Songwriter and worship leader, new Essential Records signing Andy Cherry debuts his first national label project, Nothing Left to Fear, on March 6. The project’s lead single “Our God’s Alive” is currently impacting radio, and Cherry plans to support his release on tour with Inpop Records artist Jimmy Needham next month.

Produced by Jason Ingram (Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Sanctus Real), Nothing Left to Fear follows Cherry as he grapples with the complexities of genuine faith. To Cherry, there’s strength — and closeness to God — in admitting that you don’t have it all figured out. Nothing Left to Fear is his invitation to question, learn, grow and worship together with him.

“God’s got really broad shoulders, and He can handle your honesty and confusion – even your anger,” says Cherry. “In my writing and playing, I hope to point people to a broader view of God; to encourage them to dialogue in honesty, like David did.”

Among those songs from Cherry’s debut is kick-off radio single “Our God’s Alive,” a celebration of God’s presence and power working in our everyday lives. The song, released to both the Christian AC and CHR radio formats, has amassed more than 7.8 million cumulative impressions to date. The song has been added by such powerhouses as K-LOVE and AIR-1 radio networks.

Cherry will debut this song and others from Nothing Left to Fear live on tour with singer-songwriter Jimmy Needham beginning next month. Having wrapped a successful run on Matt Maher’s “The Love In Between Tour” last fall, Cherry will now join Needham’s “Grace Amazing Tour” for 15+ dates through late March. Visit www.jimmyneedham.com for an up-to-date tour itinerary. In addition, Cherry will showcase his new music on a separate run of more than 20 one-off dates, including engagements opening for artists like Tenth Avenue North this spring. Check www.andycherry.com to find Andy in a city near you.

About Andy Cherry:
Twenty-five year-old Andy Cherry, songwriter and worship leader, hails from Charlotte, N.C. Sonically, his thoughtful, complex arrangements stitch together the warmth of American roots music with soaring, moody tones of British rock. Lyrically, Cherry challenges commonly held assumptions about God, urging listeners to open up, be bold enough to ask God the tough questions, and believe that He has the shoulders to bear those questions.

For more information on Andy Cherry, visit www.andycherry.com or www.facebook.com/andycherrymusic. Follow Andy Cherry on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/andycherry.

Houston Christian rapper Bobby “Tre9” Herring and Scott Free, founder of the Atlanta-based Freestyle Missions, are planning an 11-city tour designed to strengthen the gospel hip hop community in 2012. Beginning with Nashville, TN this weekend and ending in Chicago, IL mid-December, this tour aims to unite more than just the music artists it serves.

The Hip Hop Hope Unity Conference and City Takers event will travel through Nashville, Austin, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Alaska, Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, New York, Oklahoma City and Chicago. Its mission is to unite, serve, train, and equip Christian hip hop artists in daytime workshops, then to minister to the lost and saved in the evening City Takers services.

“This is a tour that will multiply disciples into disciple makers, taking the focus back to the Great Commission. It is often difficult in the Christian hip hop music industry to promote your music and avoid losing sight of the mission. We address this issue and give artists the tools necessary to build the Kingdom of God,” Tre9 explained.

“I am 100 percent behind Scott and Tre9 who have been instrumental in directing me towards a more mission-minded mentality. As a result, I’ve seen God bring an increase in opportunities for me to serve and grow,” said the 2011 KCA Award Winner D-MAUB.

City Takers services in Atlanta, GA and Hip Hop Hope Tuesdays in Houston, TX have both been around for well over two years, serving faithfully in their communities.

Every so often a pioneer comes our way, and opens the door for new artists and new genres. When the world looses that pioneer, we often reflect on the impact their life has had on us. Don Cornelius was one of those pioneers.  The Soul Train creator was found dead inside his California home yesterday. Dying of an apparent suicide.

As I reflected on my time watching Don Cornelius’ Soul Train that aired every Saturday in my Houston area home, I begin to think of more pioneers that the world would miss. I pondered the impact they’ve had on the world and especially the Gospel industry.

The glaring name that has parallel similarities to Don Cornelius’ accomplishments, is non other than our very own Dr. Bobby Jones. The two are nearly identical in many ways, and it’s important that the Gospel industry continue to stand on the shelves that Dr. Bobby Jones helped to elevate on our behalf.

Despite being from two different forms of music, Cornelius and Jones are almost identical in age. Jones 73 and Cornelius was 75 when he passed in the wee hours Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

Both led their genres of music to increased visibility on television and radio. And both have distinctive voices that you can recognize instantly. Don Cornelius served soul music with 35 years of influence. Dr. Bobby Jones has 31 years as a pioneer of Gospel music. The first Gospel show on BET, and the longest running show on BET can be attributed to Jones. And perhaps most important, both Cornelius and Jones introduced faces that people had never seen. Effectively boosting their celebrity status by looking into the network’s camera lens. Dr. Jones is still on the air today with his hit show ‘Bobby Jones Gospel’ still going strong.

You never know the pain that someone is carrying. On the outside it appears that they’re rich and happy, but it could just be your kind word that will keep someone clinging to Jesus.

I spoke to Dr. Bobby Jones the day Don Cornelius passed because it was burning on my heart to thank him like so many others in Gospel do and should do. Jones sorrowfully told me, “I felt that without Don Cornelius, there would have been no Bobby Jones Gospel. Don chose Soul Music, and I chose Gospel. Will the Gospel Music Industry give Gospel on TV the same respect as the Soul Music Industry gave Soul Train? The answer is yes. I ‘m glad that I am alive to witness it. I loved Don and what he did for our people, a legend and a pioneer.”
 
Similar expressions were sent straight to me by Aretha Franklin’s representatives, “It’s so shocking and stunning, God bless him. He created a solid and broad foundation for young people and adults alike to socialize, dance and have good clean fun. He united the young adult community single-handedly and globally. With the inception of Soul Train, a young, progressive brother set the pace and worldwide standard for young aspiring African American men and entrepreneurs in TV—out of Chicago. He transcended cultural barriers among young adults. They became one. Everybody loved Soul Train and appreciated Don!”

Gospel artist and Mega-Church televangelist Pastor Gregg Patrick says, “Don was a true pioneer and trailblazer of the television and music industry.  This is the third such tragedy for me in just a year.  You never know the pains people are carrying; try to take some of the load off them with a smile or kind word.”

Many more expressions have poured in, but I wanted to take this time out to say thank you to the legends that have paved the way.

It’s important to let our Gospel legends smell the flowers while they’re still alive. Then maybe a little bit of their success and goodwill can embed itself into the fabric of our purpose. Their dream will give birth to your dreams and purpose. Continue to ask God to reveal your purpose, and lean on him to direct your Path. Regardless of your profession, you can make a difference by calling a few people you haven’t spoken to in a while. Like someone said on the PATH Facebook page, “We can all do better!”

The Game Show Network has announced that it will be producing an original Bible-themed game show.

The one-hour game show will be called “The American Bible Challenge.” The network announced Monday that they are producing a pilot for the new original game show, according to Broadcastingcable.com. The new game show will celebrate the central role of the Bible in American society and culture.

“The American Bible Challenge” reportedly will feature contestants competing to see who has more biblical knowledge. The contestants form teams, attempting to win money to support their faith communities, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Contestants will also share their personal stories of faith and community.

It is being produced by RelativityREAL for GSN, with executive producers Tom Forman and Embassy Row’s Michael Davies. Davies was also the executive producer of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” according to Deadline.com.

Consulting producers will be Nick Stuart and Maura Dunbar of Odyssey Networks, the largest multi-faith media coalition.

Amy Introcaso-Davis, executive VP of programming for GSN said that the American Bible Challenge celebrates passion for the Bible in an innovative and entertaining way, according to broadcastingcable.com.

“The American Bible Challenge celebrates America’s passion for The Bible in an entertaining, unconventional format that makes The Good Book more accessible to the whole family,” Introcaso-Davis said. “With Tom Forman, Michael Davies and Odyssey Networks, we have assembled a first-rate producing team and we’re looking forward to this timely concept coming to fruition.”

In addition to producing “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” Davies and Embassy Row productions also produced programs like “The Glee Project,” “The Newly Wed Game,” “Whose Line is it Anyway?” “The Man Show” and many of the David Blaine magic specials.

According to Embassyrow.com, Davies also worked with Buena Vista productions on the “Keenan-Ivory Wayans Show” and the movie, “Honey I Shrunk the Kids.” He also helped produced the Emmy-award winning kid’s show, “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”

Gospel star Yolanda Adams has released her music video for her hit song ‘Be Still.’ 

PATH was the first outlet to bring you a sneak preview of the video and now it’s finally here.  It’s Yolanda’s first music video from her recent album ‘Becoming.’

‘Be Still’ is a song that has resonated with audiences, keeping Yolanda on the top of Billboard charts for 40 weeks.

Yolanda Adams has had an incredible 2011.  It’s been a year that’s seen her sing in front of Gospel audiences and mainstream audiences alike.  Yolanda has sung for presidents, stole the show at Michael Jackson’s tribute concert in Wales, and most recently at Dwyane Wade’s 30th birthday party in Miami.  Adams passionately brought the Gospel to the funeral of late rapper Heavy D, and was even called upon to sing the national anthem at the NFL Houston Texans first ever playoff game.  

With all that goes on in this busy women’s life she encourages us to be still and take time to be with God.  The ‘Be Still’ music video illustrates this by featuring Yolanda being whisked away into day-to-day career activities, and then coming home in a relaxed house setting to be with the Lord.  Adam’s has said in interviews, “That no matter how busy you get, you have to be still.”  Be still and know that God is always by your side.  Watch the video below.

theHELPPPPagency, dubbed as the FIRST EVER “Red-Carpet” Event Producer in the Gospel/Christian community back in Feb./06 is proud to celebrate Gospel Goes To Hollywood Awards Luncheon. Tomeka Holyfield, Executive Producer says “Our objective is to produce a Inspirational Event that celebrates the UNTOLD STORIES of FAITH during OSCAR WEEK in Hollywood”.

After the HUGE success during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, theHELPPPPagency is bringing that same concept to Hollywood during Oscar Week. What a great opportunity to share in the excitement by celebrating the UNTOLD STORIES of Actors/Actresses/TV-FILM Producers/Directors and Philanthropists “FAITH” on Making It in Hollywood and on the Big Screens/TV Networks.

“Oscar Week will NEVER be the same as it is our hope this event becomes one of the MUST ATTEND events during Oscar Week. We believe that ALL of Hollywood will look forward to celebrating that FAITH which fuels our TENACIOUS ENDURANCE, says Holyfield”. Add the praise party as Grammy Award Winning CeCe Winans, Grammy Award Winning Donnie McClurkin and Stellar Award Winner Gospel Saxophonist Angella Christie who’s slated to perform and it becomes clear THIS is the event not to miss!

Tons of Celebrities have confirmed as theHELPPPagency will announce the HONOREES in the coming weeks. Gospel Goes To Hollywood Awards Luncheon has teamed up with The Taglyan Complex in Hollywood as the setting for such a grand affair. The WORD NETWORK and are the Official Media Sponsors along with other Media Outlets to be announced. GGTH is an INVITE ONLY CELEBRITY DRIVEN event with a LIMITED amount of TABLES opened to the public.

For more information, please visit the website @ www.GospelGoesToHollywood.com or 877.841.8088

We our sad to announce that Soul Train creator Don Cornelius was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning, and law enforcement says it appears he committed suicide.

According to TMZ, cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT.  Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.

We’re told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Soul Train” changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006.

Officials have notified Don’s family. Cornelius was 75.

During Don’s bitter divorce proceedings in 2009, he told an L.A. judge he was suffering from “significant health issues” and wanted to “finalize this divorce before I die.”

Cornelius was arrested in 2008 for beating up his wife.  He pled no contest to misdemeanor domestic violence and was placed on 3 years probation.  The divorce was granted in 2010.

Sources close to Don tell TMZ that the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years.  including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery. 

Shawn Holley — Don’s lawyer and good friend says, “This is devastating news. Don was a kind, funny and brilliant man. Even though his many health battles had left him frail, he remained vibrant, courtly and always sharp as a tack.” 

Legendary singer Aretha Franklin had this to say, “It’s so shocking and stunning, God bless him.  He created a solid and broad foundation for young people and adults alike to socialize, dance and have good clean fun.  He united the young adult community single-handedly and globally.  With the inception of Soul Train, a young, progressive brother set the pace and worldwide standard for young aspiring African American men and entrepreneurs in TV—out of Chicago. He transcended cultural barriers among young adults.  They became one.  Everybody loved Soul Train and appreciated Don!”

Check back for updates as more details on Cornelius’ death are revealed.

Class President, the debut full-length album from 90k Watts recording artist Young Chozen, is set to drop on March 6th via Central South and Infinity Music Distribution.

Young Chozen already has an extensive resume that includes an appearance on the hit Disney Channel series, Suite Life on Deck, a hosting spot on ESPN’s Elite 30 and touring with such artists as Trip Lee, Lecrae, Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbett, Canton Jones and FLAME, among others. He is currently on the 15-city “Stepping in the Right Direction” school tour, with additional touring planned throughout 2012.

Over the last two years, 90k Watts has helped Young Chozen make a name for himself, releasing four successful mixtapes: Extra Credit Vol. 1, 100% Jerkin, Playtime Is Over and The Campaign. Combined, they have received in excess of 80,000 downloads.

Young Chozen says his directive is simple: “Having fun and loving God, is cool.” With his natural, Will Smith-like charisma, Young Chozen uses his rap skills to entertain and enlighten through hip-hop. “In the Bible, the Apostle Paul talks about becoming all things to all men in order to win some,” he says. “I try to take a similar approach in my own work. If that means embracing the latest dance craze or tomorrow’s underground art movement, I want to be where the people are so I can share my message.”

90k Watts has an extensive radio campaign planned for early 2012, with the single “Stereo” headed to CHR radio, while the title track “Class President” goes to CHH formats. Three new music videos are releasing in the coming months, starting with the title track. And for a limited time, the track “Drive Thru” is available as a free download at noisetrade.com/drivethrusingle.

And while Young Chozen is excited about all the hype surrounding Class President, he makes it clear that this is more than just entertainment. “If you think about class presidents, they are simply peers that are elected to lead,” he explains. “That’s how I hope my fans will see me, as a role model who is still on their level. I’m not perfect by any means, but I definitely strive to be the man God wants me to be.”

Legendary entertainer Ann-Margret has appeared in scores of television shows and motion pictures, in addition to releasing highly acclaimed music albums. Her latest album, God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions 2 (Greenhaw Records), was released in September and features the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Choir (Dallas, TX) on ten contemporary and traditional Christian and Gospel songs.

Produced by GRAMMY® Award winning musician and producer/arranger Art Greenhaw, God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions 2 marks a 10 year professional association between Ann-Margret and Greenhaw.

According to Greenhaw, “As Ann-Margret’s gospel music producer, I believe that she has been called to the Gospel message of faith, hope and love through her tremendous singing and interpretive style. Listeners and her worldwide fans have agreed for over ten years as have the professional industry voters in the GRAMMY® and Dove Awards as evidenced by her nominations in the Gospel categories.”

Ann-Margret rose to fame for her starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, State Fair, The Cincinnati Kid, Carnal Knowledge and Tommy, with later credits that include such hit films as Grumpy Old Men, Any Given Sunday, The Santa Clause 3 and The Break-Up. She has won five Golden Globe Awards and been nominated for two Academy Awards, two GRAMMY® Awards, a Dove Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and six Emmy Awards. In 2010, she won her first Emmy Award for her guest appearance on Law & Order: SVU.

Christian Artist Meka King knows that many are feeling the crippling effects of a failing economy and a troubled society. But the gifted singer is here to remind and reassure that God is the source of our strength and He is BIGGER than anything we will ever face. The former background singer for popular artists such as Ron Kenoly, Martha Munizzi, William McDowell, Freddy Rodriguez, BJ Putnam and Clint Brown has released a brand new single. “God Is Bigger” is currently available on iTunes and is the first single from her forthcoming, highly anticipated sophomore release, BELIEVE. BELIEVE will be recorded LIVE at The Gathering Place Church (1701 S. Orange Blvd., Sanford, FL – 407.324.0200) February 18, 2012 at 5pm.

The BELIEVE Live Recording will be a monumental night of intimate, passionate worship. “The new CD is an anthem of FAITH,” says Meka. “I want to inspire listeners to BELIEVE in God, BELIEVE the Word of God and BELIEVE God for the Impossible!” Along with the BELIEVE Live Recording, Meka King’s non-profit outreach organization, KINGDOM Ministries Global Missions, Inc. (KMGM), is launching THE BELIEVE PROJECT! It is an effort to make an indelible mark on the community and openly display the tangible love of God and the reason why she believes.

KMGM will bring one local family out of the grips of homelessness by getting them into their own home and completely furnishing it. The organization will also fulfill the dream of a very special little girl battling a life threatening illness who wants to be a singer. She will join the team the night of the recording and also record her own song in the studio to be included on the album. THE BELIEVE PROJECT is about SEEING DREAMS COME TRUE!

The lead single of the BELIEVE CD, “God Is Bigger”, is a declaration about who God is and His enormous power. Meka says, “The song is a daily inspiration and reminder that no matter what problem, obstacle, situation, circumstance, or sin that we face, GOD IS ALWAYS BIGGER! He’s bigger than any sickness, bigger than any financial difficulty, and bigger than anything that may be too hard for us to bear. I pray that this song strengthens the faith of everyone who hears it. I want listeners to be encouraged to BELIEVE in our limitless God who can do anything!”

In addition to being a well-known background vocalist, Meka King is a Recording Artist and Praise & Worship Leader. She ministers in song and speaks for worship conferences across the globe. Her ministry has spread internationally to England, France, Africa and Canada. She has appeared on TBN’s PRAISE THE LORD (as a guest and host), Bobby Jones Gospel, Today’s Family, FOX Morning Blend, RAW-TV, KRAZE-TV and Lee Pitts Live. She is a featured musical guest at the House of Blues Gospel Brunch and has served as a Worship Leader for churches in the Orlando area. Meka has performed at a number of theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Cirque Du Soleil, Universal Studios, Sea World and the Holy Land Experience, a Christian-themed park.

For more information on Meka King’s ministry, please contact Sonflower Joy Music at www.mekaking.com, 407-575-7153, sonflowerjoymusic@mac.com.