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.

 

Shirley Murdock with Bryant Scott of Tyscot Records
Shirley Murdock began her day with a huge smile as she celebrated the release of her new project Live: The Journey. Yes, Shirley has recorded albums since the early 80s, but this release was special because it is her first Live CD & DVD.  The smiles continued after Murdock finished her TV interview at WHIO in Dayton, OH and quickly prepped for the Release Celebration at Solid Rock Church in Monroe, OH.

“The Journey” CD & DVD Release Celebration began promptly at 7pm and attendees cheered Shirley on as she thanked everyone for coming. Many of Murdock’s family and friends were in attendance along with countless fans. Members of the legendary Zapp Band were front and center, applauding their long time friend on her special night.  Tyscot Music & Entertainment staff members, Bryant Scott, Sidney Scott and Tracy Williamson were also in attendance for the release celebration.

The celebration began with the DVD debut of the song “He is God” and followed by a live performance of the song “Upward Way”. The crowd sang along with Murdock as she inserted her famous riffs throughout the song.

The night continued with more exciting DVD debuts of the songs “He is the Rock”, “Lord You Reign”, “Keep Loving Me” and “Someday”.  During the debut of “He is the Rock” featuring Beverly Crawford, the crowd stood to their feet for an impromptu praise break. Shirley continued singing “He is the Rock” along with her background singers and band as the audience enjoyed a great time in the Lord.

Shirley’s husband, Dale DeGroat, joined her as they closed out the celebration paying tribute to their pastor, the late Lawrence Bishop.  The night was musical from beginning to end and one that Shirley Murdock will hold dear to her heart. Immediately following the musical journey, Murdock greeted fans and signed autographs.

Shirley Murdock’s CD & DVD Live: The Journey is available in stores and online.

Victory World Music’s first studio album, Shake Heaven, releases November 8, 2011 and is being spearheaded by the multi-talented R&B Legend, Montell Jordan.  The project marks Jordan’s first foray into the CCM music world, with the Grammy nominated star writing or co-writing all thirteen songs on the CD and overseeing production of the recording.  In his role as Worship Leader at Victory World Church in Atlanta, Jordan is working with the church’s worship team to build a group of artists/musicians who are cross-cultural, cross-generational and who celebrate the diversity of music styles of the world.  This is the mission of Victory World Church as their ten-thousand membership represent a wide cross-section of Americans with diverse lifestyles and musical tastes.

“Victory World Church is a place where God inhabits the praises of His people and where worship is a lifestyle,” explains Jordan.  “The worshipers of Victory World Music are committed to taking back what belongs to God by creating Christ-centered music that may be enjoyed by the entire world of both believers and non-believers alike.”

The title track was the first single from the new CD, Shake Heaven and also features Dove nominated artist, Beckah Shae, who also lends her talents to the first song on the album, Yes You Are (Yeshua).  Let’s Go is a rousing declaration to raise your hands and let yourself go with your faith, because you can trust in the Lord.  Breathe is a soulful ballad that says, More of You, Less of me/Set the bar, for me to reach/You said you are, and I believe/Savior, save me (save me).  The acoustic guitar driven These Hands talks about the weight carried from our sins on Christ’s nail driven hands and When I See You celebrates the wholeness of Christ.  The album is available at all digital retail outlets.

Victory World Church is one of the nation’s fastest growing worship centers, and is internationally active through missions, leadership training and pastoral mentorships.  Victory World Music is an important outreach ministry of the church, which is translated through the power of music,  and was a longtime vision of Senior Pastor’s Dennis & Colleen Rouse that was birthed at Victory by Montell and Kristin Jordan in early 2011.  

About Montell Jordan

Montell Jordan brings his extensive years of music business expertise to Shake Heaven and Victory World Church, where he became a staff member in 2010.   Before making his career change, Jordan released seven albums between his two previous record labels, Def Soul and Koch Records.  His mega-hit “This Is How We Do It,” garnered one Grammy nomination and two MTV award nominations.   Jordan produced such high-profile acts as Deborah Cox, Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight, Boyz II Men, Christina Milian, 98 Degrees, Sisqo’, Dru Hill, and appeared in such films as The Fighting Temptations, The Nutty Professor, and Standing In The Shadows Of Motown.  He was born in Los Angeles and graduated from Pepperdine University.  Jordan lives in Atlanta with his manager/wife, Kristin, and his three children, Chris, Sydney, and Skyler.  They are expecting their fourth child in May 2012. 

About Victory World Music

Victory World Music (VWM) is the music ministry of Victory World Church and like its parent church is an eclectic blend of all cultures, styles and ages. VWM was launched in early 2011 and made its debut in the Christian music industry with the single, Shake Heaven. The band is formed by the worship team of Victory World Church and features writers and artists of all cultures and ages. A heart to create an atmosphere where worship is a lifestyle is the central goal in VWM’s zeal to generate new sounds that glorify God and draw people into captivating praise and intimate worship. Thousands of worshippers from more than 105 nationalities gather weekly at Victory and experience the passionate worship and heart-felt praise of VWM.

For more information about Victory World Music please visit online at www.victoryworldmusic.com.  Additional information on Victory World Church is available at www.victoryatlanta.com.

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Shake Heaven Track Listing:

1)   Yes You Are (Yeshua) featuring Beckah Shae

2)   Let’s Go

3)   Shake Heaven (featuring Beckah Shae)

4)   The One (featuring Martha Munizzi)

5)   Mountains (featuring Danielle Cruz)

6)    Hungry

7)   Breathe

8)   You Are (featuring Christian Lewis)

9) Lifter of My Head

10) These Hands

11) When I See You

12)  Usable 

13) F.L.H (feat. Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers) Hidden track

Gospel music fans have been enjoying Worship Leader Martha Munizzi for years now and many are calling her latest release, Make It Loud, her best record to date. The project peaked at #6 on the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. Radio has been spinning the rousing lead single, “Excellent” which has also been making noise, currently at #10 on the BDS charts. Now the beloved praise and worship leader and Stellar and Dove Award winner has been entered in multiple categories for the upcoming 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Martha Munizzi has been entered in the following categories for the upcoming GRAMMY Awards: Best Gospel Song for “Make It Loud”, Best Gospel Song for “Excellent”, Best Gospel Performance for “Excellent”, Best Gospel Performance for “Make It Loud” and Best Gospel Album for Make It Loud. Voting members of the Recording Academy will be casting ballots to choose the best in each category. Martha’s fans who are voting members are encouraged to “make their voices loud” on the GRAMMY ballot. More information about the GRAMMY Awards can be found on GRAMMY.com. For more information about Martha Munizzi, log on to www.MarthaMunizzi.com