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
 

The nominees for the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, gospel music’s biggest night of the year, were revealed last tonight in a special one-hour live telecast from Nashville’s NorthStar Studios, “The Stellar Awards Nomination Concert and Announcements” on Atlanta-based GMC Network. The Stellar Gospel Music Awards is the first and only annual nationally-televised awards show honoring African American gospel music artists.

With nominations revealed in twenty-nine categories, emerging gospel star Vashawn Mitchell led this year’s nominees, earning an impressive ten nods for his work on his 2011 release Triumphant, including “Artist of the Year” and “Male Vocalist of the Year.” Veteran superstars Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin tied with six nods for their respective projects Something Big and Hello Fear. Groundbreaking artist Deitrick Haddon’s latest CD, Church on the Moon, earned five nominations.

In addition to the individual nominations of the top artists, their team members also scored nominations for the projects: Director Christian Heuer received a nomination for Mary Mary’s music video, Walking, and Warryn Campbell received a nomination for Producer of the Year for Mary Mary’s album Something Big; Songwriter Darius Paulk received a nomination for Nobody Greater, sung by Vashawn Mitchell; and Denise Trotman and Greg Gilligan received a nomination for the recorded music packaging on Kirk Franklin’s Hello Fear.

The live announcement show was led by the evening’s hosts, Christian comic Akintunde and Stellar Award-winning Gospel artists Trin-i-tee 5:7. They were joined by Isaac Carree, William McDowell, Y’anna Crawley and Brian Courtney Wilson, who delivered stirring performances. Additionally, Stellar Award-winning artist James Fortune made a surprise guest appearance.

The show’s producers, Central City Productions Founder/Chairman Don Jackson stated, “Last year marked our first live nominee announcement on the GMC television network and today’s show was another huge success! It is very appropriate and fitting to celebrate the nominees of Gospel’s biggest night through praise and worship because everyone is a winner here today.”

The 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Show will be hosted this year by gospel legends Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp and taped before a live audience on Saturday, January 14, 2012. The telecast is scheduled to air in national syndication from January 21, 2012 to February 26, 2012 on the GMC and local markets around the country.

The show will feature star-studded performances by James Fortune, Kirk Franklin, Jessica Reedy, Earnest Pugh, Richard Smallwood and Vision, Martha Munizzi, LeAndria Johnson, Lecrae, Canton Jones, Kim Burrell, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Fred Hammond and Ricky Dillard among others.

In addition to recognizing the year’s most outstanding contributions in the genre, The Stellar Awards also bestow special honors upon individuals whose names are synonymous with greatness throughout distinguished careers in the gospel arena. During this year’s ceremony, Vy Higginsen, founder of Gospel for Teens will be recognized with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award; Dorothy Norwood will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award; and John P. Kee will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award for his historical contributions to the industry. Other special categories were also revealed, highlighting the top radio stations serving urban Gospel music audiences.

Public Voting for the Gospel Announcer of the Year and Internet Radio Station of the Year will be available online from October 29, 2011 through November 15, 2011 by visiting www.thestellarawards.com. Viewers can also log on to Facebook.com/stellarawards and follow Twitter.com/@TheStellars for show updates.

The live taping at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN is open to the public and tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (http://www.ticketmaster.com/). Ticket prices range from $55 – $200. In addition, balcony seats are available for students for $35. For additional details, visit the Stellar Awards website (http://www.thestellarawards.com/).

In related news, the Gospel Music Channel renewed its agreement to broadcast the Stellar Awards through 2014 as part of a long-term deal announced Friday between the two parties. GMC has telecast the Stellars since 2009. Additionally, the network will also air the live Stellar nominations in 2012 and 2013.

Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. (CCP) has produced The Stellar Gospel Music Awards for 26 years. The first show was taped at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago and The Stellar Awards has since evolved into a premier Gospel event recognizing and honoring African American artists. An original awards show, it has propelled and showcased top Gospel artists and countless television and film stars. The ever-expanding roster of celebrity appearances on the Stellar Awards has included such notable personalities as 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.

“Once again we have an amazing lineup for the 27th Annual Stellar Awards,” said Stellar Awards Producer Barbara Wilson. “As Producer of this show for over 25 years, I am constantly inspired by the wealth of talent out there. My mission is to continue to produce a show that not only entertains our viewers, but touches their souls in a way that only gospel music can do.”

ARTIST OF THE YEAR  

–        EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

SONG OF THE YEAR

–        DARIUS PAULK, NOBODY GREATER – TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

–        DEITRICK HADDON, WELL DONE – CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        KIRK FRANKLIN, I SMILE – HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        WESS MORGAN, I CHOOSE TO WORSHIP – UNDER AN OPEN HEAVEN, BOWTIE WORLD MUSIC

 

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

–        EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        ISRAEL HOUGHTON, LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, INTEGRITY MUSIC

–        SMOKIE NORFUL, HOW I GOT OVER: SONGS THAT CARRIED US, TREMYLES MUSIC/EMI GOSPEL

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR* (*renamed in 2011)

–        BEVERLY CRAWFORD, LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES – VOL. 2, JDI RECORDS

–        KIM BURRELL, THE LOVE ALBUM, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT

–        MARTHA MUNIZZI, MAKE IT LOUD!, EPIC MUSIC

–        YOLANDA ADAMS, BECOMING, N-HOUSE MUSIC GROUP

 

GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

–        JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, I BELIEVE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

–        THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

–        TRIN-I-TEE 5:7, ANGEL & CHANELLE, MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL/MUSIC WORLD

 

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

–        GREATER MOUNT CALVARY RECORDING CHOIR, GREATER MOUNT CALVARY LIVE: AS TOLD BY THE MUSIC MINISTRY,    

         CALVARY  RECORDS

–        PREASHEA HILLIARD, LIVE OUT LOUD, SOUNDEFX MEDIA/BLACKSMOKE

–        TODD DULANEY, PULLIN ME THROUGH, GOLDSTREET GOSPEL MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

–        Y’ANNA CRAWLEY, THE PROMISE, ID MUSIC GROUP/UNIVERSAL/FONTANA DISTRIBUTION

 

CD OF THE YEAR

–        JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, I BELIEVE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

CHOIR OF THE YEAR

–        CHICAGO MASS CHOIR, XV LIVE, NEW HAVEN RECORDS

–        MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, …THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO

–        RICKY DILLARD & NEW G, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE

–        SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.

 

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

–        AARON LINDSEY, TOMMY SIMS, & ISRAEL HOUGHTON, LOVE GOD,LOVE PEOPLE,  INTEGRITY MUSIC

–        KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, DANIEL WEATHERSPOON & RICK ROBINSON, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

–        WARRYN CAMPBELL/ MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

 

CONTEMPORARY GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

–        JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA, I BELIEVE, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC

–        MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

–        TRIN-I-TEE 5:7, ANGEL & CHANELLE, MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL/MUSIC WORLD

 

TRADITIONAL GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

–        KEITH “WONDERBOY” JOHNSON & THE SPIRITUAL VOICES, BACK 2 BASICS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

–        THE SOUL SEAKERS, SOUL SEEKERS II, MY BLOCK RECORDS/MALACO MUSIC GROUP

 

CONTEMPORARY MALE OF THE YEAR

–        DEITRICK HADDON, CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        ISRAEL HOUGTON, LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, INTEGRITY MUSIC

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

–        KEITH “WONDERBOY” JOHNSON, BACK 2 BASICS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        JOHN P. KEE, THE LEGACY PROJECT, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        RANCE ALLEN, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

–        SMOKIE NORFUL, HOW I GOT OVER: SONGS THAT CARRIED US, TREMYLES MUSIC/EMI GOSPEL

 

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

–        KIM BURRELL, THE LOVE ALBUM, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT

–        PREASHEA HILLIARD, LIVE OUT LOUD, SOUNDEFX MEDIA/BLACKSMOKE

–        Y’ANNA CRAWLEY, THE PROMISE, ID MUSIC GROUP/UNIVERSAL/FONTANA DISTRIBUTION

–        YOLANDA ADAMS, BECOMING, N-HOUSE MUSIC GROUP

 

TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

–        BEVERLY CRAWFORD, LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES – VOL.2, JDI RECORDS

–        EVELYN TURRENTINE-AGEE, THERE’S GONNA BE A MEETING, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT

–        LASHUN PACE, REBORN, SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT

–        TWINKIE CLARK, WITH HUMILITY, ARROWHEAD GOSPEL

 

CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR

–        DEITRICK HADDON, CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY MUSIC GROUP

–        KIRK FRANKLIN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY MUSIC GROUP

–        MARY MARY, SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR

–        JOHN P. KEE, THE LEGACY PROJECT, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, …THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO

–        RICKY DILLARD & NEW G, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ ENTERTAINMENT ONE

–        SMOKIE NORFUL, HOW I GOT OVER: SONGS THAT CARRIED US, TREMYLES MUSIC/ EMI GOSPEL

 

URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

–       DEITRICK HADDON, WELL DONE – CHURCH ON THE MOON, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–       KIRK FRANKLIN, I SMILE – HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        MARY MARY, WALKING – SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/ MY BLOCK RECORDS

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, NOBODY GREATER – TRIUMPHANT,  EMI GOSPEL

 

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – SHORT FORMAT

–        CANTON JONES, GOD – DOMINIONAIRE, CAJO RECORDS

–        CHRISTIAN HEUER, WALKING -SOMETHING BIG, COLUMBIA RECORDS/MY BLOCK RECORDS

–        MARTHA MUNIZZI, EXCELLENT – MAKE IT LOUD!, EPIC MUSIC

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, NOBODY GREATER – TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – LONG FORMAT

–        DEITRICK HADDON, CHURCH ON THE MOON: PART ONE, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        JERRY PARRIES, BISHOP MORTON CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN MUSIC, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE,

–        MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, ….THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO

–        RICKY DILLARD, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE

 

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR

–        CHICAGO MASS CHOIR, XV LIVE, NEW HAVEN RECORDS

–        GREATER MOUNT CALVARY RECORDING CHOIR,  GREATER MOUNT CALVARY LIVE: AS TOLD BY THE MUSIC MINISTRY,   

         CALVARY RECORDS

–        MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR, ….THEN SINGS MY SOUL, MALACO

–        RICKY DILLARD & NEW G, KEEP LIVING, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE

 

CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR

–        LONNIE HUNTER & STRUCTURE, I’M BACK, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.

 

INSTRUMENTAL GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR

–        HAROLD RAYFORD, I AM THE INSTRUMENT, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

–        MOSES TYSON, JR., MUSIC REMASTERED & SACRED ORGAN, TYMO RECORDS

–        TODD LEDBETTER, MEDITATIONS: HYMNS IN THE KEY OF JAZZ, DAMALJAH

–        WINSTON STEWART, SEASON, JOYFUL RECORDS

 

SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR

–        BISHOP PAUL S. MORTON, BISHOP MORTON CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MUSIC, LIGHT RECORDS/ENTERTAINMENT ONE

–        JOHN P. KEE, THE LEGACY PROJECT, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, MY SONGBOOK, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

 

RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR

–        FLAME, CAPTURED, CLEAR SIGHT MUSIC

–        LECRAE, REHAB, REACH RECORDS

–        LECRAE, REHAB: THE OVERDOSE, REACH RECORDS

–        VIKTORY, BIRTH OF A LEGACY: VOL. 1, VIKTORIUS MUSIC GROUP

 

CHILDRENS PROJECT OF THE YEAR

–        PURE N HEART, TEEN PURE IN HEART LIVE, MUSIC2CHANGEU RECORDS

–        SANTIAGO & CLAUDE DEUCE, MY DESTINY PLACE – MY IMAGINATION, OPEN RIVERS PICTURES/EAESIS/WORD DISTRIBUTION

–        THE VELAZQUEZ FAMILY SINGERS, TEN, Z.A.V.E. RECORDS

–        T-REP THE YOUNG PRAYZR, LET’S GO, YUNGSTA GRIND ENTERTAINMENT

 

QUARTET OF THE YEAR

–        KEITH “WONDERBOY” JOHNSON & THE SPIRITUAL VOICES, BACK 2 BASICS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        THE RANCE ALLEN GROUP, THE LIVE EXPERIENCE II, TYSCOT MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

–        THE SOUL SEEKERS, SOUL SEEKERS II, MY BLOCK RECORDS/ MALACO MUSIC GROUP

 

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR

–        CHRISTINA JONES, DOMINIONAIRE, CAJO RECORDS

–        DENISE TROTMAN & GREG GILLIGAN, HELLO FEAR, VERITY GOSPEL MUSIC GROUP

–        MARTHA MUNIZZI, MAKE IT LOUD!, EPIC MUSIC

–        TANNER GARY, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR

–        EARNEST PUGH, EARNESTLY YOURS, BLACKSMOKE MUSIC WORLDWIDE

–        ISRAEL HOUGHTON, LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE, INTEGRITY MUSIC

–        SHEKINAH GLORY MINISTRY, REFRESHED BY FIRE, KINGDOM RECORDS, INC.

–        VASHAWN MITCHELL, TRIUMPHANT, EMI GOSPEL

 

SPOKEN WORLD CD RECORDING OF THE YEAR

–        MARCO THE POET, MARCO THE POET EP, INDEPENDENT

–        MICHAEL DIALLO MCLENDON, THE DIALLO EXPERIENCE, SEEDWORKS RECORDS

–        SELAH, LOOK AT YOU LOVING ME, PAUSE AND THINK MINISTRIES

–        TRUPOETRY, TRUPOETRY, TRUPOETRY

 

SPECIAL AWARDS — HONOREES/NOMINEES  

 

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

  

SMALL MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

–        WDJL 1000 AM                        Huntsville, AL

–        WJNI 106.3 FM                        Charleston, SC

–        KOKA 980 AM                          Shreveport, LA

–        WIMG 1300 AM                        Trenton, NJ

 

MEDIUM MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

–        WLOU 1350 AM                      Louisville, KY

–        WPRF 94.9 FM                        New Orleans, LA

–        WENO 760 AM                        Nashville, TN

–        KPZK 102.5 FM                       Little Rock, AR

  

LARGE MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

–        WHAL 95.7FM/1460 AM           Memphis, TN

–        WFMI 100.9                              Va-Norfolk-Newpt, VA

–        WCAO 600 AM                         Baltimore, MD

–        WMBM 1490 AM                      Miami, FL

 

MAJOR MARKET RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR

–        WPZE 102.5                             Atlanta, GA

–        WPRS 104.1                            Washington, DC

–        KJLH 102.3 FM                        Los Angeles, CA

–        WGRB 1390 AM                      Chicago, IL

  

ABOUT CENTRAL CITY PRODUCTIONS (CCP)

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 targeted programming to television and cable networks. For more information, please visit www.ccptv.com.     

ABOUT GMC

GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television Council™ recently awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor in 2010. GMC can be seen in more than 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, including DISH Network on channel 188, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter at http://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

 

Grammy nominee and Stellar Award winner Kierra Sheard after a three-year hiatus, continues to excel musically with her latest CD project “FREE” which debuted #1 on Billboard Gospel chart (over 9,400 units sold in the first week).  The release was also #2 on the Billboard Christian chart behind Casting Crowns and #38 on the Billboard Top 200.   It was well worth the wait, which is evident in her latest musical offering of 12 new songs filled with Hope, Inspiration and Liberation!  

Sheard is one of the hottest and brightest young gospel/urban artist in the music industry today, who continues to build an award-winning career! Coming from Gospel Music Royalty (The Clark Sisters/Karen Clark Sheard), Kierra is an heir that continues to prove her own worth.  She is currently on a successful promotional and HBCU concert tour, which includes recent performances in Albany, GA, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA with upcoming dates in Dallas, TX Oct. 29^th, Wilmington, DE. Oct. 30^th and Raleigh/Durham, NC Nov. 5th.

“FREE” is Sheard’s fourth CD and first on her family’s new label, Karew Records. This project incorporates live and studio recordings. Produced and written by Kierra and her producer/brother, J Drew Sheard II,  “FREE” features the BRL Choir (Bold Right Life).  It also it features guest appearances by Gospel notables such as, James Fortune, Mali Music, S.O.M, with an opening intro by Gospel superstar artist/producer Donald Lawrence.

When listening to Kierra’s new project, it doesn’t matter where you are Literally, Spiritually or in Life…you can be set “FREE”!

The “Free’ CD is in-stores now and available on-line at Amazon, tunes and more. For more information, visit www.karewrecords.com, www.KierraSheard.me, @kierrasheard, (twitter) andwww.BoldRightLife.com.

Congratulations to Kierra Sheard, who debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart this week with her new album, Free. She also landed at #40 on the Billboard 200! This is her first #1 debut since her 2006 This Is Me album.

Also debuting in the top 5 this week is Micah Stampley’s latest project, One Voice.  

There seems to be a noticeable shift happening in Gospel music as no traditional Gospel artists are represented in the Top 10.  The top 10 is comprised of some of the best in Urban Gospel and Gospel Rap.  Personally I’m happy that these genres are getting airtime and sales!

Here’s a look at this week’s Top 10:

1 | Kierra Sheard – Free
2 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
3 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart
4 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
5 | Micah Stampley – One Voice
6 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
7 | Lecrae – Rehab
8 | CoCo Brother – Gospel Mix V
9 | WOW Gospel 2011
10 | 116 Clique – Man Up

Next week it will be interesting to see if Le’Andria Johnson will rebound back to her number 1 spot.  I’m glad to see 3 young ladies doing their thing in the top 3.

It’s sad to know that Steve Jobs probably never accepted Jesus Christ before his passing.  In the official authorized biography of Steve Job’s, author Walter Isaacson reveals Jobs struggled with believing in God.  The goal of all Christians is to bring the Good News known as the Gospel to the world.  There is still a lot of work to be done!  

As reported by the Christian Post.com, Biographer Walter Isaacson revealed on Sunday in an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes” that late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who died earlier this month after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, struggled with religion and his beliefs about God in the time leading up to his death.

According to Isaacson, Jobs, a self-proclaimed Buddhist, began questioning the meaning of life and God in the past few months before his death.

“I remember sitting in his backyard in his garden one day and he started talking about God,” recalled Isaacson. “He said, ‘Sometimes I believe in God, sometimes I don’t. I think it’s 50-50 maybe. But ever since I’ve had cancer, I’ve been thinking about it more. And I find myself believing a bit more. I kind of – maybe it’s cause I want to believe in an afterlife. That when you die, it doesn’t just all disappear. The wisdom you’ve accumulated. Somehow it lives on.'”

Isaacson continued, “Then he paused for a second and he said, ‘Yeah, but sometimes I think it’s just like an on-off switch. Click and you’re gone.’ He paused again, and he said, ‘And that’s why I don’t like putting on-off switches on Apple devices.'”

Jobs also brought up death during his discussions with Isaacson and questioned the meaning of his own existence.

“I saw my life as an arc,” Jobs said in a recording aired on the show. “And that it would end and compared to that nothing mattered. You’re born alone, you’re gonna die alone. And does anything else really matter? I mean what is it exactly, is it that you have to lose Steve? You know? There’s nothing.”

Jobs passed away Oct. 5 at the age of 56. During his lifetime, Jobs revolutionized the digital world with products such as the iPod, iPhone, iPad, and the online iTunes store. He successfully marketed the first personalized computer and turned Pixar into a billion dollar conglomerate that produced box-office hits such as “Finding Nemo,” “Toy Story” and “Monsters Inc.”

Isaacson’s biography on Jobs, titled Steve Jobs, hit stores today. CBS published the “60 Minutes” segment on its YouTube channel.

Read More from the Christian Post.com  

 

 

TAMELA MANN joins the all-star lineup of SPARKLE, which is a remake of the 1976 film. SPARKLE tells the story of a young musical prodigy from a Harlem gospel choir, who is pushed into the limelight and struggles to become a star. The title character, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) is the youngest of three sisters in the 1950’s girl group who faces issues that are tearing apart their family in her road to stardom.

“I’m honored and excited to work with an incredible group of people,” said Mann. “It’s a touching story, and I’m happy to be a part of this film.”

Tamela Mann joins the stellar cast, which includes talents such as Whitney Houston, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, Carman Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, Cee-Lo Green and Sparks. SPARKLE is directed by Salim Akil (Jumping the Broom), and the screenplay is written by Mara Brock Akil (The Game, Girlfriends). The film is produced by Debra Martin Chase (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Just Wright), Salim Akil, T.D. Jakes, and Curtis Wallace (Jumping the Broom, Not Easily Broken). Executive producers include Houston, Gaylyn Fraiche (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2), and Howard Rosenman (Sparkle, The Family Man). Original music for the film is provided by R. Kelly.

Tamela Mann is an accomplished NAACP Image Award nominated actress, singer, songwriter, producer, and businesswoman. Starring as “Cora Simmons,” the loving and churchgoing “but woe to those who cross me” daughter of beloved Deacon Leroy Brown and the iconic Madea Simmons on the hit TBS comedy Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns, Tamela makes millions laugh every week while she enjoys a unique personal double blessing. Continuing the role she originated in Perry’s 2004 play and 2008 film of the same name, the sassy, high spirited multi-talented singer and actress is able to work on set every day with David Mann, her husband who plays Leroy. Tamela’s highly successful, Dove Award winning CD “The Master Plan” remained at the top of the Gospel sales chart for almost a year, and in 2010, Tamela released “The Master Plan Deluxe Edition” which contained not only all the songs from the best-seller, but David’s CD, “Mr. Brown’s Good Ol’ Time Church,” and a full bonus DVD of behind the scenes footage, music videos and an episode of their new cooking and lifestyle show, “Hanging With The Manns.”

For more information about Tamela Mann, visit http://www.tillymannmusic.com.