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.
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (February 16, 2021) – GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame member, Carman, passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at a Las Vegas, Nevada hospital, after fighting a series of complications resulting from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia.
CarmanDominic Licciardello, known to fans worldwide as “Carman,” was 65.
Born January 19, 1956 in Trenton, New Jersey, Carman began his musical career playing drums in his mother’s band at the age of 15. Carman holds the world record for having the largest audience to see a single Christian artist. He set the record for the largest concert at Texas Stadium with more than 71,000 fans and led more than 80,000 fans in worship in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Among his many awards, Carman received the House of Hope of Humanitarian Award for his positive influence in the lives of American youth in 2006, other noted recipients of this award include Ronald & Nancy Reagan and Billy Graham. The Gospel Music Association honored Carman with induction into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018. Billboard named Carman “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” in 1992 and 1995, and in 1993, his album, Addicted to Jesus, earned the distinction of Contemporary Christian Album of the Year. Carman was Grammy-nominated multiple times as the Best Pop Contemporary Gospel Artist. His recording, “A Long Time Ago in a Land Called Bethlehem” was nominated for “Album of the Year” by the Recording Academy in 1986.
In 1985, the release of his first #1 song, “The Champion,” solidified his place in music history and defined his soul-winning career as one of endurance, grit, dedication, and pure talent. Anyone who knew Carman knows that he counted only this as his greatest lifetime achievement – winning millions of souls to Christ.
Matt Felts, Carman’s manager, states, “When Carman resumed touring again a few years ago, he was concerned that no one would care that he was back. He was wrong. Every night fans packed out venues and his ministry was as powerful as it ever was. This world has lost a light in the darkness but today Carman saw first hand the fruit of his labors.
Carman was planning to embark on a 60-city tour later this month.
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.
A Celebration of Life service is being held today (Feb. 15) for Grammy-nominated gospel singer Dr. Douglas Miller. Miller died Feb. 5, 2021. Among the baritone’s most recognizable songs are “Unspeakable Joy,” his uptempo choir arrangement of “Pass Me Not,” and his signature, “My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the memorial service is private. The public at-large can view the live stream at douglasmillerlegacy.com. Additional details are on the announcement above.
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.
NEW YORK, NY – For the eighth consecutive year, the 22nd Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will air on BET during Super Bowl LV week on Saturday, February 6th at 8/7c.
The theme “Nothing Can Stop Us” is the inspirational message for this highly anticipated night of praise and worship during Super Bowl LV. This year’s event will be hosted by national radio and TV personality Rickey Smiley and feature performances by The NFL Players Choir, Erica Campbell, Voices of Fire presented by Pharrell Williams, PJ Morton, Kierra Sheard, Koryn Hawthorne, Zacardi Cortez, and an exclusive performance by gospel music pioneer and living legend John P. Kee. Additionally, the show will feature appearances from NFL players Desean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver, and Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback.
The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will present Houston Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson with this year’s “Faith In Action Award.” The son of a courageous cancer survivor, Watson is one of the NFL’s youngest philanthropists and is committed to causes that support families and youth in underserved communities.
In collaboration with the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, the American Cancer Society will highlight the need to eliminate barriers to prevention and treatment in the black community during the broadcast. African Americans have the lowest survival rate for most cancers, and the pandemic has caused a devastating drop in cancer screenings. Viewers will be encouraged to donate during the show on BET by texting HOPE to 20222 to donate $10 to the American Cancer Society.
Originating at Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, the annual event joins key NFL Players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian, and mainstream GRAMMY® Award-winning artists, and special guests all on one stage to bring audiences an evening of uplifting music and inspirational messages.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (SBGC) is the largest multicultural event during the Super Bowl weekend. In its 22-year run as an NFL-sanctioned event, SBGC has featured artists including Patti LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Gladys Knight, Natalie Grant, Mary Mary, Fantasia, Donnie McClurkin, Anthony Hamilton, among many others.
Melanie Few is the Founder and NFL Sanction Holder of the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. The show’s Executive Producers are Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET; Jamal Noisette, VP of Specials & Music Programming at BET; and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, CEO of J. Rou Productions Inc.
For more information, visit superbowlgospel.com and join the social conversation using #SuperBowlGospel and #NothingCanStopUs.
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.
Evangelist Duranice Pace, member of family group The Anointed Pace Sisters, passed Thursday (Jan. 14, 2021) from health complications. She was 62. GMF extends sincere condolences to the family during this understandably difficult time.
Pace had a soaring, soulful voice and sound that were inimitable. She experienced recurring Internet virality, especially since Thanksgiving 2017 (see related post, “‘I’ll Always Be Thankful’ – Duranice Pace ft. The Pace Family”), for her holiday singing at Pace family gatherings and for her on-the-spot encouragement in song to people in restaurants, retail stores, and airports.
In November 2020, many fans and followers learned Evangelist Pace was hospitalized when her sister and niece posted live Facebook videos showing family members visiting, singing, and praying with her from outside a hospital window on Thanksgiving Day. Since then, the family, including Evangelist Pace’s only son, DeMarcus Love, has continued to ask the public for prayer. Supporters of the preaching songstress were also invited to encourage her by posting themselves on her social media platforms singing their favorite Duranice Pace song.
Born May 13, 1958, in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in a small community called Poole Creek to the union of Superintendent Murphy Pace, Jr. [d. 2008] and Bettie Pace [d. 2020], Evangelist Duranice Pace was destined and preordained to sing His praises and to preach and teach the Word as a dynamic woman of God.
The second-born child of ten children in all (brother, Bishop Murphy Pace, III transitioned in 2011), Evangelist Pace grew up singing in school and community talent shows while traveling from church to church singing and making hearts glad with her unique, strong, God-given voice. She graduated from the Walter F. George High School in Atlanta, Georgia. She continued her education at the O.R.M. Word Processing School in Atlanta and also Andrew College in LaGrange Georgia where she majored in music under a music scholarship.
Together, Evangelist Pace and her eight sisters (Phyllis, June, Lashun, Melonda, Dejuaii, Leslie, Latrice and Lydia) joined to form the legendary, iconic gospel group, The Anointed Pace Sisters. These extraordinary women of God have been nominated [for] and performed at the Stellar Awards [and have made] appearances in blockbuster movies such as “The Fighting Temptations” with Beyoncé Knowles and Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Family Reunion.”
The Anointed Pace Sisters released five albums during their tenure: 1992’s “U-Know” with Savoy Records, 1995’s “My Purpose” again with Savoy, then 2003’s “It’s Already Done” by their own label Gospel Pace, 2006’s “Return” by Tyscot Records, and 2009’s “Access Granted” from Tyscot Records. The group’s albums “U-Know,” “My Purpose,” “Return,” and “Access Granted” charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Recently, The Anointed Pace Sisters were blessed with the opportunity to use their voices on numerous commercials for Jiffy Lube International, Incorporated. Evangelist Pace also enjoyed travel as a featured vocalist with Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones and his Nashville Super Choir.
In January 2020, Evangelist Pace’s autobiography, “Poison to Purpose: A Gospel Legend’s Journey” was released on Noah’s Ark Publishing. The famed gospel singer also released a few solo projects independently, including 2013’s “Just Duranice,” and 2019’s “The Making of A Solider.”
A daughter of the Church Of God In Christ, Evangelist Pace was a Jurisdictional Elect-Lady of Evangelism and National Evangelist, who has been blessed to minister to U.S. & Korean soldiers. Evangelist Pace has traveled across this country and around the world preaching and singing for God. Evangelist Pace also founded The Anointed Word Restoration Fellowship Church in Christiansburg, Virginia.
In addition to her sisters, Evangelist Pace leaves to cherish her legacy her only begotten son, Mr. DeMarcus Wardell Love, along with a great host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her fellow gospel artists, and industry friends.
In 2013, Evangelist Pace and her sisters were featured on OWN’s Iyanla: Fix My Life. They appeared on the show again in 2019. Her other recent appearances included an emotional interview and performance on Steve Harvey’s talk show Steve, also in 2019, and an interview on TV One’s Sister CircleLive last year.
Steve Harvey reflected Thursday on Twitter. “Duranice Pace spoke favor into my life one day, at a time when I really needed it. She was one of those special souls. Rest In Peace”
Duranice Pace spoke favor into my life one day, at a time when I really needed it. She was one of those special souls. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/CyLoVRJCX5
“I’m inspired because I love people, and it makes me happy to see people smile,” Evangelist Pace told VoyageATL last March. “This is why I call my business a healing ministry because people ask me to help heal them and make them feel better. I know it’s not coming from me, but from God and I’m so thankful that I can help touch people’s hearts.”
“Whether you knew my mom thirty years or thirty minutes, you know you felt the love of God through her,” said her son DeMarcus to 11Alive News Friday. “The love Mom gave, she gave to everyone. Love is and will forever be her legacy.”
There will not be a public viewing or homegoing service. A privately recorded virtual concert celebrating Evangelist Pace’s life will premiere Tuesday, February 9, at 8 PM ET on duraniceapace.com. The celebration features performances by LaShun Pace, Le’Andria Johnson, DeMarcus Love, Leslie Pace, Bishop Kervy Brown, Kevin Lemons, and others.
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.
Urban contemporary group God’s Example drops bars lamenting racial and social unrest, COVID-19, political party divides, and other issues of the day in the single, “Oh My Lord.” Relying on the hope of overcoming turbulent times, the group says the countdown is on for the end of “Pharoah’s gig” and calls for kingdom reformation.
It’s a heavy message that pivots to a decidedly optimistic declaration: “He said He’ll never leave me / Neither will He forsake me / If He said it, I believe it / If He spoke it, I receive it / And I won’t let nobody shake me!”
Musically, God’s Example packages “Oh My Lord” with ample urban contemporary bop and a quick traditional quartet hump – all before the track reaches the three-minute mark. A certain aural nostalgia makes it apparent to me that The Winans are among the group’s musical influences. It’s definitely a compliment to the style of these four biological brothers whose quartet originated in Florida under the leadership of their father, Pastor Emaniuel Roberts.
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.
Austere simplicity is the hallmark of Hope McCants’ self-written single “Heart’s Cry,” a personal petition for more of God. The vertical worship tune begins with Hope echoing sentiments of the psalmist David, as written in Psalm 63, longing for God as one who thirsts for water in an arid desert. Antonio Black of MB Production accompanies on keys and strings as Hope, whose natural vibrato emerges as the prominent stylistic element in her otherwise deliberately unpretentious performance, lays bare her heart before an audience of One. The rest of us might feel privileged to overhear and make her prayer our own.
Hope serves in ministry with her husband, Pastor Michael L. McCants. She is currently co-pastor at East Point Church of the Nazarene in Atlanta.
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.
Val Alexander, Jr. was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Val Alexander, Sr. and Elizabeth Emanuel Alexander. He was born and raised in the city of Greensboro and is a Class of 1967 Graduate of Dudley High School. He was married to Beatrice Alexander who preceded him in death. He was the youngest of nine children. His mother gave him a guitar for Christmas when he was a teenager. He taught himself to play and used his talent to bless people throughout the United States and around the world. He is one of the Original Gospel Keynotes.
He and his wife Beatrice lived in New Jersey for a period of time until they decided to settle down in Union Springs, Alabama to be close to her mother. To their union they had one daughter Simone Alexander. He left Union Springs and relocated to Greensboro (NC) in 1997 when his mother became ill. He came off the road of singing gospel music to take care of his mother and was able to gain employment working for the Industries of the Blind where he served as Assistant Supervisor. He also continued to play for the Original Gospel Keynotes part-time.
Upon returning to Greensboro he used his skill of playing the guitar to teach, promote and play for local groups as well as his church Mt. Pleasant Christian Church Disciples of Christ for which he had been a member since 1963. He played for the Mattie Alston and the Voices of Praise, The Sons of Zion, The True Tones, The JJ Gospel Singers, and the Harmonizing Five to mention a few. Val was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He was very humble and quiet and soft-spoken.
Some years ago when I first met Val, he shared with me that he traveled with Willie Neal Johnson and The Gospel Keynotes – whose notable songs include “Show Me the Way” and “Jesus, You’ve Been Good to Me” – for approximately 25 years. I continued to see him every year when he came to the church where I serve as minister of music. Without fail, he’d come to where I was, shake my hand, and share a word of encouragement. Eventually, he asked me about collaborating on some music he was working on for an upcoming project. As we now see, our plans are not always God’s plans.
In recent years, I took notice of him again traveling and playing with the Original Gospel Keynotes. Watching him was watching a legend who influenced many present-day guitar greats.
Criss “Righteous” Johnson, longtime guitarist for Pastor Shirley Caesar posted on Facebook, “Mr. ‘Val Alexander’ from one of the greatest ‘Quartet Gospel’ singing groups of all time….(The Country Boy) ‘Willie Neal Johnson And The Gospel Keynotes’ of Tyler, Tx.” He included the hashtag #whatanincredibleinfluencer.
Kevin Wilson, CEO and founder of the International Musicians Summit, also offered reflections on social media. “Val Alexander, Sugar Hightower, Spanky Alford & Al Dent are musicians and friends I’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with! I truly miss all of them. Rest well Val-e Joe!!! I’ll never forget the years we shared music and ideas. #Legends”
“Rest Well Mr. Val Alexander,” shared multi-genre guitarist Fitz McGill on Facebook. McGill, who has worked with Tyler Perry and Kelly Price, among others, continued, “For those of you that don’t know who this man is he was the guitarist for the Quartet group The Gospel Keynotes. Starting around the age of 9 years old when My father would take me to the quartet programs he would convince the promotor [sic] to allow me to be the opening act. Mr. Val starting sowing chords and encouragement backstage that pushed me to excel as a guitarist. Throughout the years of life, he would mentor, teach, and show me little things about the guitar and pedals. Thank you brother for all you sowed into our lives. My condolences to the family and the community of Quartet Music.”
Pastor John P. Kee took to Instagram to pay tribute as well, noting, “He was so kind to me when I entered the industry!”
I join countless others in sending prayers up for the Alexander family and all who grieve the passing of Val, a humble man who now rests from labor.
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.
GMF was sad to learn of the passing of Ora Watkins-Jones, perhaps best known as a lead vocalist for the Southwest Michigan State Choir of the Church of God in Christ, under the direction of Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Her family certainly is in our thoughts and prayers during this emotional time.
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.
Anita Fairley (back) and Jennifer “Jaye” Boykin were members of the group Ladies of De’Voted. (Photo from Jaye Boykin’s Facebook profile)
Ladies of De’Voted as well as their supporters recently bade farewell to group members Anita Mechelle Fairley and Jennifer “Jaye” Boykin. Fairley and Boykin passed away just five days apart on December 5th and December 10th, at the ages of 51 and 46, respectively. Boykin transitioned one day short of her 47th birthday.
Ladies of De’Voted is a female quartet-styled group based in Sanford, NC. Among their well-known songs are “All Over Me” and “Move in This Place,” both featured on their CD titled, Grace (2016). “As for Me” from their project titled, Joshua 24:15 (2018) was a frequently requested song on The Gospel Music Fever Radio Show. Boykin was the group’s primary lead singer.
In 2015, the prominence of Ladies of De’Voted was propelled by their appearance at WIDU’s Carolina’s Best competition, where they emerged as winners in the quartet category. Their popularity continued to soar after a video posted by Angela Breedlove in 2018 went viral on social media. The video features Ladies of De’Voted singing “All Over Me” and currently has well over one million views.
GMF extends heartfelt condolences to the Fairley and Boykin families as well as to Ladies of De’Voted during this emotionally difficult time.
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.
Troy Douglas Clark, a behind-the-scenes music industry veteran who worked as both a talent manager and background vocalist, died of liver failure on November 25, 2020, at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, CA. Two of Clark’s longtime industry friends, recording executive Neily Dickerson and singer Earnest Pugh, have announced a virtual concert celebrating Clark’s life. Dr. Judith Christie McAllister and Pugh will host the virtual Facebook Live concert Friday, December 11, 2020, at 8 PM ET/ 5 PM PT on the @SetAPartandChosen1 page.
The concert will feature gospel stars such as Yolanda Adams, John P. Kee, B. Slade, Kurt Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Nikki Potts, Charles Butler & Trinity, Nikki Potts, Chaz Shepherd, Shamika Bereal, Toya Adams, and more. There will also be appearances from music executives Vicki Mack-Lataillade, Neily Dickerson and Phil Thornton.
There will be a public wake on Thursday, December 17 at 3-5 PM PT at Arnold Family Funeral Services in the Hillside Chapel, 2561 North Fair Oaks Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001. The family requests that viewers adhere to CDC guidelines by wearing masks.
Clark, 53, was a former R&B/Gospel singer who spent the bulk of his career behind-the-scenes of the music industry. In the 1990s, he worked as an A&R Director for GospoCentric Records where he worked with Stephanie Mills, Kirk Franklin, and Kurt Carr, among others. In 2002, he launched Clark Management where his roster of artists included Earnest Pugh, Octavia Pace, B. Slade, Charles Butler & Trinity, among others. “Troy will be greatly missed by countless souls that he impacted with his warm heart, smile, humor and remarkable talent,” says Pugh.
Clark is survived by his mother, Sandra Clark; his sisters Traci Clark and Tamitra “TuTu” Clark; best friend, Everett Jackson, and several extended family members. His father, Dexter Clark, preceded him in death.
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.
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