The Oprah Winfrey Network confirmed Tuesday that as part of her new primetime series, “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Winfrey will interview Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas.

“The series, which features Oprah as she steps outside of the studio for riveting, enlightening and in-depth conversations with newsmakers, celebrities, thought leaders and real-life families, will expand to air part two of her in-depth interviews starting Monday, January 30,” the network announced.

Winfrey will be visiting Jakes at his 30,000-member church, but the network did not reveal when the visit will be made nor when the recording of her visit with the megachurch pastor would air. Jakes, also an author and filmmaker, broadcasts his sermons on “The Potter’s Touch,” which airs on a variety of Christian broadcasting networks, including Trinity Broadcasting Network and Black Entertainment Television.

According to the Dallas pastor’s official website, Jakes has been named “America’s Best Preacher” by Time Magazine and ranks among the 25 Most Influential African-Americans.

Winfrey previously interviewed televangelist Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.

If Jakes’ interview is anything like Osteen’s, viewers will be discussing the episode long after it airs. In their Jan. 8 interview, Winfrey questioned Osteen on his ego, the criticism he receives from both nonbelievers and believers, and his monetary income.

Besides Jakes, Winfrey will also follow actor and humanitarian Sean Penn to Haiti to observe his earthquake relief efforts at the nongovernmental organization J/P Haitian Relief Organization. She will also delve into the highly private and traditional communities of Hasidic Jews in Borough Park and Crown Heights in the NYC borough of Brooklyn, as well as have a slumber party with Southern cook Paula Deen at her Georgia estate.

“Oprah’s Next Chapter” has given a ratings boost to the struggling Oprah Winfrey Network. The special’s Jan. 1 premiere drew in 1.1 million viewers, making it the highest-rated premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

The two-part series airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET and Mondays at 10 p.m. ET, beginning Jan. 30.

For the first time in its 40-plus year history, CFN Music, the music and publishing arm of Christ For The Nations Institute, will partner with Integrity Music to market and distribute music and video recordings.

With music industry notables like Kari Jobe, Nicole C. Mullen, Russ Taff, Tommy Walker and Kevin Jonas (father and manager of the Jonas Brothers), among its alumni, it is no surprise that Christ for the Nations has already produced a vast catalog of music. In fact, the Dallas-based Bible school/music program has recorded an amazing 37 albums, with its most recent, appropriately titled 37, set to be the first release in the new partnership on February 28.

With over 40,000 graduates, CFNI has always been a fertile ground for worship leaders and songwriters who are saturated in an environment of passionate worship, prayer and Bible study. And CFN Music has been producing live albums that feature its students, staff, and alumni since 1974. Those albums include songs and appearances from artists like Jobe, Mullen and Taff along with others such as Thomas Miller (Gateway Church), Marty Nystrom and Klaus Kuehn, all of whom have studied and led worship at CFNI.

The songs “No Sweeter Name,” “Revelation Song,” “When I Think About the Lord,” “As The Deer,” “We Prepare The Way,” “My Romance,” “You, You Are God,” “The More I Seek You,” “The Lord Reigns,” “Song of Ezekiel,” “My Soul Longs,” and many more were first recorded at CFNI and written by staff, faculty, students and alumni.

“For many years, Christ for the Nations Institute has made a historical impact in the worldwide worship community,” said C. Ryan Dunham, president of Integrity Music. “It’s been our desire to work with Christ for the Nations to cultivate, harvest and share with the global Church the powerful worship songs of substance and experiences being birthed out of the school, its students and leadership. With the release of 37, we believe that this is the beginning of a new season of increased influence for CFN Music and its worship ministry.”

“CFNI has a long history of training, equipping and recording worshipers and servants of the Kingdom,” said Alex MacDougall, managing director of CFN Music. “And our music is well-known within missionary and ministry circles. Now, with the release of 37, Integrity offers CFN Music an opportunity to take its worship to the church worldwide. It’s an exciting time.”

37 will be a combined CD and DVD release to both Christian retail and digital outlets. The project was recorded live at CFNI and features CFN’s worship director Gabriel Allred along with worship leaders Jared Ellis, Francisca Arenas, Alex Bennefield, Chris Martin and Jonathan Lewis. CFN independently released 37 last year, but February 28 marks its world-wide retail release.

“Christ For The Nations’ long, rich history in worship means that with every song sung and expression given, we stand on the shoulders of the generations that have stood here and praised the same God. Our worship is not new, it’s ancient — a fire of legacy that will always burn,” explains Gabriel Allred.

Craig Dunnagan, Integrity’s vice president of Music Publishing and Worship Resources adds: “Integrity is excited to join in harvesting this fertile ground for the Kingdom of God, blessing the Church with the songs and sounds of worship birthed in young hearts from around the world who come to Dallas to be trained and equipped for ministry.”

Kingsway and Integrity Music are the music divisions of David C Cook, a nonprofit global resource provider serving the Church with life-transforming materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Kingsway’s and Integrity’s resources are distributed in more than 160 countries and sold worldwide. Additional information can be found at www.integritymusic.com.

James Fortune hits big with his new album, IDENTITY, which landed in the top spot on three Billboard charts this week: Gospel, Gospel & Christian (combined) and Independent Albums.

The album also earned its way to the Top 10 position on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, at Number 7 all following a weeklong promotional tour in Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, New York and his hometown, Houston.

Released via Fortune’s new label deal with eOne/Light Records under the imprint, F.I.Y.A. WORLD MUSIC, IDENTITY marks the artists best first week sales to date and highest chart position. This also marks Light Records’ third number one album with previous chart toppers including William McDowelll’s ARISE and Jessica Reedy’s FROM THE HEART which are still in the Top 15.

The inspirational single “Still Able,” is currently Number 2 on Billboard Gospel singles chart. He will continue to promote the album with upcoming appearances and performances on BET.com and SiriusXM Praise. Additionally, Fortune & F.I.Y.A. performed their follow up single “Never Again,” on the 2012 Stellar Awards. The Stellar Awards are set to air in national syndication this week and will air on cable on GMC (Gospel Music Channel) on Saturday, February 11th.

IDENTITY Fortune’s third album is a powerful collection of 15 soul-stirring songs of encouragement, hope and healing that speaks into the hearts of the religious and agnostic alike. A dynamic songwriter, producer and arranger, Fortune delivered a timely message that has clearly connected with a wide audience.

Showing a special gift for pairing the right vocalist for the right songs, Fortune collected a set of notable guest artists on IDENTITY such as famed R&B songbird Monica and Fred Hammond on “Hold On,” a beautiful rhythmic flavored groove; Nikki Ross on the upbeat “Make A Sound,” and the phenomenal “With You,” featuring the dynamic vocal aerobics of Kim Burrell. Another gem, “It Could Be Worse,” which is one of the CD’s most powerful songs, features the talents of Leandria Johnson & Zacardi Cortez.

In 2005, Fortune & F.I.Y.A. set the world ablaze with their breakthrough debut album YOU SURVIVED and lead single, of the same name, which peaked at #2 on the R&B Gospel singles chart, and garnered him the ASCAP Writer’s Award for Gospel Song of the Year in 2006. He amassed worldwide recognition in 2009 with the award winning emotionally charged song “I Trust You” off of the sophomore release THE TRANSFORMATION. “I Trust You” held the number one slot on the Gospel National Airplay chart for an astounding 30 weeks, making history by becoming the longest running #1 single for any genre.

Fortune continued amassing accolades with subsequent success with the soaring single “I Believe,” which garnered him his second ASCAP Writer’s Award and a Soul Train nomination for “Best Gospel Performance” in 2011. Fortune has also received an impressive three Stellar Award nominations for “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Group/Duo of the Year.”

IDENTITY is available on line & in stores now.  CLICK HERE to watch Fortune’s latest music video for “Still Able”
 

The trailer for Bishop T.D. Jakes’ upcoming film, “Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day” was recently released online and offers viewers a preview of a highly emotional tale of suspense and spirituality.

Jakes’ film adaptation of the self-help novel he authored takes viewers through a plethora of emotions. The movie trailer begins with Blair Underwood playing with his 6-year-old daughter, whom actress Sharon Leal discovers is missing only a few short moments into the trailer’s progression.

Underwood, who plays father and husband David Ames to Leal’s character, Kari, is seen going through emotional anguish due to marital issues and the apparent abduction of his daughter. Leal is also emotionally charged in search of her daughter, whom the couple believes was taken by a serial killer who murders his victims seven days after capturing them.

The words “lies,” “deception,” and “murder” flash on the screen, leaving the audience in suspense, with quick cuts to other scenes that bring attention to Kari’s possible extramarital affair.

The film will be the first under a multi-year partnership deal between AMC Theaters and Codeblack Entertainment, a new media and film company marketing to urban audiences. The deal secures Codeblack’s releases to play exclusively in specific AMC locations.

Nikkole Denson-Randolph, vice president of Specialty and Alternative Content of AMC Theaters, said the partnership will be great exposure for the upcoming film.

“The partnership with Codeblack will bring needed exposure to films like ‘Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day’ that reach a key demographic among our guests,” said Denson-Randolph in an AMC press release. “We look forward to expanding on this already successful collaboration.”

The film’s stars include Blair Underwood, Leal, Pam Grier and Nicole Beharie and was directed by Emmy Award winner Neema Barnette. “Woman Thou Art Loosed” will be the second film release inspired by Jakes’ self-help series, after a 2004 adaptation of his works.

“Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day” is scheduled for an April 13th release.

Fresh, Expressive, Melodic and Confident are perfect words to describe new artist Cheneta Jones. Yes, it’s true that she is the lead background singer for Tye Tribbett. However, Cheneta’s individual vocal and musical style speaks volumes for her as a solo artist.

Ms. Jones’ standout vocal ability is no secret to the gospel community and industry, for she has ministered on TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), opened up for Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon, Lisa McClendon, Marvin Sapp, just to name a few and made much noise as the winner of KATZ Hallelujah 1600’s Praise Alive

Cheneta has garnered much wisdom from her musical experiences with many great gospel artists and has incorporated it into her own music style. Now, as a solo artist with Real Talent Media Group, the world will experience the anointed and fresh sound of Ms. Cheneta Jones, on her upcoming 2012 release, Transformed.

Real Talent Media Group recently signed a distribution deal with Habakkuk Music, home of Lisa Page Brooks, Gail Holmes and known for distributing projects for Kevin Levar, Papa San, James Grear & Company and others. The union between Real Talent Media Group and Habakkuk Music will be tremendous aid in launching Cheneta’s career.

Cheneta’s upcoming release Transformed includes the songs, “Turn Back”, I’m Yours”, “Liberty”, “My Everything”, “Be Like You” and the 2012 praise and worship anthem “We Worship You”.

“My Everything”, an inspiring and pure ballad, penned and produced by the award winning Percy Bady has received rave reviews and much love at radio.

Jones’ current radio single “Be Like You” speaks directly to God, in awe of who He is, with a desire to be all that He is. This song is a true gem and the lyrics simply say, “I Wanna Walk Just Like You, Talk Just Like You, Live Just Like You, Give Just Like You”. There is no doubt that “Be Like You” is a true cry from Cheneta’s heart to God.

In its entirety, Transformed showcases Cheneta’s ability to relate to listeners through reflective songs inspired by her personal life experiences.

“I want listeners to hear a song and reflect on how it applies to their life, she says. My upcoming project will entail numerous personal experiences and my growth as a maturing Christian. ―I’ve been through a lot in the last two years and have overcome many obstacles, so this new album is very relatable and expresses my love for Jesus as literally being my everything.”-Cheneta Jones

Transformed will be available April 3, 2012 online and in stores!

For more information on Cheneta Jones visit www.chenetajones.com

Representatives for Mary Mary have announced that Erica Campbell gave birth to a baby girl, Zaya Monique, last night Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Mother and daughter are resting comfortably.

Erica stated that she and husband Warryn Campbell, are “feeling so thankful and so blessed to have our sweet Zaya finally make her grand entrance into the world! God is awesome, our family couldn’t be more happy than we are today!”

Zaya Monique was born at 6 lbs, 12 oz.  Congratulations to the Campbell family!

This blessing caps of an incredible year for Erica and her sister Tina.  The ladies of Mary Mary were awarded for their critically acclaimed album, Something Big. In the past year, Mary Mary has amassed several accolades for the album including the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, and BET Award. They were also nominated for double Soul Train Awards for their chart topping single “Walking.” Something Big earned six Stellar Award nominations. Something Big received nods for CD of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year; while their hit single, “Walking” was recognized in the Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. Mary Mary were also nominated for Artist of the Year. 

The 27th Annual Stellar Awards were held in Nashville this past weekend and is set to air in national syndication from January 21-February 26 2012. The Gospel Music Channel will air The Stellar Awards exclusively on cable on February 11th.

In addition to several high-profile national television appearances and exciting new partnerships with The American Red Cross and Pillsbury, the duo just announced the launch of their brand new reality series, Mary Mary to debut on WE tv this spring. The show will follow the sisters in their daily lives as they work to do it all. The series premieres Thursday, March 29th at 9pm ET/PT with eight, hour-long episodes. 

GRAMMY Award nominee Matt Maher has extended his popular “The Love In Between” tour to include 16 additional dates. The follow-up run to his fall leg will feature guest artist Sparrow Records singer-songwriter Audrey Assad, with Reunion Records newcomer Lindsay McCaul at select shows.

Originally kicking off mid-September, “The Love In Between” tour visited more than 25 cities through late October, seeing thousands in attendance and multiple sold out shows. The tour’s second leg will open tonight in Altoona, Pa. with additional stops in Atlanta, St. Louis, and Cincinnati, among others.

“The Love In Between” tour was named for Maher’s latest label project, released Sept. 20, 2011. The album debuted at No. 7 on the SoundScan Top Contemporary Christian Chart and graced the Billboard 200 at No. 97. The Love In Between additionally experienced notable success at iTunes, breaking into the Top 5 on the Christian & Gospel Top Albums Chart. Maher will play a selection of songs from the current record on tour, including new radio single, “Rise Up.”

Visit www.mattmahermusic.com for an up-to-date tour itinerary or refer to the schedule following this release.

“The Love In Between” Tour Itinerary*
 
1-20 – Altoona, PA (w/Audrey Assad)
1-21 – Silver Spring, MD (w/ Audrey Assad) 
1-22 – Fairfax & Woodbridge, VA (am & pm events w/ Audrey Assad)
1-26 – Madison, LA (w/ Lindsay McCaul)
1-27 – Atlanta, GA (w/ Lindsay McCaul)
1-28 – Brandon, FL (w/ Lindsay McCaul)
2-1 – Gainesville, FL (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-3 – Lafayette, LA (w/ Audrey Assad) 
2-4 – Mandeville, LA (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-10 – Ft. Wayne, IN (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-11 – Lexington, KY (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-12 – Zeeland, MI (w/ Audrey Assad) 
2-15 – Aimes, IA (w/ Audrey Assad)
2-16 – St. Louis, MO (w/ Audrey Assad) 
2-17 – Vancouver, BC 
2-18 – Cincinnati, OH
* dates subject to change 

What do you get when Gospel Music’s hottest independent record label chief, Kerry Douglas – founder of Blacksmoke Music, Gospel Truth Magazine and The New Deal Entertainment University, teams up with the Leading Lady of Urban Theatre, Angela Barrow Dunlap? You get the hot new DVD of the gospel stage play, “Church Girl,” that hits retail shelves everywhere on January 31, 2012.

The musical film follows the life of Emily Franklin, a preacher’s daughter who gets caught up in a fast life that takes her away from the principles she was raised with as a child. It stars actress Robin Givens, singer A’ngela Winbush, Demetria McKinney from the sitcom “House of Payne”, Sean Blakemore, Grammy winner Karen Clark Sheard, songstress Wanda Nero-Butler and Tony Grant from the R&B group, Az Yet.

Douglas has been a leader in the Gospel Music industry for more than 15 years and is known as the new artist breaker. Through his grass-roots marketing techniques, he has broken some of today’s top Gospel artists like James Fortune, Earnest Pugh, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Jimmy Hicks and Evelyn Turrentine-Agee.

As a pioneer of Urban Theatre, Angela Barrow Dunlap has been writing and producing hit gospel stage plays for over 25 years. “We literally had to invent this genre,” Dunlap reminisces. “There was no training or classes for this type of theatre. We had to invent and learn all at the same time.” Over the years, she’s co-created hit plays such as “Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boyz”, “If These Hips Could Talk” and “Real Men Pray”. Her latest, “Church Girl,” toured the USA in 2011.

Recently, Douglas introduced The New Deal Entertainment University as a platform to teach the urban world his unique brand of multi-media marketing that has helped him place James Fortune and Earnest Pugh at the top of the Billboard gospel charts. “I want to teach industry professionals not just by passing on text-book and/or online courses, but I want to also practice what I preach by walking-the-walk,” Douglas states. “It’s not just enough to promote records, but you have to cross promote in television and film.

Teaming up with Angela Dunlap to bring `Church Girl’ to DVD and Home Theater is the perfect launch for Blacksmoke Films.”

2010 Stellar Award Winner Phillip Carter knows gospel music. A church musician, choir director, and gospel artist, Carter has decades of experience when it comes to the unique musical dynamics found within the confines of the church. The “I Love The Lord” singer recently launched The Phillip Carter Blog. Found at www.thephillipcarterblog.blogspot.com, Carter tackles some controversial topics in his blog. Recent subjects have included “Should Church Musicians Be Paid?”, “Musician Vs. Pastor” and “Praise Team Do’s and Don’ts”. Blog readers have an opportunity to chime in and leave comments. Carter has been getting extraordinary feedback and readers have been using words like “awesome”, “very good information” and “right on target. Through the blog, Carter hopes to stimulate dialogue, educate musicians and bring unity and clarity to a very important ministry within the church.

Carter rose to national and international acclaim status as a gifted and anointed gospel recording artist, a prolific songwriter, an accomplished musician, and a talented producer. Carter earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education with a Concentration in Piano and Minor in Voice from Bowie State University. He served as the Director of the Bowie State University Gospel Choir and Assistant Director of the Howard University Gospel Choir. Currently, he teaches Music and Computer Technology in Fairfax County, Virginia. He also served as Music Director and Artistic Facilitator of the Children of the Gospel and Men and Women of the Gospel Choirs at the Washington Performing Arts Society for Gospel Programming. Phillip Carter and his group, Sounds of Victory (SOV), was the 2010 Stellar Award Winner for Fan Favorite Choir of the Year. Phillip also produced the 2010 Stellar Award Winning Project For Children’s Performance of the Year, Amazing, from Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews and the Oxon Hill High School Choir. A Minister of the Gospel, Carter founded the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance which empowers indie artists with tools for success through its annual conference.

Multiple Stellar Award Winner Martha Munizzi is one of praise and worship’s most beloved artists. Known for her cutting edge praise and worship hits, she is one of the genre’s most celebrated worshipers. Her latest project, the Billboard-charting “Make It Loud!”, spawned the up-tempo hit, “Excellent”. Now the GRAMMY Award Nominee is releasing a new single, the title tune to the critically acclaimed CD, “Make It Loud!”. Hitting the listener strong from beat one, the infectious track is a pop-rockin’ masterpiece complete with a clever mix of eclectic sounds. In addition to the riveting single, the ground-breaking concept music video to the song will be making its world premiere on Tuesday, January 24th as well.

Martha has been receiving kudos for the CD from fans and critics alike. The 27th Annual Stellar Awards, which recently took place at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, just recognized the artist with her 3rd career Stellar Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for “Make It Loud!”. The artist also performed on the telecast, which is scheduled to debut on GMC on Saturday, February 11th at 7: 00 PM EST. Visit www.watchgmctv.com to check local listings .

In addition, in celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Munizzi performed at the King March in San Antonio, TX, on Monday, January 16th. Singing prior to a speech by the son of the famed preacher, Martin Luther King III, she took to the stage before an estimated crowd of over 140,000. For more information on Martha Munizzi, log on to www.MarthaMunizzi.com