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

Radio personality Tom Joyner ‘s son Oscar got married last weekend in Miami.  Yolanda Adams sung for the couple and Bishop T.D. Jakes performed the wedding ceremony.  The newlyweds’ incorporated traditional Ethiopian traditions into the wedding.   As were the customs of Oscar Joyners’ bride Alem Gola.   Oscar Joyner, is President of The Tom  Joyner Morning Show’s parent company Reach Media.

Many other celebrity friends came out for the wedding and reception.  Look at the pictures below.

Bishop T.D. Jakes (Left) Poses with Yolanda Adams (Right) and bride & groom. 

Tom Joyner and his ex-wife pose with family of the bride

Yolanda Adams Sings at wedding

Eric Benet and Tamia Sing at Reception

Doug E. Fresh Performed at Reception 

Viewing
Thursday, 10/14
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
West Point Baptist Church
35th and Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL

Musical Salute at Apostolic Church of God
Thursday, 10/14
7 p.m.
63rd and Dorchester
Chicago, IL

*****

Funeral Service and Visitation
Friday, 10/15
10 a.m. Visitation
11 a.m. Funeral Service
West Point Baptist Church
36th and Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL
Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes officiating

The Queen of Gospel Albertina Walker died on Friday, October 8, 2010 from complications from emphysema at RML Specialty Hospital in Chicago. Albertina Walker was known as the Queen of Gospel because of her influence and stellar accomplishments within Gospel music. She studied under Thomas Dorsey, was encouraged by Mahalia Jackson and was the founder of the legendary Caravans.

Albertina recorded over 60 CD’s, earned five gold records, received 10 Grammy nominations and won a Grammy in 1995.

Also Read: Albertina Walkers Passing Prompts Barack Obama to Release Statement

Below is the statement from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the passing of Gospel music great Albertina Walker:

Michelle and I are saddened by the passing of gospel great Albertina Walker. Ms. Walker was known for her Grammy Award winning voice and recognized by many as the ‘Queen of Gospel.’

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, she started singing in her church youth choir at just four years old where she learned to spread the ‘Good News’ through song. She also performed before President Bill Clinton and was honored at the White House by President George W. Bush for her contributions to Gospel music. And she never forgot to give back, impacting her community through the Albertina Walker Scholarship Fund and many other charitable endeavors.

Ms. Walker’s voice and message has touched congregations across the nation. Though we have lost an American icon, her influence on gospel music will continue for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and the countless lives she touched.

 

Also Read: Funeral Arrangements for the Legendary Albertina Walker Announced

Now this is impressive.  Reach Records recording artist Lecrae makes holy hip-hop history with the release of his latest release Rehab. The new release sold over 27,000 units in its first week, making it the largest selling first week holy hip hop release ever. Consequently, the album debuts atop the Billboard Top Gospel Charts, Top Christian Albums Charts, and Independent Albums Charts.  In addition, the album hits #5 on the Top Rap Albums Charts, #6 on the Digital Albums Charts, and #17 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Charts.

So the next time your children ask for some rap music, mix in a little Holy Hip Hop by Lecrae.  They’ll love you for it, and they’ll get a positive message in return.