Luther Barnes, Son of “Mr Rough Side Of The Mountain” The Late Great F.C. Barnes, has forged his own place and has made his own mark in the history of Gospel music.

On January 24, 2012 , Luther Barnes releases his 22nd CD entitled, “Another Level” performed with The Sunset Jubilaires and promises to brighten the New Year with songs of faith, encouragement, and inspiration.

Cherished as one of the greatest balladeers of all time in any genre (Urban, Gospel or Blues), Luther Barnes has enjoyed airplay and sales success with his many styles of Gospel recorded albums from the Quartet style, Praise & Worship to Contemporary.

As a producer and songwriter, Luther Barnes has produced and penned timeless classics such as “I’m Still Holding”, “So Satisfied” & the Grammy Nominated “It’s Your Time,” Stellar Nominated, “Wedding Song” standard “Somehow Someway” and the “Exercise Song” “You Keep On Blessing Me” which was a Top 10 Billboard Gospel Song and experienced crossover success into the Urban mainstream receiving airplay on Urban AC stations around the country.

And just when you think he couldn’t get any better, he penned the current single “Yet Love” which is quickly making its presence felt at retail has also made its debut in the Top 30 on Mediabase Gospel chart.

Of his twenty-one releases in his vast catalog with more than half of them reaching Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Charts, seven (7) in the top twenty

Old and new fans of this multi-talented gentleman will definitely want to add this future classic to their Luther Barnes music collection.

This Holiday Season Give “The Gift Of Yet Love!”  Click here to pre-order and preview songs.

Gospel Hip Hop artist Canton Jones received a GRAMMY ® Award Nomination for Best Gospel Song of the year for the track “Window” from his CD Dominionaire released on CAJO Records and distributed through Central South Distribution.

“This is a huge accomplishment for Canton Jones, and we look forward to his continued success as a leading artist in the industry,” said Vicki Mack Lataillade, chief marketing officer at Central South Distribution. “This nomination is a true reflection of his artistry as a songwriter.”

The 54th Annual GRAMMY ® Awards broadcast live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. EST.

“I am honored and yet humbled to be mentioned in the GRAMMY ® (Song of the Year) category with musicians and professionals that I respect so much,” said Jones. “God really does honor faithfulness. I am still in awe!”

Part singer, songwriter, producer, vocal arranger and entrepreneur, Canton Jones, a Deerfield Beach, Fla. native, has ministered to and performed in front of millions of people during his career as a music artist. Since beginning his career and ministry as a Gospel music artist, Jones has six albums in his portfolio; 20 Years, 3 Months, 12 Days, Love Jones, The Password: Access Granted Kingdom Business, Kingdom Business Pt.2, Dominionaire, and Dominionaire ReMixed. Jones previously received a GRAMMY ® nomination in 2005 as part of the compilation “Holy Hip Hop: Taking the Gospel to the Streets”.

“Canton Jones is a multi-talented artist, and Central South Distribution congratulates him in his GRAMMY ® nomination,” said Randy Davidson, CEO of Central South Distribution.

Central South Distribution, Inc.’s mission is to nurture and cultivate God’s message through the growth of Christian music. CSD has been servicing the Gospel and Christian community for nearly four decades and takes pride in being the #1 Independent Gospel Distributor, and the World’s Largest Distributor of Gospel Music. They distribute Gospel Music to all of the top Gospel, CBA and Mainstream Accounts including, other distributors, chain stores and independent retailers. For more information, visit www.centralsouthdistribution.com.

Gotee newcomer Jamie Grace has earned her first GRAMMY ® nomination for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Song.” Her nominated No. 1 hit “Hold Me” garnered the top spot across an unprecedented three different radio charts earlier this year. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

“Just two years ago I was sitting on the floor in my dorm room with a pen and paper writing the lines ‘I love the way you hold me…’ When I found out that those lyrics and that melody were nominated for a GRAMMY ®, I absolutely couldn’t believe it,” explains the first time nominee. “Even so, knowing that God has surrounded me with such an amazing team (TobyMac, Gotee Records, Know Good Company, producer Chris Stevens), and a family who inspires and supports my music more everyday, I believe this is another way that God is holding me – and I am loving it.”

Jamie Grace’s latest single “You Lead” has garnered the No. 2 spot on the CHR radio chart. Jamie Grace performed her GRAMMY ® nominated song “Hold Me” on The 700 Club earlier this week. To view the performance in support of her latest album One Song At A Time, click here.

Coinciding with the digital release of her Christmas Together e.p., Jamie Grace’s official music video for “Christmas Together” is being unveiled. Just two months after the release of her successful, first album One Song At A Time, Jamie Grace’s Christmas Together (e.p.) includes the original “Christmas Together,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late)” and “What Child Is This?” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” will be a featured AmazonMp3.com during the month of December where the song will be only $0.69.

Up next for Jamie Grace will be Newsong’s “Very Merry Christmas Tour” with Newsong, Chris August and Kutless. Stay tuned to www.JamieGrace.com for the latest tour information.

House of Blues, the renowned music venue and supporter of traditional American sounds, and Warner Brothers have partnered for a gospel singing competition in conjunction with Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures highly anticipated film Joyful Noise opening nationwide on January 13, 2012.

Written and directed by Todd Graff, -Joyful Noise stars Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton in a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal. The musically driven story also brings together the sounds of gospel, pop, country, rock and R & B with memorable songs, performed by the cast, from a wide range of artists, including Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. Dolly Parton also wrote original songs for the film which also features an original score by award-winning composer Mervyn Warren.

Gospel music has been an integral part of House of Blues since the clubs first opened in 1992, said David Fortin, VP Marketing House of Blues. -One of our signature events is Gospel Brunch® on Sundays which combines our soulful cuisine with amazing live gospel acts, so this partnership and competition was a natural for us.

Nicole Sedita, VP Promotions Warner Bros. added, -We’re excited to tie this amazing and inspirational story into the opportunity of a lifetime for someone to sing these wonderful songs at one of the most famous music venues in the world.

Contestants who wish to enter can go to www.houseofblues/joyfulnoise.com, where they can upload a video of a solo performance or a group of up to four people singing either -Amazing Grace or -This Little Light of Mine a-capella. Peers will vote on these videos and the top ten will advance to another round where they will be judged by a panel, including five-time Grammy Award winner Mervyn Warren.

Submission dates are December 7-December 22, 2011 (submissions end at 11:50 pm). The voting period will be from December 23-December, 29, 2011 at 4:59 pm.

The winner(s) will be flown out to Los Angeles from January 7-10, 2012 to attend the -Joyful Noise movie premiere as well as perform their winning song at Gospel Brunch at House of Blues Sunset Strip.

Urban Soul Café (USC) is best known for consistently bringing the hottest Gospel talent to the stage and this year’s “Access Granted” weekend promises to be the three biggest parties of the Stellar Gospel Music Award weekend, January 12-14, 2012. The weekend will host the coveted USC awards with honors going to Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole, the Rance Allen Group and Kim Burrell; a host of performances by Canton Jones, Da’ T.R.U.T.H, Myron Butler, Shirley Murdock, Regina Belle, and so many more; and several special guest appearances including Stellar co-host Marvin Sapp. Tickets and a complete schedule can be found at www.UrbanSoulCafe.com.

The “Rose of Gospel,” Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole is a musical evangelist who uses her gift of voice to testify about the perfect love of Christ. The second oldest sister in a family of Gospel legends, Clark-Cole’s fiery, penetrating vocals open vessels for praise. It is the Grace that saved her at the brink of death which saturates each note revealing a soul which only desires to bring others closer to Him.

It is the soul, which also responds to the unmatched sound of The Rance Allen Group (RAG). This year finds them celebrating a music ministry which has allowed them to bring forward a message of faith and fellowship for four decades. Creating music with a mass appeal that is as dynamic as Rance’s signature falsetto, RAG enjoys their own trailblazing space by bridging Gospel and R&B.

Dr. Dorinda Clark-Cole and the Rance Allen Group’s timeless contributions to Gospel are the reason they will be presented with the Urban Soul Café “2012 Lifetime Achievement Award.” During this event, Pastor Kim Burrell, will be also honored as USC’s “2012 Artist of the Year,” in recognition of her most recent effort, “The Love Album” which has been nominated for both Grammy and Stellar awards. Pastor Burrell’s unique and vibrant voice is captivating while revealing an undying passion for music as well as ministry.

All of the honors will be bestowed on Thursday, January 12 at the Cannery Ballroom. The event will begin at 7 pm and doors open at 6 pm. USC’s Access Granted will also welcome special guest Marvin Sapp and a number of other artists are scheduled to appear.

On Saturday, January 14 the Mid-Day Mixer will take place at the all-new Jazz & Jokes Lounge where the hottest acts in contemporary Gospel music will perform. Urban worship will fill the building when the doors open at 10 a.m. Everyone is free for the first hour.

After the Stellar Awards, Urban Soul Café’s Thank God I’m Fresh affair will undoubtedly be the most talked about event of the year! The hottest Urban hip hop Gospel stars will appear with music by One Accord DJ’s, and it all happens at the Limelight Entertainment Complex, doors open at 7:30 PM.

Please note that Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted weekend is expected to sell out! Tickets are on sale now at urbansoulcafe.com for $10 in advance online and $15 at the door. VIP passes providing access to ALL three events are on sale now for $50 (VIP access includes backstage passes and more).

Urban Soul Café’s Access Granted Weekend is sponsored by Crazy 1 Productions, Chamelon Entertainment, Judah Media Group, INC, Records, Ten 2 One Entertainment, Coram Deo Mgmt, American Family Insurance, 760 AM The Gospel, EMI Gospel, Light Records, Tyscot Records, The Lee Nathan Group, Soultowne, The Belle Report, DaSouth.com, One EnTiTy, The Fly Chick Entertainment, DW Promotions, 92Q FM, Clipper City, Happy People Network, and One Accord DJ’s.

About Urban Soul Café: Urban Soul Café has been showcasing the best talent in music since April 2005. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, USC has hosted events in Memphis, Huntsville, Houston, Tampa, New Orleans, Charlotte, and Atlanta, providing a platform for the freshest acts in Gospel music. Urban Soul Café has worked with over 200 artists in the entertainment industry, both novice and established, including Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Canton Jones, DeWayne Woods, Lisa McClendon, and the list goes on. For more information about upcoming Urban Soul Café events go to www.urbansoulcafe.com.

Today, there are many singing competitions, but none that is quite like this. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, GMC TV, Roland and Light Records launch the Most Powerful Voices online singing competition that may save a life!

• Opportunity to perform at the American Heart Association’s Power Weekend at a prominent location in New York
• $5,000 worth of music equipment from Roland manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments
• $2,500 from Light Records
• $2,500 travel stipend
• A digital single produced and distributed by Light Records
• Personal coaching session with a renowned Light Records artist
• National recognition on GMC TV
• And more!

Jason Ingram, who most recently received his fifth SESAC Christian Music Songwriter of the Year Award for his overwhelming impact on artists and songs spanning a variety of musical styles, was honored this week with a second career GRAMMY Award® nomination. Adding to his already impressive list of accolades, which also includes making Gospel Music Association history by receiving 11 GMA Dove Award nominations in one season, the nod comes in the category of Best Contemporary Christian Music Song for his contribution as co-writer on “Your Love” with Brandon Heath.

This is the second time Ingram and Heath have been recognized by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for their collaborative efforts. The first was in 2009 for Heath’s breakthrough radio hit “Give Me Your Eyes.” Similarly, “Your Love,” Heath’s first single from the GRAMMY nominated Leaving Eden (1/18/2011), saw rampant radio success, holding the No. 1 spot for eight consecutive weeks earlier this year.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® ceremony will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Calif. on Sunday, February 12, 2012. For a complete list of nominees, visit www.grammy.com.

About Jason Ingram: Jason Ingram has one of the most diverse and accomplished resumes in Christian music. Born in West Virginia, he spent part of his childhood in Dallas and later moved to Santa Cruz, Calif. Jason’s father, Chip Ingram, is a prominent speaker/author, but the young Ingram knew early on that music would be his vehicle for sharing his passion. In 1999, he relocated to Nashville, Tenn., and his self-titled debut album was released in 2002 on Resonate/INO Records. The following year he became frontman for the critically acclaimed band The Longing.

In the past few years, Ingram has become one of Christian music’s most successful and respected songwriters and producers. He’s produced Tenth Avenue North, Chris Tomlin, Sanctus Real, Meredith Andrews, Mikeschair, Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown, Jason Gray, and Bebo Norman, among others, while being instrumental in the vetting and development of CCM newcomers Lindsay McCaul and Andy Cherry.

A prolific lyricist, Ingram’s songwriting credits include, Brandon Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes,” Hillsong and One Sonic Society’s “Forever Reign,” Sanctus Real’s “Lead Me,” Chris Tomlin’s “I Will Follow,” Matt Maher’s “Alive Again” and two Tenth Avenue North songs, “Love is Here” and “By Your Side.” The latter was named Song of the Year at the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards and was the No. 3 played Christian song of the decade (2000-2010) according to Billboard Magazine. Ingram also picked up the Producer of the Year Dove Award, was Billboard Magazine’s 2009 and 2010 Christian Songwriter of the Year.

Further, Ingram is co-writer of back-to-back GMA Dove Award-winning Songs of the Year (2009’s “Give Me Your Eyes” by Brandon Heath and 2010’s “By Your Side” recorded by Tenth Avenue North), SESAC’s Co-writer of The Year for the last two years (for his work on “Give Me Your Eyes” and “By Your Side”) and recently received his fifth consecutive SESAC Christian Music Award for Songwriter of the Year.

While Ingram’s presence is most immediately felt in the Christian and Worship music arenas, this GRAMMY nominee is also gaining momentum internationally. Most recently his song “Just One Kiss,” recorded by Nick Carter, climbed into the Top 10 in Japan.

Amidst an unprecedented run of award shows, nominations, non-stop travel for holiday performances and a television series taping underway, the star sister duo, Mary Mary’s Erica and Tina Campbell, is regretfully forced to cancel their much anticipated first ever “Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour” as Erica’s February due date draws near.

The singer has been advised by doctors that she cannot continue working at her current pace without risk of potential premature delivery. After careful consideration, the ladies have determined it is best to cancel the entire tour at this time, including their New Year’s Eve show. Up to now, the ladies have been on an exhaustive cross-country schedule of promotional activities, and, given the medical opinion, recognize what the priorities must be.

A dizzyingly packed year of high-profile national television appearances, including performances on the NAACP Image Awards, The Talk, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno twice, The Mo’Nique Show, BET’s “Black Girls Rock,” The Soul Train Music Awards, ABC’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and Macy’s Atlanta Thankgsiving Day Great Tree Lighting as well as an interview on Good Morning America, underscores their massive star power, and their ongoing commitment to hard work. Associations with the American Red Cross, Pillsbury and the just announced WE tv series–scheduled to begin airing March 2012, are examples of their widespread appeal. Mary Mary’s list of awards and acknowledgements for the acclaimed March 2011 cd release, “Something Big,” includes double Grammy Award Nominations, a Soul Train Award, an ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, six 2012 Stellar Awards, among others. And, as all of the magic continues to unfold, through it all, the ladies remain devoted mothers and wives.

As Tina Campbell notes, “Our commitment to our passion of music and our fans is without question, but allowing wisdom, common sense, and our commitment to family to take the lead at this point is necessary. We fully intend to return to our passion and our commitment to music in late spring and look forward to rescheduling the ‘Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour’ in 2012.”

Erica Campbell admitted, “This was a very hard decision for me. I’m accustomed to pushing myself beyond my doctor recommendations during my pregnancies, but after having seen my sister, Tina, deal with a premature birth as a direct result of an exhaustive pace, I recognize how real this is. Although my passion told me to push on as usual in these past months, my wisdom, as of my last week’s doctor’s visit, told me to take care of myself and my new baby-to-be. Just know that I have the greatest passion for whom I sing about and a great love and respect for whom I sing to, so I’ll be back to what I live for as soon as I take care of mommy business.”

Arise: The Live Worship Experience from William McDowell celebrates its fourth week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also enters at #20 on the Independent Albums Charts. Le’Andria Johnson‘s The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson holds to the #2 position on this week’s charts. Uncommon Me from Isaac Carree moves two places to the #3 spot followed by Hello Fear from Kirk Franklin which enters at the #4 position. From The Heart from Jessica Reedy rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Le’Andria Johnson‘s Christmas release Christmas Best jumps sixteen places to #10 while YRM: Your Righteous Mind from Donald Lawrence & Company jumps five places to #14.

In the world of radio, “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh spends its tenth consecutive week at the top of the radio charts. Isaac Carree‘s “In The Middle” holds to the #2 spot while “Spiritual” from Donald Lawrence & Company maintains the #3 position. “Be Still” from Yolanda Adams moves to the #4 spot while Kirk Franklin‘s “I Smile” rounds out the week’s top five songs.

The Christian Post spoke to New Destiny officials, who tell the online publication that New Destiny plans to have a replacement for Pastor Zachery Tims in time for the new year.

New Destiny Christian Center, the congregation founded and led by the late Zachery Tims for 15 years, announced on Monday that a new senior pastor would be revealed on New Year’s Eve. And that pastor will take on his or her new leadership duties beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

In a notice sent to supporters, NDCC, based in Apopka, Fla., revealed the service line-up for the holiday season, specifically highlighting that on Sunday, Jan. 1: “WE WILL HAVE OUR NEW YEAR’S Church Service ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2011 w/ our New Pastor.”

However, Minister Samuel Anderson, an executive administrator with NDCC, told The Christian Post that the board of bishops was still in the process of choosing a new pastor. It appears that the board is confident a candidate will be decided upon by the end of December.

Minister Anderson did not provide any further details, but has told CP previously that the primary requirement for NDCC’s new lead pastor is that he or she has to be married. Some observers interpreted that basic requirement to mean that Tims’ ex-wife, Riva Tims, was immediately disqualified from leading the church.

The couple started NDCC in a hotel ballroom in Orlando in 1996, which eventually grew to a membership of more than 7,500. The Tims, who have four children, divorced in 2009.

On Sept. 26, Riva Tims published a statement on her Facebook page in response to the many calls for her to return to NDCC.

On Sept. 26, Riva Tims published a statement on her Facebook page in response to the many calls for her to return to NDCC.

“I have gotten an overwhelming response from my New Destiny Family to come home and/or at least minister to them. However, I have not been contacted by NDCC staff to return or to assist in the transition. I will continue to pray and cover NDCC, that the vision Zack and I birthed will continue! Thanks for all of your love and prayers,” she wrote.

Tims was found dead on Aug. 12 in his room at the W Hotel in Times Square in New York City. He was reportedly in town for a speaking engagement.

Tims’ mother, Madeline Tims, filed an injunction against a handful of New York City agencies, including the medical examiner’s office, to prohibit them from revealing to the public the cause and manner of death for the late pastor.

The motion, filed in early October, resulted in a temporary restraining order against the medical examiner’s office until Justice Cynthia S. Kern could hear arguments from the plaintiff and the defendants, which she did on Nov. 23 in Manhattan Supreme Court.

Kern deferred making a decision on whether the medical examiner’s office has the authority to publicly disclose the cause of death for individuals, as it had planned to do for Tims with a press release on Oct. 7. Until the justice makes a decision, the medical examiner’s office has agreed to refrain from publicly disclosing Tims’ cause of death.

It was not immediately clear when a decision would be made regarding Madeline Tims’ case.

In the meantime, NDCC is turning members toward their new pastor, who will be revealed by year’s end.