Oakland, CA: A who’s who of the gospel world is gathered to pay final respects to Grammy Award winning gospel legend, Bishop Walter Hawkins, who passed away July 11th after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

On Tuesday, July 20th, some of the biggest names in gospel music will congregate at The Paramount Theater for a musical salute to Walter Hawkins who is known for his classic gospel songs such as “Goin’ Up Yonder,” “Marvelous,” and “What is This?” The musical celebration is titled, The Man, the Music, The Ministry: A Musical Salute to Bishop Walter Hawkins.”

Among the stars confirmed to sing Hawkins’ evergreen compositions are platinum artists such as Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, and Donnie McClurkin. Also performing is Hawkins’ sister, Lynnette Hawkins, R&B artist Ledisi, Karen Clark Sheard, Daryl Coley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Byron Cage, Melvin & Doug Williams of The Williams Brothers, guitarist Jonathan DuBose Jr., D.J. Rogers, Ted Winn, and The Love Center Choir.

Making a special appearance will be Hawkins’ longtime vocal muse and former wife, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, whose dramatic vocals were featured on Walter Hawkins masterpieces such as “Changed,” “Goin’ Up Yonder,” and “He’s That Kind of Friend.”

The music directors for the evening will include Hawkin”s brother, Edwin Hawkins, Donald Lawrence, Kurt Carr, Richard Smallwood, and Hawkins’ longtime music director, Rusty Watson. The masters of ceremonies duties will be shared by Bebe Winans, Marvin Winans, and Black Entertainment Television (BET) personality, Dr. Bobby Jones.

The concert takes place Tuesday, July 20, 2010 @ 7:00 pm at the Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612-2303. Tickets are free and available on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Paramount Theater at: (510) 465-6400

The funeral will take place the following morning, Wednesday, July 21, 2010 @ 11:00 am at the Paramount Theater. Bishop Kenneth Moales (of Prayer Tabernacle Church of Love, Inc. in Bridgeport, CT) will officiate at the ceremony.

Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Walter Hawkins Memorial Foundation. Cards, letters and donations may be mailed to: Love Center Ministries, 10440 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94603.

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Will Smith will star as the title character in The Legend Of Cain, a re-telling of the Biblical sibling rivalry tale.

Viewer be ware.  The story will have a vampire twist. Yes, more vampires. 

Biblical tale: Cain, the older son of Adam and Eve, kills younger brother Abel out of jealousy and anger.

Smith will also produce with Overbrook Entertainment partners Jada Pinkett Smith (his wife), James Lassiter, and Ken Stovitz.

The script was written by Caleeb Pinkett and Dan Knauf, with Andrea Berloff revising. No studio or director yet for the Overbrook project. The production company is coming off The Karate Kid, which has so far grossed more that. $210 million worldwide. Smith is currently promoting that film internationally and in August he begins filming Men In Black 3.

Will this be another mis-representation of the bible?  WHAT DO YOU THINK of a vampire version of the Cain & Abel story?  Log-in and Comment.

ALSO READ: Movie: Blessed & Cursed in Stores

Internationally renown gospel artist Fred Hammond has collaborated with philanthropist Roy Campbell, his business partner, under a distribution agreement with Universal Music Christian Group for a brand new project called “Life in the Word.”

The album will feature some of the world’s greatest gospel artists.

“We are honored that Fred Hammond chose UMCG as the place where he could develop and unfurl his vision,” said Rhoda Lawrence, Vice President of UMCG. “People are thirsty for music that tackles everyday issues in their lives and they want it delivered in a way that speaks to them. Fred Hammond has the talent and the vision to propel gospel music to new heights; appealing to and inspiring music fans of all age groups and walks of life. Fred is passionate about artistry and about his lifelong mission to transform people’s lives. When you have the opportunity to play a part in something of this magnitude, first you pinch yourself and then you get to work.”

This great project will be released for purchase July 27 of this year. The first single, “You Do Great Things” is the first great primer of the production.

“The opportunity to form my label couldn’t come at a better time,” said Hammond, President and CEO of fHammond Family Entertainment. “Out of the box thinking and creativity is what we are producing here.  The projects that we have in development will further my artistic expression and expose my devoted music fans and beyond to another dimension of the Fred Hammond brand.”

Other great singles include “Dwelling Place,” a devotional song of praise, “Hiding Place” and “Need My Time With You.”

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Cable TV personality/singer, Lexi’s weekly television program, “The Lexi Show,” has come to an end.

The critically acclaimed talk show ran on The Word Network (a Detroit based Christian cable channel), for four seasons.

Throughout its history, the popular show became known for Lexi’s candid and often controversial conversations with gospel celebrities.

On her program, Grammy-nominated artist Tonex publicly admitted for the first time that he had been involved in homosexual relationships.

Lexi’s also interviewed the ex-wife of gospel legend Bebe Winans about allegations that the platinum-selling recording artist had domestically abused her.

“The Lexi Show” broke barriers in Christian journalism by talking about real life issues that are often swept under the rug in ecclesiastical circles.

“I’m overwhelmed with the unbelievable number of letters, phone calls and e-mails I’ve received in support of my show,” the former Stellar Award nominee says.

“I’m thankful and grateful to all of the fans of the show and will have a new home for the show soon.”

Fans can view past episodes of “The Lexi Show” online via YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/lexitelevision

Walter Hawkins is dead at 61-years-old. The Grammy Award winning Gospel singer died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Ripon, California.  Path MEGAzine.com will keep you informed as the funeral arrangements are made available.  Please keep the hawkins family in prayer.  Listen to one of my favorite songs from Walter.  “When the Battle is Over” & “Goin’ Up Yonder.”

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
 
– Matthew 5:3-9

	Path MEGAzine.com is sad to report the passing of gospel pioneer and legend  Bishop Walter Hawkins

Reach Records recording artist Trip Lee’s highly-anticipated third studio album, Between Two Worlds, has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums Chart and Top Gospel Albums Chart. In addition, the album landed at #58 on the Billboard Top 200, making it one of the week’s top-selling debuts in all genres.

Within hours of the June 22nd release, Between Two Worlds debuted in the Top 10 Albums Chart at iTunes, peaking at #7, and sharing Top 10 status with new releases from Eminem, Miley Cyrus, Ozzy Osbourne and others. The debut of Between Two Worlds bests Trip Lee’s 2008 release, 20/20, which debuted at #193 on the Billboard Top 200 and peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and #4 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. “After watching Trip Lee craft this album over many months of hard work, we are excited to release such a strong project,” says Ben Washer, co-founder and CEO of Reach Records. “Due to the incredible support from fans, the response has exceeded our expectations.

We are proud to be a part of Trip’s ministry and look forward to the impact he will have.” Between Two Worlds features guest performances by Lecrae, Sho Baraka, Jimmy Needham, Thi’sl and Jai, who is featured on the first radio single, “The Invasion (Hero).”

Between Two Worlds is available now at iTunes and wherever music is sold. Deluxe and vinyl versions are available online at www.merchline.com/reach/, and an exclusive version with bonus content is also available at all Family Christian Stores (in-store only).

Reach Records is distributed by Infinity Music Distribution. For more information, or to sample Between Two Worlds, visit www.reachrecords.com.

Acclaimed Christian Hip Hop Artist Da’ T.R.U.T.H. renewed his wedding vows with beautiful wife Nicole Lambert earlier this week on Tuesday, June 15th—their eighth wedding anniversary. This special event punctuated the completion of their official restoration plan—marking the page of a new beginning and giving testimony to the redeeming power of reconciliation.  Additionally, today, he has released a public letter to his family and supporters on his website. The scandal that was well known by fans and supporters can be viewed at the bottom of the article.  Da’ TRUTH had this to say after renewing his vowels. “I cannot begin again, without now seeking your forgiveness as my kingdom family. My behavior was inexcusable, but with God’s grace and mercy I pray you find it forgivable.  It is my sincere prayer that not another person would be ravaged by the sin that nearly destroyed my family at my own hands.” For the full statement visit www.datruth.net.

The private ceremony, held in their backyard and attended by family and close friends, was officiated by Bishop Gilbert and Mrs. Debi Coleman—the marriage counseling team leading the Lambert’s restoration process.  Also in attendance were Alvin Love & CeCe Winans, who have been walking intimately with the couple as supporting counselors and mentors.  Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s long-time friend and spiritual father, William “The Ambassador” Branch and his wife Michelle, Maurette Brown Clark and DJ Wade-O—host of The Wade-O Radio show—were in attendance as well.

More than a celebration, this was truly a worship experience where Jesus was the only star.  DJ Wade-O described it as “an out of this world experience.”  He went on to say “Not including my own, I can’t remember being that moved and touched at a wedding ceremony.  The worship was incredible.  Bishop Coleman was tremendous.  And it’s obvious that Manny and Nicole have a lot of great people around them who will continue to support and love them as they enter this new chapter in their relationship.”

As the service came to close, the presence of God was so tangible that Da’ T.R.U.T.H. was moved to share the gospel and an exhortation to married couples.  Through sobs of gratitude, he expressed that “sin was the reason for the breakdown between God and man. It was also the reason for the breakdown between man and man—and with his wife in this case—and Christ is the remedy for both.”  The ceremony also included moving performances by friends and co-laborers CeCe Winans who sang “I Promise” and Maurette Brown Clark who moved everyone with her powerful song “Sovereign God.”

Also Read: Da Truth to Take a Sabbatical from Music & Ministry

Bllie Jean is one of my personal favorites.  In honor of Michael Jackson one year after his death.