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. 

Byron Cage will be recording a new album LIVE in Chicago on Saturday, August 13th at 6:00pm (doors open at 5pm) at Christ Universal Temple.

Not much has been announced about it beyond the fact that Fred Hammond is among the artists slated to make a guest appearance.  I love Byron’s music, should be a great recording!

Tickets are just $5 and can be purchased NOW at http://byroncageliverecording.eventbrite.com/.

Grammy Award winning producer, composer and gospel music recording artist Donald Lawrence and his dynamic support ensemble, Co., is back with the new CD entitled, YRM: Your Righteous Mind.

YRM’s first single, “Spiritual,” is currently #13 with a bullet on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart. Among the other highlights are the upbeat mantra “YRM (Your Righteous Mind)” featuring Dorinda Clark Cole; the smooth “We Agree” with Israel Houghton; The “I Am” Factor sermonette by Zimbabwe’s charismatic Bishop Tudor Bismark; siblings Tobbi White Darks and Tommi White’s rousing makeover of Chaka Khan’s 1984 hit “Through The Fire,” and a spirited update of Lawrence’s mentor – the late Bishop Walter Hawkins’ – 1984 gem “When The Battle Is Over.”

“This project really doesn’t differ from my past ones. I want to continue to teach, through song, spiritual principles and laws based on scriptures.”-Donald Lawrence

Exclusive: Judge Tina Campbell breaks down Gospel vs love songs, Jill Scott stops by the VIP Suite, and the eliminated contestants say goodbye. (Season 4, Episode 6)

Congratulations Dawkins & Dawkins, whose new album, From Now On, debuted at #4 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums sales chart this week.  Brothers Eric and Anson hadn’t recorded an album together in 11 years.

Also, Christian rapper Thi’sl debuts at #6 on the chart with his new album, Beautiful Monster.  Kirk Franklin regains the number one spot and Richard Smallwood moves to #2. 

The Top 10 on the Gospel Albums chart…

1 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
2 | Richard Smallwood – Promises
3 | Earnest Pugh – Earnestly Yours
4 | Dawkins & Dawkins – From Now On
5 | WOW Gospel 2011
6 | Thi’sl – Beautiful Monster
7 | Mary Mary – Something Big
8 | Pastor James R. Adams – Times of Refreshing
9 | VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant
10 | Trin-i-tee 5:7 – Angel & Chanelle

New flavor from up-and-coming artist Zacardi Cortez. Zacardi is figured to have a big coming out party when two of his latest songs debut on Kerry Douglas’ Gospel Mix Volume 5 CD in October.  Listen below!

The who’s who in Gospel Music will soon be heading south for the 41st Annual Session of the Gospel Music Workshop of America featuring the most touted professionals from the Gospel Announcers Guild and Nationwide media.  

The workshops, musicals and events will be hosted at Marriott Waters Hotel and the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL.  From top Gospel artists to heavy hitters in the Gospel music industry the Gospel Music Workshop of America (G.M.W.A) is the place to be from Sunday, August 14th to Thursday, August 18th.

If you havent went before or haven’t attended Gospel’s most recognized conference in a while, here is my top 5 reasons to attend this year whether your a fan of Gospel music or a Gospel artist.

1. Powerful workshops and industry networking.
2. The musicals are incredible.  Packed with all your favorite Gospel artists.
3. The Second Annual Crystal Mic Media Awards.  One of Gospel’s top award shows recognizing Christian media outlets.
4. Get your business, product, music, or brand out there to the faith-based community.
5. Media exposure 

Plus I’ll be there looking forward to meeting everyone!  Don’t forget the official kick-off concert facilitated by the Florida Gospel Announcers Guild on Sunday, August 14th.  Click Here for more details on that.

Some of the Gospel artists, and media personalities coming to GMWA…Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Bishop Sam Williams, Donna Creer, Sheilah Belle a.k.a The Belle, Kris Patrick, Edna Tatum, Minister Earl Bynum, Frank Walton, Don Jackson, James Bignon, Kirk Franklin, Norman Hutchins, Lowell Pye, Beverly Crawford, Jimmy Hicks, James Fortune & FIYA, JJ Hairston & YP, Jessica Reedy, Dorothy Norwood, Dana Mackey, The Miracle Sisters, Apostle J.L. Cash & Praise, Bishop Andre Woods, Kerry Douglas, Khalif Townes, The Rance Allen Group, Rev. John P. Kee, Rev. Marvin Sapp, Neily Dickerson, State Choir of Florida, Texas Mass Choir, Kenny Taylor, Western New York Chapter-Buffalo, NY Choir, Bishop “Mr. Clean” White, Dr. Peggy Britt, D.A. Johnson, Dr. Teresa Hairston, Pastor David Wright and the Rev. Timothy Wright Memorial Choir, Evg. Lemmie Battle, Brenda Jefferson, Colorado Springs Colorado Chapter GMWA Youth & Young Adults, Bro. Steve, Connecticut Chapter, Dr. Rodena Preston and the Los Angeles Chapter Mass Choir, Pastor Juandolyn Stokes, Willie Mae McIver, Dr. Steve Roberts and the James Cleveland Gospel Chorus, Pastor Henzy Green, Ed Stephens, Rev. Lawrence London, Elder Willie James Campbell, Cora Miles Jefferson, JoJo Pada, Nichole Heyward, Benita Bellamy and many many many more!  

For more details, itinerary, and more.. Visit the GMWA website www.gmwanational.net

Check out the class schedule here!

Story derived from Sheilah Belle with the Belle Report

“Blessed & Cursed” the movie reaches a new milestone.  The film, which stars gospel triple threat Deitrick Haddon, is now being aired on Showtime, a premium cable television service that reaches approximately 20 million subscribers in the United States. 

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.

Showtime subscribers can now watch Blessed & Cursed on many of its multiplex channels as well The Movie Channel, which is owned by the network:

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 by an unlikely source.

The “Blessed & Curse” DVD and original motion picture soundtrack are both available at Walmart and www.walmart.com

For more information about this and other Tyscot Music & Entertainment products, please contact Shaamora Harden sharden@tyscot.com) and Quaneshia Armstrong qarmstrong@tyscot.com)

The Florida Gospel Announcers Guild is proud to be the host city of this years Gospel Music Workshop of America in Tampa, FL.  Founded in 1967 the G.M.W.A. is the premiere place for Gospel music lovers and inspiring artists.

To commemorate this annual event the Florida Gospel Announcers Guild is hosting a kick-off event Sunday, August 14th at 6pm.  A who’s who list of Gospel artists and media will be in attendance.  This is a FREE event!  Look at the flyer below for location and more details.