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.

“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

Now available for limited time only, Press Play’s newest hit single “Three Little Words” is up for grabs and available for free download at Air1.com.  With the album debuting at No. 12 on the Christian Gospel section of iTunes and “Three Little Words” breaking the top 30 ­on the CHR charts, this song is a definite must-have for the iTunes library.

To get your free copy of “Three Little Words,” follow the link below and then click on the iTunes button at the web address for the download.

http://www.air1.com/music/free-songs.aspx

The song will only be available for free download up until November 7, 2011 so now is the time if you want a sneak peak at Press Play’s newest and inspirational album World Anthem.

Press Play is working hard to reach the hearts and ears of their listeners with not only catchy and amazing music featuring dance and pop-style rhythms, but they also include an amazing message throughout their album with the second half of the album . Their focus is not only to reach the Christian community, but also to break down boundaries and reach those who are lost and broken through their electronic / dance / pop / worship style music.

To buy World Anthem visit: www.itunes.com/pressplay 

For more information visit: www.ThisIsPressPlay.com and www.DreamMusicGroup.com  

The late Zachery Tims’ church, New Destiny Christian Center, has revealed Friday one of the requirements needed for applicants looking to take over the senior pastoral role the charismatic preacher left vacant when he died in August.

Following a report last week that NDCC was about to announce its basic requirements that would be instrumental in selecting an effective replacement for the late pastor “soon,” Minister Samuel Anderson, an executive administrator of the church, told The Christian Post Friday that NDCC is seeking “a pastor that is part of a husband and wife team.”

According to Anderson, New Destiny is desirous of a pastor who is part of a supportive married couple, that would be committed to each other as they commit to the message and growth of the Apopka, Fla., megachurch.

This is not out of keeping with the history of NDCC, which, many will recall, began due to the hard work and commitment of pastors Zachery and Riva Tims. After relocating from Baltimore, Md., in response to a directive by Zachery Tims’ pastor, the couple moved to Florida and, after hard work and great dedication, built a ministry that would eventually grow to a membership of 7,500 in just ten years.

The Tims, who share four children, divorced in 2009.

Since the death of her 42-year-old ex-husband, who was found unresponsive in a New York City hotel room on Aug. 12, many members of the church have called for Riva Tims to take up the mantle of leadership and become pastor of the megachurch.

Reva Tims, the founder, CEO and pastor of Majestic Life Ministries in Orlando, responded to these calls through a message on her Facebook page on Sept. 26:

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

Read the full report on the Christian Post.com

One of gospel music’s favorite sibling duo, BeBe & CeCe Winans, were honored with a star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, October 21, 2011.

‘This is a great honor. I thank my brother and duet partner BeBe for making great music and great memories. It’s been an honor, it’s been fun, it’s been exciting, it’s been frustrating, it’s been crazy but it’s been wonderful. I just thank God. I could not do it without him and the wonderful music that he has written,’ said CeCe Winans. 

On hand for the ceremony were several personalities, including Quincy Jones, jazz musician Dave Koz and actress Yvette Nicole Brown, as well as several family members, including Delores “Mom” Winans and Pastor Marvin L. Winans.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce awards an average of 20 stars annually, based on nominations and a rigorous selection process. For more info, visit http://www.walkoffame.com/.

Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Ricco McAdory knows what good Gospel music sounds like. With the influences of John P. Kee, The Williams Brothers and The Canton Spirituals, he knows how to create music that “takes people to church”. The singer, songwriter and producer is readying his full-length national debut by releasing the lead single, “I Believe”. A down-home, clap-your-hands track, “I Believe” encourages the believer to stand strong in the faith. Penned by the artist himself, “I Believe” is being serviced to radio by Edmondson Communications, Inc. and will be available for purchase on iTunes on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

“I Believe” was produced and arranged by the artist and mastered by industry notable Herb Powers (John P. Kee, Byron Cage). For Ricco, the track isn’t just a great song but it’s his testimony. Born to a mother who had her tubes tied nine years prior to his birth, Ricco knows that miracles exist; he is a living witness. It’s that message he wants to share with listeners of his music. “When people hear my music, there’s one thing that I want them to know,” shares Ricco. “Whatever the problem is, they need to know that Jesus is the answer”.

A Preacher and Associate Minister at Faith Chapel Christian Center in Birmingham, Alabama, under the pastorate of Dr. Michael D. Moore, McAdory is passionate about spreading the Word – both verbally and musically. The son of a preacher, he has always had an affinity for music. Also a pianist and singer, Ricco strives to make the message of Christ the center of his ministry. Ricco McAdory’s new project will be released on April 3, 2012.

▪ COURAGEOUS, the fourth film from the creators of FIREPROOF, spent three weeks in the box office top 10 following its Sept. 30 premiere.
▪ Partnered with an array of family and fathering ministries, COURAGEOUS is impacting lives across the country.
▪ The best-selling performance of books and other products inspired by the film extends that impact. 

As with their 2008 surprise hit film FIREPROOF, the makers of COURAGEOUS have far more than box office success on their minds, aiming to make an impact on the quality of family and fathering relationships worldwide. Having spent three weeks in the box office top 10, stories abound of individuals moved by COURAGEOUS to embrace their faith, renew commitments to their families or help foster a movement to restore relationships.

“Our desire is that fathers resolve to fulfill their God-given role in the family,” said Sherwood Pictures’ Michael Catt, executive producer of COURAGEOUS and senior pastor at Sherwood Baptist Church.

Behind the film, an array of books and other products have been launched with a similar aim and are seeing remarkable results. For example, Kerusso, the leader in Christian-themed apparel and gifts, is the official apparel licensee for the film. 
For Kerusso’s four t-shirts and ball cap in the COURAGEOUS line, each has sold in its first 30 days what many of the firm’s most popular items have sold year-to-date.

“When people leave the movie, they want to respond and share the message with others,” said Vic Kennett, Kerusso president and CEO. “The average t-shirt message will be read as many as 3,000 times — that’s life-changing potential.”

Regarding books inspired by the film, the novelization of COURAGEOUS, from Tyndale House Publishers, sits at No. 24 on the New York Times Best-Seller List for Trade Paperback Fiction.Courageous the Novel was written by best-selling author Randy Alcorn, based on the screenplay by brothers Alex and Stephen Kendrick, who co-wrote the movie.

“Because a book is longer than a screenplay, in the novel we’re able to more deeply explore the characters’ lives,” said Alcorn, who is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries in addition to being a top-selling Christian author.

In the film, several main characters publicly resolve to be the fathers God desires them to be. Three books from B&H Publishing Group offer encouragement and equip men and women to take a similar stand. The books include Catt’s Courageous Living-Dare to take a Stand, which draws encouragement for godly living from the bold choices of well-known biblical characters such as Moses, Joshua, Ruth and more. The Resolution for Men, by the Kendricks, and The Resolution for Women, by nationally-known author, speaker and teacher Priscilla Shirer, are striking a chord with readers as well. The Resolution for Men is at No. 10 on the New York Times Best-Seller List for Paperback Advice, and The Resolution for Women is No. 14. Additionally, these books have hit the Christian Booksellers Association best-seller list. (The Love Dare, a book inspired by Sherwood Pictures’ 2008 film FIREPROOF, remains on the New York Times list after three years, currently at No. 13.)

“We are amazed and so very thankful for the impact that The Resolution for Men and The Resolution for Women are already having on people’s lives,” B&H President Selma Wilson said. “The COURAGEOUS books being on the New York Times and CBA best-seller list and being highly ranked on Amazon are a testimony to the need that people have for these resources.”

Jim McBride, Sherwood Church executive pastor and one of the executive producers of the film, wrote Rite of Passage-A Father’s Blessing, published by Moody Publishers. In the book, McBride offers a biblical outline for purposefully ushering young people into godly adulthood.

“The new movie COURAGEOUS has been well received by audiences all over the country and the results at the box office are proof that people want to support this powerful story,” said Adam Kellogg, Moody Publishers marketing manager for the Spiritual Growth team. “Since the release of Rite of Passage in August 2011 sales have been strong, and the combined efforts of marketing the book along with the movie have proven to be very effective. We anticipate continued impact as the movie is seen by more and more audiences worldwide.”

Bill Reeves, a partner in Working Title Agency, the literary agency that represents the authors, echoes the assertion that COURAGEOUS and its related products are about more than sales.

“We’re very excited to see how the mission of the movie is turning into a movement and how people using these great resources extends the impact,” Reeves said.

A Sherwood Pictures production, COURAGEOUS is distributed by TriStar Pictures with marketing by Provident Films and AFFIRM Films. COURAGEOUS tells the story of four men with one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, they are confident and focused, standing up to the worst the streets have to offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.

When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God . . . and to their children? Protecting the streets is second nature. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That takes courage.

COURAGEOUS comes from Sherwood Pictures, the movie-making ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church that also made FIREPROOF, the No. 1 independent film of 2008. FIREPROOF was a difference-making movie about restoring damaged marriages with faith and sacrificial love.COURAGEOUS aims for a similar positive impact on fathering and families. Statistics show children from fatherless homes are more likely to have health problems, underperform in school, face drug and alcohol issues, and become involved in crime.

Tickets are available now on CourageoustheMovie.com; Fandango, Movie Fone, MovieTickets, and other online sales sites; and through the theaters.

For interviews, contact: Monique Sondag Monique@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-536-4319.

For information on books and products, visit:
Kerusso.com
Tyndale.com
BHPublishingGroup.com or IAmCourageous.com

Learn more or buy tickets:
CourageoustheMovie.com
CourageousResources.com

Join us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/CourageoustheMovie

Follow us on Twitter:
Twitter.com/#!/CourageousMovie

About COURAGEOUS and Sherwood Pictures
COURAGEOUS is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, a ministry of Sherwood Church and part of the congregation’s vision to “change the world from Albany, Ga.” Brothers-and Sherwood pastors-Alex and Stephen Kendrick co-wrote the film, with Alex directing and acting and Stephen producing. Sherwood Baptist Senior Pastor Michael Catt and Executive Pastor Jim McBride and Terry Hemmings, president and CEO of Provident Music Group, are executive producers.

About AFFIRM Films 
AFFIRM Films is a division of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, dedicated to producing, acquiring, and marketing films that inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences. AFFIRMFilms.com

About Provident Films
Provident Films, a division of Provident Music Group, develops, produces and markets faith-based films. Nashville-based Provident Music Group, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, has been one of the world’s leading Christian entertainment companies for more than three decades. ProvidentFilms.org