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They say Home is where the heart is and this rings true for the Chicago Mass Choir.
This phenomenal choir bears the name of their famous hometown and as one of Chicago’s Gospel Music staples, they have truly made Chicago proud. Chicago Mass Choir’s musical achievements, including their 2012 Stellar Award nominations will be celebrated by Chicago’s gospel station WGRBInspiration 1390AM on February 10, 2012.
On Friday, February 10th, Inspiration 1390 will salute all 2012 Chicago Stellar nominees and winners during the Chicago Stellar Awards Salute held at Christ Universal Temple. Chicago Mass Choir will be honored along with Vashwan Mitchell, Shekinah Glory Ministries, Todd Dulaney and others.
Chicago Mass Choir’s President, Dr. Feranda Williamson expressed her gratitude, “It was truly an honor to be a finalist for the 2012 Stellar Awards, but an even greater honor to be recognized for our contributions to Gospel Music at home- with other Chicago based winners and finalist.”
The gospel community will also have a chance to hear Chicago Mass Choir perform a few of their hits and new music from their new CD “XV”-Live during the celebration.
It is such a nice treat for Chicago Mass Choir to be celebrated at home and will be one they always remember!
Many small to mid-size churches start to grow by holding church services on weekends at public school facilities. This right is being threatened in New York City, and could start a dangerous precedent world-wide. According to the Christian Post, some 60 churches may be left homeless as a ban that prohibits worship services at New York City public schools takes effect on Sunday. While churchgoers continue to fight the ban, some are also crying foul over the lack of support from megachurches.
New York’s megachurches have been mostly silent on the issue since the Supreme Court refused to hear the case of a Bronx congregation that tried to secure access to a public school auditorium for Sunday services. Some New York City church leaders wonder why the large churches have not done anything to help.
Pastor Bill Devlin of Manhattan Bible Church has helped lead the Right to Worship protests since the beginning. He told The Christian Post that a steering committee made up of 10 pastors affected by the ban came to him and asked, “Where are these pastors who have these huge churches? They have been absolutely silent.”
Devlin said they have tried contacting large churches that have their own buildings, and the “major response we’ve gotten from big dog churches and pastors is, ‘We’ll pray for you.'”
He has personally approached some megachurch pastors in the NYC area as well. Last December, at the mayor’s Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, he said he spoke with A.R. Bernard, pastor of the Christian Cultural Center, one of the largest evangelical churches in the city. Devlin told Bernard: “We need your help.”
Bernard responded, “I’m working on the inside,” according to Devlin.
Bernard told The Christian Post that he has been in conversations with both the Chancellor of New York City Schools and the mayor’s office. But he also said that “nothing has changed up to this point. The deadline in their minds is still set for the 12th. They have their reasons.”
Since the Supreme Court decision in December, hundreds have held protests outside schools, City Hall, and the Department of Law against the ban, set by the city’s Department of Education. The deadline banning the use of schools by churches is scheduled for Feb. 12.
Click here to read the rest by the Christian Post.
Clear the Stage, the fourth album from Inpop artist Jimmy Needham releasing on March 27, 2012, sees Needham paired with award-winning producer Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Laura Story, Dave Barnes, Aaron Shust) for his most compelling and vulnerable collection of songs to date. As the title cut implies, Clear the Stage is a call to absolute dependence on God. From the lead single, “If I Ever Needed Grace,” to the anthemic “My Victory,” the idea of acknowledging our need for God’s mercy and grace is woven like a thread throughout the album. Musically the album visits much that is familiar to fans of Needham’s previous albums, but also pushes the envelope with songs like the funk-infused, “I Will Find You,” featuring guest vocals from Lecrae.
“There’s a nuance I try to capture in every record, but this one was a lot more eclectic, thematically,” Jimmy says. “All of the facets of my personal life keep leading me to an expanding view of Christ; marriage to my wife Kelly, our daughter’s birth, and the miscarriages we experienced before our daughter’s birth. In all of these things, and in every way I attempt to navigate life, my only satisfaction—the only true answers—will be found in Christ. I’ve come to understand obedience as more than simply not doing bad things, but running to God to drink deeply in Him so that I don’t want to run to any other source.”
If I Ever Needed Grace, the first single, is currently at radio. “The fact that ‘If I Ever Needed Grace’ came at the eleventh hour, when it seemed like I had nothing—and resulted in one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever written—is such a testament of God’s grace. I felt so inadequate going into the studio to make this album,” Jimmy reflects. “Not all of the songs were written yet, I was working with a new producer, and on top of all that, I had just become a father. Nothing has proven to demonstrate my inadequacy like fatherhood and leading a family. I remember praying, ‘If I ever needed grace, God, it’s now.”
Daddy’s Baby Girl, a playful tune written for Jimmy’s daughter, is a standout track and one that every parent can relate to: Now you’ve got me doing these silly dance moves, I hope this don’t make it on to YouTube.
The powerful title track, Clear The Stage, written by Ross King, was a life-changing song for Jimmy. “The first time I heard this song as a high school student, it wrecked me,” explains Jimmy. “I don’t think anyone can be the same person after hearing this song. I’ll never forget hearing those words and immediately getting on my face before God. It’s a heavy way to close, but my hope is that by the end, every listener will say ‘I want more of Jesus and less of everything else.’”
About Jimmy Needham:
Needham released his first album, Speak, in 2006, on Inpop Records, and it generated respect and well-earned recognition from the Christian music industry for this talented singer/songwriter from Katy, Texas. The album generated three singles “Fence Riders (#14),” “Dearly Loved (#8),” and “Lost At Sea,” which charted for an incredible twelve weeks at the #2 position. Needham’s second project, Not Without Love, resulted in four hit singles including “Forgiven and Loved” as the break-out Christian AC hit, climbing to #6 nationally, while “A Breath Or Two,” peaked at #3 at Christian CHR radio. Needham’s third album, Nightlights, debuted at #1 on iTunes Top 200 Christian & Gospel Albums chart and #25 on iTunes Top 200 Albums chart for all genres of music. Clear The Stage is Needham’s fourth album on Inpop Records, which releases on March 27, 2012. Needham lives in Dallas, TX with his wife, Kelly, and his toddler daughter, Lively. For press and tour updates please visit www.jimmyneedham.com.
About Inpop Records
Inpop Records is an independent music label based in Brentwood, TN and is home to some of the best-known bands in Christian music. Distributed by EMI Christian Music Group, Inpop Records has become one of the top-selling independent labels within the industry, having established a reputation for seeking out the best artists in emerging talent and for expanding the music marketplace with sound and ideas. Inpop’s roster includes Newsboys, Mat Kearney, Jaci Velasquez, Tricia Brock, Jimmy Needham, and The Advice among others. For more information, visit inpop.com.
Laura Kaczor has a new single going for adds at radio, Yours Forever, and while on a radio promotion tour she stopped in South Bend, IN for an appearance on LeSea Broadcasting’sHarvest Show. Kaczor performed the new single and “Alive in You,” her previous single that went to #17 on Billboard. Both songs are from Kaczor’s current CD, Love Enough. Check out Laura’s appearance with interview here: Short intro/Yours Forever performance/Interview. While at LeSea, she taped a show for Live From Studio B that will air at a later date.
After the show, Kaczor headed north for a meet & greet with the staff at Moody Radio West Michigan, which included Operations Manager and co-host of Perry & Scott In The Morning, Scott Curtis. The next day Kaczor traveled to Traverse City, MI where she was the guest of DC Cavendar, Operations Director/Music Director and host of the Clockwatcher Show. Afterwards, she recorded an interview with WLJN Program Director, Pete Lathrop, which aired during his mid-morning show the same day. Kaczor’s single is New and Active at Billboard and is #23 on the Christian Music Weekly Soft AC chart.
Gospel singer Deanna Ransom has been taking the gospel industry by storm. A powerhouse vocalist, Ransom is a 2010 Black Essence Award Winner, a 2011 Rhythm of Gospel Award Winner (and 2012 Rhythm of Gospel Nominee), and 2012 Holy Hip Hop Rhythm & Praise Award Nominee known for delivering songs like no one else in the genre. Fusing soul, jazz and R&B sounds, Deanna’s career catapulted with the release of her CD, I Hear You. Now the psalmist is preparing for another recording.
On Monday, February 20, 2012, Ransom will be recording live and unplugged at WarmDaddy’s. Known as a hot spot in the city of Brotherly Love, WarmDaddy’s (1400 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA) will be the location for the taping and will showcase the amazing singer at her finest. Doors open at 7PM and the concert beings at 8PM. The event will be hosted by radio announcer Robyn McCollum and the artist will be joined by Chiquita Green, Red Baron, and The Smith Family Singers. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be purchased at UrbanTix.com (1.800.872.2684).
Deanna will also be traveling to the Nation’s Capital. The psalmist will be ministering at two services, 8:00AM and 10:45AM, at mega-church Greater Mount Calvary Holy Church (610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, Washington, D.C.) this coming Sunday, February 5, 2012. Congregants will have an opportunity to purchase CDs after services. Just a week and a half later, she will be back in Washington, D.C., as she performs at the brand new Christian Club, The Linen Club. The Linen Club, a great place for inspirational entertainment, provides a non-alcoholic environment for mixing and mingling. Deanna has been tapped as the featured artist for their Valentine’s Day Celebration taking place at Ibiza (1222 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002), on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 7PM. Tickets are $35 per person. More information can be found at TheLinenClub.biz. For more information about Deanna Ransom, log on to www.DeannaRansom.com.
Congratulations to James Fortune & FIYA, whose new release Identity, celebrates its second week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also enters at #6 on the Independent Charts and #28 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. The Joyful Noise Soundtrack maintains the #2 position on this week’s charts. The WOW Gospel 2012 compilations debuts at the #3 spot followed by Myron Butler‘s brand new release Worship, which debuts at the #4 position. Arise: The Live Worship Experience from William McDowell rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Kirk Franklin‘s The Essential Kirk Franklin debuts at #16 and Another Level, the latest from Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires debuts at #21.
The Rest of the Top 10:
6 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson… 7 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear 8 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me 9 | Lecrae – Rehab 10 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of…
In the world of radio, Isaac Carree‘s “In The Middle” spends its seventh consecutive week at the top of the radio charts. “Still Able” from James Fortune & FIYA moves to the #2 spot while “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh takes the #3 position. “Spiritual” from Donald Lawrence & Company holds to the #4 spot while William McDowell‘s “I Won’t Go Back” rounds out the week’s top five songs.
Independent Gospel Artists are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference is taking the lead in providing these gifted artists with the information they need to be successful. The brainchild of Stellar Award Winner Phillip Carter and Stellar Award Nominee Earl Bynum, the 3rd Annual Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference, taking place in Chesapeake, VA from July 19 – 21, 2012, was founded to empower, educate and motivate gospel artists. In addition, this year’s conference will award two indie artists distribution deals with New Day Christian Distribution and Central South Distribution.
The submission process begins on Monday, February 6, 2012. Artists interested in submitting their completed projects for consideration must first register for the conference by going to www.indiegospelalliance.com. Entrants must submit a full CD (no less than 10 tracks) in an MP3 format. The project must include final CD artwork and be submitted (with a marketing plan) via email to igaacsubmissions@gmail.com by April 15, 2012. Finalists will be asked to submit two physical copies of their CD which will be reviewed by an independent panel. The distribution contracts will be awarded during the Gospel Blue MIC Achievement Awards on Friday, July 20, 2012 at the conference venue, “The Mount” in Chesapeake, VA. Additional details can be found at www.indiegospelalliance.com.
Featuring 3 power-packed days of workshops and seminars, this year’s conference will tackle topics such as Distribution, Marketing, The Power of Publicity, Structuring Contracts, Licensing & Royalties, Small Business Set-up, Independent Label Operations, Artist Management, Radio Relationships, Promotional CD/Artwork Design and Performance Do’s and Don’ts. The conference will also feature CD Project Reviews, Nightly Showcases, the 2nd Annual Gospel Blue MIC Achievement Awards and more.
Jackie O is a singer’s singer. Skillfully weaving vocals around CCM and gospel songs, Jackie uses a variety of musical mediums to convey her love for God. Possessing a strong and powerful alto voice, she knows how to grab the listener from note one. In 1998, she grabbed the ears of the judges at the world famous GMA Seminar in the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, walking away with two awards: Third Place Vocalist IV and Third Place in the Top Duet Category, an honor she shared with her husband, Keith Kelley. Listeners of the artist’s most recent release, Forgiven, understand why she’s captured the hearts of all who hear her music.
Forgiven is Jackie’s sophomore project and it’s a very personal release for the artist. Many of the songs come from her own pen and are a reflection of her life and experiences. Songs like the title tune, the Caribbean-flavored “Forgiven”, and the power ballad “Stronger”, showcase the diverse talents of the gifted singer, songwriter and musician. Many will enjoy the liberating lyrics of “Letting Go”. Peggy Oliver of TheUrbanMusicScene.com says, “‘Letting Go,’ an exercise of fully trusting in God, has an underlying soulful groove: ‘Like a hold of my hand because I have the perfect plan for your life, I’ll make it alright.’ The ballad ‘Show Himself Strong’ and the majestic ‘Show Me Your Ways (Psalms)’, anchored by Jackie O’s delightful piano drippings, are suitable for either pop or urban worship environments.” It’s clear that Jackie O is a voice of inspiration for today.
Raised in a family of ten siblings, Jackie made her musical “debut” – at age 3 – singing with her three brothers at St. Paul CME Church in West Fresno, where her father was pastor. She began playing piano at the age of 7, sometimes singing before her father took to the pulpit. She started teaching music to youngsters and directing the children, youth and adult choirs at the age of 12. Jackie became aware of her calling to music ministry as a teen, but it wasn’t until her late 20s that she answered the call. She dropped her first release, All About You, in 2008. Her talents have opened doors worldwide including opportunities to perform in Germany, Egypt, Dubai and Rome. Currently, the Secretary at the Music Department of Roosevelt School of the Arts, Jackie O teaches piano and voice. For decades, she’s served as a Worship Leader and Music Director at a number of churches in the Fresno area as well as in Alaska and overseas in Germany. She is also the head of Joyful Noise Music Ministry where she helps churches develop music and worship programs. In addition to being a musical artist, she’s a visual artist and is the creator of a line of greeting cards. For more information on Jackie O, log on to www.JackieKelley.com.
“Like the rest of America and the world, we woke up to the tragic news that Don Cornelius died in Los Angeles on Feb 1, 2012,” said Eric Brown, CEO of Johnson Products Company. “For us, it was a deep blow, because his company and our company, then led by Don’s friend and mentor George Johnson, grew side-by-side with the advent of JPCs joint project “Soul Train,” the first nationally syndicated TV show for, by, about and sponsored by African-Americans. The two companies made history together – Don provided the content and taught America how to dance, while Johnson Products provided the sponsorship through our never before seen commercials featuring black beauty and black products. Many take it for granted because today it is quite common to see black reporters, show hosts, and actors/actresses in shows and commercials, but when Don Cornelius and Johnson Products started Soul Train, it was virtually unheard of.”
Eric Brown and his wife Renee Cottrell Brown interviewed George Johnson two years ago about Johnson Products’ history as the elder Johnson passed the baton of leadership to them. It was the night of “The Great Model Search,” the company’s official re-launch after the Browns, with the help of private investors, purchased it from Proctor & Gamble. Don Cornelius came because George Johnson was being honored at that event at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles. A video clip of Cornelius’ remarks is posted atwww.youtube.com/JohnsonProducts.
“Although we had a young crowd that night, everyone remembered Soul Train, so when Don Cornelius appeared on stage, he was welcomed warmly,” said Renee Brown, VP, Sales and Marketing. “It was an historical moment when I stood between those two media giants who were also old friends. We offer our sincere condolences to the Cornelius family.”
About Johnson Products Company Originally founded in 1954 and newly established as an independent company in 2009, Johnson Products Company focuses on strategic brand and business development in the ethnic hair care market. The company has been a leading brand in the African American community for more than a half-century and currently offers more than 60 hair care products under the Gentle Treatment® and Ultra Sheen® brands.
For more information on the newly acquired Johnson Products Company, its family of brands and to download photographs of the new management team, visit the company’s Website atwww.johnsonproducts.com.
Legendary Grammy winner, singer, songwriter, producer and world-class performer, BeBe Winans is set to release a new project in 2012 that the artist hopes will inspire unity, and restore much needed pride to the nation. America America is an uplifting new collection of patriotic songs and a celebration of the heritage and history that we all share. In addition to nine songs that honor our nation and are works in the public domain, Winans has penned three new original songs- the first single “America America,” “We’re the United States of America,” and the poignant “Ultimate Sacrifice.” The latter is a moving tribute to our troops, acknowledging and thanking them for the personal sacrifices they make each day to protect our freedoms. A video for the single, shot in New York City and Washington D.C., will be released in the coming weeks.
Best known as one-half of the celebrated gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, siblings who are part of the Winans gospel music family royalty, BeBe Winans is also renown as a solo artist, who has worked with innumerable stars of the recording industry. He is the winner of six Grammy Awards, Ten Dove awards, six Stellar Awards, and Three NAACP Awards, among his many accomplishments. In addition to launching his own radio show-The BeBe Experience- on Sirius XM Radio in 2010, in the fall of 2011, Winans, along with sister CeCe, was honored with the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. The duo’s 2010 album, Still, their first album as a duo in 15 years, is approaching Gold. The album and singles together appeared on eight charts in total including #2 on the Gospel Album Artists chart; #3 on the Best Gospel Album chart, as well as Top 25 honors on both the Independent Albums chart and Adult R&B Songs chart. Still won two Grammy Awards in 2011.
America America is BeBe Winans’ seventh solo release. It is inspired by the challenges millions of Americans now face on a daily basis. Throughout the album, Winans pours heart and soul into all-American classics including, “America the Beautiful,” “Lift Every Voice,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” “I have seen the power of music,” says Winans. “If we all come together, we all win. When our country is united, we find the path to success.”
