Sign-Up with your username/password to get unlimited article access.
Register
Signup for Newsletter
Subscribe to our daily newsletter and be the first to know about breaking
news, exclusive promotions, discounted merchandise, contests, and free
give-aways.
Path Radio
Click Here or click logo to hear the best in Gospel music.
Anthony Evans, gospel artist and son of megachurch Pastor Dr. Tony Evans, was pitted against gospel artist Jesse Campbell in the battle round on the television show “The Voice” Monday night. However, Evans was sent home by mentor Christina Aguilera, causing many to speak about the impact that the performance had on them.
Evans and Campbell, both gospel singers, sang the Alicia Key’s song, “If I Ain’t Got You,” in the battle round of the competition that would eliminate one singer. The two men with similar styles both put on a performance that made even the song’s originator proud.
“Amazing performance,” Keys tweeted after the two men performed, hitting high notes and extravagant runs. “That was so fun to watch.”
Despite judges Cee Lo Green, Aguilera, Blake Shelton and Adam Levine complimenting both performers, only one gospel singer from the female judge’s team was allowed to move past the battle round. Although Aguilera did not choose Evans, the pastor’s son managed to bless many people who witnessed his performance.
“Your son blessed me last night on ‘The Voice,'” one person wrote on the pastor’s Facebook wall.
Another said they were now just as inspired by Anthony as they were by his father, who serves as the chaplain for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
“You have always been an inspiration to me,” another person wrote on the pastor’s Facebook wall. “Now your son is inspiring me as well! God bless the Evans family!”
The younger Evans took to his own social media page to thank fans who watched him during the competition, and joke about his feelings of regret.
“Thanks for all the love you guys…did my best,” Evans tweeted after the competition. “(I) Don’t have any regrets (except for Christina not saying ‘Anthony’) lol.” Aguilera took to her own Twitter page to speak about the hard decision of sending people home.
“Incredible performances in the Battles tonight,” Aguilera tweeted. “I had tough choices, so hard to send great singers home. They are forever team Xtina.”
Today marks the release date for singer/songwriter Sarah Macintosh’s Integrity Music label debut Current, which was produced by her husband, Jonny Macintosh, and J.T. Daly of Nashville’s famed indie rock outfit, Paper Route. Current is available to Christian retail stores within the U.S. through Provident Music Distribution and to mainstream retailers through Sony Music Distribution. It is also available through all major digital service providers including Amazon and iTunes. Click here to purchase at iTunes.
Out of the gate, Macintosh’s Current is receiving stunning reviews and mentions from top media outlets such as Path MEGAzine, CCM Magazine, NewReleaseTuesday, JesusFreakHideout and more. In addition Sarah has performed for the Relevant Magazine Podcast (videos can be viewed here) as well as at HearItFirst.com, and she will be featured next week on the NewReleaseTuesday podcast. Her song “We Should Run” is also available now as a free download at GMCtv. Click here to get this amazing song.
Here is a taste of what the media are saying about Sarah Macintosh’s Current:
“Her honest lyrics portray the every day Christian walk through life with a percussive yet ambient, ethereal sound; making for a worshipful album that renews its energy in every song. The melodramatic near-glam electro beauty of Current sets Macintosh apart from most Christian and Pop artists out there. From the downbeat of the first song, she grabs your attention with an intense and beautiful wall of sound that develops throughout the album. – Worship Leader Magazine (March/April)
“This is a very cool, outside-of-the-box album that features a lot of foreign sounds that really grab and hold your attention. There’s a lot of unique instrumentation and cool chord progressions that make it seem as though the musical fabric of the orient played a part in the writing of these songs….This is such a fresh sounding album, and I can’t recommend it enough. I loved it!” – HearItFirst.com, Ryan Mitchell reviewer
“From the first moments of Sarah Macintosh’s new album Current, you know that you are hearing something that stands apart. The entire album is punctuated by chamber-pop elements and instrumentation. For sure, this is the ultimate “gourmet” release of 2012. Do yourself a favor and buy this album immediately.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com 5 Star Review
“Likely to be one of 2012’s more accomplished pop efforts, its distinctive factors really make the record stand apart in bold fashion and they breathe new life into another great singer’s career.” – JesusFreakHideout.com 4.5 Star Review
“Macintosh makes fervent, worshipful music, and the best songs here combine shuffling, trip-hop beats, and personal lyrics-or in the case of the title song, carry the listener along in a wave of pure, gleeful abandon. She deserves credit for making electronic-based music sound so warm and inviting.” – Christianity Today
“Sarah Macintosh has a bold and brave sound of her own that blasts through her peers with a sound all her own, deep and beautiful with a music that would make her friends with fans of Coldplay and Adele while displaying a worshipful heart through her lyrics.” – ChristianMusicZine.com
“After listening to Sarah Macintosh’s Integrity Records debut Current, Sarah is one of my new favorite worship leaders. Her musical creativity and willingness to write about the hope we can find in Jesus during any time of our life makes her both an artist that struggling Christians can play during the storms of life, and those experiencing triumph can celebrate to as well. Plus, you can’t go wrong with her amazing vocals!” – Jays Musik Blog
ABOUT SARAH MACINTOSH: Known for her work with progressive rock band Chasing Furies, Macintosh now has three solo projects to her credit including the critically acclaimed The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me. In addition to touring and collaborating with artists such David Crowder, Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Vicky Beeching and Jars of Clay, she speaks and leads worship at churches around the country.
Until recently, her family made their home in San Diego, California, where Macintosh led worship for her father-in-law’s church, Horizon Christian Fellowship. Now, this Texas native is now waking up in cities around the country for speaking/singing engagements as her family relocates temporarily, working with churches to impact local communities. Rather than simply making a cameo in the lives of the people they’re ministering to, they are loving getting to know the Body of Christ on a more personal level.
ABOUT INTEGRITY MUSIC: Kingsway and Integrity Music are the music divisions of David C Cook, a nonprofit global resource provider serving the Church with life-transforming materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kingsway’s and Integrity’s resources are distributed in more than 160 countries and sold worldwide. Additional information can be found at integritymusic.com.
Clear Sight Music released FLAME’s sixth full-length album today, appropriately titled The 6th, via Central South and Infinity Music Distribution. The highly anticipated follow-up to the 2010 release, Captured, shot straight to #1 on iTunes’ Hip-Hop Chart, and debuted at #9 on the Top Albums Chart, sharing the Top 10 with albums from such chart-topping artists as Adele, Big Time Rush and Bruce Springsteen.
The 6th has debuted to glowing reviews from a wide variety of media outlets, including TheChristianManifesto.com (“The album itself is a benchmark in Christian hip-hop”) and JesusFreakHideout.com (“FLAME has returned with a spiritually relevant message and a solid sound behind it”).
“He’s been nominated for a Grammy, two Doves, and two Stellars, but somehow FLAME is still one of rap’s best-kept secrets,” wrote Andy Argyrakis for Christianity Today. “That’s all about to change on this sixth album, which benefits from his rapid rhymes, stellar production, and a slew of guest collaborators (including DecembeRadio, LeCrae, Thi’sl, Young Noah, and V.Rose).”
“Wow,” said FLAME, reacting to the album’s strong start. “Being #1 on iTunes is evidence of God’s grace. I’m praying that it translates into lives impacted.”
BET (Black Entertainment Television) welcomed first lady Michelle Obama to the network’s popular program, “Lift Every Voice,” hosted by Cory “CoCo Brother” Condrey.
The hit show normally features inspirational sermons and gospel music but Sunday BET programming turned the show into a half-hour special, catching up with the first lady while she was on tour promoting the second anniversary of her “Let’s Move” health campaign.
“For so many of us, food is more than just nourishment to our bodies, it’s how we knit our families and our communities together,” Obama said as she addressed an audience on her nationwide tour.
And, particularly true in the African-American community, faith and food go together; Sunday worship is often followed by feasting.
“How many of us find ourselves looking forward to that fried chicken, mac and cheese, pound cake after church on Sunday,” said Obama. “Some people come to church just for the fried chicken,” she added in jest.
Getting national coverage CNN reports that Obama did not make light of the serious nature of obesity and lifestyle-induced disease that has reached epidemic proportions according to many studies.
And, she acknowledged the politically charged criticism her initiative first received, turning it into a partisan issue early on.
“I think we’ve seen a really whole-scale change in the discussion,” said Obama to host Cory Condrey, “When we first launched ‘Let’s Move’ a year ago, there was some debate in certain areas whether childhood obesity was a problem at all.”
Two years since Obama set out to make health and nutrition her platform, she is touting what she sees as its greatest successes.
“We’ve seen the conversation change; we’ve really seen over these two years the nation coming together big and small to really tackle this problem,” said Obama. She added that unexpected partnerships have arisen reaching a large swath of the American population: “…Wal-Mart stepping up and making changes to the formulation of their products, Darden –which is the largest restaurant chain in the world – is changing their kids’ menus, making fruits and vegetables the first option.”
It isn’t uncommon for first ladies to profess their faith, acknowledging a religious connection between the president, the White House and the American people.
“There is an unspoken energy that comes from the millions of people who are lifting us up in prayer,” Obama said.
When asked what words of inspiration she had on a Sunday morning, Obama said, “One thing that I have learned, that in order to be the best wife and mother I can be, I have to be at my peak of health – mental and physical – and that investment is worth it.”
Further reinforcing the connection between healthy habits and setting good examples, she said, “We can’t fool ourselves into thinking we can be good servants of God, good parents if we’re not whole inside.”
The Songwriters National Song Writing Contest has been impacting 30 cities in 6 states across the country. A recent stop of The Songwriters competition tour found an amazing talent in Lawton, OK. Christian Songwriter Nichole Howard captured a top 3 spot and voted the SXSW Wild Card winner from over 200 participants at the Lawton regional competition last week. Nichole and her song “Fire” will now go on to the finals vying for the top prize awarded April 28th at the Texas Songfest.
Nichole’s performance was also taped for a potential new reality show called The Songwriters, hosted by Rick Parent and Grammy Award-winner Brad Davis (Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, David Lee Roth, Emmy Lou Harris, Marty Stuart, Dwight Yokam, Johnny Cash).
Nichole and the two additional finalists from Lawton are placed into a voting store module to be voted in or out by YOU, the fan and consumer. Fans can vote until March 25 by logging on to: http://thesongwriters.biz/THESONGWRITERS/FEB_VOTING_PG.html
About Nichole: Nichole is an Urban psalmist, Army wife, mother, business woman and author from Los Angeles who has been active in entertainment and music ministry since early childhood. Her career in entertainment officially launched in 1996 when she joined the crew of the hit television sitcomMoesha as a professional background extra. She then added to her resume The Steve Harvey Show,The Parkers and feature-film,Remember The Titians.
Still, her passion is songwriting. Nichole has written hundreds of songs and published a book With or Without Music: A Gospel Songbookon Xulon Press (available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon), to showcase a snippet of her extensive music catalog. Her latest endeavor is recording songs; illuminating her powerful contralto vocals over a blend of smooth urban soul, rhythm & praise, pop, and hip hop productions. For over 8 weeks, she has held the #1 position on Reverbnation.com charts for Gospel Music in Lawton, OK and continues to increase her fan base weekly. Nichole is an extraordinary talent who is blossoming fast and offering a refreshing and electrifying, bold new sound that is garnering the attention of the music world, done all forward to the glory of God.
Just in time for Mother’s Day, multi-platinum selling trio, Point of Grace (Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino, Denise Jones) will release their twelfth studio album, A Thousand Little Things on May 1, 2012. “A Thousand Little Things” is the title track and first single off the new album. The album comes right off the heels of Point of Grace’s recently announced lifestyle and music radio show, “Graceful Living.” “Graceful Living” focuses on living well through faith, family, friends and more and will be featured through syndicated radio, blogs and online content.
Produced by multi-award winning producer Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Sidewalk Prophets), the album encompasses the beautiful harmonies, encouraging words and graceful melodies that has made Point of Grace one of the top 10 best-selling artists in the history of Contemporary Christian Music. The notion of gratitude is woven throughout the album, especially in “A Thousand Little Things,” which lists the many things to take notice of – and be thankful for – in everyday life. “In all of those little moments in life, little and big, we’re reminded that there is a Creator that loves us and wants us to have a good life while we’re here,” Shelley says. “And we’re grateful for that.” Leigh chimes in, “Every single day, there are A Thousand Little Things we can truly be thankful for, so I sing that little song all the time.”
The 10 track album shares the familiar message of love that has defined Point of Grace as one of the most influential artists of all time. Several tracks on the record have a more reflective feel, mirroring what each woman was experiencing in her personal life and in her relationships with family and friends. “For me, ‘What I Already Know’ just ate me alive,” Leigh admits. “In the studio, I couldn’t even sing the doggone thing – it took me back and really sunk deep into my being.” Denise adds, “‘What I Already Know’ is a prayer: ‘Lord, I know you’re guiding me, and I trust you.’ ‘I Believe In You’ was dedicated to our kids, and wanting to say to them, ‘I believe that you’re going to make good choices.’ And ‘Only Jesus’ hit at a time when my friend’s mom died, and nothing else can take away that pain except for trusting that Jesus is going to rise in that occasion for you.”
TRACK LISTING FOR A THOUSAND LITTLE THINGS: 1. Good Enough 2. Heaven Knows 3. A Thousand Little Things 4. Only Jesus 5. What I Already Know 6. Might Be Today 7. Wash Me Away 8. You Be The One 9. I Believe In You (Dedication Song) 10. Saving Jesus
Since forming at Ouachita Baptist University 20 years ago, the GRAMMY® nominated group has sold more than 7 million albums and earned 24 consecutive No. 1 singles (27 total including radio staples “Steady On”, “The Great Divide” and “Circle of Friends”), a feat unmatched by any artist in any genre. They’ve won 13 Dove Awards, including 2011 awards for Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Christmas Album of the Year for Home For The Holidays.
Stellar Award Winner Phillip Carter has been keeping busy as an artist, songwriter, producer and record label and studio owner. His expertise in gospel music has been noticed by those in the U.S. as well as overseas. He will be facilitating the 2012 Frederica Gospel Workshop to be held in Denmark from Saturday, March 10 – Sunday, March 11. The event will take place at St. Michaels Church in Frederica and will also include the talents of Polish gospel pianist Szymon Markiewicz. This is the second trip for Carter (and his fourth to Europe) who is thrilled to be sharing his knowledge of American Gospel music with other countries.
In addition, Carter has been blogging about his insight into music ministry with tips for those who head and work in those ministries within the church. Recent topics include “Praise & Worship vs. Hymns”, “Losing A Generation of Church Musicians”, “The Gospel Music Industry vs. The Gospel Music Ministry”, “My Top 10 Gospel Pioneers”, and “Hell In The Choir Stand”. Readers are enjoying Phillip’s candid and informative writings and have been giving the writer kudos on topics rarely spoken of in the church. Comments like “Spot On!!!” and “Great Blog!” have been the type of feedback Carter has been receiving. The Phillip Carter Blog can be viewed by logging on here:http://www.thephillipcarterblog.blogspot.com/.
An industry leader, Phillip Carter formed the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance in 2009 to strengthen the independent label owner and artist through the power of networking and trade. In 2010, Sounds of Victory Ministries, in partnership with Earl Bynum Ministries, presented the first Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference. The annual small business conference focuses on the needs of Independent Gospel, Christian, and Inspirational Artists helping them manage their business, their career, and their music through education and networking. The Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference is sponsored by Sounds of Victory Ministries, Earl Bynum Ministries, LLC, The Mount, NEBO Publishing, Prayze Fest Gospel Hour, Excellence In Christian Music Awards, Rejoice America Radio, 3HP Records, CJBRadio.com, Gospel News Now and Yes Lord Radio. This year’s event will take place from July 19 – 21, 2012 at The Mount located at 215 Las Gaviotas Blvd. in Chesapeake, VA. For more information or to register, log on to www.indiegospelalliance.com.
Whitney Houston’s daughter, Bobbi Kristina, is set to break her silence on her mother’s death to talk show legend Oprah Winfrey.
The Christian Post has confirmed that Oprah has signed up members of Houston’s family for an exclusive interview, which may also include Houston’s brother Gary, as well as sister-in-law and manager, Patricia.
The hugely anticipated interview will air March 11 at 9 p.m. on Oprah’s cable network OWN. The interview will be part of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” series.
Speculation is that Bobby Kristina will let a few cats out of the bag during the exclusive interview. The main point of interest is who leaked the pictures showing Whitney Houston in her casket. Reports have been swirling that the culprit is Bobby Brown’s sister Tina Brown. The photos were sold to the Enquire, and Cissy Houston (Whitney Houston’s Mother) asked police to investigate.
A news release by Own has described that daughter Bobbi Kristina will share “personal memories of her mom and how she would like the iconic superstar to be remembered. The family also addresses the rumors and speculation surrounding Houston’s death,” according to the LA Times.
Bobbi Kristina has been the center of a whirlwind of media attention since her mother tragically and suddenly died just a day prior to the Grammy Awards ceremony. It has been reported that Bobbi Kristina has been struggling to cope with her mother’s untimely death, and in the aftermath she was rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Other questions will be centered around Bobbi Kristina’s father Bobby Brown. What was the real reason Bobby Brown left the funeral? Many blame him for Houston’s alcohol and drug problems in the years prior to her death, and he sparked further controversy when he stormed out of the televised funeral service after just 20 minutes. He later released a statement complaining at how he and his guests were treated. He argued that they had been asked to move numerous times by the security at the funeral. However, other reports have said that Brown turned up with as many as nine guests even though his invitation only allowed two.
At the time of Houston’s death she was attempting to make a personal and professional comeback. She had completed filming new movie “Sparkle,” which also stars Jordin Sparks, and was due to release new music in the near future. However, since her death the singer’s songs have had a huge resurgence in sales, with more than 1 million of her albums and singles selling since her passing.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Oprah also landed the first Bobby Brown interview since Whitney’s death as well.
Sean’s Q&A on Worship Music, Molasses and Surrendering All.
PATH: Simply A Vessel Vol 2 was “Faithful”, why “Surrender All”? SCJ: So many times in my walk I’ve been told to “Surrender All”. But no one ever told me HOW to “Surrender All”. What does it look like to be totally surrendered to God? How does one begin surrendering to God? So that’s what I wanted this album to be; a starting point in the dialogue on what it means to surrender EVERYTHING to God. How to surrender your Future, your Present, your Past, your Dreams, your Desires. Totally give it up to God, let go of the burden of worrying about what tomorrow will bring and let God write the story.
PATH: What has been your personal growth between Vol 2: Faithful and Vol 3: Surrender All? SCJ: It’s funny actually; whenever I pick a title for my CD I always seem to live that “theme” out in my real life. While recording “Faithful” I grew in my knowledge that God is always “Faithful”. With “Surrender All” I was really challenged to surrender every area of my life to God. There were so many things being stripped from my life so much that was uncertain about my future that I really had to learn how to surrender all my concerns and fears to God.
PATH: What is the overall flavor of this record? SCJ: The flavor on this album is definitely Neo-Soul, with a hint of 70’s soul, and Hip-Hop. I definitely grew as an artist but stayed within my box/lane (Neo Soul). You can say I explored the outer edges and corners of my “Box” without stepping outside of it.
PATH: “Who” is your first single, what’s special about this song? SCJ: Whew!! It just grabs you from the first beat. Style wise it definitely represents and embodies the sound that I want to be known for. Message wise, it points to how GREAT are God is. If there was someone you had to surrender everything to and depend on totally, it would definitely be God. There is NO ONE like him.
PATH: You have a song called “Molasses”, tell us what this is about? SCJ: When I wrote “Molasses” I was really at a place in my life where everything around me was moving WAY too fast. I had a lot on my plate (work, school, and music). People were pulling me in different directions, asking me to do this, and I was really just stressed out. I wanted everything to just go away. But in the midst of that I was reminded that it’s in the storm that we grow stronger, that it’s the trying of our faith that produces patience. So instead of being in a rush and wanting the storm, trail, or pressure to be over I wrote this song to remind myself and encourage others to slow down and let God refine you in the fire.
PATH: Describe your music in relation to colors.
SCJ: I would describe the overall mood or color of the album as Red. Certain songs are Earth Tone.
PATH: Soul music isn’t usually categorized with “worship” music. Speak to this and why soul music is worship music.
SCJ: Worship to me requires that you humble yourself before God and in essence bare your “soul” to him. This genre embodies that. Soul music does a good job of capturing raw, true, authentic emotion with no restraints. Here I am Lord; wretched, broken, and in need of your healing. Come fix me!! That to me captures the heart of worship. Just realizing that there is someone bigger than you and humbling yourself before him and surrendering everything to him.
PATH: For someone who has never heard Sean C. Johnson, what would they expect to hear and receive from Vol 3: Surrender All?
SCJ: I think they are going to be pleasantly surprised. Like finding money in your pocket that you didn’t know was there! I pray that everyone who listens to this album walks away with a desire to truly start surrendering everything to God. I want to plant that seed.
PATH: Why do you sing and write music?
SCJ: I sing and write because it’s the best way I know how to effectively edify and encourage my brothers and sisters in the faith. God has given me a gift, not to keep it to myself but to share it and use it to edify the body.
PATH: What do you wish to achieve with your music and for inspirational/Christian soul music as a whole?
SCJ: I ultimately wish to progress this genre of music as a whole. I want this album to be a benchmark that future artist look back to and say “That’s how you do it. That’s how you merge soul music with the word and make it enjoyable to listen to and minister to people”. On the ministry side of things I really want this album to have an impact on peoples walk. I want them to have a soundtrack as they start the process of Surrendering to God.
Simply A Vessel Vol. 3: Surrender All
Street date: March 27, 2012
Upcoming Dates:
Columbus, OH March 10 – The Home Church
Austin, TX March 16 – GroovSpot Live
Oklahoma City, OK March 31st – New Bethel Baptist Church
Oklahoma City, Ok April 14th – Restoration Christian Church
This week the hugely succesful WOW Gospel compilation stays at #1 for a second straight week. Le’Andria Johnson received a sales boost propeling her latest project to the #2 position. Le’Andria Johnson continues to have two albums in the top 10.
Johnson’s label-mate Amber Bullock gets ready to release her debut CD March 6th. Look for that project to make a strong Top 10 debut.
View the rest of the Top 10 Gospel albums below:
1 | WOW Gospel 2012 2 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson 3 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity 4 | Fred Hammond – God, Love & Romance 5 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson… 6 | William McDowell – Arise 7 | Brian Courtney Wilson – So Proud 8 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best Of… 9 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear 10 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise Sountrack
