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The inspirational syncopated rhythms and soulful intricate harmonies of Soul Tempo have been resonating throughout performance halls and on TV and radio for many years. Recently, the group has traveled across the country from Richmond to Nashville to Chicago, dazzling audiences with their inventive vocal arrangements, and dynamic entertaining stage presence. The group has been promoting their CD Doing Our Father’s Businesswhich features the radio hit “Never Give Up” and legendary Sam Cook’s timeless favorite “Touch the Hem of His Garment”. Jerry Brunson, Tony Burnett, Kevin Mitchell and Phillip Mitchell make up Soul Tempo and share melodies, but more evident, a brotherhood bound by friendship, music and a passion for the Lord.
So people get ready! More Soul Tempo is comin’! The group is currently in the studio working on their 2012 project but continuing in their tradition of sound inspired by The Temptations and The Whispers, the quartet has released their last radio single from the Doing Our Father’s Business CD. Soul Tempo stylishly remade the gospel favorite “People Get Ready” and executed the recording with their signature vocal smooth flare. The classic tune is a short but soothing rendition and in the true spirit of great gospel music, can be appreciated by the new generation of gospel music fans.
CNN reports that Bishop Eddie Long, head of one of the nation’s largest mega churches, announced Sunday he will take “time off” from the pulpit to work on his family.
The announcement came three days after his wife Vanessa filed for divorce, changed her mind and then proceeded with plans to divorce the Mega-church Pastor.
Although her husband’s church issued a statement Friday, attributed to Vanessa Long, saying she was withdrawing the divorce petition, her attorney said she was proceeding with it.
Last spring, Long, head of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, settled a lawsuit filed by four young men who accused him of pressuring them into sexual relationships while they were teenagers and members of the congregation.
He denied the allegations against him.
“I’m going to take a little time off to work with my family,” Long said Sunday to a packed house at the televised service.
“I do want you to know that this is, for me and my family, especially with me, one of the most difficult times and things I’ve had to face, and only because my strength, other than God, is in Miss Vanessa,” he said to huge applause.
“And I want you to rest assured that I love her and she loves me. … In all the things that I’ve ever had to deal with and being pastor, my rock has been to be able to come home to a virtuous woman who always had peace in my house,” he said.
“We’re going (to) work it out,” he said.
He insisted that the two of them are not fighting, and that they are not mad at each other.
Long said the situation is “not because of allegations” of sexual relationships last year and instead blamed the pressures of being a pastor’s wife.
“It’s been very difficult to her, some of the things that she’s had to endure,” he said.
The church issued a statement emphasizing that Long is not stepping down, and “will continue to be the senior pastor of New Birth.”
Her attorney’s statement Thursday said Vanessa Long “continues to hope that this matter may be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously and fairly.”
Her divorce documents say the Longs are “living in a bona fide state of separation.”
The 12-page petition adds that Vanessa Long “is entitled to a divorce upon grounds that the marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken, there being no hope of reconciliation of the parties, and it being in the best interest of all parties concerned that this marriage be terminated by divorce.”
The statement attributed to her that was issued by the church had said, “Upon prayerful reflection, I have reconsidered and plan to withdraw my petition for divorce from my husband, Bishop Eddie L. Long. I love my husband.”
“I believe in him and admire his strength, and courage,” that statement attributed to her said, adding, “My filing followed years of attacks in the media that frustrated and overwhelmed me. I love my family and church family, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Therefore, my husband and I have mutually agreed to find healing from these attacks. We ask that you respect our privacy during this time.”
In announcing that she was still seeking divorce, her attorney Michael W. Tyler said, “To avoid any undue confusion, Mrs. Long’s future statements, if any, will be issued through her attorneys only. At this time, neither she nor we will have any further comment on this matter.”
Arise: The Live Worship Experience from William McDowell celebrates its third week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also enters at #15 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. Marvin Sapp’s Playlist: The Best of Marvin Sapp moves seven places to the #3 spot followed by Hello Fear from Kirk Franklin which enters at the #4 position. Uncommon Me from Isaac Carree rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Genita Pugh’s new release My Purpose debuts at #9 while The James Fortune & FIYA Story from James Fortune & FIYA debuts at #20.
In the world of radio, “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh spends its ninth 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 takes the #3 position. Kirk Franklin’s “I Smile” moves to the #4 spot while “Be Still” from Yolanda Adams rounds out the week’s top five songs. (Dec. 4, 2011)
Less than a day after Vanessa Long filed for divorce from Bishop Eddie Long, she’s changed her mind.
Path MEGAzine received a statement from Vanessa Long that states:
“Upon prayerful reflection, I have reconsidered and plan to withdraw my petition for divorce from my husband, Bishop Eddie L. Long. I love my husband. I believe in my him and admire his strength, and courage.
My filing followed years of attacks in the media that frustrated and overwhelmed me. I love my family and church family, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Therefore, my husband and I have mutually agreed to find healing from these attacks.”
Vanessa Long filed the divorce papers at a DeKalb County courthouse late on Thursday.
In the video below My Fox Atlanta reports that Bishop Eddie Long and his wife were up throughout the night trying to mend their marriage. Eddie and Vanessa Long have been married for 21 years and have three children.
Bishop Long is the pastor at Lithonia’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and recently settled lawsuits involving allegations of sexual misconduct involving young men in his congregation.
A couple of months ago, Bishop Long announced that he is seeking the settlement money back from 3 of the 4 accusers after public statements were made breaking confidentiality terms of the agreement.
Nicole C. Mullen makes an appearance on Daystar’s Joni Talk Table on Tuesday, December 6 to share “Nicole’s Story.” Nicole talks about her worship record, Captivated, life and family with host Joni Lamb.
Nicole C. Mullen’s “Nicole’s Story” airs December 6, 2011 at 10:00 p.m. CST on Daystar with encores December 8, 2011 at 6:30 a.m. CST and 7:30 p.m. CST and December 9, 2011 at 1:00 a.m. CST. Check your local listings for more details on programming.
Vanessa Long, wife of Bishop Eddie Long filed for divorce Friday. The two were married in 1990 and have 3 children.
The divorce comes after a very public scandal broke accusing Bishop Eddie Long of sexually abusing 4 teenaged boys.
Vanessa Long has remained relatively quiet during the whole ordeal, but today she released the following statement:
“After a great deal of deliberation and prayer, I have decided to terminate my marriage to Bishop Eddie L. Long. It is my sincere hope that this matter can be resolved expeditiously, harmoniously, and fairly.
I ask that you respect my privacy and that of my family, as my attorneys and I have agreed that we will not try this case in the media, and I do not intend to make any further statements concerning this matter.
The announcement is yet another twist in the Bishop Eddie Long allegations of sexual mis-conduct which were settled out of court. Each accuser in the case was given a un-specified amount of settlement money. The settlement was reached under the condition that the 4 offenders not speak about the case publicly.
A couple of months ago, Bishop Long announced that he is seeking the settlement money back from 3 of the 4 accusers after public statements were made.
When you think of The Rance Allen Group, many words come to mind, such as Legendary, Hit-makers, Trailblazers and Ministers of Music.
Over the years, they have been recognized for their many contributions to the Gospel Music Industry, even today for their most recent musical achievements.
Beginning this weekend, The Rance Allen Group will be gearing up for a few special recognitions and awards. On December 3-4th, they will be featured on Dorinda Clark-Cole’s Nationally Syndicated Radio Show, Serving up Soul “Best of Show” episodes.
At the top of the year, on January 12, 2012, the group will travel to Nashville, TN to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Urban Soul Café at the Cannery Ballroom. They will also share this momentous occasion with Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kim Burrell.
On January 14, 2012, The Rance Allen Group will celebrate their four 2012 Stellar Award nominations, including Group Duo of the Year, Traditional Group/Duo of the Year, Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year and Quartet of the Year during the Stellar Award ceremony.
Yes, 2011 is coming to an end for many, but it’s an exciting beginning for The Rance Allen Group!
This year, a complete roster of 2011 nominees was officially announced on the Grammy Nominations Concert Live! The show was presented on CBS November 30, 2011 featuring a host of all-star performances including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Usher, Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco, Sugarland and Jason Aldean. Overseeing the big night’s festivities was host LL Cool J.
The main event – the 54th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 12, 2012 – will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS at 8 P.M ET/PT with live performances by top pop, rock, and rap stars yet to be announced.
Here is the complete list of GRAMMY nominees in each Gospel/Christian category:
Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance
Do Everything~ Steven Curtis Chapman Alive (Mary Magdalene) ~ Natalie Grant Your Love ~Brandon Heath Jesus~ Le’Andria Johnson I Lift My Hands ~ Chris Tomlin
Best Gospel Song
Hello Fear ~Kirk Franklin (Songwriter Kirk Franklin) Sitting With Me ~Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon, songwriters (Mary Mary) Spiritual ~ Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Donald Lawrence & Co. Featuring Blanche McAllister-Dykes) Trust Me ~ Richard Smallwood, songwriter (Richard Smallwood & Vision) Window ~Canton Jones, songwriter (Canton Jones)
Best Contemporary Christian Music Song
Blessings~Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story) Hold Me ~Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Jamie Grace Featuring Tobymac) I Lift My Hands ~Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin) Strong Enough ~Matthew West, songwriter (Matthew West) Your Love ~Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Best Gospel Album
The Love Album ~Kim Burrell The Journey ~ Andraé Crouch Hello Fear ~Kirk Franklin Something Big ~Mary Mary Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition ~Trin-i-tee 5:7
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
Ghosts Upon the Earth ~ Gungor Leaving Eden ~ Brandon Heath The Great Awakening ~Leeland What If We Were Real ~Mandisa Black & White ~Royal Tailor And If Our God Is For Us… ~ Chris Tomlin
Winners will be announced February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles.
Houston’s My Fox 26 interviewed the pastor of the world’s largest church, Lakewood Church based in Houston, as he announced plans to go to primetime network television. Joel Osteen is in talks for a reality show that would also star members of the congregation.
Osteen told FOX 26 Monday night he’s signed an agreement to work with “Survivor” producer Mark Burnett. He won’t necessarily be preaching on the show but instead sharing a message of hope while helping others.
Each week 43,000 people show up to hear Osteen preach, while another 10 million watch on television worldwide.
“A big part of our ministry is we’re blessed to be a blessing to somebody else,” said Osteen.
Pretty soon Osteen could have a whole new audience away from the pulpit. TMZ first reported Osteen has teamed up with “Survivor” producer Mark Burnett for a reality show. The two families have become fast friends with Burnett and wife Roma Downey even attending Lakewood services.
“Over the last few years we’ve had opportunities (to do other reality shows), but when we came together with Mark and got to know him it seemed like it all gelled,” said Osteen.
The show will feature Joel and wife Victoria outside of Lakewood as they take hundreds of church members on short mission trips.
“That’s the general theme behind it, that we would take a group of 300-500 people from this auditorium, from our ministry, and go somewhere in the world. We’ll probably start in the U.S. to help a place in need,” said Osteen.
He envisions helping communities like Joplin, Missouri which was destroyed this year by killer tornadoes.
“The thought is people would give up their time and not necessarily know where they’re going that day, but show up, load up in planes and head out and make a difference in the world,” said Osteen.
Lakewood already sends mission teams around the world. The show, Osteen says, would be another avenue to inspire people but with a little more fanfare.
“We’re going to be ambassadors of goodwill, hope and faith and have fun along the way.”
Plans are to present the show to a network soon and start filming next year.
No strangers to television exposure, The Afters’ latest songs from their album Light Up the Sky have received placement on a slew of TV promotions including NBC’s popular “The Biggest Loser” and ABC’s new philanthropic “You Deserve It”.
“Light Up the Sky” will be played in the Dec. 6 finale of NBC’s mega hit “The Biggest Loser.” ABC’s new show “You Deserve It” has also been supportive of The Afters’ music using “Lift Me Up” in promotion for the program.
In addition to No. 1’s at both AC and CHR radio, both “Light Up the Sky” and “Lift Me Up” have been constant mainstays in the top 5 on the iTunes ® Christian and Gospel Songs Chart. “Lift Me Up” is still Top 10 at AC Indicator.
Texas-based band The Afters were propelled into the national spotlight with their INO/Sony Music Label Group debut I Wish We All Could Win. The project spawned the swirling, melodic hit “Beautiful Love,” earning the band an enthusiastic following when the song was selected as the theme track for MTV’s “8th and Ocean.” “Beautiful Love” was also the most downloaded track of 2006 on the iTunes ® Inspirational charts and garnered the band an mtvU award as well. The Afters’ sophomore release Never Going Back To OK (INO/Columbia Records) debuted in the Top 50 on the Billboard Top 200, and proved to be sensation on the silver screen with “Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC), “Dr. Phil,” “Army Wives” (Lifetime) and “Rachael Ray.” The band’s third record Light Up the Sky has bolstered two No. 1 radio hits, as well as placement in “The Biggest Loser” (NBC) and “You Deserve It” (ABC). A slew of media including Rolling Stone, Seventeen.com, E! News Live, TV Guide, Premiere Radio and more also picked up on covering The Afters.