Trish Standley has been sharing the message of God’s love for most of her life. A phenomenal vocalist and a 2011 Excellence in Christian Music Award Recipient, Trish can belt out a love song to God like no one else. Her godly dedication and devotion was the impetus for singing her most popular hit to date, “Love”. A catchy and memorable cut, “Love” is a single from Trish’s most recent release entitled Redemption. Reminding listeners of the true essence of love in her performance of the song, Trish sings “love isn’t love unless you give it away”. Not only is Trish singing it, but she’s doing it as well. On the day set aside for Love, Trish will be offering a FREE download of the song on CJBRadio.com. Those interested in downloading the free single can do so on Tuesday, February 14th only by going to http://www.thechristianjukebox.com/artistinfo/downloadsong.cfm or http://bit.ly/AkyBrd. After that date, the song can be purchased on iTunes.

On Tuesday, February 14th at 4PM EST, Kevin James of CJBRadio.com will be interviewing the vocalist about the song as she wishes everyone a blessed Valentine’s Day. Trish is thrilled about the song and its recent success. She has been hearing great things about the record and not just in the United States. It’s caught fire in the United Kingdom. “Love” hit #5 on the UK Soul Charts and is played consistently in the UK. The song’s popularity influenced the singer to record a remix of “Love” which has continued to propel the track. Even dance clubs overseas have placed it in rotation.

The “Love” songstress will be performing the song at the upcoming 2012 Gospel Heritage Praise & Worship Conference. Taking place in the Sunshine State from February 16th – 18th, the popular conference will be occurring at the Potter’s House in Jacksonville, FL. Trish will be performing at the Gospel Heritage Foundation Got Talent Artist Showcase late night on Thursday, February 16th.

A native of Kokomo, Indiana, Trish began singing at her home church. Her songwriting career began when she took her mother’s poetry and put melody to it. Years later, after moving to Atlanta, she continued embracing her musical talents, and studied voice with Canangela Boyd-Robertson of Jan Smith Studios, owned by the famed vocalist and songwriter. Trish formed a children’s choir and served as Lead Director at an Atlanta church. In 2004, she formed the gospel ensemble, AHAVA, which consisted of nine members who worshipped at various churches throughout the Atlanta area. In 2009, she released her first album entitled Introducing…Trish which was followed by her latest release, Redemption. For more information about Trish Standley, log on to www.trishstandley.com.

The show went on Sunday even with the loss of famed singer/actress Whitney Houston.  But it did not go on without it’s share of controversy.  Tweets and facebook messages began to flood in Sunday on Nicki Minaj’s performance at the 2012 Grammy Awards.  Many Catholics and Christians found the performance offensive.  And now leaders in the Catholic church are speaking out.  Below is a Statement released by Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights president Bill Donohue:

Nicki Minaj, fresh off looking like a fool with Madonna at the Super Bowl, showed up last night on the red carpet at the Grammys with a guy dressed like the pope. This was just a prelude of what was to come.

 

Minaj’s performance began on stage with a mock confessional skit. This was followed by a taped video depicting a mock exorcism. With stained glass in the background, she appeared on stage again with choir boys and monks dancing.

 

Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer. Finally, “Come All Ye Faithful” was sung while a man posing as a bishop walked on stage; Minaj was shown levitating.

 

None of this was by accident, and all of it was approved by The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammys. Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.

 

It’s bad enough that Catholics have to fight for their rights vis-à-vis a hostile administration in Washington without also having to fend off attacks in the entertainment industry. The net effect, however, will only embolden Catholics, as well as their friends in other faith communities.

Take a look at Nicki Minaj’s Grammy performance. Do Catholics have a reason to be offended?  To express your discontent email the Grammys at: barbd@grammy.com

Grammy’s for Gospel acts are given at the Grammy pre-show, and this year Trin-i-Tee 5:7 and Le’Andria Johnson had the honor of performing at the awards.  Here are the winners for the Gospel and Christian Contemporary Categories. (The Winners are highlighted in BLUE)

Best Gospel/CCM Performance
“Do Everything”
Steven Curtis Chapman
Track from: re:Creation
[Sparrow Records]

“Alive (Mary Magdalene)”
Natalie Grant
Track from: Music Inspired By The Story
[WOW Joint Venture/EMI CMG]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records]

“Jesus”
Le’Andria Johnson
Track from: The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson
[Music World Gospel]

“I Lift My Hands”
Chris Tomlin
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Best Gospel Song
“Hello Fear”
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: Hello Fear
[Verity Gospel Music Group/Fo Yo Soul Ent.; Publisher: Aunt Gertrude Music]

“Sitting With Me”
Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon, songwriters (Mary Mary)
Track from: Something Big
[Columbia Records; Publishers: Precious Baby Music/T Bella Music/EMI April Music, It’s Tea Tyme, That’s Plum Song]

“Spiritual”
Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Donald Lawrence & Co. Featuring Blanche McAllister-Dykes)
Track from: YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publisher: Quiet Water Entertainment]

“Trust Me”
Richard Smallwood, songwriter (Richard Smallwood & Vision)
Track from: Promises
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publishers: Universal-Z Tunes/T.Autumn Music]

“Window”
Canton Jones, songwriter (Canton Jones)
Track from: Dominionaire
[Cajo Records; Publisher: CAJO Music]

Best Gospel Album
The Love Album
Kim Burrell
[Shanachie Entertainment]

The Journey
Andraé Crouch
[Riverphlo Entertainment]

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin
[Verity Gospel Music Group/ Fo Yo Soul Ent.]

Something Big
Mary Mary
[Columbia Records]

Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
[Music World Gospel]

Best CCM Song
“Blessings”
Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story)
Track from: Blessings
[Fair Trade Services; Publishers: New Spring/Gleaning Publishing]

“Hold Me”
Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Jamie Grace Featuring Tobymac)
[Gotee Records; Publishers: Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Tunes, Songs of Third Base/Chriscendo Music, Meaux Mercy/Achtober Songs]

“I Lift My Hands”
Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords; Publishers: sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Vamos Publishing/Thankyou Music/spiritandsong.com Publishing]

“Strong Enough”
Matthew West, songwriter (Matthew West)
Track from: The Story Of Your Life
[Sparrow Records; Publishers: External Combustion Music/Songs For Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent Music]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing/Big Skwawka Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing/Windsor Hill Music]

Best CCM Album
Ghosts Upon The Earth
Gungor
[Brash Music]

Leaving Eden
Brandon Heath
[Reunion Records]

The Great Awakening
Leeland
[Essential Records]

What If We Were Real
Mandisa
[Sparrow Records]

Black & White
Royal Tailor
[Essential Records]

And If Our God Is For Us…
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Music World Gospel recording artist Le’Andria Johnson wins first GRAMMY® Awards for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for her single “Jesus.” Le’Andria also performed on the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Pre-Telecast Ceremony along with label mate Trin-i-tee 5:7, Kim Burrell and Kelly Price in a segment titled “Ladies of Gospel” which aired on Sunday, February 12. The ceremony was streamed live internationally at www.grammy.com/live and www.cbs.com. The live stream of the Pre-Telecast will remain on GRAMMY.com as video on demand for 30 days following the event.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel will release two CD projects from Le’Andria: The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, a seven song EP, and The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition, which contains the seven songs released on her debut CD plus seven new songs. This week, Le’Andria’s debut project, The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson lands at #5 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart and her new single, “It’s Gonna Be Alright,” is #1 Most Added on Billboard’s Gospel charts.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe, which features songs with styles that range from traditional/contemporary gospel to R&B, showcases Le’Andria’s unique combination of power, skill and reverence that makes her a popular recording artist and an inspirational performer. New songs on the CD and the EP, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, include her new single, “It’s Gonna Be Alright,” a high energy urban contemporary song, written and produced by Stanley Brown, in which she assures the listener that even when things seem difficult, God is standing by and things are going to be alright; and “He Was There,” a song that reminds us that God is there waiting for us to come to Him, written by Gary Paxton and Andrea Martin and produced by Stanley Brown. In the soulful “Let it Go,” written and produced by Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson and Sara Devine, Le’Andria encourages people to let go of their burdens and let God handle them. She goes back to her traditional gospel roots in “Sooner or Later,” an uplifting song about God turning your life around, written by Hubert Powel III and produced by Brandon “B.A.M.” Alexander and H. Doobie Powell for Chip Off the Block Productions. “He First Loved Me,” an R&B style song of praise, was written by Le’Andria and her brother, Michael Johnson, who is a featured singer on this track. Le’Andria also recorded a full-length version of the popular song, “I Shall Leap Into My Destiny,” which she wrote with her brother Terrance Johnson. Le’Andria performed this inspirational song after being crowned the winner of Sunday Best. “Overtaken” rounds out the seven new offerings on the deluxe CD and the EP. Written and produced by Eric Dawkins, it is an upbeat song of praise for the way her life has changed since God took it over.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition also features her GRAMMY award-winning single, “Jesus,” co-written by Le’Andria. An urban contemporary song, with traditional gospel roots, it offers Le’Andria’s soulful and stirring testimony about the difference Jesus has made in her life, and her impassioned plea to the listener to turn to Jesus and “call Him like you want Him, call Him like you need him.” Other songs on the CD include “Cast the First Stone,” a mid-tempo song with a memorable, contemporary tune and a powerfully delivered message about how wrong it is to pass judgment on each other, also co-written by Le’Andria; “Make Him Like You,” an R&B-style petition to God to lead her toward the true love that He designed for her; “New Reason,” a new millennium twist on 1960s soul, with a message about turning from bad relationships to a new and better relationship with God; and “Struggle Not,” co-written by Le’Andria and her brother, Terrance Johnson, a spiritually uplifting and compellingly worship song about God’s blessings in our lives. The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition also includes two tracks with medleys of songs performed by Le’Andria on Sunday Best. The first medley combines her roof-raising rendition of Quincy Jones’ and Andraé Crouch’s “God Is Trying to Tell You Something,” from the Broadway musical, The Color Purple, and her fresh take on Fred Hammond’s (Commissioned) hit song, “Running Back to You.” In the second medley, Le’Andria puts her spin on Myron Butler and Levi’s pop-style hit, “Set Me Free,” and offers a heartfelt rendition of “I Shall Leap into My Destiny.”

Le’Andria Johnson, has taken the gospel music scene by storm since being crowned the season three winner of BET’s Sunday Best in 2010. Her 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 eight weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, and remained in the Top 5 for over 15 weeks.

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

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL

In 2002, Music World Entertainment President and CEO Mathew Knowles founded Spirit Rising Music, now known as Music World Gospel. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Music World Gospel is a premiere faith-based record and management company under the umbrella of Music World Entertainment/Music World Music. Music World Gospel is the largest owned and operated African American Gospel label in the world. The company is dedicated to developing creative and innovative approaches to producing and promoting gospel, sacred, and inspirational music worldwide. Its mission is to reach, inspire and empower a diverse audience around the globe. Music World Gospel features a roster of award-winning recording artists, joint ventures and special projects including Trin-i-tee 5:7, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Brian Courtney Wilson, Micah Stampley, Juanita Bynum, Le’Andria Johnson, Amber Bullock, Elder Goldwire, Andrea Helms, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, ESSENCE Gospel, Ultimate Gospel, the Most Powerful Voices, The Gospel Superfest, Spirit Rising and The Pastor Rudy Experience brands. Music World Gospel’s joint ventures and partnerships include Universal Music Christian Group, Fontana Distribution, Integrity Africa, BET, ESSENCE Communications, Son Flower Records, Interface Entertainment, Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr., and James Fortune and Fiya World, LLC. The company has achieved record breaking success on the sales and radio charts, with several artists’ albums and singles debuting atop Billboard and Christian Music Trade Association charts and remaining in the Top 5, 10 and 20 positions for as many as 100 weeks and counting.

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD MUSIC

Music World Music was founded by Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment. Music World Music has had an unprecedented impact on the history of music around the globe, with record sales exceeding 300 million worldwide. Knowles established several recording imprints under Music World Music, including Music World Gospel, Music World Country/Compadre and Music World Kids. Music World Music was crowned by Billboard magazine as one of the Top Imprint Labels of the decade (2000-2009). With successes across multiple genres, including pop, R&B, gospel, dance, and country, as well as soundtracks and special themed projects, Music World Music has produced over 100 award-winning, platinum and gold albums. Music World Music was also named the #1 Dance Imprint Label in 2009 by Billboard magazine. Under Music World Music, Destiny’s Child became a global phenomenon and was named the Best Selling Female Group of All Time in popular music, selling over 100 million records and collecting nearly 200 awards, including GRAMMY® Awards, World Music Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Awards (U.S., Europe and Asia), Billboard Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and countless others. Under Knowles’ guidance, both Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé experienced spectacular success during the decade between 2000 and 2009. Destiny’s Child was named on Billboard magazine’s Top 10 Artists of the Decade (2000-2009) and, as a solo artist, Beyoncé was crowned Billboard’s number one Artist of the Decade—Female (2000-2009) and number 4 Top Artist of the Decade (2000-2009).

New Reunion Records signing, nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter Moriah Peters will release her national debut project, I Choose Jesus, on April 17. The album is attracting early attention at radio, with 23 stations adding lead AC single “I Choose Jesus” its first week, and winning over live audiences, as Moriah performs new music on multiple high profile tours this winter and spring.

A college freshman at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Moriah is honing her time management skills, juggling a full class schedule while promoting her new record nationwide. Produced by Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Dave Barnes, Kari Jobe), I Choose Jesus features 10 songs, nine of them co-written by Moriah, that draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including her own relationship with Christ as well as experiences she walked through with other young girls while leading her high school Bible study.

“The overall theme of the record is about making a choice,” says Moriah. “All of these songs are songs about being in different circumstances and choosing Jesus in each circumstance. I know that God has a blueprint for every single one of our lives. He has a plan and a purpose, and He wants to make His Son known through us. If we trust Him in every situation, if we choose Him in every situation, God will give us the desires of our heart.”

Such is the meaning behind breakout single “I Choose Jesus,” available at iTunes and other digital providers on Feb. 7, released last week to Christian AC radio. Moriah embarked on an extensive radio tour, visiting stations across the country over six weeks, introducing the song to station programmers. Her message, song and vibrant personality were well received, with in incredible 23 stations adding the single out-of-the-box.

Jeff Cruz, program director at WMHK-FM in Columbia, S.C., comments, “This song is a mega hit. I never, never, never, never, say this on my first listen of anything, but DANG! What a great song!”

Moriah explains the song’s meaning: “It’s the song that represents who I’m called to be, not only as an artist, but as a daughter of Christ. I’m called to be bold. I’m called to be strong, and I’m called to be outspoken about who God is and what He’s done in my life.”

Moriah has taken that calling on the road, currently appearing on 26 “Rock & Worship Roadshow” arena dates, where she is giving away the single free to concert goers. The tour, which additionally features MercyMe, Tenth Avenue North, Disciple, and others, kicked off late January and runs through mid-March.

Visit www.therockandworshiproadshow.com for a complete list of tour dates. Additionally, Moriah has been asked to join headliner, multi-platinum-selling artist MercyMe on its spring 2012 tour slated to begin in April. Additional details are forthcoming.

To learn more about Moriah Peters, visit: www.moriahpeters.com. Also, follow Moriah on Twitter at twitter.com/moriahmusic.

About Moriah Peters:
Raised in Chino, Calif., Moriah grew up singing in church and at school. As a young teenager she began to pursue her music calling, which included an audition for “American Idol.”That audition connected Moriah to several Christian music community insiders, eventually leading to her deal with Provident Music Group.

Moriah was introduced to national audiences earlier this year as the singing voice of Vanna Banana in VeggieTales®: Princess and the Pop Star DVD and on its companion CD, VeggieTales: Songs for a Princess.

For more on Moriah Peters, visit www.moriahpeters.com

In a story originally reported by North Carolina’s Channel 9 WSOC-TV, we find an amazing story of how good God is.

A North Carolina woman read the Bible to her attacker for an hour and a half after he slashed her throat before the man apologized and left. Lindsay Wood, 32, of Shelby, N.C.,  had just arrived home from Bible study on Wednesday. Wood asked her 15-year-old son to collect the trash can from the curb. During this time, Wood’s attacker walked into her home and slashed her neck.

“She told him please not to hurt her, that she loved the Lord and her son,” neighbor Faye Cooke told ABC affiliate WSOC Police said Wood’s son heard what was happening and hid in the backyard out of sight while Wood continued to reason with the man.

“She offered her car up, as well as money,” Rick Stafford, a captain in the Shelby Police Department told WSOC.

But the man took none of those things.

Despite her injuries, Wood opened her Bible and read to her attacker. He listened. She even invited him to her church. After an hour and a half, her attacker apologized and left.

Wood is in the hospital recovering from her injuries, which required 20-25 stitches and staples in her neck.

Meanwhile, police are hoping to apprehend the man, who didn’t seem to want anything more than to hurt an innocent person.

“We want him off the street,” Stafford said.

Check out the video report here.

Fresh off of the release of her sophomore project “Faithful,” Kendall King is being recognized for her musical accomplishments. On the strength of the lead single, “Crazy Praz,” the buzz from radio and fans alike resulted in the artist netting four Rhythm of Gospel nominations: Contemporary CD of the Year “Faithful,” Rhythm of Gospel Song of the Year “Crazy Praz,” Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, and Producer of the Year. Kendall is known for her smooth sound, fresh eclectic style and arresting energy. 

Kendall King is one of gospel music’s most exceptional, multi-faceted talents.  Gifted as a producer, songwriter, artist, musician, minister of music, and worship leader, she has been called to deliver praise and worship with a nontraditional twist and uncompromising message. Andrew Greenhalgh writes—“Kendall King is the real deal and on her sophomore album, Faithful, she delivers the goods. Faithful ebbs and flows through moments of joyous adoration, fueled with throbbing bass notes, soaring keys, and passionate guitar which then segue into times of pure worship, with gorgeous harmonies blending together in vertical praise to the King of Kings.”

Not only has Kendall been recognized for her creative musical talents but her graphic design abilities as well.  Kendall is an award-winning, full-time graphic designer www.kkproductions.biz.  Whether through music or design, Kendall King is a woman on a mission to use her God-given talents for the Kingdom. For more information on Kendall King visit www.kendallking.biz

Clear Sight Music will release FLAME’s sixth full-length album,The 6th, on March 6th, via Central South and Infinity Music Distribution. One of Christian hip-hop’s premier tastemakers, FLAME’s new project features collaborations with a wide variety of artists including Decemberadio, LeCrae, Thi’sl, Young Noah and V.Rose. 

A GRAMMY®, two-time Dove Award and two-time Stellar Award nominee, FLAME has sold over 100,000 units while running his own label, Clear Sight Music, and touring worldwide with Cross Movement, LeCrae and Reach Records’ “Don’t Waste Your Life Tour,” in addition to appearances at Acquire the Fire events. His 2010 release, Captured, shot to #1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and to #5 on the Billboard Christian Chart. 

Inspired by the world around him, and the people he meets along the way, FLAME has always wanted to use the music that inspired him to be able to reach the world with God’s message. And while The 6th has plenty of style, FLAME never sacrifices substance as the lyrics are jam-packed with relevant reflections on the human condition. 

“Really, it’s a study of anthropology as we look at mankind from many different angles,” says FLAME. “God created humans on the sixth day, we are the climax of God’s creation, and God deposited so much meaning, and purpose, into us as humans. So I wanted to explore what that means. Are we still where He intended us to be? How far have we actually fallen from the pace, and how do we return to our original purpose? Those are the questions I explore in this album.” 

When FLAME is not on the road, he’s busy at the helm of Clear Sight Music, where he is mentoring some of the genre’s most promising new artists, such as V.Rose and Young Noah. The entrepreneur is also working towards a Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Southern Seminary in Louisville. 

“I always grew up influenced by Christianity. I liked the idea of going to heaven—and not to hell—and being on Jesus’ good side, but I didn’t want to take the steps to make that happen,” FLAME says. “I was caught up in the hip-hop culture of gangs and drugs myself and headed in the wrong direction.” 

But a series of tragic events eventually got his attention. 

“After getting hit three times by an 18-wheeler, my grandmother told me I needed to repent and turn from my sin,” FLAME remembers. “Not long after she passed away from a heart attack, I went to church. There, I heard the Gospel, wept like a baby and was drawn to Him when I was 16. That’s when I became a Christian. Shortly afterwards, I started writing music as little devotionals to God.” 

FLAME eventually converted those ruminations to song, using the medium of hip-hop to not only minister to the hurting and build up the body of Christ, but to tell the story of His Savior to a world that desperately needs to hear it. 

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

Shirley Murdock’s current radio single “Dream” has inspired many listeners across the country since it first hit the airwaves. Long before releasing her latest CD & DVD, Live: The Journey, Murdock’s goal has always been to uplift the name of Jesus and unite people through her music ministry.  This month, she is maintaining this goal by releasing not one but two new singles, Lord You Reign and Someday. Both radio singles were written by psalmist and founder of Tyscot Records Bishop Leonard Scott.

Lord You Reign is a timeless worship anthem that speaks directly to God, acknowledging his omnipresence in the lives of his people.  From beginning to end, “Hallelujah” fluently resounds throughout the song along with the lyrics:  “Lord You Reign in majesty and Lord You Reign victoriously”.

Someday is a definitive revelation of God’s people dwelling in harmony.  The lyrics: “Someday, we’ll unite as one” speaks to the hope for peace in this world.  In addition to its relevant and universal message, another reason why this song holds a special place in Murdock’s heart is due to its featured guests: Kelly Price, Beverly Crawford and Regina Belle, all of whom are longtime friends of Shirley.

“These special ladies have been a part of my journey and it meant the world to me to have them be a part of this song. I believe listeners will be able to hear, see and feel the friendship and admiration we share for one another, as well as the joy of singing God’s praises together”

Lord You Reign and Someday are musically, spiritually and lyrically inspired which was very important to Murdock as she selected the tracks for her current project, “I believe that the ministry is in the lyrics and in the words we speak, they are spirit and they are life!”

Tyscot Music & Entertainment is very excited and anticipates a great response from radio stations and their listeners.

Both songs have already received love from Torrez Harris, Program Director at WHLH-FM in Jackson, MS.  Harris shared, “I feel that “Lord You Reign” and “Someday” are great songs and would play them both!”

Tyscot’s Vice President of Promotions, Jeff Hargrove expressed his excitement, “I’m excited about the new songs on Shirley Murdock that we are sending to radio.  “Lord You Reign” will allow the listeners to see a different side of Shirley as a worshipper and I believe the song will become a standard sung by praise teams across America.

Rabbi Ralph Messer who was the featured minister that crowed Bishop Eddie Long in a Kingship ceremony, speaks out on the mounting criticism of his ministry.  The video where Bishop Eddie Long was crowned ‘King of God’s Government’ has ruffled feathers at a sensitive time of negative publicity for the New Birth Bishop.  Rabbi Messer said that the goal of his visit to New Birth “was to encourage a community that had been extremely discouraged.” 

In the hour long video, Messer addresses two separate faiths.  Jews and Christians.  He started with an apology to anyone who felt the Torah scroll was being disrespected.  The apologetic tone was then expressed to Christians at the conclusion of a sermon that focused on forgiveness and judging.

In response to the Jews who were offended Messer had this to say, “I teach Jesus our savior.  I teach the Hebrew roots of the Christian Faith/the torah.  I teach the first 5 books.. In other words I teach Moses.  We are Christians who believe in the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith.  We are not apart of any Messianic groups.”  

Messer goes on to say, “We never attended to make Bishop Eddie Long a King. I can’t make him a King. There is only one King.  Jesus Christ.”

Ralph Messer feels that he was taken out of context, saying that the 14 minute clip that went viral was not representative of what he meant.  He says, “I was referring to the Kingship in all of us, not in one man.”

Roughly one hour later Messer said this to the Christian community.  “I came to simply honor a man that needed to be encouraged.  The news media and the press had slaughtered him.  What’s wrong with encouraging a man of God?  The heart of the offense is judgement against Bishop Eddie Long, rather then mercy and forgiveness.”

Ralph Messer defended Bishop Eddie Long, but was careful to express concern for anyone who has ever been sexually abused.

Since the original Kingship ceremony aired, several church leaders have taken the steps to distance themselves from Rabbi Messer’s ministry.  Pastor Paula White was recently linked to the Rabbi when a video surfaced showing a similar demonstation evolving White.  In it White was wrapped in a Torah, but she was not crowned a queen.  Whites’ people have vehemently denied any connection to Ralph Messars teachings.  Leading some to believe they weren’t as forthcoming with Paula White’s ties to the Rabbi. 

If you want to check out the apology you can look at the video below.  Whether you except the Rabbi’s reasoning are not, I predict he won’t be wrapping anyone else in a Torah scroll for a while.