William McDowell is preparing to release his latest gospel music CD, Arise, on November 8th. The CD was recorded live in Orlando, FL and the first single “I Won’t Go Back” is a beautifully crafted worship ballad that will impact radio on August 15th.

McDowell reached the top slot on Billboard’s Top Praise & Worship chart this week with his 2-CD set, As We Worship: Live. The number one song and radio favorite, “I Give Myself Away,” has been the driving force for the sale of the album which has been embraced by congregations and churches around the world. The song is currently one of the top ten songs on Houston’s Praise 92.1 radio station.

Recently, McDowell has made the theme of I Give Myself Away the driving force for his ministry. He recently launched the IGiveMyselfAway.org website which is an online destination portal for information on charitable giving and community service.

Demonstrating the scripture, James 2:17 ‘Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead …’ McDowell hopes to encourage a movement of selfless love and national service, by providing accessible information for a variety of charities, services and companies.

The Ambassador is fresh off his new CD release “Stop the Funeral” which debuted #6 on Billboard in its first week.  But before the release it was quite a journey back to restore his personal life and Marriage.  Tune into the video below.

We’re down to the top 10 contestants with 3 of the contestants going for the final tenth spot.  Look at the video below to hear the positive things the eliminated contestants had to say.
  

Hello Fear, the latest release from Kirk Franklin, returns to the top of the Billboard Top Gospel Charts this week. The album also sits at #18 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #79 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Earnest Pugh‘s Earnestly Yours moves to the #2 position this week. Mary Mary‘s Something Big comes in at the #3 position this week, while Times of Refreshing from Pastor James R. Adams & The Abounding Life C.O.G.I.C. Mass Choir & Musicians leaps to the #4 position this week. The famed WOW Gospel 2011 compilation rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, The Ambassador‘s new effort Stop The Funeral debuts at #6 while William McDowell‘s release As We Worship: Live moves five places to #11.

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

Erica Campbell of Mary Mary stopped by Good Morning America to premiere their new music video for the song “Survive.”  On the show Erica announces that she’s expecting her third child with husband producer Warryn Campbell. 

Mary Mary recently announced a new partnership with American Red Cross to help and encourage victims of tragedy. 

Congratulations to Erica and Warryn Campbell!

Listen to Kim Burrell as she talks about being the vocal coach on the hit show Sunday’s Best.  Kim gives the contestants some advice and shares her hopes for Gospel music.

Reverend Al Sharpton is reportedly being lined up to host a nightly talk show on cable channel MSNBC.

Sharpton has guest-hosted MSNBC’s 6pm hour for the last two weeks while regular anchor Cenk Uygur was on vacation, but insiders now tell TV Newser that Sharpton is being considered by network executives to permanently take over the slot. The source also indicated that Uygur will continue to appear on MSNBC in a new capacity should he be replaced by Sharpton.

A message on Uygur’s website indicated that he is scheduled to return to the air for this evening’s edition of MSNBC Live.

Former presidential candidate Sharpton previously fronted the Spike TV reality series I Hate My Job and has made frequent appearances on The Daily Show and Real Time with Bill Maher.

Sharpton also helms the nationally syndicated radio program Keeping it Real from New York City.

Earlier this year, Sharpton revealed that he turned down an offer to join the cast of Dancing with the Stars.

The Malaco Music Group is proud to announce the signing of the Grammy winning group, Sounds Of Blackness.

The debut single “Fly Again” from their self-titled CD, “The Sounds Of Blackness” will be Impacting Airplay August 1 & 2

“Fly Again” features the phenomenal vocals of Jamecia Bennett, daughter of Ann Nesby, mother of Paris Bennett, American Idol Season 5, Top 5 Contestant.

The release of the full length CD “The Sounds Of Blackness” consequently coincides with the 20th anniversary celebration of the of their classic CD “Optimistic” and 40th Anniversary of the group’s inception.

Gary Hines, Music Director / Producer Sounds of Blackness states, “Sounds of Blackness and I are extraordinarily overjoyed to have the honor of signing with Malaco! Sounds of Blackness and Malaco have a lot in common – bringing Black Music to all people, celebrating four decades of existence, and remaining true to our roots! Sounds of Blackness dedicates “FLY AGAIN” the 1st Single from our forthcoming new CD, to Malaco and to all of the people of the cities across America and around the world, who have recently suffered unfathomable devastation. Together we will all soon be able to “FLY AGAIN!”

Tommy Couch Jr, Vice President, Malaco, Inc, states, “We are so exited to work with a group of this magnitude. The Sounds Of Blackness are still about the music and the message while maintaining their unique creativity.”

Lionel Ridenour, Executive Director – Urban Division states, “Fly Again” is a great record. Radio stations across the country should just play it!”

“Much like Bebe & Cece Winans, The Sounds Of Blackness was extremely instrumental in crossing Gospel / Inspirational music over into the mainstream in the 90’s and It is great to see them return stronger than ever.” states, D.A. Johnson, Executive Director – Gospel Division.

Preacher, Gospel Singer, and Clark Sister Dorinda Clark-Cole revealed via facebook and twitter her new album cover. The new CD cover looks nice! What do you’ll think?  Also, check out the photo shoot for her new album below.

Did you miss the first episode of Sunday’s Best?  Season 4 kicked off with a bang last Sunday!  Check out the video of the Top 10 Contestants.  The remaining top 10 videos will be released soon.

The top ten showcased this week along with songs performed are:
1. Toneisha Harris-”Here I Am To Worship”
2. Michael Washington-”Great is Your Mercy”
3. Andrea Helms-”Because Of Who You Are”
4. Chase Stancle-”Running Back To You”
5. Amber Bullock-”We Must Praise”
6. Carlington Roberts-”Lord I Lift Your Name On High”
7. Shandandolan Reynolds-”Joyful Joyful”
8. Michael Pugh-”I Won’t Complain”
9. LaTrice Smith-”Walk With Me”
10. Rikki Valentino LaFontaine-”I Need Thee”