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.

Joy Bogonko talks debut EP, shares best advice she’s ever gotten

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Joy Bogonko is an emerging voice for her generation. The young Minnesota raised up-and-coming musician, singer, and songwriter chatted with Gospel Music Fever about her self-titled EP and offered advice to her contemporaries. 

Libra: Joy, it’s such a pleasure to talk with you.  Please tell us how your music journey started and who your influences have been.
 
Joy: It’s a pleasure talking with you as well! I’ve always been into music from a young age. I grew up playing different instruments and loving how music brings people together. I was about 15 when I started my current journey of singing professionally. I’ve been influenced by my big sister the most for sure because she has always believed in me and my potential. Her unwavering support has honestly been a huge contribution to where and who I am today. Musically, I’ve always loved Adele, Israel Houghton, Rihanna, Jonathan McReynolds, and Lauryn Hill, because of how they embrace their unique voices. 
Libra: Talk to us about your current EP.
 
Joy: My current EP is generally a positive theme about strength, weakness, and conquering what life throws at you. Something a bit more personal to me is understanding that no matter what anyone’s going through, we are not alone and our feelings are valid. 
 
Libra: This is your debut EP.  There’s a lot in store for you.  What are some of your music goals?
 
Joy: I hope to connect with more people, collaborate with other artists, and get better at my passion.
 
Libra: What do you believe is the biggest issue your generation faces, and what is your advice to empower them?
 
Joy: The biggest issue my generation faces is not being heard. I believe in young people so much and as a young person myself, it can feel really hard to speak out on what I believe in. I think the best advice I can give is always remember that any contribution counts, no matter how big or small. We are a force to be reckoned with and I think the rest of the world is starting to catch up. 
 
Libra: Speaking of advice, what’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
 
Joy: The best advice I’ve ever been given is that there is no competition. When I think of myself as the person I’m competing with, it drives me to excel while also giving myself the compassion and grace I deserve. 
 
Libra: These next questions are totally random. Here we go!  iPhone or Android?
Joy: iPhone.
 

Libra: Texting or talking?
Joy: Talking.

Libra: Last song you downloaded?
Joy: “Black Is Beautiful” by Mayyadda.

Libra: At what venue would you most like to perform?
Joy: I would love to perform at Radio City Music Hall!

Libra: What’s your dream music collaboration?
Joy: My dream collaboration would be with Tori Kelly or H.E.R. 

Libra: What do you want to make sure GMF readers know?
Joy: I want to make sure that readers know that they are valuable and that they matter. And don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise!

Joy’s current single is “He’s Not Done Yet.”  You can listen to it here and visit her socials here. 

BMI honors its 2020 trailblazers of Gospel music

“I’M GETTING READY” WRITTEN BY TODD GALBERTH AWARDED SONG OF THE YEAR
KIRK FRANKLIN NAMED SONGWRITER OF THE YEARSONGS OF KOBALT MUSIC PUBLISHING AWARDED PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR

The Top Twenty Most Performed Gospel Songs Of 2019 Were Also Recognized

BMI Trailblazers

(New York, NY) June 29, 2020 – BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) paid tribute to the best and brightest in Gospel music with its Trailblazers of Gospel Music celebration. The honorees were announced today on BMI.com and across the organization’s digital platforms, celebrating the inspirational and transformative music of BMI’s accomplished Gospel songwriters. To honor these achievements, BMI created a page on its website where fans can watch special video messages and performances, listen to award-winning music and learn more about their favorite Gospel songwriters: https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/trailblazers-2020/.

“BMI is proud to honor these remarkable luminaries of Gospel music,” said BMI Vice President Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.  “Their music gives us strength and encouragement, and their voices are a source of comfort and healing when we need it most. We thank our songwriters for sharing their musical gifts that uplift, empower and encourage us all, as we unite in the movement for change, and we look forward to coming together in fellowship once again next year.” 

Reverential hymn “I’m Getting Ready,” co-written by Todd Galberth, received the accolade for BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year. Performed by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, featuring Nicki Minaj, the song spent 52 weeks on Billboard’s Gospel charts and peaked at number one, earning Galberth one of BMI’s top honors and his very first BMI Gospel Award. Kirk Franklin received the coveted Songwriter of the Year title for writing three of BMI’s most performed Gospel songs of 2019: “If You Don’t Mind,” “Love Theory,” and “Never Alone.” The 16-time GRAMMY winner now has 17 BMI Awards to add to his collection of accolades including three BMI Gospel Song of the Year awards, BMI’s 2012 Trailblazers of Gospel Music honoree recognition and multiple Dove and Stellar awards, among many others. Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing received the esteemed Publisher of the Year distinction for representing five of the top performing Gospel songs of the previous year: “If You Don’t Mind,” “I’m Getting Ready,” “Never Alone,” “Stand In Awe” and “Victory.”

In addition to the major award winners, BMI also paid homage to the Twenty Most Performed Gospel Songs of the Year (2019). This year’s crop of talented winners featured 20 first-time Trailblazer Award recipients, including Maranda Curtis for her hit song “Nobody Like You Lord.” Upon receiving this honor, Curtis said, “In our troubled world, music and its healing power is more necessary now than ever before. So, let’s sing louder, let’s produce more, let’s perform bigger and let healing continue.” Other notable first-time award winners include Chanda Mukula (“Mention”), VaShawn Mitchell (“He Got Up”), Jonathan McReynolds and Terrell Demetrius Wilson (“Not Lucky, I’m Loved”), Jeffery L. Thomas II and Dwight Washington II (“Open The Floodgates”), and Wendi Henderson Wyatt (“No Reason To Fear”), among others.  

For a complete list of winners, video messages and performances, go to https://www.bmi.com/trailblazers2020.  

To join the conversation on social media, follow @BMI and use #BMIGospel.

R&B and Gospel songwriter Alvin Garrett pens anthem, ‘Something’s Different This Time,’ amid racial tensions

Alvin GarrettBIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Grammy®-nominated songwriter, Alvin Garrett, has written and produced the theme song for today’s racial and social justice issues in America with his new single, “Something’s Different This Time.” With classic soul style and a passionate sound for racial justice reminiscent of Motown in the 1960s, “Something’s Different This Time” harnesses the cry for change within its melodies this Black Music Month.
 
As digital streams and social media shares grow steadily, “Something’s Different This Time” sounds the alarm that America and the world will not be the same – not after the death of Mr. George Floyd, a black man who was killed by Minneapolis police while pleading, “I can’t breathe,” and the racial protests around the world that followed. With public feedback ranging from “This time, it has to be different” to “We all feel so breathless,” Garrett’s fans agree.
 
“This song says what most people are consciously or subconsciously thinking and feeling in regards to the racial tensions in our country right now,” says Garrett. “At times like these, I choose to write songs and make music to capture and communicate my heart and soul.” “Something’s Different This Time” will be featured on Garrett’s upcoming EP entitled, The Awakening, set for release everywhere on July 15, 2020. 
 
 
Garrett plans to continue the conversation beyond the single with students in his innovative song therapy program, The Write Life with Alvin Garrett. Co-sponsored by The Dannon Project, The Write Life with Alvin Garrett uses music to teach life management skills, effective communication, and other tools to youth in the criminal justice system who need a second chance to win at the game of life.
 
As an award-winning songwriter, Alvin Garrett’s incomparable penmanship can be found on R&B songs by Kelly Rowland, Fantasia, Joe, Johnny Gill, Ruben Studdard, Noel Gourdin, and more. In gospel music, the accomplished songwriter has penned songs for the likes of Deitrick Haddon, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Alexis Spight, Lowell Pye, and Darwin Hobbs. In these two genres alone, Garrett has earned a Grammy® Award nomination, a Soul Train Music Award, a GMA Dove Award, and a Stellar Gospel Music Award nomination. Most recently, Garrett was featured as a guest artist on WBRC Fox 6/Good Day Alabama for “Alabama Strong,” a statewide tribute to encourage Alabamians during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown. 
 

Follow Alvin Garrett’s musical journey at alvingarrett.com.

– From a media release

BET Awards ’20 nominees announced

Nominees for the 2020 BET Awards have been announced, and congratulations are in order for the following nominees in the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award category:

John P. Kee
John P. Kee

Fred Hammond
“Alright”

John P. Kee ft. Zacardi Cortez
“I Made It Out”

Kanye West
“Follow God”

Kirk Franklin
“Just For Me”

PJ Morton ft. Le’Andria Johnson & Mary Mary
“All In His Plan”

The Clark Sisters
“Victory”

The BET Awards will premiere June 28, at 8 PM ET on BET and BET HER, and will simulcast on CBS.  Click here for the complete list of nominees.

KWAY partners with Poor People’s Campaign for Moral March on Washington Digital Justice Gathering – June 20

From a release
 
This pandemic and economic collapse, along with the recent wave of police brutality and racist murders, have forced this nation into an unprecedented season of crisis and action. Much continues to change day by day, but here is what we know: this emergency results from a deeper and much longer-term crisis of systemic racism, inequality, and a society that ignores the needs of 140 million people who are poor or a $400 emergency away from being poor.
 
Over the last two years, the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival has worked to lay the groundwork for a broad movement that could unite poor and impacted communities across the country. People across the nation are joining the Campaign to confront the interlocking evils of systemic racism, poverty, climate change and ecological devastation, militarism and the war economy, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.
 
They are coming together to demand that the 140 million poor and low-income people in our nation – from every race, creed, gender, sexuality and place – are no longer ignored, dismissed or pushed to the margins of our political and social agenda.  That’s why KWAY-DB 24/7 Internet Gospel Station is proud to join the Poor People’s Campaign as a mobilizing partner for the Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington Digital Justice Gathering, broadcast on June 20, 2020 at 10 AM EST and 6 PM EST, and on June 21 at 6 PM EST at www.kwaygospel.com.
The Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington will be an historic digital event. Across the internet and the airwaves we will drive the vision and agenda of our communities into the heart of the national narrative. 
 
In this unprecedented moment, we must tell the truth about the dire failures of our political leaders. We must also demonstrate that it is the leadership emerging from our communities that is paving a different way forward.
History teaches us that it is exactly in moments like these that a movement of the many is necessary to force the nation into action and that the key to real and lasting change lies in our ability to come together in new and bold ways. Rise with us by registering for June 20, 2020, and join the broadcast on June 20 at 10 AM EST and 6 PM EST, and on June 21 at 6 PM EST at www.kwaygospel.com.
 
On June 20, we cry power to the nation!
_______________________________
 
Editor’s Note:  KWAY-DB 24/7 Internet Gospel Station broadcasts The Gospel Music Fever Radio Show with Libra Boyd, Mondays at 1 PM ET.
 
 

Passing: Carol Hawkins, Eldest Sister of Legendary Hawkins Family [Arrangements]

Service information for Carol Hawkins
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

GMF is sad to receive the news that Carol Hawkins, eldest sister of the legendary Hawkins family, has passed. The official announcement was shared to social media by the Kemp and Hawkins families today, June 12, 2020.

Mother Hawkins was a member of the Edwin Hawkins Singers along with her siblings Edwin, Walter, Feddie, Daniel, Lynette, and other relatives.

In 1968, her brother Edwin (d. 2018) and the Northern California State Youth Choir COGIC (a choir he started with the assistance of Betty Watson) released an album, Let Us Go Into the House of the Lord, hoping to sell a few hundred copies at area concerts.  The album included his arrangement of the 18th century hymn “Oh Happy Day.”  In 1969, Buddah Records re-issued “Oh Happy Day” as a single from the Edwin Hawkins Singers.  The song became an international hit (charting in the US and several countries in Europe), earned the group its first Grammy Award, and has reportedly sold seven million copies.  Accordingly, “Oh Happy Day” sits on The Recording Industry Association of America and National Endowment of the Arts Songs of the Century list, right between John McCormick’s “The Star Bangled Banner” and Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire.”

GMF sends sincere sympathy to the Kemp and Hawkins families and sends prayers up throughout this time of bereavement.

Arrangements are included on the graphic.  The July 12th memorial service will stream live on Facebook on the Walter Hawkins Official Fan Page. 

U.K. gospel artist Seth Pinnock releases new worship music and visuals in times of global pandemic

UK singer-songwriter Seth Pinnock serves up a timely video with his gospel group, A New Thing, following the highly anticipated release of their sophomore album, A New Thing Live, earlier last year. The latest release offers Christian crowds much needed hope and faith-filled focus during the current, challenging climate of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“If My People” draws directly from scripture, II Chronicles, and hosts the considerable vocal skills and dulcet tones of upcoming worship artist, Lucy Grimble, also based in the UK. Showcasing a softer, devotional vibe, “If My People” offers itself as a communal prayer, leading our hearts back to a posture of humility as we face these unprecedented times, trusting God to be the only one to offer
resolution. 

Beginning the year in nationwide prayer during the heavily attended “Headstart New Year’s Prayer Week,” a signature Christian event run through his charitable organization called Symphony Co, and off the back of a postponed three month tour originally scheduled for this spring, Seth speaks of the pandemic and latest musical offerings:

We had planned the tour to begin this spring, however, within a week of starting, news of COVID-19 spread among the nation, resulting in us postponing what we were confident would be a significant move of worship and revival. I doubt there’s anybody that isn’t being impacted during this pandemic, whether through significant loss or affected by so much change and transition; so we thought long and hard as to what our offering should be during this time. Ultimately, this was the visual and sound we wanted to contribute to the noise worldwide – one of faith and firm assurance, that God remains in control. If ever there was a time to speak about the fullness of God, to turn our gaze towards Him and seek Him to heal our land, we felt this was it. We pray as a collective, the worship released encourages hearts and lifts spirits… 


Seth and A New Thing plan to reschedule the tour at the earliest convenience once the pandemic is over, gathering many churches and congregations nationwide into an immersive and impactful worship
experience once more. The new video can be found on Symphony Co’s YouTube channel with the song available to download on all major digital platforms, drawing many into a time of hope and peace during uncertainty. 
With its very simple yet
profound lyrics, “If My People” has been written as a call to prayer
for the global church. Given the worldwide crisis that is currently taking
place, there is an urgent need for prayer and this song does an excellent job instilling a new faith in the hearts of its listeners. Seth Pinnock enlisted the help of the outstanding
Lucy Grimble who is a renowned singer-songwriter within the CCM industry and
who also gives a heartwarming vocal performance on this track.
Lucy’s vocal delivery combined with Seth’s traditional gospel style
creates such a refreshing sound that captivates the listeners’ hearts both
musically and lyrically. This collaboration also exemplifies the unity that we
hope to inspire with this song.
 
– From a press release

Central City Productions announces plans to produce 35th Annual Stellar Awards as a virtual telecast

Editor’s Note:  In March, GMF posted a press release from Central City Productions announcing that the 35th Annual Stellar Awards was postponed until August. On May 28th, Central City Productions released its latest update regarding production of the 35th Annual Stellar Awards.  The official release is below.
 
(CHICAGO, IL) May 28, 2020 – Though celebrating the milestone 35th anniversary of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards has been delayed due to the ongoing global health crisis and pandemic of COVID-19, Central City Productions today announced plans to produce the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music” as a two-hour virtual awards telecast that will air in 3Q of this year. Replacing the live taping previously rescheduled for August in Las Vegas, the new show format will harness the power of technology and creative television production honoring the best in gospel music. The virtual production will acknowledge all winners of the Stellar Awards pre-show and main show, with select categories being presented in the broadcast. The broadcast will also feature inspirational performances from gospel music’s most celebrated artists, and special tributes to first responder heroes on the front lines of the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic.
 
“As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic closing venues in Las Vegas we are producing our Stellar Awards as a virtual at home television special to honor our Stellar Award 2020 nominees and winners, that will still raise the roof for our fans at home with great gospel music performances in a new format,” said Stellar Awards Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson. “Also, it gives us the opportunity to honor COVID-19 first responder heroes in appreciation of the great work they are doing to save lives during this pandemic. We hope to further inspire these heroes with tributes of thanks from our gospel music cast of Stellar winners and performances.”
 
Joining previously announced first time co-hosts Jonathan McReynolds and Koryn Hawthorne is Stellar Awards veteran host Kirk Franklin. The superstar trio will work together to keep the virtual television praise party lifted and flowing seamlessly throughout the evening. Confirmed performers include Donnie McClurkin, James Fortune, J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise, Travis Greene, Pastor Mike Jr., Kierra Sheard, and Doe, with more to be announced.
 
An important tradition at the Stellar Awards will be held for next year’s 2021 show, where Jackson will bestow well-deserved special honors and recognition upon gospel greats who have elevated the genre. The previously named recipients – The Clark Sisters, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Pastor Shirley Caesar in addition to gospel music industry leaders Dr. Leonard Scott, Skip Barrett, Kerry Douglas, and Dr. Teresa Hairston – will be celebrated for their contributions to gospel music when The Stellar Awards returns to Las Vegas next Spring in March 2021.
 
Tickets purchased for 2020 Stellar Awards events that were scheduled for August 14–16 will be refunded. To submit requests or for more information, visit Ticketmaster.
 
Previously announced nominees for the 2020 Stellar Awards includes veteran gospel collective, Donald Lawrence Presents The Tri-City Singers who leads the field of nominees with nine nominations. Other top nominees include gospel icon and Stellar Awards host, Kirk Franklin and powerhouse singer, producer and performer Tasha Cobbs Leonard with eight nominations each; JJ Hairston (seven nominations), Bishop Paul S. Morton (six nominations), John P. Kee (five nominations), Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers, William Murphy, and Pastor Mike, Jr. (four nominations each). Maranda Curtis and Fresh Start Worship (three nominations each) round out the field of top nominated artists. For the complete list of the 35th Anniversary Stellar Gospel Music Awards, please visit The Stellar Awards. 
 
More of the biggest names in gospel and a few additional surprises are being added to the growing list of top performers appearing in this year’s show, presented by AT&T and also sponsored by State Farm.
 
“I am especially grateful and appreciative of the tremendous positive response we have had from gospel music artists, our advertising partners and over 200 television broadcast and cable partners around the country who have agreed to support our 35th annual Stellar Awards at home special honoring Stellar winners and first responder heroes,” said Jackson.
 
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production. Michael A. Johnson will produce and direct this year’s award show.
 
 

“God Is Love” – Steve Dalton & The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte

“God Is Love”
Steve Dalton & The Leviticus Singers of Charlotte (LSOC) (2020)
www.facebook.com/LSOC2014

Steve Dalton & LSOC God is Love cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Steve Dalton & The Leviticus Singers’ riveting vocals and soul-rousing lyrics minister to the brokenhearted and the downtrodden through their latest single, “God Is Love.” It is a powerful but simple message, packaged with an upbeat tempo, which serves as a vivid reminder of the all-embracing reach of the love of God.  Dalton’s finely calibrated declarations mixed with LSOC’s stylistic background vocals that are centered around God’s love will uplift your spirit and stir up your soul.  The ensemble’s vocal vitality and beats are contagious, and as you listen you will be transformed from tapping your toes, praising and worshiping, to eventually pointing to yourself in the mirror and singing, “He’ll never stop loving you!”

“God Is Love” is the first single from Steve Dalton & LSOC’s upcoming EP, The Introduction.

______________________

Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and life-long educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.

“Look to the Hills” – Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir

“Look to the Hills”
Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir
From the forthcoming CD, Look to the Hills (available May 29, 2020)
www.shanachie.com 
  
By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor 

In “Look to the Hills,” Reverend Luther Barnes and The Restoration Worship Center Choir harmoniously encourage us with a testimony of the unstoppable miracles that only God can perform. Allow this song to reach deep down into your spirit with the reassuring message that whatever you’re facing is gonna get better for you if you just “look to the hills and be blessed!”

Barnes adheres to his signature smooth delivery and relatable lyrics, which he co-wrote with the late Derrick Adams, and both will entice you to sing along and encourage yourself.  “Look to the Hills” is an amazing song – powerful and much needed during this national crisis. 


______________________

Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and life-long educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.