Norris Lipsey aka DK. DRU passes on

The SRT ENTERTAINMENT family regrets to announce the passing of Dr. Norris Andrus Lipsey, professionally known as Stellar Award nominee gospel artist DK. DRU.
 
Every once in a while music creators converge in a studio and what is crafted is pure magic. Pure magic is the only way to describe the vocal collaboration featuring late great Stellar and Grammy-nominated Bishop Rance Allen, quartet legend Paul Porter of The Christianaires, veteran producer, songwriter, artist, Chris Byrd & True Victory, and DK. DRU on his debut single, “Man From Galilee.” The collaboration earned him his first appearance on the Top 30 Billboard Gospel National Airplay chart as well as his first Stellar Award nomination in the Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of the Year category.
 
The viewing was held on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022, at the New Horizon Church, 511 Courtland St., Maxton, NC 28364.
 
The funeral arrangements are as follows:
 
Saturday, February 5, 2022
New Zion MB Church
140 Pinecrest St.
Plantersville, MS 38862
1 pm
 
Please send love gifts to:
P.O. Box 744
Parkton, NC 28371
 
Please $Cash App any donations to $NorrisLipseyblessme
 
About DK. DRU
 
DK. DRU is the stage name for contemporary gospel artist Dr. Norris Andrus Lipsey. Born in Camden, MS, and raised in and around Tupelo MS, It was as a member of New Zion MB Church at a young age where he began to discover his singing and songwriting abilities. Norris joined the military, and while stationed in Germany truly began to develop his love for music, learning to play the drums and bass guitar. He also formed different singing groups and performed on many of the talent shows that were featured to the troops in Germany. After the military was completed, Norris discovered that his children also had a talent for singing and music and formed the group Norris Lipsey and the Faith Garden Singers. The group was together for over 13 years performing at churches, fairs, festivals, gospel showcases, and conferences all over the east coast – even performing at BET Soundstage and Atlanta Live. In pursuit of higher education, Norris obtained his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Throughout the years, Norris had labored in many areas such as merchandising, import/exports, insurance, sales, real-estate investing, multi-level marketing, music, preaching, substance abuse counseling, and mental health. Norris sought the Lord through prayer and fasting for direction. After years of waiting on God, God impressed upon Norris’ spirit to go back to the music. 

– From a press release

Official Video – “Make It With Jesus” – Gene Hoskins

Gene Hoskins serves joy and an affirming message of hope with, “Make It With Jesus.” Replete with gleeful vocals and dazzling horn-driven accompaniment, the churchy single is featured on his full-length project Homecoming – Deluxe Edition (released via Shanachie Entertainment on October 29, 2021).

“I woke up one morning feeling overwhelmed and stressed myself,” says Hoskins about the inspiration for “Make It With Jesus.” “I decided to take my own advice and use the things that make me happy in order to combat my own stress. I started singing and thinking about Jesus. I hummed this tune and stuck with me all day. With ‘Make It With Jesus,’ my hope is that the relief I felt after singing it translates to others and it can be a healing tool in some way.”

Check out the official music video.

In addition to his music ministry, Hoskins is a psychologist and owner of Peace of Mind Psychological Services, PLLC in Durham, NC.

Recording Academy announces nominees for 2022 GRAMMY Awards

The Recording Academy announced nominees for the 2022 GRAMMY Awards today, Tuesday, November 23. Nominees for the Gospel/CCM categories of the 64th GRAMMY Awards are below.

Nominees for the Grammy Awards have been announced

Best Gospel Performance/Song

VOICE OF GOD
Dante Bowe Featuring Steffany Gretzinger & Chandler Moore; Dante Bowe, Tywan Mack, Jeff Schneeweis & Mitch Wong, songwriters

JOYFUL
Dante Bowe; Dante Bowe & Ben Schofield, songwriters

HELP
Anthony Brown & Group Therapy; Anthony Brown & Darryl Woodson, songwriters

NEVER LOST
CeCe Winans

WAIT ON YOU
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music; Dante Bowe, Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Tiffany Hudson, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

WE WIN
Kirk Franklin & Lil Baby; Kirk Franklin, Dominique Jones, Cynthia Nunn & Justin Smith, songwriters

HOLD US TOGETHER (HOPE MIX)
H.E.R. & Tauren Wells; Josiah Bassey, Dernst Emile & H.E.R., songwriters

MAN OF YOUR WORD
Chandler Moore & KJ Scriven; Jonathan Jay, Nathan Jess & Chandler Moore, songwriters

BELIEVE FOR IT
CeCe Winans; Dwan Hill, Kyle Lee, CeCe Winans & Mitch Wong, songwriters

JIREH
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music Featuring Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine; Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine, songwriters

Best Gospel Album

CHANGING YOUR STORY
Jekalyn Carr

ROYALTY: LIVE AT THE RYMAN
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

JUBILEE: JUNETEENTH EDITION
Maverick City Music

JONNY X MALI: LIVE IN LA
Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music

BELIEVE FOR IT
CeCe Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

NO STRANGER
Natalie Grant

FEELS LIKE HOME VOL. 2
Israel & New Breed

THE BLESSING (LIVE)
Kari Jobe

CITIZEN OF HEAVEN (LIVE)
Tauren Wells

OLD CHURCH BASEMENT
Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music

Best Roots Gospel Album

ALONE WITH MY FAITH
Harry Connick, Jr.

THAT’S GOSPEL, BROTHER
Gaither Vocal Band

KEEPING ON
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

SONGS FOR THE TIMES
The Isaacs

MY SAVIOR
Carrie Underwood

Gospel is also represented this year in the Best Album Notes category with The King Of Gospel Music: The Life And Music Of Reverend James Cleveland. Robert Marovich, gospel historian, founder of the Journal of Gospel Music (formerly The Black Gospel Blog), is the album notes writer for the four-disc music collection. 

See the complete nominees list in all 86 categories here.  The GRAMMYs airs Monday, January 31, on CBS, and streams live and on-demand on Paramount+ from 8 p.m. ET.

2021 Dunamis Gospel Award Winners

Higher Dimension Praise Chorale opened the 2021 Dunamis Gospel Awards.

Over the weekend, Dunamis Gospel Awards were handed out in 25 categories at Central Triad Church in Winston-Salem, NC. Throughout the evening, with emphasis on its motto, “power in action,” Bishop Terry L. Young, president and founder of the Dunamis Gospel Awards, and Yves McKenzie and Billie M. Johnson, the show’s hosts, punctuated the significance of community and camaraderie among artists, churches, and leaders.

Husband-wife duo David and Tiffany Spencer (pictured right) were multiple winners at Saturday’s eighth annual ceremony, earning a pair of awards for Dunamis Artist of the Year and Dunamis CD/Song of the Year. Other highlights of the night were the live performances that charged the atmosphere, including Jalessa Cade’s rendition of Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s “My Help,” which segued into the chorus of Richard Smallwood’s “Total Praise.” Later, Jonathan Parker-Ashley presented her with the award for Worship Leader of the Year. Before the night was over, Parker-Ashley had himself collected an award for Group/Duo of the Year. Members of his group JPA & Ascension joined him onstage to accept the glass trophy.

Choirs and ensembles were well represented with dynamic performances from Higher Dimension Praise Chorale, Will Harris & Friends, Jeremiah Salter & United Worship, Pastor H.E. Dixon & Truth Tabernacle Choir, Macedonia Mass Choir, Dionn Owen & Renaissance, and Sir Jerry Saddler & SOP. Brea Miles and Antwaun Millunz were among the Holy Hip-Hip artists who rocked the mic. Earlier in the evening, Miles picked up the award for Holy Hip-Hop Artist of the Year. Testimony Mime, quartet group Gift3d, and vocalist Ora Roberts also offered stirring performances at the ceremony. Gift3d went on to win the award for Quartet of the Year.

In addition, Bishop Young and his wife Lady Geneva took to the stage to make several special presentations honoring area ministry leaders for their service: Apostle Sylvester D. Johnson (Bishop Jerome Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award), Pastor Leroy Kelly (Mother Doris Cohen Harbor Pioneer Award), Dionn Owen & Renaissance (Apostle John Henry Heath Music of Excellence Award), and Bishop Greg Hargrave (Humanitarian Award). In light of COVID-19 putting the Dunamis Gospel Awards on hiatus last year, 2020’s recipient of the Living Legend Award, Bishop Franklin O. Hanes, was recognized at this year’s show.

Congratulations to all the 2021 Dunamis Gospel Award recipients. Below is the full list of winners and honorees.

Pastor of the Year – Male
Overseer Aaron McNair, Jr.

Pastor of the Year – Female
Apostle Flora Morris

First Lady of the Year
Lady Shawna Milton

Choir Director of the Year
Sir Jerry Saddler

Church Choir of the Year
Voices of Deliverance

Worship Leader of the Year
Jalessa Cade

Church Praise and Worship Team of the Year
Greater Hope Cathedral

Musician of the Year – Male
Kwynn Gilbert

Musician of the Year – Female
Joyce Harbor

Vocalist of the Year – Male
Carlton Doggett

Vocalist of the Year – Female
Angeline Crank

Dunamis Artist of the Year
David and Tiffany Spencer

Quartet of the Year
Gift3d

Holy Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Brea Miles

Group/Duo of the Year
JPA & Ascension

Dance/Mime Ministry of the Year
Alexis Lambert

Community Choir of the Year
East Coast Mass Choir

College Gospel Choir of the Year
Winston-Salem State

Media Publication of the Year
Divine Connections Magazine

Comedian of the Year
T-Roy

Songwriter of the Year
Alicia Moore

Producer of the Year
Charles Wright

Gospel Announcer of the Year
Brandon Smith

Dunamis CD/Song of the Year
David and Tiffany Spencer

2021 Bishop Jerome O. Dawson Lifetime Achievement Award
Apostle Sylvester D. Johnson

2021 Living Legend Award
Apostle Faye D. Thomas

2021 Humanitarian Award
Bishop Greg Hargrave

2021 Mother Doris Cohen Harbor Pioneer Award
Pastor Leroy Kelly

2021 Apostle John Henry Heath Music of Excellence Award
Dionn Owen & Renaissance

2020 Living Legend Award
Bishop Franklin O. Hanes

Church of the Year
His Kingdom Ministries

Photo highlights from the 2021 Dunamis Gospel Awards

2021 Dunamis Gospel Awards set for Nov. 13

The 2021 Dunamis Gospel Awards, said to be one of the fastest-growing awards events in the Southeast, is set for this weekend in Winston-Salem, NC. 

“These prestigious awards of honor will highlight some of the area’s most prominent pastors, first ladies, church and independent gospel artists, radio stations, radio announcers, and choir directors for their accomplishments and spiritual commitment through their ministry gifts to the Kingdom,” says Dunamis Gospel Awards founder, Bishop Terry L. Young. 

The eighth annual ceremony takes place November 13, at Central Triad Church on 2935 Cole Road. Red carpet interviews begin at 5 PM and the awards show starts at 6 PM. 

Among several artists delivering special music performances are Will Harris and Friends, Sir Jerry Sadler and SOP, Jonathan Parker-Ashley and Higher Dimension, and Macedonia Mass Choir. First Lady Billie Mason Johnson and Yves McKenzie have been tapped as the evening’s co-hosts. 

In recent weeks, the public had the opportunity to cast their votes to help determine winners in each of the awards categories. Winners will be revealed at Saturday’s event. Gospel Music Fever is honored to be nominated for Media Publication of the Year. 

Tickets for the Dunamis Gospel Awards can be purchased at ticketbud.com.

Quartet documentary ‘How They Got Over’ opens in select US cinemas

How They Got Over celebrates the spirit of gospel performers and how they helped usher in a musical revolution that changed the world forever.

Beginning in the 1920s, Black singers across the country took to the highways as the new technology of radio and records made it possible to reach a wider audience. Intense competition brought new ways to entertain, first with guitars, later with full bands, then with a performance style that would inspire Mick Jagger and a host of other rock and rollers.

Their music was infectious, wrecking many a house on the chittlin’ circuit, then graduating in the 40s and 50s to the Apollo and other major auditoriums across the country. The success of gospel quartets inspired record labels to form “doo-wop” groups that enticed gospel singers like Sam Cooke, Lou Rawls and Wilson Pickett to cross over to greater fame.

How They Got Over features classic performance footage of the Soul Stirrers, Dixie Hummingbirds, Blind Boys of Alabama and Mississippi, Sensational Nightingales, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Highway QCs, Davis Sisters, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and many more. Some of the greatest names in quartet music are interviewed in the film, giving vivid accounts of how they “got over” in their performances: shouting, bending over backwards, dancing, jumping off the stage – what came to be known as “gospel drama.” The film celebrates the spirit of gospel performers and how they helped usher in a musical revolution that changed the world forever.

For screening locations, dates, and times, visit https://www.firstrunfeatures.com/howtheygotover.html

– From a press release

2021 GMA Dove Awards: CeCe Winans collects four statuettes

Published October 26, 2021, at 4:01 PM ET
Updated October 27, 2021, at 5:32 PM ET

Photo Credit | Terry Wyatt

Nashville, TN (October 26, 2021) – The 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards were recently handed out in 38 categories at the Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Under the banner Stronger Together, Christian/Gospel music’s biggest night of the year stressed a theme of racial harmony in light of America’s polarization following the birth of COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd. The show was hosted by gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds, and Christian Pop star Natalie Grant, who lost thousands of social media followers when she condemned Floyd’s killing last year.

The biggest winner of the night was gospel legend CeCe Winans, who won four awards, including Gospel Artist of the Year. Draped in an angelic silver and black gown with feathers, she belted out the title track of her album, “Believe for It,” to standing ovations when she opened and concluded the dramatic performance. Later, R&B star and Maroon 5 keyboardist PJ Morton, along with gospel showman Pastor Mike Jr., presented her the Gospel Artist of the Year trophy.

“I’m honored to lift up the name of Jesus,” Winans said, echoing the evening’s theme. “I’m so glad for all of my brothers and sisters and it’s time we understand the importance of unity because it’s through us really loving each other that the whole world is going to come to know who He is.”

Although he wasn’t in attendance, Marvin Sapp won Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for his project, Chosen Vessel. Jekalyn Carr took home the statuette for Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for her track, “Changing Your Story.” Lecrae picked up the 11th Dove of his career for “Deep End,” which won Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song of the Year. KB took home the prize Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year for his set, His Glory Alone

After 2020’s virtual show, the music community reunited this year with stellar live performances which included Lauren Daigle’s haunting ballad “Hold on to Me” and a chill-inducing rendition of “My Weapon” by Natalie Grant. There were also one-of-a-kind collaborations that lit up the stage such as rapper KB with British worship leader Matt Redman, Jonathan McReynolds with Mali Music, and Dante Bowe with Kelontae Gavin. The show also paid tribute to the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ 150th anniversary with a montage of the choir’s history.

The ground-breaking, multi-racial music collective, Maverick City Music – currently the only act sharing space in Billboard’s Gospel Streaming Songs chart with Kanye West – performed their big hit, “Jireh” that featured solos by Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine. They also ended up winning the New Artist of the Year award.

For the complete list of winners, click here

The GMA Dove Awards aired Friday, October 22, on Trinity Broadcasting Network. If you missed it, you can view it on YouTube.

– From a press release

R.I.H. Andrea Marie Brown of The Brown Sisters of Chicago

Andrea Brown of the Brown Sisters of Chicago

Andrea Marie Brown of the Chicago-based gospel act, The Brown Sisters of Chicago, passed away on September 30, 2021, of COVID-19. The group shot to fame in the gospel world with their self-titled 2009 debut album that featured, “Awesome God,” a Billboard Top 20 radio single. “We are saddened by the loss of Andrea `Lil Bit’ who was a beautiful person inside and out, and was an amazing musical talent,” says Joan Sullivan of Kingdom Records. 

The baby of a family with five daughters and a son, Brown was born August 21, 1968. Her mother, Alberta, was a school teacher and her father, Ben, was the pastor of The Pillar of Truth C.O.G.I.C. assembly in Chicago. Early on, the siblings launched a gospel group under the name of The Brown Singers. It consisted of the sisters Vanessa, Adrienne, Phyllis, Lavette, and Andrea. Their brother, Zachary, played in their band. They sang at church functions throughout the community.

Brown graduated from Curie Metropolitan High School, and later from Pittsburgh’s Robert Morris University in 1988. Over the years, she gave piano lessons and played keyboards at local churches such as The Corinthian Temple C.O.G.I.C./The Cathedral of Praise.

As The Brown Sisters of Chicago, their dynamic stage performances won them big-name fans such as gospel legend, Inez Andrews, who introduced them to a concert promoter who booked them throughout Europe. They went on to share bills with the likes of Mavis Staples, Bobby McFerrin, and Aretha Franklin. From 1994 to 1999, They also served as the house vocal group for the syndicated TV program, “Testify,” which filmed in Chicago.

After years of performing and releasing a custom album in Europe, their American debut, The Brown Sisters: Live in Chicago, was released by Kingdom Records in 2009. The radio single, “Awesome God,” peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart. “The harmonies are impeccable…The passion and sincerity pouring from these songs uplift the spirit while feeding you a helping of encouragement and unretained hope,” a music critic wrote of the album in Worship Leader magazine. In 2010, they won Best Gospel Entertainer of the Year and Best Gospel Album of the Year awards at the Chicago Music Awards.

Brown was predeceased by her brother Zachary and her sister, Phyllis, who both passed away from cancer. Donations can be sent to Andrea’s parents Ben & Alberta Brown,  6533 North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302, or via CashApp ($AdrienneBrown).

The funeral will take place Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Greater Harvest Baptist Church, 5141 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60609. The wake is 9:30 AM and the service is 10:30 AM.

– From a news release

James C. Birdsong, Jr., Lillian Lilly to be honored at 2021 Antigua Barbuda Gospel Music & Media Awards

Birdsong and Lilly will receive recognition for their contributions to the Gospel music industry  

St. John’s, Antigua – James C. Birdsong, Jr., a member of the renowned Birdsong family and award-winning figure in gospel music, and Lillian Lilly, the longtime principal vocalist of the world-renowned GRAMMY®-Award-nominated Mississippi Mass Choir, are among nine honorees for the 7th Annual Antigua Barbuda Gospel Media & Media Awards (ABGMA) on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Kentish Pentecostal Church in St. John’s, Antigua of the West Indies during an invitation-only event.

Birdsong will receive the Impact Award of Honor for his leadership skills, mentoring abilities among today’s youth and aspiring artists to become successful in the Gospel music industry, and other contributions. With more than 35 awards, interviews on multiple television, radio, and print platforms across the country and abroad, he plans to pursue his longtime dream of being a national recording artist, songwriter, and record label owner. 

Birdsong and Lilly will receive their recognition at the Legacy Ball & Media Awards on October 22. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, they will not be in attendance. Their acceptance speeches will be given by video during a live broadcast of the ceremony.

A legend, icon, and trailblazer in gospel music, Lilly will receive the Legacy Award for more than 30 years as a founding member and principal vocalist of the Mississippi Mass Choir. Known for leading the choir’s popular songs such as “I Just Can’t Tell You (How Good God’s Been),” “It’s Good to Know Jesus,” “Holy City,” and “Lord, You’re the Landlord,” she made history as the first solo recording artist in the choir to record two projects, Gotta Have Faith and the Stellar Award-nominated, The Other Part of Me. The red carpet will begin at 4:30 PM EST followed by the awards at 5:30 PM EST. It will broadcast live on So Arise TV at www.soarisemusic.com/soarisetv and UGN Broadcasting Network via Roku TV, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, and Android TV.

Toledo mayor proclaims Sept. 24th as Rance Allen Group Day

Left to right: Producer Chris Byrd, Tom Allen, Steve Allen, Mayor Wade, and Tyscot A&R executive, Sidney Scott. Out front is Chris Byrd’s grandson, Christopher.

Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz has proclaimed Friday, September 24, 2021, as Rance Allen Group Day in the gospel trio’s adopted hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Steve Allen and Tom Allen visited with the city’s chief executive in his office earlier this week when he officially presented them with the proclamation.  The front man, Bishop Rance Allen, passed away in October 2021. His widow, Ellen Allen, called in on the speakerphone to thank the mayor for honoring the group.

The big day coincides with the Rance Allen Group’s new retro-soul styled track, “Love Makes the World Go Around”  (Tyscot), which debuts on all digital music platforms  on September 24th too. The song about peace and brotherhood features Rance Allen’s signature  squalls alongside the thick harmonies of his brothers, Steve and Tom.

“We actually recorded it years ago and it was never released,” Steve Allen told news reporters at the event. “The song is about bringing people together. There’s a line in the song that says,` When I look through Love’s eyes, things don’t look so bad.’ and it gives us hope.  The Bible says, a house divided against itself will not stand. There’s so much division in our country. There’s a way to have differences without being angry.  We’ve got to find a way to bring it back to love.”

Stax Records’ parent company Concord Records recently pledged a million dollars to establish the Concord Stax Scholarships which will provide full tuition to at least 20 students each year for the next five years to pursue musical careers. Each of the scholarships is named for a prominent personality in the history of Stax Records such as Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, Isaac Hayes, and Rance Allen. Visit https://staxmusicacademy.org for more information.

Over the course of their career, the Rance Allen Group has earned five GRAMMY® Award nominations and amassed over 250 million digital streams. Launching their career with Stax Record’s Gospel Truth imprint circa 1972, they scored with soulful message songs such as “Ain’t No Need in Crying” and “Lyin’ on the Truth.” They’ve also enjoyed six R&B chart singles, including the 1979 Top 25 gem, “I Belong to You.” From the 1980s on, their music was more church, and ministry oriented. The reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart in 1992 with the album, Phenomenon, which featured the radio smash, “Miracle Worker.” In 2002, they signed to Tyscot Records where they had hits such as “Do Your Will,” “Closest Friend,” “You That I Trust,” and “Something About the Name Jesus.” Most recently, Allen stepped out from the group to collaborate with rap star Snoop Dogg on the track “Blessing Me Again” which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart in 2018.

From a press release