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.

Jason Nelson to release sixth album, ‘Close,’ after three-year recording hiatus

Jason Nelson, best known for his No. 1 gospel ballads “Forever” and “I Am,” will emerge from a three-year recording hiatus on August 6th with the release of his sixth album, Close (Jaelyn Song Music / Tyscot / FairTrade). 

“First, it’s a studio record [his past sets have been live sessions],” Nelson explains. “Secondly, I delve into music that helped to nurture my sound as a singer. It pays homage to Dawkins & Dawkins, Fred Hammond, Commissioned. The first album I ever purchased was by Jaco Pastorious (a legendary bassist known for his work with jazz fusion band, Weather Report). All of them played a major role in my musical journey.”   

With hints of Jazz, R&B, and Pop flavors, Nelson is flexing new musical muscles on Close. Joining him for this sonic workout are luminaries such as R&B singer, Chrisette Michele; jazz bassist, John Patitucci; and Cross Worship leader, Osby Berry. Although the set breaks new musical ground for Nelson, it’s still an album that solidly delivers the heartfelt, Jesus-centered songs of faith that Nelson’s core fans have come to love. The first radio single, “Residue,” has already racked a million streams and charted in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart.

The twelve-track set is also the first fruit of Nelson’s Jaelyn Song imprint’s new marketing and distribution partnership with Tyscot Records and FairTrade Services. “I love the freedom of being able to curate my career and make decisions that I feel are the best for me,” Nelson says after a nearly decade-long recording relationship with RCA Inspirational. 

A Baltimore, Maryland native, Nelson has been active on the national stage since 2005. Over the years, he’s enjoyed a string of gospel radio hits such as “Shifting the Atmosphere,” “Nothing Without You,” “I Am,” and “Forever” that have earned him over 100 million digital streams. He is also pastor of The Tab (formerly The Tabernacle at Greater Bethlehem Temple) in Windsor Mills, MD. He and his wife, Tonya, have two children, Jaelyn Paris and Jason Christopher.

36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards announces winners

Stellar Awards logo

Congratulations to the nominees and winners of the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The gospel awards show, with this year’s hosts Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribbett, was taped live on July 10, 2021, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, and aired Sunday, August 1, on BET.

Pastor Mike Jr. had a fantastic night with wins for Artist of the Year, Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel Album of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. Other artists with multiple wins included Kierra Sheard (Song of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year), Maverick City Music (New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year), Jonathan McReynolds (Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and Producer of the Year along with Darryl Howell and Rogest Carstarphen, Jr.), and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year).

The Clark Sisters, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, and Pastor Shirley Caesar were among the evening’s honorees, receiving the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award, the Aretha Franklin Icon Award, and the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award, respectively.

You can view the complete list of winners and honorees at thestellarwards.com.

Deacon Authority: ‘My Music is About Growth’

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Deacon Authority

Deacon Authority’s mantra is, “Stay salty.” But don’t take that to mean he wants you angry, irritated, or upset. Certainly, that’s not how the Christian hip-hop artist Cedric Hester, known as Deacon Authority or simply “DA,” moves. In contrast, he’s an encourager who simply chooses to remind Jesus’s followers of their Matthew 5:13 call to influence and make a difference: “You are the salt of the earth…”

As founder and CEO of MG (Mighty God) Music Group, Deacon Authority dedicates his time to writing and producing music for a number of artists as well as himself. He also performs with several of the artists at churches, amphitheaters, and a variety of other venues up and down the East Coast. The door was even opened for them to share their hip-hop gospel message in the UK in 2019. 

Deacon Authority gave his life to Christ in 1998. Since then, he has been on a mission to share his faith and spread the gospel message through his gifts and talents. Recently, he chatted with me about his process. 

Libra: Talk about how you knew rap to be the avenue for you. 

DA: I was in church listening to my pastor and words started coming to me during the sermon. 

Libra: Is this how you get much of the inspiration for the music you write?

DA: Currently my inspiration comes from current events and life. I remember how my Pastor broke down the scripture for me to understand, rather than [just giving a] quotation. Now my inspiration comes from wisdom and experiences. I want my music to help people long after I’m gone. To me, my music is about growth and encouraging the listener. 

Libra: Who has been the biggest influence on your music style and how? 

DA: I’m influenced by all genres of music. I hardly listen to hip-hop unless it’s music that I’ve produced. I like to understand how artists come up with their music. I’m a student of music. 

Libra: MG Music Group has been invited into some very traditional worship spaces that aren’t accustomed to God being sung about in this style. What has been your approach to engaging an audience that can’t seem to get with how you minister? 

DA: Honestly, I pray and most of the time I pick songs according to the Holy Spirit. My goal is to minister according to the needs of the people. Sometimes I’m praising for my [own] breakthrough. 

Libra: What’s your favorite song to perform?

DA: “Mighty God.”

Libra: Is that also your most popular?

DA: “You Forgot.”

Libra: MG Music Group is constantly releasing new music and new music videos. First, let’s talk about what goes into the creative process. 

DA: The videos are organic. We hardly prep. We have a great chemistry with our videographer!! We are being ourselves on each video. We believe in “what you see is what you get”!! 

Libra: I want us to also talk about the collaborative process because rarely do we see just one MG Music Group artist featured on a song or video. How do these collabs come about and why do you find them meaningful? 

DA: They stem from fellowships, personal experiences, and conversations. There are certain things or topics that we can relate to that turn into our content. 

Libra: What topic seems to resonate most with your audiences?

DA: Being truthful and honest.

Libra: Outside of MG Music Group artists, who would you most like to collaborate with? 

DA: For me, Richard Smallwood. 

Libra: Wow, I totally would not have guessed that! Please tell me why this would be a dream collab for you and how you envision the different styles coming together.

DA: His music moves me and I enjoy his messages. I truly feel if we got in the studio together, it would be crazy.

Libra: I would definitely look forward to that. On another note, do you feel the industry has changed for the better as it relates to indie artists? 

DA: In some ways, yes, because it’s easier to get your music out. At the same time I’m noticing that music is being more watered down because some people do it for money and attention instead of the art. 

Libra: What positive impact has the pandemic had on your ministry? 

DA: I was able to slow down and focus on my personal life and focus on things that I didn’t have time to address. This allowed me to grow and that growth is always incorporated into the music.

NC Music Hall of Fame 2021 double-induction to include Donald Lawrence

The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame will hold inductions for its 2020 and 2021 class on Thursday, October 21, 2021, in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The 2020 inductees, announced last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, included six nationally known and award-winning legends from North Carolina: The Briarhoppers, Jermaine Dupri, Donald Lawrence, Michael T Mauldin, Charles Whitfield, and the Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Donald Lawrence (pictured at top, second from right) is a Grammy award-winning songwriter, producer, and choirmaster from Gastonia, NC who currently resides in Chicago. His discography includes credits with the Carolina-based Tri-City Singers, Donald Lawrence & Co., The Clark Sisters, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, and a host of other music notables.

Following last year’s announcement of inductees, Lawrence shared via Instagram, “I’m overwhelmed and soooooo honored that I am being inducted into the NC Music Hall Of Fame,” Lawrence shared on Instagram following last week’s announcement. “It’s such an honor to join the long list of NC distinguished creatives like Andy Griffith, Roberta Flack and many others inducted in the past. . . . Thank you for honoring my musical contributions WOW this comes at such purposeful moment for me.”

According to a media release, the annual ceremony which normally takes place the third Thursday of every October was postponed and ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic. To this, the NCMHOF will host its first ever double induction which will include the 2021 inductees Tony Rice and Robert Moog. The Hall has also selected two past inductees, Tony Brown and Roberta Flack, to be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The honors will be commemorated in a live event which will take place at the historic Gem Theatre in Kannapolis. The ticketed event is open to the public and arrivals to the red carpet will begin at 6:00 PM. The evening will include live performances as the inductees are installed into the Hall of Fame. 

Pastor Cassandra Elliott, worship leader known as ‘purpose pusher,’ dies at 53

GMF was saddened to learn about the passing of Pastor Cassandra Elliott, popular worship leader known by many as the “Purpose Pusher.” Pastor Cassandra transitioned June 27, 2021, after battling health challenges. Our condolences are with her husband Pastor Bryant Elliott and the entire family.

Excerpt from Pastor Cassandra’s site:

Pastor Cassandra Elliott, also known as the “Purpose Pusher” and the “Giant Slayer” is a walking example of the Five Fold Ministry. A native of New York City, Elliott began playing music at a young age; this passion unfolded into accepting the call as a Pastor of Worship, teaching the word of God, and becoming an innovator and mentor to many. She is a survivor of kidney disease and breast cancer and has used both of these testimonies as a vehicle to encourage others through the preached, taught, and imparting Word of God. In 2016, Elliott launched out into the world of Periscope launching “Morning Manna,” a time of real talk, inspiration, and coaching. Most recently Elliott launched out again into the arena of coaching with her debut of Elliott Consulting.

Pastor Cassandra was also the founder of The Gathering, a worship conference held yearly in North Carolina that drew hundreds.

Kirk Franklin wins 2021 BET Award

Nashville, TN (June 28, 2021) – RCA Inspiration celebrated the 2021 BET Awards with a powerful night for gospel, as two #1 hits from Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) were lauded at this year’s awards. The sixteen-time GRAMMY®-winning artist, songwriter, and producer was honored with the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for the second consecutive year, winning for his #1 gospel hit single “Strong God” (from his hit album LONG LIVE LOVE). He emerged the winner among other nominees BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, H.E.R., Marvin Sapp, and Tamela Mann.

Kirk Franklin performs at the 2021 BET Awards with Lil Baby. (RCA Inspiration)

Franklin also kicked off the night’s broadcast in an exuberant opening performance with Lil Baby, showcasing their #1 gospel hit “We Win” (featured from the soundtrack for the highly-anticipated summer movie Space Jam: A New Legacy). The 2021 BET Awards ceremony was held before a live audience at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 27th.

Homegoing services held for Madeline Thompson of the Clara Ward Singers

Photo Credit: Richard Nichols

Homegoing services for Madeline Thompson took place recently in Inglewood, CA. Lady Thompson, a longtime member of the Clara Ward Singers best known for her spirited rendition of “Traveling Shoes,” passed away May 22, 2021.

“Traveling Shoes: A Commemorative Cantata,” was the first of two celebrations for the singer on June 6. The next day’s four-hour Celebration of Life service included the reunion of the Clara Ward Singers, offering a musical salute with their hit “Surely, God Is Able” as well as “Sweeping Through the City,” borrowed from the Caravans’ catalog.

You can read more about Madeline Thompson at lasentinel.net. GMF continues to send up prayers for the Thompson family.

BMI celebrates its top gospel music creators at the 2021 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards

NEW YORK, NY (June 7, 2021) – BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) is proud to celebrate the 2021 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, honoring some of today’s legendary and rising Gospel music luminaries. The Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and the 20 most-performed songs of the previous year were announced today on BMI.com and across the company’s social media platforms. In tribute to this inspiring generation of Gospel songwriters, BMI created a special page featuring uplifting performances and first-hand accounts of the songwriting process behind some of the award-winning songs, as well as special messages from the winners. To view this exclusive content and more, visit https://www.bmi.com/trailblazers2021.

“It is always an honor to celebrate BMI’s incredible community of Gospel music songwriters,” said Catherine Brewton, Vice President Creative, Atlanta. “Their artistry is a gift through which we find the strength to persevere in the face of adversity and the words to rejoice in moments of worship. Today we applaud their outstanding contributions to the genre, which continue to inspire so many with messages of love and hope.”

“Deliver Me (This Is My Exodus),” written by Donald Lawrence and Sir the Baptist, was awarded Song of the Year. Performed by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers with Le’Andria Johnson, the powerful decree of deliverance spent a total of 99 weeks on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, peaking at number one and winning the prized GMA Dove Award for Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. This is the first BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Award for Sir the Baptist, while Donald Lawrence earns his eighth Trailblazer Award.  Lawrence was previously awarded the Gospel Song of the Year in 2015 for “The Gift” and was also one of the 2009 Trailblazers of Gospel Music honorees.

Kanye West was named Songwriter of the Year for penning three of the award-winning Gospel songs “Hands On,” “On God” and “Selah” from his highly celebrated ninth studio album Jesus Is King, which garnered top industry accolades from Billboard and the GRAMMYS. West collaborated with gospel great Fred Hammond for the crossover track “Hands On,” which landed on Billboard’sChristian, Gospel, R&B Hip-Hop and Hot 100 charts. The record’s single “Selah” broke into the top 20 on Billboard’sHot 100 and was nominated for Top Gospel Song at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, competing against “On God” that same year. With this distinction, West earns his first three Trailblazer Awards, adding to his extensive collection of 38 BMI Awards from R&B/Hip-Hop, Pop, and London.

Publisher of the Year went to Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing for representing three of BMI’s 20 most-performed Gospel songs including “I Made It Out,” written and performed by Pastor John P. Kee, featuring Zacardi Cortez, “Keep The Faith,” written and performed by Charles Jenkins and “Won’t Let Go,” written and performed by Travis Greene.

In addition to the major award winners, BMI also paid homage to the 20 Most Performed Gospel Songs of the Year (2020). This year’s talented group of songwriters includes 19 first-time Trailblazer Award winners including Zacardi Cortez, Cydel C. Young, Renee Spearman, Terrence “Pusha T” Thorton, Natalie Lauren Simms, Allison Jeffrey LaValley, and more.

For a complete list of winners, video messages, and performances, go to https://www.bmi.com/trailblazers2021.

Calvin D. Tucker, Jr. talks grief and ‘mental health song’

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Calvin D. Tucker, Jr. is a professional actor, model, inspirational recording artist, and award-winning songwriter. Recently, the Baltimore-born performing artist returned from a nine-year hiatus in recording to release his self-penned single, “One 800.” Coined “the mental health song,” the uptempo composition raises awareness about grief and suicide prevention. Loss and grief are experiences to which Tucker relates.

Libra: Let’s talk about your single, “One 800.” You wrote this song a few years back in memory of your childhood friend, Ronnie Marvin Collins, Jr., and your cousin, Tamitrea Carter. Now, it serves as a tribute to your father, Calvin Donald Tucker, Sr., who passed in January. Tell us about the song and why it’s titled, “One 800.”

Calvin: “One 800” is still dedicated to my cousin and childhood friend. I just didn’t realize when I started recording the song, how soon it would become dedicated to my dad.

This song began as a recurring dream that I would have of me and my cousin as well as some [dreams] with me and my friend. They were literally visuals of us hanging out and they would be short. This would happen randomly and spread out over years until finally, I was listening to a different Techno/Dance track that my friend Chris Sherman produced and needed lyrics for. As I sat and listened, the track evoked the lyrics to what was then called, “Take The Pain Away.” That was 2014.

In 2019, I said to myself, “I need new music,” and began recording the song before the very first [COVID-19] shutdown. By the time COVID-19 hit and we started losing people in great numbers, I began to feel that this song needed a heavier title that was indicative of the desperation and despair of grief. That [title] became “One 800.” When you hear [phone numbers beginning with 1-800], you think of needing relief, emergencies, help, etc. That’s the heart and soul that this song was birthed from: simply needing help.

Libra: How differently does this song resonate with you now compared to 2014?

Calvin: The song resonates way more personally now because my father passed a few weeks before the song’s debut.  I was already promoting a Feb 1, 2021 release date even though the song was completely finished in November 2020. I decided to go ahead and let my father hear the song on a Saturday in December 2020.  I told him this was the song I wrote, dedicated to Mitrea and Ronnie.  He cried and said, “That’s nice.” Two days later he passed away from his battle with ALS.

Libra: We all handle grief differently and “One 800” is geared toward grief awareness and management as well as suicide awareness and prevention. How personal is this for you? 

Calvin: I am a testament that grief can be very difficult. I was young when my friend and cousin both passed away and it was hard. I drew closer to my family and friends, worship, and my relationship with the Lord. God showed me that the performing arts is a powerful outlet and means of coping and so I definitely continued to put my all into those ventures.

I’ve thought about suicide before once, and it didn’t have to do with someone’s death. It was [because of] personal issues I faced. Although I didn’t put a plan together and attempt to execute it, I still feel for those who struggle with suicidal thoughts, emotions, and scenarios.

Libra: One of the great tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic is the depth of grief and loss experienced by countless many. How are you coping in the midst of this pandemic?

Calvin: So far I’ve lost an uncle to COVID-19. There are tons of people I know from the church, and family of friends who have passed due to COVID-19 and it’s horrible. I continue to heal through my relationships with God, my family, friends, and therapy through the performing arts. I am considering actually going to standard therapy, I just haven’t felt the pull to go yet.

Libra: What would you say to the families who are grieving, Calvin?

Calvin: I say, this is the time to grow closer together; remember all the fun and goofy times. These things always relieve stress and guilt and other emotions that come with grief management. I say still do things that are fun, play your favorite music and TV shows, go to the park and ride your bike, take a road trip. Don’t become a prisoner to this pandemic; just use every precaution while enjoying life and healing.

“One 800″ features vocals from Carrie Boone and is available on all digital platforms. Tucker invites you to connect with him via www.calvinthespecialist.com and on Instagram @Calvin2ent.

2021 Stellar Awards Nominations: McReynolds leads with eight

CHICAGO, May 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Central City Productions revealed the nominees in 28 categories for the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which will be taped on Saturday, July 10, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN. The Stellar Awards recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, honors gospel music icons, and acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals instrumental in advocating for the industry.

“We’re extremely pleased and proud to present our 36th annual Stellar Awards, appropriately themed ‘Lighting the Way with Our Faith, Music and Family,” remarked Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. “Over the past year, gospel music has taken on an even more pronounced role in the lives of people around the world – dealing with a double, global pandemic of COVID-19 and social injustice – who have relied on gospel music as a source of comfort, strength, and encouragement until we can get to better days ahead.”

Each year, the preeminent industry event recognizes the year’s best album releases and pays special tribute to those gospel trailblazers who continually set the bar higher. This year’s recipient of the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement is The Clark Sisters, who saw a resurgent appreciation of their musical longevity after the release of their biopic. Lady Tramaine Hawkins will be honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award as a testament to her 50+ years in the industry. Pastor Shirley Caesar will receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legends Award for her 70+ years of longevity in the industry. Bishop Dr. Leonard Scott is tapped to receive the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award as the founder of Tyscot Music + Entertainment, the oldest operating Black-owned gospel record label. Black Smoke Music founder Kerry Douglas, label executive and A&R guru Skip Barrett, and Gospel Today magazine founder Teresa Hairston will be inducted into the Stellar Honors Hall of Fame.

Millennial gospel superstar Jonathan McReynolds (pictured), co-host of the 35th Annual Stellar Awards, tops the list of nominees this year with eight nominations. Embarking upon a career in gospel music less than a decade ago, McReynolds continues to bless audiences and is nominated for his work on People (eOne Music), receiving nominations in the categories of Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, and Contemporary Album of the Year. He also is nominated for Song of the Year and in the category of Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for his work on “Movin’ On ft. Mali Music” (eOne Music).  

Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music, and Pastor Mike, Jr. are among a four-way tie of gospel artists this year, each receiving seven nominations, including a nod each for Artist of the Year. Brown’s contemporary music genre ignites roof-raising praise, which resulted in nominations for 2econd Wind: Ready (Key of A/Tyscot/Fair Trade) in six additional categories of Male Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, and Special Event Album of the Year.

Sheard’s inspirational project Kierra (Karew/RCA Inspiration) was recognized in the categories of Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. She also received a nomination for Song of the Year for her work on the project “Something Has to Break (Live) ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard” (Karew/RCA Inspiration).  

Maverick City Music stirs up spirit-filled worship with the contemporary album Maverick City Music Vol. 3 Part 1 (Tribl Records) which received additional nominations in the key categories of Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Special Event Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Album of the Year. Rounding out the four artists tied with seven nominations is Pastor Mike, Jr. whose hip hop gospel sounds in Big: Freedom Sessions (Black Smoke Music Worldwide) garnered nominations in the categories of Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, and Rap Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year.

Other celebrated artists receiving multiple Stellar nominations include: Jekalyn Carr, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, The Clark Sisters, Rev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir, and the Chicago Mass Choir.

The Stellar Awards live show taping is returning to Nashville, debuting at the glamorous Schermerhorn Symphony Center in the heart of the city’s booming downtown area on Saturday, July 10, 2021. Although great strides are being made to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is not yet back to normal. Given this, tickets will not be sold to the public; but nominees, show talent and special invited guests will make up the audience for the taping of the 36th Annual Stellar Awards. Viewers around the country will be able to watch the show in national broadcast syndication starting July 30th through September 5th.

To view the complete list of nominees: https://www.thestellarawards.com/2021nominees.html