Mathew Knowles’ Music World Entertainment celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year. In 1992, after nearly 20 highly successful years at Xerox and other leading companies, Knowles left Corporate America to pursue his passion for the music and entertainment industries. He turned one of his bedrooms into his office, obtained a DBA, had a company phone line installed—which he still has today—and officially opened the doors of Music World Entertainment.

Over the past two decades, Music World Entertainment has experienced tremendous growth and extraordinary success. It has expanded and diversified into one of the world’s leading music and entertainment conglomerates, with record sales exceeding 300 million worldwide. Its worldwide platforms include successful record label ventures; management services for recording artists and producers; artist development services; endorsement and partnership deals; performance and event facilities; a master catalog series; film and television ventures; licensed merchandise products; philanthropic work; and investment and property holdings. Knowles established several recording imprints under Music World Music, including Music World Gospel, Music World Kids and Music World Country/Compadre. Music World Music has had an unprecedented impact on music around the globe through its GRAMMY® Award-winning artists, legendary entertainers and music icons, top catalogue compilations and celebrated soundtracks.

Knowles’ entrée into the music business was as a dad who was supporting the passions and dreams of his daughters, Beyoncé and Solange. In the beginning, he took his daughters to dance classes and rehearsals. When Beyoncé became a member of a performance group called Girls Tyme, Knowles became more involved. He helped out with the group and accompanied the girls to Orlando, Florida when they were invited to appear on Star Search. The group lost the competition. With the girls heartbroken and in tears, Knowles sought advice from show host Ed McMahon, who told him that past losers on the show had retooled, made some personnel and other changes within their groups, and become very popular (Boys II Men, Justin Timberlake and Usher, to name a few). He became co-manager of the group, reshaped it, and worked hard to get the girls as many performance opportunities as possible while he was attempting to get them a record deal. In 1995, Knowles negotiated a production deal for the group with Darryl Simmons (songwriting partner with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “LA” Reid) and Elektra Records. However, The Dolls (the group’s name at that time) were dropped by Elektra before they had an opportunity to record a CD. After more time, more gigs, several name changes (The Dolls, Cliché, Something Fresh, and Destiny), and lots of hours and money spent at Kinko’s preparing and mailing promotional materials to record companies, they eventually landed a record deal with Columbia Records in 1997.

During this time, Knowles began managing Lil’ O, a rapper who had attained some regional success in the Houston area. Knowles made his first record deal when he got Lil’ O signed with MCA Geffen/Interscope. Before Destiny’s Child had recorded their first record, he was able to get them featured on the video for Lil’ O’s single, “Can’t Stop.” It was the beginning of Knowles’ belief that his artists should work together—a philosophy that is a central tenet of Music World Entertainment today.

A visionary leader, Knowles has expanded his company through successful acquisitions and partnerships. From 2002-2006, Music World Entertainment was a part of the Sanctuary Records Group, a record label based in the United Kingdom, which had been the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management and urban music management company in the world. As president of Music World/Sanctuary Urban Music, he launched albums for such prestigious artists as Earth Wind & Fire, the O’Jays, Chaka Khan and Kool and the Gang, which are now part of Music World Music’s popular Music World Masters Series. The company also released DVDs of live performances of Mary J. Blige, as well as De La Soul’s CD, The Grind Date. In addition, it released Ray J’s third album, Raydiation, which was a joint venture with his independent label KnoCKOUT Entertainment. Through acquisitions of Troy Carter, Max Gouse, Tony Davis, Kendu Isaacs, and Demmette Guidry, the Music World/Sanctuary Urban management roster included: Destiny’s Child, Eve, Mary J. Blige, Solange, D12, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Mary Mary, and Nelly. In addition, multiple GRAMMY winner Nas had his first #1 album, and recording artist Lyfe Jennings had his first #1 Billboard R&B hit. In 2006, Knowles purchased his company back from Sanctuary Records Group.

Through Music World Music, Knowles also has established joint ventures with Sony Music, Interscope/Geffen, Fontana/Universal, Integrity Africa, Fontana International and Sony Brazil. In addition, Knowles has negotiated mega endorsement deals and strategic partnerships with Fortune 50, 100 and 500 corporations across various industries, including Wal-Mart, BET, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, ESSENCE Communications, American Express, L’Oreal, General Mills, Verizon, Pepsico (Pepsi), McDonald’s, Nintendo, Giorgio Armani (Emporio Armani Diamonds), DirecTV, Chesebrough-Ponds (Vaseline), Ocean Pacific, Soft Sheen-Carson, Crystal Geyser, Samantha Thavasa and others.

In 2002, Knowles founded Spirit Rising Music, which is now Music World Gospel, as a faith-based record and management company under Music World Music. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year, it is currently the largest owned and operated African American Gospel label in the world. 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, Andrea Helms, and Elder Goldwire, as well as ESSENCE Gospel, Ultimate Gospel, the Most Powerful Voices, The Gospel Superfest, Spirit Rising and The Pastor Rudy Experience brand compilations CDs. In 2007, through Music World Music, Knowles acquired the country music catalogue of Compadre, which includes recordings of GRAMMY award-winning artists and unique country music compilations featuring artists such as country singer and cultural icon Johnny Cash, as well as Billy Joe Shaver, James McMurty, Trent Willmon and Kate Campbell, among others. Knowles also launched the family oriented music imprint, Music World Kids. The label has released youth projects that include: Baby Jamz, Krazy Kuzins, Kid’s Rap Radio and the Music World Kids CD 5-pack. The venture also has released music from Nickelodeon’s popular cartoon series, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!

Music World Music has received recognition and accolades within the industry for its astounding success. It was crowned one of the Top Imprint Labels of the Decade (2000-2009) by Billboard magazine. With hits across the music landscape—from Top 40, to R&B, to hip hop, to gospel, Music World Music was also named the #1 Dance Imprint Label in the world by Billboard magazine 2009.

Top Music World Music album releases include: Destiny’s Child’s RIAA gold album, This Is The Remix, and RIAA platinum album, 8 Days of Christmas; Solange’s debut project, Solo Star; the ESSENCE Music Festival series; Dancelicious, a compilation CD featuring Beyoncé, Solange and Kelly Rowland club mixes; GRAMMY nominated soundtracks from Dreamgirls and Roll Bounce; and the soundtracks from Cadillac Records and MTV’s Carmen: A Hip Hopera, among others.

Through Music World Entertainment and Artist Management, Knowles has executive produced over 100 award-winning, platinum and gold albums in multiple genres, including pop, R&B, gospel, dance, and country, as well as soundtracks and special themed projects. Under Music World Artist Management, 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. Billboard magazine ranked the group as one of the Greatest Trios of All Time and, in 2008, inducted them into the All Time Hot 100 Artists. 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). During that time, Knowles also successfully launched and managed the solo careers of the other members of Destiny’s Child: Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, who have also had unprecedented international success.

The Music World Entertainment strategy that Knowles established develops all aspects of an artist’s career. A centerpiece of this approach is his signature Star Power™ Boot Camp, which includes vocal coaching, choreography, fitness, A&R, styling and wardrobe, media training, photo shoots, and music business 101.

Knowles’ successful track record has expanded to include film. He is executive producer of the #1 box-office hit, Obsessed. He has also ventured into television. Knowles executive produced and is featured in two international reality series: UK’s #1 rated show, Chancers, and the new series Breaking From Above, a six-episode program based on the British girl group From Above and their struggles to stay on top. The series airs on MTV International and can be viewed in over 160 countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Hungary, Asia, Portugal, Greece, Poland, and Latin America. The group, which came to Knowles’ attention when they performed as the opening act on Beyoncé 2009 “I Am…” Tour in the UK, was signed by Knowles to Music World Artist Management and Music World Music. From Above’s debut CD, Breaking From Above, was released internationally in December 2011.

The Houston headquarters of Music World Entertainment is home to the House of Deréon Media Center (HODMC), a performance and event facility that hosts live music events featuring an international roster of artists from various musical genres. Multiple GRAMMY winner and platinum selling artist John Legend and award-winning British sensation Estelle have been among the many featured performers there. Celebrity and TV host, Jimmy Fallon, has also made use of the facility, as well as MTV, BET and other media and entertainment conglomerates. The HODMC also is used for special events such as charity galas, political events, corporate parties and private gatherings.

Music World Studios has a rich history of recording projects for some of the top artists and musicians in the business. Originally constructed on the Music World Entertainment Campus in 2004 to provide a private recording studio and dance rehearsal space for Destiny’s Child, today the studios are used for recording projects for Music World artists, as well as other talent in the music industry. CDs by Destiny’s Child members that were recorded at Music World Studios include: Destiny’s Child’s Destiny Fulfilled, Beyoncé’s B-Day and Kelly Rowland’s Ms. Kelly, among many others. These CDs garnered numerous #1 singles and international acclaim. Music World Gospel artists Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Le’Andria Johnson, Amber Bullock, Andrea Helms and Pastor Rudy Rasmus have all recorded projects there. Award–wining and multi-platinum and gold-selling artists who have recorded projects at Music World Studios include: George Clinton, De La Soul, Rick Ross, Estelle, Lil Wayne, Mario and Ginuwine. Music World Recording Studios and Rehearsal Hall provides full engineering, mixing and editing services by highly-trained experts using the most technologically advanced equipment, all in a private and exclusive environment in Downtown Houston. The studios, which also include a VIP lounge, are now available for use by the public.

Philanthropy has always been part of Music World Entertainment’s corporate responsibility and has always been important to Mathew Knowles. Along with Tina Knowles, and daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, he established the “Survivor Foundation,” “The Knowles Rowland Center” and the “Knowles-Temenos Place Apartments” (St. Johns Church, Downtown Houston), an apartment complex for homeless individuals that provides affordable housing, supportive services, and employment resources to people who are on their journey to self-sufficiency. The Knowles also built two homes in Houston for Habitat for Humanity. In addition, the family has donated to numerous non-profit organizations throughout the world.

As Music World Entertainment celebrates its growth and accomplishments over the past 20 years, it is making plans to build on that legacy of success. For Music World Entertainment, the future starts now. The company will make several announcements in the coming months regarding new artist signees, and new projects, acquisitions and partnerships.

The Christian Post writes about a young online evangelist is hoping to epitomize the message that Jesus does not equal “religion” in a YouTube video that has attracted over 13 million views in only 7 days.  The video has incited hundreds of comments on the true meaning of faith.  At publishing time the video had 236,405 likes, 33,327 dislikes.

The video, titled “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus,” was uploaded Jan. 10 and has since become YouTube’s most-watched video. The popular, and apparently controversial video, showcases what Jefferson Bethke says was his “journey to discover this truth – the difference between Jesus and false religion.”

“What if I told you, Jesus came to abolish religion?” the poet asks. “If religion is so great, why has it started so many wars? Why does it build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor?”

“Religion says slave, Jesus says son,” he adds. “Religion puts you in shackles but Jesus sets you free. Religion makes you blind, but Jesus lets you see.”

Not unlike many Christians, Bethke says he spent his whole life “building this facade of neatness,” acting like a church kid yet getting faded and viewing pornography. He accuses many Christians of also putting on a “fake look.”

“The problem with religion is it never gets to the core,” the poet asserts. “It’s just behavior modification like a long list of chores – like let’s dress up the outside, make it look nice and neat.” 

Church, he says, “is not a museum for good people; it’s a hospital for the broken which means I don’t have to hide my failure, I don’t have to hide my sin because it doesn’t depend on me, it depends on Him.”

Bethke, a self-described “messed up dude addicted to grace,” claims that Christianity is God’s search for man, while religion is the opposite – man’s search for God. He explains that this is why salvation is free for the taking – forgiveness is his and not something based on “effort, but Christ’s obedience alone.” 

You can check out the video below and view the entire write-up by the Christian Post by clicking here.  Let us know what you think about the artists views.

Arrow Records artist Shonlock made one New Year’s resolution this year – To start the year strong. The holidays are over for this acclaimed choreographer (Arrested Development, Aaliyah) and former member of TobyMac’s Diverse City, who jumps into 2012 with a new radio single, title track “NeverOddOrEven,” and an announcement of Acquire the Fire tour dates that will put him in front of thousands in arenas nationwide.

One of 2011’s most exciting new artists, Shonlock burst onto the scene in June with his full-length debut release NEVERODDOREVEN (Arrow Records/Universal Music Christian Group). He quickly proved that he had earned his new frontman status, thanks to major festival performances and the “Outta Space Love Tour” with Group 1 Crew, Rachael Lampa and Rapture Ruckus. With increased demand for shows of his own, Shonlock eventually departed TobyMac’s road crew this past fall.

Shonlock’s debut single, “Something In Your Eyes,” became one of 2011’s biggest radio hits, holding the #1 spot on Billboard’s CHR Chart for seven straight weeks. The follow-up single, “Hello,” spent just as many weeks in the top 5, becoming one of the summer’s biggest singles.

“Words can’t express how grateful and humbled I am by the success of this record thus far,” said Shonlock. “There were a lot of gifted people involved in this project, but none more important then the gift giver, my Father, my source, my everything, JESUS! And this is just the beginning.”

With the new year, comes a new round of media attention, including recent appearances on Atlanta Live, En Sound Radio Network, the nationally syndicated Coconut Hut Radio Show, CMSpin.com’s “That’s Awesome Show” podcast, NewReleaseTuesday.com’s Monday Night Chat and his upcoming appearance on ABC Family’s long-running daytime talker, The 700 Club, among others.

ACQUIRE THE FIRE TOUR DATES:
January 21 – Grace Community Church – Houston, TX
January 28 – Richmond Coliseum – Richmond, VA
February 04 – Minneapolis Convention Center – Minneapolis, MN
February 11 – Kemper Arena – Kansas City, MO
February 18 – The Tabernacle -Atlanta, GA
February 25 – Municipal Auditorium – Nashville, TN
March 03 – Freeman Coliseum – San Antonio, TX
March 10 – Worthen Arena – Muncie, IN
March 17 – Mabee Center – Tulsa, OK
March 24 – Viejas Arena – San Diego, CA

For more information on Shonlock, visit the official website at www.shonlock.com.

Gospel music’s leading man, Earnest Pugh, who resides in the D.C. area, sent shockwaves through the music industry this weekend during the 27th annual Stellar Awards (Gospel Music’s answer to the Grammy Awards) festivities that took place in Nashville, TN. Pugh announced that his EPM Music Group label had secured a distribution deal with Entertainment One (E1). “Under this new agreement, EPM Music will release new gospel projects by an array of established and up-and-coming artists,” says Pugh.

“Having Earnest deliver us a #1 Debut Album on the Billboard Gospel Chart in 2011 gave us a front row seat to his potential and the capabilities of EPM,” says Entertainment One General Manager and Executive Vice President, Jim Cuomo. Pugh has tapped music executive, Scott Cameron, of Brimstone Entertainment Consulting, as General Manager of EPM Music.

“I’m honored to be offered the opportunity to work with Earnest and the EPM staff to assist in the realization of his dream,” says Cameron. “I see the potential of EPM to become a leader in the Gospel entertainment field and look forward to challenges and opportunity ahead of us.” Singer/songwriter, Keith Williams, will serve as EPM’s A&R director and one of its first recording artists.

The charismatic Pugh also thrilled the sold-out Stellar Award audience at the Grand Ole Opry to a riveting medley of his #1 hits “I Need Your Glory” and “Rain On Us.” Legendary choir leader, Ricky Dillard, was in the audience and says, “Earnest was just awesome. His performance was a highlight of the night.” The Stellar Awards will air on the GMC Cable Channel February 11, 2012 @ 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. EST.

A Memphis native who was mentored by Grammy Award winning choir leader O’Landa Draper back in the 1990s, Pugh released his first solo CD in 2006 and showed off his five-octave vocals on the radio hit “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up.” After years of making respectable forays into gospel, Pugh finally hit it big in 2009 with his #1 smash “Rain On Us.”

Visit www.earnestpugh.com for more information on this exciting artist.

Intent on bringing a raw, authentic worship experience in a stadium filled with thousands of people set on worshipping Jesus Christ, UNITED’s Live In Miami was recorded during the band’s sold out worship night Aug. 6, 2011 at American Airlines Arena in Miami. The event was part of the 2011″Welcome To The Aftermath” tour that consisted of 32 events with 182,000 people filling venues to capacity in venues across the country – from New York to Miami to Los Angeles, where UNITED became the first Christian band to sell out Staples Center. While UNITED are certainly known for their live albums and DVDs, the release of Live In Miami marks the first time for the band that one night has been captured in its entirety – from the first song to the last encore. The purpose of the tour, as always for UNITED, was to passionately seek and worship God.

Having led worship in churches, stadiums and open fields around the world, UNITED’s Live In Miami is a return to the live album format and is the first live release from the band in four years. Releasing Feb. 14, the Live In Miami double-CD and DVD each feature 22 songs comprised of Hillsong favorites like “Mighty to Save,” “From The Inside Out” and “The Stand,” as well as newer songs from UNITED’s acclaimed Aftermath studio CD (2011), including “Search My Heart,” UNITED’s biggest radio hit to date. The DVD contains over 2 hours of inspiring anthems, “drum battles,” behind-the-scenes footage and more. A physical deluxe package is also available that combines the double-CD with the full length DVD.

An album “teaser” video can be seen at this link, and the full UNITED, Live In Miami CD/DVD track listing follows:

TRACK SONG TITLE COMPOSERS
1 Go Matt Crocker
2 Break Free Matt Crocker, Joel Houston & Scott Ligertwood
3 You Joel Houston
4 Search My Heart Matt Crocker & Joel Houston
5 Mighty To Save Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan
6 Hosanna Brooke Fraser
7 All I Need Is You Marty Sampson
8 Bones Joel Houston & Jill McCloghry
9 Nova Michael Chislett, Matt Crocker & Joel Houston
10 Aftermath Joel Houston
11 Freedom Is Here Scott Ligertwood & Reuben Morgan / Shout Unto God Joel Houston & Marty Sampson
12 Like An Avalanche Joel Houston & Dylan Thomas
13 Rhythms Of Grace Chris Davenport & Dean Ussher
14 Oh You Bring Matt Crocker
15 The Stand Joel Houston
16 From The Inside Out Joel Houston
17 With Everything Joel Houston
18 Your Name High Joel Houston
19 Take It All Matt Crocker, Scott Ligertwood, Marty Sampson
20 Yours Forever Joel Davies & Braden Lang
21 Take Heart Joel Houston

Traversing the world’s continents, UNITED continues its cross-cultural journey of music and worship. Recently in Atlanta Jan. 2 for Passion 2012, UNITED returns to Miami Feb. 10 for the One conference. On March 9, the band will be at the Smoky Mountain Winterfest in Knoxville, TN. The latest tour dates and additional information on UNITED can be found at www.hillsongunited.com, www.youtube.com/hillsongunitedtv and www.facebook.com/hillsongunited, where the band has over 2.6 Million fans.

In studio and out of studio, on tour or home at Hillsong Church, UNITED is committed to sharing songs that speak truth, create a unique sound, connects with churches, individuals and ultimately connects people everywhere with God. Born out of the Youth Movement of Australia’s Hillsong Church, UNITED is fronted by worship leaders Joel Houston, Jad Gillies, Jonathon “JD” Douglass and backed by an evolving collaboration of pastors, worship leaders, musicians and songwriters – all intentional about giving voice to a generation passionate about God.

The 27th Annual Stellar Awards were held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in Nashville, TN at the Grand Ole Opry House.  The show was hosted by Marvin Sapp and Dorinda Clark Cole, and will begin airing in local markets on January 21, 2012.  The program will also be broadcast nationally on GMC on February 11, 2012 at 8pm ET.  Click Here to see when the Stellar Awards airs on local stations in your area. 

VaShawn Mitchell was the nights big winner with 6 Stellar Awards.  Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and to all the winners!

Here are this year’s winners (winners are in RED)!

Artist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Kirk Franklin
Mary Mary
VaShawn Mitchell

Song of the Year
“Nobody Greater” | Darius Paulk
“Well Done” | Deitrick Haddon
“I Smile” | Kirk Franklin
“I Choose To Worship” | Wess Morgan

Male Vocalist of the Year
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
Smokie Norful
VaShawn Mitchell

Female Vocalist of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Kim Burrell
Martha Munizzi
Yolanda Adams

Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Rance Allen Group
Trin-i-tee 5:7

New Artist of the Year
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Preashea Hilliard
Todd Dulaney
Y’Anna

CD of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA – I Believe
Kirk Franklin – I Smile
Mary Mary – Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant

Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard
Shekinah Glory Ministry

Producer of the Year2
Aaron Lindsey, Tommy Sims & Israel Houghton for Love God. Love People.
Kirk Franklin for Hello Fear
VaShawn Mitchell, Daniel Weatherspoon & Rick Robinson for Triumphant
Warryn Campbell/Mary Mary for Something Big

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
James Fortune & FIYA
Mary Mary
Trin-i-tee 5:7

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers

Contemporary Male of the Year
Deitrick Haddon
Earnest Pugh
Israel Houghton
VaShawn Mitchell

Traditional Male of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson
John P Kee
Rance Allen
Smokie Norful

Contemporary Female of the Year
Kim Burrell
Preashea Hilliard
Y’Anna
Yolanda Adams

Traditional Female of the Year
Beverly Crawford
Evelyn Turrentine-Agee
LaShun Pace
Twinkie Clark

Contemporary CD of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Kirk Franklin | Hello Fear
Mary Mary | Something Big
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant

Traditional CD of the Year
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living
Smokie Norful | How I Got Over…

Urban Inspirational Performance of the Year
Deitrick Haddon | “Well Done”
Kirk Franklin | “I Smile”
Mary Mary | “Walking”
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater”

Music Video of the Year – Short Form
Martha Munizzi | “Excellent” (Martha Munizzi)
Christian Heuer | “Walking” (Mary Mary)
Canton Jones | “God” (Canton Jones)
VaShawn Mitchell | “Nobody Greater” (VaShawn Mitchell)

Music Video of the Year – Long Form
Deitrick Haddon | Church on the Moon
Jerry Parries | Bishop Morton Celebrates…
Mississippi Mass Choir | Then Sings My Soul
Ricky Dillard | Keep Living

Traditional Choir of the Year
Chicago Mass Choir
Greater Mt. Calvary Church Choir
Mississippi Mass Choir
Ricky Dillard

Contemporary Choir of the Year
Lonnie Hunter & Structure
Shekinah Glory Ministry

Instrumental Gospel CD of the Year
Harold Rayford | I Am the Instrument
Moses Tyson Jr | Music Remastered & Sacred Organ
Todd Ledbetter | Meditations: Hymsn in the Key of Jazz
Winston Stewart | Season

Special Event CD of the Year
Bishop Paul Morton | Still
John P Kee | The Legacy Project
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | My Songbook

Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Flame | Captured
Lecrae | Rehab
Lecrae | Rehab: The Overdose
Viktory | Birth of a Legacy

Children’s Project of the Year
Teen Pure N Heart | Pure N Heart Live
Santiago & Claude Deuce | My Destiny Place – My Imagination
The Velasquez Singers | Ten
T-Rep The Young Prayzr | Let’s Go

Quartet of the Year
Keith Wonderboy Johnson & Spiritual Voices
Rance Allen Group
The Soul Seekers

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Christina Jones for Dominionaire (Canton Jones)
Denise Trotman & Greg Gilligan for Hello Fear (Kirk Franklin)
Martha Munizzi for Make It Loud (Martha Munizzi)
Tanner Gary for Triumphant (VaShawn Mitchell)

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Earnest Pugh | Earnestly Yours
Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People.
Shekinah Glory Ministry | Refreshed By Fire
VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant

Spoken Word CD of the Year
Marco the Poet | Marco the Poet EP
Michael Diallo McLendon | The Diallo Experience
Selah | Look At You Loving Me
Trupoetry | Trupoetry

Special Award Honorees

Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award Honoree
VY HIGGINSEN

Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award Honoree
DOROTHY NORWOOD

James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree
JOHN P. KEE

Radio Station of the Year Finalists:

Major Market (3M+)
WPZE 102.5 FM (Atlanta, GA)
WPRS 104.1 FM (Washington, DC)
KJLH 102.3 FM (Los Angeles, CA)
WGRB 1390 AM (Chicago, IL)
 

Large Market (1-3M)
WHAL 95.7 FM/1460 AM (Memphis, TN)
WFMI 100.9 FM (VA-Norfolk-Newport, VA)
KCAO 600 AM (Baltimore, MD)
WMBM 1490 AM (Miami, FL)

Medium Market (500,000-1M)
WLOU 1350 AM (Louisville, KY)
WPRF 94.9 FM (New Orleans, LA)
WENO 760 AM (Nashville, TN) 
WPZK 102.5 (Little Rock, AR)

Small Market (under 500,000)
WDJL 1000 AM (Huntsville, AL)
WJNI 106.3 FM (Charleston, SC)
KOKA 980 AM (Shreveport, LA)
WIMG 1300 AM (Trenton, NJ)

Martin Luther King Jr.’s monument on the Washington Mall will undergo alterations after critics ceaselessly complained that the truncated “drum major” quote changed the meaning and made the civil rights leader seem “like an arrogant twit,” says Maya Angelou. But the MLK monument is not the only memorial to receive significant changes after its completion.

Legendary poet and activist Maya Angelou was the most prominent of the dissidents who previously said the truncated version made King sound like “an arrogant twit” because it was out of context.

The current inscription reads: “I was a drum major for justice, peace and righteousness.” The phrase is chiseled into one side of a massive block of granite that includes King’s likeness emerging from the stone. It became a point of controversy after the memorial opened in August 2011.

The phrase is modified from a sermon known as the “Drum Major Instinct,” in which the 39-year-old King explained to his Atlanta congregation how he would like to be remembered at his funeral. He made the February 1968 speech and was assassinated just two months later in Memphis, Tenn.

In the speech, King’s words seem more modest than the paraphrased inscription: “Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter.”

Ed Jackson Jr., the executive architect of the $120 million project, stands by his decision to alter King’s words that he says were shortened for space reasons. “A few very carefully selected words will be added to the existing phrase; that will further amplify his statement about his role in America during the mid-20th century as a leader, a social advocate, a messenger, a voice of the people … for freedom, justice, hope and peace,” he said.

Harry Johnson, the president of the King Memorial Foundation, says the group will weigh its options on the best way to make the quote alterations back to the original words of King.

Angelou was named to the memorial’s Council of Historians tasked with selecting the inscriptions for the memorial. But she was not in attendance when the council convened to discuss the inscriptions, Jackson said.

One spokesperson said, significant modifications to a completed memorial on the National Mall is not unprecedented.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) honored gospel giants Kirk Franklin and Hezekiah Walker at its 13^th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon today in Nashville. Held at Rocketown, the event brought legends and contemporary stars together to celebrate the careers of two of the genre’s finest. 

Marvin Sapp’s “The Best in Me” was named BMI’s Most-Performed Gospel Song of the Year. Co-written by Sapp and Aaron Lindsey, the song topped gospel charts and achieved historic crossover success, climbing from no. 78 to no. 14 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hot Songs Chart – the biggest jump for a gospel hit since Billboard began using Nielsen SoundScan 18 years ago. To celebrate, Sapp surprised the audience with a performance of “The Best in Me.”

Kim Burrell and Israel Houghton hosted the luncheon, along with Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, and Del Bryant, BMI President & CEO.

Rance Allen and Isaac Carree deliver an inspiring performance in tribute to Kirk Franklin

Faith Evans and Jessica Reedy arrive at the 13^th Annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards

A full slate of artists delivered stunning performances before the show, including Wess Morgan, William McDowell, Earnest Pugh and VaShawn Mitchell.

The awe-inspiring musical tribute to Hezekiah Walker featured Faith Evans, Dorinda Clark Cole, Kim Burrell, DJ Rogers, Tamela Mann, Israel Houghton and Marvin Sapp. The charismatic songs of Kirk Franklin were then celebrated with dynamic performances by Fred Hammond, Jessica Reedy and the Kirk Franklin Singers, Myron Butler, LeAndria Johnson, Isaac Carree, Rance Allen and Kim Burrell. 

Finally, an all-star collection of artists gathered on stage for “Looking for You,” which served as the event’s triumphant finale.

Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI®), a global leader in rights management, is an American performing rights organization that represents more than 500,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 7.5 million musical works. BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world for more than 70 years. The company provides licenses for businesses that perform music, and distributes the fees it generates as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents. Find out more at www.bmi.com, follow @BMI on Twitter and stay connected through Facebook. 

About the 2012 Trailblazers honorees:

Kirk Franklin is the best-selling contemporary gospel artist in SoundScan history. He was the first gospel artist to sell more than one million albums, and today, his sales tally exceeds 15 million. While Franklin has earned 20 no. 1 singles on gospel charts, he has transcended genre and medium in countless ways, from serving as host of BET’s Sunday Best, to consistently crossing over to urban radio. With multiple BMI songwriting awards, seven Grammys, 37 Stellar Awards, 14 Dove Awards, and six NAACP Image Awards, he is one of gospel’s most decorated creators. In addition to changing hearts and minds through his music, Franklin rolls up his sleeves for numerous charities, such as World Vision and the Children’s Defense Fund, for which he was an Ambassador. He’s showing no signs of slowing: Released this year, his 12^th album Hello Fear and its lead single “I Smile” both topped charts.

www.kirkfranklin.com

Hezekiah Walker has led the Love Fellowship Choir, one of gospel music’s most influential groups, for more than two decades. The multiple Grammy winner has taken home 11 Stellar Awards, as well as numerous nominations for Dove, NAACP Image, and Soul Train honors. Through injecting traditional gospel and choir music with hip-hop and funk, Walker has crafted a distinct style that inspires and comforts young and old, black and white. He is also a soulful and persistently honest songwriter, capable of quiet introspection and airborne glory. Determined to carry the message even farther, Walker founded Love Fellowship Tabernacle Church and Hezekiah Walker Ministries, which serve not only as brick and mortar churches in New York and Pennsylvania, but resource centers for congregations all over the country as well. Walker’s acclaimed latest effort, Souled Out, is the thirteenth of his career.

www.hezekiahwalkerministries.com

The New International translation of the Bible is coming under scrutiny after it’s latest revisions and edition was released in late 2011.  Pastor Gregg Matte of Houston’s First Baptist Church recently made the announcement, deciding that the church would use the Holman Christian Standard Bible instead.

The translation is accused of being too gender neutral and softer on passages related to homosexuals.

Inside look at First Baptist Church – Houston, TX

“Upon review of the changes made to the NIV, Pastor Gregg believes that it is no longer as accurate in terms of reflecting the meaning of the original biblical texts,” reads the church’s website.

“Members and guests are welcome to use any translation of their choice – during the worship services, in Life Bible Studies, or for personal study of God’s Word.”

As the debate over the effectiveness of the translation continues, some Texas pastors have drawn similar conclusions about the latest NIV translation as Matte.

The Christian Post spoke with Andrew Werley, lead pastor for Jersey Village Baptist Church, also located in Houston, told CP that he has also felt that the NIV 2011 has “drifted.”

“I believe the TNIV or the NIV 2011 revision has drifted from what I would consider a true literal translation,” said Werley.

“As a communicator of God’s Word I want the bible I use to be as accurate as possible to the literal intent of the authors.”

Werley, whose church prefers the English Standard Version 2001, felt that pastors must “be sensitive to the Bible translation we use and promote.”

“I believe FBC Houston has incredible pastoral leadership and I know their decision was made in the best interest of their city, congregation and convictions,” said Werley.

“As a partner with them in trying to reach our city for Christ, I am happy to stand with them in their conviction to do what they believe is best for their church and their mission.”

The latest translation of the New International Version was released last year by the Committee for Bible Translation. It sparked controversy over allegations of being too gender neutral, with the Southern Baptist Convention in particular voicing opposition.

CBT claimed that it left 95 percent of the NIV (1984) alone in its changes and also revised many of the initial gender neutral phrases in certain verses.

The NIV 2011 also changed the wording of verses pertaining to homosexuality, with the CBT saying that it was done to clarify certain passages regarding the matter.

Madeline Tims, mother of late pastor Zachery Tims who was found dead in a New York City hotel room, has appealed the N.Y. Supreme Court decision Wednesday to release information about the cause and manner of her son’s death. As a result, the Appellate Court has issued an interim stay preventing the city from making that information public.

Madeline Tims’ plea was rejected by the court before Christmas, after she sued the New York medical examiner’s office, as well as the city, on Oct. 6. This was one day before the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) was set to issue a press release regarding the cause and manner of the Florida pastor’s death.

Zachery Tims, former senior pastor of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC), was found dead in his W Hotel room in Times Square Aug. 12. He was reportedly in New York City for a speaking engagement. The charismatic preacher battled drug addiction before becoming a Christian, which he described in his memoir called It’s Never Too Late. The book shares Tims’ story of “how a teenage criminal found his divine destiny and became a successful millionaire and pastor of a thriving church.”

Tims’ death has raised some controversy, as it was reported that a white powdery substance was found with the pastor’s body. As his former congregation is still waiting to find out whether their pastor succumbed to his old addiction, the minister’s family, lead by the mother, is fighting the legal battle to keep the cause of death only available to the closest of kin.

Madeline Tims’ attorney, Ricardo E. Oquendo, Esq., argued that since the City has no right to publicly disclose autopsy reports, neither should it be allowed to disclose information listed on such reports – such as the cause and manner of death. But the judge sided with the OCME, which has historically released the cause and manner of death of individuals to the public.

Presently, Madeline Tims’ appeal has again postponed the release of that information.

Meanwhile, Zachery Tims was replaced at NDCC by another celebrity pastor from Florida, Paula White. The decision to appoint White as Tims’ successor raised some tension between the church board and the minister’s ex-wife Riva Tims, who is the pastor at Majestic Life church.