Pastor Zachery Tims of the popular New Destiny Christian Center in Orlando was found dead at the W Hotel in New York City. He was found unresponsive on the floor of the hotel room and pronounced dead by emergency responders.  Pastor Tims was 42 years old.

The New York City Medical Examiners office is awaiting results of an autopsy. Tims is survived by his ex-wife Riva and their four children.

Hello Fear, the latest release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates another week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also sits at #17 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #73 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Earnest Pugh‘s Earnestly Yours moves to the #2 position this week. The famed WOW Gospel 2011 compilation comes in at the #3 position this week, while Something Big from Mary Mary enters at the #4 position this week. Times of Refreshing from Pastor James R. Adams & The Abounding Life C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir & Musicians rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, William McDowell‘s effort As We Worship: Live jumps eight places to #7 while Culture Shock, the debut release from Jai debuts at #25.

In the world of radio, “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin celebrates its seventeenth week at the top of the radio charts. “I Need Your Glory” from Earnest Pugh jumps to the #2 spot while Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” moves to the #3 position. “Over & Over” from Trin-i-tee 5:7 featuring PJ Morton holds to the #4 spot while “My Heart Says Yes” from Troy Sneed rounds out the week’s top five songs.

On the heels of being named one of “10 Men Leading the Way” by EEWMagazine.com & DaSouth.com DA’ T.R.U.T.H. releases the first two singles from his highly anticipated forthcoming project THE WHOLE TRUTH exclusively on his Facebook page. Supporters can listen to “Alive” and “The Whole Truth” by clicking here.

THE WHOLE TRUTH will mark the first CD release with new joint venture Xist Music/220 Entertainment on September 13, 2011. For more information on Da’ T.R.U.T.H., visit www.datruth.net or www.xistmusic.com.

About Xist Music Xist Music is the recording label of Xist Worldwide, which produces innovative projects from award-winning artists who are leaders in the inspirational urban music industry. Xist Worldwide was founded by Terverius Black and Sean Simmonds to become the leading producer of inspirational urban entertainment, lifestyle and media content. With properties in music, film, publishing and other lifestyle projects, Xist Worldwide acquires, produces, markets and distributes inspirational urban content. Visit Xist at www.xistmusic.com for more information and follow them at www.twitter.com/xist_music.

About 220 Entertainment 220 Entertainment Group, a Black Fuel Music, LLC company, is a multi-layered entertainment entity led by partners CEO Jeff Adams, COO Martin Lovelace and Executive Vice President and General Manager Al Marks, encompassing several mutually beneficial enterprises that work to deliver success for the artists, clients and companies it partners with and represents. 220 Entertainment Group’s management division, Streetlight Artist Management, represents some of Christian Music’s hottest new artists including Group 1 Crew (Fervent), Rachael Lampa, Ryan Stevenson (BEC), Hyland (Tooth & Nail), Charmaine (in:cite), Rhema Soul and more. 220 Entertainment Group is now also partnering with several record labels, providing distribution and other services. Black Fuel Music, LLC is the parent company of 220 Entertainment Group, Streetlight Artist Management and the concert and artist event booking entity, Upstream Artist Agency.

Via the Belle Report:

Although the 2012 Stellar Awards are over four months away, the first step in selecting its Stellar Award winners is underway, as Voting is now open for the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

In order to begin the voting process, please enter your SAGMA ID Number and PASSWORD (email address) in the spaces provided. You are only allowed to vote for one (1) artist in each category. And, you may only vote on this 1st ballot one (1) time per person. When entering your sagma ID you must include all characters, do not remove the dash. Your email address on file is used as the second form of verification. If you have any problems please contact us, were here to help and every vote counts.

Each category is limited based on the discretion of the Stellar Awards Nomination Committee therefore all entries cannot be included on the ballot. Technical quality, lyrics, voice quality, charting duration, project content and charting performance will be reviewed for inclusion on the ballot. All Stellar Awards Nomination Committee selections are final.

As for the breakdown on who is leading out of the 30 categories, Mary Mary and VaShawn Mitchell are both holding down 10 nominations. Earnest Pugh, James Fortune & FIYA, and Deitrick Haddon have all been nominated for 9 awards. Holding on to 8 nominations are Kirk Franklin, Ricky Dillard & New G, Tye Tribbett, Canton Jones, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 and Brian Courtney Wilson. And with 7 nominations it’s the Mississippi Mass Choir and Israel Hougton.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards was the first Gospel Music award show in the country, honoring Gospel Artists, Writers and Industry Professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry and has now become a premier Gospel Event, honoring and recognizing the top entertainers in the Gospel industry.

Click below to see the entire list of nominations and cast your vote now!

Click: VOTE HERE!

105.9 KISS has added legendary gospel artist Vickie Winans to the Radio One Detroit roster. Winans has been singing the praises of Jesus Christ with her fine tuned instrument that piques the emotions and uplifts the spirit for more than 24 years. “SUNDAY MORNING PRAISE WITH VICKIE WINANS” inaugural show is Sunday, August 14, 2011 from 6am until 9am on 105.9 and will air every Sunday going forward. This will make for great conversation as Winans will be going up against her ex-husband, Pastor Marvin Winans’ on competing radio station.

“Detroit has a strong gospel base that deserves to be heard. Vickie Winan’s personality merged with incredible inspirational music will uplift Sunday morning radio in Detroit,” said Armando Rivera, Program Director of 105-9 KISS.

Kathy Stinehour, V.P. / General Manager said: “Vicki is an internationally renowned, hard working musician and we are honored that the name synonymously mentioned with gospel is sharing her light on our Detroit station starting this Sunday”

Get a sneak peak of the Grammy-nominated, Stellar Awards and NAACP Award Winner in the KISS studios this Sunday or call to set-up a post show interview with Wendy Cyrus-Herndon, Radio One Detroit Marketing Director at wcherndon@radio-one.com.

Life Radio Network announced today that it is adding comedian AKINTUNDE to its programming lineup. AKINTUNDE debuted on radio with “The Akintunde Show” in Washington, DC in 2009 and continues to tour with Pastor Creflo Dollar. He has written for comedians Mo’Nique and Chris Tucker, and currently serves as head writer for ‘The Mo’Nique Show’. In 2003, he was named writer for ‘It’s Showtime at the Apollo’ as well as writer for ‘The BET Awards’, and others shows. “With apperances on TBN, The Gospel Music Channel and others we are so excited to extend his popular brand of Inspirational Comedy to radio,” says Life Radio Network president, Michelle Price. “Not only does he have family appeal, he has a modern edginess that translates to all audiences. He is just plain funny, and we are looking forward to the success of this partnership.”

AKINTUNDE will be featured in the daily LAUGH OF THE DAY, and the weekly AKINTUNDE RADIO SHOW. For audio visit www.akintunde.net



About Life Radio Network

Life Radio Network is a leader in syndicated Inspirational programming with 24/7 content and stand alone features. Formed in 2004 LRN has worked in the US and international markets providing creative broadcast and sales features for radio, television, and digital content.

For More information:

Press Contact

Cole Johnson 832 265 4962 cole@liferadionetwork.com

Radio Contact

Life Radio Network/Michelle Price – 615 554 9190 michelle@liferadionetwork.com

AKINTUNDE – www.akintunde.net

Tyler Perry may be following in Oprah Winfrey’s footsteps by getting his own cable network. Perry who turns his plays, television shows and films into movies may be forming Tyler TV. According to the NY Times, Tyler TV, which is still a working title, is intended as a home base for the prolific Mr. Perry — just as Ms. Winfrey, one of Mr. Perry’s most ardent supporters, now operates OWN.

Details are still sketchy, but the new network will initially house reruns of Tyler’s sitcoms and movies, plus third-party content “that meshes with Mr. Perry’s Christianity-tinged brand.”

Again Lionsgate is mentioned to be partnering with Perry in this effort.  One thing is for sure, running a network is hard work and has not worked out to be profitable for Oprah so far.

Read the Full Report here.

Teemade Productions, spear-headed by Public Relations genius Kenny Taylor is back with his signature GMWA event. This year at a new time and with a new name.  View the flyer below for more details!

In an exclusive interview with the Houston Chronicle, Yolanda Adams talks about her new luxury clothing line.  Adams recently released a new CD, Becoming, which is available only at Walmart.

She also is launching a clothing line, the Yolanda Adams Collection. The luxury collection of women’s knitwear suits and dresses for sizes 0-28 debuts Thursday at an invitation-only fashion show and cocktail party at the Westin Galleria Houston and a Friday-Saturday trunk show at the hotel. The pieces will be sold exclusively at events in major cities and won’t be available at retail stores. Jackets are $455-$2,000; skirts, $125-$380; pants, $325-$520; and tanks and shells, $165-$260. (See them at visit yolandaadamscollection.com.)

Adams realizes those prices are steep for a budget-conscious shopper, but she wanted to create an exclusive, easy-travel knit collection that wasn’t mass produced. Only 25 pieces of any one style will be made, and customers will receive custom tailoring and free alterations for three years.

“I thought it was time for us to get back to the glamour of fashion and not just the trend of fashion. There are things I wear on stage that I can’t wear at a brunch or to Sunday service. I wanted a collection that gives women these options.”

New label, same James Fortune.  Now with Light Records, James Fortune encourages the body of Christ with his new song “Still Able.”  Listen to the song below.  I think it’s destined to be another #1 hit for Fortune.