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Shawn McLemore’s Wife Clears Up Cause of Death – Announces LIVE Streamed Funeral


Mary Mary, John P. Kee, Fred Hammond Share Condolences

Shawn McLemore listened to the audible words of his wife Rhonda McLemore one last time, and acknowledged her with a single tear.  Then the balladeer that meant so much to people around the world took his last breath.  The final words spoken by Rhonda were, “Your daughter will be alright.. REST!”  And then he let go.

Known to those closest to him as Shawn Mac, McLemore was a local Houston legend that was respected in many circles around the world.  It’s been said that his vocal range was one of the purest in the Gospel industry.  Able to hold and manipulate notes with clarity few have ever done before. 

Shawn is survived by his wife and fellow Gospel singer Rhonda McLemore along with their daughter ShaRon McLemore.  The pair took to social media to clear up his cause of death and announce funeral services taking place in Houston, Texas.  You can watch that video below, and get funeral instructions at the end of the article.

“Mary Mary” singer Erica Campbell posted on Instagram about her relationship with Shawn McLemore.  Says Campbell:

“Ive been tryna figure out what to say about this loss, what post reflects the impact my friend Shawn Mac made😢😢 he was the first to really affirm my gift outside of my church and family.  My church choir was recording a song he arraigned, I know who hold tomorrow and I was leading the song! I was terrified I was 19yrs old, he told me I could do it… and I believed him!❤️ He remained that way in my life, encouraging me all the time. Rest Well Shawn Mac your impact was great and you certainly will be missed. I’m praying for the family. I love you @shawnmclemore67 -Erica Campbell

John P. Kee visits Shawn McLemore in his final days

John P. Kee flew down to Houston to visit McLemore during his final days and said this about the encounter and photo opportunity captured below.

 “On this particular day I was getting ready to leave him! After praying he said, wipe you eyes and brang yo uhnunumumhnngnffgb and take this picture! 🤣🤣🤣 He was low key a real comedian.” -John P. Kee

Fred Hammond was brief with his comments while posting a video of Shawn McLemore’s vocals on the hit song “I Believe” sung with James Fortune and Zacardi Cortez.  Says Hammond,

“Blessings bro. #shawnmclemore #rip” -Fred Hammond

The tributes are coming in by the thousands, but some people are still wondering who he is, and why all their favorite Gospel artists respect him, and they’ve never heard of him?  The answer to that shines a light on a testimony that was full of miracles, God’s favor, and persistence.

THE EARLY DAYS

Shawn Mac did not get famous overnight.  His road to Gospel success was full of hard times when he could have gotten bitter but chose to stay humble and in his own lane.  In the mid-90’s he started drawing comparisons to the legendary John P. Kee, and Verity Records signed the artist hoping to repeat the success they just had after prying John P. Kee away from Tyscot Records.

Shawn McLemore’s first solo release was in 1997 titled, “Wait on Him” and this placed McLemore on Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart.  His second album came 10 years later in 2007 and was titled, “Sunday Morning: The Live Experience” This album marked a new partnership with Black Smoke/Worldwide Music founder and recent Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee Kerry Douglas.  A relationship that would prove pivotal in Shawn’s later years.  But still, McLemore’s album Sunday Morning was not a chart-topper, but it was anointed.  The third album was, Stand: The Shawn Mac Project, released in 2010 by Black Smoke Music alongside Worldwide Music, and this album did not chart as well. 

After a series of average sales McLemore continued to stay on his God given PATH.  Winning over audiences one guest appearance at a time.  Church after Church, with little televised appearances.  Shawn Mac didn’t care if he performed in a white-wood country church with 25 members in it or a mega church with 10,000 members; He still sung his heart out every time.  Something I witnessed personally in my coverage of him as publisher of PATH MEGAzine. 

Hoping for another chance at a solo album, McLemore continued to network and sing on everyone else’s album.  He sang background for Donnie McClurkin, arranged vocals for upcoming artists, and played piano as minister of music for more churches than I can count in the Houston area.  McLemore just loved to worship!  He cared little about notoriety and cared only about leaving it all out on the sanctuary floor every single Sunday for the glory of God. 

THE HEART ATTACK

Then it happened.  11 Years ago, the singer would suffer a major heart attack that doctors said gave the singer a one percent chance of recovery.  Shawn McLemore said in a later interview that his wife Rhonda bought oil to the hospital against the medical staff’s wishes and prayed over him while he laid unconscious.  The singer would soon wake up with all his brain function in-tact, and Shawn would go to work on his fourth and final album, “The One Percent Miracle.” (Released in 2011 by Black Smoke/World-Wide Music.) 

This time the passion project went somewhere, but more than anything it re-energized the singer and reminded him to leave it all on the table for God.  McLemore told Path MEGAzine in 2010, “I used to be part of the crowd that heard what God can do, but now I’m part of the crowd that knows what God can do. And he’s a healer!”

Shawn loved Houston Texans football! Seen here with PATH publisher Kris Patrick

I BELIEVE

Around the time this was all going on, McLemore teamed up with James Fortune and Zacardi Cortez for the hit song that would take all of them to heights few Gospel artists reach.  Singing the ballad to Christian and secular television audiences alike, the song would reach the hearts and minds of many. 

Shawn wrote many songs for himself and other artists; engineered songs, conducted choirs, musical stage plays, sang background and guest featured on dozens of projects.  But when he took the mic, there was never visible signs of nervousness; no quiver in his vocals.  This was a man that was doing what God told him to do.  Just look how he stepped into this song (below) with John P. Kee, who was one of Gospel’s all-time best sellers at this point in time.  No hesitation, just the anointing flowing all over him.

Shawn Mac would eventually suffer another heart attack and make it through it again. But years after the second heart attack, his heart began to fail, affecting other organs in the body.

So, who was Shawn McLemore?  Album sales and fandom can’t begin to describe what Erica Campbell wrote in the aforementioned quote.  McLemore was genuine and built people up and brought out the best in them.  The end result led to more souls being saved. He was a father, he was a husband, he was a talented artist, and he was also my friend. My God time is short…  To those people who have read this far, I encourage you to do exactly what Shawn did and be a testimony about the goodness of God.  Run at your own pace but finish your race!  Shawn Mac, you finished your race brother. Rest well. Until we meet again.

Kris Patrick – Path MEGAzine (Publisher)

Have more time to worship? Check out Shawn McLemore’s Interview with Path MEGAzine in 2010 where he tells his testimony.



TAMELA MANN TO DROP OVERCOMER AUGUST 6th


Tamela Mann’s “Overcomer” Album Cover

Some albums are destined for a certain time. After several years of evolution and change in her life, Grammy® Award-Winning Artist, NAACP Image® Award-Winning Actress, Songwriter, and Producer, Tamela Mann, is set to release her new Tillymann Music album, Overcomer, through The Orchard Distribution on Friday, August 6. There is a new sense of authority and urgency in Tamela’s music now; she has lived these songs and is ready to share the strength and purpose she has found.   

Propelled by the singer’s strong, passionate vocals, and her newfound voice as a songwriter, each of the 12 tracks on Overcomer was conceived to bring healing and hope to a world resetting after a tumultuous chapter in its history. There is plenty to unpack from a lyrical standpoint, and Tamela is at the writing helm on most of the songs.

“I poured my experiences into the lyrics, putting my heart and soul into the words on this album,” Tamela says. “It’s me looking at my life and the things I was dealing with, trying to learn from those things, and doing what I can to overcome them.”

Overcomer may be Tamela’s best work to date. Each song stands on its own as a masterful production. The album was executive produced by Tamela and her husband, Music Producer and NAACP Image® Award-Winning Actor/Comedian, David Mann, with production quarterbacked by a cadre of all-star producers and writers. Special guests include Kirk Franklin and Wyclef Jean on the stand-out track melding R&B, reggae, rap, and gospel, “Hello God;” Todd Dulaney on the worshipful “Finished Work;” Travis Green, the co-writer and producer of the anthemic “Finished;” and The Fellas, on her current single, “Help Me.” “Touch From You,” the debut single from the album, added to Tamela’s bank of personal bests; the track was her seventh No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart. “Source” and “He Did It For Me” are two other standouts. Says Tamela of the inspiration behind the lyrics for them both: “God is the source and my go-to when I’m lost. I can’t do anything without Him, and I never want to try to.”

Overcomer is the latest accomplishment and centerpiece in Tamela’s busy career. In Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living (BET+), she reprises her role as “Cora,” which she originated in Perry’s successful “Madea” plays, films, and hit television show, Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns. She and David released their first book and joint album, the NAACP Image® Award-winning Us Against the World. She is starring in two upcoming films: the Tyler Perry “Madea” movie coming to Netflix and Soul Santa airing this Christmas on BET, which she executive produced with David. Tamela also launched her own successful athleisure apparel line, the Tamela Mann Collection (tamelamann.com). The line has become a popular staple in the athleisure apparel space.

Tamela has always created art that encourages people and draws them closer to their faith. Her hit-laden music career includes such memorable songs as “Change Me,” “God Provides,” and the unforgettable, No. 1 Platinum-selling classic, “Take Me to the King.” Tamela has earned numerous accolades. In addition to scoring a Grammy®, she is a BET Award winner, Billboard Music Award winner, and multiple Gospel Music Stellar Award, NAACP Image® Award, and GMA Dove Award winner.

“I love butterflies. I feel like I’m coming out of the cocoon again, energized and on fire,” says Tamela, who underwent surgery to have both her knees replaced in the summer of 2019. After taking some time to work on her health and wellness, and a fresh creative mindset, she’s stepping forward a changed woman to express her heart and soul. “This is new music for a new time and a new me,” she says.

If someone were to ask the singer/songwriter what her greatest wish was for this album, says Tamela Mann: “My heart’s desire is to give people hope and let them know there’s still compassion in the world. It’s the opportunity for me again to show God’s love and His grace. That’s my purpose in life and for Overcomer.”

Overcomer goes on pre-sale tomorrow, July 9.

Track List:

1.     Finished Work feat. Todd Dulaney  

2.     I Am 

3.     Source

4.     Help Me feat. The Fellas music video

5.     Hello God feat. Wyclef Jean and Kirk Franklin

6.     Healer

7.     Conqueror

8.     Overcomer

9.     Touch From You | music video

10. He Did It For Me

11. Final Answer

12. Finished

Production Credits:

Executive Producers: Tamela Mann and David Mann, Sr.

Produced by: Phillip Bryant, Jevon Hill, Kirk Franklin, Travis Green, Dontaniel Kimbrough, Todd Dulaney, Shaun Martin, Rickey “Slikk” Offord, Stanley Green, Tamela Mann



PATH Publisher Kris Patrick Nominated for Two 2018 Rhythm of Gospel Awards!


The 10th Annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards announced it’s 2018 nominees. Path MEGAzine is humbled to announce that we’re nominated in two categories for Gospel Internet Promotion & Marketing Group of the Year, and Internet Press Group of the Year. Continue reading



MaryMary’s TINA CAMPBELL Blasts Christians Who Have A Problem with Snoop Dogg’s Gospel Album


Tina_Campbell_Path-Megazine

[Tina Campbell: “And for the record MaryMary is doing a song on Snoop Dogg’s album too!”]

I spoke with Gospel star Tina Campbell of MaryMary today. The reality TV star and award-winning Gospel artist dished out the goods on a few things leading up to her solo album release. Continue reading



Recap of Earnest Pugh’s Big Night with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner [PICTURES]


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[Earnest Pugh presented with a congressional letter of recognition by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee. Also pictures next to Pugh is Mayor Sylvester Turner]

After only four years in his adoptive city of Houston, Texas, Earnest Pugh has made quite an impact. The fourth largest city in America recognized the Gospel star for his consistent accomplishments in Gospel after landing his 11th Top 20 Billboard single. Continue reading



The Dove Awards Continue to Support Gospel Diversity, But Will Radio and Fans Follow?


dove-Awards_2016The theme of the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards was “Love Amplified” and this was evident throughout the night, exemplifying gospel music diversity in its presenters, performers, and award recipients and showcasing the Gospel Music Association’s continuing efforts to break down barriers in musical tastes and racial divides.  Continue reading



William McDowell Reveals Album Secret, Rising Star Travis Greene Speaks About Success and Mentor at 2016 Dove Awards


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[3-Time Dove Nominee Travis Greene [left] with Mentor and Dove Award Winner William McDowell]

During the pre-telecast of this year’s Dove Awards, Pastor William McDowell captured his first Dove Award for his latest release, “SOUNDS OF REVIVAL”. Continue reading



James Fortune Contemplated Suicide After Guilty Plea; Chooses to Testify and Keep Performing


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[James Fortune at the 2016 Gospel Music Workshop of America]

For Houstonian and Gospel star James Fortune, success did not come quick or easy. Blessed with the ability to minister and not sing, Fortune only had few options as he walked the halls of numerous conventions in the 90’s trying to get noticed. Continue reading