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

Marc Martel continues his strong online support after receiving 4-million hits with his audition of “Somebody To Love”  for the Queen Extravaganza.  Due to heavy fan write-in ballots, Martel has just been added as a nominee for the MTV O Awards 2 in the Best Fan Cover category.  Fans can continue to vote for their favorite entries at http://www.omusicawards.com/vote/best-fan-cover.

The winners will be announced Monday, October 31, 2011 and will livestream on OMusicAwards.com.  The first four minutes of the program will air on the MTV television network. The event celebrates and honors the artists, innovators and fans impacting digital music culture. 

Voting began just under a week ago and already more than three million votes have poured in, as well as nominations for additional candidates to be added to the voting pool such as Martel.  He recently performed “Somebody To Love” on The Ellen Show last Monday, October 3^rd and received a standing ovation from the audience.

Martel is currently on The Called To Love Tour with his band, Downhere, in support of their current CD, On The Altar Of Love.   The tour includes Downhere’s fellow labelmates, Jason Gray and Aaron Shust.  Martel and Downhere will be heading to Norway for an international tour later this month.  For more information on Martell please visit online, www.marcmartel.com or www.downhere.com.

Centricity Music’s high energy pop-rock band, Me In Motion, will be heading to Canada in December to join Peter Furler’s 2011 Christmas Tour.  The 10-day tour launches December 1^st and features Building 429 and Levi McGrath along with Me In Motion. 

“I’m really honored for the opportunity to join Peter on the road this December,” says Me In Motion’s frontman, Seth Mosley.  “It’s been a big blessing to get to know him, as the band worked on Peter’s debut solo record.  And now to get the opportunity to share the stage with such an iconic figure in Christian music, who had a big impact on me growing up, is a dream come true.  Peter is 100% genuine and lives what he sings. It’s gonna be a good one.”

Me In Motion just released their new single to radio, Yes We Can, and already the upbeat, catchy song has received eight radio adds out of the box.  The song’s lyrics are based on the message from Phillipians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  As Mosley describes the single, “It’s difficult to live our faith in this world but when the world says we can’t make it we shout back….yes we can!”

Gospel’s fresh-faced, mega talented girl group Zie’l (pronounced Zye – el) stepped into gospel music with an amazing sound that entranced the music industry and exhilarated new fans.  Their phenomenal vocal ability captured on their 2006 debut release Genesis featured the customized hit remake of the Clark Sister’s “Is My Living In Vain” and the James Cleveland favorite “Surely He’s Able”.  Crystal Bell, Christina Bell, Aphten Jones and Keyondra Lockett perfected a contemporary harmonic style that no one could duplicate.  Now, the Stellar Award nominated skillful singing acrobatics of the four will be heard as three until the decision is made to replace departing member Christina Bell.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson from Le’Andria Johnson remains atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week, sitting in this position now for five of the last six weeks. The album also enters at #9 on the Independent Albums Charts and #52 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Jessica Reedy‘s debut release From The Heart holds to the #2 position on this week’s charts. Kirk Franklin‘s Hello Fear moves to #3 followed by Lecrae‘s Rehab which enters at the #4 position. Uncommon Me from Isaac Carree rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Triumphant from VaShawn Mitchell, jumps seven places to #9 while the latest release from Norman Hutchins titled If You Didn’t Know, Now You Know re-enters at #20.

The complete Top 10 this week:

1 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
2 | Jessica Reedy – From the Heart
3 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
4 | Lecrae – Rehab
5 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
6 | 116 Clique – Man Up
8 | CoCo Brother – Gospel Mix V
7 | WOW Gospel 2011
9 | VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant
10 | Andraé Crouch – The Journey

In the world of radio, “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh spends its fourth consecutive week at the top of the radio charts. Isaac Carree‘s “In The Middle” holds to the #2 spot while “Spiritual” from Donald Lawrence & Company holds steady in the #3 position. Yolanda Adams “Be Still” moves to the #4 spot while “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin rounds out the week’s top five songs.

The new CD releases this week are by Kierra Sheard, Micah Stampley, Sounds of Blackness and Shirley Murdock.  It will be interesting to see where they land on the Top 10.

The nominees for the 2011 BET Soul Train Awards have been announced with nods to veterans Michael Jackson and CeCe Winans.

Chris Brown leads the nominations with five while Beyonce received four. The soul diva is up against husband Jay-Z for Album of the Year.

Jackson was nominated for Record of the Year (Hold My Hand) while Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans are up for Best Gospel Performance (Along with others).  In addition Machel Montano is up for Best Caribbean Performance (Bend Over).

In what might be an omission in the nomination announcement, Jay-Z and Kanye West are nominated for Hip-Hop Song of the Year for Otis; however, Otis Redding, who is listed as a contributing artist on the record, is not given a nomination.

The awards ceremony will be held November 17 on BET and Centric on November 27 and it will be hosted by comedian Cedric The Entertainer.

A complete list of Soul Train Awards nominations are as follows:

Best New Artist
– Bruno Mars
– Marsha Ambrosius
– Miguel
– Frank Ocean

Best Male R&B/Soul Artist
– Trey Songz
– Chris Brown
– R. Kelly
– Miguel
– Cee-Lo Green
– Eric Benet

Centric Award
– Ledisi
– Raphael Saddiq
– Bilal
– Anthony David
– Aloe Blacc

Best Caribbean Performance
– “Man Down” -Rihanna
– “Summer Time” -Vybz Kartel
– “Wotless” -Kes The Band
– “Bend Over” – Machel Montano
– “Delilah” – Movado

Best Gospel Performance
– “I Smile” – Kirk Franklin
– “Walking” – Mary Mary
– “Heaven Hear My Heart” – Trin-I-Tee 5:7
– “I Believe” – James Fortune ft. Shawn McLemore
– “More” – Cece Winans

Album of the Year
– 21 – Adele
– F.A.M.E. – Chris Brown
– 4 – Beyonce
– Passion, Pain & Pleasure – Trey Songz
– Light of the Sun – Jill Scott
– Watch The Throne – Jay-Z and Kanye West

Best Hip-Hop Song of the Year
– “Moment for Life” – Nicki Minaj
– “All of the Lights”- Kanye West ft. Rihanna
– “Look at Me Now” – Chris Brown ft. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne
– “Out of My Head” – Lupe Fiasco
– “Otis” – Jay-Z & Kanye West

Best Female R&B/Soul Artist
– Kelly Rowland
– Beyonce
– Marsha Ambrosius
– Jennifer Hudson
– Jill Scott
– Mary J. Blige

Song of the Year
– “Motivation” – Kelly Rowland ft. Lil Wayne
– “Sure Thing”- Miguel
– “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele
– “She Ain’t You” – Chris Brown
– “All of the Lights” – Kanye West
– “So In Love” – Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton

Record of the Year (The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award)
– “Rolling in the Deep” – Adele (Writers: Adele, Paul Epworth)
– “Far Away” – Marsha Ambrosius (Writers: Marsha Ambrosius, Sterling Simms)
– “Best Thing I Never Had” – Beyonce (Writers: Antonio Dixon; Kenneth Edmonds; Larry Griffin, Jr.; Beyoncé Knowles; Caleb McCampbell; Patrick Smith; Shea Taylor)
– “Good Man” – Raphael Saddiq (Writers: Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson)
– “Hold My Hand” (Duet with Akon) – Michael Jackson (Writers: Aliaune Thiam (Akon), Giorgio Tuinfort, Claude Kelly)

Best Dance Performance
– “Motivation” – Kelly Rowland
– “Only Girl in the World”/”What’s My Name” – Rihanna
– “Run The World” – Beyonce
– “She Ain’t You” – Chris Brown
– “Walking” – Mary Mary
– “Pretty Girl Rock” – Keri Hilson

2011 Soul Train Award Legend Award Recipients
– Gladys Knight
– Earth, Wind & Fire

Traditional Jazz*
– “In Concert On Broadway” – Harry Connick Jr.
– “James Farm”- Eric Harland
– “Light My Fire”- Eliane Elias
– “Silver Pony”- Cassandra Wilson
– “What’s It All About” – Pat Metheny

Contemporary Jazz*
– “Contact” – Boney James
– “Hello Tomorrow” – Dave Koz
– “Rock-et Sci-ence” – Bela Fleck
– “Let’s Touch The Sky” – Fourplay
– “Time Together” – Michael Franks

Brian Courtney Wilson just sent PATH his new single “So Proud,” and it’s a sure hit!  I first heard the song about a month ago, and was told that it wasn’t even mastered yet.  I was told not to speak about it.  Now with permission to speak about it, I’m excited to present it to you’ll.

In a busy room filled with artists and media, Brian asks me if I had some headphones.  I pulled out my huge Sennheizer headphones and Brian Chuckles as I seemed to surprise him by having the large headphones on hand.  I connected it to his I-Phone, and for a moment there I think Brian wondered if he would ever get his I-Phone back.  I played the song twice, nodding my head looking crazy to the room full of people.  Afterwards I told Brian, “That’s a hit man!”

Brian has a sure gift that resonates with the body of Christ.  His new song is called ‘So Proud’ and oddly enough we are “SO PROUD” of Brian for sharing his gift to the world.  

Brian tells me that he is hard at work making a new album for 2012.  Brian Courtney Wilson rose to fame in 2009 with hits like ‘Already Here,’ and ‘All I Need.’  

Now it’s you guys chance to hear the song before it’s released to radio and let Brian no what you think.  Brian will be checking out this page for your comments.  I also want to give a special shout out to Uncle G Promotions and Entertainment. They do an incredible job with Brian’s promotions.  Path MEGAzine now presents to you “So Proud,” by Brian Courtney Wilson!

“So Proud” by Brian Courtney Wilson by Path MEGAzine

According to Sheilah Belle of The Belle Report, Travis Malloy recently filed with the U.S. Copyright Office an application for copyright for the music he wrote for “Nobody Greater”. Mr. Malloy prepared the music with the lyrics written by Darius Paulk. The US Copyright Office has issued a copyright to Mr. Malloy, SR 680-801 (see below). “Its just a step in the process” Said Christopher Brown of Brown & Rosen LLC.

“As I previously stated, all parties will have a chance to address the allegations. Mr. Malloy still contends he wrote the music to VaShawn Mitchell’s song and the Court has set a conference date for November 14, 2011. Hopefully Mr. Paulk will be in Court that day. We have been unable to locate Mr. Paulk and one of his representatives has refused to accept service of the Complaint on his behalf. I recently read Mr. Paulk’s denial of Mr. Malloy’s claim on the internet so he is clearly aware of the lawsuit. However, we can’t seem to find him. We will move forward with the lawsuit and continue to search for Mr. Paulk. Either way, the case will move forward as I expect Sony and EMI to attend. EMI and Sony are entities that take such matters seriously.” Said Brown.

About Travis Malloy
Travis Malloy, a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, is a singer, songwriter and producer. Travis graduated from The Pittsburgh High School For The Creative And Performing Arts (CAPA), where he studied in the vocal department for four years. Travis Malloy is currently signed to Cory Rooney Entertainment.

The Blind Boys of Alabama appeared in Washington more than a year ago with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band performing music from their latest Grammy winner, “Down in New Orleans.” The proceeds of that album went toward the city’s restoration.

Now they return to raise their glorious voices in “Take the High Road,” the group’s first country gospel album.

Lead singer Jimmy Carter has been with the ensemble since the beginning 72 years ago at Alabama’s Talladega Institute for the Blind. He and his colleagues grew up singing and harmonizing in the church, so it is no wonder that their five Grammy Awards and five Lifetime Achievement Awards were topped by their 2007 induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

“We’re hoping this new album will earn a sixth Grammy,” Carter said. “All the songs are uplifting and thoughtful. We’re testing the water as far as concert music goes. It takes us in a new direction with lots of great guest artists, including Hank Williams Jr., Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack, Vince Gill and the Oak Ridge Boys. My favorite numbers are the title song and ‘I Know a Place.’ It has deep, deep meaning and a beautiful melody.”

The Blind Boys of Alabama are proud to share their music and spirituality with the world. Carter is the only remaining founding member who performs regularly. The positive public response and many rewards continually energize him and the current members, keeping them at the top of their game.

During the past decade, they have collaborated and toured with numerous famous artists, among them Taj Mahal, Prince, Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt and Mavis Staples. They have appeared on the radio and TV shows of Imus, Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien and Davis Letterman, and have been featured at the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland and the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, S.C.

Thinking back upon the highlights of his career, Carter recalls more than can fill a page, but foremost in his heart are the performances at the White House for three presidents, George Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The second-biggest thrill was his band’s first Grammy Award in 2002 for “Spirit of the Century.” Another memory close to his heart was the response from the people of New Orleans to the proceeds from “Down in New Orleans.”

“I told them we couldn’t use hammers and nails, but we could sing and give them hope,” he said. “Our greatest pleasure comes from helping and touching people’s hearts. When I get on stage and hear the audience response, that is my reward.”