Author: Libra Boyd

Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.

John P. Kee’s Stellar Awards moment becomes a new release

(L-R) Kirk Franklin, Zacardi Cortez and John P. Kee perform onstage during the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Central City Productions)
(L-R) Kirk Franklin, Zacardi Cortez and John P. Kee perform onstage during the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards at Spectrum Center on August 15, 2026. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Central City Productions)

What began as an unexpected extension of the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards show finale has now been captured as a new recording featuring Pastor John P. Kee and Zacardi Cortez.

Kee closed the Charlotte, NC ceremony with a medley of his best known church songs, including “Show Up,” “Standing in the Need of Prayer,” “Clap Your Hands” and “Oh How Wonderous.” Cortez, a mentee of Kee, traded vocals with him during the medley at Spectrum Center.

The performance appeared to be over when awards show host Kirk Franklin ran over and requested that Kee sing “Jesus Is Real” before leaving the stage. Kee asked the show’s music director Daniel Moore if the house band knew the song.

Of course.

And at that moment, Kee honored Franklin’s request and extended his medley with the crowd favorite, “Jesus Is Real.”

The performance has now been replicated and is set for release on all digital outlets (Sept. 18, 2026) as “Stellar Medley (Featuring Zacardi Cortez).”

This year, Kee took home Stellar Awards for Traditional Male Artist of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year for his current album, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Vol. 1 (Kee Music Group / Tyscot Records).

Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers make Stellar Gospel Music Awards history

Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers win five awards at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.
Photo credit: Devan Carter @coachedbydev @revrbnetwork

Tuscaloosa, AL —  For fifty years, the iconic group of family singers, The Brown Singers, has delivered the great sounds of traditional Gospel music layered with soul, blues, and contemporary inspiration.  Over the last two decades, the group has moved forward with the late Vanessa Yvette Brown Knowles (an original group member), Lisa Knowles-Smith, Rachel Anderson, Jackienna Richmond, Sierra Ward-Pope, and newest addition, N’dia Jones-Lissimore, carrying the legacy as Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers. This year has been a whirlwind of accomplishments, milestones, and accolades, including their first #1 Billboard Radio Hit single, “Promises.”  Lisa & The Brown Singers are now adding Stellar Award history makers to their banner year.

The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards was taped live at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, August 15.  Lisa & The Brown Singers were big winners of the night.  The group swept all five of the Stellar Award categories they received nominations in this year, taking home the awards for Quartet of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Song of the Year (for “Promises”), Producer of the Year (Alescia Knowles-Smith and Frederick Perry), and Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year (Lisa Knowles-Smith).

Their five Stellar wins bring the group’s lifetime Stellar Award wins to nine, cementing them as the most decorated all-female quartet in Stellar Awards history.

“What a moment. What a journey. What a testimony.  We’re beyond grateful for every person who believed, supported, prayed, voted, streamed, shared, and stood with us along the way. We don’t take any of this for granted.  We celebrate today, we thank God for it ALL, and then… we keep going.” – Lisa Knowles-Smith Click to Tweet

Watch Lisa & The Brown Singers perform their hit single “Promises” on the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards premiering on The Stellar Network Saturday, August 29 at 8:00 p.m. EST, and at 10 p.m. EST (check your local provider for channel availability).  The show will air on BET Network Sunday, August 30, at 8:00 p.m. EST, and 10:30 p.m. EST, then will air in syndication from September 5 through September 27.  Bounce TV will air the ceremony on Saturday, September 5 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

CeCe Winans pens new devotional, ‘Faith For Generations’

Cece Winans' Faith For Generations devotional

In a time when many families and faith communities are asking how belief is passed down and sustained, CeCe Winans is turning to the written word with a new devotional aimed at everyday spiritual connection.

Winans is set to release Faith For Generations: 50 Devotions to Ignite a Passion for Christ through Love and Worship on July 21, 2026. The book, published by K-LOVE Books, marks her fifth literary release and is designed to guide readers through daily moments of reflection, prayer, and worship.

The 240-page devotional follows Winans’ 2022 book, Believe For It: Passing on Faith to the Next Generation, which focused on how families preserve spiritual values. While her previous book addressed faith within the home, her new devotional expands the lens, speaking to believers across different ages and life stages.

In a statement shared with the announcement, Winans says, “My prayer for Faith For Generations is that it encourages people to spend daily time with God and grow stronger in their faith together. No matter what’s happening in the world around us, God is still faithful, His Word still matters, and His love still changes lives.”

Faith For Generations is now available for pre-orders on Amazon.

R.I.P. Edna Thorpe Williams of John Thorpe & Family

Photo of Edna Thorpe Williams (courtesy Sharpe Funeral Home). Williams passed July 4, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Funeral Home

GMF extends sympathy to the family and friends of Edna Thorpe Williams, who passed July 4, 2026, after a period of declining health. She was 85.

Williams was a member of John Thorpe and Family of Rougemont, NC, a traditional gospel group consisting of her siblings as well as her daughter.

A homegoing celebration took place Saturday, July 11, at New Hope Person Missionary Baptist Church in Timberlake, NC.

In addition to her children, Williams, who was the oldest of 14, is survived by 10 brothers and sisters and a host of relatives. 

Walter Cooper, last surviving member of The Cooper Four, dies

Walter Cooper, Last Surviving Member of Gospel Quartet The Cooper Four, Dies at 96
Image courtesy of Hester, Whitted & Daye Funeral Service

GMF acknowledges the passing of Walter Cooper, 96, last surviving member of The Cooper Four. He died June 28, 2026, in Mebane, NC.

Known for their homespun traditional gospel style, sparse instrumental backing—often limited to a guitar—and rich, resonant vocals, the Cooper Four became a beloved regional quartet during the height of their popularity with Walter and his siblings, Reuben (d. 2016), Ruth (d. 2016), and Maria (d. 1996), comprising the group.

The Cooper Four began singing together in 1935 at their family home in rural Hillsborough, NC. Nearly two decades later, in 1954, they launched a weekly live radio broadcast on Durham’s first Black-owned radio station, WSRC. Their long-running radio ministry continued for decades, and as of 2011, they were still presenting a live weekly program on Durham’s WRJD radio station.

In the early 1960s, the Cooper Four recorded a vinyl single as the Cooper Four Quartet featuring “This May Be My Last Time” and “Stay In The Field Until The War Is Ended.” It remains part of the group’s recorded legacy and continues to receive occasional airplay.

A homegoing celebration for Cooper was held July 8, at Mt. Zion AME Church in Hillsborough. His great niece, Bishop-Elect Liggonia “Tiny” Lucas, delivered the eulogy.

GMF extends condolences to the Cooper family.

Tyscot Records celebrates 50 years with big Stellar Awards presence as ceremony heads to Charlotte

As the Stellar Gospel Music Awards prepares to head to North Carolina this August, one of gospel music’s longest-running independent institutions is coming into the moment with significant recognition. Tyscot Records announces it is marking its 50th anniversary with 19 nominations tied to its affiliated artists at the upcoming 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The recognition spans multiple categories and reflects a wide range of projects across the label’s roster during its milestone year.

The timing carries added visibility as the awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Charlotte. Among the most nominated projects is Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, Vol. 1 by North Carolina’s own John P. Kee, which earned seven nominations, including the categories of Special Event Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. Kee’s nominations follow an active year that included a nationally broadcast performance on NPR Tiny Desk Concerts.

John P. Kee | Photo by Jeanette Taylor
John P. Kee | Photo by Jeanette Taylor

Also earning seven nominations is Heart of Mine, the collaborative album from Darrel Walls and PJ Morton (Gumbo Studios/Tyscot). The album, which previously received a Grammy, is nominated in several top categories, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Its Billboard Top Ten single “Able,” featuring Kim Burrell, earned a nomination for Song of the Year. Morton also received individual recognition with nominations for Producer of the Year and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for his design work on the project.

Darrel Walls & PJ Morton at the Grammys
Darrel Walls and PJ Morton

Veteran artist Deitrick Haddon and his Voices of Unity choir earned three nominations for ChainBreaker 2.5, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of Haddon’s 2000 release Chain Breaker. The project is also nominated for Music Video of the Year for the acoustic track “Find Jesus.”

Deitrick Haddon
Deitrick Haddon

Additional nominations highlight collaborative and ensemble work across the label’s roster. Choirmaster Jason Clayborn received nominations for “Whatever It Is,” his collaboration with Melvin Crispell III, in the Duo/Chorus of the Year and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year categories. Meanwhile, Baltimore-based Brandon Camphor and his group Brandon Camphor & One Way were nominated for Best Traditional Duo/Chorus Gospel Performance, continuing the ensemble’s momentum following its first Stellar win last year.

Melvin Crispell, III and Jason Clayborn
Melvin Crispell, III (left) and Jason Clayborn

The 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be taped live on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

Rev. Clifford Brower, Newark pastor and member of the Brower Brothers, passes on

Last updated June 21, 2026, at 11:20 a.m.

Pictured above is the cover of the Brower Brothers’ Church Devil CD project. From left to right are Quino Brower, John Thorpe, Paul Smith, Reno Brower, Rev. Clifford Brower, and Ozias Bethel. Rev. Brower passed away Monday, June 15, 2026.

Rev. Clifford Brower, a Newark, New Jersey pastor and longtime gospel musician, passed away June 15, 2026. His passing was shared publicly on social media by his wife, Rev. Desiree Brower.

Within the gospel quartet community, Rev. Brower was known as a lead singer with the Brower Brothers, a family-based group with recorded projects that include Call on God (1997), featuring covers of The Clark Sisters’ “You Brought the Sunshine” and Al Green’s “Take Me to the River,” and Church Devil (2002).

Earlier in his music career, Brower grew in popularity as a musician through his tenures with established gospel groups, such as the Gospel Keynotes and Slim & The Supreme Angels.

Rev. Brower was the pastor of Blessed Assurance Christian Life Center in Newark, where he led the congregation while continuing his involvement in gospel music ministry.

Perry Funeral Home of Newark has announced a public visitation to be held Monday, June 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Greater Abyssinian Baptist Church, located at 88 Lyons Avenue in Newark. A homegoing celebration will follow immediately at 6:00 p.m. at the same location.

A Celebration of Life service is also set for Friday, June 26, at 12 noon at New Zion AME Church, located at 4967 Highway 705 in Robbins, NC.

Gospel Music Fever extends sincere condolences to Rev. Brower’s family, friends, and congregation.

BMI to honor Kierra Sheard, top gospel songwriters at 2026 Trailblazers Awards

Image of BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards 2026 Impact Awardee, Kierra Sheard

BMI will spotlight some of the most influential voices in gospel music this summer when it hosts its annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in Nashville.

The private ceremony is scheduled for July 21, at BMI’s Nashville office and will recognize the songwriters, producers, and publishers behind the 25 most-performed gospel songs in the United States over the past year. The organization will also announce its Gospel Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year during the event.

This year’s BMI Impact Award will be presented to acclaimed recording artist and songwriter Kierra Sheard, recognized for her artistic influence and continued role in shaping the direction of contemporary gospel music across generations.

In remarks included in BMI’s announcement, Catherine Brewton, Vice President of Creative, Atlanta, described Sheard as “one of the most influential and dynamic voices in gospel music today,” crediting her ability to inspire audiences while expanding the reach of the genre. Brewton added that the organization looks forward to celebrating both Sheard and other honorees during what BMI describes as an afternoon of fellowship and music.

Sheard, who comes from a prominent gospel lineage as the daughter of Karen Clark Sheard of the Clark Sisters and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Sr., has built a solo career that blends traditional gospel foundations with contemporary R&B influences. Since her 2004 debut album I Owe You, she has released multiple projects that have performed strongly on Billboard’s gospel charts, including five albums that reached No. 1.

Her 2020 self-titled album KIERRA marked a notable high point in her recent catalog, earning critical attention and further cementing her position within the genre. Across her career, Sheard has also collaborated with a range of gospel artists, extending her influence across both established and emerging audiences.

Her accolades include four Grammy nominations, seven Stellar Awards, three Dove Awards, and four BMI Awards. She was previously named BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year in 2022.

In addition to honoring Sheard, the upcoming ceremony will continue BMI’s long-standing tradition of recognizing the creators behind the most widely performed gospel compositions in the country. The organization, which represents millions of musical works and creators globally, has positioned the event as a celebration of both creative achievement and industry impact.

2026 GRAMMY Gospel & CCM Winners: Full list announced ahead of CBS telecast

Congratulations to the 2026 GRAMMY Award winners in the Gospel/CCM categories. Winners are highlighted in bold and were announced on February 1, 2026, ahead of the 68th GRAMMY Awards live telecast later that evening on CBS.

Best Gospel Performance/Song

2026 Grammy winners CeCe ft. Shirley Caesar (album art)
Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Do It Again“
Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

“Church“
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters

“Still — Live“
Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing II, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters

“Amen“
Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters

“Come Jesus Come“
CeCe Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“I Know A Name“
Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters

“YOUR WAY’S BETTER“
Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & Pera, songwriters

“Hard Fought Hallelujah“
Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Jason Bradley Deford, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings & Brandon Lake, songwriters

“Headphones“
Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Bongo ByTheWay, Clifford Harris, William Roderick Miller, Lecrae Moore, Michael Render & Tyshane Thompson, songwriters

“Amazing“
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls,songwriters

Darrel Walls (left) & PJ Morton won Best Gospel Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Darrel Walls (left) & PJ Morton won Best Gospel Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards. (Photo | Facebook/PJMorton)

Best Gospel Album

Sunny Days
Yolanda Adams

Tasha
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Live Breathe Fight
Tamela Mann

Only On The Road Live
Tye Tribbett

Heart Of Mine
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

CHILD OF GOD II
Forrest Frank

Coritos Vol. 1
Israel & New Breed

King Of Hearts
Brandon Lake

Reconstruction
Lecrae

Let The Church Sing
Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album

I Will Not Be Moved — Live
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Then Came The Morning
Gaither Vocal Band

Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah
The Isaacs

Good Answers
Karen Peck & New River

Back To My Roots
Candi Staton

______________________________________

See the full list of winners in all categories here.

Jonathan Nelson signs recording deal with Tyscot Records

Jonathan Nelson by Brandon Rashad Photography
Brandon Rashad Photography

Jonathan Nelson has a new label home with a newly signed recording contract under Tyscot Records’ Tyscot Worship imprint. The agreement links Nelson with the long-running gospel label as it approaches its 50th anniversary. According to Bryant Scott, President of Tyscot Records, this is a partnership that has been years in the making.

Known for his work in contemporary praise and worship, Nelson has built a career encompassing songwriting, choral leadership, and solo recording, with songs such as “My Name Is Victory,” “I Believe (Island Medley),” and “Finish Strong.” The new contract comes as he prepares his first album of entirely new material since Declarations in 2018, with a radio single expected this year.

Nelson has spent much of his career working closely with churches, choirs, and other leaders in gospel music. Early recognition came when Donald Lawrence recorded his song “Healed,” which became a Top Ten gospel radio hit and introduced his songwriting to a wider audience. Since then, Nelson has remained active both as a recording artist and as Director of Worship and Arts at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. His new contract with Tyscot Records places his forthcoming body of work with the world’s oldest-operating Black-owned gospel label.