Nothing short of a living legend, The World’s Greatest Storyteller, Dorothy Norwood has been entertaining, preaching, uplifting, mentoring, writing, and producing for more than fifty years.

On January 14, 2012, Ms. Dorothy Norwood will be the recipient of the prestigious Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Awards at The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN during the 2012 Stellar Awards taping.

For decades, millions have been blessed by her classic, “Victory Is Mine; arguably, one of the greatest congregational hymns of all time which still appears in national commercials and Hollywood feature films such as “The Help”, 5 time, 2012 Golden Globe nominated and Oscar buzz motion picture.

On March 20, 2012, Dorothy Norwood returns with her latest and possibly the best recording of her illustrious “God’s Been Just That Good.” Ms. Norwood’s signature voice is backed by the young, bright, fresh sounding voices of Isaiah Thomas & EOP (Appears Courtesy Of Good Fellas Music Group) and the result is truly a heavenly mix.

The debut single, “Just That Good”, Ms. Norwood pays tribute to her best friend and mentor, The Queen Of Gospel, The Late Albertina Walker. Upon listening, you will be drawn into worship and your hands will go up in praise.

Dorothy Norwood officially began her gospel career in 1956, singing with Mahalia Jackson, Reverend James Cleveland, and with one of the greatest female gospel groups of all time, The Caravans. In 1960, she launched her solo career with Savoy Records, recording her first album, Johnny and Jesus in 1964. This release was quickly followed by Denied Mother in 1965, earning Norwood the title, “The World’s Greatest Storyteller.” Both projects certified gold. All total, five albums reached gold status. 1971, she recorded Live with the GMWA Mass Choir of Northern California; Live reached #1 on the Billboard Charts. To her credit, she has also had three top ten gospel albums and been in the top forty fourteen times (Billboard).

In 1972, she became an unlikely opening act for the Rolling Stones’ national tour with Mick Jagger. By 2000, Ms. Norwood was nominated for the Lady of Soul Award for her album, The Lord is a Wonder. She followed that nomination with two more at the 2001 Dove Awards for Ole Rickety Bridge (Traditional Album of the Year) and “There’s Got To Be Rain” (Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year).

In 2005, Norwood won the Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for “Stand on the Word,” and was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame twice; for her work as a solo artist as well as with The Caravans. The American Quartet Hall of Fame also inducted The Caravans in 2006 and Norwood reunited with the group to produce what would become a Billboard chart topping album, Paved The Way (Malaco). Paved The Way also garnered nominations in every major industry award group including the Grammy’s, Doves, Stellars, and Soul Train.

For nearly every year of her professional career singing gospel music, Dorothy Norwood has recorded an album.

Dorothy Norwood truly can testify that “God’s Been Just That Good!”

In order to be successful in today’s musical landscape, gospel artists need to have the necessary tools to navigate the industry. The Independent Gospel Artist Alliance, founded by Stellar Award Winner Phillip Carter and Stellar Award Nominee Earl Bynum, was started to empower, educate and motivate gospel artists. The highlight of the alliance is its annual Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference. This year’s event will take place from July 19 – 21, 2012 at The Mount located at 215 Las Gaviotas Blvd. in Chesapeake, VA.

Featuring 3 power-packed days of workshops and seminars, this year’s conference will tackle topics such as Distribution, Marketing, The Power of Publicity, Structuring Contracts, Licensing & Royalties, Small Business Set-up, Independent Label Operations, Artist Management, Radio Relationships, Promotional CD/Artwork Design and Performance Do’s and Don’ts. The conference will also feature CD Project Reviews, Nightly Showcases, the 2nd Annual Gospel Blue MIC Achievement Awards and more. To register, log on to the site’s website, www.indiegospelalliance.com.

In 2009, Phillip Carter formed the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance to strengthen the Independent label owner and artist through the power of networking and trade. In 2010, Sounds of Victory Ministries, in partnership with Earl Bynum Ministries, presented the first Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference. The annual small business conference focuses on the needs of Independent Gospel, Christian, and Inspirational Artists helping them manage their business, their career, and their music through education and networking. The Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference is sponsored by Sounds of Victory Ministries, Earl Bynum Ministries, LLC, The Mount, NEBO Publishing, Prayze Fest Gospel Hour, Excellence In Christian Music Awards, Rejoice America Radio, 3HP Records, CJBRadio.com, Gospel News Now and Yes Lord Radio. For more information, log on to www.indiegospelalliance.com.

Join us for a special Twitter Chat to discuss The Most Powerful Voices singing competition and learn more about Stroke Awareness at the #MPVgospel Twitter Chat, Thursday, January 5th at 9pm EST! Learn more about how you can participate and vote in the competition as well as discuss stroke risk factors with experts from The American Heart Association. We will be joined by special guests former Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams (@RealMichelleW) and Dr. Rani Whitfield (@ThaHipHopDoc) Those who register and attend the chat also will be entered to win prizes!

The Most Powerful Voices singing competition begins a new nationwide search for gospel performers who are eager to showcase their talents, compete for performing and recording opportunities. Register for the Most Powerful Voices online competition for your chance to win $5,000 cash prize, $5,000 worth of Roland music equipment, perform at Power Weekend in New York, a vocal coaching session from a renowned Light Records gospel artist, record a digital single with Light Records, and more! Even if you aren’t a performer, you can still vote for your favorites and enter to win a special fan prize. Sign up at http://power.watchgmctv.com/.

Most Powerful Voices is an initiative of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Power To End Stroke cause campaign. Power To End Stroke reaches African-Americans with stroke messages because of their disproportionate stroke risks compared to other ethnic groups. During the Twitter Chat, we will be discussing stroke prevention tips as well as hearing stories from survivors and their families. Michelle will be judging the finalists in the competition and will be tweeting with us about stroke risks.

“I am honored to be involved with the Most Powerful Voices gospel singing competition, because it shines a light on stroke,” Williams said. “This is very important to me because my father had a stroke in 2005 due to smoking, diabetes and an unhealthy lifestyle. His stroke left him debilitated, robbing him of his ability to talk and walk. The very next year, my grandmother suffered from stroke and I’m sad to say that she is no longer with us. My father and grandmother’s strokes have devastated my family.”

What: #MPVgospel Twitter Chat
Date/Time: Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 9-10pm EST
Hosts: @Power2EndStroke, @RealMichelleW, @ThaHipHopDoc, @TweeParties Hashtag: #MPVgospel
Custom Tweet Chat Link: http://bit.ly/tMQv8P
Custom Tweet Grid Link: http://bit.ly/tehn8L

January 3, 2012 – Gospel singer Trish Standley recently dropped her sophomore contemporary gospel album entitled, Redemption. The exceptional vocalist, who has opened up for Dorothy Norwood and shared the stage with award winners Phillip Carter & SOV, Earnest Pugh and Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews & The Oxon Hill High School Choir, recently charted on the UK Soul Chart with a single from the new release entitled “Love”.

Trish will be showcasing all of the songs from the project with an Online Listening Party on CJBRadio.com on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at 4PM EST. In order to tune in to the Listening Party, log on to www.CJBRadio.com. In addition, Trish will be interviewed speaking on the influences for her music.

A native of Kokomo, Indiana, Trish began singing at her home church. Her songwriting career began when she took her mother’s poetry and put melody to it. Years later, after moving to Atlanta, she continued embracing her musical talents, and studied voice with Canangela Boyd-Robertson of Jan Smith Studios, owned by the famed vocalist and songwriter. Trish formed a children’s choir and served as Lead Director at an Atlanta church. In 2004, she formed the gospel ensemble, AHAVA, which consisted of nine members who worshipped at various churches throughout the Atlanta area. In 2009, she released her first album entitled Introducing…Trish which was followed by her latest release, Redemption. For more information about Trish Standley, log on to www.jansjoy.net.

DefendChristians.Org solicited the members of their online community to vote for their choice of the top ten anti-Christian acts of 2011 in the U.S.

“I am always surprised at the results of our poll and this year is no exception,” said Dr. Gary Cass of DefendChristians.Org. “The fact the number one and number two issues are public policy and political in nature shows Christians are very concerned about the political direction of the country. I wouldn’t be surprised if this translates into a strong political response in 2012.”

These results do not necessarily represent the views or priorities of DefendChristians.org. They are a measure of the opinions of a cross-section of subscribers who responded to our online poll.

The Top Ten Anti-Christian Events in 2011 are:

        10) NBC television network twice took the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance in its lead-up to the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

9) In Franklin Massachusetts a pro-life man was beat by the police for peacefully handing out pro-life materials. The police accused him of conspiring to plant bombs.

8) A Christian man in Minnesota was fired from his job because one of his female co-workers attended a Bible Study that his wife led.

7) A Christian Florida teacher was suspended after school administrators discovered his support of traditional marriage posted on the internet.

6) In Kalispell Montana, pro-lifers were attacked by a fire-bomb during a prayer vigil in front of an abortion clinic. No one was hurt, but a police officer remarked pro-lifers should expect this sort of reaction to their activities.

5) Because of a complaint filed by the ACLU, the liberal 9th Circuit Court ruled that the Mt. Soledad War Memorial in San Diego was unconstitutional.

4) A homosexual activist effort caused investigations by the online money-transfer company, PayPal, against pro-family Christian organizations.

3) A Bible study was shut down by San Juan Capistrano, CA officials who claimed the group needed a permit because it posed a risk to public safety and health.

2) President Obama declared June “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month” and hosted a White House celebration by homosexuals.

1) California Governor Jerry Brown signs a bill forcing public school curriculum and textbooks to “celebrate” homosexuals, transgenders and bisexuals.

What do you think PATH? Are all of these acts Anti-Christian?

Riva Tims says she will not go forward with legal action against New Destiny Christian Center, after its board hired Paula White to replace her late ex-husband Pastor Zachery Tims.

Riva Tims held a news conference shortly after the announcement to say she would file a lawsuit against the church over the process its board took to pick White.

On her Facebook page, Tims wrote, “After careful review of my amended MSA (2009); my attorney Robert Gibson discovered on December 30, 2011 that I released my rights to file a complaint against NDCC.”

Tims said Gibson advised her to withdraw the suit.

“My heart’s desire is that God perfects all that concerns us. I know as the Mother of Zoelle, Zachery, Zahria and Zion as well as the spiritual Mother to many that were birthed at New Destiny that I had a spiritual obligation to let my voice be heard. And our voices have been heard nationally. The righteousness we have been taught will continue to sustain us in this process. We are assured that truth will prevail – God is in Control,” she wrote.

White gave her first sermon as senior pastor at New Destiny on Sunday January 1st 2012.  The congregation gave her a warm reception and did not moan or boo her. 

White stated, “I’m not asking you to like me.  I’m not asking you to love me or respect me, because I’ll do the work to earn that,” said White. “I always ask people to give me one year of your life and I promise you will be changed.”  Later she said, “I recognize I have great shoes to fill. The founder of this house was a great man of God.” “I’m humbled, I’m honored, I’m crying to the Lord with happy tears.”

Kirk Franklin shows no sign of slowing down with his latest release “Hello Fear.”  The album has been on the charts for an astonishing 40 weeks and it gets bumped back up to #1 in sales this week.  Perhaps it was the Christmas sales that catapulted him from his previous spot at #4.  Either way one thing is for sure, people are supporting the CD in record fashion.

At #2 on the charts is Le’Andria Johnson and at #3 is the sophomore release of William McDowell ‘Arise.’

The complete Top 10 is listed below: 

1. Kirk Franklin | Hello Fear
2. Le’Andria Johnson | The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson
3. William Mc Dowell | Arise: The Live Worship Experience
4. Amber Bullock | Thank You
5. Lecrae | Rehab
6. WOW Gospel 2011 | Various Artists
7. Marvin Sapp | Playlist: The Best of Marvin Sapp
8. Jessica Reedy | From the Heart
9. Isaac Carree | Uncommon Me
10. Gospel’s Best Worship | Various Artists

The best-selling new artist of 2011, The City Harmonic continues to gather acclaim for its first full-length album, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home). The hit single “Manifesto,” featured as a bonus track on the album, has now sold over 100,000 copies, while the album’s title track is No.16 and climbing on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart. With KLOVE, Air1 and other radio networks playing the song, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home)” is also the band’s second video, which has gathered over 35,000 views so far on youtube.com.

Named “New Artist of the Year” by the Gospel Music Association Canada, music fans will be able to hear the band play its hit singles and new music from I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) on the 60-market “God’s Not Dead World Tour” with newsboys that launches Jan 12 and runs coast-to-coast through May 5. Every week leading up to the launch of this tour, The City Harmonic is giving away 10 pairs of tickets – one pair for each market on the tour – through its Facebook page. To enter the drawing, Facebook participants are asked to ‘share the status’ of the giveaway. (For a list of all the tour dates, go to www.thecityharmonic.com.)

While on Facebook, people are also encouraged to ‘like’ The City Harmonic’s page. As a way of saying “thanks” for the ‘likes,’ the band is offering a free download of its hit single, “I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home).”

Hitting No. 1 on iTunes® in Canada, No. 6 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and never leaving the Top 4 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel US chart in its debut week at retail, I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) was also named among the best albums of 2011 by Watchgmctv.com staff, senior music and entertainment editors. Released Oct. 18 on Kingsway with EMI CMG Distribution in the USA, the album has been “wowing” the critics, who are using adjectives like “fabulous,” “infectious,” “exciting,” “spectacular,” “worshipful,” “captivating,” “creative,” “brilliant” and more to describe it.  Here are a few of just the most recent reviews:

“This Ontario-bred [quartet] follows its promising debut EP with a set of songs mixing elements from modern British rock (especially U2 and Keane) with folk and traditional gospel. Frontman Elias Dummer’s crisp, driving keyboards and forceful yet vulnerable vocals set him apart from his peers in worship-oriented Christian rock. With his bandmates, he delivers tunes that range from the anthemic (“Yours,” “Wake Me Up”) to the reflective (“Le Reve,” “Benediction”). “Spark” and “Mountaintop” widen the album’s scope by drawing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech for both themes and language. Reinforcing the songwriting’s quality is the band’s sense of dynamics; tracks like “Be Still, O My Soul” and “Holy (Wedding Day)” display orchestral grandeur as they rise from quiet openings to dramatic crescendos. Piano predominates here, though “Love” is built around a wistful acoustic guitar line. A radio edit of The City Harmonic’s breakthrough tune “Manifesto” adds further heft to an album distinguished by fine craftsmanship and fervency.” 
– iTunes

“The album is worth more than just a casual listen, as the band has gone to great lengths to produce a record of exceptional songwriting, musicality and style. At a time when many albums are mass-produced and stylistically homogenized, The City Harmonic stands apart for their authenticity and art.” 
– NewReleaseTuesday.com

“I Have a Dream has big songs fit for big venues … a passionate and hopeful album … a sincere rock-worship album that manages to incorporate the sounds of groups like U2, Coldplay, and Arcade Fire in the best kind of way.” 
– www.thechristianmanifesto.com

“What makes The City Harmonic stand out from among the worship music glut that floods the Christian market is that this band has created art when they recorded their songs.” 
– Music Spectrum

In less than a year, The City Harmonic went from being virtually unknown to international acclaim. Its hit single, “Manifesto,” has become the only song from a new artist this year that has broken into the top 10 of the SoundScan Top Current digital singles sales chart as its companion music video has been viewed on YouTube by nearly 1,200,000 people. Receiving three Gospel Music Association Canada Covenant Awards this fall, the band is not as interested in finding fans as they are looking for participants in the journey; “getting people in on the act—hearts pounding and feet moving.” 

More information on The City Harmonic can be found at www.thecityharmonic.com.

The Bible says that laughter is good medicine.  So every now and then we make sure you can laugh while reading PATH.  These light-hearted videos stood out as 5 of the funniest from 2011.

1. Byron Cage Gets Prank Called by the Steve Harvey Morning Show

Stellar Award winning artist Byron Cage was prank called by Nephew Tommie from the Steve Harvey Morning Show. They called Mr. Cage explaining that there was a mix-up in the Stellar Awards voting process which caused a mis-count in the votes, further explaining that Marvin Sapp was the official winner of the Male Vocalist of the Year.  Click Here to read the original story.