The entire nation has again celebrated with the third national observance of “Gospel Music Heritage Month” during the month of September which has honored “gospel music” for its value and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee introduced the historic resolution (HJ Res 64) last year and led its passage in both the United States House and Senate with a significant bi-partisan support.

Congresswoman Jackson Lee stated, “Gospel music is an American art form that has spanned hundreds of years and across several generations and has touched millions of lives around the world while demonstrating its profound ability to transcend secular musical genres. While gospel music has become a multi-billion dollar industry, gospel music’s historic roots have originated in the humble and soulful melodies of African American spirituals. The influence of it can be found infused in all forms of secular music including rock & roll, country, R&B, and countless other styles. I am thankful that we are continuing to commemorate and designate the month of September as Gospel Music Heritage Month which will celebrate and honor the heritage of gospel music.”

“Each year the celebrations surrounding Gospel Heritage Month get bigger and better. We hope to see many more events like this across the nation, not only throughout the month of September but in the years to come,” commented Carl Davis, Chair, Gospel Heritage Foundation.

In commemoration of “Gospel Music Heritage Month” on Friday, September 30th @ 7:30 p.m., a stellar group of nationally renown and local gospel artists will be featured in a concert at New Light Christian Center-East at 7317 E. Houston Rd-East Campus (old Lakewood Church site).

There will be two Stages of gospel entertainment: the Mainstage will feature Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, Shawn McLemore, Kathy Taylor, V. Michael McKay, Will Fortune Jr., Ami Rushes, Myron Butler, Chad Brawley, Javier Galvan, Lady Beatrice Ward & The Angelic Voices and the Gospel Music Heritage Month (GMHM) One Voice Choir along with other artists; the Youth Stage will include Le’Andria Johnson (winner of Sunday’s Best 2010), Daniel Johnson, Chad Stevenson, Soulfruit, Ki Kyham, Lici Lewis, Dejuan Adamson, Reconcile, and the GMHM Citywide Youth & Young Adult Choir. The concert is free to the public and promises to be an uplifting celebration.

For more information, call 281-616-7907 or visit www.GospelMusicHeritage.org. The Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration is produced by Walker Entertainment Group.

Bishop Eddie Long lets one of the young men go free from trial after he allegedly broke into his house, stealing over 100,000 dollars worth of the Pastor’s belongings. 

Anthony Boyd was scheduled to stand trial on burglary charges for the incident that happened in June 2010.  Police accused Boyd, a security guard at the church, and Maurice Robinson, a former church member, of the break-in.” 

Boyd was among four men who accused the preacher of convincing them to have sex with them in exchange for lavish living.  Long settled the case with up to 5 young men for an undisclosed amount worth millions.

Long wrote a letter to District Attorney Robert James in August, requesting that prosecutors drop the charges against Boyd.  Stating, “While I understand that there may be evidence to support a prosecution, I believe in forgiveness and the opportunity for second chances,” Long wrote. 

Anthony Boyd feels Long wrote that letter for a different reason.  Telling WSBTV Channel 2 News in Atlanta that Bishop Long wanted to avoid trial for fear that he would have to answer questions about the sexual misconduct case.  Says Boyd, “They say I was facing 20 years and I didn’t know what to do,” Boyd told Channel 2’s Erin Coleman.  Maurice Robinson was offered a pretrial diversion program in which the charges would be dropped if he successfully completed it.  Boyd was offered the same program but said he declined the offer because he did nothing wrong.

Boyd told Channel 2’s Jodie Fleischer he had no reason to break into Long’s private office inside the church and risk losing his security job there. He said Robinson and Anthony Flagg, who were close friends, did have a motive. Three months after the break-in, they and two others filed sex abuse lawsuits against Long. Flagg was never charged by police. 

But get this.  Despite all of this, Boyd is still an active member at New Birth Church!  Read the Full Story and watch the video interview on the WSBTV website.

“We’re breaking the hits,” says Black Smoke Music Worldwide CEO Kerry Douglas of the fifth installment of his best-selling Gospel Mix CD series that is akin to the mix tape phenomenon that’s made Lil Wayne and Kanye West rap stars. “We’re producing tomorrow’s classics today.” Douglas has tapped the hottest young DJ in gospel music, Corey “Coco Brother” Condrey, to host the new double-disc CD, “Coco Brothers Presents Gospel Mix V“ which features Condrey’s rock-edge tune “What Cha Know About Jesus” with a vocal assist from Kevin Levar.

“With this series we take new or established artists with no recent hits and give them that big hit song,” says Douglas. “This series made James Fortune and Earnest Pugh #1 artists. This new CD aims to take others such as Zacardi Cortez to the top. Cortez is best known for singing on James Fortune & FIYA’s smashes “I Believe” and “The Blood.” Cortez started out when he was ten years old, singing with John P. Kee’s VIP Choir. He and Kee reunite for the 23 year old’s rousing new single “One More Time” that is currently #18 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and climbing.

The 2-CD set features 28 songs by the best up and coming artists in gospel today. It features both of Earnest Pugh’s #1 hits “Rain On Us” and “I Need Your Glory.” It also features James Fortune & FIYA’s chart toppers “I Trust You” and “I Believe.” Other future hits include Bryan Wilson’s worship anthem “Expect You Now” and Darrell McFadden & The Disciples’ quartet stomper “On My Journey.” Aside from cameos by Tye Tribbett, William Murphy and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, the project also introduces some great new young female singers with Shea Taylor’s riveting ballad “At The Altar,” Yunek’s mellow “Will Not Rest” and Radio One Best Inspirational Singer In America contest winner, Tamika Patton, who contributes the lush tune “More Than Faithful” that was produced by James Fortune. All of the songs and many more can be found on “Coco Brother Presents Gospel Mix V.” Visit www.mrkerrydouglas.com for more information.

Jessy Dixon, a singer and songwriter who introduced his energetic style of gospel music to wider audiences by serving as pop singer Paul Simon’s opening act, died Monday. He was 73.

Miriam Dixon said her brother died Monday morning at his Chicago home. She said he had been sick but declined to provide additional details.

During a more than 50-year career, Dixon wrote songs for several popular singers, including jazz and rhythm and blues singer Randy Crawford. He later wrote songs performed by Cher, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole and Amy Grant.

But it was for his gospel singing — religious music that combined the rhythmic beat of blues, jazz and soul — that Dixon first gained attention. It was during an appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1972 with his Jessy Dixon Singers that Dixon first came to Simon’s attention. For the next eight years, Dixon toured with the pop icon, collaborating on Simon’s ‘Live Rhymin’ Simon’ and ‘Still Crazy’ albums.

Dixon also played keyboard with Earth Wind and Fire and guitarist Phillip Upchurch.

Dixon, who began studying music at age 5, aspired to be classical pianist but told The Associated Press in a 1997 interview that he always knew his talent was destined for use in the church.

Born March 12, 1938, in San Antonio, Dixon’s professional compass was set by gospel music legend James Cleveland, who heard Dixon’s teen group perform at a theatre in the south Texas city. Dixon said Cleveland liked the group, but he liked Dixon more and persuaded him to move to Chicago to join his group, the Gospel Chimes, as both a singer and pianist.

Chicago’s South Side was the place to be for a gospel musician, especially in the early 1960s.

“Going to church was like going to school,” Dixon said. At church, he heard the likes of Mahalia Jackson and blues pioneer Thomas A. Dorsey, who is credited with creating modern gospel singing.

“Reading his (Dorsey’s) music and studying it, he was the one who wrote for Tennessee Ernie Ford, Elvis Presley and Pat Boone,” Dixon said. “All these people were singing his music and were making it commercial.”

Dixon credited the creativity of artists like percussionist Maurice White and blues singer Willie Dixon, no relation, inspired him to compose. He started with choral music for Chicago’s Thompson Community Singers, for which he sat at the keyboards. Several of his early songs have become classics, sung in churches across America, including: “Sit At His Feet and be Blessed,” ”These Old Heavy Burdens” and “I Love to Praise His Name.”

His more recent compositions gained him even wider acceptance. Dixon’s “I Am Redeemed,” released in 1993, lingered on Billboard magazine’s gospel chart for more than five years.

After his stint with Simon ended, Dixon rode a wave of increased gospel music interest during the 1980s to build a following in Europe.

During his 1997 interview, Dixon noted that when he first began touring on his own outside the United States in the 1980s, the small audiences didn’t have much respect for gospel as religious expression.

“At first it was viewed as entertainment,” he said. “But now when I go, they ask me to share my faith as a Christian.”

In the United States, Dixon was a long-time fixture on composer and singer Bill Gaither’s Gospel Series, video concert broadcast on religious oriented cable television stations.

During his career, Dixon was able to produce five gold records and garner several Grammy nominations.

Dixon, is survived by a brother and sister.

Detroit’s own Selected of God choir will perform with critically acclaimed recording artist, songwriter and producer; Kurt Carr at the 2011 Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ celebration at the Joe Louis Arena on Saturday, September 24th.

Choirs from all across the county will make a joyful noise during the annual competition hosted by Donald Lawrence, Dorinda Clark-Cole, CeCe Winans and resident tour judge Marvin Sapp. Every stop on the live nationwide tour includes appearances by the top names in gospel music, the Motor City’s celebrity judges include Fred Hammond and Kurt Carr.

Carr’s “In the Sanctuary” is sang by millions across the globe every week, in nine different languages, has invited Selected of God to accompany him during this year’s How Sweet the Sound. “We are honored to be performing with one of God’s most blessed maestros!” Proclaims Selected of God Director and Founder Larry Callahan.

Selected of God is most known by its cover of multi-platinum rapper Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” in Chrysler’s “Born of Fire” commercial that aired during the 2011 Super Bowl and subsequently earned an Emmy Award earlier this month. Selected of God’s full length video for “Lose Yourself” has currently garnered over 220,000 views. The single is starting make radio waves and is available on iTunes at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lose-yourself-single/id453175291.

The group was named the regional winners for How Sweet the Sound for ‘Best Small Choir’’ in 2008 and 2009 were the regional and overall winners and representing Detroit in the National Finals.

To purchase tickets to Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more details, visit www.howsweetthesound.com. Follow Selected of God on Twitter @SelectedofGod

The combination of beauty, talent and anointing is an unstoppable one. Three gorgeous sisters out of South Florida are quickly becoming one of the gospel music industry’s newest sensations. 3B4jHoy (pronounced “three before joy”) has been described as one of the genre’s most unique and talented singing groups. Consisting of Heather, Dominique and Claudette Farquharson, 3B4jHoy’s sound, an eclectic blend of Contemporary Christian, R&B, World, and Reggae, is inimitable. Flaunting a flawless vocal symmetry, they have been praised for their angelic harmonies. Gospel industry veteran Jeff Majors says, “Stunning harmony, original songwriting, and clear devotion to the Lord are exemplified by their very name”. They’ve been blessed to share the stage with many industry greats including Smokie Norful, J Moss, Papa San and others. Now the group comes full circle with their third CD and first national debut entitled The One I Need, releasing in early 2012.

3b4jHoy’s new project, The One I Need, is a solid artistic work reflecting the love of and need for God. Through beautiful songs, exquisite harmonies and skillful vocal ability, The One I Need is a testament to the growing faith of Heather, Dominique and Claudette. Through the CD’s 13 tracks, 3b4jHoy uplifts and inspires and gives the listener multiple doses of encouragement and reminders of the great love of God. The group’s joyous sound is a mirror image of their name, 3b4jHoy. Group member Dominique was inspired to name the trio, Joy, in 2001. Claudette says, “Before the second album, the Holy Spirit led us to put the ‘H’ in the middle for Holy Spirit. Now our name, 3b4jHoy means Father, Son and Holy Spirit going out before joy, just like God went out before the children of Israel in the wilderness and before the Levites went out before battle,” shares Claudette.

The group’s vocal talents will be on full display at the upcoming Rhythms of Africa event taking place on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, FL. 3b4jHoy will be performing at the 2PM and 7PM shows. The event, headed by Willie Stewart, the former percussionist of famed group Third World, will include dozens of students from across the globe and the state of Florida. Rhythms Of Africa: Music Around The World is a seven-week workshop which joins teenagers with an interest in music with professional musicians, culminating in the mid-October event. More information about the event can be found at RhythmsofAfrica.net.

Over the years, the sisters have made extraordinary accomplishments, including winning a Hopeton Lewis Caribbean Gospel Music Award for Top Caribbean Gospel Singing Group, and showcasing as new artists on the Gospel of Music with Jeff Majors on TV One. Currently, they are the praise and worship leaders of Mishkan David Messianic Congregation in Lauderhill, FL, as well as Just Life Messianic Ministries in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where their parents are pastors. More information about the trio can be found at www.official3b4jHoy.com.

For over 40 years, the Legendary Rance Allen Group has impacted countless fans through their music and ministry.  Their live performances are always momentous and their most recent one on BET’s Sunday Best Finale is no exception.

The group’s appearance on the popular program impacted fans in such a huge way, that it resulted in a major increase in sales of their current project, The Live Experience II. The group has even seen a spike in Youtube views.  The song “You That I Trust” (featuring Paul Porter) immediately soared to over 100,000 views in a matter of days.  Even sales of their previous project, The Live Experience, was positively impacted.

As the numbers continue to climb, it is a true statement that, “Sunday Best = Success for The Rance Allen Group”! 

Check out “You That I Trust” on the video below.

Gospel rapper Da’ T.R.U.T.H. comes in at #2 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart this week with his new album, ‘The Whole Truth.’

Holding on for a second straight week to #1 is the winner of last season’s Sunday Best on BET, Le’Andria Johnson, with her debut album, ‘The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson.’  Johnson’s record label is reporting a 20% increase in sales from her debut week.  A time when most album releases take a dip in sales, Le’Andria is increasing.  Congrats to her!

Trin-i-tee 5:7 also experiences a major sales gain, moving from #19 to #5 this week with their latest album, ‘Angel & Chanelle.’

Here’s a look at the rest of the top 10 albums in Gospel.

1 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
2 | Da’ T.R.U.T.H. – The Whole Truth
3 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
4 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
5 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle
6 | WOW Gospel 2011
7 | Donald Lawrence – YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
8 | Dorinda Clark Cole – I Survived
9 | Mary Mary – Something Big
10 | Earnest Pugh – Earnestly Yours

Lookout for the new releases from Jessica Reedy, Andraé Crouch and CoCo Brother’s Gospel Mix V compilation, all of which hit stores on September 27th

Yunek talks about Her Yunek Style, Being Minister of Music and Choosing Gospel

Houston native Yunek is one of the biggest secrets in Gospel with an undeniable talent and anointing. Yunek is not new to the Gospel scene having released albums before, but 2011 has seen an increase in this urban contemporary artists’ production.

Yunek will be one of the featured artists on the new compilation CD CoCo Brother Presents: Gospel Mix Volume 5, produced by Black Smoke records exec Kerry Douglas.

As minister of music in the Houston suburb of Katy, TX, Yunek is no stranger to praise and worship. Infiltrating the sound with her urban blend of music. Yunek has two videos currently in rotation on BET, and the PATH MEGAzine’s Shuntia Wheeler talks with her about her future plans. Don’t miss this exclusive interview with Yunek!

Earnest Pugh’s blessings just keep coming. The2 “I Need Your Glory” gospel singer has experienced phenomenal success from the track. Recently soaring back to the top spot on the Billboard Top Gospel Songs, the song has been touching people for months now. The riveting ballad is from Earnest’s latest release, Earnestly Yours, a project that recently received nine second round Stellar Award nominations including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and CD of the Year.

“I Need Your Glory”, the follow-up to his smash, “Rain On Us”, has catapulted the artist to one of the top in the genre. In addition, after less than three months on YouTube, the concept video for “I Need Your Glory” has accumulated over 150,000 views. Now the artist has been tapped to perform the ballad on the upcoming 2012 Stellar Awards. The live taping of the 27th Annual Stellar Awards, one of the gospel industry’s highest accolades, will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2012, returning to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. The artist is thrilled about the opportunity to perform the song on the program. Pugh says, “I am honored that the Mr. Don Jackson and the Stellar Awards Committee deem me worthy of being on the stage with some of the greatest artists of all time. This long awaited dream has become a reality and I marvel at the goodness and favor of God.”

Pugh credits the momentum of the CD due to a great PR team. Led by Bill Carpenter of Capital Entertainment and assisted by Andrea R. Williams of Tehillah Enterprises, Pugh believes his team has been instrumental in having him featured in the following publications: Essence Magazine, JET Magazine, The New York Times, The Examiner, Washington Post, Soar Magazine and many others. In addition, he’s made appearances on FOX News, TBN and Bobby Jones Gospel (which airs on Sunday, December 18, 2011).

Earnest Pugh got his start in gospel music singing with pioneer O’landa Draper in his hometown of Memphis. After the release his 2006 debut, he caught the attention of the industry with the hit, “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up”. He became a household name in the genre with the 2009 release of “Rain On Us”, which charted in the Top 10 as one of Billboard’s Top Gospel Songs of 2010. The gospel crooner, who now lives in the D.C. area, has appeared on BET’s Celebration of Gospel and the Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “Praise The Lord” program. For more information about Earnest Pugh, log on to www.earnestpugh.com.