Gospel singer Deitrick Haddon confirms what many have  speculated.  Deitrick is officially divorced from fellow Gospel singer Damita.  This ends 15 years of marriage.

Speculation began industry-wide when Damita dropped the last name Haddon from all of her promotions.  Deitrick Haddon recently took to twitter acknowledging the divorce, but made clear that the separation was not recent.

“Our break up is NOT recent, it’s been well over a year process,” says Haddon.

The announcement comes at a time where both Deitrick and Damita are extremely busy.  Deitrick just released a movie and soundtrack called ‘A Beautiful Soul,’ and Damita’s new CD was recently released.  Even though the couple is no longer together, they still seem to be supportive of one another.  In the same series of tweets, (shown below) Deitrick says, “Since Damita and I may end up in many conversations.. While You’re talking go and support Damita’s new CD.  It is absolutely amazing.”

For years, Deitrick and Damita were un-separable.  At the height of Deitrick’s budding career he would always interview and include Damita.  As Damita became a brand herself, the two formed a Gospel power-couple, with a unique ability to inspire the youth and minister to the saints.  

After a year long separation and divorce process, it’s refreshing to find out that things didn’t get messy in the media.  Hopefully it will stay that way.   

“Ive learned giving some folk information is like putting an ax in the hands of a murderer,” says Deitrick Haddon.  He goes on to tweet, “No interviews and no questions!”

Below we’ve included the official tweets of Deitrick about this issue.

CLICK to enter the “A Beautiful Soul” DVD Give-Away

Hey PATH!  We’re excited to announce a FREE Give-Away for our subscribers!  

Now is your chance to own Deitrick Haddons new movie “A Beautiful Soul” on DVD before it hits stores.

We’re giving away 5 DVD copies of the movie that was release in select theaters nation-wide.  

HOW TO WIN: All you have to do is go to the entry box below, login, and do at least one of the 3 things it tells you to do.  The more things you do the more entries you will receive, which will increase your odds of winning.

After you’ve won, we will contact you by email for your shipping address.  You have 24 hours at that point to provide a shipping address and claim your prize! 

CONTEST ENDS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29TH @ MIDNIGHT/est.

Good luck and God Bless!  -Path MEGAzine

Listeners who’ve tuned-in to their favorite gospel station lately, have likely heard the Billboard Gospel Top Ten smash single, “Keep Me.” But what they may not have known is that Patrick Dopson is the gifted singer/songwriter behind the mega hit.

While new to the scene as a solo artist, Dopson is no stranger to the industry or spreading God’s word through music. Growing up in Selma, Alabama – often known as the birthplace of the civil-rights movement – he began singing in the church his father pastored, which was one of the only integrated churches in the city in the 80’s. His mother served as the minister of music and introduced him to a wide variety of music which spurred his admiration for black gospel. Throughout the course of his career, he has served as worship leader for some of the most progressive, multi-cultural ministries in the country including Bishop Gary Oliver’s Tabernacle of Praise. His ministry is now based out of Christian Life Church, Montgomery, Alabama, where his father is Pastor.

Dopson’s urban-contemporary sound has opened the doors of opportunity, leading him to work alongside many of the industry’s greatest and most decorated artists like Fred Hammond, Pastor John P. Kee, Martha Munizzi, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp and a host of others.

“Early in my career, I was blessed to write and provide background vocals on Fred Hammond’s Grammy Award-wining project, Free to Worship. I learned a great deal from him and will always treasure that experience,” says Dopson. “In fact when people search for the album, my songs are frequently mistaken with his, but honestly I find that to be quite the compliment. Although we may share similarities, there is one difference that often catches listeners by surprise–I’m a white brother.”

For Dopson, what’s more important than skin color or fitting the mold of a particular genre, is making sure the music continues to reach the ears and ultimately the hearts of all people. “I know my call inside the lining of the music. It’s not to perform vocal calisthenics, but to tear down stereotypes, racial barriers and the spirit that chooses to divide,” states Dopson. And during the first half of 2012, he’s been doing just that. Since hitting the radio airwaves, “Keep Me” has been blessing the lives of many and recently soared to the number seven spot on Billboard’s Gospel chart. Plans are currently underway to release the official music video for the song within the coming weeks.

Following the success of his lead single, Dopson just dropped his first full-length album, Open the Heavens, on his independent label, Oilonit Music. “The compilation of songs on the album represents my heart’s expression to God. Each was birthed through prayer, a message or an experience along the way,” says Dopson. “The project is really a praise and worship experience. We’ve discovered the songs are being utilized by praise teams across the country and individuals are using it in their personal prayer time with God.” Thanks to an exclusive deal with Central South Distribution, Open the Heavens can be found on iTunes, as well as in national retail stores like Walmart and Best Buy.

These days, Dopson’s schedule is filled with tour dates, guest appearances and promotional events in support of his album. However, the husband and new father is determined to strike a balance between his ministry and his family life. “My family is the nucleus of anything good that comes from me,” says Dopson. ” Although it isn’t typical within the industry, I make every possible effort to have my wife Christina and son Garion travel with me from city to city. And if that means an extra flight here or there or frequent stops along the way, then that’s what we do.”

As Dopson continues to reap the rewards of his hard work and diligence, his debut efforts have garnered four 2012 Stellar Award first round nominations in the categories of Song of the Year; New Artist of the Year; Contemporary Male Vocal of the Year; and Praise and Worship CD of the Year. “After the release of an album that was eight years in the making, it is rewarding to see the fruits of our labor and experience the benefits that come with completely trusting in God,” says Dopson. “I believe that the time it takes while pressing through the process helps us to remember that it is only by His grace and favor that we can enjoy anything that others may deem as success.”

 

Save The City Records is happy to announce the debut 6-song EP from the new duo, Stomptown Revival, which is being distributed by Provident Distribution.  The duo is comprised of Gabe Martinez, frontman for the critically acclaimed band Circleslide, and Brandon Bee, a solo artist/producer with over 80 production credits (Stacie Orrico, Matthew James, Amber Pacific), and together they are bringing their own indie rock and folksy blues sound to the marketplace.  Stomptown Revival’s unique rootsy sound is driven by acoustic and slide guitars, a harmonica, and a stompbox , a percussion instrument pioneered by early bluesmen.  The music is innovative and brings a new excitement to the Christian music genre, with powerful lyrics that are vertical with a message of hope and resurrection. 

“We wrote two songs that sounded like Americana bluesy music,” explains Bee. “We’re both managed by the same guy, and he showed up and wanted to hear the songs. I was playing a dobro, Gabe was playing harmonica and acoustic guitar. Our manager loved it and thought there was definitely something there. Hence, the birth of our new brand of music we refer to as spiritual stomp.” 

“We didn’t really intend to make a record,” Martinez adds. “We were just writing for the sheer joy of it. It was spontaneous and organic, with a sense of friendship and community, like we’re hanging around the campfire together.”

Martinez and Bee hooked up in 2004 at a music retreat in Seattle, WA, and when a Circleslide guitarist injured his hand, Bee became the substitute player.  They remained close friends who started writing songs together and then discovered their mutual interest in American Blues music.  It was at that point when StompTown Revival was born.

The new EP kicks-off with the rowdy new single, Guiding Me Home, which immediately grabs the listener and makes them hold on tight to the rockin’ new sound that is reminiscent of Mumford & Sons and Civil Wars.  The worship song, Anthem Of Love was the first song written for the project and then Martinez and Bee cover the traditional and well-known hymn, Leaning On The Everlasting Arms, with a new Appalachian sound that enhanced the early southern gospel spirituals.  The Sun Will Find A Way is a song about “the Son” who can lead to redemption, Waiting On The Man delivers a message of living right now while waiting for judgment day, while Born Again longs for a renewed and more intimate relationship with Christ.

StompTown Revival’s website (www.stomptown.com) is also a unique experience that is fitting for this new duo, where fans can log-in for citizenship and even become mayor!  “Our marketing strategy focused on creating a virtual town, StompTown USA, and  targets those who long for real, authentic organic music, “ says Keith Stancil, President, Artist Garden Entertainment and Vice President, Marketing, Save The City Records. “We implemented an internet campaign soliciting citizenship in order to build a fanbase before anyone had heard the music.  Citizens can earn points which give them access to special goodies and the person with the most points becomes Mayor.  The response has been incredible!”

To check out the latest updates on StompTown Revival please visit them online at www.stomptownrevival.com, www.facebook.com/StompTownRevival and on Twitter @strevival. 

StompTown Revival Album Listing:

1.       Guiding Me Home

2.       Waiting For The Man

3.       Born Again

4.       Anthem Of Love

5.       The Sun Will Find A Way

6.       Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

Acclaimed Actress, NAACP Image Award Nominee and Dove Award-Winning Singer TAMELA MANN’s highly-anticipated CD, BEST DAYS, is in stores today, The project is released by TillyMann Music Group Inc. and distributed by Central South Distribution. The CD’s debut single, “Take Me To The King,” holds strong at #2 for the third week on Billboard’s Gospel radio chart. BEST DAYS continues trending at #1 on Amazon.com’s Gospel/Christian sales chart and the CD’s debut single, “Take Me To The King,” has been at the top of the iTunes Songs chart since its release in June. “I want to present music that people can be blessed by and that can be healing,” said Tamela about the new CD. “We have to put music out to keep people encouraged and keep lifting the body of Christ up. I hope BEST DAYS will bless and inspire people.” Produced by Myron Butler and Kirk Franklin, the 12-song CD showcases Tamela’s powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics. The title track, penned by Butler, is a jubilant celebration of God’s promises.”It’s a very encouraging song and gives a lot of hope,” Tamela said. “It’s about looking back on your past, but not letting it take over your life. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Things will be better.” Her hit single “Take Me To The King” is penned and produced by Franklin and has been the singer’s fastest-climbing and highest-charting single of her career. “Whatever the problem, whatever the situation, remember you can always take it to the King,” said Tamela. Tamela is on the road for a month-long, multi-city promotional tour making stops for TV appearances, church performances, radio station interviews and events across the country. This week, Tamela is on Good Day Atlanta, TBN’s Praise the Lord, and CBN’s The 700 Club, and doing interviews along the tour route and numerous radio stations. She will be signing autographs at in-stores at Wal-Mart in Richmond, Va. and Virginia Beach, Va., and Best Buy in South Philadelphia, Pa. and Mount Vernon, N.Y. Please visit www.tillymannmusic.com and www.facebook.com/davidtamelamann for her updated tour itinerary  In addition to launching her new CD, Tamela appears in the new film Sparkle, in theaters August 17.Sparkle, a remake of the 1976 film, tells the story of a young musical prodigy from a Harlem gospel choir, who is pushed into the limelight and struggles to become a star. The title character, Sparkle, is played by Jordin Sparks, and Whitney Houston plays her mother. Along with Tamela, Houston and Sparks, the stellar cast also includes Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carman Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green among others.

ABOUT TAMELA MANN Tamela Mann is an accomplished NAACP Image Award nominated actress, singer, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman. Starring as “Cora Simmons,” the loving and churchgoing “but woe to those who cross me” daughter of beloved Deacon Leroy Brown and the iconic Madea Simmons on the hit TBS comedy Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns, Tamela makes millions laugh every week while she enjoys a unique personal double blessing. Continuing the role she originated in Perry’s 2004 play and 2008 film of the same name, the sassy, high spirited multi-talented singer and actress is able to work every day with David Mann, her husband who plays Leroy. Tamela’s highly successful, Dove Award-winning CD “The Master Plan” remained at the top of the Gospel sales chart for almost a year, and in 2010, Tamela released “The Master Plan Deluxe Edition” which contained not only all the songs from the best-seller, but David’s CD, “Mr. Brown’s Good Ol’ Time Church,” and a full bonus DVD of behind the scenes footage and music videos. Tamela and David’s new cooking and lifestyle show, “Hanging With The Manns,” will be coming to television this fall. For more information about Tamela Mann, visit http://www.tillymannmusic.com.

Following four back-to-back Billboard Top 200-selling, GRAMMY Award-winning albums, Israel Houghton returns with New Breed for their first live recording in five years, Jesus At The Center, releasing today amidst wide acclaim on Integrity Music / RGM-New Breed. Recorded live over four days in front of more than 29,000 worshippers at Houston’s Lakewood Church, the Jesus At The Center double-CD, 18 song album with three additional studio singles features Israel & New Breed returning to their roots, delivering new anthems for the modern day church.

Leading up to the release of the album, Israel appeared on ABC’s “The View” July 24 as part of The King’s Men tour group interview and performance. He also taped BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel” and “Lift Every Voice” shows to run this fall (check your local listings for times), and will appear with The King’s Men on BET’s “Sunday Best” finale episode Sept. 2. He is further scheduled to make appearances on FOX’s “Good Day Houston” and WGN TV’s “Morning News” Aug. 22.

Recently featured on Yolanda Adams and Tom Joyner radio shows, Israel & New Breed is also gathering significant airplay across the nation with its Jesus At The Center hit singles. The song “It’s Not Over (When God Is In It),” featuring acclaimed vocalists Jason Nelson and James Fortune, is a Top 12 Gospel Monitored hit and climbing while the Christian AC single, “Your Presence Is Heaven” produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Britt Nicole), is rapidly climbing the charts.

As broadcast media continue to feature Israel & New Breed, and with covers or features in Associated Press, Charisma, Gospel Today, CCM, Worship Leader, All About Worship and more, the music critics are similarly offering their applause:

“Israel & New Breed…led by singer Israel Houghton, provide many superb praise and worship songs on their new album, Jesus at the Center. Houghton co-wrote the majority of songs on the double-disc album, offering solid, upbeat gospel tunes that are fused with jazz and rock melodies. The 21 tracks…flow easily as the group delivers a series of powerful messages about faith and empowerment.” – Associated Press

“Like efforts past, [Jesus At The Center] consists of two main movements. The first one is a praise-fest featuring a string of high-octane numbers, running the gamut from corporate choral praise (“Jesus the Same,” “More Than Enough”) and contemporary gospel (“No Turning Back”) to Latin electro-pop (the Pitbull-esque “Te Amo”), and even a gospel-ska hybrid (“Rez Power”)… the second movement, a stretch of worshipful, impassioned slow-burners that segue right into one another.” – AllMusic.com

“A vision that has been stirring for 12 years and is finally coming to fruition in a worldwide release featuring soulful gospel, crossed with contemporary worship, Latino zest and shaken up with a rockin’ funk.” – CCM

“With this album, Israel Houghton delivers another must-have live worship project…Jesus at the Center is fresh, relevant and masterful.” – watchgmctv.com

In addition to the Jesus At The Center two-disc album, a companion DVD recorded live in high-definition featuring all 18 songs along with behind the scenes footage, story behind the song vignettes and other bonus material, is available at retail now. An exclusive iTunes® LP also releases and includes new music, video Work Tapes, a Photo Montage, chord charts and the “Jesus At The Center” video tutorial.

“The overarching story of the album is that sometimes we can be so ‘churched’ that we can lose sight of the ‘who, what, why’ of worship,” said Houghton. “This project simply places Jesus where he is supposed to be. We intentionally removed the metaphors and simply focused on his name.”

In addition to Jason Nelson and James Fortune, guest vocalists on Jesus At The Center include Aaron W. Lindsey,Michael Gungor,T-Bone, Bishop Michael Pitts, Jeremiah Woods, Daniel Johnson, Charlin Moore, Adam Ranney, Tina Baker, Onaje Jefferson, Krystle Harper and Israel’s daughter, Mariah Houghton.

Taking the message and music on the road, Israel Houghton will share the stage for the very first time with peers Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and Donnie McClurkin on The King’s Men tour. The 15-city major market US tour begins Sept. 16 at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix and travels coast-to-coast through Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Washington, DC and more before culminating in Brooklyn, NY at Barclays Center Oct. 14. For all the tour dates and ticket information, see www.livenation.com.

Prior to The King’s Men tour, Israel & New Breed presents their annual Deeper Conference 2012, which will be held Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 at Lakewood Church and Grace Church of Humble, TX. Hosted by Israel, the worship conference features guest speakers Jentezen Franklin, Steven Furtick and Darlene Zschech. For all the details and registration information, go to http://deeperconferences.com/speakers.

While blasting down barriers, Israel has been fittingly graced with 2 Gold-selling albums, 4 GRAMMY Awards, 12 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award. Active as worship leader in his local church, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church (Houston), Israel has also served as worship leader at Hillsong conferences and Franklin Graham crusades.
 

Millions of movie goers poured into theatres this past weekend to see the hilarious #1 Comedy In America, “The Campaign” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. Not only did they laugh uncontrollably, but was uplifted by the spirited song “Bye & Bye” by the Georgia Mass Choir which also appeared in the film.

The Georgia Mass Choir, affectionately known as ‘America’s Choir’ is poised and ready to declare ‘I Still Have A Praise’ with the album of the same name. (Available Online & In Stores October 2, 2012) Reverend Milton Biggham, Savoy / Malaco Records Executive Director as well as founder and director of this award-winning choir, returned as the featured lead vocalist on the Billboard & Mediabase chart topping single, “I Still Have A Praise On The Inside Of Me” from their much anticipated release. (Available Online Now)

Reverend Biggham, sometimes referred to as the ‘King of Gospel Choirs’ for his invaluable and expansive contribution to the world of gospel choir music, is credited for producing many Gospel Legends including, Rev. James Cleveland, The Caravans, Lou Rawls and many others along with discovering stand-out gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin through his direction in their work with both the Georgia Mass and The New York Restoration Choirs. Kirk Franklin enjoyed his first hit with “Joy” and Donnie McClurkin’s debut single, “Speak To My Heart” also claimed the top of the charts.

Biggham’s biography reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of gospel music, though he is most widely recognized for his work as Gospel Music Director of the Georgia Mass Choir for both the platinum-selling soundtrack and the award-winning motion picture “The Preacher’s Wife” starring the late Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.

During the promotion of the movie, “The Preacher’s Wife,” he traveled with the Georgia Mass Choir while they performed in a ten-city concert tour with Whitney Houston. In addition, the choir made guest appearances on high-profile television programs such as: Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Ebony Awards, The Dove Awards, and The NAACP Image Awards. The choir also starred in a commercial for Volkswagen which aired throughout Europe, on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, performed during the opening ceremony of the prestigious 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and at the 2000 NFL Super Bowl.

These accomplishments truly makes the Georgia Mass Choir, ‘America’s Choir.’

 

PATH MEGAzine has joined with the producers of Deitrick Haddon presents…A Beautiful Soul to give away 5 DVDs of the movie before it hits stores.  The contest will take place this week, with details forth-coming in PATH’s daily newsletter and social networks.  

The success of the Tyscot/Man Haddon film Deitrick Haddon presents…A Beautiful Soul can be contributed to its all star cast. The cast included actors such as, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Golden Brooks, Robert Ri’chard, Barry Floyd and Harry Lennix.

The entire cast gave their all from beginning to end and since released in theatres, they have expressed their love for the film to various media outlets.

Cast member, Harry Lennix, who played the role of “Jeff Freeze”, (Andre Stephen’s manager) in the film discussed how he became involved in the film, his role, working with Deitrick Haddon and more with Blackfilm.com:

“The initial inquiry came from my friend Holly Davis Carter, who’s a dear friend I’ve known for many years and know to be associated with quality projects. Then I read the script and thought it had tremendous appeal, a cautionary tale for our modern times, and also had resonances to movies from the past like “It’s A Wonderful Life”. So I was interested from the first time I heard about it.”

Harry Lennix also explained the difference between his role as “Jeff Freeze” and his role as “Red” in The Five Heartbeats, “I play a character by the name of Jeff Freeze. I’m the manager for Deitrick Haddon’s character and just a kind of smooth Hollywood operator. Red is a far more malevolent figure than Jeff Freeze. Jeff is an operator but he’s not a pariah.”

Throughout his career, Lennix has worked with many actors, but this was his first time working with Deitrick Haddon. Harry Lennix shared his thoughts about Deitrick’s music and working with him on the set of A Beautiful Soul.

“I had not heard Deitrick’s music before working with him. As soon as I found out that I would be working with him I went to YouTube and found some tracks he’d done and was immediately impressed. At first I thought I was listening to Prince, he’s got a piercing voice like a clarion bell; he’s got a very clear voice mechanically speaking. To put that kind of voice onto inspirational music is a revelation. I think he’s a trendsetter. I don’t know a whole lot about modern Christian music, but having been a seminarian once I thought that he has tremendous potential to get this word out to a lot of people who are so in need to hear it. I have a great amount of respect for Deitrick, I’m very fond of Deitrick, and it was great working with him. He was a top-notch professional and all he wanted the entire time was to do the best job he could do.”

Lastly, Lennix stressed the importance of films like A Beautiful Soul reaching the masses, “There’s a need for content. The success of “Think Like A Man” shows that there’s an audience for the content, and I think “A Beautiful Soul” will prove the same thing. We are very sanguine about the potential for this movie to get into the national consciousness. We want to be responsible for making these images of ourselves, and who better to do it than people who are like-minded.”

On August 21, 2012 Tyscot Films will release the PG-13 Rated film, “Deitrick Haddon’s A Beautiful Soul” on DVD ($19.95 List Price).

Join PATH MEGAzine’s facebook and our Twitter to be the first to know how to win the DVDs.

About the film… Directed by Jeff Byrd (“Soul Food “ TV series), the film also stars Harry Lennix (“The Matrix Revolutions”), Robert Ri’chard (“Coach Carter”), Lesley Ann Brandt (“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena”), and Barry Floyd (“The Game”). Currently available in stores and on-line is the Tyscot Records CD release of “A Beautiful Soul (Music Inspired by the Motion Picture) from Deitrick Haddon presents Voices of Unity, which contains original music by Deitrick Haddon, Kierra Sheard, Canton Jones, Fonzworth Bentley and Faith Evans, among others. The Top 30 gospel radio single, “No Betta” is a duet showcasing Deitrick Haddon and Faith Evans.