The 2011 BET Awards has announced it’s nominations for the Best Gospel Artist category.  This years nominees are Byron Cage, Deitrick Haddon, Mary Mary, Karen Clark Sheard, and BeBe & CeCe Winans.  

Another big announcement was the 2011 BET Awards host: actor/comedian Kevin Hart. For a full list of nominees, visit the 2011 BET Awards site. The 2011 BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 26, at 8PM/7c.  Congratulations to all the nominees!

Earthquakes, tsunamis, radiation, tornadoes, war, revolutions are all present realities powerful enough to induce a numbing fear capable of rattling even the faith of the elect. Welcome the antidote: Give Fear a Knock Out Punch: Biblical Strategies to Teach You to Overcome Every Fear That Binds You, by Dr. Paul Cannings, senior pastor of Living Word Fellowship Church, 7350 West T.C. Jester, Houston, Texas.

“It’s trying to help people see the power they can live in as they face their fears every day,” Cannings said. “So instead of living controlled by circumstances, they live in the power of God both spiritually and mentally.”

In his trade-mark conversational tone, Cannings casually applies lessons gleaned from Biblical stories to the chaotic lives of 21st century Christians. And characters talk back. We feel as though David is personally sharing secrets about how he tackled lions, giants and bears with solid faith in God. The Apostle Paul is seemingly alive, telling of how he handled betrayals, stonings and shipwrecks through the power of God and His Word.

“It is rare to find a book with the right blend of solid foundational teachings and practical, hands-on applications,” explained Dr. Tony Evans, prominent Dallas pastor and Cannings’ brother-in-law. “[His] writing style takes these powerful concepts and makes it easier to understand and apply immediately in your life.”

Cannings serves as president and founder of Power Walk Ministries, dedicated to providing instruction in church leadership and development, as well as marriage, family and teacher training. For more information, visit: www.lwfellowshipchurch.org, in addition to www.powerwalkministries.org.

CONTACT: Mignette Y. Patrick Dorsey Living Word Fellowship Church
Phone: 713-306-0015
Email: contact@mignettepatrickdorsey.com 

Music World Music/Music World Gospel Releases Most Powerful Voices Compilation in May during National Stroke Month

Most Powerful Voices Volume 1 Hits Stores May 17

The 5th Annual Power Awards’ “You Are The Power Concert” Featuring Chrisette Michele, Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Brian Courtney Wilson to Be Held at the Apollo Theater in New York on Friday, May 6
 

Most Powerful Voices Compilation Features Music by Kim Burrell, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Brian Courtney Wilson, Micah Stampley and Winners of the Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition
 

Music World Gospel Partners with the American Heart Association and GMC (Gospel Music Channel) for Gospel Competition
 

(Houston, TX – May 17, 2011) – Music World Music/Music World Gospel releases the Most Powerful Voices Volume 1 compilation CD, in stores May 17, 2011. The compilation features ten songs by Kim Burrell (“Happy”), Trin-i-tee 5:7 (“I’m Still Holdin’ On”), Vanessa Bell Armstrong (“It’s Over Now”), Brian Courtney Wilson (“All I Need”), Juanita Bynum (“Soul Cry, [Oh, Oh, Oh] – Recitation Version”), Micah Stampley (“Corinthian Song”), Myron Butler and Levi (“Set Me Free”), Ted Winn (“Reap”) as well as the winners of the American Heart Association’s Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition—Brandon Camphor and One Way (“It’s Possible [Gotta Have Faith]”) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland (artist) and Daniel Mitchell and Hillel (“Great Things”) of Gainesville, Florida (choir).
 

In 2010, the American Heart Association, Music World Gospel and GMC (Gospel Music Channel) partnered to educate people about stroke through an online gospel singing competition titled “The Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition.” The top 20 finalists were chosen by judges, including Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment. The overall winners were chosen by the public on February 14, 2011, through online voting. The winners received a performance slot at the American Heart Association’s Power Awards concert at the Apollo Theater; a professional vocal coaching session with Brian Courtney Wilson; one song recorded by Music World Gospel for the Most Powerful Voices compilation CD and a song featured at an online retailer; $5,000 worth of music equipment from Roland Corporation; $1,000 cash prize from Music World Gospel; recognition on GMC’s national television network and more.
 

“I enjoyed participating in the selection process for the Most Powerful Voices Gospel Music Competition,” said Mathew Knowles, American Heart Association spokesperson. “It is always a delightful experience to witness new and developing talent. But more importantly, the mission and purpose of this competition is to raise awareness about the risk of stroke, particularly in the African American community. And it’s an issue that is personal to me, I suffer from high pressure and must take medication daily. Our partnership with the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association is a collective cause that our Music World artists will be actively engaged in and we fully support this initiative during National Stroke Month and throughout the year.”
 

The Gospel Competition winners—Brandon Camphor and One Way and Daniel Mitchell and Hillel—will have an opportunity to perform along with three award-winning recording artists: Chrisette Michele and Music World Gospel’s Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Brian Courtney Wilson at the 5th Annual Power Awards’ “You Are The Power” Concert at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York on Friday, May 6, at 8:00 p.m. EST. Mathew Knowles will be joining to present checks to the winners. For ticket information, please visit,www.ticketmaster.com. The 5th Annual Power Awards Weekend will also include the Power Networking event on Saturday, May 7 at the Intercontinental Hotel New York Times Square, with keynote speaker Mathew Knowles presenting on “Ten Traits for Success.”
 

A portion of the proceeds from the CD will benefit the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s (AHA/ASA) Power To End Stroke cause campaign. Power To End Stroke was created in 2006 by the AHA/ASA to help reach the ASA mission to reduce stroke and risk of stroke. The campaign raises critical awareness within the African American population. Heart disease and stroke are major health risks for all people, but the African American community is at particularly high risk. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever strokes compared to whites. And blacks have higher death rates for stroke compared to whites. Stroke is a leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term, severe disability for all Americans. African Americans are at increased risk for stroke compared to others due to increased rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and family history of heart disease or stroke. The prevalence of high blood pressure in African Americans in the United States is the highest in the world.
 

Power To End Stroke is nationally sponsored by the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership.

For press interviews and further information, please contact:
Gwendolyn Quinn GQ Media & Public Relations: 718-622-4100 GwendolynQuinn@aol.com

Toiya Honore American Heart Association: 469-774-8785 Toiya.honore@heart.org

Toni Rigsby GMC: 770-692-4542 trigsby@gmctv.tv

www.musicworldgospel.com and www.musicworldent.com

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL

Music World Gospel (MWG) is a premiere faith-based record and management company under the umbrella of Music World Entertainment. MWG is dedicated to developing creative and innovative approaches to producing and promoting gospel, sacred, and inspirational music worldwide. Its mission is to reach, inspire and empower a diverse audience around the globe. MWG features a roster of award-winning recording artists, joint ventures and special projects including Trin-i- tee 5:7, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Brian Courtney Wilson, Juanita Bynum, Micah Stampley, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, ESSENCE Gospel, the Most Powerful Voices and The Gospel Superfest brands. MWG’s joint ventures and partnerships include Universal Music Christian Group, Fontana Distribution, Integrity Africa, ESSENCE Communications, Son Flower Records, Interface Entertainment and Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr. The company has achieved record breaking success on the sales and radio charts, with several artists’ albums and singles debuting atop Billboard and Christian Music Trade Association (CMTA) charts and remaining in the Top 5, 10 and 20 positions for as many as 100 weeks and counting.

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD ENTERTAINMENT

Music World Entertainment (MWE) was founded by Mathew Knowles, President and C.E.O. Music World Entertainment is one of the world’s leading entertainment and music conglomerates dedicated to producing and distributing quality entertainment. The MWE worldwide platforms include successful record label ventures, recording artist and producer management services, artist development services, a master catalog series, film ventures, television productions, licensed and merchandise products, sports endeavors, community philanthropic work and investment and property holdings. The Houston headquarters is home to House of Deréon Media Center, a performance and event facility hosting special events including charity galas, corporate parties and private functions. MWE has offices in Houston, New York, Los Angeles and London.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION

Created in 1997 as a division of the American Heart Association, the American Stroke Association works to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. To do this, we fund scientific research, help people better understand and avoid stroke, encourage government support, guide healthcare professionals, and provide information to stroke survivors and their caregivers to enhance their quality of life. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit strokeassociation.org.

ABOUT GMC

GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com), the fastest-growing network in television and the number one digital network in perceived value (source: BETA Research), is America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. Recently, The Parents Television CouncilTM awarded its Entertainment Seal of ApprovalTM to GMC for being “an authentic family- friendly cable network.” GMC is the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor in 2010. GMC can be seen in nearly 48 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

Shawn McLemore’s CD release party was one to remember.  The heartfelt expressions of respect from industry peers and executives, and the sweet sounds of one of Gospel’s anointed voices made this CD release party memorable.  

McLemore’s new project “One Percent Miracle” was birthed out of his real life brush with death.  Having suffered a heart attack, McLemore was starting to slip when his wife put oil on his hands, and the people interceding for him began praying.  McLemore would eventually recover, and was back touring with James Fortune within a couple of months.  

Shawn McLemore has several CDs but this one is by far his most anointed project ever.  McLemore’s fame hit an all time high this year, standing out in the hit song “I Believe” that also featured James Fortune and Zacardi Cortez.

The release party brought out many wanting to celebrate with the distinguished artist.  Guests included Rhonda McClemore, Brian Courtney Wilson, Comedian Marcus Wiley, Nicki Ross, Pastor Gregg Patrick, Kerry Douglas, and Path publisher Kris Patrick.

Shawn performed the lead single off the album “Any Minute Now,” and the crowd erupted.  What made this event so special was that it was Shawn McLemore’s birthday as well.  No word on how old he is.  =)

Shawn’s teenage daughter sung happy birthday to her father and fighting back tears Shawn was touched.  

Towards the end of the ceremony head of Black Smoke Records Kerry Douglas decided to bless the audience.  Dropping the CD from $15 to $10 for anyone that purchase that night.  Wanting to support Shawn, the crowd started to shout for Kerry to leave it at $15 dollars!  That’s just the kind of love that surrounded this release party.  The kind of love all Gospel artist should be shown for their ministry. 

We wish Shawn the best on his sales, and encourage everyone to go out and get the CD “One Percent Miracle” today.  CLICK HERE to purchase the project.
 

 Shawn sings single “Any Minute Now”

 
Shawn (right) welcomes Brian Courtney Wilson and Comedian Marcus Wiley

 

Bishop James Dixon (left) prays over Shawn’s Family.  Rhonda McLemore (wife) and daughter Sharhonda.

 

Shawn’s birthday cake!

 
Shawn McLemore and label owner Kerry Douglas 

 
Brian Courtney Wilson and publisher Kris Patrick 

Photo Credits: Bruce Miller bruce@forza.cc

Kirk Franklin releases his new music video for “I Smile.”  I like it!  It’s simple, not a lot of effects, but it’s very effective getting the heart-felt message across.  The video is loaded with celebrities, background singers, and winners of the I smile contest that Kirk Franklin held months ago.  Some of the notables in the video include Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Jill Scott, Issac Carey, and Nicki Ross.  Click the video player to watch on PATH.

Hello Fear, the brand new release from Kirk Franklin, celebrates its seventh week atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. The album also sits at #5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #22 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. Mary Mary‘s latest release Something Big holds to the #2 position this week. The album also sits at #13 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Charts and #47 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts. The WOW Gospel 2011 compilation moves to the #3 position, while the latest from Lonnie Hunter featuring Structure, titled I’m Back, enters at the #4 position. Keep Living, from Ricky Dillard & New G, rounds out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Take The High Road, the new release from The Blind Boys of Alabama debuts at #17, while Tonya Baker‘s new effort The Live Encounter debuts at #23. 

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

Two prime time dramas with African American males in the lead have just been given the axe.

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that NBC is passing on picking up its sci-fi action-drama “The Event” for another season. Blair Underwood starred in the show as the US president.

Though the series about aliens covertly living among us started strongly for the network, it faded gradually in the ratings and, after its winter hiatus, fell below the line. “Event” averaged 7.4 million viewers and a 2.5 adults 18-49 rating once DVR use is added in, which just wasn’t enough for a costly and serialized show.

Meanwhile, Dick Wolf’s attempt to move his franchise to the City of Angels failed, too: NBC has dropped Law & Order: Los Angeles, which starred Terrence Howard as Deputy District Attorney Jonah “Joe” Dekker.

Coming off the success of his hit film “Jumping the Broom,” Bishop T. D. Jakes appears on TV One’s “Washington Week with Roland Martin” Sunday at 11am Eastern.

On the show, taped on Friday, host Roland Martin asked Bishop Jakes to respond to comments made by conservative preacher Franklin Graham:

Roland Martin: Rev. Franklin Graham has made some comments on several occasions as recently as three weeks ago really questioning, if you will, the faith of the President. He said the President has told him he’s a Christian, but he basically said that going to church does not make you a Christian. But the President is on record as saying that he walked down that aisle, he gave his life to Christ, so what do you say to folks like Rev. Graham who, frankly, are muddying the water but other people who are questioning the Christianity of this President?

Bishop T.D. Jakes: I find it insulting. We didn’t question the Christianity of President Bush when he said he accepted Christ, and I’m disappointed in Rev. Franklin Graham in that regard. I wish he had the diplomacy of his father, who brought the gospel to people without being nuanced by politics because when you do those things you offend people that you are actually called to save and to serve. And I would hope that he would see the rationale in apologizing for such statements – because if the President’s faith is suspect then all of our faiths are suspect, because the Bible is quite clear about what it takes to be saved and the President has been quite open about his accepting Christ and him openly confessing it before men. And if it’s good enough for the Bible it ought to be good enough for the rest of us.

Also Read:  ‘Heaven Is for Real’ Headed for Hollywood With T.D. Jakes as Co-Producer

Action News 2 in Atlanta is reporting that it appears the parties in the Bishop Eddie Long sexual misconduct lawsuit are no longer close to settling the case. The judge in the case now says he is preparing for a trial in the fall. Channel 2’s Tom Jones talked to an expert mediator who said this is not unusual. “Sometimes when you think you got something resolved, something will come up,” Mediator Elmer Gobel said.

It was Easter week when the judge in the case said the parties engaged in a marathon mediation session and came out of it close to a settlement. Judge Johnny Panos said back then: “They’ve resolved a lot of major issues and there’s a few fine details that need to be worked out.” Now Panos said he is preparing for a trial in August or September. He wouldn’t say why he no longer believes the two sides are close to a settlement.

Four former New Birth Missionary Baptist Church members filed lawsuits against Long, his church and youth academy, after they said he used his power and influence to entice them into sexual relationships. Long has denied the claims.

Gobel, who has no connection to the Long case, said mediations are often contentious and drawn out affairs. “It’s not the kind of thing that you sit down at a table and 10 minutes later everybody’s agreeing,” he said. Gobel also trains mediators. He says mediation can be grueling and emotionally charged. “It’s kind of like putting a piece of a puzzle together,” Gobel said. Gobel said one day you can have an agreement and then the next day it’s gone. “Sometimes you think you got an agreement that’s airtight and as attorneys or others will sit down and look at words. Words mean different things to different people,” he said.

Bishop Long’s spokesperson would only say there is nothing to report when asked about a settlement in the case. Attorneys for both sides did not return phone calls seeking a comment.  Watch the exclusive video report by clicking player below.

The Word Network, the largest African-American urban religious television network on the globe, is excited to announce the addition of multi-Grammy Award nominated gospel music legend Vickie Winans to its television family. Winans’ new weekly variety and magazine program, “The Vickie Winans Show”, is in development and scheduled for an autumn premiere.

Amongst the changes at The Word Network, Juanita Bynum II was hired as well. You can read that story by clicking here: Juanita Bynum in New Partnership with The Word Network  

“I am sooooooo excited,” Winans beams. “Somebody has finally given me the opportunity to do the shows I’ve been carrying around in my heart for years. We’re going to do a little bit of everything: fashion shows, cooking shows, children’s shows, celebrity interviews, musical performances an d videos, comedy shows, etc. You name it and we’re going to do it.”

The self-managed artist is also a successful businesswoman who owns a jewelry store and wig shop, Accents by Vickie Winans. Winans burst on the gospel music scene in 1985 with her signature smash “We Shall Behold Him.” She’s remained one of gospel music’s Top 10 artists with appearances on NBC Today and Oprah. She has appeared on the cover of Jet magazine, served as celebrity spokesperson for Daimler-Chrysler and Quaker Oats. Other hits include #1 songs “As Long As I Got King Jesus”, “Shake Yourself Loose” and “How I Got Over.” Winans is also preparing to star in a drama/comedy feature film entitled, “Amazing Grace!”