He knows some people might be skeptical, but BeBe Winans is adamant that the upcoming Still Something Big tour will be his last with sister CeCe Winans.

“I feel on the inside that this is our last go-round,” Winans, who’s been recording with his sister since 1984, tells Billboard.com. “I don’t see me doing this outside of this year.” Winans sees the gospel duo’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star prevention on Oct. 19 as a convenient conclusion to their musical association. “I told [CeCe], ‘Sweetie, I think that’s the day we say, ‘Thank you. See ya. So long. Have a great life,’ ” he explains. “That’s not to say that we’ll never sing again, but it is to say that it’s not going to be a continuation of BeBe and CeCe.”

Winans says he also feels that 2010’s “Still,” which was nominated for a pair of Grammy Awards and five Stellar Awards — with the single “Close To You” named BMI’s Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year — brought the sibling’s recording career to a natural end. “It had been 15 years since we did an album together,” he notes, “so to come back and do the album, I felt it was important for us to say goodbye in the manner of honestly saying goodbye. The album [got] a wonderful reception and an appreciation that caused us to look back and say, ‘Wow, it’s been a great journey.’ But every journey comes to an end, so I believe it’s going to be that for us.”

It’s not just BeBe and CeCe that Winans plans to put on ice, either. Turning 50 in 2012, Winans says, is “a good enough reason to say ‘so long’ to the touring and the craziness that goes on with that.” In other words, he’s taking himself off the road entirely? “Yes sir,” Winans says, “with a capital Y-E-S and a capital S-I-R.”

The Winans kick off the Still Something Big Tour, which also features Mary Mary, on April 1 in their birthplace of Detroit. And Winans won’t be hard-pressed for things to do in the future. He’s just finishing the script for a stage musical currently titled “Through My Eyes: The Winans Family — The Musical,” which will feature seven or eight original songs and other selections from the storied family’s catalog. Casting is expected to start soon, and Winans himself — who has been in companies for “The Color Purple,” “Don’t Get God Started” and “Civil War” — has agreed to perform in initial productions, which are currently being shopped to regional theaters and could be on the boards before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, he’s recorded three songs — “Mona Lisa,” “Moon River” and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” — for a standards album that he also hopes to have out before year’s end. “I have waited for [producer] Phil Ramone, for his time to allow him to do this, and now is that time,” Winans says. “I feel as if we’ll wrap this up before the year’s out for sure and, who knows, maybe have a fourth quarter release. We shall see, but I’m very excited.”

Winans says that “music will always be a part of me and what I do,” but he has other interests he hopes to explore in film and television as well as theater. “There’s things I want to do, both in music writing and in acting a little more,” Winans notes. “My mind set has a lot to do with accomplishing anything. Music has taken me to various places, so we’ll see where I can take it from here.”

Okay so I just had to share this one.  Ever so often a video comes along on YouTube that all the press outlets get wind of. 

The hilarious video featuring Steve Harvey as host of The Family Feud game show has garnered over 6.6 million views in just one month.

What I find interesting is the questions the video raises about marijuana and religion.  Are drugs really on peoples mind more then religion?  Steve Harvey is really resurrecting this old game show making it funny and interesting as the new host.  Watch the video and let me know what you think.

Truly one of Gospel’s most influential artists, RICKY DILLARD, takes his signature choir music to new heights with the release of KEEP LIVING on Light Records.

Dillard’s significance to choir music is unrivaled. Throughout his 20-year career, he has remained committed to advancing music exclusively for the choir. Choirs are mainstays in our churches around the world and Dillard’s music continues to provide them with relevant and contemporary music.

On the upcoming project entitled KEEP LIVING, Dillard takes his signature choir vocal arrangements and melodies to another level. Producing songs that are mature, discriminating and wise, it is clear that he has grown in his approach to music. Gems like “I Am Saved,” “He Turned It,” and “He Reigns,” are definitive and timeless offerings.

The title track “Keep Living” a literal command that reminds us that we always have something to live for with God on board. Industry fave, Chrystal Rucker simply soars on the lead vocals. The lead single, “God Is Great,” is an instantaneous classic. Lyrically, the simplicity of the drive, ‘God is Great’, to the intricate verses, the song immediately gets the listener going. Dillard himself is featured on the song giving it life while his long-time choir, New G’s, dynamic vocals and modulation are executed flawlessly. Quickly embraced by Gospel radio and connecting with audiences, “God Is Great,” charted immediately and continues to rise.

While the moniker, ‘choir master’ is weighty, Dillard steps right into the role. “I feel the Lord shifting me into a father / mentor position,” said Dillard. “Ministers of music and choir directors are looking to me for mentorship and counsel and people look at us to see what we [New G] are doing next.”

KEEP LIVING was recorded live at Second Ebenezer Church in Detroit, MI and people can be a part of the awesome worship experience by purchasing the concert DVD along with the CD which will be available in-stores and on-line everywhere April 26th

(New York, NY) – Breakthrough Gospel artist, VASHAWN MITCHELL, was just added to R&B and Gospel icons Bebe & Cece Winans and Mary Mary upcoming spring tour. VaShawn Mitchell will be the special guest for the “Still Something Big” Tour, An Evening With BeBe & CeCe Winans And Mary Mary.

Mitchell, slated to open the show, will join the duos to hit a series of major market US tour dates this April 2011. Earning this coveted spot on the highly anticipated tour, Mitchell’s current success has been propelled by his Number 1 song, “Nobody Greater.” “Nobody Greater” has topped the Gospel radio charts for over 5 weeks continuing to touch a chord with audiences and people around the world. In 2011 Mitchell has garnered two Grammy nominations and recently two Dove Award nominations for his blockbuster CD, TRIUMPHANT.

Mitchell has performed on national TV specials including BET’s Celebration of Gospel, The Stellar Awards, TBN, Bobby Jones Gospel with an upcoming appearance on The Mo’Nique Show. Mitchell recently performed several songs from TRIUMPHANT on TBN’s Praise The Lord show.

Mitchell is the Minister of Music at Higher Living Church in Atlanta, GA, who has a passion for worship, the heart of an encourager and the story of an overcomer.

STILL SOMETHING BIG TOUR DATES:

April 1st— Detroit, MI: Fox Theatre

April 2nd— Chicago, IL: Chicago Theatre

April 3rd—St. Louis, MO: Fox Theatre

April 6th— Washington, DC: Lincoln Theatre

April 8th—Upper Darby, PA: Tower Theatre

April 9th—New York, NY: The Theatre at Madison Square Garden

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Congratulations to Bishop Hezekiah Walker who will be installed as the Presiding Prelate of the Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ. The installation services will take place on June 12, 2011 at 6p ET at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bridgeport, CT. The GRAMMY and Stellar award winning pastor fills the position previously held by the late Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr who passed in September 2010.

(Nashville, TN) — Popular gospel recording artists, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, will continue their recording relationship with long time partner Light Records.

JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise started their recording career in 2004, with the release of Awesome God which was their debut project on Light Records. Youthful Praise has since enjoyed great success and has established themselves as one of today’s significant contemporary choirs.

Their current project, RESTING ON HIS PROMISE, has topped the charts over the last year, yielding two hit songs; the title single, “Resting On His Promise,” and everyone’s favorite “Lord You’re Mighty.”

“I’m so excited about renewing my contract with Light records. James Robinson, Evidence Gospel and Light Records have had a key role in my entering into the gospel music industry,” said Hairston. “Furthermore, the staff at Light are like family to me. So my contract renewal was not only a smart business move for me and YP, but also a re-commitment to my extended family at Light records.”

SVP & General Manager of Light Records, James Robinson said, “I am very pleased that JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise has decided to continue their long time relationship with Light Records. JJ has been with Light his entire musical career and it speaks volumes that he’s chosen to stay. I am honored to be associated with this very powerful artist and ministry and have great anticipation for his future.”

Hairston was recently the opening act on the 2011 Stellar Awards and can be seen on TBN in upcoming episodes of the new show 15th Street Live. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have plans for a live recording this Summer.

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At least one Christian was killed and others injured when thousands of Islamic extremists set fire to 59 churches and at least 28 homes in western Ethiopia in the past five days, Christian leaders said.

More than 4,000 Christians in and around Asendabo, Jimma Zone have been displaced as a result of attacks that began on Wednesday (March 2) after Muslims accused a Christian of desecrating the Quran by tearing up a copy, sources said.

“The atrocity is still going on, and more people are suffering,” said a source in Addis Ababa who is in close contact with area church leaders.

The Christian killed, believed to have been a member of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, has not yet been identified.

“One Orthodox believer, whose daughter is a member of Mekane Yesus Church, has been killed,” an Ethiopian church leader told Compass. “Ministers were injured, and many more believers have been displaced.”

A pastor based in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa noted that evangelical church leaders have reported the attacks to authorities and asked officials for help, but no action had been taken at press time.

“The church requested more police protection,” he said. “The authorities sent security forces, but they were overwhelmed by the attackers.”

After the destruction began at Asendabo, it spread to Chiltie, Gilgel Gibe, Gibe, Nada, Dimtu, Uragay, Busa and Koticha, as Muslim mobs in the thousands rampaged throughout the area, sources said.

“Police at the site are not taking any action – they just watch what is happening,” said another source. “It is difficult to estimate the attack in terms of deaths, since we have no access to any location.”

Those displaced are in shelters in Ako, Jimma, Dimtu and Derbo, he said.

“We are very concerned that the attack that began on March 2 in Asendabo, which is the rural part of Jimma, is now heading to Jimma town,” he said.

The extremists also destroyed an Ethiopian Kale Hiwot Church (EKHC) Bible school building and two church office buildings, the source said. Of the churches burned, he said, 38 belonged to the EKHC; 12 were Mekane Yesus buildings; six were Seventh-day Adventist structures; two were Muluwongel church buildings, and another belonged to a “Jesus Only” congregation.

“Women and children are the most affected in this sudden attack,” he said. “It is needless to mention the believers’ houses and properties burned down. The overall estimated cost, may be worth over 60 million birr [US$3.55 million].”

Anti-Christian attacks in western Ethiopia in 2006 killed at least 24 people.

“Attacks on the church have been a common occurrence in predominantly Muslim areas of Ethiopia like Jimma and Jijiga,” the source said, adding that Christians are often subject to harassment and intimidation.

Asendabo, in Oromia Region, is about 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Addis Ababa.

The attacks erupted as heavy fighting was taking place at the borders of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopian troops were trying to repel Islamic extremist al-Shabaab troops from Bulahawo, Somalia, near Mandera, Kenya, with several casualties and hundreds displaced.

Ethiopia’s constitution, laws and policies generally respect freedom of religion, but occasionally some local authorities infringe on this right, according to the U.S. Department of State’s 2010 International Religious Freedom Report.

According to the 2007 census, 44 percent of Ethiopia’s population affiliate with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, 19 percent are evangelical and Pentecostal and 34 percent are Sunni Muslim.

Now, there’s an unlikely duo. Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah are set to hit the big screen together in a “musically-driven feature that tells the story of an unlikely partnership between two strong-minded women who are forced to work together to save a small town Gospel choir after budget cuts threaten to shut them down,” according to the press release. Joyful Noise will feature some songs penned by Parton, who made her acting debut in the 1980 flick 9 to 5.

“I’m really happy to be doing a movie with Queen Latifah,” Parton says in a statement. “I really like her and have often thought we would be fun together. Even though we play rivals in the movie, I’m sure we’ll have our fun behind the scenes. I’m so happy to be doing a movie about music – especially happy because it’s gospel music which I grew up singing and loving. I think we need something uplifting in this day in time! So yep, happy, happy, happy – that’s me.”

In an effort to fill in seats for one of the concert scenes, the producers have put out an open call for extras to participate in the movie.  The concert scene will feature Kirk Franklin, along with the movie’s leading actresses Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton.

The filmed concert will take place THIS MONDAY, March 14th, at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. Extras are asked to arrive at 7:00am and be available for 6 to 8 hours.  No acting experience required, and you can just be a fan of Gospel music.

To attend, email joyfulaudience2@gmail.com

The Church Boyz are set to release their new album on Blacksmoke Records online and in-stores March 8, 2011.  Check out the single “Krazy” below.

The new inductees into the Christian Music Hall Fame were announced this week.   “We believe these artists are most deserving to be recognized for their outstanding contributions to not only Christian music, but for their ministries as well,” states Andy Woolard, Director of Operations for the Christian Music Hall of Fame. “We are excited to pay tribute to the great careers these artists have had and those who continue to encourage others with their music and ministries.”

This year’s inductees are:

DeGarmo & Key
Dixie Melody Boys
Jeoffrey Benward
Nicole C. Mullen
Susie Luchsinger
Take 6
Wayne Watson

The inducted artists will be formally recognized during the 3rd annual Visionary Awards show to be held in the Dallas, Texas area on November 5, 2011. The Visionary Awards are an annual event highlighting the top talent in a variety of genres of Christian music.