Twenty one-time Stellar Award winner, Pastor John P. Kee received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his historical and significant contributions to gospel music at the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Saturday, January 14 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. Kirk Franklin presented the award to a tearful Pastor Kee.

Pastor Kee is the recipient of 21 Stellar Awards, 27 GMWA Excellence Awards, a Trailblazer Award from President Bill Clinton, one Soul Train Music Award, two Billboard Music Awards, a Gospel Music Hall of Fame Award, seven GRAMMY® Award nominations and numerous other honors. However, The James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award is especially meaningful to him. “This is by far one of the greatest honors I have received to date,” says Pastor Kee. “When you look at the true history of John P. Kee, this award signifies a circle of completion. It was the late Dr. James Cleveland who gave me my start in music, so to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in his name is priceless.”

During the Stellar Award Weekend, Pastor Kee also participated in the Hezekiah Walker Presents Choir Fest 2012, along with Ricky Dillard, JJ Hairston, Meachum L. Clarke, Kevin Lemons, and Darrel Petties, at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the Antioch location in Nashville.

An icon in American music, Pastor Kee and the New Life Community Choir will release a new CD this spring. The new single, “Life And Favor (You Don’t Know My Story,)” will be released to gospel radio this month. The single features special guest artists, including LeJuene Thompson and James Fortune. “One of the greatest assets that we have as Christians is our testimony,” said Pastor Kee. “It is that testimony that reveals the true nature of our deliverance. God has graced me with the ability to share these trials and triumphs through melody. This single, ‘Life And Favor (You Don’t Know My Story,)’ has become a memorable melody in the lives of thousands. When you find yourself singing the vamp uncontrollably, we’ll know undoubtedly that you too have a story.”

In the late 1980s, Kee was crowned the Prince of Gospel, which is a title he laughs at because his middle name is Prince. Over the course of his professional career, which spans more than three decades, he has written music for Hallmark, Inc., Stephanie Mills, Jonny Lang, The Hawkins Family, Daryl Coley, Billy Preston, Dorinda Clark Cole, Joe Walsh, Rev. James Cleveland, the Florida Mass Choir, the Mississippi Mass Choir, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, among others. His music has been featured in film and television commercials and even on Saturday Night Live. His music catalogue is said to be one of the largest in the world today by an individual publisher/writer.

Although he is one of gospel music’s greatest pioneers, his real passion is for clear, genuine, and aggressive street ministry. His heart’s desire is to show the love and power of the Lord to the world-but especially to the inner city communities of our nation.

Since its inception in 1995, Pastor Kee has been the full-time pastor of the New Life Fellowship Center. Through non-traditional outreach that transcends the four-walled structure, the church’s unique approach to ministry has resulted in a rapidly growing and thriving congregation. Pastor Kee’s ability to personally relate to the urban lifestyle allows him to reach those who would not typically attend church and those who are not welcomed by many assemblies.

Houston, TX native Yolanda Adams never seems to reach the peak of her career.  That’s because she’s always expanding and increasing to new heights that few Gospel artists have ever been to.

Yolanda’s latest CD ‘Becoming’ was released in 2011, with the hit song ‘Be Still’ currently resting in the top 5 of Billboard Gospel’s Chart.  That’s an extraordinary accomplishment when you consider the fact that the top-selling artists’ song is still on the charts after 37 weeks.  ‘Be Still’ is a song that ministers to so many, and PATH is proud to be the first media outlet to give you a little sneak peek of the conceptual idea for the music video.

Yolanda Adams has had an incredible 2011 even by her standards.  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.  

The entire video will be out at the end of the month, but take a look at the Sneak Peek below. 

Holly Spears will release her highly-anticipated full-length album, Heartache to Hope (Girl on a Mission Music), on April 3rd, via her own label, Girl on a Mission Music, LLC. Spears has just released her debut singles, “Learning to Love” (Christian Radio) and “Watch Over Me” (Pop formats) which has a companion music video. Produced by Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, Bebo Norman, Caedmon’s Call) at Nashville’s famed Sputnik Sound recording studio, the album features vocal, bass, keyboard and mastering support from Jars of Clay.

Spears grew up in the small town of Wana, West Virginia, where she found her voice as a little girl, accompanying her father on Sunday mornings in church choir. Her mother enrolled her in piano lessons at an early age, but she began to feel trapped creatively, until a Melissa Etheridge performance on television led her to the search for her first guitar.

“I literally begged my mother to buy that guitar,” remembers Spears. “Little did my mom know that the seemingly insignificant purchase of a twenty-five dollar garage sale special would set the stage for a whirlwind of new life experiences.”

Spears spent her high school and college years writing songs and learning about the world of music business. She played in various bands and interned at a local radio station, where she was introduced to frontman Eliot Sloan of the platinum-selling pop/rock band Blessid Union of Souls. Soon after, Spears was in the studio with Sloan who worked with her to craft her sound.

“I would attend class during the week and travel to Cincinnati on weekends and during school breaks to write and record,” she recalls. “It was clear to me that I was doing what I was designed to do.”

With no label, and very little promotion, she released her debut album, Redemption Road in 2009, and found her music used in network shows on MTV and VH1, and popping up on radio stations nationwide. Before long, she was sharing the stage with such notables as Blessid Union of Souls, Spin Doctors, Gin Blossoms and Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, among others.

In April, Spears will release her first national release, Heartache to Hope, which tells the story of a hopeful small town girl with big city dreams and an even bigger heart.

“My dream for this album is to reach the deep, deep wounds in the hearts of everyone who hears it,” says Spears. “I hope to connect with people through the pain I have experienced in my own life, only to help them see the hope I have found on the other side. From heartache to hope, I have been through a lot in my life, just like everyone else in the world. My goal is to help others find truth in the fact that no matter what they’ve gone through or what their situation is, there is always hope and they are never alone.”

For more information, visit www.hollyspears.com.

Christian Comedian Akintunde, returned as the “Off Camera Host” or “Warm Up Comedian”, as it is more commonly known within the Television Industry for this year’s “Stellar Awards” taping in Nashville TN at the historic Grand Ole Opry. Says the 18 year Stand Up veteran, “I’m like the third host, and it’s my job to keep people laughing and energized when the cameras are not rolling – to make the Broadcast Hosts’ job easier.”

No stranger to the Stellars, Akintunde Co-hosted this year’s “Stellar Awards Nominations Concert” live on the Gospel Music Channel (along side Gospel duo Trinitee 5:7), and will handle the responsibilities of breaking down the voting rules in this year’s 27th Annual Stellar Awards broadcast.

A lesser known fact, is that Akintunde, and his wife of 16 years, Eunissa, serve as Mentors to scores of youth through their “Blaze Mentoring” after school program. And this year’s ceremonies were even more special because many of their mentees accompanied them.

Additionally, Akintunde, Eunissa and their 5 children went to Nashville for the taping. Says The Assignment Agency Administrative Assistant Kiz Everette, “Our children were exposed to a life changing experience. They were propelled into another realm in thinking about possibilities available through Christ Jesus..” Staff, Parents, Family, and several Local Supporters went along and served as chaperones.

Speaking out for “life” has become more than a passion for Grammy® Award winning Christian singer and best-selling author, Rebecca St. James. She’s this week reminding America that this Sunday-January 22-is “Sanctity of Human Life Sunday.”

In a January 13, 1984 proclaimation, President Ronald Reagan designated the third Sunday of January as “National Sanctity of Human Life Day.” The date was chosen to coincide with the eleventh anniversary of the “Roe V. Wade” Supreme Court case that first recognized the constitutionally protected status of abortion in America.

In the now almost 40 years since “Roe v. Wade,” the nationally recognized Guttmacher Institute has recent statistics released in 2011 that estimate that more than 50 million abortions have taken place in the U.S.

Care Net, one of the leading national organizations on the frontlines for life through their network of more and 1,100 pregnancy centers, estimates that in 2012 alone, 3,300 women will wake up in America every day facing unplanned pregnancy and the belief that abortion is their only option.

Rebecca has used both her platform in national media and her lead role in the critically acclaimed 2009 pro life film “Sarah’s Choice,” to become intimately attached to the world of crisis pregnancy-both in word and deed. Her film work led to her growing interest in becoming involved with several major U.S. organizations on the forefront of promoting the choice for life, among them Care Net. Rebecca’s concert schedules have yearly increased to include a number of special events in support of crisis pregnancy and pro life.

Notes St. James:
“My passion for the pro-life message began when I attended a crisis pregnancy center fundraiser in Los Angeles. There I saw the incredible work of pregnancy centers; the children’s lives being saved, unmarried mothers finding the support they need to give life, wounded women receiving healing. I remember asking God to show me what I could do to help and He was not long in responding to that prayer. A couple months later, I was asked to play the lead role in the pro-life film, Sarah’s Choice and God also gave me a song for the film called ‘Little One”- a tribute to life. Since the release of the film in the fall of 2009, I have been singing at fundraisers for pregnancy centers and I cannot describe to you the incredible joy of being involved in this work.”

St. James is encouraged that recent statistics show Americans are supporting the pro life agenda in increasing numbers and emphasizes the crucial need to let their voices and funding make a difference.

“One of the things I have seen in being involved with the crisis pregnancy work across the board is that they have very limited resources,” noted St. James in a recent interview. “My real hope in doing “Sarah’s Choice” was that ultimately the film would be a resource that pregnancy centers could use-whether as a trailer, or showing the whole movie to the young women or the families of young women facing the issue of ‘choice.’ I am thrilled whenever we learn its being used as a tool of encouragement for someone to choose life for their unborn baby.”

On the ongoing efforts of those working to preserve the lives of the unborn, Rebecca feels strongly: “These are the real heroes of our time. Women are too often overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, believing there is no alternative, and they tragically end their pregnancies. I hope to help spread the message even wider that there is hope through the compassionate network of pregnancy centers who are every day through, their expressions of both practical support and God’s love, empowering women to choose life.”

This Sunday-January 22, 2012–Sanctity of Human Life Sunday-will be a reminder of that mission–and that hope.

For more information on the work of Care Net, resource: www.care-net.org

To see a clip from Rebecca’s film “Sarah’s Choice” watch video below.

The locations and dates are finally out for Season 5 Sunday Best hopefuls.  It seems like just the other day when thousands of people lined up in several cities across the nation with the hope of being crowned the season four Sunday Best.  

Well it’s that time again.  Thousands of hopefuls will get their chance to audition for Season 5 of the hit show Sunday Best.  

Looking back, last years winner Amber Bullock would have never dreamed of the fame, name recognition and opportunities that come along with being named Sunday Best.  After speaking with her in November it’s good to see that she’s taking it all in stride.  

Now it’s someone else’s opportunity to show the world what God has blessed them with.  Below is the partial schedule for auditions that begin March 24th in Dallas.  
Check back often for updates on locations.   Do you have what it takes to be Sunday’s Best?

Dallas, TX
Saturday, March 24

The Potter’s House
6777 W. Kiest Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75236

Washington, DC
Saturday, March 31
Reid Temple AME Church

11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard
Glenn Dale, MD 20769

Atlanta, GA
Saturday, April 14

Greater Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church
4650 Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, GA 30034

St. Louis, MO
Saturday, April 21

Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church
5525 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63112

Breathe Cast reports that top-selling secular rapper Rick Ross recently stirred controversy with the release of his song titled “Holy Ghost” which has been criticized for twisting scriptures and degrading the Holy Spirit by using Him as a consultant that helps lead him further into sin.

The first verse of the song depicts Ross, a self-proclaimed Christian, relishing in the riches of sitting in his expensive Bugatti as he makes a drug deal.

Proclaiming that being “dead broke” is the “root of all evil” instead of the love of money, he is attempting to dodge cops and asks for the Holy Ghost to intervene.

Among those offended by the song are rappers within the Christian hip hop community. Being vocal about their disapproval, some have offered responses to the record, being careful to label it as a response so as to not come off disrespectfully.

Though offended, Christian rapper Gifted da Flamethrowa wanted to use it as a means to reach out to Ross.

“It’s obvious he (Ross) is going out of his way to disrespect God. We can’t say he is doing it for [publicity] because he is already a top seller. So what he is doing is from his heart,” he told popular Christian hip hop Journalist Sketch. “When I heard that song it immediately sparked my brain to reach out.”

Using clips of Ross’ previous statements of faith, saying that he “put[s] Jesus first,” Gifted uses this to question Ross’ intentions.

Discussing his faith in “The Fence” documentary, Ross explains that he puts his all into what he believes, uses money and influence for positivity, and believes that God is the reason behind his success in the music industry.

When asked about the criticism that he receives from Christians who judge his lyrics for not reflecting his religious beliefs, Ross who derived his stage name from the 1980s drug dealer “Freeway” Rick Ross, said he reflects what he has seen in his lyrics whether or not people want to look at it and that he embraces the judgments.

Click Here to Read the Full Story on Breathe Cast

Multi-Grammy Award-winning My Block/Columbia recording artists Mary Mary kicks off the new year with 2 Stellar Music Award wins. Recognized at Gospel music’s biggest night, Mary Mary took home awards for Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year.

The ladies 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.

In addition to their professional accomplishments, Erica and her husband, producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell, are expecting their third child this February.

About WE tv: WE tv (www.wetv.com) is the women’s network that showcases an unfiltered, modern view of family life. The original programming presents stories from a woman’s perspective and features celebrities and personalities audiences can relate to and embrace. The network’s slate of original series, including the hit shows Braxton Family Values, Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, underscore WE tv’s brand position and tagline, Life As WE Know It, which signifies the connection women share based on similar life experiences during life’s defining moments – like getting married, raising a family, dealing with sibling rivalry, and making ends meet. Owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., WE tv is available in over 76 million homes and is available in HD and on demand.

Rising Gospel music superstar Vashawn Mitchell topped the list of winners during the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards announced Saturday night during the show’s taping at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House Theater. Mitchell took home six awards, including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year for his 2011 album, “Triumphant.”

“I am grateful to stand here,” a gracious Mitchell said, also acknowledging other artists in the category, his family, label and social media fans.  “I’ve been coming to the Stellar Awards a long time and I’m glad I waited my turn.”

VaShawn Mitchell on Red Carpet (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Dorinda Clark-Cole & Marvin Sapp host (Photo Credit: Getty Images) 

Hosted by the legendary Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp, ten awards were presented over the course of the two-hour Stellar Awards show, with 28 additional awards announced during pre-show ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. Winners were selected by online voters.

From the start, the evening was catapulted to a heart-pumping level of praise as Kirk Franklin took the stage. In a production-packed opening number, Franklin performed a combination of his latest hits, including “Smile,” which was awarded Song of the Year during the show. Franklin also took home three additional honors, including CD of the Year, Producer of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year.  Franklin dedicated his awards to his team, pulling them up on stage to share the moment during his acceptance for CD of the Year and later stunned the crowd when he shared his award for Song of the Year with fellow nominee Darius Polk who penned Vashawn Mitchell’s “Nobody Greater.”

Kirk Franklin Performs (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“Because God has been so kind to me…..He’s given me more than I deserve or could ever earn,” said Franklin.  “I want to be a good Christian and I know to do that, I have to encourage others. That song “Nobody Greater” has ministered to me so deeply.  If you don’t mind, I would be honored to share this award with [Darius Polk] because that song is incredible.”

Other top winners of the evening included Mary Mary, Kim Burrell, Smokie Norful and The Rance Allen Group who were honored with two trophies each. The New Artist of the Year award was presented to Y’anna Crawley who graciously thanked God for the opportunity to perform and use her gifts for his glory, as well as the fans for listening to her music.

The show was filled with stirring performances, including a collaborative medley of “Sweeter” by Kim Burrell; Jessica Reedy brought the audience to their feet with a rendition of “Put It on the Altar;”  Le’Andria Johnson masterfully sang “Jesus;” and Martha Munizzi delighted the crowd with the spirited praise song, “Excellent.”  Other big performers included William McDowell, whose rendition of “I Give Myself Away” transformed the Grand Old Opry House into a spirit-filled sanctuary, with the visibly moved crowd joined together in worship.  A high-energy Hip Hop collaboration by Canton Jones, LeCrae and Da’T.R.U.T.H. culminated in a soulful rendition of “Awesome God.”  Fred Hammond, Earnest Pugh, Richard Smallwood & Vision, James Fortune & Fiya, Ricky Dillard & New G  all delivered powerhouse performances to the delight of the full-to-capacity crowd.

John P. Kee wins Lifetime Achievement Award (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
 

The show also recognized the great accomplishments of some of Gospel’s brightest stars. John P. Kee received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his accomplishments over a career that spans three decades and was serenaded by Isaac Carree, Sheila Lakin, Lowell Pye and Zacardi Cortez.  Dorothy Norwood, dubbed “The World’s Greatest Gospel Story Teller,” received the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award, presented by the veteran show host.  Vy Higgensen, the first woman to host a morning show on New York radio as well as produce a faith-based musical on Broadway, received the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award for her work with the “Gospel for Teens” program.

The annual praise-raising celebration began with star-studded red carpet arrivals featuring luminaries from Gospel, television, film and politics, such as Tina Campbell (from Mary Mary), Teddy Campbell, Ernest Pugh, James Fortune, Vashawn Mitchell, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Isaac Caree, James Fortune, Shirley Murdock, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dorothy Norwood, Kurt Carr, Richard Smallwood, Dottie Peoples, Kim Fields, Regina Bell, Martha Munizzi, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Wess Morgan, LeCrae, Canton Jones, Jessica Reedy, Le’Andria and others.
 

Wess Morgan with his daughter Elizabeth Morgan (Photo Credit: Getty Images) 

The 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air in nationwide syndication from January 21, 2012 to February 26, 2012 and premiere on GMC Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 8 p.m. EST.

Don Jackson, CEO and Executive Producer of the show said, “Our 27th special was by far our most diverse program to date, with performances that spanned the entire spectrum of Gospel music including Hip Hop, Rap, Contemporary, Praise & Worship, and Traditional.  I never thought we could top our previous 25th Anniversary show, but we did.  Our 27th Annual Show was in fact, our best ever from start to finish.”

The Stellar Awards’ official title sponsor is AT&T; American Airlines is the official airline of the Stellar Awards. 

CLICK HERE to view the full list of winners!