Director-actor-screenwriter-producer Tyler Perry is partnering with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network to develop series programming and other projects for the cable channel.

Two scripted series from Perry are set to make their debuts in mid 2013. He will executive-produce, write and direct both, which will be the first original scripted series for OWN.

The partnership between Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, announced Monday, amounts to the biggest programming bet made by OWN since its premiere in January 2011. The network has struggled to define itself and draw an audience since then, though it has started to show some progress in the ratings in recent months. Winfrey’s partner, Discovery Communications, expects the network to turn a profit in late 2013.

Tyler Perry will take a small equity stake in OWN, though the amount and the other financial details of the deal were not disclosed. OWN called it a “multi-year deal.”

In the future, OWN will be Mr. Perry’s “singular destination for all new television series and projects,” the network said Monday in a news release. The network plans to premiere two new scripted series made by Perry sometime in mid-2013.

Tyler Perry confirmed the deal and had this to say,  

“As I sit here in Atlanta, it’s raining an abundant rain. It makes me think of my mother. She loved the rain and I do too. It is befitting that this announcement would be made on a day like today. Yes it’s true, Oprah and I have joined forces. We’ve formed a partnership for OWN and I’m super excited about it. I’ll fill you in more as we get closer to the airing of my shows. I have a lot of questions for you about this, so stay close, OK? I need your help.”

The deal with OWN signals that Perry has ruled out the creation of a cable channel of his own. Last year, The New York Times reported that Perry and the distributor of his films, Lions Gate Entertainment, were considering creating such a channel, tentatively called Tyler TV. One option for carriage at the time was a takeover of the TV Guide Network. Winfrey and Discovery Communications created OWN the same way, by taking over the Discovery Health Channel.

“You have one of the most talented producers in Hollywood who has walked away from other opportunities, and he is betting his television future on OWN,” said David Zaslav, the chief executive of Discovery, in an e-mail. “In a business where content is king, that is a huge endorsement — and no question that Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey make a pretty powerful consumer and brand proposition.”

Oprah was said to have lost the ability to make creative decisions at the network do to poor ratings and sagging advertising sales.  Majority stake holder Discover Communications made the move a few months back.  Undoubtedly, Oprah hopes that this deal with Perry can help keep the network on the air.  So it appeals all bets are on Tyler.

Perry’s current home on cable, TBS, will continue to broadcast repeats of his shows “House of Payne,” “Meet the Browns” and “For Better or Worse.” 

 

Writers Charley and Vlas Parlapanides

CBS is getting into the faith business.  The network has given script orders to The Centurion, a high-concept drama about faith and responsibility from Immortals feature scribes Charley and Vlas Parlapanides, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

The drama centers on an elite force recon Marine who, after a near-fatal accident in combat overseas, makes a promise to God to clear the debt of the lives he’s taken if he safely returns home to his family. Once he does return home, he settles back into his former career as a police detective to make good on his promise, guided by the angel of his best friend, who died in the accident.

The Parlapanides brothers created the concept and will write and executive produce the show for ABC Studios, with Revenge consulting producer Bob Sertner and Fast & Furious scribe Chris Morgan also on board to produce.

Read the full story by the Hollywood Reporter

Today is the day that Holly Starr debuts Focus, her third studio project releasing courtesy of Save The City Records/Provident Distribution. Produced by Chris Stevens (TobyMac, Mandisa, Jamie Grace), David Garcia (Group 1 Crew) and Chuck Butler (Royal Tailor), Focus has already been touted as “the perfect find for anyone looking for music with stripped back production and intimate lyrics of confession and praise.”

Media coverage has already been supported by outlets such as New Release Tuesday, Focus On The Family’s Plugged In, Surrender Magazine, Encounter Magazine, The Trades, Christian Music Zine, and much more. Her music has also been added to Sirius XM, Family Life Network as well as major market radio stations across the U.S., such as KSBJ in Houston and Seattle’s KCMS.

Focus‘s first single, “Don’t Have Love,” continues to make major headway with radio. The song is presently at New & Active at both AC Monitored and Indicator and reached #26 at CHR.

Added to SiriusXM’s The Message and Family Life Network, other major market stations spinning “Don’t Have Love” are KSBJ in Houston, Seattle’s KCMS, KLJY/St. Louis, WDJC in Birmingham, WBFJ/Winston-Salem and WMHK in Columbia, SC. In fact, according to Jeff Cruz, PD at WMHK, Starr’s single is a smash and is the next Jamie-Grace “Hold Me.” He shared, “Fun, fresh and exciting is exactly what I thought the first time I heard Holly Starr’s music. I couldn’t wait to share it with the listeners at WMHK. And they have loved it as much as I did!”

And according to Hit Music Research through HisAir.net, Starr’s “Don’t Have Love” was top 3 in a recent survey with AC radio, just behind Building 429 and TobyMac.

The music video for “Don’t Have Love” has been viewed close to 200,000 times on YouTube, was also added to GMC. Be sure to watch the video here. To download Focus, visit Starr’s link at iTunes.

Focus Track Listing 
1. Let Go
2. This Love
3. Don’t Have Love
4. Through My Father’s Eyes
5. Me And You
6. Focus
7. Satisfied
8. Constant
9. I Believe
10. Grace For All

 

 

 

 

ABOUT HOLLY STARR
Raised in a Christian home on a farm in Quincy, Washington, Holly Starr is living a charming story and also living her dream. Writing songs and creating music ever since she was little, being discovered on the internet, and now making albums and touring the country, Starr hasn’t stopped going. This year alone, she has played the main stage at AtlantaFest, Lifest, Alive, Unity Fest, and more. For Holly Starr’s most updated tour schedule, please visit her site here.

Through it all, Starr embodies a firm desire for ministry and a well-established plan. “If you believe that God is bigger than everything we can see, and that He’s more powerful than anything you’ve experienced, then you know that God’s grace can intervene in any situation in your life. The impossible is not impossible.”

At only 21 years old, Starr has toured the world and has collaborated with some of the most lauded writers and producers in the industry, such as Chris Stevens, Ian Eskelin, David Garcia, Chuck Butler, and Rusty Varenkamp, to name a few. She has released two previous projects, Tapestry (2010) and Embraced (2008), and has played some of the biggest Christian Music festivals, even opening for country star LeAnn Rimes. Now with Focus, Starr showcases her vibrant musical growth and maturity alongside her heart for worship.

 

A colorful and creative work of art, Heart to Heart is written by author Carolyn MF Brown who has a profound passion for family, love and God. In this compilation of inspirational poems, Brown takes her readers to a rhythmic play of words that articulate the many blessings of the Lord, found in the things that surround every person such as the gift of life. 

In Heart to Heart, readers will uncover the edifying messages that are hidden behind the playful lyrics and artistic words. Awe-inspiring, the poems in this book instill the value of respect for every human being, through one’s words and deeds. Brown also shares a couple of points about sportsmanship, patience and understanding especially when humans are engaging in games. Also, she cites the importance of humility, encouraging everyone to apologize when they feel like they are at fault. She emphasizes how these two simple words “I’m sorry” are powerful tools in building a lasting and healthy relationship between individuals 

Most significantly, this light read shares the unwavering bond of a family. This descriptive and inspirational book shares poems about mothers, fathers and children, profoundly illustrating the genuine definition of a family. Lastly, Heart to Heart connects with its readers in a transcendental level as it encourages them to understand the importance of prioritizing self love above all things, for it is the determining factor of how one can reach out to love others. Stimulating and heart-warming, this poetry book speaks a myriad of truths. 

To read Excerpts and Purchase book click here and visit www.barnesandnoble.com 

 Available Online at Barnes & Noble.com

About the Author

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Carolyn Mae Faison Brown is a nine-year recipient of a kidney donated to her from her sister, Brenda D. Combs on September, 2001. Brown was employed for eighteen years as an EKG/ electrocardiographic technician and had worked part time as an EEG/ electroencephalographic technician. In her spare time, she is exercising at the YMCA with her husband Reginald. She has a daughter, son-in-law and one grand-child. She also has a son, a daughter -in-law, and two grandchildren at Scott Air force Base Illinois.

Gospel Music’s Leading man, Earnest Pugh, is joining forces with Washington, D.C.’s leading inspirational radio station, Praise 104.1 FM, to kick off the holiday season with an early Christmas party that is open to all. The big event revolves around the October 16^th release of the new yuletide CD, “Christmas with Earnest Pugh & Friends” that features cameos by Chrystal Rucker, Keith Williams, Martha Buries, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis – all of whom will appear at the show. 

There will be a 6 pm red carpet arrival for VIPs and talent, followed by a 7 pm concert and listening party featuring Pugh and his guest artists performing songs from the CD that will be available for purchase throughout the evening.  The free admission event takes place at The Atrium At Treetops, 8181 Professional Blvd Hyattsville, MD.

Over the last half dozen years, Earnest Pugh has established himself as Gospel Music’s Leading Man with soul stirring, #1 radio smashes such as “Rain On Us” and “I Need Your Glory” that also hit the Adult R&B Airplay charts. Now, he’s joining the ranks of Johnny Mathis, Mahalia Jackson and Nat “King” Cole by creating a holiday album. 

The fourteen-track set marks Pugh’s first time sitting in the producer’s chair and he shares the mic with some of his best and most talented friends in the music biz. The initial radio single, “Ring Dem Bells”, a rousing mid-tempo ballad features impassioned backing vocals by Charles Butler & Trinity. A soulful “Silent Night” features the smooth tenor of Quadrius Salters. Baritone Keith Williams joins Pugh on “Holy 2 U” while powerhouse soprano Chrystal Rucker does a majestic rendition of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” with a simple piano arrangement. Lisa Knowles of the Brown Sisters and Pugh trade adlibs on a churchy rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful”. Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis create a warm and cozy groove on “Go Tell It” while newcomer Martha Buries brings a jazzy vibe to Ann McCrary’s “Remember Not 2 Forget”. Veteran vocalist Nikki Ross sits us down on the front pew of a Sunday morning church service to deliver a dramatic version of  “Walk in the Light”. 

CLICK HERE to Preview and Purchase CD

Stellar Award nominated Syreeta “Trumpet Lady” Thompson announced plans to expand her music education platform today.

“If I can impact a child’s life by sharing about something I love and that I’ve been blessed to receive formal education in, I don’t even have to think twice,” shares Thompson.

In expanding her music education platform and creating Mission Music, Boys & Girls Clubs were a first choice because of their 100+ year commitment to helping change the lives of youth. Ms. Thompson will speak with children at the center, encouraging them to become involved in music and arts as well as lending some of the technique and information she shares in her Master Class program. The first session will be held at Boys & Girls Club of Garfield, NJ on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 and will be an ongoing effort.

Syreeta Thompson’s career has brought her a long way since her days of study at the tender age of twelve at the Merit Music Program and Sherwood Conservatory of Music in Chicago, Illinois. The Stellar Award nominated performer is a graduate of Douglass College, Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and she holds a Master’s Degree in film scoring and jazz composition and arranging. Today, Syreeta’s scholastic competence and musical proficiency has garnered the position of Department Chair of Instrumental Music for Cicely Tyson School of fine and Performing Arts, East Orange, NJ. Thompson has also skillfully written six curriculums for the East Orange School District. The in-demand clinician is a Master Music Educator with the New Jersey Education Association, as well as a Member of M.E.N.C. (Music Educators National Conference).

Visit www.trumpetlady.com for more information on Syreeta Thompson and her Master Class program.

About Mission Music

Mission Music is a platform created by Syreeta Thompson, Dept. Chair at the Cicely Tyson School of Fine Arts & Music (Newark, NJ) and member of the Music Educators National Conference. Through a 45 minute presentation, Syreeta aims to spark a fire and encourage children and teens, ages 5 – 15 to become involved in their local music and arts programs. The presentation includes a brief introduction, a demonstrative portion where 1 – 2 of Syreeta’s current students speak about the instruments they play, as well as a rhythmic activity which allows all of the children to participate in creating music.

About Boys & Girls Clubs

For more than a century, Boys & Girls Clubs have helped put young people on the path to great futures. Boys & Girls Clubs annually serve nearly 4 million young people, through membership and community outreach, in some 4,000 Club facilities throughout the country and BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide.

Since 1997, Creative Soul Records has been helping Christian artists from around the world develop their music, build strong ministries and produce amazing recordings. To celebrate their 15th anniversary, the label is proud to announce the upcoming album release, We Are Creative Soul – a collaboration of 15 artists that have trusted Creative Soul to help shape their careers. The album will be released on February 5, 2013.

The project will be produced by Creative Soul Founder and President, Eric Copeland, and Grammy and Dove Award winning producer, Phil Naish (Steven Curtis Chapman, Point of Grace, Jaci Velasquez). Over the past decade and half, Creative Soul has consistently provided artists with the top session players and engineers in the Christian music industry. As part of their ongoing evolution, they are now bringing in additional producers in order to serve more artists. 

“We’re thrilled to be working with new producers like Phil Naish,” says Copeland. “We live in a new world of music ministry and are positioning Creative Soul Records to be the bridge for artists to a new music business. We’re developing artists in Nashville, and helping them to the one thing they want more than anything else: the opportunity to get busy with their music and ministry.”

We Are Creative Soul will feature all new tracks by some of the best independent artists in Christian music today. Featured on the project are Zach Allen, Stephen Bautista, Cedars Gray, Angela Donadio, Belinda Jane, Frances Drost, Eternity Focus, Adriam Lobaina, Leslie McKee, Stephanie Newton, Jeannette Petkau, Michelle Ruben, Trish Torline, Mike Westendorf and Samuel Wilson.

To raise funds for the project, Creative Soul launched a Kickstarter campaign which runs through Friday, October 5th. The Kickstarter rewards include discounts on Creative Soul’s consulting and production services. 

“We feel that this album is both a thank you to our artists for letting us serve them all these years, as well as the start of a new chapter for our company,” adds Copeland. 

For more information on Creative Soul Records, visit www.CreativeSoulRecords.com. For more information on Creative Soul development programs for new artists, visit www.CreativeSoulOnline.com.

Changing Forward, the new book by Bishop Paul S. Morton. Bishop Morton’s compelling journey stands as an example to any who would follow God’s urging to change, grow, and move forward in faith.

When Paul Morton was born, his father prophesied that Paul would be a great preacher one day. As the son of an influential pastor of two churches, Paul was raised in the Word and encouraged to follow his father into the pulpit. But God had a different plan for Paul, one that required change, risk, hardship, and a powerful faith. His earthly father had a vision for him, and his heavenly Father brought that and much more to fruition.

Changing Forward is Bishop Paul Morton’s story of God’s faithfulness. When Paul was offered a record contract singing pop music, God made it clear that was not the change He wanted. When he found himself the pastor of a large New Orleans church at only twenty-four years old, God used Paul to bring renewal to that church and its people. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, God called that same church not only to come back stronger but also to grow and add a second location in another state.

This is also the story of the birth of The Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship, one of the fastest-growing and most influential fellowships in the church. Not just one man but many people and multiple churches had to step out in faith. That willingness to change forward as led by the Holy Spirit defines the life of Paul Morton and the church to which he has committed his life.

Although he had to overcome many obstacles that would defeat a lesser man, Bishop Morton prevailed, moving forward every time. His sometimes humorous, sometimes heartbreaking, always compelling journey stands as an example to any who would follow God’s urging to change, grow, and move forward in faith.

Changing Forward, the new book by Bishop Paul S. Morton and published by Abingdon Press, is available wherever fine books are sold.

 

A dozen years in, the Chicago-based ensemble known as Shekinah Glory Ministry (SGM) continues to dominate and set the standard for urban praise and worship music. They’ve made chants such as “Praise is What I Do” and “Jesus” universally known tunes that are sung by choirs all over the world. With five RIAA gold and platinum record and video certifications behind them, this coterie of psalmists, minstrels and banner-wavers are poised to strike gold again with their fourth original CD, “Surrender” (Kingdom Records), that features the radio hit, “Champion.”

The group is making a rare North Carolina appearance as part of WIDU 1600 AM’s 54^th anniversary celebration concert, “Let’s Go Back to Church.” Aside from SGM, the show will also feature performances from John P. Kee, the Rance Allen Group, the Williams Brothers, Bishop Michael A. Blue and Tim Rogers & The Fellas. The Crown Coliseum is located at 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28306. Tickets range from $13 to $32.40 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Shekinah Glory Ministry made its mark with the 2001 gold-selling CD, “Praise is What I Do.” Its name means, “the glorified presence of God.” Their CDs Praise Is What I Do (#5 peak Top Gospel Albums) and Shekinah Glory Ministry Live (#3 peak Top Gospel Albums – 103 weeks on the chart) continue to be best sellers and their 2010 CD, Refreshed By Fire, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Visit www.kingdomrecordsinc.com for further information on SGM and Kingdom Records.