Path MEGAzine catches up with Brian Courtney Wilson on the road for an exclusive phone interview.  Brian is one of Gospel’s newest stars, and is now touring the country with the American Heart Association.  He also is taking part in the Coco Brother Stand campaign taking place in Atlanta, GA.  

Brian gives us the rundown on his rise, his family and the lessons he learned pursuing his dreams of singing Gospel music.  You don’t want to miss this interview conducted by Path Publisher Kris Patrick.  Visit www.pathmegazine.com for more Path MEGAzine interviews.

Brian Courtney Wilson Bio:

Influenced by a wide range of vocalists from Donny Hathaway to Fred Hammond to John Mayer, singer and songwriter Brian Courtney Wilson has an up-to-date 21st century approach to modern gospel that might be termed “urban inspirational.” Wilson, a University of Illinois graduate, began singing formally in the university’s black chorus, then continued singing on his own time while working as a pharmaceutical salesman for seven years. Then, in a leap of faith, he walked away from his job and became the music director at St. John’s Downtown Church in Houston, where he was mentored by and became friends with Rudy Rasmus. Through Rasmus he met label owner and music mogul Mathew Knowles, who signed Wilson to his Spirit Rising / Music World imprint. Recorded in Jackson, MS and produced by Stan Jones, Wilson’s inspirationally themed debut album, Just Love, appeared in 2009.

Shuntia Wheeler is a graduate student at Prairie View A&M University. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Prairie View A&M University in December 2009. Ms. Wheeler has demonstrated leadership in various organizations; She is the former Financial Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists PV Chapter, a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the national honors society for communication, she has served as the Academic Editor of The Pantherland Yearbook, and she is a contributing journalist for The Panther.  Check out her blog at www.shuntia-wheeler.blogspot.com, as she presents world news from a fresh perspective through fun, fierce, and factual stories impacting the world we live in.  Email her at shuntia@pathmagazine.com

The Stellar Awards announced the official nominations Live on the Gospel Music Channel over the weekend.  One of Gospel’s most coveted awards shows saw new comers and some familiar names make the final ballots.

James Fortune stood out garnering 10 Stellar Nominations.  BeBe & CeCe Winans got 8 nominations with CeCe getting another two independently for Female Vocalist of the Year and Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year.  Marvin Sapp also had a strong showing with 6 nominations.  View the entire list of nominations below.

Artist of the Year

• BeBe & CeCe Winans
• Fred Hammond
• James Fortune & FIYA
• Marvin Sapp

Song of the Year (Songwriter(s); Song)

• BeBe Winans, “Close to You”
• Fred Hammond, Calvin Rodgers, Phillip Feaster, Ericka Warren, Michael Bethany and Dynna Wells, “They That Wait”
• James Fortune, C. Fortune and T. Vaughn, “Encore”
• Marvin Sapp, “Best In Me”

Male Vocalist of the Year

• Byron Cage
• Fred Hammond
• J. Moss
• Marvin Sapp

Female Vocalist of the Year

• CeCe Winans
• Karen Clark Sheard
• Lucinda Moore
• Tamela Mann

Group Duo of the Year

• BeBe & CeCe Winans
• Forever Jones
• James Fortune & FIYA
• The Anointed Pace Sisters

New Artist of the Year

• Forever Jones
• Kristina Halloway
• Travis Greene
• Victory Cathedral Choir

CD of the Year

• Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
• J. Moss, Just James
• James Fortune & FIYA, Encore
• Marvin Sapp, Here I Am

Choir of the Year

• Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
• James Hall & Voices of Citadel
• Victory Cathedral Choir
• Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Producer of the Year

• Aaron Lindsey, Here I Am
• Donald Lawrence, The Experience
• Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
• James Fortune, Terrance Vaughn and Ayron Lewis, Encore

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year

• BeBe & CeCe Winans
• Forever Jones
• James Fortune and FIYA
• Trin-i-tee 5:7

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year

• James Greer & Company
• The Anointed Pace Sisters
• The Christian Angels
• The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year

• Byron Cage
• Fred Hammond
• J. Moss
• James Fortune

Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year

• Alvin Darling
• Darrell Hines
• Marvin Sapp
• Mavin Winans

Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year

• Fredericka Faison
• Lucinda Moore
• Shirley Caesar
• Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year

• CeCe Winans
• Karen Clark Sheard
• Lisa Page Brooks
• Tamela Mann

Contemporary CD of the Year

• BeBe and CeCe Winans, Still
• Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
• J.Moss, Just James
• James Fortune and FIYA, Encore

Traditional CD of the Year

• James Hall & Voices of Citadel, Won’t It Be Wonderful
• Marvin Sapp, Here I Am
• Shirley Caesar, A City Called Heaven
• Vanessa Bell Armstrong, The Experience

Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year (Artist; Song)

• BeBe & CeCe Winans, “Still”
• Forever Jones, “Get Ready”
• James Fortune & FIYA, “Encore”
• Marvin Sapp, “Here I Am”

Music Video of the Year (artist, song/CD title)

• BeBe and CeCe Winans, “Close to You”
• Kirk Whalum, “Make Me a Believer”
• Shirley Caesar, “Playground In Heaven”
• The Anointed Pace Sisters, “If I Be Lifted Up”

Contemporary Choir of the Year

• God’s Little Soldiers International
• Myron Butler & Levi
• Youth for Christ
• Youthful Praise featuring J.J. Hairston

Traditional Choir of the Year

• Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
• James Hall & Voices of Citadel
• Victory Cathedral Choir
• Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Special Event CD of the Year

• BeBe and CeCe Winans, Still
• Kirk Franklin, Are You Listening
• Various Artists, CoCo Brother Live Presents Stand 2010
• Various Artists, WOW Gospel 2010

Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year

• DJ Official, Entermission
• Everyday Process, Outtadisworld
• Sho Baraka, Lions and Liars
• Trip Lee, Between Two Worlds

Children’s Project of the Year

• God’s Little Soldiers International, Soldier Story
• Kingdom Kids Worldwide, Kingdom Kids Worldwide Volume 1
• The Velasquez Family Singers, While We Still Have Time
• Youth for Christ, Thanks In Advance

Quartet of the Year

• Reverend F.C. Barnes & Company
• The Christian Angels
• The Golden Wings Quartet
• The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Recorded Music Package of the Year [art credit / album ]

• Cameron Hilson and Mark Neubauer, Get Ready
• Denise Trotman, Here I Am
• Derek Blanks and Ken Barboza, Still
• Jeff Gilligan, Love Unstoppable

Praise and Worship CD of the Year

• Darwin Hobbs, Darwin Hobbs Live: Champion
• James Fortune & FIYA, Encore
• Phil Tarver, Place of Worship
• The Anointed Pace Sisters, Access Granted

Fan Voting has Begun!  Click Here to cast your vote at the Stellar Awards website.

Shirley’s family consists of her three daughters, two sons, and a thieving brother.  One daughter is a homemaker who believes that Jesus is all she needs, the other daughter is rude, arrogant, and holding on to a horrific secret from the past, and the other is very outspoken so much to the fact that she wears the pants in the relationship with her husband.  Shirley’s sons’ are a bit immature and slightly misguided. Her eldest son is dealing with baby mama drama and is being torn between trying to get his life back on track, while his girlfriend wants him to go back on the streets to sell drugs in order to satisfy her materialistic needs.  Shirley’s youngest son (a teenager) loves to spend his days sitting on the floor reading his SpongeBob books.  Shirley also has a roommate (Cassi Davis) living with her who accidently tells the secret that tests the family’s faith, and the difficulty to forgive.  

In this play, Perry explores many issues that families sometimes face in life.  For instance, what should one do when secrets are kept by those we trust and love the most?  Perry teaches us that in such situations as these we must grow past the pain, and love unconditionally.  Perry has a special connection with his audience.  Throughout the play, Perry would jump in and out of character and share some “old school” wisdom.  His jokes tickled the belly, and fed the soul with laughter.  Perry’s choice to use a Christian foundation for his plays continues to dominate the theatrical scene, and inspire future play writers.  Hands down Madea’s Big Happy Family continues to show Tyler Perry’s true genius and craft.  It is filled with laughs, love, and life-touching moments that will leave you speechless and in awe.  One can only hope that Perry will return to the Stage. 

About contributing writer Whitney Stein:  A young woman of great character, Whitney P. Stein continues to prove she is a woman of many talents. Whitney graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. From Real Estate, to Construction, to Fashion, Whitney has a diverse level of knowledge in many industries.  She has continued to express her passion for writing as a freelance writer for various publications.  She is also the CEO of Paige 78, a clothing company geared towards helping raise money for under privileged children across the globe.  Whitney is continuing to flourish, and leap to higher heights with her artistic style and business savvy.  Contact Whitney at whitneypstein@yahoo.com

Gospel music fans will have an opportunity to sit in on this year’s Stellar Gospel Music Awards nomination announcements as GMC presents exclusive live coverage of the event on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. ET. The special will be hosted by Stellar, Grammy and Dove award-winner Donnie McClurkin, one of gospel music’s greatest stars, and will feature a special tribute to gospel legend Albertina Walker and performances by gospel music stars. This is the first time in the Stellars’ 26-year history that its nominations announcement will be televised and presented as a concert event.

WHAT: Live coverage of Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 23, 8 p.m. ET.

WHERE: Event being held in Nashville and broadcast by GMC, America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment.

WHO: Hosted by gospel star Donnie McClurkin and featuring a tribute to legend Albertina Walker with performances by Vashaun Mitchell (“Nobody Greater”) and many other gospel stars.

GMC can be seen on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224. 

About The Stellar Awards

Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. (CCP) produces the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the premier gospel event that recognizes and honors African-American artists. This one-of-a-kind show has showcased top gospel artists as well as many television and film stars. The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is produced by Barbara Wilson for Central City Productions. Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions is a producer, syndicator and distributor of original programming on television and cable networks.

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 Council™ awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC is the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor in 2010.

Grammy, 8-time Dove and 7-time Stellar Award nominated singer/songwriter, producer, artist, director and man behind popular choir songs like “Mighty Long Way” and “Hallelujah Anyhow” is back! Both the CD and DVD are must haves filled with a new collection of soon-to-be choir classics such as the first radio single “And We Are Glad,” the heart warming worship anthem “Fill This Place” featuring Isaac Carree, the nostalgic “Great Jehovah God” and the foot stomping “Just Like He Said He Would” featuring Crystal Aikin; just to name a few. This is another phenomenal choir project by Joe Pace!  CLICK HERE to Preview & Buy

Wess Morgan releases his Sophomore album on the heels of his Top 5 single ‘I Choose to Worship.’  CLICK HERE to preview and buy.

Tye Tribett Releases his first album without his energetic group G.A.  Earlier this year Tye said he retired the group to allow them to pursue career opportunities.  The fresh new single is in stores today.  CLICK HERE to preview and buy.

Tyler Perry is canceling many if not all of the remainder of his tour dates due to exhaustion.  Tyler Perry was on a reunion Tour that saw Perry bring Madea back to the stage in a play call “Medea’s Big Happy Family.”  Read the letter Perry wrote to his fans via his website below.

You have no idea how hard this is for me to do but I wanted you to hear it from me first. After 125 performances in 126 days last spring, and doing two movies back-to-back this summer, then coming right back on tour and doing another 30 performances in as many days it’s all become too much. I’m truly so exhausted.

So, with that said, unfortunately starting next week, October 19th, I am going to have to cancel some dates of the “encore leg” of the MADEA’s BIG HAPPY FAMILY tour. I know a lot of you worked really hard to buy those tickets and I want to assure you that you will be refunded for the ticket price at your point of purchase.

I feel terrible about this and hope you can understand but right now I’m not capable of giving you the show you want and deserve. I hope one day soon I will be able to make it up to you.

I want to thank the nearly 750,000 fans who bought tickets and have crowded these arenas and theaters across the country this year, and made this one of the most special tours I’ve ever had. With me dealing with so much personal grief after the loss of my mother, it could not have come at a better time. You all helped me through it and feeling the love and support of the people who started it all was just what I needed. I felt it and I still do. Thank you.

Soledad O’Brien hosts this highly anticipated series.  CNN’s Black in America-Almighty Debt is the third installment of the documentary series focused on Black hardships in America.  The documentary takes the viewer on a journey with several different families that are in financial crisis for different reasons.  The realism of their situations grabs your attention forcing you to look at yourself and evaluate everything you’ve been raised to think about money.  I wonder how many of us are really debt free?

The premiere was unique, in that the key people in the documentary were also in attendance alongside CNN analysts.  CNN’s Roland Martin (blue suit), along with CNN business news correspondent Stephanie Elam (pink dress), joined with the featured Pastor of the documentaries church centered theme.  Pastor DeForest Blake “Buster” Soaries (Senior Pastor for First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey second from left) and Ronald Green, Houston City Controller (far right) all sat on the panel discussing the issues with Soledad O’Brien (middle).  The panel opened the floor to the audience, who was able to express their concerns to the panel.  The common denominator in many of the issues is the sad notion that you have to “keep up with the Joneses,” and the under-valued philosophy of living within your means.

Here are a few great quotes from the documentary and subsequent panel discussion:

“I’m against optimism if it’s not rooted in reality.” -Pastor Buster Soaries

“Debt is Slavery” -Pastor Buster Soaries

“Elevate this as a movement.” – Roland Martin

“People stay in these houses as if God’s going to pay the mortgage.  God don’t pay mortgages.” -Pastor Buster Soaries

 “Debt is a bigger problem than racism.”

“We had more self esteem when we were segregated.” -Pastor Buster Soaries

Soledad O’Brien takes you on a financial journey through the eyes of three families. This documentary is a must see.  There are many lessons to learn, and by the time you finish watching the documentary you will be left with lingering questions and in depth contemplation on your overall financial status.  The viewer will more than likely walk away with a new appreciation and understanding of how to stretch the value of $1.00.  Make sure you tune in on October 21, 2010 at 9pm/est.  “It’s time to remove the invisible shackles that financial debt employs.” -Roland Martin.

About PATH Blogger Shuntia Wheeler: Shuntia Wheeler is a graduate student at Prairie View A&M University. She graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Prairie View A&M University in December 2009. Ms. Wheeler has demonstrated leadership in various organizations; She is the former Financial Secretary of the National Association of Black Journalists PV Chapter, a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the national honors society for communication, she has served as the Academic Editor of The Pantherland Yearbook, and she is a contributing journalist for The Panther.  Check out her blog at www.shuntia-wheeler.blogspot.com, as she presents world news from a fresh perspective through fun, fierce, and factual stories impacting the world we live in.  Email her at shuntia@pathmagazine.com

[Left to Right] Chanelle Haynes, Angel Taylor, Adrian Anderson

This just in out of the Trinity 5:7 camp.  Music World Gospel announces Trinity 5:7 will now be a Duo instead of a Trio.  Adrian Anderson will leave the group to pursue other opportunities.  Adrian Anderson officially joined Trin-i-tee 5:7 ten years ago in 2000, replacing former group member Terry Brown.  The announcement comes as a shock to fans that love the successful Grammy nominated Group.  No word yet on if Trinity 5:7 is looking for a replacement for Adrian.  Read the official press release by Music World Gospel below.

Houston, Texas — Music World Gospel recording artists Trin-i-tee 5:7 today announced their transition from a trio to a duo. New Orleans natives and original group members, Chanelle Haynes and Angel Taylor will move forward as a duo and Adrian Anderson will pursue other career opportunities.

Chanelle Haynes and Angel Taylor have performed together since their days as high school classmates and have been best friends for nearly 20 years.  As part of a group, they have professionally recorded together for 14 years. “The evolution of Trinitee 5:7 has come with many beautiful seasons, and great accomplishments,” said Taylor and Haynes. “We’ve been tremendously blessed to have been given the opportunity to inspire so many through our music. A new season has come upon us, and we realize by embracing this change, the best is yet to come. Now as a duo we look forward to sharing our hearts and souls with you through our music on our newest project, A New Day.”

Adrian Anderson officially joined Trin-i-tee 5:7 ten years ago in 2000, replacing former group member Terry Brown. “The season of transition has presented itself,” said Anderson. “I move forward to a new season, launching my beauty company, ‘Halo Tu’ Beauty,’ which celebrates kindness, love and glamour, and working corporately in the entertainment/music industry. To all of our fans, I love you and will continue to share my artistry and creativity in various ways. I partner with you in my new journey.”

Trin-i-tee 5:7 has been the Best Selling Female Gospel Trio in music history. The GRAMMY® Award nominated, Gospel Music Association’s Dove Award and Stellar Award winners have achieved unprecedented success in their career over the past decade. Trin-i-tee 5:7 derives its name from the Biblical book of St. John, chapter 5, verse 7—which encapsulates how the Father, Son and Holy Ghost cooperatively work on behalf of humankind.

The self-titled debut album, Trin-i-tee 5:7 debuted in the summer 0f 1998, at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart, eventually being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and winning Trin-i-tee 5:7 a Stellar Award as Best Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year. Produced by R. Kelly and Kirk Franklin, the inaugural CD included the ballad, “God’s Grace;” a rousing, modern rendition of the African-American spiritual classic, “Mary, Don’t You Weep;” and club-friendly tracks  such as “Call His Name.”

Spiritual Love, the sophomore album, dropped in 2000 and proved to be the group’s biggest hit yet. It landed Trin-i-tee 5:7 at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart and #5 on the Billboard R&B Album Sales chart. “Put Your Hands Up,”  “I Promise,” “My Body,” and “There He Is” were each radio hits.  Two years later, the ladies were back on top with the edgy dance track “Holla” from The Kiss album, which resulted in the trio performing on “Soul Train” and at BET’s “106 & Park” video premiere.

In fall 2007, Trin-i-tee 5:7 signed with Spirit Rising, now Music World Gospel. Since then, the critically acclaimed trio saw their fourth album, T57, debut at #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart.

The pulsating “Listen” from their Music World Gospel debut CD, graced Billboard’s Hot 100 R&B Airplay chart and was one of the biggest gospel radio hits of 2007-2008. The album went on to win two prestigious Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards, a GRAMMY® nomination, and resulted in Trin-i-tee 5:7 being spotlighted on the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards broadcast alongside Aretha Franklin, BeBe Winans, Israel & New Breed and the Clark Sisters.

Their current project, Love, Peace, Joy at Christmas is their first-ever holiday CD and bonus DVD.  The duo will release their forthcoming project, A New Day, in the first quarter of 2011.

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that a relative and family friend of Albertina Walker’s was arrested after they allegedly roughed up the gospel legend’s longtime manager and agent at a tribute concert after she died.  A friend of mine got a text about this late last week, but no one new the details surrounding the incident until the Chicago Sun Times released this in depth report.  

The incident happened Thursday night at Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester, during a musical tribute to Walker, the Grammy award-winning “Queen of Gospel” who died Oct. 8, police said Saturday.

The concert followed a public viewing that day; her funeral was Friday.

It started when the 32-year-old victim went on stage, police said. The victim was identified by sources as Eric Peterson.

“The two individuals ordered the victim to get off the stage. When he did not exit the stage, they physically went ahead and battered this individual,” police spokesman John Mirabelli said Saturday.

“One of them grabbed him, and the other one punched him,” Mirabelli said.

Gerald Walker, 47, of the 7700 block of South Essex, and Carl Jackson, 40, of the 8300 block of South Seeley, were arrested Thursday night and were each charged with one count of battery.

Tina Nance, Albertina Walker’s goddaughter, confirmed the police account and identified Gerald Walker as Albertina Walker’s nephew and Jackson as a family friend.

“The nephew who was involved was upset by some things that had gone on, as the family did not feel [the manager] should be on that stage and asked him to come off,” Nance said. 

“It was unfortunate what happened, but I don’t want it to detract from the celebration of my godmother’s legacy and her memory.”

One person who witnessed the encounter said it happened right before the tribute concert started. Some family members “didn’t want [Peterson] to be there. He said he didn’t want to be escorted from the pulpit in front of 5,000 people,” the witness said.

Sources said the dispute between Peterson and family members involves some of Walker’s possessions.

Peterson, sources said, was not seriously injured and attended Walker’s funeral.

Peterson could not be reached for comment Saturday.

Pam Morris, a longtime friend of Walker’s, said she wants everything to be resolved so the gospel queen’s “incredible legacy can be remembered and carried on for years for my grandchildren and their children yet to be born.”

ALSO READ: Albertina Walkers Passing Prompts Barack Obama to Release Statement