By Kenny Taylor

As tributes to this Gospel Music Icon continue, Washington DC stepped forth over the weekend to honor and celebrate this great man and his music.  The event was held at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square and included a cadre’ of DC-based psalmists who worked closely with Bishop Hawkins.  Hosted by Radio One’s Winston Chaney, the “Belle” of Howard University gospel programming, and Ms. Jacqui Gales Webb, a full evening of Hawkins music was re-visited with the help of Lady Tramaine Hawkins and sister Lynette Hawkins Stephens.

Rounding off the line-up was Richard Smallwood alumnus: Ms. Dottie Jones, who blessed the house with “Lord I Love You,” Loree Slye Montgomery, ministered “Be Grateful,” and Minister Dennis Sawyers who belted “Marvelous” with such passion that it visibly moved the excited congregation of Hawkins enthusiasts. Minister Sawyers performed the song at the Kennedy Center with Bishop Hawkins at his last national public appearance.

With contributions by Jimmy Russell & BOC, Brian Spriggs & Nu Worship, Ryan Vincent Ford & Ministry, Sunday’s Best’s Clifton Ross, Wyomme Parris, Co-Pastor Veda McCoy, Chad Gilbert, and Taiwan Bradford, the stage was set for Lynette Hawkins Stephens who blessed the house with the Hawkins classic, “Special Gift.” Closing out the evening of reflections was The Lady Tramaine Hawkins who re-visited the iconic “Changed” and “Going Up Yonder” as well as ministering her latest hit, “I Never Lost My Praise.”  The “live” clips of Bishop Hawkins and recollections by participants ushered in some of the most overwhelming moments of the evening. Additionally, commendations from the city of Washington DC and Prince Georges County, Maryland were presented.  “This is really, really nice” remarked Cheryl Jackson of DC’s Praise 104.1.  

Congratulations Pastor Jerome Bell, Attorney Ron Magnus (GMWA), Jimmy Russell, and Maryland Family Christian Center for making this Celebration a great success.

 (L-R) Atty Ron Magnus, Lynette Hawkins Stephens, Pastor Jerome Bell, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, First-Lady Tonita Bell

Winston Chaney – Radio One & Jacqui Gales Webb – Howard University FM – Guest MC’s

Also Read: Sheila Jackson Lee Speaks on Gospel Music Heritage Month: Tribute to Gospel Legends

Rapper Ja Rule will be starring in upcoming faith-based film “I’m in Love with a Church Girl” about an ex-convict who is now a pastor.

The movie also stars popular actress and musician Adrienne Bailon (member of the now disbanded Cheetah Girls), born-again Christian Stephen Baldwin and renowned music artist TobyMac.

“I’m in Love with a Church Girl” was written by Pastor Galley Molina himself while still in his prison cell. He tells the story of how he was at the top of a major drug trafficking ring in the mid-1990s and how he turned his life around after someone engages him to rethink about his faith.

He is now the youth pastor at Evergreen Valley Church in San Jose, Calif.

“In 1996, I was sentenced to five years in prison,” he said. “During that time, even before I was arrested I was already attending church. It’s not like I went away and then found God. God and I were already having some time together. God used this; that’s why we tagline the movie ‘God sometimes uses extreme measures to deal with extreme circumstances.’”

While he was pitching the film idea, studios wanted to make it into a street movie about gangs and violence, he said. But he refused to use the glamor of the rap world. He commented, “You probably rarely hear any hip hop in the movie; it’s all big-boy string orchestra and beautiful worship songs.”

Molina is proud to announce that he did the all the casting himself. He stated that he chose both Baldwin and Bailon for their strong Christian background and for their talents, and he knew Ja Rule from his music days.

“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,” said Molina.

Molina also founded his own independent production company, Reverence Gospel Media, from which he hopes to release two faith-based films a year. “I’m in Love with a Church Girl” is his debut film for the company.

The youth pastor had originally intended to recount his story in a book but decided to go with a film. He noted that the movie would appeal to both the urban and Christian audiences.

A street guy, he said, would say “Yo, this is really hot, I like it, it’s such a cool story,” while a Christian would say “Hallelujah God, this is a great story, this is inspiring.”

“I realized you can’t draw the line. God’s people are God’s people,” he noted.

The movie is slated for release in 2011.

Also Read: Bishop Eddie Long Case Gets Trial Date: Early Mediation Set For February

Gospel CD Sales: Rap Artist Lecrae’s latest release Rehab stays atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts for a third consecutive week. The album also enters at #8 on the Top Christian Albums charts and #14 on the Top Rap Albums Chart. Fresh, the latest release from Tye Tribbett, enters this week at the #2 spot. Just Love: Deluxe Edition from Brian Courtney Wilson moves to the #3 position while Israel Houghton’s Love God. Love People. The London Sessions comes in at #4. The compilation album Coco Brother Presents: Stand 2010 leaps to #5 rounding out the week’s top five albums. In other chart news, Aaron Neville’s latest I Know I’ve Been Changed debuts at #10 while The Promise from Y’Anna jumps eight places to #23.

In radio, the most played was “I Believe” from James Fortune & FIYA featuring Shawn McLemore and Zacardi Cortez celebrates their fourth consecutive week atop of radio charts. “He Wants It All” from Forever Jones takes the #2 position, while Vashawn Mitchell’s “Nobody Greater” hold to the #3 position. “I Choose to Worship” from Wess Morgan moves to #4 while Marvin Sapp’s “The Best In Me” is #5. Jonathan Nelson’s “Expect the Great” is #6, William Mc. Donald’s “I Give Myself Away” is #7. “I Want to Say Thank You” by Lisa Page Brooks comes in at #8. “It’s About Time for a Miracle” by Beverly Crawford is #9, while Brian Courtney Wilson’s hit “All I Need” spends its 84th week on the charts at #10.(November 22, 2010)

Lawyers for both sides in Bishop Eddie Long’s case met for the first court hearing Friday, saying they wanted to resolve the dispute quickly.

Attorney William Hill spoke on behalf of the Atlanta megachurch pastor during the status hearing at the DeKalb County courtroom. Long, who faces allegations of sexual misconduct from four young men, did not attend. Both parties agreed to a mediation session slated for early next year.

“The case could benefit from early mediation,” said Hill.

A judge set the mediation hearing for February. A tentative trial date is scheduled for July 7, reported Atlanta-based station WSB-TV. If mediation talks fail and the case goes to trial, each lawsuit could be tried separately or together.

Jamal Parris and three other young men have filed lawsuits against Long, the head pastor of the 25,000-member New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The lawsuits allege that the minister lured them into sexual relationships by using his position and lavishing them with gifts.

“The court can see from each of the complaints they are detailed complaints as to what the acts and allegations that are complained of by our clients,” said B.J. Bernstein, the attorney representing the four plaintiffs.

Long has officially denied the allegations, stating on the first page of responses to all four lawsuits: “The Plantiff’s claims to sexual misconduct are not true.”

In the response, Long said he mentored the young men and took them on trips but denied that any sexual activity took place.

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, which is also listed as a defendant in all four lawsuits, said in its formal response that it could neither confirm nor deny the sexual allegations, although it confirmed that Long took the four men on trips.

Since the allegations became public, Long has retreated from public engagements. In September, he canceled a radio interview with the Tom Joyner Morning Show. And earlier this month, Long backed out of a scheduled appearance at a large Christian rally held at the Georgia Dome.

Long has vowed to fight the allegations, comparing his battle to that of David and Goliath.

“I have never in my life portrayed myself as a perfect man. But I am not the man that’s being portrayed on the television,” he told his congregation on Sept. 26, shortly after news broke out about the lawsuits.

Also Read: Bishop Eddie Long’s Church, New Birth Releases Statement and So Does the Churches’ School

Word has it Kelly Price is going back to R&B.  Price has an album scheduled for release first quarter 2011.  The single “Tired” was released early this fall and will be on Price’s self-titled album “Kelly.”

Kelly was asked by Bossip.com whether she ever finds conflict in doing both R&B and Gospel music.  Kelly replied,

Again, it goes back to relevance. I can do both secular and gospel. Both are a part of my life. I grew up in the church. My gospel audience buys all my records, they don’t judge me. I’ve been able to win a lot of gospel music people over because of my message. I speak to life situations. There is life outside of the church. We can get so wrapped up in our beliefs that we segregate ourselves. My mom always told me, “Don’t be so heavenly minded, that you’re no earthly good. The quality of life on earth is as important as life after death.

To publicize the upcoming album Kelly is launching a contest where fans and aspiring producers can make a remix to the acapella lyrics from her single “Tired.”  From November 5 through December 5, 2010, Kelly will directly accept fan submissions for personal consideration and will announce the winner during the month of December. Price will also provide commentary about submissions through regular video updates throughout the duration of the campaign.  

The winner of the “Tired” Remix Campaign will earn formal credit for Price’s official “Tired – Remix.”

To participate in contest Click Here. Listen to “Tired” Below.

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’ inspirational novel.  Email calvinwalkerauthor@yahoo.com

Gospel’s brightest icon has once again inserted himself among the coveted class of firsts making history at his beloved alma mater. Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones’ historic gift spanning his musical legacy of more than 30 years was simply his way of giving back to the institution that gave so much to him. That gesture of generosity to Tennessee State University has landed him in a very special donor club – the William J. Hale Society.

This distinguished society is the highest level of giving recognized by the university and is reserved for contributions totaling more than $1 million. This society is named in honor of the first president of Tennessee State University – Dr. William J. Hale. Like Jones, Hale’s commitment and passion for TSU is clearly seen through his work, generosity and desire to build and expand on the university’s success.

For years, Jones has given of his time, talents and treasures. His recent philanthropic efforts will positively impact the lives of future TSU students in a meaningful way, and will undoubtedly contribute to the institution’s educational enrichment as scholars, historians, artists, musicians, filmmakers and others interested in the roots and diversity of gospel music turn to this unique, one-of-a-kind collection housed at Tennessee State University.

Valued at more than $6 million, his donation to TSU is complete with music, production and memorabilia not only documenting the rise of gospel music as a popular music form, but is expected to become an invaluable academic resource and financial benefit for the university for years to come.

Jones was honored by TSU during its largest event of the year – Homecoming. The recognition was bestowed on Thursday, November 5, 2010 at the President’s Society Luncheon designed to thank donors who make contributions at a level of $1,000 or more. Jones was saluted as the inaugural member of the William J. Hale Society. As part of his induction, he was presented with an original portrait of the old “A” Building, now known as the Humanities Building, painted by renowned artist Michael McBride.

Jones’ work in the gospel music industry has made him undeniably one it’s most important contributors and visionaries. His weekly gospel show – Bobby Jones Gospel – remains the longest running program on cable television, and has been credited for nearly single-handedly jumpstarting cable’s Black Entertainment Television or BET. Additionally, his ingenuity and passion for helping others has helped launch the careers of dozens of gospel artists, including megastars such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Mary Mary, to name a few.

A 1959 graduate of Tennessee State University, Jones’ earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and a doctorate in education from Vanderbilt University. He also spent 17 years serving as a faculty member in the College of Education at TSU. In 1999, he was invited as Grand Marshal for the university’s Homecoming celebration and returned in 2006 as the summer Commencement speaker. In 2009, he celebrated his 50th class reunion becoming a “Golden Vintager.”

Jessica Reedy and Deitrick Haddon and will be honored as a part of the Michigan Chronicle’s 5th Annual Legacy in Motion Awards titled Celebrating 75 years of Purpose, Progress & Perspective”.  The black-tie gala will be Friday, November 19 at 6pm in Detroit.  Reedy will be honored along with CEO of Uptown Magazine, Len Burnett, Grammy award winning artist, Dwele, and celebrity judge Greg Mathis among others.  

Jessica Reedy, a former Sunday’s Best contestant recently signed with Light Records and is expecting her debut release soon.  Deitrick Haddon recently produced and starred in a Christian movie called Blessed & Cursed.

Light Records has added another artist to its roster.  Light has been very busy this year recently adding Dorinda Clark-Cole and Ricky Dilliard to the label.  Now Light Records ads contemporary Gospel duo Dawkins & Dawkins,  The Brothers Eric & Anson Dawkins returned to the studio after an 11-year hiatus, and their new project should be in stores by March of 2011.

Congratulations to Light Records and to Dawkins & Dawkins!

GMC announced today that voting has opened in the 4th Annual GMC Music Video Awards, in which music fans across the country choose the Top 10 Gospel and Christian music videos of 2010.  Featuring 50 nominated music videos from such well known artists as Amy Grant (“Better Than A Hallelujah”), Bebe & CeCe Winans (“Close To You”), Switchfoot (“Mess of Me”), Deitrick Haddon (“Anything Is Possible”), TobyMac (“Tonight”), David Crowder Band (“How He Loves”), Hezekiah Walker (“God Favored Me”), Hawk Nelson (“Shaken”) and others, GMC’s “Top 10 of 2010” Music Video Awards is now live on the channel’s web site.

Fans may vote for their favorite videos at www.watchgmctv.com once a day up until Dec. 9. The ten videos receiving the most votes will make the “Top 10 Videos of 2010” list, which will be revealed on a special edition of GMC’s Top Spin 10 Countdown airing in late December 2010.  CLICK HERE to Vote.