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Season 4 Sunday’s Best Winner is Amber Bullock!


Amber Bullock is Sunday’s Best!  The St. Louis native won the final round against Andrea Helms with voting that was left up to the fans.  

The 2 hour Season 4 finale was packed with incredible performances by Yolanda Adams, Pastor Shirley Caesar, VaShawn Mitchell, Lecrae, Zebulon Ellis, Jessica Reedy and Rance Allen.

There was a special tribute in honor of the late Mahalia Jackson’s 100th birthday in which past Sunday’s Best winners Y’Anna Crawley, Le’Andria Johnson, and Crystal Aikin performed.

Amber received a new Ford Explorer, a national recording contract, and a cash prize.  The contracts are now reportedly signed through Music World Gospel which Matthew Knowles owns.

This concludes another great season of Sunday’s Best where new stars were born, and powerful guest performances were seen.  I have a feeling you will be hearing from many of the contestants including Michael Pew the second runner up.  

I got a chance to talk to Michael Pew’s cousin, the best selling Gospel artist Earnest Pugh, and he insured me that Michael Pugh would not be slowing down.  The exposure of such a broadcast has catapulted many past contestants into successful careers whether they won or not.  Runner ups like Jessica Reedy, Zebulon Ellis, and Shari Addison are a few that come to mind.

Stay tuned to PATH for future interviews with several of the finalists, and congratulations to Amber Bullock!



Obama, Bush, & Giuliani Read Bible & Mention God at 9/11 Service


Article Courtesy of Christian Post.com — Despite efforts to keep the 9/11 Memorial Service free of religion, invited speakers chose to read prayers and Scripture at the event. President Obama and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani read from the Bible on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York City Sunday morning. Former President Bush read a letter written by Abraham Lincoln that mentions God.

Obama chose to read Psalm 46, which begins with, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging” (NIV).

The president arrived at the memorial site with first lady Michelle Obama, former President George W. Bush, and former first lady Laura Bush. All four stood together in a moment of silence when they arrived at the memorial.

In the weeks leading up to the memorial service, controversy surrounded New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s decision to not include religious leaders or prayers in the ceremony. On Friday, Bloomberg said that a memorial service with prayers and religious leaders would be like the government forcing religion “down people’s throats.”

Regardless of Bloomberg’s decision, prayers and religious speeches were abundant at the ceremony.

Bush, who was president at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, read from a letter written by Abraham Lincoln in 1864 to a mother who lost five sons during the Civil War.

Lincoln ended the letter saying, “I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”

Rudy Giuliani, who was mayor of New York at the time of the attacks, read from Ecclesiastes.

“The perspective that we need, and have needed, to get through the last 10 years, and the years that remain, are best expressed by the words of God as inscribed in the book of Ecclesiastes,” Giuliani said.

Giuliani then read from Ecclesiastes 3:1-9, which begins, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

Read More on Christian Post.com



Pastor Jerome Bell Celebrates 50 Years with Celebration Featuring Richard Smallwood, Comedian Broderick Rice, Lady Tramaine Hawk


Pastor Jerome A. Bell will celebrate 50 years of life on September 17th, and will commemorate the blessing with a concert on Sunday, September 18th at 3pm.

The celebration will feature music from special invited guests Richard Smallwood, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, and Jimmy Russell & BOC. The host for the event is none other than the original Gospel comedian Broderick Rice. The celebration is open and FREE to the public.

“I’m extremely overwhelmed at the response thus far,” says Bell“And to be ALIVE to smell these flowers is pretty awesome!”

Pastor Jerome Bell is the recent recipient of the Presidential Civic Volunteer Citation and pin from President Barack Obama, Reverend Jerome A. Bell is a native of Washington, D.C. He has attended the University of Maryland, the University of the District of Columbia and, most recently, Washington Bible College’s Capital Bible Seminary, pursuing a Masters in Divinity. 

The event is taking place at Rehoboth Baptist Church where Rev. R. V. Palmer, II is Pastor. The address is 621 Alabama Avenue in Washington, D.C.

“I’m elated that this event is happening at Rehoboth Baptist Church,” Pastor Bell adds. “It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people.” “I’m hoping EVERYBODY will just SHOW UP!”  “We’ll have a light reception after.”  

Rev. Bell accepted the Lord as his personal savior as a 70’s teenager while attending The New Macedonia Baptist Church, the late Rev. Dr. Robert L. Walls, Sr., Pastor. Rev. Bell delivered his initial sermon in 1995, served as Senior Associate Minister at New Ephesians COGIC, Elder Jonathan Adams, Pastor, and was ordained in September 1997 by Rev. Dr. Kingsley Fletcher, President, North Carolina Bible College and Pastor of the Miracle Life Community Church in Durham, NC. Rev. Bell was also ordained by a called council of the Missionary Baptist Conference of Washington, DC and Vicinity at the request of Pastor Patrick J. Walker, current pastor of The New Macedonia Baptist Church, successor to the late Rev. Dr. Walls.  

In December 1997, under the direction of the Holy Spirit and with guidance and support from many around the U.S. and the world, Rev. Bell organized a body of people to establish the continuation of his ministry; giving birth to The Maryland Family Christian Center (“MFCC”). MFCC held its first service in January 1998. MFCC’s goal is to win souls for the Kingdom of God.  In March 2006 during the church’s eighth anniversary, Pastor Bell was presented with an honorary doctorate degree of divinity by Dr. Zamekio Jackson, President of The St. Thomas Christian College in Jacksonville, FL.    

Pastor Bell, with a near 30 year career in the Gospel Broadcasting industry, began his broadcast profession at WYCB Radio, and continued with WDCU, WBZE and WWGB. These experiences helped to shape his ministry. Credited with being one of the few who has served as a regular host in all day-parts of radio broadcasting, Rev. Bell frequently does voice-overs for ministries and production/promotion organizations and assists numerous record companies with artist promotion. Throughout his career, he has served as Program Director, Music Director, Traffic Manager, and Chief Operating Officer, for various broadcast entities. 
Rev. Bell has been and continues to be involved in many significant programs and activities. Notable highlights: He served on President Ronald Reagan’s Campaign for the Prevention of Drunk Driving, with Michael Jackson as spokesman; he assisted in raising more than $100,000 for orphaned children as producer of a radio special for The American Adoption Agency; he is involved with numerous productions for Black Entertainment Television (BET), the Armed Forces Radio Network, The Smithsonian Institution, The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (Dallas, TX), and several other notable entities. He was thrilled and honored to be a guest at the “Legends Celebration” held by Oprah Winfrey on the grounds of her California Estate, participated in the Celebration Of Gospel Music during Black Music Month hosted by President George W. Bush at the White House and is already confirmed for events at the White House under the Obama Administration.

Frequently asked to host and speak at workshops and conferences, Rev. Bell has served as a workshop clinician/speaker for the Edwin & Walter Hawkins Music and Arts Love Fellowship Seminar, the Gospel Music Workshop of America, The I Hear Music Conference, The Tehillah Music Group — under the auspicious leadership of Bishop Paul S. Morton and Elder Jerry Praries of The Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship, of which he is a member, The Urban Impact Summit (founded by his attorney, James Walker) and other conferences. He served as keynote speaker for the World Gospel Fest in Barbados, was General Assembly speaker at The Gospel Heritage Conference @ New Birth Cathedral in Atlanta, GA (Bishop Eddie Long), has ministered in London, Germany, France, Italy, Salvador, Brazil, and throughout the Caribbean. For several consecutive years has ministered in several areas of Kenya, Nairobi, and Embarara, Uganda, Africa along with Pastor Jerome A. Barber (Sixth Mt Zion Temple in Hampton, VA) and assisted in the planting of a new ministry there. 

In addition, Pastor Bell is the CEO of The Bell Group & Ministries (BG&M) which represents Grammy Award Winner Lady Tramaine Hawkins. BG&M has also served Grammy Winner Richard Smallwood, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and currently assists several others. In February 2006 his first book was released: “Bridging The Gap Between the Music Department and the Pulpit” (Xulon Press). Pastor Bell already has two additional books underway.  

Pastor Bell and wife, First Lady Tonita Latrice, reside in Upper Marlboro, MD, with their five children; Tramaine Ashley, Tyrisha, Jonathan “JonJon”, Tekayla, and Tanisha.



Zachery Tims Death: Church Solicits Testimonies for Special Tribute Service


The members of the Florida church where Zachery Tims served as senior pastor have announced a special tribute service for the late minister and have invited the public to share testimonies of how Tims impacted believers’ lives.

In an announcement dated Wednesday, Sept. 7, New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC) requested tributes and testimonies on how Tims “motivated, inspired and changed” the lives of those who were exposed to his ministry.

The announcement, which was also issued through NDCC’s Twitter and Facebook pages, reads in full:

On Sunday, September 18, 2011 at the 9:00am & 11:30am services, we are having a Moving Forward Tribute Service for Pastor Zach and his legacy. It would be a honor to have your participation for this event. Please email your tributes / testimonies to charry@ndcc.tv on how Pastor Zach motivated, inspired and changed your life through the word of GOD. All emails are due no later than Thursday, September 15, 2011, Titled: TRIBUTE TO PASTOR ZACHERY TIMS.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there.

-NDCC Family

The announcement, also shared on NDCC’s official Facebook page for Tims, was made on Tuesday. Visitors to the official Zachery Tims Facebook community page welcomed the tribute service and expressed continued sadness over Tims’ death.

Barbara Wade wrote, “He will [be] missed he had such compassion and love 4 people!”

“I remember my first meeting [with] him at the storefront on Silver Star. I knew I was placed in that ministry by God. He is missed,” wrote Anntoinette Jóynor Florence.

Renessia Fells said, “[W]ords can never express how much [Pastor] Zack has blessed my life, I miss him so very much yet I believe in my heart that he is in a better place 🙂 all of my Love thought’s and prayers are with his fam and loved ones and will remain with NDCC God…”

Tims, 42, was laid to rest on Aug. 20 at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Florida.

The Florida minister was found dead in his room at the W Hotel in New York on Aug. 12.

Tims served as senior pastor and CEO of NDCC in Apopka, Fla. He founded the 8,000-member church with this then-wife, Riva Tims, in 1996. The couple has four children.

As noted in the NDCC announcement, the tribute service for Tims is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services. It was not immediately clear if the services will be broadcast live on NDCC.tv as Sunday services usually are.

Source: The Belle Report



This Weeks Billboard Top 10 Gospel Artists: Dorinda Clark-Cole Debuts at #3


This week saw minor movement among the Top 10 best selling Gospel albums.  Congratulations goes out to Dorinda Clark Cole, whose new album I Survived, debuts at #3. 

Isaac Carree spent last week at #1 when he debuted with his first solo project ever.  This week he moves to the #2 spot, with Kirk Franklin reclaiming the #1 position for his album, Hello Fear.  Also worth mentioning is Gospel rap artist “Pro” who spends his second week in the Top 10 at #8.  

Next week we’re expecting strong debuts from Le’Andria Johnson who was the Season 3 Sunday Best winner.  You can get more information about her album by clicking here.

Here is the full top 10…

1 | Kirk FranklinHello Fear
2 | Isaac CarreeUncommon Me
3 | Dorinda Clark ColeI Survived
4 | WOW Gospel 2011
5 | Donald LawrenceYRM (Your Righteous Mind)
6 | Earnest PughEarnestly Yours
7 | Mary MarySomething Big
8 | PRoDying to Live
9 | Marvin SappPlaylist: The Very Best Of Marvin Sapp
10 | Deitrick HaddonAnthology: The Writer & His Music



James Fortune Continues to Amaze in Studio with LeAndria Johnson & ZaCardi Cortez


James Fortune is at it again chronicling the making of his new CD that’s due out January 17th.  Fortune’s latest YouTube post shows him in the studio with Sunday’s Best winner Le’Andria Johnson and ZaCardi Cortez.

The video was fun to watch.  Looking dead tired, Fortune asks LeAndria Johnson and ZaCardi Cortez to sing their parts in the song.  When it comes to rifts, soul and that good Gospel sound, ZaCardi and LeAndria Johnson are at the top of my list.  

LeAndria Johnson recently released her new CD that you can purchased here.  ZaCardi has a new single out with Gospel legend John P. Kee, and is preparing for his first solo album.  

So far on the new album James Fortune has worked with some of the most notable producers in the business.  Producers mentioned are Aaron Lindsey, A’ron Lewis, J. Drew Sheard and Terence Vaughn.  Wow!  If you know anything about producers you can’t get much better than that!  

Artists so far include FIYA, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, Niki Ross, ZaCardi Cortez, LeAndria Johnson, Kim Burrell and much more to come!




Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers Set to Record Highly Anticipated Project Live in Boston


Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers, a city wide choral aggregation based out of Boston, MA, prepares to record their 5th project live entitled “How Glorious and Excellent Is Our God”, on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 in Boston at Morning Star Baptist Church, beginning at 7pm.

“How Glorious and Excellent Is Our God”, which is slated for a 4th quarter release will be the follow-up to Battle’s 2006 highly acclaimed “Here Is Our Praise” project produced by multiple Grammy Award winning artist and producer Israel Houghton.

Battle is widely known throughout the Gospel community as a worship leader and prolific songwriter penning songs for the Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir: Live In Milwaukee project, Grammy-nominated legendary female group Witness “Speak to the Generations” project, the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses, Darryl Coley’s “Here II Praise” project on Verity Records, her group The Temple Worshippers and most recently, Rodney Posey’s 2010 “My Praise is Waiting for You” project and Patrick Lundy & The Minister’s of Music 2010 “Determined” project, amongst others.

Tickets can be purchased in Boston at the Sanctuary Bookstore, 1500 Blue Hill Avenue, 617.296.4651 or Nubian Notions, 1131 Tremont Street, 617.859.7007 or online at www.thejhardyagency.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Judy Peterson (617) 291-1802



GMC (The Gospel Music Channel) is Now on Dish Network


GMC, America’s favorite network for uplifting music and family entertainment, announced today it has launched on DISH Network. For an introductory period running through Oct. 11, GMC is available to all DISH Network subscribers as a free preview on channel 188.

GMC’s family-friendly programming slate includes the new hit family drama Heartland on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET, with the season two premiere slated for Oct. 6.

The network is also known for its critically acclaimed GMC World Premiere Movies, with the next original production, A Mile in His Shoes (starring Dean Cain), slated to premiere on Sun., Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. ET with an encore at 9 p.m. ET.

Other popular programming on the network includes GMC World Premiere Gospel Plays, a unique blend of music, comedy and drama. The next GMC World Premiere Gospel Play, The Love You Save, will premiere on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., with encores at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET.

GMC continues to be the No. 1 destination for gospel and Christian music fans. In addition to featuring music every day, the network is the home for the genres’ biggest awards shows — the Stellar Awards and the Dove Awards.

GMC also features such family favorites such as The Waltons, Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman, Judging Amy and Sue Thomas F.B.Eye.

Charles Humbard, president, GMC, said, “This major agreement pushes our distribution well past the important 50 million mark, but the real winners here are DISH Network’s customers. In GMC they are getting America’s favorite uplifting entertainment network that upholds their faith and family values.”

In 2010, the Parents Television Council awarded its coveted Seal of Approval to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly” network, the only network so honored last year.



Muyiwa & Riversongz Release ‘Declaring His Name All Around The World’


Do you wonder who is making waves overseas in the Gospel industry?  Allow PATH to introduce you to Muyiwa & Riversongz, one of the UK’s biggest Gospel act’s.  Muyiwa & Riversongz have released their much anticipated album ‘Declaring His Name All Around The World’.

Produced by GRAMMY award winning producer Kevin Bond and with features from Stellar and Dove award nominee and prolific worship leader Mary Alessi and Dove award nominee Darwin Hobbs.

By pre-ordering the ‘Declaring His Name All Around The World’ album you can help Muyiwa & Riversongz but more importantly, Gospel music get into the charts.

Muyiwa & Riversongz travel extensively, which gave rise to the theme of the new album, having visited Canada, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, USA, Slovakia, Poland, Ireland, Ukraine and the Republic of Benin in the past 12 months.

“We traveled so much and experienced so many people, cultures and sounds, it made perfect sense to explore some of these. This album is a journey of the World’s music as seen through our kaleidoscope” says the Riversongz front-man Muyiwa.

Declaring His name all Around the World” was released on CD and digitally on 29th August 2011 in the UK and 6th September 2011 in the USA

 



Deitrick Haddon’s “Blessed & Cursed” the movie is now on The Movie Channel (TMC)


While “Blessed & Cursed” the movie continues to receive national television exposure, it has now become available online for a special price of $7.96.  Starting September 9th, the film, which stars gospel triple threat Deitrick Haddon, will be aired on The Movie Channel (TMC), a premium cable television service that reaches approximately 20 million subscribers in the United States.

Viewers may now purchase Blessed & Cursed the movie for special price of $7.96 online via Wal-Mart.

Blessed & Cursed Walmart.com Buy Link:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/14335833


As the first feature project from Tyscot Music & Entertainment’s newest division, Tyscot Films, Blessed & Cursed was originally released as a straight-to-DVD title.  Despite not having a major theatrical release, the film has continued to gain grassroots appeal across the country.

Blessed & Cursed – The Movie Channel (TMC)-Next Airings All Times ET/PT:

Fri

09/09

 6:00 PM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL

Mon  

09/12 

 3:00 PM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL

Thu

09/15

 5:00 AM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL

Sun

09/18

11:15 AM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA

Wed

09/21

  8:30 AM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA

Wed

09/21

10:40 PM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA

Sat

09/24

  5:20 AM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA

Tue

09/27

12:30 PM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA

Fri

09/30

  9:00 AM

   THE MOVIE CHANNEL XTRA

Sun

10/09

11:15 PM

   SHOWTIME FAMILY ZONE

Please check your local listings for the exact air times in your area.  For more information on future airings, please visit www.sho.com .

“Blessed & Cursed” depicts the biblical struggle of Saul and David with a modern day twist.  Haddon plays, Dwight Hawkins, an aspiring and gifted gospel singer who suddenly goes from humble novice to overnight sensation when he is hired as the Minister of Music at one of the Detroit’s most popular churches.  What starts out as a dream come true soon becomes a nightmare as Dwight’s ambitions are thwarted but an unlikely source.