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.

"I Don't Need Anything But You" – C. Lewis

“I Don’t Need Anything But You”
C. Lewis (2011)
ExCLEWsive Productions

Innovative hip-hopper C. Lewis reminds us that Christmas is about more than presents with his brand new mid-tempo track, just in time for the holiday.  He invites his audience to live, love, and give with sweet rhymes and the melodic R&B-seasoned hook: “I don’t need anything but you!”

This is a singer/rapper on his holiday grind, and he is so intent on getting his message out that he’s making the single available as a free download and ringtone by clicking here.

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” – Valerie Woodard

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Valerie Woodard
Whole Armor Recordings (2011)
www.valeriewoodard.com

Valerie Woodard serenades listeners with her remake of the timeless classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”  Simply orchestrated accompaniment turns your attention to the beauty of her tone and clarity of her voice.

Enjoy for yourself!

“Christmas Everyday” – New Creation

“Christmas Everyday”
New Creation featuring Pastor George Crews, III
From the CD, Help Is On The Way (2011)
newcreationsings@gmail.com

New Creation takes an oldie on a spin with Pastor George Crews, III guesting on lead.  The Hillsborough, NC based group escorts its listeners back in time with a cover of the Temptations’ “Christmas Everyday,” featured on New Creation’s non-Christmas gospel CD, Help Is On The Way.
 
Oldtimers will recall the Temps’ Melvin Franklin lending his sultry bass to the song’s lead (or even Smokey Robinson’s version before that, with the Miracles).  Crews, by contrast, is a tenor who delivers this swinging tune with near-equal oomph.  The main distinction here, of course, is that Pastor Crews and New Creation direct their affirmation to Jesus and the fact that He makes it Christmas every day. 
 

Related Story
Help Is On The Way – New Creation (CD Review)

“It’s Christmas Time” – Ronnie R. Riles, Sr.

“It’s Christmas Time”
Ronnie R. Riles, Sr.
From the CD, Bad Boys Need God Too (2009)
www.upthapraise.com

Ronnie R. Riles, Sr. makes a plea for more Christ-centered love in “It’s Christmas Time.”

Highlighting all the wonderful sights and sounds typically associated with the holiday–mistletoe, stockings, and energetic children–over the unhurried groove, he returns his subsequent verse with an abbreviated narrative of Christ’s birth; hence, the real meaning of the season.

It’s time, Riles says, “to show your love…to love everybody!”

“The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow” – Aretha Franklin

“The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow”
Aretha Franklin
From the CD, This Christmas (2008)
DMI Records

I love a good hymn.  And a good hymn is made great when sung by a skillful singer who does it justice.  Enter the “Queen of Soul” with a signature composition by the “Father of Gospel,” the late Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey.

I am really not sure why “The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow” is on Aretha’s Christmas album.  It does prove, though, that there’s always room for classic gospel.  Aretha infuses this gem with soul for your soul.  Add some funk to the ageless lyrics and you have yourself a song for all seasons.

“For the Cause” Awareness Musical & Cancer Fundraiser set for Dec. 10

Click flyer to enlarge for more info

This Saturday, people will sing, clap, stomp, and dance in a spirit of praise.  They will also gather for another cause.

The non-profit organization called the Community Cancer Awareness Group will sponsor a musical titled “For the Cause” to raise funds to assist persons who are battling cancer and have limited resources.

The visionary of the Person County, NC based organization, Debbie Allen, told The Courier-Times (Dec. 7, 2011) that the idea for the group took form when she noticed the number of ill people within her own community who had to choose whether to buy medication or food.

The musical program features quite an impressive lineup of performers.  Of course, donations are requested and proceeds will go to the Community Cancer Awareness Group for its mission.

For more information about the event or organization, call Debbie Allen at 336-364-2764.

When:  Saturday, December 10
Where:  Greater Cleggs Chapel Community Center – Timberlake, NC
Time:  5 PM (doors open at 4 PM)
Admission:  Free (donations are requested)

Tamela Mann joins Salvation & Deliverance Church Choir for Christmas musical

Salvation and Deliverance Church Choir–named “America’s Best Church Choir” as the grand prize winners in Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” national choir competition in October–will celebrate its win and the holiday season with a rousing Christmas production entitled, How Sweet the Tidings.

The dynamic award-winning choir from Tarboro, NC, will be joined by special music guest, powerhouse Tamela Mann, star of Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns and formerly of Kirk Franklin and the Family.

The celebration is this Friday, December 9, at 7 PM.

To read more about the event, you can visit http://www.sdc6.blogspot.com.

Related Story
Salvation and Deliverance Church Choir wins Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound”

Gene Viale of the Cleveland Singers has died

Gene Viale

Robert Marovich of The Black Gospel Blog passed along the sad news to GMF that Minister Gene Viale has died.

Viale was a member of the legendary James Cleveland Singers (1964-1965) and traveled extensively as a solo artist as well.  According to his web bio, he has appeared with numerous gospel greats including Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker and The Caravans, Dorothy Love Coates and The Gospel Harmonettes, Andraé and Sandra Crouch, The Staples Singers, Pastor Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s.

Just last year, Viale released his first book, entitled, I Remember Gospel and I Keep on Singing.

GMF extends condolences to all who mourn his passing.

“And the Soul Train Award for Best Gospel Performance goes to…Mary Mary!”

Gospel’s platinum-selling duo Mary Mary has to make room for another trophy.  Last evening, Tina and Erica Campbell won the 2011 Soul Train Award for Best Gospel Performance (“Walking”).  The award was presented at the pre-show on the red carpet. 

Other nominees were Kirk Franklin (“I Smile”), Trin-i-tee 5:7 (“Heaven Hear My Heart”), James Fortune featuring Shawn McLemore (“I Believe”), and CeCe Winans (“More”).

During the show’s telecast, Mary Mary also performed the soul classic, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” in tribute to Gladys Knight, who was honored with the Soul Train Living Legend Award. (Earth, Wind and Fire was feted as well.)

Besides adding to their stash of accolades, the sisters are gearing up for their new reality series, set to premiere March 29, on WE tv.

Happy Thanksgiving from GMF

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.  His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NIV

Every day is one of thanksgiving, and the Lord merits our praise!
Today, I also say thank you for being apart of GMF.  Thank you for reading and for your encouragement.  Thank you also for your feedback since the blog’s inception.
May your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with fond memories, warm fellowship, and an attitude of gratitude.  

Kind regards,
Libra Boyd, Founder & Editor