Da Truth reveals new album cover in the video below. I must say that it is attention getting, and well designed.

After four decades as one of the most popular Gospel artists in the genre, Richard Smallwood remains a vital and vibrant fixture in Gospel music. With the July 19th release of his 15th CD PROMISES, Smallwood showcases his timeless gifts as songwriter and pianist and delivers a body of work that is at once refreshing and reflective. Recorded live in a small studio setting, PROMISES is Smallwood’s first CD since the 2005 passing of his beloved Mother, who was the artist’s biggest fan and motivator. “I had not written a song since my mom died,” he says, “I thought the gift had dried up. I would try to write and nothing would come.”

A wellspring of inspiration hit in 2009, and PROMISES – what may very well be Smallwood’s most personal and intimate album yet – was born. “I was watching CNN and was overwhelmed by the negativity I saw,” Smallwood says. “I began to think that regardless of what the media says, we as God’s children are heirs to the Kingdom and He has made us certain promises…then all of these songs began to come to me as dreams, sometimes four or five at a time and I could barely keep up with them. I knew that God was saying something that we all needed to hear.”

“Trust Me,” the majestic first single, is currently available at iTunes. Smallwood says “it is a song to encourage those who have experienced loss. It’s telling them that what they are feeling shall pass, if they only trust God.” The message perpetuates the album’s theme of divine promises, with a lyric that states “I’ll fight your battles/if you will only trust me.”

PROMISES also features “Is There Any Way?” The song was originally recorded on the late Bishop Walter Hawkins’ LOVE ALIVE III, and Smallwood reworked it in tribute to Hawkins, who was his mentor and friend. “The first time I heard `Is There Any Way?’ I felt like he wrote it just for me,” says Smallwood. “I’ve been there in those times when you feel like you want to give up and then you remember God’s promise that He’ll be with you through the storm and through the rain.” In the LOVE ALIVE V performance video, Smallwood is seen standing in the audience, with his arms outstretched in praise, as ‘Is There Any Way?’ is performed. He reworks the song for his own CD with a reverence and passion that will strike a familiar, praise-inducing chord.

Donald Lawrence collaborates with Smallwood on “Facts Are, Truth Is;” and Lalah Hathaway (daughter of his ‘60s Howard University classmate Donny Hathaway) appears on “Praying for Peace.” “I was going through some of the songs I had written in the ‘70s and many had the same theme as this song,” Smallwood recalls. “Back then it was the Vietnam War, so we’re going through the very same thing because there’s always been fighting, there’s always been war. But now racism has reared its ugly head in a way that I haven’t seen since I was a little boy. I wanted to write something that everyone could identify with globally, which is that we need peace.”

Also heard throughout PROMISES is Vision, Smallwood’s trusty ensemble of singers. The CD was produced by longtime collaborator Steven Ford.

PROMISES will be in-stores July 19, 2011.

Kevin LeVar (center) and One Sound in front of the White House

On Friday morning, June 10th, Gospel artist Kevin LeVar arrived at the White House in Washington, DC, to perform in celebration of African-American Music Appreciation Month. LeVar’s appearance marked the launch of his year-long Forgive and Live Campaign, reaching all 50 states with the goal of restoring families, repairing friendships, strengthening communities and empowering people through the simple act of forgiveness.

LeVar’s 90-minute performance began in the Grand Foyer, but when the gathering crowd continued to grow, the White House staff moved everyone to the East Room, the largest room in the White House, in order to accommodate the audience.

“It was amazing to see the crowd react in a way you would not necessarily expect in a place such as the White House,” said LeVar’s manager Shondale Bostick. “White House staff and visitors alike were caught up in the music, and they clapped, cried, lifted their hands and sang along. It was powerful.”

Kevin LeVar and One Sound performed songs from their debut album Let’s Come Together, including “He Reigns,” “Hiding Place,” “I’ll Say Yes” and his hit single “A Heart That Forgives,” which has created a movement to inspire one million acts of forgiveness.

“Being able to go to the White House, and to have the opportunity to share my music and especially the message of forgiveness, is a dream come true,” says LeVar. “It was beautiful to see the diverse faces in the crowd and how they all connected with the simple message of the power of forgiveness.”

The White House performance follows LeVar’s May 5th appearance at the National Day of Prayer Congressional Briefing on Capitol Hill, where his performance of “A Heart That Forgives” led to a standing ovation from an audience that included Congressman John Conyers, Congressman Trent Franks, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Senate Chaplain Barry Black.

The year-long Forgive and Live Campaign will make its first public stop on Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Jericho City of Praise in Landover, Maryland. The free event will include performances by special guests including Gospel legends CeCe Winans and Hezekiah Walker, former Commissioned member Marcus Cole, Coco Brother and many more. For details, visit http://www.forgiveandlivetoday.org .

LeVar’s 2008 debut album (Universal Christian Music Group) was so well received by the Gospel community and beyond that 2010 saw the release of Let’s Come Together (Deluxe Edition) – an all-new expanded version with 4 new songs plus a bonus DVD filled with extra content. For more information on Kevin LeVar, visit www.kevinlevar.com

Today’s music industry is full of songwriters, singers and musicians of various abilities, styles and character. It can be a competitive journey in finding one’s distinctive place for utilizing gifts and getting to the pinnacle point in a music career. There is a young singer with an incredible voice who is in the beginning of her career, but is quickly becoming a voice that is being set apart. Baltimore’s Brittney Wright is such one talent establishing her place as a true talent in gospel music.

Brittney has a tangible anointing that is rare,” says Billboard Gospel chart topping vocalist Earnest Pugh. “Very seldom do you find an anointed, humble artist with a loving spirit that persuades all who comes in contact with her that she genuinely loves God’s people. She is well on her way to establishing herself as force to be reckoned with in the gospel music industry.”

Brittney’s debut solo album, The Beginning is proving to be an inspiration to so many people across the country. Her popular radio hit “I Win” is a soul stirring song of triumph encouraging every listener to believe that they will overcome any situation they find themselves in with the help and power of Jesus Christ. “We as people don’t even realize that we hold the power in our tongues; we just have to speak it into the atmosphere,” proclaims Brittney. “I want the listener to realize that you already have the victory because the fight was fixed, we already know the outcome and we are conquerors.”

Brittney’s new single is an urban inspired rendition of the favorite hymn “I Need Thee” which exemplifies her ability to deliver innovative music for today’s listener while capturing classic gospel elements that transcends across generations. (Click player below to listen).  “Hey, I’m Forgiven” is an acoustic driven tune with tribal chant undertones proclaiming a clear message of redemption.

Brittney hopes that when people listen to The Beginning, they will understand that no matter where they are in their relationship with God, there’s nothing that can keep them from God’s love. “Everyone hurts, cries and loves,” says Brittney. “I want listeners to feel empowered, encouraged and confident in who God says they are and who they are called to be. You don’t have to stay where you are. With God’s help, you will move forward and WIN!”


 

For more information on the music of Brittney Wright, visit www.brittneywright.com  

Brittney’s Ministry Dates: June 25 Praise In The Park Six Flags America – Bowie, MD

July 1 Call to Worship Summer Concert Series 7165 Lounge – Philadelphia, PA

July 8 Women’s Ministry Service The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square – Capital Heights, MD

July 15 Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Int’l Convention Baltimore, MD

Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network (NAN), along with partners in labor, education, civil rights and clergy from across the country, will hold a historic march to symbolize the collective struggle for social justice on Saturday, August 27, 2011, just one day before the historic unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial on the National Mall in Washington. The march pre-rally will begin at noon at Constitution and 17th streets, followed by a march beginning at 1:30 p.m. to the King Memorial site on Ohio Drive SW and West Basin Drive SW.

According to Rev. Sharpton, ”There are relatively few moments in our lives that make history. The weekend of August 27 and 28 will be one for the books, as we not only commemorate the 48th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream Speech,’ but also when the world bears witness to the unveiling of the national King Memorial. As members of the civil rights community and all those who continue to push for equality across the board convene in our nation’s capital to assess our progress and march on for the battles that still lay ahead, generations will look back on this weekend and recount how we paid homage to the people’s true champion in the most fitting of ways. It is, undeniably, an unprecedented, remarkable event that anyone who carries on the teachings of Dr. King simply cannot afford to miss.”

National Action Network is organizing the march to call attention to key issues that have not been remedied in this country, even while substantial gains have been made. As working Americans incessantly struggle to gain employment and livable wages, we continue to watch rampant foreclosures and fluctuating markets most heavily impact those that are already suffering under tumultuous financial times.

NAN and its partners call on every man, woman and child who understands the urgency of social justice on all levels to join them in Washington, D.C., this August. If you’ve ever faced oppression, been discriminated against, lost your ability to provide for your family, lost decent health care, watched families torn apart from mass incarceration rates or simply understand the nobility in fighting for equality, be sure to gather at the Lincoln Memorial as they carry on the message of Dr. King.

Following the rally and march, NAN will gather on August 28 to bear witness to the momentous unveiling of the King Memorial. Thanks to the unwavering fundraising efforts of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the King Memorial will not only pay homage to our nation’s greatest civil rights leader, but it also will be the first time a non-president will be memorialized on the banks of the Potomac. It will be a weekend of reflection, organization, strategy, celebration and hope for what we have gainfully achieved, what unites us as human beings and what challenges still remain. All roads in August lead to Washington. Don’t get left behind in the dust of stagnation.

For more information, please visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net 

As Seen on myhoustongospel.com – Written By: Brian McCoy

Gospel star Judith McAllister is preparing for Church of God in Christ’s (COGIC) AIM Convention. One of the most sought after parts of the convention is the music. COGIC has no lack of talent on its music staff.  Houston’s Pastor Kim Burrell is the V.P. of the International Music Department and Dr. Judith McAllister is the President of the department. Min. Ron Summers serves as local music chair.

Dr. McAllister made her way to the bayou city to teach the local “Texas Connection Choir” songs for the convention, many of which she wrote herself. The choir is set to sing almost every day during the convention.

She encouraged choir members and reminded them that for “Those who labor in ministry, it should not be a strain.”

The next rehearsal is June 27th, 7:30pm at Williams Temple COGIC 2524 Delano St. Houston, TX. All denominations are welcome to attend.

Listen to Judith McAllister’s lastest single “Sound the Trumpet” below.

Presidential candidate Herman Cain said in a recent interview that if he was president he would require muslims in his cabinet to take a special oath of commitment to the U.S. constitution.

In the video below Cain is asked if Catholics or Christians would have to take the same commitment oath, and he replies ‘No.’ Listen to his reasoning in the video below. Do you agree with him?

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is denying rumors that Bishop Eddie Long’s wife, Vanessa, has moved out of the couple’s house, calling the claims “completely and absolutely false.”

“Recently, some blog entries have surfaced claiming to have anonymous sources stating that New Birth First Lady Elder Vanessa Long has moved out of the house. That claim is completely and absolutely false,” said church spokesman Art Franklin in a statement Tuesday on behalf of New Birth. “Mrs. Long is very much a loving, dedicated and committed wife and mother.”

The rumors surrounding Mrs. Long’s departure recently escalated in the weeks following Eddie Long’s announcement that his sexual misconduct case was settled out of court. Four young men filed lawsuits last fall accusing the Atlanta megachurch pastor of coercing them into sexual relationships. In May, both parties reached a settlement and the lawsuits were dismissed in court.

One blog, citing unnamed sources that include present members and current employees of New Birth, reported that Vanessa Long had moved out of the couple’s home months ago, taking along their children, due to the scandal. On Monday, the blog claimed that Mrs. Long has also left New Birth and is now worshipping at another Atlanta church, Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, which is led by Bishop Dale Bronner.

Another blog claimed Mrs. Long “allegedly agreed to stick by Long until the sex scandal drama was over and then she’d leave.”

New Birth is calling on the blogs and bloggers to retract their reports.  

“It is unfortunate that anyone would make such hateful and damaging false claims of this nature,” said Franklin in the New Birth statement, which doesn’t mention the names of any blogs. “These cruel and insensitive rumors have the potential to cause immeasurable pain and suffering. Those involved should feel obligated to retract their earlier statements.”

In the statement, the church said it initially chose not to respond to the rumors about Vanessa Long but it felt compelled to following the multiple blog entries.

“However, in this new digital world, along with a steep decline in quality reporting, many people can’t discern the difference between legitimate journalists and irresponsible bloggers,” read the New Birth statement.

Vanessa Griffin Long is the bishop’s second wife. They married in 1990 and have three children together.

Long has one child with his first wife, Dabara S. Houston, whom he divorced after a brief marriage.

Integrity Media, a distributor of Christian media, announced today the sale of their assets to the Colorado ministry David C Cook. Integrity’s CEO, Michael Coleman, said in a statement that the decision was necessary due to the changes in the music industry and the low sales as a result. “At the end of 2010, music business sales were less than half of what they had been 10 years ago,” said Coleman. “Music sales and licensing in the U.S. alone dropped from $14.6 billion to $6.3 billion between 1999 and 2009 and the decline has continued into 2011. And on top of the general economic downturn, music companies are facing challenges like digital piracy and a shift in consumer thinking from ‘ownership’ to ‘access.’”

He added, “The company has been making changes to try to adapt to these monumental shifts in the marketplace but it has been quite a challenge. An earlier staff reduction and the listing of our property in West Mobile were part of the most recent changes. This combined with the sale of our music assets will help us address a number of issues as we navigate this changing landscape.”

In addition to the sale, Alabama-based Integrity plans to sell their international divisions located in the United Kingdom, Singapore and South Africa.

David C Cook’s former senior vice president of sales and marketing, C. Ryan Dunham, will serve as the president for Integrity Music.

He stated, “The acquisition of Integrity Music makes sense from both a ministry as well as a business standpoint. Both organizations are widely respected for their international reach and their worship music catalogs.”

“David C Cook is no newcomer to the worship music ministry. In 1993 Cook acquired Kingsway, a worship music company in Eastbourne, England, and partnered with EMI Christian Music Group to produce the Thank You Music song catalog,” Dunham continued.

While Integrity will operate independently within David C Cook, its headquarters will be relocated in Colorado Springs after the 90-day transition is completed. The sale’s impact on the artists was not directly addressed in the statement, but the company promised a fresh perspective and a greater variety of worship titles. The company also said it will provide more options for a meaningful worship to the global church.

Coleman told Charisma, “Cris Doornbos (CEO of David C Cook.) and I share a deep passion for serving the global church and for the role worship music plays in making disciples around the world.

“As Integrity prepares to celebrate 25 years in ministry, I look forward to seeing the expanding impact of Integrity songs and products around the world.”

Ex-New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, a week after his release from prison on gun charges, pledged on Monday to preach against gun violence to America’s children.

The 2008 Super Bowl star said the volunteer effort was the right move after serving nearly all of his 20-month sentence for weapons possession. In November, 2008, Burress carried a gun into a Manhattan nightclub and accidentally shot himself in the leg.

“I paid a tremendous price for a bad decision,” said Burress at a news conference organized by his partners in the effort, the National Urban League and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

“All those 20 months and all those days I was saying to myself how can I take the next step and how can people learn from what happened to me,” he said.

Burress, 33, who hopes to return to play in the National Football League, said he plans to speak with audiences around the country and will be mentored by former NFL coach Tony Dungy, who has helped disgraced football star Michael Vick resurrect his reputation.