BET reporter Torrence Glenn interviewed some of the worlds best entertainers on the Celebration of Gospel Red Carpet.  Watch the video below and be sure to tune into the Celebration of Gospel as it airs nationally April 1st on BET.

The Celebration of Gospel was taped at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.  The show brings together gospel superstars and R&B legends to share the stage in not often seen dynamic and exclusive performances. The event is hosted by best-selling author, veteran comedian and media mogul Steve Harvey.

This year’s stellar line-up included the very best that gospel and secular music has to offer with performances by Gospel greats Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, The Rance Allen Group, James Fortune & FIYA, 2012 Grammy-award winner Le’Andria Johnson, Jessica Reedy, Earnest Pugh, Isaac Carree, Moses Tyson Jr. Ricky Dillard & New G, Zacardi Cortez and Maurette Brown Clark plus a special appearance by BET Music Matters artist Mali Music as well as secular artists Grammy and Tony Award-winner Jennifer Holliday, as well R&B sensations Faith Evans, Johnny Gill, Ledisi and Kelly Price. In addition to musical performances, Dr. Bobby Jones, of BET’s long-running gospel show BOBBY JONES GOSPEL and actress Wendy Raquel Robinson of the ratings juggernaut THE GAME delivered moving spoken word selections.

Additionally, two moving tributes were planned in recognition of the life and legacy of the “Mother of Gospel Music,” four-time Grammy-award winner, civil rights activist, and vocal powerhouse Mahalia Jackson and to honor the memory of legendary entertainer, Whitney Houston, whose singing gift was anchored in her gospel roots.

CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL is a BET Networks production. Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials and Music Production and Executive Producer Geovanni Brewer will oversee production. Conductor Ray Chew (“American Idol”) returns as the show’s musical director.

 

In a note (http://www.matthewwest.com/2012/02/08/i-need-stories/) posted originally to fans, two-time GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West is once again extending an invite for people to submit their stores for his new album slated to debut in the fall of this year. After receiving over 10,000 personal stories from all over the globe for his 2010 project The Story of Your Life, the acclaimed singer/songwriter who has been forever impacted by the outpouring of stories, felt as though there was even more for others to say during this season of his music. The singer/songwriter is collecting stories through the end of March, and giving away a free download of “The Story of Your Life” for every submission. West will begin recording the new album in the spring of this year with a plan to unveil the set of new songs in September.

“Even after [The Story of Your Life] was released and I was no longer officially collecting stories, the stories did not stop pouring in,” explains West. “On average, over a hundred stories have been sent to my website every week during these last two years. I could sense this season of telling the stories of peoples’ lives wasn’t quite finished yet. I’m beyond excited to take this journey with you with this new season of stories and songs.”

Just a month after wrapping the nearly sold out “The Heart of Christmas Tour” with fellow GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa, West is embarking on the nationwide “Come to the Well Tour” with Casting Crowns this spring. Hitting major markets such as Orlando, Fla., Raleigh, N.C., Baltimore, Md., Philadelphia, Penn. and more, the tour will visit around 40 markets from February through May.

The end of 2011 found West wrapping promotion for his first full length Christmas record, The Heart of Christmas, and movie of the same name. The title track struck Top 10 on mainstream AC radio. Additionally, THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS film was the highest rated gmc WORLD PREMIERE MOVIE in the history of the channel.

About Matthew West:
Lauded by The New York Times as “a vivid and compelling songwriter with impressive approaches to the familiar,” two-time GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Happy (2003), History (2005) and Something to Say (2008). His latest studio album, The Story ofYour Life, was inspired by 10,000 stories from every state in the U.S. and 20 countries. The album released on October 5, 2010, and garnered attention from CNN Online, Fox News, Billboard Magazine, Country Weekly, American Songwriter and more. The Story of Your Life gave West the largest street week debut of his career selling over10,000 units the first week landing at No. 3 on Christian Soundscan, and No. 41 on the Billboard Top 200. In conjunction with Harvest House Publishers, West teamed up with bestselling author Angela Thomas for “The Story of Your Life” book. The Heart of Christmas marked West’s first full-length Christmas project which also boasts the top 10 mainstream AC radio hit “The Heart of Christmas.” A multiple ASCAP “Song of the Year” winner, West has had four No. 1 radio hits including his latest GRAMMY (R) nominated tune “Strong Enough.” His songwriting credits include Rascal Flatts, Billy Ray Cyrus, Diamond Rio and more.

“Come to the Well Tour” Schedule
* All dates subject to change, visit http://www.matthewwest.com/tour/ for the most up to date schedule.

MARCH
3/22 (Thursday) – Independence, Mo. – Independence Event Center
3/23 (Friday) – Moline, Ill. – iWireless Center
3/24 (Saturday) – St. Charles, Md. – Family Arena
3/29 (Thursday) – Philadelphia, Pa. – The Liacouras Center
3/30 (Friday) – Hershey, Pa. – Giant Center
3/31 (Saturday) – Pittsburgh, Pa. – Console Energy Center
APRIL
4/5 (Thursday) – Bowling Green, Ky. – E.A. Diddle Arena
4/6 (Friday) – Chattanooga, Tenn. – UTC MacKenzie Arena
4/7 (Saturday) – Birmingham, Ala. – BJCC Arena
4/12 (Thursday) – Austin, Texas – Shoreline Church
4/13 (Friday) – Odessa, Texas – Ector County Coliseum
4/19 (Thursday) – Cedar Falls, Iowa – McLeod Center
4/20 (Friday) – Sioux Falls, S.D. – Sioux Falls Arena
4/21 (Saturday) – Minneapolis, Minn. – Target Center
4/22 (Sunday) – Fargo, N.D. – Fargo Dome
4/24 (Tuesday) – Springfield, Mo. – JQH Arena
4/26 (Thursday) – Louisville, Ky. – Broadbent Arena
4/27 (Friday) – Woodstock, Ga. – First Baptist Church
4/28 (Saturday) – Charleston, W.V. – Charleston Civic Center
MAY
5/3 (Thursday) – Tulsa, Okla. – Spirit Bank Event Center
5/4 (Friday) – Lubbock, Texas – United Spirit Arena
5/5 (Saturday) – The Woodlands, Texas – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

 

Gospel singer, pastor and producer Marvin Sapp will soon be adding “author” to his resume.

Sapp, pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church on Burton Street SE, said he has signed an initial agreement with Destiny Image Publishers that he hopes will bring a book to store shelves before the end of the year.

“It could be fairly quick because the book is finished,” said Sapp of his prospective title “I Win,” also the name of his forthcoming CD.

“It’s not autobiographical, but it’s about how I made it through certain situations in my life and examples of things people can do to be successful in life and relationships and in leaving a legacy,” he said.

Sapp, 45, lost his wife and the mother of their three children, MaLinda Prince Sapp, to cancer in September 2010. His latest music and the book reflect the experience.

Destiny Images is a Pennsylvania-based publisher of faith-based books whose authors include well known Christian pastors and speakers such as T.D. Jakes, of Dallas, Texas, and Dr. Myles Monroe of Nassau, Bahamas.

“I was honestly considering self-publishing until I received a call from Destiny Image that they were interested,” said Sapp, who said a long term, multiple book publishing agreement is now being prepared.

Sapp said he’s been doing “listening parties” and other appearances in connection with his CD, “I Win,” which hits stores April 3. He was speaking from Tampa, Fla. where he was about to leave on a weeklong gospel cruise as a performing artist. Gospel singers Fred Hammond and Kierra Sheared are among the other artists on board.

Sapp’s first single (“My Testimony’) from the album is up to No. 6 on the Billboard gospel song chart – still with “greatest gainer” status.

 

Fair Trade Services artist and storyteller Jonny Diaz continues to impact the music listener with his powerful lyrics and heartfelt songs. With his brand new radio single “Scars,” the song follows Diaz’s other well-known radio hits such as “Break My Heart” and “Beauty of the Cross,” as well as his 2010 top hit “More Beautiful You.”

The important message of “Scars” is poignant during this Easter season, yet it’s also a song that Diaz will surely be playing for years to come. Be sure to to listen to the song below, and to watch Diaz share the message behind the writing of “Scars” here.

The single, which is being added to stations across the country, is obtaining new adds weekly and already receiving an overwhelming response from fans and radio stations of how it has deeply impacted them.

Greg Cassidy, Music Director/Morning Show Host from JOY-FM in St. Louis, shares, “From the first time I heard ‘Scars,’ I really felt it was a song that would connect with our community. We all have scars – though they are different scars for different people. We’ve all been in that place. Whatever you’re are suffering through, ‘Scars’ is a reminder that Jesus’ scars cover ours! So powerful. While it may be top of mind this Easter season, it is a theme that is timeless. Great writing from Jonny D!”

After fans have recently seen Diaz in concert performing the song, numerous comments have been rolling in. From “breathtaking” to “loving it,” a fan also posted, “Thank you so much for playing ‘Scars.’ I really believe it’s why I was there (at the show) tonight.” Another fan wrote, “Scars is your best song yet! Oh my goodness it is amazing!!”

JonnyDiaz.com

This week in the Top 10 there’s plenty of movement as new CD’s shake things up.  Gospel rapper FLAME debuts on top of the billboard charts.  Flame’s album ‘The 6th’ is #1 on the Gospel chart, #2 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart, #8 on the Rap Albums chart and #67 on the Billboard 200 chart.  Gospel rap has certainly arrived, as it’s genre of music continues to grow among Christian audiences.

Sunday Best runner-up Andrea Helms debuts her new project ‘Moving Forward’ at #2 on the charts.  The powerful singer finished second to Le’Andria Johnson, and was awarded a recording contract by Music World Gospel for her efforts on the show.

Also, making a debut in the top ten is Israel Houghton’s compilation CD ‘Decade.’  The compilation of songs represents Houghton’s greatest hits.

Here’s the rest of the Top 10 in Gospel:

1 | Flame – The 6th
2 | Andrea Helms – Moving Forward
3 | WOW Gospel 2012
4 | Fred Hammond – God, Love & Romance
5 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson
6 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
7 | William McDowell – Arise
8 | Lecrae – Rehab
9 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
10 | Israel Houghton & New Breed – Decade

In the nearly ten years that he has played in the National Football League, Dante Wesley has leaned on his faith and his health to allow him to survive a game that most men only dream of playing.

“It has been a blessing to be in the league as long as I have,” said Wesley, a graduate of the University of Arkansas/Pine Bluff, who was drafted in the 4th round by the Carolina Panthers in 2002.

“There were plenty of guys who were better ball players than me when I was in college,” said Wesley, who attends the Abundant Life Church of God In Christ with his wife, Renetta, and their two small children. “I asked God to wrap his arms around me and allow me to do His will. I knew that I would be successful if I followed what the Lord laid on my heart.”

Wesley, a resident of Cedar Hill, Texas works out each morning for nearly three hours during the off- season and believes he can play at least three additional years in the NFL. “But when my playing career is over, I want to work with young people, and I want to devote a large part of my life showing people how they can live fruitful and healthy lives.” When Dante and Renetta are not at home with their two children, Skylar, 6 and Dante who is 5, they can be found either in church or at a healthcare exhibit where Dante markets children supplements to people who come to his booth, particularly after seeing a picture of him in full NFL gear.

“Most people are not giving their children a healthy diet,” said Dante, whose children eat a daily regimen of food supplements called ‘Manna Bears.’ “We want our children to have a full and adequate complement of fruits and vegetables,” said Renetta. It is good for their growth and their socialization. We have seen the benefits in our own children and we want to share our experience with others.”

“My late mother was a nurse,” Dante said. “She instilled in me the importance of eating right and taking care of my body. Unfortunately, the nutrients that we need are not in the foods that we purchase in the supermarkets. That is why Renetta and I are so big on supplementation. In fact, in the NFL you will find many, many players who are looking for food based health supplements that will give them an edge, a boost, a decided advantage.”

“Our children and their health, and our own health are very important to us, said Renetta, who, like her husband, is a native of Arkansas. “ My mother and father were very strict when I was being raised. They wanted the very best for me and my sisters, and that is what we want for our children.”

“It is always important to have a plan for your life,” said Dante, “In the NFL those who are successful are always planning and always thinking. Planning and a sense of faith have always been at the center of my life. When I walk on the field to play, I pray that the same God who gave me life will protect me, and protect others who I am playing with and against.”

 

“The Revolution” – I WILL Take you through some of my personal situations where I had to change some of the ways I did things. I will share with people how Christ has impacted my life as well. The Revolution starts with you! Let’s say you have a love problem. You really can’t get around to truly showing that Christ like love without a revolutionary change in your life! I will share with you how Christ has done a total transformation in my heart and others that are on this dynamic project enabling us to love again like never before!!. Remember, you are the revolution! You! The individual. This is not a movement, this is your lifestyle. This is a daily renewing! THIS IS A CHANGE (EPH. 4:23-24)!

AS YOU LISTEN AND MEDITATE ON YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE “REVOLUTION” YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TRANSFORM THOUGHT WITH THOSE WHO’VE I BUILT A WONDERFUL GODLY RELATIONSHIP WITH WHO WILL BE SHARING FROM THEIR HEARTS AS THE LOVE OF CHRIST BEING IMPARTED HAVING THEM TO STAND FOR A REVOLUTION!! ARTIST LIKE… JEREMIAH BONDS, PETTIDEE, RAWSRVNT, NEWLY SIGNED TO XIST MUSIC YAVES, KAMBINO, KELLY KELZ AND MORE….

“A Revolution starts with Eph. 4:23. A daily renewing of your mind and spirit. We a lot of times want to make an impact in our cities, states, countries, etc, and that’s great! This album will challenge the believer to come to grips with their daily actions and thoughts. Asking themselves, “Do i have a personal daily relationship with Jesus Christ?” And if you do!? PRAISE GOD! If you don’t, now is the time to humble yourself, lay down all pride and, submit to Jesus Christ proclaiming he is Lord over your life”.

-LIL PROPHET – www.twitter.com/lilprophet

 

Following the critical acclaim of her first solo album, Life Light Up, celebrated songstress and worship leader Christy Nockels is poised to release her second solo album, Into the Glorious with sixstepsrecords. Christy’s stunning vocals are the centerpiece and focus of this new album, which will be released on April 3, 2012.

Produced by husband, Nathan Nockels (Chris Tomlin, Passion, Laura Story), the album’s pristine, understated production places the focus on Christy’s engaging, passionate voice and intuitive songwriting. Well-respected in the industry as a “singer’s singer,” she has a gift for imbuing each lyric with an authenticity and emotional integrity that resonates with the listener.  

“He really took me deeper during this writing and recording process, and I’m just so grateful how He does that,” Christy says of God’s faithfulness. “He doesn’t leave us to our own devices. He loves us enough to take us deeper. I feel like that’s what happened during this record and the end result is something more special to my heart than I can ever remember a record being to me.”

Finding God in the midst of every moment is a central theme throughout Into the Glorious and is best exemplified in the title track. The album’s lead single, “Ever Lifting,” combines Christy’s unique writing style with a bit of a country twist that speaks of how God’s love continues to bless our lives and bring us closer to Him. Other album highlights include Christy’s rendition of the Judds classic “Love Can Build a Bridge,” as well as beautiful worship songs such as “For Your Splendor” and “Wonderful.”

Whether she’s leading worship at a women’s conference, singing praises in front of over 42,000 people at Passion or writing a worship song in her mini-van with her children in the backseat, Christy Nockels uses her gifts as a singer and songwriter to create music that connects believers with their loving Father. 

On May 1st, Tyscot Music & Entertainment will release the new CD from Deitrick Haddon presents Voices of Unity, A Beautiful Soul-Music Inspired by the Motion Picture.

Momentum is building about this release and there has been substantial buzz surrounding its current radio single “No Betta”, featuring Deitrick Haddon and Faith Evans. Penned as a fun and inspiring anthem of victory, “No Betta” has received countless praises from fans since its release to radio.

“You and Me, Me and You together, Spending Time with family, it gets No Betta, knowing God is on our side, it gets No Betta”, are a few lyrics from “No Betta” and throughout the track, Faith and Deitrick collaboratively express how wonderful life is with Jesus by your side.

In addition to love at radio, there has been an overwhelming positive response on various social networks, including Twitter where Haddon followers have been tweeting nonstop about the song’s energetic vibe, music and lyrics.

“No Betta” is just one of many hits from A Beautiful Soul and fans can also look forward to enjoying many more collaborations from guest artists on the summer time release.

A Beautiful Soul also includes the tracks Marching Orders featuring Kierra Sheard; The More I Praise, featuring Canton Jones and New Life featuring Fonzworth Bentley.

The excitement has just begun for the release of A Beautiful Soul-Music Inspired by the Motion Picture and with God at the forefront it truly gets ‘no betta’.  Listen to the song below.

Clear Sight Music artist FLAME is off to a strong start with his new album, The 6th, which debuted at #1 this week on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart, while claiming the #2 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart, #8 on the Rap Albums chart and #67 on the Billboard 200 chart. 

The album, distributed by Central South and Infinity Music Distribution, immediately shot to #1 on iTunes’ Hip-Hop Chart, and held court at #8 on the Top Albums Chart for the first week of release, sharing the Top 10 with albums from such chart-topping artists as Adele, Big Time Rush and Bruce Springsteen.

“Watching the album climb the charts is encouraging,” said FLAME. “Hearing about how the album is connecting with people is even more exciting.”

A GRAMMY®, four-time Dove Award and two-time Stellar Award nominee, FLAME has toured the world while running his own label, Clear Sight Music. His 2010 release, Captured, shot to #1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and to #5 on the Billboard Christian Chart. 

For more information on FLAME, please visit www.clearsightmusic.com.