Street Journal that Winans never asked for the family’s blessing or permission for his book. She and close family friend A. Curtis Farrow said that the first time Whitney Houston’s immediate family learned of the book was when they read about it in a newspaper article, not from Winans.

Still, Winans has been traveling around promoting his book, called “The Whitney I Knew,” in between live performances and pushing his latest recording project, a patriotic album called, “America, America.”

Winans and his gospel-singing family were a major highlight at the globally televised funeral service for Houston, held at Houston’s childhood church, New Hope Baptist in Newark. At one point in the service, his brother, Pastor Marvin Winans, called BeBe and his other family members to the pulpit to perform a surprise rendition of the family’s song, “Tomorrow.” His on-the-spot decision sparked a sales windfall for the Winans. According to Nielsen Soundscan, sales of the album skyrocketed more than 1,000 percent in the few days following Houston’s funeral. In addition, the sales of individual tracks on the album increased more than 1,000 percent.

Three-time Gospel Music Academy Award winner, songwriter, vocalist and producer, Isaac D. Simpson has been through some rough experiences in his lifetime to say the least.

Being a featured guest on various national television programs as BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel Hour, TBN’s Praise the Lord and 15th Street, as well as various FOX Morning news shows, Simpson has encouraged, educated and inspired millions expressing that life is a process and God is the source of surmounting any trial— the epitome of a walking testimony he is proof of God’s grace and mercy.

When a good deed goes bad—a .22 bullet ricocheted through every major intestine in his body—the internationally known artist, and visionary behind Divine Providence, also known as DP, finds himself fighting for his life. And instead of working on a new music project he was forced to learn how to walk again, after awakening from a coma.

His current project, The Process, features powerful songs like “Encouragement,” “So Good,” “He Made A Way,” “Hide In Me” and “He Already Made a Way, that personifies emotional and musical liberation.

His current single, The Process, accompanied by a music video—a strong illustration of his near-death experience—encapsulates the true meaning of God’s grace and mercy, and is a true testament of Simpson’s violent occurrence.

I know you feel that you can’t make it/I know you feel like what’s the use/I’m holding on to something that feels so far away/Let me remind you that He’s here and he cares/Don’t give up now you’ve come too far to turnaround/Keep holding on to what God has promised and believe it is in His word.

Simpson, who comes from a long generation of singers, songwriters and entertainers, began honing his skills at an early age—directing citywide choirs. By the time he was twenty-six he had conducted workshops throughout the U.S., the Caribbean Islands, Great Britain and Europe.

Taking home the national title of “Best Overall Artist” at the Gospel Music Academy Awards, and sharing the stage with gospel greats as Vicki Winans, James Moore, Marvin Sapp, Kurt Carr, and Rance Allen, it’s no wonder why Simpson was chosen as a special vocalist to honor Coretta Scott-King on stage.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Simpson founded DP in 1998 to give young Christian-adults an outlet to share their music with the world. He came up with the name Divine Providence while listening to a sermon by Bishop George “Awesome” Dawson. The name means ‘instantaneous will of God.’ In just one year’s time, the energetic youth chorale from Central Ohio produced an album titled “He Loves Me,” influenced by jazz and hip hop, written, arranged, and produced by Simpson.

Inspired by personal life experiences “The Process,” distributed through EMI, is proving to be one of the most superlative musical projects to date.

Award winning and chart topping gospel recording artist Dottie Peoples absolutely thrills on her upcoming release I Got This* LIVE! Recorded at Siloam Church International, in College Park, Georgia I Got This* LIVE! is a 13 song journey through a masterful collection of praise & worship, contemporary and traditional gospel music, woven seamlessly together, and is sure to send longtime fans, and new fans alike to stand to their feet.

I Got This*LIVE! features Peoples’ signature powerhouse vocals, and backed by Billy Rivers & The Angelic Voices of Memphis Tennessee choir. I Got This*LIVE! assembles and showcases some of the most amazing musicians and songwriters on this side of glory, while Dottie ignites the church, with her 5 octave voice which soars to the rafters! Yes….I Got This*LIVE! does not disappoint, and is one of the most highly anticipated projects of her career.

I Got This*LIVE! opens with a beautiful praise & worship segment starting with “Welcome” and then segues into “Manifest Your Glory” a spectacular praise & worship gem that sets the tone for our journey, and ushers us into God’s holy presence.

On the title cut and uptempo hit radio single “I Got This” Peoples waste no time and takes us right to church like only she can, and reminds us that no matter how tough life’s journey, God handles all of our cares. “Until Whenever” predicted to be a fan favorite, is an uptempo traditional gospel song that will have choirs all over, singing and rocking in Sunday morning church services. “It’s Not Goodbye But See You Later” a beautiful contemporary tribute song that celebrates those who have passed on from this life, and a reminder that we will see them again. The absolutely awe inspiring classic “Everything Must Change” deservingly stands out, and is reminiscent of her strong jazzy roots, and may be a big game changing record for this seasoned veteran. Beautifully arranged with lush strings, and standout lead guitar, Peoples’ strong raspy vocals connect with the listener, as she ministers a strong message of deliverance in these changing times.

I Got This*LIVE! will undoubtedly set the stage for this next great chapter in Dottie Peoples career. “I am a people person, and there is nothing more important to me than ministry, and seeing lives changed through this great music that God has given to me to share with the world.” states Peoples.

Now at the helm of her own record label DP Muzik Group, Dottie Peoples is poised with her label’s sophomore release to continue her over 20 year journey with many more years to come.

I Got This LIVE! will release both digitally and physically everywhere music is sold, and will soon be followed with a companion full live in concert DVD of the same name with a release date to be determined.

ABOUT DOTTIE PEOPLES:

Dottie Peoples is a 3 time Grammy Award nominee, and the winner of numerous Stellar, Dove Soul Train, NAACP, and GMWA awards. Known for her classic hits, “On Time God” “Testify” and Do It!” I Got This LIVE! is already stirring tremendous buzz, as she stays busy on the road with electrifying performances at churches and concert halls all over the country. Known as the gospel “Pattie Labelle” during her live concerts, her reputation for warmth and compassion precedes her, as she routinely embraces fans with the love and sincerity of a close friend. Born one of ten children, and growing up in Ohio, Dottie’s mission and principle focus remain intact, and that is her ministry is people.

Early in her career Dottie briefly sang live jazz in some of the nations top nightclubs, but soon realized that was not God’s will for her life. She soon relocated from Ohio to Atlanta, GA and joined Salem Baptist Church, home to renowned orator and Pastor, Reverend Jasper Williams Jr. Dottie was then hired as General Manager of Church Door Records in 1990, a gospel record label owned and operated by her church, and it was there that she recorded her first two records “Surely God Is Able (1984) and “Is It Worth It All” (1987). Dottie hosted her own radio show on Atlanta’s WAOK for 6 years, and was soon introduced to Alan Freeman CEO of Atlanta International Records. The move was the big break that she needed, and from there, Dottie and Alan charted the course for her recording career for many years to come.

Dottie has been featured in hit stage plays “God Don’t Like Ugly” & “A Fool For Love,” and in featured films, “Dirty Laundry” & “Kudzu Christmas.” She has been the National Spokesperson for The American Heart Association/The Ambassador for The Power To End Strokes, and a National Spokesperson for Speaking of Women’s Health.

ABOUT DP MUZIK GROUP:

DP Muzik Group was founded by award winning Gospel recording artist and CEO Dottie Peoples in 2008. DP Muzik Group is based in Atlanta, GA and is a full service company that focuses on recordings, music publishing, ministry and philanthropic endeavors. Its mission is to inspire, reach, and empower audiences around the world with quality faith-based entertainment.

For More Information on Dottie Peoples or DP Muzik Group contact:

DP Muzik Group: (770) 716-9970 www.dottiepeoples.com

For 40+ years, the Rance Allen Group has crossed many boundaries, influenced countless artists and made musical history with their lives and music.

In celebration of their life and career, Tyscot Music & Entertainment presents Amazing Grace, an audio and visual collection that showcases their music from the past 4 decades. This project features brand new music and a few cover tunes including an unforgettable rendition of the world-renowned hymn, Amazing Grace.

The Visual collection includes the never-before-seen Rance Allen Group documentary Music Majors, featuring rare interviews with Kirk Franklin, James Fortune, Isaac Caree, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Paul Porter and more.

These phenomenal artists came together to express their love for The Rance Allen Group and how they influenced their lives and music.

The documentary takes fans on a journey through the life of Rance, Tom and Steve Allen from their early days in Monroe, OH to becoming Grammy Award nominees and performing on BET’s Celebration of Gospel.

Fans & Supporters may NOW view trailer of The Rance Allen Group documentary Music Majors on the Tyscot Music & Entertainment website (www.tyscot.com). Viewers will experience a virtual event with an opportunity to share their comments about the group and the documentary.

Fans who leave a comment along with a special code (that indicates how they learned about the Trailer) could qualify to win a prize. The premiere is currently being promoted digitally by Path MEGAzine.  Enter the code ‘PMAG12’ on the YouTube video trailer and win!  Click Here to comment using code!

The Rance Allen Group’s new 2-disc set CD/DVD project, Amazing Grace, will be available in stores and online November 27th.

After the August release of the critically-acclaimed album Wait For the Siren (which debuted at #7 on Billboard’s Hard Rock Chart, #118 overall, and peaked at #3 on the iTunes rock chart), Project 86 is celebrating their #1 single, “Fall, Goliath, Fall,” which topped the Billboard Christian rock chart for 3 consecutive weeks.

With successful song features on Revolver, AP, Noisecreep, Loudwire, Alternative Press, Guitar World, etc., and having just wrapped a busy summer tour run (which included stops at Kingdom Bound, Uprise Festival, Soulfest, Spirit West Coast, Purple Door, Lifest, Joshua Fest, Creation East and West, Jesus Fest, etc.), the guys are preparing to launch a run of special holiday shows this fall/winter.

P86 is currently working on some new Christmas music as a follow up to 2008’s This Time of Year EP, and the band is excited to have some new offerings to play for fans this holiday season.

P86 is also incorporating a canned food drive during their 12 Nights Of Project 86 Tour, with the goal of stocking some church food pantries for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Featuring special guests I am Empire, the Wedding, and the Overseer, the tour will focus on the midwest and west coast through November and December. Project 86 is also playing a special New Year’s Eve show with Five Iron Frenzy in Denver to finish off what has been an eventful 2012.

Currently the band is preparing to film a new video and will be going to radio with a follow up to their #1 hit “Fall, Goliath, Fall” at the end of October. Their second single from Wait for the Siren, “Omerta’s Sons,” will be going for adds October 26th. Also look out for The Tin Soldiers a new book by Project 86’s lead singer, published author, journalist, and speaker Andrew Schwab on October 30th.

CeCe Winans and Yolanda Adams have now joined the lineup of We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston. The special, airing November 16 on CBS, will feature performances from and interviews with top artists paying tribute to the late diva, as well as a look at Whitney’s own most memorable performances.

CeCe was, of course, a dear friend of Whitney’s, and performed at her funeral. Yolanda, also a friend, performed “I Love the Lord” as a tribute to Whitney at the NAACP Image Awards earlier this year.

Also on the bill for the event are Celine Dion, Usher and Jennifer Hudson. We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute to Whitney Houston will take place and be recorded October 11 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE.

Tickets to the general public for “We Will Always Love You: A GRAMMY Salute To Whitney Houston” will go on sale today, and are available online at www.ticketmaster.com or via phone at 800.745.3000. For more information on VIP packages and discounted group tickets, please call 1.877.AEG.TICKETS (1.877.234.8425) or visit www.aegtickets.com.

Veteran gospel singer Bryan Wilson is preparing to sweep through the South next week with a series of ministry dates. The Apostle of the Bapolstogic Movement (a 501C3 organization to reintroduce old school Pentecost to a new generation of believers) will also be promoting his Bryan’s Songs/Worldwide Gospel radio single, “Expect You Now.” The song came to Wilson during a worship service two years ago. “The song is a simple one,” he says. “The pastor was praying over people during an altar call and I got up and started singing what they call ` a song of the Lord.’ When people go to the altar, they are expecting God to change them or change their situation so I started to sing, Lord, we expect you now’ and after the service people asked me if that was on one of my CDs and I said, `Not yet but it will be.’”

The soul-stirring track has been simmering at radio for several weeks and earning enthusiastic thumbs up from radio programmers. “Bryan Wilson did his thang on Expect You Now – goose bumps factor enabled,” says Kyle Stewart, an announcer with B106.2 FM in Palm Beach, FL. “There is much maturity in this song that is sure to be pleasing to all ages,” says Jacki Holliday of KDAY in Louisiana. “A true, honest and heartfelt petition to our Lord. Intimate Time with the Lord at its finest.” Jacquie Gales Webb of Washington, D.C.’s WHUR 96.3 FM says, “It’s a pretty song.” One fan on Jango wrote that Wilson is “back with a bang” while another simply said, “just beautiful.”

While Wilson puts the finishing touches on his Worldwide Gospel CD release for 2013, he currently has a new “Limited Edition” CD available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.  Fans can listen to sound bytes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/best-time-of-my-life/id561940494?i=561940504. Wilson is also be selling the physical CD on his website www.bryanwilson.com and on his tour stops: 

10/14 @ 10:00 AM          Red Oak AME Zion Church, Edgemoor, SC

10/15 @ 7:00 PM            New Life in Christ Ministries, Orangeburg, SC

10/16 @ 7:00 PM            New Life in Christ Ministries, Orangeburg, SC

10/17 @ 6:00 PM            True Life Church, Newberry, SC

10/18 @ 6:30 PM            Centenary United Methodist Church, Moncks Corner, SC

10/19 @ 7:00 PM            Full Life Victory Center, Hartsville, SC

10/20 @ 7:00 PM            Full Life Victory Center, Hartsville, SC

10/21 @ 4:00 PM            Faith United Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD

 

The BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ 2012 special on BET is back for a third televised installment with heartfelt performances, tributes and special awards to celebrate the achievements of remarkable women of color.  Back by popular demand is the dynamic duo of Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King who are returning to co-host this year’s awards show.  The historic Loews Paradise Theatre in New York City will be the site of the annual celebration which tapes Saturday, October 13, 2012 and premieres Sunday, November 4, 2012 on BET Networks.

Black women are leading in the White House and are becoming more and more prevalent in Fortune 500 companies, dominating professional sports, driving political discourse and winning Hollywood‘s top awards. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2012 promises to deliver defining moments for women around the world through highlighting empowering stories of excellence from women of color from a broad spectrum of diverse missions and professional backgrounds. 

This year’s much-deserving celebrants and award recipients include: Grammy Award-winning music legend Dionne Warwick – Living Legend Award; actress Kerry Washington – Star Power Award; magazine editor, writer and journalist Susan Taylor – Inspiration Award; singer-songwriter Alicia Keys – Rock Star Award; and human rights activists and doctors, Dr. Hawa Abdi and her daughters – Social Humanitarian Award.

The two-hour event will be a star-studded evening with performances and appearances by Mary Mary, Alicia Keys, Brandy, India.Arie, Keyshia Cole, Ciara and 2011 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Star Power Award recipient Academy Award-nominee Taraji P. Henson and more.  Viewers can expect more memorable moments from this year’s awards show that are sure to empower, entertain and elevate the soul.

“We’re thrilled to once again partner with Beverly Bond and her fantastic organization to bring to the screen the 2012 edition of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! It’s truly an honor to recognize our celebrants who have accomplishments in a wide variety of fields. Look for some very special performances from an array of genres. BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is empowering, uplifting, fun…and perfect on BET!” said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials.

“BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. is extremely proud to partner with BET Networks, for a third year, to produce the 2012 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! special. This show has become an essential platform where dynamic women are honored and exalted for bringing the best of our cultural contributions to the forefront.  The BLACK GIRLS ROCK!award show on BET celebrates the nexus of achievements of women of color and showcases Black female excellence, to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders,” said Beverly Bond, founder of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.

Official sponsors of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2012 include My Black is Beautiful, Crest 3-D White, COVERGIRL and Chevrolet. 

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2012 will premiere internationally on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.

For more information on BLACK GIRLS ROCK! go to www.BET.com/BlackGirlsRock  Join the conversation on Twitter by using hashtag: #BLACKGIRLSROCK and following us @BET.

To apply for media credentials to cover BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2012 red carpet, visit our press site, www.betpressroom.com.  The deadline to apply for media credentials ends at midnight, Monday, October 8, 2012.

The televised special, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! 2012 is a BET Networks and B.G.R. Enterprises Inc. production.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Founder and CEO, Beverly Bond executive produces the telecast along with Stephen Hill, President, Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks and Connie Orlando, Salli Frattini of Sunset Lane Entertainment and co-executive Producer, Jane Mun. 

*All times ET/PT

About Tracee Ellis Ross
Ross is best known as the star of the hit sitcom GIRLFRIENDS that ran for eight seasons on The UPN/CW network and earned her eight NAACP Image Award nominations including two wins, one in 2007 and again in 2009 for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. She recently starred in and produced the NAACP Image Award nominated series REED BETWEEN THE LINES. Ross, who won an NAACP Image Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Award for her performance, co-starred opposite Malcolm Jamal Warner.  Ross was also seen in the short film series FIVE which aired on Lifetime Television and received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her performance.  In early 2011, Ross returned to the stage and garnered rave reviews in Nora and Delia Ephron‘s LOVE LOSS AND WHAT I WORE, first at the Westside Theatre in NY and then at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.  Ross’s feature film work has included HBO’s LIFE SUPPORT with Queen Latifah,Tyler Perry‘s DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS with Gabrielle Union and HANGING UP with Jennifer Connelly and Marcia Gay Harden to name a few.  Ross is a dedicated and passionate volunteer, intent on making a difference in the lives of at-risk teenage girls. She works closely with Aviva Family and Children Services in Los Angeles and also The Big Brother Big Sister organization. As a vetted Obama Surrogate, Ross campaigned across the country during 2007 and 2008 and again during the current election season. She actively participates in the President and First Lady Obama’s Mentoring Initiative.

About Regina King
Regina King‘s distinguished talents have not gone unnoticed by Hollywood.  The skilled actress can currently be seen playing ‘Detective Lydia Adams‘ in TNT’s drama, SOUTHLAND, in production for its fifth season.  Southland focuses on a police unit from Los Angeles, taking viewers into the lives of LAPD cops, criminals and their victims.  In between filming Southland, King made her feature film directorial debut with the teleplay adaptation of the best-selling book, LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN, for BET to air on the network in 2013.  King’s notable film credits include OUR FAMILY WEDDING, THIS CHRISTMAS, RAY, MISS CONGENIALITY 2; ARMED AND FABULOUS, CINDERELLA STORY, LEGALLY BLONDE 2: RED WHITE AND BLONDE, and DADDY DAY CARE.  Born and raised in Los Angeles, King made her television debut on the hit sitcom “227.”  After five seasons, King made the leap to the silver screen with a role in John Singleton‘s powerful directorial debut, BOYZ N THE HOOD.  She would soon collaborate with Singleton again in POETIC JUSTICE and HIGHER LEARNING.  King has always been consistent in showing her dynamic range, bouncing effortlessly from dramatic material to comedic performances like in the hit film FRIDAY with Ice Cube and in A THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE,opposite Martin Lawrence.  A definite turning point in her career came in 1997 with her memorable role as Cube Gooding Jr.’s wife Marci in the blockbuster film JERRY MAGUIRE, which led to starring roles in HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK, ENEMY OF THE STATE, MIGHT JOE YOUNG and DOWN TO EARTH. 

About BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™
Founded by celebrity DJ and Philanthropist, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ is dedicated to promoting positive images of women of color in mass media.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc., is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, that has been dedicated to the healthy development of young women and girls since 2006.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc. seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them to empower themselves. For additional information on BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™, visit www.blackgirlsrock.org.

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, theCaribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks – BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET operates in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

 

Nashville Publicity Group, a public relations firm specializing in family-friendly entertainment, will commemorate their 10th anniversary with the upcoming 2-Disc album release, Nashville Publicity Group presents TEN. The album will be released on January 1st to all digital retailers, including iTunes and Amazon.com. 100% of sales from the album will go to charities handpicked by the artists themselves.

Disc One will feature 10 tracks from artists that have been part of Nashville Publicity Group’s first decade. Participating artists include Kevin Max, Bryan Duncan, Stryper, Blessid Union of Souls, Joanne Cash (featuring Johnny Cash), Collin Raye, Kevin LeVar, Propaganda and more. 

Disc Two will feature 10 handpicked songs from independent artists that have the potential to be the future of the music industry. Nashville Publicity Group is accepting submissions from indie artists through October 31, 2012. Email info@nashvillepublicity.com for more information.

“Despite an economic recession and well-documented turmoil within the music industry, we’ve just experienced our tenth consecutive year of growth,” said Mayes about Nashville Publicity Group’s milestone. “I’m proud of the friends that we’ve made, the partnerships we have created and the lives that have been affected as a result of the tremendous talent that we have had the privilege to represent.” 

About Nashville Publicity Group
Founded in 2002 by music industry veteran Brian Mayes, Nashville Publicity Group is a forward thinking full-service public relations and consulting company specializing in family-friendly entertainment. Nashville Publicity Group routinely delivers unparalleled results by creating aggressive, tailor-made campaigns for recording artists, authors, actors, concert tours and festivals, charities, social media and multimedia properties, television and feature film projects and more. For more information, visit www.nashvillepublicity.com.