Sounds of Blackness (SOB) has been bringing hope and inspiration to people through their music for the past four decades. As the group celebrates 40 years in music and entertainment, it offers another soaring anthem to resilience of the human spirit. “Fly Again,” the first single on the group’s tenth and self-titled CD, The Sounds of Blackness, reassures the listener that no matter how bad things seem, you’ve got to “just hold on and be strong,” because together we will all soon be able to “FLY AGAIN!”

The group dedicates the song to all of the people of the cities across America and around the world, who have recently suffered unfathomable devastation. As the U.S. and the world mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorists attacks, this song perfectly expresses the sentiments of the nation—that together we can survive and even “celebrate a new day.”

We urge you to put this song into rotation on your stations, online site(s)/Internet portal, or utilize as a music bed for your television broadcast starting the week of Septembers 4th. As we look back at the horror of the past events, this song will remind us that we have a brighter future.

The Sounds of Blackness is a multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning group of singers and musicians. Under the direction of Gary Hines, the group has performed before millions of people on five continents since 1971. It has a repertoire that includes music ranging from soul to spiritual, R&B to rock, and jazz to world beat, hip-hop, and classical. The new CD, The Sounds of Blackness, features three generations of singers. It contains new songs, as well as new arrangements of popular classics such as The Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude.” Special guests appearing on the CD include GRAMMY winner Norman Brown, jazz vocalist Doris Hines, XROSS, and the Dreamers Union Choir. “Fly Again” features the phenomenal lead vocalist Jamecia Bennett, daughter of the incomparable Ann Nesby, a former lead singer with SOB, and mother of Paris Bennett, a finalists on American Idol Season 5.

Sounds of Blackness recently signed with Jackson Mississippi-based Malaco Music Group. Much of the historic label was destroyed in a tornado in April, 2011, however the company too will “Fly Again” and will release the SOB CD on October 18, 2011.

Atlanta, GA-based songwriter Darius Paulk, 27, is enjoying the biggest success of his young career with the song, “Nobody Greater.” Recorded by EMI Gospel recording artist, Vashawn Mitchell, the song hit the #1 spot on Billboard magazine’s Hot Gospel Songs chart last fall and has remained in the Top 10 for a solid year and become one of gospel music’s most popular songs ever. It’s also appeared on Sony Music subsidiary Verity Music Group’s best-selling CD, “WOW Gospel 2011.”

A Pittsburgh man, Travis Malloy, has now filed a lawsuit against Paulk and named EMI Christian Music Group and Sony Music Holdings, Inc. as co-defendants, claiming that he co-authored the song with Paulk. In his lawsuit, Malloy argues that he has not received writing credit nor royalties from radio airplay or music sales for the song. Paulk, who is aware that an action has been filed but has not actually seen it, adamantly denies that Malloy has any claim to authorship.

“I wrote Nobody Greater during a very traumatic period in my life in 2008,” Paulk says. “It’s my testimony. I was laid-off because of downsizing at my job. I had just gotten a car and a new place. Also, my grandfather had been diagnosed with cancer. The message of the song reflects my personal struggles and victories. Travis Malloy did not contribute to the creation of this song. I wrote the lyrics and melody by myself in the privacy of my home. His claim is baseless and I am confident in the fact that justice will soon prevail. Truth always comes to light and the truth that this entire song was created by me will be revealed in due time.”

Gospel music legend Andraé Crouch will be releasing his first CD in five years on September 27, 2011. The title of the CD is The Journey and the artists included in the project is quite impressive.

Special guests include Kim Burrell, Take 6, Rance Allen, long time Crouch vocalist, Tata Vega, fellow legendary artists Chaka Khan and Sheila E, and Pastor Marvin Winans who appears on the new single “Let The Church Say Amen.”

From Andrae Crouch:

“The making of this CD along with my producer and arranger Luther “Mano” Hanes, “my son,” was an incredible experience,” said Crouch. “I cried, I danced, I laughed, I prayed, and I worshipped … and you’re going to do the same. My prayer is that this CD will bring you into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.”

“As a producer you dream of working with the true legends. I have had the ultimate honor in working with one of the greatest legends and songwriters in Gospel Music history, Pastor Andraé Crouch. It doesn’t get any better than that,” says Hanes of Crouch. “As a songwriter, hands down, Andraé is the KING, Period! I have never ever experienced a God-given gift like Pastor Andraé Crouch.”

We will just have to wait to see who is crowned Sunday’s Best! 

According to BETs The Gospel According to Torrence: The finale episode scheduled to air on this Sunday, September 4 at 8:00 p.m. will now air on Sunday September 11. Here’s why. During Episode 9, an incorrect voting phone number was given for one of the contestants and, as you know, there were significant power outages along the East Coast.

That said, we decided it would be best to re-air last week’s episode with the correct information and extend the voting process. Voting will continue online and via text but if you voted by phone you will have to do it again beginning on September 4 at 9:00 p.m. Votes casts by phone during the period of August 29–August 31 will not be counted.

Our two finalists worked extremely hard during the season and we want to ensure they both have a fair shot in the competition. Unfortunately, these things happen sometimes but we want to make sure the results of the show are correct as the futures of two young ladies are riding on your votes. Thanks for understanding and we appreciate your continued support. So tune in on September 4 at 9pm and VOTE!

Now that voting has been extended be sure to make your vote count! Check out last weeks episode from Sunday’s Best which showcases the final two finalists Amber Bullock and Andrea Helms!  Also check out James Fortune & FIYA and Richard Smallwood.  Click Here for voting information.

I’m so happy for Isaac Carree!  He’s paid his dues for nearly 20 years in the industry, and his new solo album debuts #1 on Billboard!  Uncommon Me, by Isaac Carree has garnered raving reviews for the singer who started out with John P. Kee and spent long stints singing background for Kirk Franklin and many others. 

I’m equally happy for Gospel rap artist “PRO” who debuted at #2 on the charts with his album Dying to Live.  Once again Gospel rap continues to shock the industry with high sales and 2 rap albums in Billboards Top 10.  You can check out PRO rapping recently with Lecrae and Reach Records at the GMWA.  Click Here.

Also making a strong debut on the charts is Deitrick Haddon’s Anthology Project which landed the #7 spot. 

Congratulations to everyone who made the Top 10!  It’s good to see some new faces on the charts.  The rest of the top 10 is below.

1 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
2 | PRo – Dying to Live
3 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
4 | Donald Lawrence – YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
5 | WOW Gospel 2011
6 | Mary Mary – Something Big
7 | Deitrick Haddon – Anthology: The Writer & His Music
8 | Earnest Pugh – Earnestly Yours
9 | Deitrick Haddon – Church on the Moon
10 | Lecrae – Rehab

Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel, an imprint label of Music World Music, today signed an exclusive International Distribution Agreement with Houston-based gospel recording artist James Fortune and Fiya World, LLC for recordings distributed worldwide, excluding North American. This Agreement covers any and all product that Fiya World, LLC wishes to place forth for distribution that feature the performances of James Fortune and/or FIYA.

Fortune is a Stellar Award winner and the winner of two prestigious ASCAP Awards for Gospel Song of the Year for “You Survived,” (2006) from his debut CD of the same title, which peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Song chart, and “I Trust You,” (2009) from his sophomore CD, The Transformation. His groundbreaking, chart-topping and history-making single, “I Trust You,” is the longest #1 hit single in gospel music, eclipsing the six-month run of Marvin Sapp’s hit single, “Never Would Have Made It.” “I Trust You” remained at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Song charts for 29 consecutive weeks. The Transformation peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart. Fortune’s third CD, Encore peaked at #2 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart and the first single and title track, peaked at # 4 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Song chart.

“James Fortune has had very successful records in the U.S.,” said Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment. “We look forward to building his platform and brand worldwide. Music World Entertainment has achieved an overwhelming amount of success internationally. Gospel music is growing tremendously in the foreign territories. And we, as well as our partners, are on the frontline of expanding gospel music globally.”

“We are excited about teaming with Mathew Knowles and Music World Gospel internationally,” said James Fortune, founder and CEO of Fiya World, LLC. “I look forward to having my music, as well as my artists’ music, heard around the world. I’m also looking forward to exploring touring opportunities and selling more records. Music World’s success is unprecedented globally.”

Singer/songwriter/producer/musician, Travis Malloy, has filed a lawsuit against Darius Paulk, alleging that the songwriter failed to give him proper co-writing credits causing Travis Malloy not to be able to collect royalties and benefit from the success of EMI Gospel recording artist Vashawn Mitchell’s rendition of, “Nobody Greater.”

The suit was filed August 30, 2011, Case Index #11-CV-6075RJS in the U.S. District Court- Southern District Court of New York seeks damages of one million dollars. Also named as defendants are, EMI CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, INC., Sony Music Entertainment, INC, d/b/a SONY MUSIC HOLDING, INC.

Christopher Brown, of Brown & Rosen LLC, attorney for the plaintiff states, “This is a rather interesting case. When a writer alleges that he has written the entire song as Mr. Paulk has, despite not having the ability to write or play music, you must ask yourself, “Then who wrote the music?” Music like lyrics, are also entitled to copyright protection. Otherwise, several genres of music, including jazz, would never exist. Music is just as important as lyrical content and arrangement.” Said Brown.

“The court will have to address this matter and decide who wrote the music to ‘Nobody Greater”. There is a witness that saw Mr. Malloy creating the music while working with Mr. Paulk. The witness statement has been provided to the Court. All parties will have a chance to address the allegations.”

Nobody Greater is featured on several compilations, one being, the award winning platinum selling brand, WOW Gospel. The song has garnered many industry awards, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Gospel Radio and Retail charts, nominated for Grammys in the categories of; Best Gospel Performance and Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. Nobody Greater has caused Vashawn Mitchell to be nominated for 10 Stellar Gospel Music Awards 2011.

About Travis Malloy

Travis Malloy, a native of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, is a singer, songwriter, producer and musician. 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.

Press Release Courtesy of Sheilah Belle and The Belle Report

Louisiana Capitol City’s Number One Gospel Radio Station and 2009 Stellar Award Winning “Station of the Year” WXOK-AM Heaven 1460 will mark it’s 58th year of service to the Baton Rouge Community on Friday, October 28th with an All-Star Gospel Celebration presented by Woman’s Hospital of Baton Rouge featuring over 15 local and national recording artists including Myron Butler, G.I., Maurette Brown-Clark, Isaiah D. Thomas, Lisa Page-Brooks, Brian Courtney Wilson, Todd Dulaney, Jai Reed, Troy Sneed, Lowell Pye, Le’Andria Johnson, Shirley Murdock, James Fortune & FIYA, Isaac Simpson & D.P., Gifted, Pastor Ricardo Handy and The MT. Zion II Music Ministry, The Light House Juniors, & The Voices of Heaven Mass Choir. The Celebration will commence under the theme “Never Shall Forget after 58 years…” which is in-part a tribute to Tyscot Recording Artist Pastor Rance Allen who will receive the most coveted “Eula Mae Hatter Award” for his life-long service within the gospel community.

WXOK is also proud to honor two local musical prodigies former JDI Recording artist and founder of Shabach Praise Company; Minister Timothy Britten and former Tyscot recording artist and Director of The Voices of Praise; Kenneth Mitchell with WXOK’s Spirit of the City Awards. Citadel Broadcasting is proud to welcome hundreds of life-long listeners and fans of WXOK Heaven 1460 to share in this momentous occasion. Tickets will be made available beginning Wednesday, September 14th and more information is available locally on Heaven 1460 WXOK and online at Heaven1460.com.

WXOK’s 58th year Celebration is slated for Friday, October 28th at the Gloryland Baptist Church “Glory Center” 6745 Greenwell Springs Road at South Choctaw, Doors open at 6pm and the celebration begins at 7pm sharp. The evening will also feature a Pre-Concert Outdoor Festival beginning at 5pm and post event Press/Media Reception for details log on to heaven1460.com or call 225-926-1106.

About Heaven 1460, WXOK-AM

For 58 years WXOK has served Baton Rouge since it began as the first Radio station to cater to an African American audience in this area. WXOK has served as home to the voices of Mayor Melvin “Kip” Holden, Eula Mae Hatter, Mary Manson Gordon, Al Jai Wallace and the blues-o-logest E. Rodney Jones; Now Heaven 1460s line-up includes: Yolanda Adams, Bro. Larry Jones, Donnie McClurkin, J’Michael, Kathy Ann, Bruce Peterson, Debra Keller DJ Eagle Eye, Jor’Dan Armstrong and Nita Morgan.

The Gospel Music Heritage Foundation is finalizing plans for “Evolution of Gospel”, the third annual national kick-off for Gospel Music Heritage Month, to be held this Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 6:30 P.M. at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Heading up the event is Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the author of the Congressional Resolution that crowned September as Gospel Music Heritage Month. Jeff “Jazzy” Jordan and Carl Davis, are Co-Chairmen for the event. The Foundation will honor Gospel Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones as a “Living Legend” at the event, for extraordinary commitment to and encouragement of the preservation of human legacy within the lives of every American. Also being honored is Ms. Catherine Hughes and First Lady Michelle Obama making the three the first ever recipients of the award.

Scheduled performers include Richard Smallwood, Marvin Sapp, and Kirk Franklin.

About the Gospel Music Heritage Foundation: The Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation was established three years ago to celebrate and educate people everywhere about the rich heritage of the gospel music genre through word and song. In 2008, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) led the passing of a resolution in both chambers declaring September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.  This year’s program will feature appearances by Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, and Richard Smallwood. The celebration’s format tells the story of gospel through narration and song, beginning with the Middle Passage, and it winds its path through gospel voices like Thomas Dorsey and Walter Hawkins. It ends with spotlights on contemporary gospel music and artists.

Gospel rap took a big step forward towards being widely accepted in the traditional Gospel market that controls radio air time.  For the first time Gospel rap was rewarded at the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) with its own nightly showcase.  GMWA is known as an influential Gospel music conference that brings together members of the Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG).   

Before the showcase, Top Rappers from several record labels held a Q & A forum with over 50 radio hosts, programers, and publications in attendance.  The goal of the panel was to open up dialog that would bring the emerging genre of Gospel rap closer to receiving continuous air-time on more radio stations.

Some of the people in attendance included rappers Lecrae, Jai, Tedashii, Thi’sl, Trip Lee along with industry execs Shamael Lataillade, and Bishop Al Hobbs.

Gospel Rap (sometimes referred to as Holy Hip Hop) has the fastest growing fan-base out of all of the Gospel genres.  This year rapper Lecrae had two albums in Billboards top 10.  A first for Gospel rap.  Rappers Trip Lee, Thi’sl, and Tadashii also made Top 10 debuts the new norm.  Parents and radio announcers across the country are starting to understand that this genre will play a key role in offering a Godly alternative to it’s secular rap counter-part.  

Top record execs were in attendance trying to get a feel for the heart beat of Gospel rap.  Some were even actively looking for new talent.  

The founder of Tyscot Records, Bishop Leonard Scott was in attendance gauging the audiences interest.  As you’ll see in the accompanying video below, the crowd was in a state of pandemonium over some of their favorite rappers from the Reach Records label co-owned by Gospel rap superstar Lecrae.

Many radio programmers pledged immediate rotation and airtime after the forum and concert concluded.  As a fan if you want more time blocks of Gospel rap, be sure to call or write-in to your local Gospel radio stations and let them know.  Also, be sure to buy the music.  Nothing speaks louder to industry executives then soaring record sales.  Trust me, the industry is now paying attention.