REVIEWS
“Walk On Walker” – Faithful of Milton, NC
“Walk On Walker”
Faithful (October 2023)
Facebook: Faithful of Milton, NC
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Milton, North Carolina’s Faithful delivers a compelling message in their single “Walk On Walker,” produced by Antwon Timmons of Perfect Peace Music. Lead vocalist Danny Stewart encourages listeners to rise above negativity and gossip, drawing parallels to the unwarranted criticism faced by Jesus Christ.
While Faithful is rooted in traditional gospel, they could stride confidently down to a blues or soul festival with the music and message of “Walk On Walker” and leave a memorable impression.
“Set Me On Fire” – Gina Lloyd
“Set Me On Fire”
Gina Lloyd
Destiny Records (Dec. 19, 2023)
Facebook
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Gina Lloyd, psalmist and worship leader, recently dropped the single, “Set Me On Fire,” and it’s been making rounds on social media, even becoming the soundtrack for local and overseas dance challenges with its Afrobeat vibe.
The song unfolds with Gina’s invitation to the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit: “I feel you—your presence all around me / I want you to consume me / Consume me with your fire.” Yet, what’s striking is the juxtaposition of her light, occasionally airy vocals with the fiery imagery of the lyrics, especially by the time she proclaims, “I’m on fire!”
Lloyd is at home in the music industry, having sung backup for artists such as Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, and Melonie Daniels. She embraced her calling as a psalmist in 2006.
Overall, “Set Me On Fire” doesn’t quite deliver the intensity I expected from a song with that title, but that’s also what makes it worth a listen; it captivates in its own right. My sense is that a live worship setting gives “Set Me On Fire” adequate fuel to engulf the atmosphere.
NEWS
CeCe Winans wins Artist of the Year at 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
CeCe Winans Wins Big with Three Awards Including Artist of the Year, Forrest Frank Wins New Artist of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
Hosted by Tauren Wells, the Dove Awards “Unites the Song” with Meaningful Moments and Dynamic Performances and Announces New Venue in 2025: The Bridgestone Arena
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 4, 2024) – The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 1, 2024, to a sold-out, live audience in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jonathan Smith was most awarded with seven wins including Producer of the Year. Phil Wickham took home four Doves including Worship Album of the Year. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans was another big winner of the night with three total wins including Artist of the Year. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, and Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram each received three awards and Forrest Frank, who won two awards, took home New Artist of the Year. The show aired tonight, Friday, October 4th, exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Returning host, Tauren Wells led the all-star, high energy, multi-genre night of music.
CeCe Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King,” complete with a 24-person choir. Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for his dynamic “Take It All Back” performance. Forrest Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/GOOD DAY” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room. One of the night’s highlights, introduced by beloved worship leader Darlene Zschech, was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes.
In a heavy yet worshipful moment, host Tauren Wells spoke about the many losses happening at home and around the world, including within the Christian and Gospel music community. Especially poignant, Wells played a personal audio text from Mandisa, who passed earlier this year, and reminded the audience how important it is to speak words of love to those around us.
“I know so many of you in the room received messages, support, and love just like this,” Wells said. “[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply. It’s a sobering reminder that our words carry so much weight. Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind. Let’s all remember to reach out to those we love.” The moment was capped off with a stirring performance of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” from Natalie Grant.
In a surprise announcement, the GMA revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Music City. The announcement was delivered in a video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey, and CeCe Winans carrying the Dove statuette from Lipscomb’s Allen Arena to Bridgestone Arena. (The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be live on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.)
Left: Chandler Moore performs. He took home three Dove Awards. Right: Bill and Gloria Gaither accept the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. (Photo Credit: Jamie Gilliam)
Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Bill and Gloria are legendary songwriters behind songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” As their names were called to receive the award, the audience leaped to its feet to celebrate the beloved couple. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither said, “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.” The GMA was honored to award Bill and Gloria Gaither the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.
To watch the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on demand on TBN+, click here.
For the full list of winners, click here.
55th Annual GMA Dove Awards nominations announced
© Blue Amber Photography
The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake takes the lead with sixteen nominations including Artist of the Year. Jeff Pardo received eleven nominations with Chris Brown, Chandler Moore and Jonathan Smith each receiving ten. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine lead the female nominees with five nominations each. Nominees were announced earlier this morning (July 24) on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells.
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Monday, October 1, 2024, at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, Friday, October 4, 2024 at 8 pm and 10 pm ET. A re-broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, October 11th, at 8 pm and 10 pm ET.
“I love this moment each year when we get to announce our nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “The Dove Awards are about spreading the message in our music with the world and honoring the work of the amazing artists, songwriters, producers, and film & TV creators in our great community. I’m thrilled for this year’s nominees and can’t wait to celebrate in October.”
The theme for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is “Unite The Song.” “’Unite The Song’ is a heart cry for God’s people to come together in unity,” says host, Tauren Wells. “We get to come together out of our individual corners, from each different stream within the church, to unite around this one song, holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,500 submitted entries. Final round voting will run from August 1st through August 8th, 2024.
Below is a list of the nominations announced on SiriusXM The Message. For the complete list of nominees visit doveawards.com.
Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com
“All Things”
(Writer) Kirk Franklin
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”
(Writers) Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore
“Holy Forever”
(Writers) Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham
“I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)”
(Writers) Jon Reddick, Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jonathan Smith
“More Than Able”
(Writers) Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine
“Praise”
(Writers) Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes
“Praise You Anywhere”
(Writers) Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley
“Thank God I Do”
(Writers) Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess
“This Is Our God”
(Writers) Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett
“Trust In God”
(Writers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Mitch Wong
Artist of the Year
Anne Wilson
Brandon Lake
CeCe Winans
for KING + COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle
New Artist of the Year Presented by Cantinas Foundation
Charity Gayle
Forrest Frank
Josiah Queen
Seph Schlueter
Terrian
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
“Love Like That” – Hulvey (ft. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean)
“IGWT” – Jon Keith, KB
“Miracles” – KB, Lecrae
“In the Light” – Wande
“Hard Work God First” – Zauntee
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
“Strong” – Anne Wilson
“Any More” – CAIN
“GOOD DAY” – Forrest Frank
“The Prodigal” – Josiah Queen
“Counting My Blessings” – Seph Schlueter
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year
“Praying Woman” – Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson)
“If I Got Jesus” – Ben Fuller
“tell the devil” – Joseph Habedank
“Man On The Middle Cross” – Rhett Walker
“Lookin’ For You” – Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“I Believe God” – Jekalyn Carr
“God Is (Radio Edit)” – Melvin Crispell III
“When I Think (Live)” – Ricky Dillard
“In My Name” – Smokie Norful
“Burdens Down (Live)” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI
“That’s My King” – CeCe Winans
“Lead Us Again” – DOE
“All Yours” – Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown)
“Fill The Room” – Michael Bethany
“The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” – Naomi Raine
Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI
“Praise You Anywhere” – Brandon Lake
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” – Cody Carnes
“Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore)
“Trust In God” – Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown)
“I Believe” – Phil Wickham
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake
Jesus Music – CAIN
Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack – for KING + COUNTRY
Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle
Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) – Tauren Wells
Feature Film of the Year
Journey To Bethlehem
Ordinary Angels
Sound of Freedom
The Blind
Unsung Hero
Television Series of the Year
Chasing CAIN
God. Family. Football.
Jonathan & Jesus
The Wingfeather Saga
When Calls the Heart
Gospel Worship Album of the Year
More Than This – CeCe Winans
The Maverick Way Complete – Maverick City Music
Overflow – Michael Bethany
Cover The Earth (Live in New York) – Naomi Raine
The Journey – Todd Dulaney
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year Presented by Secuencias.com
“Tantas Historias” – Christine D’Clario
“Donante de Sangre” – Daddy Yankee
“Danza” – KB, Niko Eme, Cardec Drums
“Amén” – Nacho (ft. Gilberto Daza, Alex Zurdo)
“Babel” – Un Corazón
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
“Until We Fly Away” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
“Make the Morning Worth the Midnight” – Gaither Vocal Band
“Here Come Jesus” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney)
“Sheaves (Dedicated to Isabel)” – Karen Peck & New River
“Unstoppable God” – Kingsmen
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtus Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
– From a media release
INTERVIEWS
A Conversation with Melvin Crispell, III: ‘There is no failure in God’
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Melvin Crispell, III has emerged in gospel music as a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer with fervor that resonates with the soul.
Since winning the ninth season of BET’s Sunday Best in 2019, the 26 year-old’s musical journey has been one in which faith, resilience, and the joy of ministry intertwine. His late parents, Melvin Crispell, Jr. and Tunesha Crispell, were celebrated in the gospel industry as a composer and singer, respectively. His father worked with James Hall & Worship and Praise and wrote for Bishop Hezekiah Walker, among others. His mother was a lead vocalist with James Hall and a solo artist. Their only child was just a teenager when they passed less than two years apart. Crispell’s Sunday Best win became an instant springboard, launching him into a music career his beloved parents didn’t live to see, but are very much a part of. We delve into that later.
June marked the release of Crispell’s sophomore full-length project, No Failure, recorded live at Springhill Church in Garland, TX. The album’s first single, “Alright,” was nominated for a GMA Dove Award and the second single from the project, “God Is,” is up for a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song. No Failure also gives the singer-songwriter his first executive producer credit alongside a team that includes producer D. Jamel Kimbrough, music director Elijah Goodwin, and contributions from KJ Scriven, Trinity Anderson, and Maverick City Music’s Chandler Moore.
GMF talked with Crispell by phone about No Failure as well as the passion and unwavering faith that define his gospel journey.
Let me start by congratulating you on your current Grammy nomination for “God Is.” This is your second Grammy nod. How does it feel to be recognized among your peers at that level?
It’s an unexplainable feeling to be able to be recognized on that level amongst so many other legends that are in the gospel music industry and in the secular world. Just to be recognized amongst everyone means the world to me and I still can’t believe it sometimes.
“God Is” is from your project, No Failure, which is your second full-length album.
Yes. My second album and my first live album.
Tell us about it and the growth you’ve seen in your musical journey between your first album (I’ve Got A Testimony) and this one.
Yeah, so I really got to put my heart and soul into this one. And I got the opportunity to be an executive producer for this album. With that came a lot of hard work. I really got to see what all goes into when these artists would do live recordings. There are so many different moving parts to putting something together, and I really got to put my hands into the fire with this. I really spent a lot of long nights trying to figure things out, making sure things were right. Not striving for perfection, but for excellence. It was an amazing experience. And though it was a lot of hard work, it’s something that I definitely want to do again because I want to see how I can challenge myself to even do even more than what I’m doing now.
So No Failure is especially meaningful for you. (Smile)
This album is so special to me! Even the more being able to just be vulnerable with people and to create from my heart, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to do another album. Of course, I said that I did not want to do a live album at first. Now that I’ve done this one, I said, yeah, we need to do another one. I feel that we need to do another one. So it’s definitely an amazing experience and one that I won’t forget.
And the theme of No Failure revolves around the idea that there’s no failure in God, yes?
Absolutely.
What inspired you to bring this forward as the theme?
The inspiration behind that is while we were coming up with songs—we were trying to find two, and of course, we didn’t have the album title yet—God literally dropped two songs into my remembrance: “Here,” which is the first song on the album, and the title track, “No Failure.” And both of those songs were written in a writing session that was done by my church, Life Center Fellowship (in Charlotte) mere days before we had to be locked down for the pandemic. And so of course those songs were going to be recorded by my church; but due to the pandemic, we never got to record them and they were just sitting. And so God brought them back to my remembrance, and when we reviewed them and talked them over with the team, it all started flooding in like crazy like, this is the message that you want to relay to people on the Source of this whole album.
And if you look at every song on this album, you can trace all of the stories back to the fact that there is no failure in God. We have to continue to trust in His plan because He hasn’t failed us yet. Things are not always the way that we want them to be, and we don’t have everything that we want, but God has given us everything that we need and he’s always taken care of us.
Such an important message, especially coming out of the COVID pandemic. And to think that the songs were written just before the pandemic lockdown.
Yes. Days prior.
You know, it was just four years ago that you won Sunday Best. You’ve accomplished a lot in these few years. That experience had to have impacted you in ways you still reflect on.
That experience was unforgettable for me. It shaped my career in a way that’s given me confidence because I didn’t think I was qualified or even good enough to even make it past an audition for that show. That was just a mindset that I was in. It couldn’t be me to win something that big. And then when I got the call to be a part, I couldn’t believe it. And then from the moment I left my hometown, God had literally lined everything up in place.
Wait. You were not confident you would make the cut? That’s mind-boggling to me. How did you wind up auditioning?
Sunday Best had been on hiatus. I had seen on social media that it was coming back for the ninth season, and I just kind of kept scrolling past it because, well, I used to want to [be a contestant on Sunday Best] when I was younger, but my parents would shun the very thought of it. (Laughs) I guess it’s because they were a part of the industry and they knew all it entailed, so they didn’t really want me to get thrown into it; so I kind of stopped watching it. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, as any kid would. But the show finally came [off hiatus] and a family member called me three times within a span of two weeks and said, “Hey, you need to audition for this show.” And then another family member came to me and said, “What have you got to lose? Just try.”
It’s so interesting to hear that was your mindset because many of us who were sitting at home watching, the minute we saw you at the auditions, we were like, “Oh, he is going to win it.” It was a no-brainer for us.
You mentioned your parents, the late Melvin and Tunesha Crispell, and their industry presence. My gosh, they were celebrated figures in the gospel industry. And what I think is really precious is your intentionality about honoring their legacy in your music. What influence do you feel they continue to have on what you do?
Yeah, it is definitely an honor to carry their legacy, and their legacy was not just music, but a legacy of love and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to people through music and whatever other means it may have been. And so that’s what I love to keep alive, even though they’re not here any longer. Of course, you have your moments where you feel like you could be living in their shadow, but I just feel like I didn’t have enough time with them to where I could actually say that because they were my world and I was so always inspired. Even as a young child, I was always inspired watching them do what they did, whether it was apart or whether it was together. And saying that, I mean that there were so many different avenues that they took to do what they did. It inspired me to say, there’s not just one way to do this, and you don’t have to do it just one way. There’s so much music they have that hasn’t even been released and I used to be a part of that music. That music was in my blood. I used to hear it going to sleep and waking up in the morning and all that stuff. That stuff was always on my mind and on my heart.
And so now that they’re gone … why not carry their legacy and carry that piece of me with me because it’s a part of who I am. I keep them close to my heart.
On your first album, you remade your dad’s composition, “Wonderful Is Your Name.” It shot to the top of the Billboard Gospel chart and got you Grammy and Dove nominations. It was a bop when Bishop Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir recorded it in the late ‘90s, and you elevated it when you recorded it two decades later. Now, on No Failure, you’ve remade “Jesus Is My Help,” another of your dad’s compositions that Bishop Walker and Love Fellowship popularized.
It was an incredible feeling. I wish they were here to see all that God is doing. Even with my mom, there’s music of hers that hasn’t been heard yet—well, at least from me—which will be coming soon.
Say more about that!
Well, there is new music coming sooner than you think! And I got some other things down the pipeline where I kind of venture out and do more than just music. So I’m excited about that. I don’t want to share too much! But yeah, it’s a lot of things happening for me and I’m just grateful to God for what He’s doing. Life is amazing right now.
I’m grateful for you guys and your love and support. It means the world. I ask that you pray to Jesus for me in the coming years, that He just gives me grace and longevity and strength. And I’ll do my best to create even more for you guys to inspire you and to give you hope, and to give you joy [so] that you feel loved and special. And I just thank you guys so much.
No Failure is available on all major digital platforms.
Director Michael Gentry discusses creating ‘Gospel In Person’ documentary
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Erin Ganey-Hill, cultural arts program director at Kirby Cultural Arts Complex, had an idea, recounts Michael Gentry.
Over the years, Erin had witnessed how the community celebrated Black gospel music and its singers in their small city of Roxboro (population, roughly 8,100) and throughout Person County. Several quartet-styled groups regularly booked the Kirby to host their singing anniversaries or major programs, and Erin and the Person County Arts Council envisioned a project that would pay homage to the valuable legacy of music and culture in the community.
“Erin’s goal was to talk about the history of gospel [music], but from the standpoint of quartets,” Michael explains. “She wanted to celebrate the history of that [in Person County] and [the impact its] singers had.”
The culminating result is a feature-length documentary titled Gospel In Person. It premieres on Father’s Day at the Kirby Theater. Michael is the film’s creator, producer, and director.
Gospel In Person chronicles over eight decades of the rich Black gospel music history found in Person County, located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, along Virginia’s border. Much of the history is told by the singers themselves, many of whom still travel the circuit singing God’s praises. In their vivid accounts, they also reminiscence about area legends who are no longer with us, such as Roosevelt Whitfield of the pioneering Silver Moon Quartet and his son, prolific singer and multi-instrumentalist Michael Whitfield; Martha Pettiford of the Joylettes; Leroy Cash of the Spiritual Lights; Victor Hester of another pioneering group, the Traveling Sextet; Willie Carrington of the Mighty Harmonaires; and many more. Additionally, the film features classic performances of the Mighty Gospel Travelers, Original True Lights, Spiritual Lights, Mighty Prophets, Joylettes, and others. And although they may not be household names beyond the region, their impact has created ripple effects throughout the broader gospel music scene, as their stories reveal.
Michael grew up in Person County and in church. Admittedly, he was more interested in playing basketball as a youngster than attending weekend gospel music programs. His parents, on the other hand, “know all about this music scene,” he asserts. “This is what they grew up in. Of course, as I grew in Christ and grew in ministry, as God had told me that my work would be in Person County, I developed an interest in wanting to get to know [some of these singers’ stories]. I just didn’t know that I would be called upon to do this.”
The calling of which he speaks came about after Erin took notice of Just Love In Person, an organization Michael co-founded that is committed to strengthening Person County through acts of service powered by love. One way the organization does this is by sharing first-person narratives of people in the community with webisodes fittingly called “Just Love Stories.” The web series piqued Erin’s interest so much so that she jotted Markeith Gentry’s name down to contact about her idea. Markeith is the head of Gentry Visuals multimedia publishing company, the official publisher of Just Love In Person’s “Just Love Stories” series. He is also Michael’s younger brother. In the meantime, she ran it by fellow arts council board member Kim Hargrove.
“So it just so happens that Erin asked Kim one day, ‘Hey, do you know Markeith Gentry? I need to find a way to get in touch with him,’” Michael recalls. What Erin did not know, he says, is Kim “is like my brother’s second mother.”
It turns out Markeith’s schedule was full, but he had already been showing his big brother the ropes when it came to videography. Erin and Michael finally met in March 2022 and began developing the project.
The first Sunday in June, Michael visited New Hope Person Missionary Baptist Church in south-central Person County to invite its pastor to appear on “Just Love Stories.” “I went to the church—this is after I had met with Erin—and of course, who do I see? Dr. Libra Boyd. And that’s when I told you about this idea that the Kirby had. And you got on your phone, pulled up several pictures, and said, ‘Here are the people you have to contact. Here are some of the older groups.’”
One of the first people Michael contacted was David Ramsey, a renowned singer and bass guitarist who has been a member of several of the groups discussed in the Gospel In Person film. He is also a longtime radio personality and host of the David Ramsey Gospel Show on WRXO 1430 AM / WKRX 96.7 FM. “I started with David Ramsey, and he’s just a gold mine of knowledge.”
You’re going to
see a lot of things
that were not in
the stories we’ve
already [released]. . . .
We have not released
any information on
Facebook or in
these concerts about
maybe the most
talented gospel
singer in Person
County history.
Ambitiously, he went on to conduct interviews with more than 60 people for Gospel In Person and estimates working on the project an average of eight hours every day for just over one year. “But my soul was getting fed. My knowledge was being increased. So it was a labor of love—emphasis on love, not labor.” Still, the most demanding task may have been condensing nearly 100 hours of accumulated interview and archival footage into a suitable documentary length for one sitting. Gospel In Person runs approximately three hours and is divided into three parts. “From a quartet standpoint, you’re talking about probably 85 years of history.”
And even though the film focuses on singers of the quartet style, both choirs and churches are acknowledged in this body of work because “all the quartets, for the most part, come directly from a church choir,” he points out. “They were in the choirs, even though they were singing full-time, you know, every weekend, all evening long. They were always in their churches on Sunday morning.”
Another eye-opener, one that blew him away as he collected stories and listened to audio and video recordings, was, “I believe all of these groups could have been professional. Traveling the country. Famous. And I think had these groups been in a larger city, they would have been. . . . You know, they weren’t just ‘Roxboro’ good. They weren’t just ‘North Carolina’ good. They were awesome. But not only that; they had relationships with professional groups. . . . ‘I’m coming through North Carolina. Can I come stay at your house?’ (laughs) The professionals knew them. Some of these singers were singing alongside professionals before they were professionals.”
The Gospel In Person documentary rounds out the “Gospel In Person” series, which since the fall of 2022 has featured live concert performances of MG Music Group, the Torain Family, Just Us Guys, the Spiritual Lights, the Mighty Harmonaires, and John Thorpe and Truth. Concertgoers were treated to short documentaries spotlighting the headliners, but Michael is quick to emphasize that the full-length documentary is a new release and not a stringing together of the previously released short docs. “You’re going to see a lot of things that were not in the stories we’ve already [released]. . . . We have not released any information on Facebook or in these concerts about maybe the most talented gospel singer in Person County history.”
“Historic and monumental” is how the talented producer and director describes the significance of Gospel In Person; and yet, his prayers and hopes for it are profoundly humble.
“My prayer for [Gospel In Person] has been that it moves people spiritually because that’s [Just Love In Person’s] assignment; our assignment is to make a spiritual impact. I pray that it gets folks saved, revitalizes people, strengthens the spiritual work of quartets in Person County, and continues to strengthen the church community. I hope it encourages the active quartets to continue the work they’re doing and realize they’ve made an impact. And then my prayer is that people can know, understand, and appreciate what exists in our community. We have greatness all throughout. I hope people understand what is in these roots and see it as their responsibility to continue to feed these roots by producing more greatness. My main prayer is that God is glorified and the people are encouraged.
“I’m grateful that God called me to the work because it is, to me, it’s been the most important thing that I’ve really ever worked on.”
Gospel In Person premieres Sunday, June 18, at Kirby Theater on 213 N. Main Street in Roxboro. Showtimes are 1 pm and 5:30 pm. Admission is FREE. GMF’s Libra Boyd appears in the film.
Editor’s Note: The group pictured on the graphic is The Mighty Gospel Travelers. Seated from left to right are the late Michael Whitfield, David Ramsey, and Stacey Pettiford. Standing from left to right are the late James Lunsford, Rev. McArthur Pettiford, the late Victor Hester, the late Burley Pettiford, and the late Freddie McGhee.
IN MEMORIAM
R.I.P. Gregory Kelly, Sr., formerly of Slim & The Supreme Angels
GMF acknowledges the passing of Gregory Kelly, Sr., gospel singer formerly of Slim and The Supreme Angels. Kelly passed September 4, after a period of health challenges.
A musical tribute and homegoing service took place September 13th and 14th, respectively. Both services were held at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, NC.
In addition to his tenure with Slim and The Supreme Angels, Kelly fronted his own group, Greg Kelly and Foundation.
The GMF community continues to send up prayers for Kelly’s family, friends, and supporters.
R.I.H. Rev. Janice Brown-Stephens, pastor and ‘Rough Side of the Mountain’ singer
GMF was saddened to receive news of the passing of Rev. Janice Brown-Stephens. Brown-Stephens, the youngest of 14 siblings, transitioned on August 30, 2024. She was 80.
Born September 13, in Rocky Mount, NC, the singer, preacher, and pastor became most widely recognized as the singing partner of Bishop F.C. Barnes. Together, they gave us the massive traditional gospel hit, “Rough Side of the Mountain,” along with other favorites like “Uncloudy Day” and “The Lord Will Fix It For Me.”
An excerpt from the NC Music Hall of Fame’s biography of Bishop F.C. Barnes reads,
The Reverend Barnes met The Reverend Janice Brown around 1979 while doing a radio broadcast in Rocky Mount on WSRV. On a reel-to-reel tape recorder, they recorded “It’s Me Again, Lord” for a radio broadcast; the response from listeners was overwhelming so they recorded it in a studio. In addition to “It’s Me Again, Lord,” they recorded “Come On In The Room.” AIR Records executive Wendell Parker heard it and brought it to the attention of Ron Freeman, owner of AIR, the Atlanta International Records, a subsidiary of Malaco Music Group. Freeman offered them a recording contract.
The Reverends Barnes and Brown recorded eight albums; their biggest hit was “Rough Side of the Mountain” which reportedly sold half a million copies and reached number one on the Gospel Chart.
Following Brown-Stephens’ departure from the duo in the late 1980s, she left the music industry and became a pastor in a small Jones County, NC town. Two decades later, she reemerged in the industry with a new duet partner, Monte Stephens, a former radio station owner who was the founder and then-president of Freedom Records in Murfreesboro, TN. The partnership began after Stephens’ now-deceased wife Dee heard one of Janice Brown’s recordings, insisted on meeting her, and ultimately invited her to record a project with Monte. Dee produced the new project and even titled it Alive and Well to clap back at Internet misinformation that the gospel singer had died. Unfortunately, Dee herself passed away from cancer before the album’s release. Several months later, Janice and Monte united in marriage and continued their singing and preaching ministry under the name of Ebony and Ivory Ministries.
Brown-Stephens and her husband were the pastors of Full Circle Church of God in Friendsville, TN.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for September 14, at 10 a.m. with a pre-celebration one hour prior. The services will take place at Deeper Life Church Ministries in Goldsboro, NC.
GMF extends condolences to the entire Brown and Stephens family.
Jerrold Norwood, founding member of Shekinah Glory Ministry, passes away at 60
(Chicago, IL) Jerrold Norwood, a founding member of the platinum-selling Chicago-based gospel music ensemble Shekinah Glory Ministry, passed away of cancer complications on August 4, 2024.
“The members of Shekinah Glory Ministry aren’t just fellow worshippers or fellow singers or fellow musicians, we are family,” was a statement posted on Shekinah Glory Ministry’s Facebook page. “We regretfully announce the passing of one of our original members, Jerrold Paine Norwood. Jerrold was a giant of a worshipper, a threat to the devil, a warrior to those who were unhoused and downtrodden. A devout family man and our dear brother.”
The ebullient Jerrold Paine Norwood was born January 3, 1964, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in the area and was a founding member of Shekinah Glory Ministry when it first organized circa 1999. The ensemble has earned five R.I.A.A.-certified gold and platinum recordings for hit recordings such as “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Before the Throne.” He led the song “Higher” from the group’s 2007 live album.
Norwood was a community-minded fellow who enthusiastically evangelized, passed out turkeys for the needy during Thanksgiving, and gave toys to kids for Christmas. He was the Director of Housekeeping at Niles Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. For the last eight years, he has battled cancer. It went into remission and later returned.
Norwood’s celebration of life takes place Friday, August 23, 2024 at 7:30 PM at the Valley Kingdom Ministries International location at 5300 151st Street, Oak Forest, IL. Norwood lived in Dolton, IL and is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Candace Marie Norwood, and their four children: Jalen, Jamel, Linnea, and Shayna.
Bishop Michael A. Brooks, founding member of Commissioned, passes
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
The gospel music community is mourning the passing of Bishop Michael A. Brooks, who died on July 16, 2024, at age 62. The nature of his illness and cause of death were not disclosed.
Bishop Brooks was a founding member of Commissioned in 1982 alongside Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, and Michael Williams. He was known for his multifaceted talents as a songwriter, musician (keyboard/piano/organ), and producer who helped craft Commissioned’s signature sound.
In 1986, Brooks founded the all-female contemporary gospel group Witness, of which his future wife Lisa Page was an original member. (Many years later, the lineup would include their daughter and future Sunday Best winner, Tasha Page.) Witness became known for their powerful vocals and impactful songs under Brooks’s songwriting and production, further solidifying his legacy in the gospel music industry. He went on to produce and write for his wife’s solo projects and is credited for his work with a number of other artists as well, including Lexi, Young Artist for Christ Workshop, The Nation, and his own Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood.
Left to right: Debut albums by Commissioned (I’m Going On), Witness (Keep Looking Up), and Lisa Page (More Than You’ll Ever Know).
In addition to musical endeavors, Bishop Brooks and Lisa pastored Restoration Fellowship Church International in Redford, MI, a ministry he founded.
GMF extends its deepest condolences to Brooks’ wife of 27 years, Pastor Lisa Page Brooks; their children Tasha, LaTia, Sateara, Justin, Jessica, and the entire family; Restoration Fellowship Church International; and all who were touched by his music and ministry.
A tribute concert is set to take place Thursday, July 25, at 7 p.m. The homegoing service is Friday, July 26, at 11 a.m. Both services will be held at Christian Tabernacle in Southfield.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article inadvertently omitted Bishop Brooks’ daughter Jessica. GMF apologizes for the oversight. Thanks to Shelia Jones for making us aware.