The new documentary Rejoice and Shout, which opens in select theaters this weekend, celebrates the history of gospel music in America as told through some of its most famous and influential icons.

Director Don McGlynn, a veteran of the music documentary genre, wanted to trace gospel from its earliest roots to its current incarnation in the music world. The film even plays the first known recording of gospel music, a record made in 1902 by the Dinwiddie Colored Quartet.

“I was so startled by that recording,” McGlynn tells All Things Considered host Rachel Martin, “because what you’re basically hearing is barber shop quartet approach, and that slowly evolved in the next few years into a whole ‘nother tradition.”

That evolution is chronicled in the documentary, told through the stories of and about some of its greatest singers. The Five Blind Boys of Mississippi, The Ward family, The Staple Singers, Marie Knight and Mahalia Jackson are all featured prominently in the film.

Mahalia Jackson, know as “the Queen of Gospel,” is one of McGlynn’s favorites.

“There’s just something so fascinating, gripping, spiritual, about her singing,” McGlynn says.

Jackson was the first gospel singer to perform at Carnegie Hall and in Rejoice and Shout we see footage of one of her earliest television appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Several times throughout her successful career, she was offered opportunities to record and sing secular music but always turned them down, despite the fact that they could have made her an even bigger star.

“Early on she said I really can’t follow this track of Bessie Smith, you know, singing the blues…it’s the same old God and Devil argument,” McGlynn explains.

The gospel music of today is represented very differently from where it first began, but as we see in Rejoice and Shout, the feelings and emotions that the music evokes remains the same.

“They’re singing with body and soul, you know, this is very intense for them,” McGlynn says, “and I think that’s one of the reasons that the music just comes over so powerfully.”

Hello Fear, the latest release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates its tenth week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also sits at #7 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #36 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Tedashii‘s new release, Blacklight debuts at the #2 position this week. The album also sits atop the Top Christian Albums charts, #8 on the Independent Albums charts, #9 on the Top Rap Albums charts, #11 on the Digital Albums Charts and #63 on the Billboard Top 200 charts. Mary Mary‘s latest release Something Big moves to the #3 position this week, while the WOW Gospel 2011 compilation comes in at #4. Becoming, the brand new release from Yolanda Adams, rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, I’m Back, from Lonnie Hunter featuring Structure, moves twenty-three places to #14, while Marvin Sapp‘s latest Here I Am moves seven places to #16.

In the world of radio, “I Smile” from Kirk Franklin celebrates its eighth week at the top of the radio charts. Vashawn Mitchell‘s “Nobody Greater” holds to the #2 spot while “My Heart Says Yes” from Troy Sneed moves to the #3 position. “Well Done” from Deitrick Haddon moves to the #4 spot while “Walking” from Mary Mary rounds out the week’s top five songs.

Choir Master and Light Records recording artist Ricky Dilliard speaks to BET, and gives his Top 5 tips on how to have a successful choir.  If you have a choir that’s looking to record a national CD project, you definitely don’t want to miss these helpful tips.  Even if you don’t want to record professionally, there are some solid tips mentioned that will help your choir stand out on Sunday.  Watch the video below.

So, what does all of this money talk have to do with the Kingdom of God? Hypothetically, let’s say that the preacher from the paragraph above pulls in three to four million dollars a year. Now, let’s say that he owns a 1.5 million dollar home and several luxury cars. The house has five rooms. He has a wife, no children and rarely has visitors. The maintenance and upkeep of the home and cars is extremely high. In the midst of all the things He has, God places a vision in the heart of one of his spirituals sons/daughters. The initial financial backing for the vision was given to the spiritual father by God. However, the father’s money is tied up in a huge house that he does not need and cars he does not drive. So, the money that God had intended to back His vision has been squandered. Though I can’t give you a concrete name, trust and believe this is happening all over the world. God is giving seed to the sower and it is being mishandled and used inappropriately.

There are visions that God is giving to his people. There are assignments, ideas, ministries that are being birthed daily that need to be backed financially. Prayer changes things! However, often times, God sends people in an answer to prayer. If God were to send for you, would He find that you were prudent and wise over what he had blessed you with? Financial increase does not always mean splurge sometimes it means sow! This is how kingdoms are run. They are run understanding that my resources are not my own, they are the kingdom’s. If my brother needs what I have in order for him to function effectively in his assignment in the kingdom then I give it to him freely. My success will mean little if I can’t help you be successful too! That is where we have to get to. In a marriage, they say what’s mine is yours and vise versa. That principal should be found at work in the minds of those who are of the kingdom of God. God does not do stingy and selfish! Stay on the Path!

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About the Author: Path contributing writer Calvin Walker has been writing editorial content for Path MEGAzine since 2007.  Calvin’s ability to break down the word of God with thought provoking analogies and real life analysis makes an impact on Christians seeking a closer walk with God.  An accomplished author, Walker released his debut book titled “The Gallery” early 2010.  Click here to read excerpts and purchase Walkers’ 

Bishop Eddie Long has responded to the departure of Bernice King from his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, saying he is in “full support” of King’s decision to leave the congregation and pursue a new calling from God.

King, the youngest daughter of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King., Jr., announced that she would no longer be a member or serve as an elder at the Atlanta megachurch. After eight years of sharing the New Birth pulpit with Long, King said she felt God was calling her to launch a new ministry and pursue a “pastoral calling.”

“Reverend Bernice King has made tremendous and profound contributions to New Birth as an Elder and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Eddie Long in a statement.

“For some time now, Reverend King and I have been in discussion and prayer about the call of God on her life to continue the legacy of her father and mother, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King,” he continued.

“This is a compelling mandate that places Reverend King squarely in the center of God’s Will for her life and I am in full support of her decision to leave New Birth in pursuit of this worthy endeavor.”

King’s last day at New Birth was on Sunday, the same day that Long preached his first sermon since lawsuits against him were settled. Four young men launched suits last fall alleging the pastor of sexual misconduct. Media speculation arose as to whether King’s departure was related to the case since her decision to leave New Birth Became public just two days after a settlement had been reached in the Long case.

In February 2011 gospel legend Melvin Williams was appointed US Music Ambassador for the US Department of State’s initiative, The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad administered by Jazz at Lincoln Center.

In the 1950s, the U.S. government sent Jazz musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dave Bruebeck across the globe to share America’s culture.

Melvin Williams is singing lead for his newly formed band, The Melvin Williams Group that is comprised of bassist/BGV, Castro Coleman, vocalist, Andre Tate and percussionist/BGV, Bridget Fleury.

During this 5 week tour, Williams will visit a selection of Europe and Eurasia countries like Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Georgia. His mission is to introduce and perform traditional gospel music through concerts and educational workshops to regions around the world that wouldn’t otherwise get much exposure to Gospel music.

“The mission of The Rhythm Road is to share America’s unique contribution to the world of music and to promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange among nations worldwide.

Building on the rich legacy of the legendary Jazz Ambassadors, the program has expanded in recent years to include music that is quintessentially American.”-Adrian Ellis, executive director of Jazz at Lincoln Center

The Melvin Williams Group is one of 10 ensembles selected as U.S. Music Ambassadors to represent The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. Since 2006, the program has sent more than 100 musicians on tours to 97 different countries, most of them outside the reach of American music.

Melvin Williams has been in the industry for 50 years. His dedication to gospel music has garnered him 6-GRAMMY® award nominations and a host of Stellar Awards collectively as a solo artist and with The Williams Brothers.

Lead actor of “I Fell in Love with a Church Girl” Ja Rule is getting ready to serve a two-year sentence for weapons possessions.

In a recent interview, the 35-year-old revealed that before preparing to serve his sentence he will end his Twitter feud with rapper 50 Cent.

He told The Life Files, “I just want to put it out to the world before I go in. It’s funny because, I’m about to go to jail, and my main concern is to make sure that I get this album done and out there for the fans.”

“I was a little ashamed of myself to be even involved with that. Because I’m like, yo, I’m 35 years old and I’m on Twitter beef? That’s not something I want to entertain, but I’m a man first, so I’m reading (expletive) like him sending Tweets and little things about me.”

Late last year, Ja Rule was cast in the faith-based film “I’m in Love with a Church Girl,” which chronicled the life of an ex-convict turned pastor. Pastor Galley Molina, shared his story on screen of how he was at the top of a major drug trafficking ring in the mid-1990s and turned to faith later.

The movie also co-stars Adrienne Bailon, Stephen Baldwin and TobyMac.

Molina shared with The Christian Post last year that during the filming “Ja Rule has been ministered to. He’s a dear friend. We’ve been praying for him a lot. He’s been open; he’s been so [receptive] to the word.”

The exact release date for the movie has not been announced. It is expected to be out this year.

Ja Rule is also set to feature in the original music inspired by the film, with artists such as Israel Houghton, Mary Mary, New Breed, TobyMac, Fred Hammond, India Arie, Beckah Shae, Anthony Hamilton, Third Day, Adrienne Bailon, T-Bone and others.

Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, is scheduled to begin his sentence on June 8, a day after his new album releases. He was convicted in December for having a loaded .40-caliber semiautomatic gun in his sports car in July 2007 after a concert.

According to The Associated Press, he is also scheduled to be sentenced on June 13 for tax evasion charges. He could face up to one year in prison and $100,000 in fines on each count.

Xist Music (Xist) and The UpLift! Group (UpLift!) are proud to announce a partnership with Pastor Chris Durso, author of the Zondervan bestseller MISFIT: Dealing With Our God-given Discomfort, to present MISFIT Tour 2011 this Fall, from September through November.  The nationwide tour is a fierce, creative explosion of seven of today’s leading voices in Christian music and spoken word and will feature Hip Hop artists including three-time Stellar winner Da’ T.R.UT.H. and Christian Hip Hop pioneer and GRAMMY® nominee The Ambassador, R&B/Soul phenomenon Mali Music, R&B/Hip Hop artists Sean Simmonds and Rhema Soul, powerful spoken-word artist Oraia and the visionary behind MISFIT Tour 2011, Pastor Chris Durso.  Tour activities will not only consist of the word and song presentations at each venue, but also volunteer activities or service projects carried out by the tour participants with community members in each city, to demonstrate, together, the positive attributes of being a MISFIT.

“As a pastor and author, the message I intended to share with the MISFIT book was a story of “common uncommonality,” that I hoped would resonate with readers in a unique, personal way,” said Pastor Chris Durso, the author of MISFIT. “I am humbled to see not only the book embraced by thousands already, very early in its release, but also the anticipation of this powerful tour, which will bring the MISFIT message to life across the country.”

This past weekend at MISFIT: The Conference, hosted by Durso in New York City at Christ Tabernacle Church, there was a large gathering of people who proudly identify themselves as MISFITS which is described in the book as those who are uncomfortable with their surroundings and who realize and embrace the fact that they are disturbingly different.  The sold-out conference featured an amazing line up of musical artists and powerful speakers, and it also celebrated the new bestselling release of Durso’s book, MISFIT. An electrifying performance of the tour’s anthem GO, MISFIT, GO!  by Da’ T.R.U.T.H., The Ambassador and Efrain of the rock band DOUBLEDGE, kicked off the event.  There was also a simultaneous preview of the GO, MISFIT, GO! music video, which featuresMISFIT Tour 2011 tour mates Mali Music and Sean Simmonds. The video will make its world premiere debut today, Tuesday, May 31 at 02:00 PM EST on the tour website, www.misfittour.net.

MISFIT is a movement that Durso conceived, to revolutionize America’s communities of all cultures, ethnicities and socio-economic and academic statuses, by challenging and equipping youth and young adults across the nation to courageously pursue Godliness in the face of all that seems and often is uncomfortable, unfamiliar, unattractive and unpopular.  MISFIT Tour 2011 will bring excitement, inspiration and a strong transformative and rallying message to America’s youth and young adults through media tours, inner-city civic engagement and outreach and dynamic musical performances that will engage any audience.

With branding partner designbySPIRIT (DBS) by their side, Xist and UpLift! have many surprises planned for MISFIT Tour 2011 attendees that will provide a uniquely interactive experience online and at each event.  For more information on the tour and how promoters can bring the experience to their city or sponsor the tour nationwide, visit www.misfittour.net.  

About Xist

Xist Music is the recording label of Xist Worldwide, which produces innovative projects from our 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 atwww.xistmusic.com for more information and follow them at www.twitter.com/xist_music. 

About The UpLift! Group

The UpLift! Group is a management, marketing consulting and coaching firm that partners with individuals and organizations to help them See their vision, Soar towards it and Succeed at bringing it to pass. A ministry-focused firm, UpLift! develops and strive to provide the best in spiritual and personal development resources and lifestyle products in partnership with a stellar portfolio of clients including: GRAMMY® nominated Christian Hip Hop artists Da’ T.R.U.T.H. and The Ambassador, award-winning producer and Pop artist JR, Essence bestselling author and Certified Empowerment Coach Felicia Scott, dynamic spoken-word artist Oraia, Lamp Mode recording artist shai linne and Thomas Nelson author and Women of Faith speaker Kim Cash Tate.  Visit UpLift! atwww.upliftgroup.com and follow them at www.twitter.com/UpLiftGroup. 

About Pastor Chris Durso

Pastor of Youth Explosion ministries of Christ Tabernacle church, Chris Durso reaches hundreds of youth and young adults each week through the teaching of the gospel. His creativity and ability to forecast trends allows him to lead and speak to this generation in a way they understand, while at the same time elevating them from where they are.  On a mission to “raise up spiritually healthy & mature teenagers so when they are out of high school they will be ready for the world,” Pastor Chris’ calling is to help change people’s perception on life so they can see that God is freedom and not religion or law.  Visit Pastor Chris at www.youthexplosion.com and follow him at www.twitter.com/ChrisDurso.

About designbySPIRIT

designbySPIRIT is a husband and wife team that offer high-end branding solutions covering both web and print. Consultant and award winning Art Director, Christophe Pierre has over ten years of graphic and web design experience and Project Manager Sharron Pierre has a wide range experience in both the public and private sector. With their combined skill sets and a small but powerful team of programmers and designers they are able to deliver print and online visual solutions to take your business to the next level. The dynamic couple currently runs offices both in London and Trinidad and Tobago servicing a variety of international clients in the US and beyond.  Visit DBS at www.designbySPIRIT.com and follow them at www.twitter.com/designbySPIRIT.  

Dawkins & Dawkins to celebrate the release of their upcoming CD, FROM NOW ON, with a special worldwide online simulcast of their new music video, “Get Down.” 

“Get Down,” the upbeat new single is the perfect summer jam that features their unique, signature vocal harmony and unbeatable production.  The song comes off of Dawkins & Dawkins, forthcoming July 26^th release FROM NOW ON, bringing the duo’s distinct brand of R&B and Gospel fusion back.

The video, which was shot on location in Los Angeles, CA at super producer, Warryn Campbell’s studio, is a look at a day in the life of Dawkins & Dawkins.  In and out of the studio, the talented brothers are vivacious and fun which is all captured in the video. Shot in early March, the video was filmed in HD and directed by Ren Young and Zeke Dickson; and produced by Joyce Washington. 

The “Get Down” music video will be simulcast around the Web on FRIDAY, JUNE 3, at 2:00pm EST. 

In an exclusive interview with Rhodell Lewis of gospel radio station MyPraiseAtl, Rev. Bernice King explains why she decided to leave Eddie Long’s New Birth Church.

She said that it had nothing to do with Long’s settlement of his sexual misconduct case, and that she didn’t “resign” from any position since she was never employed by New Birth to begin with.  

Bernice said she set down to speak with Bishop Eddie Long way before the controversy received legs as a result of the sexual allegations by 4 young men accusers.    

A plethora of media outlets were speculating that the move was due to the Bishop Eddie Long settlement.  King thanks Bishop Eddie Long and New Birth, and says she will begin her own ministry.  King says she doesn’t know if she will start a church, but she will start a ministry.  Click the picture to listen to the exclusive interview on the Praise ATL website.