Multi-Grammy Award-winning My Block/Columbia recording artists Mary Mary have had an amazing whirlwind 2011 thus far. This year saw the release of their critically acclaimed sixth studio album, Something Big; they garnered the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a top BET Award, and were recently nominated for double Soul Train Awards for their chart topping single “Walking;” they completed a highly successful tour with co-headliners Bebe & CeCe Winans; and announced exciting new partnerships with The American Red Cross and Pillsbury; all in addition to several high-profile national television appearances. To add yet another dash of excitement to this year’s major successes, the inspirational duo has just announced their “Have a Mary Mary Christmas” Tour, kicking off December 8th in Austin, Texas. The opening act will be R&B acappella group Committed, the second-season winner of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” reality competition.

Something Big continues to receive critical acclaim garnering 6 top Stellar Award nominations. Something Big received nods for CD of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year; while their hit single,“Walking,” was recognized in the Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. The ladies were also nominated for Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year.

The 27th Annual Stellar Awards, gospel music’s biggest night, will be held January 14, 2012 in Nashville, and is set to air in national syndication from January 21-February 26 2012 on The Gospel Music Channel and local markets around the country.

Mary Mary’s Christmas album, A Mary Mary Christmas, was released back in 2006 to rave reviews. The album boasts a beautiful blend of traditional Christmas classics along with original material, including songs highlighting the uniqueness of Christmas on the West Coast, such as “California Christmas.” The album quickly became a seasonal favorite, but fan appreciation will be taken to another level with the live performance element, showcasing how sisters Erica and Tina Campbell celebrate the Christmas season.

The “Have a Mary Mary Christmas” Tour will focus primarily on the Southwest and the West Coast, hitting major cities such as Austin, Houston, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle. The tour’s December 8th kick-off comes right on the heels of the Do Something Big initiative – a contest hosted by Mary Mary, encouraging churches across the U.S. to “do something big” in and for their communities. The contest winners will be announced on December 6th. The winners will be treated to a full Mary Mary concert at their church and a special breakfast for their community. The contest was created in conjunction with Mary Mary’s recent partnership with Pillsbury to launch new frozen breakfast products, and their new role as the voices behind the catchy Pillsbury jingle, “Rhythm of a New Morning.”

Mary Mary has many blessings to celebrate this holiday season. The duo just taped an incomparable performance of “Optimistic,” the Sounds of Blackness classic, for BET’s upcoming broadcast of ‘Black Girls Rock’ (airing November 6th). They also appeared on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ in early October, discussing the Pillsbury partnership and the Do Something Big contest. In addition to their professional accomplishments, Erica and her husband, producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell, are expecting their third child in the new year. This tour is sure to embody the joy, spirit and excitement that families all over the world experience during the Christmas season. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch Mary Mary singing classic holiday favorites and exciting new material live. The tour dates will range from December 8th – December 18th. For more information on the tour, please visit ilovemarymary.com.

Tour Dates:

December 8: Austin, TX – ACL Live at The Moody Theater

December 9: Houston, TX– Arena Theater

December 10: Dallas, TX– Winspear Opera House at AT&T Performing Arts Center

December 11: Oklahoma City, OK – Douglass High School Auditorium

December 13: Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre

December 15: Las Vegas, NV – The Pearl

December 16: Los Angeles, CA – Saban Theater

December 17: Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre

December 18: Seattle, WA – Admiral Theatre

Gospel Music’s most elite are expected to join Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole as she presents the Los Angeles Regional Singers & Musicians Conference. The conference is scheduled for December 1 – 4, 2011 at The Tabernacle and will close out with a Red Carpet Finale Concert presenting Lifetime Achievement awards to Pastor Andraé Crouch and Dr. Rodena Preston Williams.

Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole’s Singers & Musicians Conference, is designed to provide delegates with mind renewing instruction and to empower and equip God’s minstrels with the tools necessary to increase their effectiveness. There will be three days of workshops covering various topics; morning and evening worship services; an urban music café and a new artist showcase. Those confirmed to participate include Missy Elliot (Atlantic Records), Tammi Haddon, Wess Morgan (BowTie World Music), Phil Thornton (Ten2One Entertainment), Durward Davis, Kelly Price, Monica Bacon (Sovereign Agency), Twinkie Clark, and Karen Clark Sheard to name a few.

The workshops will be followed by a red carpet evening of celebration, honoring some of Gospel Music’s most accomplished artists such as seven-time Grammy Award winning Andraé Crouch, Dr. Rodena Preston Williams, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and The Clark Sisters. Surprise celebrity guests are prepared to render musical tributes in honor of the Clark Sisters. Among the invited guests to attend the night of celebration are Mary Mary, Flex Alexander, Shanice, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Kirk Franklin, CeCe & Bebe Winans, Donnie McClurkin and many more.

For registration details and information visit: http://www.losangelessmc.com/

About Dr. Dorinda Clark Cole –  Dorinda has been evangelizing and managing hundreds of speaking engagements annually for over twenty years, along with her singing career and being a wife and mother. She ministers nationally as well as internationally in countries such as England, Japan, Germany, France, Korea and South Africa. She made history in South Africa, having been the first woman to minister in the pulpit to over 4,000 people. She will co-host the 2012 Stellar Awards, hosts syndicated Gospel Radio Show “Serving Up Soul” and television program “The Dorinda Show” on the TCT Network, is a guest judge for Verizon’s “How Sweet The Sound” national choir competition, former spokes model for Donna Vinci Clothing and her “Rose Collection” is now distributed by Terra Mina Fashions. She has since partnered with MR. SONG, an immaculate fashion designer of Detroit, in creating The Bloom Collection, a couture collection of hat adorning accessories. She is also the Founder and CEO of Lifeline Productions Inc.

About Lifeline Productions, Inc. –  The mission of Lifeline Productions, Inc. is to identify and promote new and developing talent within the Gospel music genre. The Lifeline Productions, Inc. utilizes the vehicle of The Singers & Musicians Conference and The Singers & Musicians Regional conference which are designed to offer instructional tools, networking opportunities, and authentic business support to singers and musicians from all walks of life in all aspects of music as it relates to ministry.

Well known for soaring background vocals, NAKITTA FOXX steps out into the spotlight with her first solo release, LET US WORSHIP.  An exclusive digital release, LET US WORSHIP will be available Tuesday, November 1^st.   

Gospel music enthusiasts are familiar with Foxx’s amazing voice.  As part of the award-winning famed group, the Kurt Carr Singers, Foxx provided the stirring lead for Kurt Carr’s popular song “God Blocked It.” 

Her debut offers listeners a worshipful experience; the 11-song project is a wide-range of styles that are all backed by Foxx’s dynamic vocals.  Known for her jazzy and versatile style, LET US WORSHIP showcases more of what Foxx is capable of.  It transcends any one genre and fans of all kinds of music will find something special on LET US WORSHIP.  From the soulful “Won’t Ever Change,” to the rocking exuberant praise of “Can’t Tell It All,” it is clear Foxx has range. Fellow indie artist Lowell Pye makes an appearance on the captivating duet “Make Me Over,” while the traditional bounce of “Running For Jesus,” defies any listener to sit still and the title ballad “Let Us Worship” is absolute worship. 

The lead single off the project, “More Of You,” is a beautiful song that speaks to an urgent need and a search for God’s presence.  The passion of the song translates as Foxx’s total devotion that is priceless for the listener.   

Released independently by Walker Davis Entertainment, LET US WORSHIP will be available online November 1^st via iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.

Connect with Nakitta:

www.nakittafoxx.com
http://www.facebook.com/nakittacleggfoxx 
http://twitter.com/NakittaFoxx

New York, NY —“BLACK GIRLS ROCK!TM 2011” recently celebrated its second year of honoring Black women in business, politics, entertainment, sports and community service on BET Networks.  Co-hosted by actresses Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!TM 2011”  honored some of the most exceptional women of color in their respective industries including: Angela Davis, Shirley Caesar, Taraji P. Henson, Laurel J. Richie, Imani Walker, Malika Saada Saar, and Tatyana Ali.  Memorable performances and appearances were made byMary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Melanie Fiona, Mary Mary, Elle Varner, Shirley Caesar, Tichina Arnold, and more. The network premiere will be televised exclusively on BET, Sunday, November 6th at 8 p.m.*

The beautiful co-hosts, Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, walked fashionably onto the stage in sequin outfits to introduce the first presenter of the evening, LaLa Anthony.  The first award of the night was presented to Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson.  When accepting her 2011 Star Power Award, Henson delivered a tearful, yet poignant message to black women: “Support each other. We MUST be there for one another and not bring each other down.”

Mary Mary sang an uplifting version of Sounds of Blackness’ “Optimistic” and was joined on stage by celebrant Shirley Caesar.  Caesar sang “You Can Make It,” that moved the audience in praise and worship.  CeCe Winans surprised Caesar when she walked onto the stage to present her with the Living Legend Award.

The Shot Caller Award was presented to the President of the WNBA, Laurel J. Richie.  Her acceptance speech motivated the audience by stating, “I am here representing 132 strong women in the WNBA. I am proud and honored to be recognized as a Black Girl who ROCKS!”

The amazing musical performances continued with Melanie Fiona hitting the stage with her new single, “This Time,” and Elle Varner singing her melodic new single, “Only Wanna Give It To You. 

Throughout the evening, Black Girls Rock! saluted girls who are making an impact in their communities despite their youthful age: Leanna Archer, Mari Malek and Dyci Manns. These phenomenal young women are M.A.D: Girls who are Making A Difference.

In a strikingly moving video tribute to the 2011 recipient of the Icon Award, the audience was transported back in time, alongside Angela Davis, to witness and relive the incredible political and monumental moments of her life that affected and reshaped the fabric of American culture.  Davis’ speech was motivating and reminded everyone to “never sit back and watch. Be a part of the movement. Stand Up.”

As part of the tribute to the accomplishments and contributions of Angela Davis, Jill Scott took to the stage for a heart-stopping combination of a spoken word performance of “Womanifesto” and then brought down the house with her infectious hit song, “Hate on Me. 

Later, Estelle graced the stage with her soulful and heart-warming song, “Thank You.”  The message of the song, “Thank you…for making me a Woman,” was the constant theme throughout the evening.

Tatyana Ali was awarded the Young, Gifted and Black Award.  As the youngest celebrant of the evening, her outreach to the community and for young people has been significant. She considers herself an education advocate.  “Education is of the utmost importance to me and my family,” says Ali.

Supermodel Alek Wek introduced two amazing women who have been in the forefront of the women’s rights movement, co-founders of The Rebecca Project for Human Rights, Imani Walker and Malika Saada Saar, both recipients of the Trailblazer Award. 

Founder, CEO and Executive Producer of BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™, Beverly Bond, took to the stage to share her foundation’s mission and talk about the progression of the movement since its inception and humbly stated, “I am proud that BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is now at the forefront of a movement INSPIRING ALL women of color to take charge of our images, our dignity and our impact on the world.”

Closing out the inspirational evening, was Grammy Award-winning singer Mary J. Blige, who wowed the audience with her performances of fan-favorites “My Life” and “Just Fine.”

The star-studded affair also included memorable performances and tributes as well as entertaining and inspiring video messages from other black women that rock including actresses Nia Long and KeKe Palmer; singers Anita Baker, Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight; and television writer and producer Mara Brock Akil (Creator of “The Game” and “Girlfriends”). In addition, one of the most touching video tributes was that of Ruby Bridges, who integrated the New Orleans school system in 1960 at the tender age of 6.

The televised special, “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ 2011” is a BET Networks and B.G.R. Enterprises Inc. production.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Founder and CEO, Beverly Bond executive produces the telecast along with Stephen Hill, President, Music Programming and Specials, BET Networks and Connie Orlando, Eugene Caldwell, Salli Frattini, BET Networks.

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks – BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip-Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

About Black Girls Rock™ Inc.

Founded by celebrity DJ and Philanthropist, Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ is dedicated to promoting positive images of women of color in mass media.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, that has been dedicated to the healthy development of young women and girls since 2006.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Inc. seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them to empower themselves.

On the heels of Benjah’s heavily viewed “Walkin’ Out” music video comes the official music video for his latest single “Jezebel.” Shot on location on a private island off of Florida’s Gulf Coast, the Dove Award winning and GRAMMY® nominated artist and producer continues to make waves with the latest music video from his new album The Break-Up (Jahmen/220/Universal). Both videos can be viewed at his official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/benjahmusic.

The Break-Up, which was released on September 27th, features guest performances by Rachael Lampa, Group 1 Crew, Dillavou, Andy “C-Lite” Mineo, Ron Kenoly, Jr. and more.

Benjah just completed a fall run with Hawk Nelson, Fireflight, Superchick and others on the Music with a Mission Tour, taking his refreshing blend of hip-hop, R&B, reggae and power pop to live audiences nationwide.

“The Music with a Mission Tour was such a great experience for me,” says Benjah. “Normally I work within the Urban/Hip-Hop world, but sharing the stage with a bunch of rockers really stretched me and my fan base. My music and I really stuck out, but in a good way. The fans and all of the bands showed me a lot of love!”

Benjah produced and was featured on Lecrae’s GRAMMY® and Dove Award nominated album Rehab, and he took home a Dove Award for producing/writing with Group 1 Crew. More recently, he produced and was featured on Tedashii’s new album Blacklight, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart.

GMC, America’s favorite channel for uplifting, faith-friendly family entertainment, announced today that it has signed a renewal agreement with Central City Productions (CCP) to remain the exclusive cable home of gospel music’s premier annual event, the Stellar Awards. The agreement encompasses the 2012 through 2014 Stellar Awards ceremony, as well as GMC’s exclusive-to-television airing of the nominations announcement and concert performances in October prior to each awards show the following year. The 2012 Stellar Awards – the 27th annual — will air on GMC from Nashville on February 11, 2012. The network aired a live broadcast of the 2012 Stellar Awards nominations show on Oct. 29, and has been the exclusive cable home of the Stellar Awards since 2009.

“We are proud to remain the exclusive cable home for gospel’s biggest night, which is a great fit for us since we are America’s leading television destination for gospel music fans,” said Leslie Chesloff, GMC’s executive vice president, programming.

“GMC is the destination for all things gospel,” said Brad Siegel, vice chairman, GMC. “We are pleased to renew our partnership with Central City Productions and continue to be the broadcast home of the Stellar Awards, which is undoubtedly the premiere gospel event that recognizes and honors the greatest gospel artists in the business.”

The Stellar Awards ceremony is known for featuring rousing performances and appearances by the world’s biggest gospel music stars. Stellar Award winners in 2011 included Marvin Sapp, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Byron Cage and Forever Jones.

About Central City Productions and The Stellar Awards
The Chicago based Central City Productions, Inc. (CCP) produces The Stellar Gospel Music Awards. It has been 26 years since the first awards show was taped at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago, and the Stellar Awards has now become the premier gospel event that recognizes and honors African American artists. This one-of-a-kind award show has showcased top gospel artists and many television and film stars. Celebrities who have appeared on the Stellar Awards include Lou Gossett, Jr., Oprah Winfrey, The Winans, Clifton Davis, Yolanda Adams, Vicki Winans, Tyler Perry, Aretha Franklin, Idris Alba, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker and countless others.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson and produced by Barbara Wilson for Central City Productions. Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions is a distributor of original programming to television and cable networks. Visit us on the web at www.thestellarawards.com.

Comedian, Writer, and Producer, Akintunde shined as Co-host of “The Stellar Awards Nominations Concert” Live on GMC on this past Saturday evening. The live Television format seemed to fit the 18 year Stand Up veteran well, as he shared hosting duties with Platinum selling recording artist, “Trin-i-tee 5:7” (Chanelle & Angel). Says Akintunde, “The ladies were professional and easy to work with making my job much easier.”  The telecast featured stellar performances from Isaac Caree, Y’Anna Crawley, William McDowell, and host Trin-i-tee 5:7 featuring Brian Courtney Wilson with a special appearance by 2012 nominee, James Fortune.

Akintunde will be featured on 3 national tours this upcoming year, The Acquire The Fire Tour, The Rebirth Of Comedy Tour, and he returns for the fourth year on the Creflo Dollar Change Tour.  Listen out for The Akintunde Radio Show and The Rebirth Of Comedy Laugh Of The Day on radio stations nation wide.

Visit Akintunde at www.akintunde.net 

CLICK HERE to preview and buy CD!  On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, two-time Stellar Award-winning gospel music artist Maurette Brown Clark, often called “The Princess of Praise & Worship,” will release her highly anticipated fourth solo album The Sound of Victory on Atlanta International Records/Malaco Music Group.  Recorded live in Norfolk, VA, the twelve-track album showcases the powerful melodies and lyrical gifts that make her one of gospel’s most captivating, timeless artists.  When asked about The Sound of Victory, Torrez Harris, Program Director, Hallelujah FM (Jackson, MS) offers, “I think a listener said it best ‘Maurette is always speaking into my situation.’  Maurette Brown Clark does it again!”

Boasting the soul touching lyrics and vocal prowess that have made her a favorite amongst lovers of great music, The Sound of Victory features dynamic songs such as, “Awesome God,” “Don’t Be Discouraged (God Will See You Through)”and the first single “I Hear The Sound (Of Victory)”, which is currently available on iTunes.  Of the single, Elroy Smith, Inspiration Format Director, Radio One/Program Director, WPPZ Philadelphia says, “Being a programmer, I have access in getting new music for free.  If this wasn’t the case, I’m certain that I would purchase ‘I Hear The Sound’ because this is a great song.  God has given Maurette a big hit.”  “I Hear The Sound (of Victory),” which is filled with joyful praise, hope and faith, is currently in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Gospel Songs chart and rising.

A native of Long Island, NY, Brown Clark began singing at a very young age with her family group, The Brown Singers, and she counts legendary artists including Pastor Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans and her mentor, Richard Smallwood as major influences.  After graduating from college, she released her first solo album, How I Feel, in 1998 and earned a Stellar Award for Best New Artist in 2000.  She went on to release two more acclaimed CDs, By His Grace in 2002 and The Dream in 2007. 

With an impressive 20 years in gospel music, Brown Clark has amassed hits including “Breaking Of Day,” “Just Wanna Praise You,” “Even In The Rain,” “One God” and “It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over)” and “Calvary” and “Angels” with Richard Smallwood and Vision.  “Maurette Brown Clark has been a humble servant of the Gospel as well as the Gospel music industry for 20 years. She has a signature brand of ‘Praise & Worship’ like no one I have ever seen before.  Because of her faithfulness, I truly believe that this is her season for her ministry to finally be recognized by the masses in a way that can only be orchestrated by God,” says D.A. Johnson, Executive Director – Gospel Division, Malaco Music Group.

Maurette Brown Clark not only captures the essence of her heart for God on The Sound of Victory, but her authentic praise and superb vocals are sure to leave listeners speechless.  As a singer, songwriter, producer, musician, wife, and mom, Brown Clark illustrates that with God, nothing is impossible and her life and music are a testimony to that fact.  “I am thankful that God still uses my music ministry to encourage and uplift people. On this

my fourth project, The Sound of Victory, I believe He does just that again. It is both a timely and timeless message…God is still good, still powerful, still able…and He is worthy of my praise. I promise to keep giving it to Him,” she says.

In addition to the release of The Sound of Victory, Brown Clark tours regularly sharing her musical ministry.  Fans can also see her on an upcoming episode of Bobby Jones Gospel airing on BET on November 13, 2011.

The Sound of Victory Track Listing:

1.     Breaking of Day

2.     I Live to Praise Him

3.     I Hear the Sound (of Victory)

4.     Awesome God

5.     He’s Alive

6.     Don’t Be Discouraged

7.     Worship You Lord

8.     Jesus I Love You

9.     Earth Has No Sorrow

10.    My Faith Looks Up to Thee

11.    Even in the Rain

12.    He Is Able
 

To learn more about Maurette Brown Clark, please visit:

Official Website: http://www.maurettebrownclark.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/maurette-brown-clark

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/maurettebclark

For the last half dozen years, Blacksmoke Music Worldwide CEO Kerry Douglas and his highly-motivated staff have pulled out all the stops to make James Fortune & FIYA the hottest young choir leader to hit the gospel scene since Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett. In that brief time, Fortune has amassed more hits than some artists earn in a lifetime and fifteen of those timeless tunes will comprise the forthcoming CD, “The James Fortune & FIYA Story: Songs & Videos – Greatest Hits” (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide) that will be released November 18, 2011.

The set boasts Fortune’s gospel and R&B–crossover radio hits “The Blood,” “Encore,” “I Wouldn’t Know You,” “You Survived,” and his personal testimony of becoming homeless, “I Trust You” which spent 29 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart. Fortune’s most recent #1 smash, “I Believe” (featuring Shawn McLemore & Zacardi Cortez), is also featured. The latter is also nominated for a Soul Train Award as Best Gospel Performance of the year. The program will tape in Atlanta on November 17th and simulcast on both Centric and BET on November 27 at 9 pm est/8 pm cst.

This must-have for fans of contemporary gospel and praise music, also features over two hours of music video footage. Among the clips are Fortune’s concept videos “I Believe” and “I Trust You.” There is also live concert footage highlighting cameos by Zacardi Cortez, William Murphy and others. Now that Fortune is established and moving into new career directions, Douglas is focused on making Earnest Pugh (#1 for five weeks with his smash “I Need Your Glory”), Zacardi Cortez (#14 with “One More Time” duet with John P. Kee), Bryan Wilson and Preashea Hilliard his next big gospel stars.

News is spreading quickly about a format change that will significantly reduce Houston’s ability to hear good Gospel music over the airwaves. RADIO ONE has announced that Christian Inspirational KROI (PRAISE 92.1)/HOUSTON will change to News/Talk “NEWS 92 FM” on the week of NOVEMBER 14th. The 24-hour news and information station will be fortified by the world wide resources of ABC NEWS RADIO and ASSOCIATED PRESS PLATINUM; The Gospel format will move to sister Urban MAJIC 102’s HD channel and will stream online.

PATH was recently at a concert celebrating Baton Rouge Heaven 1460’s 58th anniversary celebration, when the news had top Gospel execs buzzing about what was to become of The Yolanda Adam’s Morning Show. Yolanda Adams’ top rated show is syndicated nationally out of Houston, and one can only wonder if Houston’s format change is just a sign of big changes that loom ahead for Gospel radio.  Sources are telling us that the hit show could be next to hit the door bringing a new morning show that will be headquartered out of the Philadelphia area.  It is still unclear if and when this will take place.  For now the ‘Yolanda Adam’s Morning Show’ will stay on the air.

The press release announcing the switch is vague giving no reason for Houston’s ousting of its Gospel format but one thing is for sure, one of the largest cities in America will be severely underserved by sending its broadcasts only online. As with all format changes it boils down to the money.  Radio One’s priorities seem to be more concerned with world news that’s not reaching the Houston community. Regional VP DOUG ABERNETHY is quoted as saying, “Our review of HOUSTON’s broadcast landscape told us that those listeners interested in local news as well as national news were being poorly served, so we decided to make a commitment to delivering the news in a dependable fashion. People want to hear about news as it happens, and they shouldn’t have to wait until their radio station ‘catches up’.  We’ll deliver the news as it unfolds.”

A well-known air staff has been assembled. Mornings will be anchored by J.P. PRITCHARD and LANA HUGHES. Others to be heard include MIKE BARAJAS, SCOTT BRADDOCK, CAROLYN CAMPBELL, KEVIN CHARLES, BRENT CLANTON, LANNY GRIFFITH, LAURIE KENDRICK, MARTHA MARTINEZ, BONNIE PETRIE, MATT SAMPSELL, PATTIE SHIEH, meteorologist DR. JOE SOBEL, CRAIG ROBERTS and JORGE VARGAS.

Radio One seems to be stepping a little out of their element, priding themselves as an urban-oriented multi-media company that primarily targets African-American consumers. The multi-media giant founded by Cathy Hughes has media services primarily impacting the urban community in the areas of radio, television, print, and online publishing.

“The change that we announced today is a ground-breaking and necessary addition to the choices available to the residents of the HOUSTON metro area,” RADIO ONE Pres./Radio BARRY MAYO said. “The ability to realize a need and then take the appropriate action to satisfy it is what has sustained the popularity of our HOUSTON radio stations.”

Cautious to read between the lines, one can only wonder if the switch has anything to do with House Bill HR 848 and Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s feud with Radio One founder Cathy Hughes. In 2009, Lee sponsored a performance act bill along with Republican John Conyers and many others, that would impose a flat fee for songs played over the airwaves. This would essentially mean that playing a song on the air would count as a performance in which-case royalties would be do to the artist. This would open the door for artists new and old to be paid each time their music is played on the radio. Hughes has done an effective job fighting the bill claiming it would force smaller stations out of business, format changes, and effect the ability for new artists to get their music played on the radio.  So why is Houston’s format changing when all indications are pointing to a defeat of Bill HR 848, and progress for Radio One?

Most radio execs will tell you that switches like this are always about the money, but it sure isn’t for a lack of listeners in the Houston area. The radio station is hugely popular in the large city of Houston, becoming the pulse of the cities Gospel music scene. Houston does have other alternatives, but none can match the 100,000 watts of radio clarity that 92.1 broadcasts with. However, listeners can still catch Gospel music on Choice radio KTSU 90.9FM, KKHT 100.7FM, and KWWJ 1360am radio.

These stations should see a boost in listeners after the switch is made the week of November 14th, and for those still listening to 92.1 after that you can expect to see an aggressive approach to getting local and world news out to Houstonians.

SHANE MEDIA SERVICES Founder/Pres. ED SHANE is serving as Project Manager on the format flip from Gospel music to all news and predicts that Houstonians will find much to like about News 92 FM. “We’re going to give people the facts without the biased opinions that dominate so-called news stations,” SHANE said.  “We’ve assembled an A-list of broadcast journalists whose mission is to report the news and let people make up their own minds.”  The programming team, led by News Dir. DENISE BISHOP, will deliver an appealing blend of local, regional and national news along with topical information and the traffic and weather updates that are essential to HOUSTON listeners.

The news comes as a shock to the city of Houston and to loyal broadcasters, some of which will eventually loose their jobs. We encourage Houston to continue to stay on God’s path through inspirational music using the alternative stations and online methods that are available to you by PATH and other online Gospel stations. Path MEGAzine has reached out to Radio One for a reason for the format switch, and to hear it’s plans for Houston and other Gospel formats. However, they could not be reached by press time.

If you would like to express concern to Radio One, you can do so by emailing inquiry@radio-one.com or visit www.radio-one.com