This week, Music World Gospel dominates Billboard’s Gospel charts with two albums in the Top 5, one CD in the Top 10, four titles in the Top 15, and six albums in the Top 25. Le’Andria Johnson holds two titles in the Top 5. Both The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson and The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition debut on the Top Gospel Albums chart at #4 and #5 respectively. In addition, both albums enter at #10 and #14 respectively on Billboard’s Independent chart. Brian Courtney Wilson’s So Proud lands at #8 and Amber Bullock’s Thank You moves to #15 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Also, Juanita Bynum’s Diary of Juanita Bynum 2 lands at #21 and Vanessa Bell Armstrong’s Timeless moves to #26.

Released in 2011, Le’Andria’s debut CD, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, entered at #1 on multiple music charts, including both the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The CD also debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Current Gospel Overall chart. It spent nine weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, and, to date, the CD has remained in the Top 10 for over 20 weeks. Le’Andria also received her first GRAMMY® for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music performance for her debut single, “Jesus.”

Brian Courtney Wilson’s new CD project, So Proud, released on February 7, debuted at #1 on both Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart. So Proud also debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Independent chart and at #44 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart. Amber Bullock’s Thank You debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and the CD has remained in the Top 20 for over 10 weeks.

Gospel duo Trin-i-tee 5:7 receives a GMA Dove Award nomination for Urban Album of the Year. As Music World Gospel celebrates it 10th anniversary, the label has over 40 projects scheduled for release for the 2012 calendar year.

For artist performance and branding inquiries, please call Music World at 713-772-5175.

Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder of National Action Network, is preparing to lead a march from Selma, to Montgomery, Alabama re enacting the march by Dr. Martin Luther King and other civil rights leaders to commemorate “Bloody Sunday” and a march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The march is scheduled for Sunday, March 4 in Selma and will end in Montgomery, Alabama, on Friday, March 9, with a rally at the state capital.

On Thursday, February 23, Rev. Sharpton will be joined by Dr. Gerald L. Durley, Pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Marcus Coleman, Founder, Atlanta Chapter-National Action Network, Members of the Atlanta Chapter of NAN, Clergy, Union Leaders, elected Officials and Community Organizers, will also be at a rally to support the March.

The rally will take place at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 2295 Benjamin E. Mays Drive in Atlanta beginning at 6 pm.

100 buses will depart from the Atlanta area to participate in this historic event on March 4.  Buses will also depart on March 9th for Montgomery and return the same day. Tickets may be purchased for $30.

For more information please contact the Southeastern Regional Office at 678-732-0405 or log onto  http://www.nationalactionnetwork.net

History of Bloody Sunday: The Selma to Montgomery marches were three marches in 1965 that marked the political and emotional peak of the American civil rights movement. They grew out of the voting rights movement in Selma, Alabama, launched by local African-Americans who formed the Dallas County Voters League (DCVL). In 1963, the DCVL and organizers from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) began voter-registration work. When white resistance to Black voter registration proved intractable, the DCVL requested the assistance of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, who brought many prominent civil rights and civic leaders to support voting rights.

The first march took place on March 7, 1965 — “Bloody Sunday” — when 600 civil rights marchers were attacked by state and local police with billy clubs and tear gas. The second march, the following Tuesday, resulted in 2,500 protesters turning around after crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The third march started March 16. The marchers averaged 10 miles (16 km) a day along U.S. Route 80, known in Alabama as the “Jefferson Davis Highway”. Protected by 2,000 soldiers of the U.S. Army, 1,900 members of the Alabama National Guard under Federal command, and many FBI agents and Federal Marshals, they arrived in Montgomery on March 24, and at the Alabama State Capitol on March 25.[1] The route is memorialized as the Selma To Montgomery Voting Rights Trail, a U.S. National Historic Trail.

The Gospel Duo Mary Mary made another major announcement this week as Tina Campbell announces that she’s expecting her fifth child.

The news comes just weeks after sister Erica Campbell welcomed her new baby girl Zaya Monique into the world.

In an interview with Essence Magazine Tina Campbell says, “Initially we felt overwhelmed at the thought, but then my hubby and I reflected on how rewarding it is to love and be loved by another baby.”  Tina goes on to say, “After thinking that our last child was our last child we’ve been surprised with an unexpected blessing almost 4 months and growing. We thought our home was exciting and busy now it’s about to be even more exciting and busy. We are looking forward to it.”

Busy doesn’t even began to describe the sister team called Mary Mary.  The duo is currently recording their new album “Go Get It” that’s due out sometime in May, all while recording a new reality show that’s set to premier on WE tv.

The first single off the new album is the title track “Go Get It,” that was recently released to radio.

The new album will include classic Mary Mary songs that have been remixed and remastered featuring some of the duo’s greatest hits. The highly anticipated album will be sure to please old and new fans alike. 

Mary Mary has been on an incredible run in the past year including securing the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, Soul Train Award, Two Stellar Awards, double Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Best Gospel Album. The year also saw partnerships with The American Red Cross and Pillsbury. 

Mary Mary will premier on WE tv Thursday, March 29th at 10pm ET/PT, in a special time slot, then continues each week at 9pm ET/PT with ten, hour-long episodes. The duo looks forward to sharing a glimpse of their lives with their fans.  

GRAMMY-nominated R&B artist Montell Jordan, known for his iconic hit “This is How We Do It” joined Daytime EMMY-nominated comedian Chonda Pierce and World Heavyweight Champion wrestler AJ Styles, to announce the nominees for the 43rd Annual Gospel Music Association Dove Awards in Atlanta. Nineteen-year-old GRAMMY nominee Jamie-Grace, a role model for those struggling with Tourettes Syndrome, performed at the event.

“I have shoes older than she is,” said Pierce, “and that kinda ticks me off.”

During the introductions, Pierce fittingly “nominated” GMA New Artist of the Year nominee Grace for two brand-new catgories: “Cutie Pie of the Year” and “Boots of the Year,” noticing the young artist’s hot pink cowboy boots.

AJ Styles was back a second time for this year’s event. (Styles presented an award at the 41st Annual Dove Awards.) “I’m so excited, I’m trying not to lose it!” said Styles of meeting Montell Jordan. “I’ve always been such a huge fan.”

Styles was equally impressed by Jamie-Grace’s performance. “I’ll definitely be downloading her songs from iTunes,” said the wrestler, who’s been known to lead prayer in the ring before a match.

“If that doesn’t get you to pray, nothin’ will,” said Pierce.

Produced by the Gospel Music Association (GMA), the 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 19 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

“This is an event that has a history of bringing together people who are not only giving us a new favorite song to sing, but who are anointed with a heavenly message,” said GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo.

A full list of nominees is as follows: 

Song of the Year
Alive; Natalie Grant; Bernie Herms and Nichole Nordeman; Wow Partners; Wow Partners
Blessings; Laura Story; Laura Story; New Spring Publishing (ASCAP), Laura Stories (ASCAP); Fair Trade
Celebrate Me Home; Perrys; Joel Lindsey & Wayne Haun; PsalmSinger Music; Daywind Records
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me); Casting Crowns; Michael Bleecker, Mark Hall; Word Music/SWECS; Beach Street
Hold Me; Jamie Grace; Jamie Grace Harper Toby McKeehan Christopher Steve; Universal Music-BrentwoodBenson Tunes, Songs of Th; Gotee Records
I Smile; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, James Harris, Terry Lewis, Frederic; Bridge Building Music (BMI), Aunt Gertrude Music P; Gospocentric
I’ve Been Here Before; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; PsalmSinger Music; StowTown Records
Please Forgive Me; Gaither Vocal Band; Gerald Crabb; Chestnut Mound Music; Gaither Music Group
Who Am I; Jason Crabb; Rusty Goodman; Playin’ TAG Music; Gaither Music Group
Your Great Name; Natalie Grant; Krissy Nordhoff, Michael Neale; Tow Nords Music (ASCAP), Integrity’s Praise Music (BMI); Curb Records

Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris August
Chris Tomlin
Jason Crabb
Kirk Franklin
Steven Curtis Chapman

Female Vocalist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Kari Jobe
Laura Story
Mandisa
Natalie Grant

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
David Crowder*Band
Gaither Vocal Band
NEEDTOBREATHE
The Isaacs
Casting Crowns

Artist of the Year
Jason Crabb
Laura Story
LeCrae
The Isaacs

New Artist of the Year
Beyond The Ashes
Dara Maclean
Jamie-Grace
Royal Tailor
The City Harmonic

Producer of the Year
Bernie Herms, Brown Bannister
Ed Cash
Ian Eskelin
Michael Sykes
Wayne Haun

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
Hallelujah; ; LeCrae; ; ; Reach
INTOXICATED; GENESIS SNAPSHOTS; JAYESS; ; ; ZOE RECORDS
Please Don’t Let Me Go; Outta Space Love; Group 1 Crew; Manwell Reyes, Pablo Villatoro, Andy Anderson, David Garcia; ; Fervent
Riot; Backlight; Tedashi; ; ; Reach Records
The Overdose; Rehab Deluxe; LeCrae; ; ; Reach Records

Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
Dark Horses; Vice Verses; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman, Tim Foreman; ; Credential Recordings/lowercasepeople/Atlantic
Faceless; Until We Have Faces; Red; Anthony Armstrong, Rob Graves, Jasen Rauch, Mark Holman; ; Essential Records
Invisible; Horseshoes and Handgrenades; Disciple; Kevin Young, Ben Glover, Rob Hawkins; ; Fair Trade Services, LLC
One Day Too Late; Awake; Skillet; John L. Cooper, Brian Howes; ; Ardent
Your Love Is A Mystery; Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; Jason Dunn & Daniel Biro; ; BEC Recordings
Born Again; Born Again (Miracle Edition); Newsboys; Seth Mosely, Juan Otero,michael Tate, Wes Campbell; ; InPop
Crazy Love; Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; Jason Dunn, Daniel Biro, Ian Eskelin, & Tony Wood; ; BEC Recordings
Drifting; TBA; Plumb with Dan Haseltine; Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, Matt Bronleewe, Dan Haseltine; ; Curb Records
Lucy; Awake; Skillet; John L. Cooper; ; Atlantic/Ardent/Fair Trade
Slumber; The Reckoning; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; ; Atlantic Records

Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
Alive (MARY MAGDALENE); Music Inspired By THE STORY; Natalie Grant; Nichole Nordeman, Bernie Herms; ; WOW Joint Venture
Blessings; Blessings; Laura Story; Laura Story; ; Fair Trade Services, LLC
Hold Me; One Song at a Time; Jamie Grace; Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan, Chris Stevens; ; Gotee Records
Someone Worth Dying For; A Beautiful Life; MIKESCHAIR; Benjamin Glover, Michael Alan Grayson, Samuel Anton Tinnesz; ; Curb Records
Your Great Name; Love Revolution; Natalie Grant; Michael Neale, Krissy Nordhoff; ; Curb Records

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
All Things New; On Our Way Home; Nicol Sponberg; Carl Cartee, Jeromy Deibler, Ronnie Freeman, Jason Ingram; ; Curb Records
Hope Of The Broken World; Hope Of The Broken World; Selah; Carl Cartee, Jennie Riddle; ; Curb
I Surrender; New Day; The Martins; Chris Eaton, Joyce Sanders; ; Gaither Music Group
I’ll Take What’s Left; Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Doug Anderson; Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; ; StowTown
Love Is a Cross; Faroe Islands; Russ Taff; Jesse Butterworth, Joy Williams, Regie Hamm; ; Spring Hill Music

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
Celebrate Me Home; Blue Skies Coming; Perrys; Joel Lindsey & Wayne Haun; ; Daywind
If There Ever Was A Time; Together Again; The Crabb Family; Caleb Collins, Sue Smith; Jason Crabb; Gaither
I’ve Been Here Before; Here We Are Again; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Ernie Haase; ; StowTown
Please Forgive Me; Greatly Blessed; Gaither Vocal Band; Gerald Crabb; ; Gaither Music Group
Victory In Jesus; A Life Time of Music; John Hagee; ; ; Difference Media

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
Indescribable; Indescribable: Bluegrass Meets Worship; Chigger Hill Boys & Terri; Jesse Reeves & Laura Story; ; Daywind
Let It Go; A Mother’s Prayer; Ralph Stanley; Sara Evans, Billy Smith, Terry Smith; ; Rebel Records
Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing; Naturally; The Isaacs; Dottie Rambo; ; Gaither Music Group
Precious Memories; Drive Time; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; ; ; Crossroads Records
The Water is Calling; Already Home; Marcy Each; Marcy Each, Lyn Rowel; ; Vine

Country Recorded Song of the Year
Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Doug Anderson; Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; ; StowTown
Good Things Are Happening; Reach Out; Karen Peck & New River; Wayne Haun & Sonya Isaacs; ; Daywind
I Get To; Expecting Good Things; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Wil Nance, Sherrie Austin, Steve Williams; ; Spring Hill Music Group, She Loved Music
Pray About Everything; Breathe Deep; Guy Penrod; Bob Regan, Jeff Stevens; ; Gaither Music Group, Servant Records
Why Me; The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb (feat. William Lee Golden and Bill Gaither); Kris Kristofferson; ; Gaither Music Group

Urban Recorded Song of the Year
All I Need feat. Chris Lee; Captured; FLAME; Marcus Gray, Chris Lee Cobbins, Abraham Olaleye; ; Clear Sight Music
Make It Loud; Make It Loud; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi, Danielle Munizzi, Khristian Dentley, Pablo Villatoro; ; Martha Munizzi Music
SOVEREIGN KING; FROM THE HEART; DEBORAH; ; ; ZOE RECORDS
Sweeter; The Love Album; Kim Burrell; ; ;
Windows; ; Canton Jones; ; ; CAJO International

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
God Is Great; Keep Living; Ricky Dillard & New G; John Lakin; ; Light Records
Here Comes Jesus; Faroe Islands; Russ Taff; Chuck Cannon, Russ Taff; ; Spring Hill Music
Hold On; Change The Atmosphere; Christ Tabernacle Choir; Wayne Haun, Steve Carey, Matthew Garinger; ; Vine
I Saw the Light; The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; Hank Williams; ; Gaither Music Group
Let the Church Say Amen; The Journey; Andrae Crouch; Andrae Crouch; ; Riverphlo Entertainment

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
He Has His Hands On You; Here I Am; Marvin Sapp; Marvin Sapp, Stan Jones; ; Verity
I Smile; Hello Fear; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, James Harris, Terry Lewis, Frederick Tackett; ; Verity
I’d Rather Have Jesus; The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; George Beverly Shea, Rhea F. Miller; ; Gaither Music Group
The Promise; The Journey; Andrae Crouch; Andrae Crouch, Luther Mano Hanes; ; Riverphlo Entertainment
What I Have I Give; Treasures Unseen; Beyond The Ashes; Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey, Depp Britt; ; Vine

Worship Song of the Year
Beautiful Things; Beautiful Things; Gungor; Michael Gungor, Lisa Gungor; ; EMI CMG Publishing
Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me); Mark Hall, Michael Bleecker; Mark Hall,Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/My Refuge Music (BMI) Michael Bleecker,Word Music (ASCAP); Come To The Well; Casting Crowns; Provident Label Group
Hosanna; ; Brooke Fraser; ; ; Hillsong Publishing
I Give Myself Away; William McDowell, Sam Hinn; Delivery Room Publishing; As We Worship Live; William McDowell; Light Records/Entertainment One
When the Stars Burn Down; Jonathan Lee and Jennie Riddle; UNIVERSAL MUSIC- BRENTWOOD BENSON TUNES (SESAC)/ JLEE PUBLSIHING (SESAC). ADMIN BY UNIVERSAL MUSIC/ INTEGRITY PRAISE! MUSIC; When the Stars Burn Down; Travis Cottrell; Inciite Media
Your Great Name; Michael Neale, Krissy Nordhoff; Integrity’s Praise Music; Love Revolution; Natalie Grant; Integrity Music

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Backlight; Tedashi; ; Reach Records
Captured; FLAME; Lamontt Blackshire, Courtney Peebles, Stephen Towns, Abraham Olaleye, Derek Johnson, Alex Hitchens, Brandon Shockley, Dion, Burroughs, Alex Medina; Clear Sight Music
Culture Shock; Jai; ;
Rehab: The Overdose; LeCrae; ; Reach Records
The Whole Truth; D.A. Truth; ; Universal

Rock Album of the Year
Control; Abandon; Christpher Stevens, Paul Moak, Josh Silverberg; EMI CMG
Until We Have Faces; Red; Rob Graves; Essential Records
Vice Verses; Switchfoot; Neal Avron; EMI CMG
What I’ve Become; Ashes Remain; ; Fair Trade
With Shivering Hearts We Wait; Blindside; Mike Plotnikoff and Igor Khoroshev for Howard Benson Productions, LLC; Fair Trade Services, LLC

Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
Ad Astra Per Aspera; Abandon Kansas; Mark Lee Townsend; Gotee Records
Come Home; Luminate; Ed Cash, Paul Moak, Ben Glover; EMI CMG
Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; ian Eskelin; BEC Recordings
Mountains Move; Kristian Stanfill; Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; EMI CMG
The Reckoning; NEEDTOBREATHE; ; Atlantic Records

Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
A Beautiful Life; MIKESCHAIR; Matt Brownlewee; Curb Records
Blessings; Laura Story; Nathan Nockels; Fair Trade Services, LLC
Hundred More Years; Francesca Battistelli; ; Fervent
One Song at a Time; Jamie Grace; Chris Stevens, David Garcia, Arch Nemesiz; Gotee Records
What If We Were Real; Mandisa; Christopher Stevens, David Garcia, Dan Muckala; EMI CMG

Inspirational Album of the Year
A Man Like Me; Wes Hampton; Gordon Mote, Michael English, Nathan Zwald, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group
Captivated; Nicole C. Mullen; Ed Cash; Maranatha! Music
Faroe Islands; Russ Taff; Jakup Zachariassen; Spring Hill Music
God is Able; HILLSONG; Joel Houston, Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding; Hillsong Music Australia
Hope Of The Broken World; Selah; Jason Kyle, Todd Smith, Allan Hall; Curb Records

Southern Gospel Album of the Year
A LIFETIME OF MUSIC; JOHN HAGEE; MICHAEL SYKES, DAVID HUNTSINGER; DIFFERENCE MEDIA
Miracles & Memories; Bowling Family; Mike & Kelly Bowling, Terah Penhollow and Kathy Crabb Hannah; Big Ten House of Music
Part of the Family; Collingsworth Family; Wayne Haun; StowTown
Reach Out; Karen Peck & New River; Wayne Haun; Daywind
The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; Bill Gaither; Gaither Music Group

Bluegrass Album of the Year
A Mother’s Prayer; Ralph Stanley; Ralph Stanley II; Rebel Records
Family Chain; John Bowman; John Bowman, Ben Issacs, Jimmy Edmonds; Pisgah Ridge
Grassroots Rambos; Rambo McGuire; Dony McGuire; Rambo McGuire Records
Indescribable: Bluegrass Meets Worship; Chigger Hill Boys & Terri; Mark Dunham; Daywind
Satisfied; Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Paul Williams; Rebel Records

Country Album of the Year
Brighter One; Marshall Hall; Marshall Hall, Jay DeMarcus, Michael English; Daywind
Dreamin’ Wide Awake; Doug Anderson; Wayne Haun; StowTown
Family Ties; Wilburn & Wilburn; Ben Isaacs; Daywind
Going Places; Crabb Revival; Michael Sykes; Daywind
New Day; The Martins; Jay DeMarcus; Gaither Music Group

Urban Album of the Year
Angel & Chanelle; Trin-i-tee 5:7; PJ Morton, Rockwilder, Fred Jerkins, Surefire Music Group, Andrew Scott, Tito Ali, Stan Jones, David Mullen; Music World Gospel
Church on the Moon; Deitrick Haddon; Deitrick Haddon; Verity Gospel Music Group
From Now On; Dawkins & Dawkins; Executive Producers: James Robinson Co-Executive Producer: Dawkins & Dawkins; Light Records
Something Big; Mary Mary; ; Sony
The Next Dimension; GI; Lamonte Harris, Curtis Langley, Marlon Anderson, Levi King, Tavis Simmons , Michael Clemmons, Derek Clark, Teraike Crawford, Joeworn Martin); BGA Music Group
How I Got Over; Smokie Norful; Jason Lyson; EMI Gospel

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
If you didn’t know Now you Know; Norman Hutchins; Michael Bereal; co-producer Vicki Lataillade; Sueekey Entertainment/IR Music Group
Promises; Richard Smallwood; Steven Ford; Verity Gospel Music Group
The Legacy Project; John P. Kee; ; Verity
XV Live; Chicago Mass Choir; Percy Gray, Jr.; Jeral Gray, Sr.; New Haven Records

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
Becoming; Yolanda Adams; ; N House Music
Change The Atmosphere; Christ Tabernacle Choir; Wayne Haun, Kevin Ward, Steve Carey; Vine
Committed; Committed; ; Epic
Hello Fear; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, Shaun Martin; Verity Gospel Music Group
Make It Loud; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi Muisic

Inspirational Album of the Year
A Moments Peace, Vol. 3; Great Worship Songs Players; Christopher Phillips, Luke Gambill; Great Worship Songs
Feedback; Derek Webb; Derek Webb; Fair Trade Services, LLC
Inspirational Moods: Inspiring Hymns featuring Piano and Orchestra; Michael Omartian; Michael Omartian; Green Hill Productions
Jesus Calling: Instrumental Songs For Devotion; Various Artists; Steve Ivey; EMI CMG
Unfailing Love: 20 Worship Songs of Comfort and Peace; Stan Whitmire; Stan Whitmire; Green Hill Productions

Childrens Music Album of the Year
From The Inside out For Kids; Kids Choir; Matt Huesmann & Steve Ivey; EMI CMG
Great Worship Songs For Kids, Vol. 5; Great Worship Songs Kids Praise Band; Dale Mathews, Luke Gambill, Johnathan Crumpton, Stacey Willbur, Daniel Deffenbaugh, John Andrade; Great Worship Songs
Groovy; Denver and the Mile High Orchestra; Jamie Statema, Denver Bierman and Darren Rust; Go Fish Kids Records
Hosanna! Today’s Top Worship Songs for Kids; VeggieTales feat. Mark Hall from Casting Crowns and Amy Grant; Scott Williamson; Big Idea Entertainment
I Am A Promise; Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Ben Isaacs; Gaither Music Group

Spanish Language Album of the Year
25 Concierto Conmemorativo; Marcos Witt; Marcos Witt, Sergio González & Roberto Prado; CanZion
De Vuelta Al Jardin; Christine D’Clario; Integrity Music
Dile Al Corazon Que Camine; Jacobo Ramos; Integrity Music
Más fuerte que nunca; Coalo Zamorano; Coalo Zamorano, Chris Rocha & Mike X Zúñinga; CanZion
Somos uno; Generación 12; Lorena Castellanos & Iván Contreras; CanZion
Top 25 Cantos de Alabanza 2012; Various; Phil Sillas; Maranatha! Music

Special Event Album of the Year
Ashes To Fire: Songs of Remembrance and Celebration of the Passion; Consuming Worship; Dave Clark; Maranatha! Music
Medicine: Live At The Black Academy; Ruben Studdard and Various Artists; Sam “Shake” Anderson and Curtis King; MCG Records
Passion: Here For You; Passion; Nathan Nockels; EMI CMG
The Journey; Andrae Crouch; Luther “Mano” Hanes; Riverphlo Entertainment
The Story; Matthew West, Leigh Nash from Sixpence None the Richer, Mark Hall & Megan Garret from Casting Crowns, Brandon Heath, Bart Millard from Mercy Me, Michael Tait From Newsboys, Blanca Callahan from Group 1 Crew, Lecrae, Chris Tomlin, Peter Furler, Mandisa, Tod; Bernie Herms, Brown Bannister; EMI Provident, Word

Christmas Album of the Year
A Skaggs Family Christmas Volume 2; Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Molly Skaggs, Luke Skaggs, and Rachel Leftwich; Ricky Skaggs; Skaggs Family Records
Christmas Hope; Benjamin Utecht; David Grow, Brian Siewart, David Hamilton; Green Hill Productions
Christmas in Diverse City; TobyMac; Toby McKeehan, Christopher Stevens, Mike Woods, David Garcia, Victor Oquendo, SUPERHEROSE, Tre Corley, Arch Nemeciz, Tim Rosenau, Matthew Edwards, DOA Allen for the DESIGNATED HITTERS, Todde (toddiefunk) Lawton, Byron Mr. Talkbox” Chambers; EMI CMG”
Irish Country Christmas; Craig Duncan; Craig Duncan; Green Hill Productions
Oh For Joy; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; EMI CMG

Praise & Worship Album of the Year
10,000 Reasons; Matt Redman; Nathan Nockels; EMI CMG
Aftermath; Hillsong UNITED; Michael Guy Chislett, Joel Houston, James Rudder, Christopher Stevens; EMI CMG
And If Our God is For Us..; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash, Dan Muckala; EMI CMG
Ghosts Upon The Earth; Gungor; Michael Gungor; Brash Music
Make It Loud; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi; Martha Munizzi Music

Musical of the Year
Come and Adore Him; Dave Clark, Steve W. Mauldin; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
Down From His Glory; Mike Speck; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
Gone; Geron Davis; ; ; ; SpiritSound Music Group
Love Won; Kenna Turner West; ; ; ; Daywind
Mary, Did You Know? A Ready to Sing Christmas; Russell Mauldin, Sue C. Smith and Johnathan Crumpton; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Youth/Childrens Musical of the Year
Extreme, Songs for Modern Youth Choir; Cliff Duren and Johnathan Crumpton; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
God of This City; Susie Williams, David Ebensberger & Luke Gambill; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Help! My Kids Have to Sing at Christmas!; Cherry Garasi; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
The Amazing Grace Race; ; ; ; Celeste Clydesdale, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music
The Great Christmas Giveaway; ; ; ; Celeste Clydesdale, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music

Choral Collection of the Year
A Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas; ; ; ; Carol Cymbala, Jason Webb; Word Music
Everlasting Praise 3; Mike Speck, Stan Whitmire; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
O What A Savior; Dave Clark, Steve W. Mauldin; ; ; ; Lillenas Publishing Company
Ready to Sing the Songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither; Russell Mauldin and Johnathan Crumpton; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
When the Stars Burn Down; Travis Cottrell; ; ; ; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Recorded Music Packaging
A Way To See In The Dark/Sp Ed.; Jason Gray; Joanna Dee; Joanna Dee; Centricity
Burlap To Cashmere; Burlap To Cashmere; Theodore Pagano; Sean Mosher Smith; Chris Phelps; Essential Records, Jive Records
Christmas In Diverse City; TobyMac; Jan Cook; Eddy Boer for Boerhaus; Lee Stephen, Ryan Lampa, Nick West
Leveller – Deluxe Box; August Burns Red; Ryan Clark; Jordan Crane; Cory Morton; Solid State Records
This Is What We Believe/Deluxe; Aaron Shust; Joanna Dee; Joanna Dee; Centricity

Short Form Music Video of the Year
7&70; Chris August; Evan Kaufmann, Randy Peterson; Detail Film; Fervent
A Thousand Generations; Sean Spicer with Tilly Cryar; Dustin Marcellino; Yochanan Marcellino; City of Peace Films; City of Peace Media
As For Me And My House; John Waller; Dustin Marcellino; Yochanan Marcellino; City of Peace Films; City of Peac Media
Crazy Love; Hawk Nelson; John Reuben; BEC Recordings
Feed The Machine; Red; Erwin Brothers; Dan Atchison; Alabama Production Group; Essential Records
I Lift My Hands; Chris Tomlin; Nathan Corrona; Nathan Corrona; Dustbrand Films; EMI CMG
Miracles; Newsboys; TK McKamy; TK McKamy; Revolution Pictures; inpop Records
You Are More; Tenth Avenue North; Wes Edwards; Drew Langer; Ruckus Films; Reunion Records

Long Form Video of the Year
A Skaggs Family Christmas LIVE; Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Molly Skaggs, Luke Skaggs, and Rachel Leftwich; Matt Coale; Ricky Skaggs,Billy Paul Jones, and Charlotte Scott; RS Entertainment Inc.; Skaggs Family Records
Fear Not Tomorrow; The Collingsworth Family; Curt Casassa; Jim Hammond; P&KC Music; P&KC Music
Tent Revival Homecoming; Bill & Gloria Gaither and Homecoming Friends; Doug Stuckey; Bill Gaither, Barry Jennings, Bill Carter; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music Group
The Song Lives On; Jason Crabb; Doug Stuckey; Bill Gaither; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music Group
Yahweh; Hillsong Chapel; Luke Irvine; Executive Producer: Joel Houston; Producers: Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding; ; EMI CMG

Songs 4 Worship™, the multi-platinum series created by Integrity Music and Time Life Music, has become one of Christian music’s most trusted brands, selling over 20 million CDs and consistently delivering the most popular worship songs by leading artists and worship leaders. On March 13th, Integrity and Time Life release the 40th installment in this landmark series, Songs 4 Worship™ Revelation Songs, featuring Jesus Culture, Paul Baloche, John Mark McMillan, Tim Hughes, The City Harmonic, Lincoln Brewster and more.

The 17-track collection represents songs that are sung in churches across the U.S. and around the globe including “Revelation Song,” “Your Love Never Fails,” “How He Loves,” “How Great Is Our God” and “Manifesto.” Many of these songs are featured on Youtube via live music videos and fan-made tributes, which when added together, total over 55,000,000 views. 

“These songs represent the prayers being sung by millions every week in churches around the world,” says worship leader and Dove Award-winning songwriter Paul Baloche. “Revelation Songs is a benchmark in the history of the church, chronicling the worship anthems of this generation of believers bringing glory to God.”

C. Ryan Dunham, president of Kingsway and Integrity Music adds: “More than just a great collection, Revelation Songs is an experience that is both spiritual and extremely personal to all who believe. It’s one of those rarecollections that will stay in my own playlist.”

The complete track list for Songs 4 Worship™ Revelation Songs, including the performing artists, is:
1. Your Love Never Fails (Jesus Culture) 
2. Your Grace Is Enough (Jared Anderson)
3. Revelation Song (Gateway Church featuring Kari Jobe)
4. How He Loves (John Mark McMillan)
5. Everlasting God (Lincoln Brewster) 
6. How Great Is Our God (Dave Lubben) 
7. Your Name (Paul Baloche)
8. Great I Am (New Life Worship) 
9. Today is the Day (Lincoln Brewster) 
10. Blessed Be Your Name (Robin Mark)
11. Beautiful One (Tim Hughes) 
12. Manifesto (The City Harmonic) 
13. Hosanna – Paul Baloche 
14. O The Blood (Gateway Church) 
15. In Christ Alone/The Solid Rock (Travis Cottrell)
16. Your Great Name (The People’s Church)
17. Happy Day (Tim Hughes)

Beginning March 13th, Songs 4 Worship™ Revelation Songs will be featured in Christian and mainstream stores including major chains such as Lifeway, Berean and Family Christian stores and Walmart, Target and Best Buy.

Originally launched by Integrity Music and Time Life Music in 2001, the Songs 4 Worship™ series has featured 40 CD and DVD titles representing a variety of genres including Gospel, country, hymns, children’s and Spanish titles. The series has also been an international hit, selling millions of units in the UK/Europe and earning multi Platinum,Platinum and Gold RIAA certification in the U.S. and Gold certification in Australia, Canada and the UK. It is one of the best-selling music series in Christian music and has remained Time Life’s biggest music series launch to date.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, music and entertainment mogul, announced on Tuesday that he will launch a new cable network called Revolt.

The announcement came after Combs hinted at the launch on his Twitter page all morning.

“Big announcement coming at 10 a.m. EST! Stay Tuned,” the music mogul tweeted to more than four million followers.

The announcement came in the form of a video posted to Combs’ official YouTube channel, PTWITTYTV.

“The revolution will be televised. Today is a very, very big day,” Combs said. “I’m here to announce my new cable network, Revolt.”

Combs is working with Comcast, the nation’s largest cable television provider, who will carry Revolt on some of its local cable systems, The New York Times reported. According to the report, Comcast has been actively working to increase minority channels within its network recently.
 
Combs thanked the network for their efforts to increase the number of minority owners.

“I’d first like to say thank you to Comcast, Comcast Diversity Council and NBC for recognizing the importance of minority ownership in cable television,” Combs said in the Revolt announcement. “When I was growing up I used to watch television all the time and I would wonder why don’t those people look like me, or talk like me or walk like me? Thank you to Comcast; my hat goes off to you for being the first to step up.”

In his introductory video, Combs said the network would be dedicated to artists.

“I’m going to give the artists this channel. It’s your channel, your opportunity to show your art the way you want to show your art,” he said. “Uncut, raw, uncensored, … a channel that will give new artists an opportunity to be seen and heard, new visual directors to be seen and felt, producers of all colors, shapes and sizes. This network will represent you and the soul of music that has been missing for a long time.”

Although Combs expressed excitement for the possibilities that the new Revolt network would create, he admitted that it would be hard work.

“I take a lot of pride having experience, credibility, authenticity and relationships to make Revolt T.V. the number one name in home music on television,” Combs said. “I’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s going to be a marathon not a sprint, but I will not stop until we’re on top.”

Combs, who also executive produced the documentary “Undefeated” that recently earned an Oscar nomination, said he is thankful to God for the opportunities.
“Nominated for an Oscar AND announced my cable channel all in one week,” Combs tweeted. “God really IS the GREATEST! If you believe — you can do anything!”

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent – a tremendous opportunity for a holy period of self-reflection, growth and prayer.

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).

Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.

Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. They are mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics.  Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sundaywith fasting continuing during the Holy Week ofOrthodox Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday (called Clean Monday) and Ash Wednesday is not observed.

The Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19;Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.

During lent many of the faithful commit to fasting or giving up certain types of luxury as a way to keep their minds stayed on Jesus.  Many people will often give up old habits or addictions to seek spiritual growth within their lives.

Do you observe Ash Wednesday?  What are you giving up? 

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is launching a basic cable television network intending to showcase uplifting images of African Americans to a target audience.

The 24-hour channel will be beneficial, the former Los Angeles Lakers star said, by offering African American actors who have struggled to find work in mainstream Hollywood, new opportunities to work in their profession.

The network to be called Aspire will include film, TV, music, comedy, performing arts and shows about faith.

Olympic gold medal “Dream Team” player Johnson, who in 2002 was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, said he has found a way to present positive images of African Americans with stories that are written, produced and directed by African Americans.

“This is so exciting for me, I’m pinching myself,” Johnson said in a phone interview with The Los Angeles Times. “This is big for myself, for the African American community, and the African American creative community. I wanted a vehicle to show positive images and to have stories written, produced and directed by African Americans for our community. Aspire – that’s how I’ve been leading my life.”

America’s biggest cable provider Comcast, have also recently announced another minority-owned network to be backed by a big name celebrity.

Hip-hop star and Chairman of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group Sean “Diddy” Combs has also revealed his plan to start his own music television network called Revolt. His network, which is set to be launched in 2013, will feature music and pop culture programming such as music videos, live performances, and interviews.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to be part of this effort to bring diverse programming to the masses. Marked by this partnership with Comcast, my hope is that this new network will spark a revolution in entertainment and encourage other media and communications companies to bring Revolt to their audiences” Diddy said on his new project.

Read More by the Christian Post 

KIRK FRANKLIN and his chart-topping album HELLO FEAR was just certified Gold, as reported by the R.I.A.A. The announcement follows Franklin’s two GRAMMY® awards wins for Best Gospel Album (HELLO FEAR) and Best Gospel Song (“Hello Fear”) earlier this week at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards celebration held on February 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. With these two new trophies, Franklin – the #1 selling Gospel artist of all time – now has nine career GRAMMY® awards. Franklin also performed at this year’s live NBC Network NAACP Image award show. in which he was the winner for – Outstanding Song (“I Smile”) and Outstanding Gospel Album (HELLO FEAR).

Franklin’s HELLO FEAR debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel sales chart and #5 on the Billboard Top 200 when it was released last Spring, making the album the fourth highest Gospel debut in Soundscan history. In addition to his GRAMMY® wins and NAACP nominations, Franklin was recently awarded four Stellar Awards for HELLO FEAR and “I Smile” — Song of The Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Franklin performed “I Smile” on last year’s American Idol finale, and was #1 at Gospel radio for 23 weeks, hitting Urban AC radio at #3. Currently, Franklin stars as Baylor Sykes in the feature film Joyful Noise starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. He also hosts and executive produces gospel talent show “Sunday Best,” the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history, now heading into its fifth season.

For two decades, Kirk Franklin has been a pioneer in gap-bridging musicianship, uniting gospel, hip hop, pop and R&B audiences. His rhythms have resulted in albums that have consistently topped Billboard’s Gospel, Christian and R&B/Hip Hop charts. He is also a New York Times best-selling author for “The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham/Penguin). To date, Franklin has garnered nine GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award, 35 Stellar Awards, 14 Dove Awards (CCM), six NAACP Image Awards and two BET Awards.

It’s been two years since Gotee Records pop songstress Stephanie Smith last offered up a new project, but today she’s sharing her powerful new single, “Letting Go,” as it releases digitally across the country.

The anthemic, catchy track was produced by Barry Weeks (Francesca Battistelli, Avalon, Hawk Nelson) and written by Smith and Weeks, along with hit songwriter Brian White.

“I feel like there have been a million songs called ‘Letting Go,’ but I still wrestle with executing the concept in my day to day,” says Smith. “This song is my reminder to myself that there is a good God who sees me, knows me and has a better plan for my life than I do. Sometimes I get too attached to an idea of how my life should look and when my expectations aren’t met, the process of releasing my grip can be painful, but I know that I am always safe in his grip.”

After initial raves with 2008’s full-length debut, Not Afraid, she followed with an EP-2009’s Stephanie Smith-which heralded the production handiwork of Mark Lee Townsend (Relient K, House Of Heroes, Deas Vail) with Smith co-writing all five of the tracks. Smith has toured non-stop with an ever-growing fan base, solid album sales, and industry acclaim. Her packed-out schedule found her making the rounds at music festivals such as Rockfest, Ichthus, AtlantaFest, Music in the Park, Kingdom Bound, and Riverstages, as well as a return to Agape Fest, the original stage that lead her to meeting TobyMac and eventually signing a deal with Gotee Records.

Upon on the unveiling of her long-awaited new single, TobyMac comments, “Stephanie Smith is a tenacious young artist with a voice that rises to the skies and a vision that demands our attention.”

Smith has also performed at various conferences including Feedback Conferences, Secret Keeper Girl Tour, Pure Freedom, and the Asphalt Assault Tour, and also joined illusionist Brock Gill as part of the Florida-based SuperWow Camps, where nearly 350 individual youth groups attended weekly. Smith continues to work with the non-profit organization Soles4souls, as well as Compassion International.