PATH has learned that Tina Campbell of the sisterly-group Mary Mary has given birth to a new baby boy this past weekend.  The baby boy was named Santana Campbell, weighing 7lbs., 5 oz and measuring 19.5 inches long.

This is the 5th child for Tina and husband Teddy Campbell, who had the baby in a Los Angeles hospital at 9:16 a.m. Saturday morning.  

Erica told Essence Magazine, “With the biggest grin plastered across his face, my husband and proud dad, Teddy, held my hand, as I cried tears of joy when my doctor handed me our new son.”

“After 9 challenging months of carrying our son, every second of it all became so worth it, in this moment. We’re so privileged to have, once again, experienced the gift  of childbirth.” 

Santana joins siblings Cierra, 18, Laiah Simone, 8, Meela Jane, 5, and Glendon Theodore, II, 3. 

Earlier this year Tina’s older sister Erica Campbell welcomed daughter Zaya on January 24, 2012.

Congratulations to the Campbell family!

Steven Curtis Chapman has signed a recording agreement with Provident Music Group, which will begin with the release of a Christmas record titled JOY (Reunion Records/Provident Label Group) on October 16.

The iconic artist has amassed 46 No. 1 singles, 57 GMA Dove Awards; five GRAMMY awards and more than 200 songs recorded on 17 original albums spread across an illustrious 25-year career. In 2013, Steven will follow the Christmas release with his first full studio release of all new material since 2007’s This Moment.

Terry A. Hemmings, President and CEO, Provident Music Group shares, “Steven and I have been friends for many years and I have always respected his character and integrity. He possesses the heart, passion and energy to do the work he’s been called to; not only in music, but in caring for others and utilizing his gifts for so much more. We’re excited to provide him a place to tell his story, while coming alongside him with the resources and channels to allow that story to be heard and experienced by many. We believe this will be a great ‘new adventure’ for all of us.”

“Many know that the last few years have been a difficult journey for my family and me, following the loss of our daughter Maria,” says Chapman. “So many have prayed for us and encouraged us, and having the opportunity to write, record and share this new music really feels like the beginning of a new season…a season of joy.”

He adds, “In writing and experimenting with different ideas, my management and I discussed doing something for my friends and fans this year, perhaps releasing a small side project direct through my website. But as momentum picked up on some Christmas songs, I felt it blossoming into a full release. Then unexpectedly and suddenly, when it didn’t seem it could be made available this year, the door opened for the chance to partner with Provident, and do so with a long time friend I truly respect, Terry Hemmings, so I’m excited about the chance to write a new chapter.”

“I have nothing but the deepest respect, admiration and gratitude for my friends at EMI. I am so grateful to the people there for their belief in me, and the amazing things God accomplished through us together these past 25 years. Bill, Peter and the entire team there are remarkable and remain valued friends.”

The first release through the new partnership at Provident Label Group is a 12-track Christmas title called JOY, slated for release on October 16. Chapman has three previously released Christmas projects: The Music of Christmas (1995, RIAA Certified Gold), Christmas is All in the Heart (2003, a Hallmark limited, sold-out run of 400,000) and All I Really Want for Christmas (2005, RIAA Certified GOLD).

“One thing I’m particularly excited about with this new music is the fact that I got to go in the studio and capture the magic that happens when musicians are together in the same room, making music, and having more fun than anyone should be allowed to have doing their job,” offers Chapman.

“We found this great studio in Lexington, Ky. (my birth state!) and gathered together some of my favorite players, slept over in the rooms there, set up a Christmas tree (I wore my favorite Charlie Brown Christmas t-shirts everyday) and went at it.”

Audiences will have the chance to hear new songs from JOY when Chapman joins the 12 Gifts of Christmas tour this November and December. He joins Laura Story and speakers, including his wife, Mary Beth Chapman, Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg, comedienne Anita Renfroe and illusionist Harris III. For full tour information, visit www.12gifts.com.

“There are still bittersweet moments of tears for us at Christmas, and I’m sure will be until we see our daughter and our Savior face to face,” Chapman notes. “But each year the memories seem sweeter, the bitter gets less bitter, and the laughter gets louder…and there’s joy again…full on joy!”

Following the release of JOY and the 12 Gifts of Christmas tour, Chapman will return to the studio to begin recording his first full studio release since his 2007 This Moment.

For more information on Steven, please visit: www.stevencurtischapman.com.

 

Gaiam Vivendi Entertainment, Inc., announced that Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day, starring Blair Underwood, Sharon Leal, Pam Grier and Nicoye Banks, will release on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital on September 4. Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day is the second project in T.D. Jakes‘ eponymous “Woman Thou Art Loosed!” franchise.  

“Releasing ‘Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day’ on DVD allows our TDJ Independents division to distribute its signature inspirational content to a wider audience than through box office alone,” said T.D. Jakes.

Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day is a mysterious and compelling narrative in which elements of love, suspense, faith and redemption serve as the backdrop to one unimaginable and life-altering experience for one couple who seem to have it all.

Path publisher Kris Patrick shows his support for Chick-Fil-A
Chick-fil-A says it set a sales record on Wednesday, the day that supporters rallied around the fast-food chain amid a debate over its president’s opposition to same-sex marriage.

The chain said it won’t release sales numbers, but “we can confirm reports that it was a record-setting day,” said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A’s executive vice president of marketing.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee had called on people to buy food at the chain on Wednesday, which he dubbed “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day,” after a backlash against the company and their president.

The controversy started after an interview with the fast-food restaurant chain’s president and COO, Dan Cathy, appeared in The Baptist Press on July 16. He weighed in with his views on family.

“We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit,” Cathy said. “We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”

On a Facebook page Huckabee created announcing the event, more than 620,000 people said they would participate.

He called for a vocal response to the backlash against the restaurants and their president.

Throngs of people went to Chick-fil-A restaurants across the country Wednesday. On Facebook, fans posted photos of themselves holding bags emblazoned with the restaurant chain’s bright red logo.

Click Here to Full Story by CNN 

 

Singer, songwriter, and fashionista Keyondra Lockett announces the release of her first mixtape, Soul Couture. The highly-anticipated project is now available worldwide for download at: noisetrade.com/keyondralockett.

Keyondra is no stranger to the Gospel music audience. Her stellar alto voice is notably recognized as a member of the mega-talented Gospel troupe Zie’l. Zie’l burst into the Gospel industry and took the nation by storm with their customized remake of “Is My Living In Vain” by The Clark Sisters. Combining inspirations from their industry predecessors with their own unique, harmonic style the group harnessed a signature sound of their own. Having garnered enduring success as a member of Zie’l, Keyondra is ready to stake claim at personal territory in the industry.

The release of Soul Couture, the mixtape, is Keyondra’s first solo effort. With ministry being her main focus, Keyondra finds it exciting to continue on in her first love, Zie’l, as she pursues yet another task from the Lord.  

“This mixtape embodies the reworking of five mainstream songs assimilated into Christian songs to edify the soul. I’m always excited about music, but what’s most exciting at this time is that this is my first project without Zie’l. I definitely miss hearing our voices together and can’t wait for our next album. Moreover, it was a pleasure working with Jor’dan Armstrong and Ted Williams of “The Good Guys” production team. They’re great at what they do and I can’t wait to hear more from them in the future,” says Keyondra.

To download Soul Couture visit: noisetrade.com/keyondralockett To connect with Keyondra Lockett follow on Twitter @KeyondraLockett

About Keyondra Lockett Keyondra Lockett is a member of Stellar-Nominated Gospel Group Zie’l. As an unparalleled alto voice she presents her music with a jazzy, soulful, gospel mix. Currently, her music is being played nationwide by radio and internet stations. To-date Keyondra has shared platforms with various artists including Bishop Paul S. Morton, Karen Clark-Sheard and Micah Stampley; to name a few.

 

Critically acclaimed singer and songwriter Jenny Simmons, who helmed the Dove Award-nominated band Addison Road, will unveil her debut solo album early next year. The project, The Becoming, will release on February 12, 2013, and will be preceded by the lead radio single, “Heaven Waits For Me,” which goes for adds at radio on Sept. 14th.

Partnering with her long-time record label, Fair Trade Services, and the masterful production skills of Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Third Day) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), Simmons penned The Becoming in the wake of Addison Road deciding to amicably disband. After years of touring and giving Christian music fans powerful songs such as “Hope Now,” “What Do I Know of Holy,” “All That Matters” and “This Little Light of Mine,” the decade-old band is stepping off the stage.

“As a band, we have collectively decided to put a definite end to Addison Road,” she states. Simmons, who started the band with her then-fiancee, Ryan (now husband of 10 years), at Baylor University in 2000 says its the best break-up she’s ever been a part of. “I hate break-ups, but this was as beautiful as a split can be! The guys were tired of living out of buses and leaving their families behind. In our case it was taking a toll on our marriage to raise our daughter on the road, work together, and then try and be married at the end of the day. After our 2010 tour with Tenth Avenue North and Matt Maher, it became clear to each of us that God was releasing us from Addison Road and ushering each of us as individuals into new seasons.”

The Texas-based band debuted with their self-titled record in 2008 that garnered the band their first Dove nomination for Best New Artist, was featured as an iTunes® Discovery Download and garnered a No. 1 single with “All That Matters.” They released their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Stories, in 2010, which featured the hit single “Fight Another Day.”

Since her emergence on the music scene, Simmons’ vocal abilities have impressed critics and fans alike, lending an honest and authentic voice to lyrics that hit listeners with disarming relevance. Media outlets have described her vocals as “vulnerable and sincere” (ChristianMusicReview.org), as well as “piercing and chameleon” (Phantom Tollbooth).

“I believe in every single word and note on the album,” Simmons explains in regard to The Becoming. “I believe this project is exactly what I am supposed to say to the world, and I’m so excited to share it with everyone.”

Simmons will mark her solo debut with a performance on August 12th at Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge in Fort Worth, Tex. For more information, please visit JennySimmons.com.

 

About Jenny Simmons:
Acclaimed singer and songwriter Jenny Simmons burst onto the music scene as the lead singer of Dallas-based band Addison Road with their major-label, eponymous debut in 2008. Addison Road garnered the band their first Dove nomination for Best New Artist in 2009. One of the album’s tracks, “All That Matters,” was featured as an iTunes® Discovery Download, and the song later garnered the band a No. 1 hit. “All That Matters” and “Sticking With You” were the ninth and 15th most-played songs on Christian CHR chart for 2008. Addison Road released their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Stories, in 2010, which featured the hit single “Fight Another Day.” Heralded for her striking, powerful vocals by critics and fans, Simmons will release her debut memoir, Mangledy-Bangledy: The Road To Becoming, as well as her debut solo album, The Becoming, in February 2013.

[Get Connected with Jenny Simmons]:
www.jennysimmons.com
www.twitter.com/jennysimmons

 

Rising gospel artists, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, are poised to breakthrough with their self-titled CD. Brown who is well known as the behind-the-scenes songwriter, producer and vocal arranger will release his first ever album on August 21, 2012, on Tyscot Records.

Anthony Brown & group therAPy’s first single, “Testimony,” has been making waves since it hit radio a few months ago. Brown & Group TherAPy’s vocal enthusiasm shine through on this smash single which became available digitally last week. The song landed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Tracks chart. Selling over 1,200, it entered the chart at Number 12. The unmistakable and accurate vocals on “Testimony,” make it a rousing, fun and feel-good song that is perfect for the summer. 

The radio picture has been building in recent weeks. “Testimony” was recently played nationally on the Russ Parr Morning Show and cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard Gospel Singles chart.

Brown, along with his vocal ensemble, group therAPy‘s eponymous CD offers contemporary gospel alongside praise & worship tunes with flawless vocals and melodies. Award-Winner VaShawn Mitchell, will partner with Tyscot Records to help bring Brown’s album to the forefront. Coming off a ‘triumphant’ year, Mitchell entered into a joint venture deal with long time business associates, Tyscot Records.

Well known to many as a prolific songwriter and vocal producer, Brown has several production and writing credits under his belt. He was responsible for penning Maurette Brown-Clark’s number 1 hit “It Ain’t Over.” In addition, he has produced background vocals for BET’s Celebration of Gospel for several years; produced vocals for Myron Butler, Donald Lawrence, Brown-Clark and others on Bobby Jones Gospel; and also performed on national platforms such as Gospel Superfest and Bobby Jones Gospel. 

Brown currently serves as Assistant Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Glen Arden under Pastor John K. Jenkins.

Anthony Brown & group therAPy will be available on August 21, 2012.

 

Another reality show showcasing a Gospel artist is on the horizon. This one features Kim Burrell as she interacts with family, peers and her management firm The Lewis Agency.

The Lewis Agency is headed up by Krishnar Lewis, who plays a major role in the interactions with Kim on the new show. The reality show takes you through Burrells’ trials over the past year. We will gain insight into Kim Burrells’ 100 pound weight loss, her travels, the loss of Whitney Houston, and the stunning cancer diagnosis of Krishnar Lewis.

Burrell joins a growing list of Gospel artists making the move to reality television.  Marvin Sapp and Mary Mary have also received the reality bug.  There is no word yet on where the reality show will air, but PATH will keep you up to date on new developements.  Watch the Preview below:

Synopsis from YouTube: Cameras have been rolling for over a year now, as Kim & Krish make their way through real hardships, real triumphs, real drama, real life, and definitely real love. Kim Burrell is a world-renowned Gospel singer who’s life is becoming epically vast. Although she’s had her singing career for more than 20 years, she’s just now started a roll-a-coaster of pop culture sensationalism. Her duties as a Pastor/Spiritual Mentor and a budding actress & TV personality keeps her schedule on a non-stop incline. Krishnar Lewis is an entertainer & and industry-entrepreneur. Most notably known as a top male fashion model, Lewis used the platform to extend and showcase his talents in music and television as well. Burrell started out as a client of Lewis’ firm but the two quickly became great friends and business partners with several ventures. Want to know how to build a career in the entertainment industry from ground up? Want to see what goes on in the president’s office at top record labels, TV studios, and fashion companies? Interested in how to kill career-threatening drama and horrific plots? Then you won’t want to miss this show!

Breakthrough recording artist, James Fortune & F.I.Y.A. set to release a new music video for the crossover hit song “Hold On.” The inspiring song features famed R&B songstress Monica and gospel icon Fred Hammond. The video will officially premiere online today on Path MEGAzine and select websites across the country.

“Hold On,” has connected with audiences everywhere and was recently added to Urban AC and Gospel radio. Off of Fortune’s third album, IDENTITY, “Hold On,” is a much-needed song that offers hope and healing to any situation.

Watch Video Below:

Shot in HD, the stunning video was directed by Bobby Yan on location in Atlanta’s historic Carter Center in Freedom Park. F.I.Y.A. and Monica look absolutely gorgeous as Fred Hammond lends his signature brand of cool to the video’s aesthetics. Also featured are cameos by Atlanta’s own, Isaac Carree and Toya Wright.

A dynamic songwriter, producer and arranger, Fortune released his debut album YOU SURVIVED in 2005 and the title single “You Survived” peaked at #2 on the R&B Gospel singles chart. He amassed worldwide recognition in 2009, with the award winning song, “I Trust You,” off of THE TRANSFORMATION. “I Trust You,” held the number one slot on the Gospel National Airplay chart for over 30 weeks, making history by becoming the longest running #1 single for any genre.

Fortune continued his rise with subsequent success in 2010 with the single “I Believe,” which earned him a second ASCAP Writer’s Award in 2011. Additionally “I Believe” received a 2011 Soul Train nomination for “Best Gospel Performance” and Fortune received three Stellar Award nominations for “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Group/Duo of the Year.”