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.

Elder Goldwire McLendon, BET’s ‘Sunday Best’ finalist, dies at 95

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

GMF was saddened to learn of the passing of Elder Goldwire McLendon, 95, on December 17, 2025. Longtime gospel devotees revered the beloved singer and elder, while a wider audience came to know him as a finalist on the third season of BET’s Sunday Best.

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Ultimately placing as runner-up to Le’Andria Johnson on BET’s Sunday Best, he first captivated judges Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, and Tina Campbell with his audition performance of the Gaither hymn “He Touched Me.” At 79 years old, his velvet vocals, gentle “soft-shoe shuffle,” and unmistakable anointing endeared him to viewers week after week, culminating in a memorable finale appearance and the subsequent release of a 7-track project titled, The Best of Elder Goldwire McLendon (reviewed by GMF in 2012).

Still, long before he garnered acclaim from the gospel talent competition, Elder McLendon made his mark along the gospel highway. A soloist and former member of Philadelphia’s legendary Savettes, a recording group on the Savoy label, he was a fixture in the city’s gospel community for decades. His reputation for stirring the Spirit was evident early on. According to Anthony Heilbut in The Gospel Sound, it was McLendon who sang “Just to Behold His Face” at the 1970 homegoing service for Ruth Davis of the Davis Sisters, prompting gospel icon Clara Ward to fall out, “hollering long, loud, eminently musical shrieks.”

Most recently, in 2023, a new generation was introduced to McLendon when a video captured at his surprise 93rd birthday dinner went viral on social media. In the clip, McLendon is seen singing “It Is Well,” a moment shared by his granddaughter, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy. Music clearly runs in the family; his son, Antonio, Samara’s father, is a singer, songwriter, and musician who toured with Andraé Crouch.

GMF extends sincere condolences to the McLendon family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his voice and witness.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Philadelphia, PA. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m.

R.I.H. Jeffrey Newberry, Sr., of The Gospel Keynotes

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

Rise Again vinyl LP cover (1980). Jeffrey Newberry is pictured at the top center of the album artwork.
Rise Again vinyl LP cover (1980). Jeffrey Newberry is pictured at the top center of the album artwork.

GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Jeffrey Newberry, Sr., who transitioned December 14, 2025. He was 69.

Newberry joined the Gospel Keynotes in the late 1970s under the leadership of the late Willie Neal Johnson, the group’s organizer and frontman. His bass-baritone voice and charisma were featured on several of the group’s popular songs, including “Rise Again,” “Hold On (Just A Little While Longer),” and “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” the title song of their Grammy-nominated album.

At the time of his passing, Newberry was carrying the torch with his eponymous group, Jeffrey Newberry & The Keynotes.

A Celebration of Life service took place Saturday, December 20th, at Lighthouse Worship Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Present and past members of the Keynotes, along with Newberry’s grandchildren and son, Jeffrey Newberry, Jr., were among those who rendered musical tributes during the nearly three-hour service. Former Keynote Larry McCowin shared lively reflections and presented a resolution to the family on behalf of the group.

In tribute to his father, Jamaque Newberry emotionally described him as “a presence like no other” with “a voice like velvet,” who “sparked us with a light in all of us to be the best that we can be.”

GMF extends sincere condolences to the entire Newberry family.

2026 GRAMMY Nominees in Gospel/CCM

Nominees for the 2026 GRAMMYs were announced on November 7, and below are artists who received nominations in the Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music categories.

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Do It Again“
Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

“Church“
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters

“Still — Live“
Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing II, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters

“Amen“
Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters

“Come Jesus Come“
CeCe Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“I Know A Name“
Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters

“YOUR WAY’S BETTER“
Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & Pera, songwriters

“Hard Fought Hallelujah“
Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Jason Bradley Deford, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings & Brandon Lake, songwriters

“Headphones“
Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Bongo ByTheWay, Clifford Harris, William Roderick Miller, Lecrae Moore, Michael Render & Tyshane Thompson, songwriters

“Amazing“
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls,songwriters

Best Gospel Album

Sunny Days
Yolanda Adams

Tasha
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Live Breathe Fight
Tamela Mann

Only On The Road Live
Tye Tribbett

Heart Of Mine
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

CHILD OF GOD II
Forrest Frank

Coritos Vol. 1
Israel & New Breed

King Of Hearts
Brandon Lake

Reconstruction
Lecrae

Let The Church Sing
Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album

I Will Not Be Moved — Live
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Then Came The Morning
Gaither Vocal Band

Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah
The Isaacs

Good Answers
Karen Peck & New River

Back To My Roots
Candi Staton

See the full list of nominees in all categories here. The GRAMMYs are set for Sunday, February 1, 2026, and will broadcast live on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Sara Jordan Powell (1938-2025)

Homegoing service information for Sara Jordan Powell

Gospel Music Fever joins countless others in extending condolences on the passing of Ms. Sara Jordan Powell, who passed last week at age 87.

Ms. Powell’s Homegoing Celebration will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church in Chicago. The wake is scheduled from 10 AM to 11 AM, with the service immediately following.

Please read more about her life and music ministry from our friend Bob Marovich at the Journal of Gospel Music: RIP: Gospel Singer Sara Jordan Powell.

R.I.P. Rev. Dr. Delores James-Cain of Florida Mass Choir

Homegoing service details

The life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Delores James-Cain will be remembered with services in Lutz and Tampa, Florida this weekend. The pastor and gospel singer passed November 16th, at the age of 71.

Public viewing and visitation will be held Friday, November 28, from 12 noon to 7 PM at Heritage Christian Community Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. James-Cain was organizer and pastor. A private service for church members and family will follow at 7 PM.

A second public viewing will take place Saturday, November 29, at 9 AM, with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 10 AM at Bible-Based Fellowship Church in Tampa. The service will be led by Anthony White, Lead Pastor, with Pastor Floyd D. James, Sr. serving as eulogist. Interment will be at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive.

In the gospel music community, Rev. Dr. James-Cain was a noted soloist, directress, and workshop facilitator. Her recordings with Florida Mass Choir brought us classics like “Jesus Is the Light,” “Be Ye Steadfast,” and “Send Your Power.”

The GMF community sends up prayers for Rev. Dr. James-Cain’s family, church family, friends, and supporters.

Services announced for Bishop Christopher Brinson, Sr. (1964-2025)

GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Bishop Christopher Brinson, Sr., who transitioned November 13, 2025. He was 61.

In the 1990s, Bishop Brinson & The Ensemble’s “What If God Is Unhappy?” filled airwaves and churches while posing a poignant question.

Bishop Brinson served as executive board member and Bishop of Protocol of Visionaries In Covenant, Inc.

Homegoing services begin with a Legacy Musical Concert on Friday, December 5, at 7 PM, hosted at Phillips Chapel Baptist Church, 132 E. Glenn Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

A Celebration of Life follows on Saturday, December 6, at 12 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Shalimar Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, with viewing from 11 AM to 12 PM.

Our condolences are extended to his family, friends, and co-laborers in the gospel.

The Family returns with new music after 30 years

Dallas, TX – Bursting on the scene in the early ’90s was a unique ensemble of singers who gave birth to what we now know as Urban Contemporary Gospel Music.  Their unmistakable vocal style and flair became the sound of the ’90s and early 2000s. That ensemble was Kirk Franklin and The Family.  This iconic group lit up the charts and toured the world, collecting multiple GRAMMY®, Stellar, NAACP Image, and Dove Awards, and selling over 7.5 million records and singles that reached Gold and Platinum status. Their vocals were the backdrop of hits “Why We Sing,” “Conquerors,” “Silver and Gold,” “Now Behold the Lamb,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “Whatcha Lookin’ 4.”  The group is now known as THE FAMILY, and they are back!

After an almost 30-year hiatus, the twelve dynamic voices of The Family have returned to Gospel music with a renewed mission, shared healing, and a testimony of what happens when purpose outlasts pain. The Family members are: Kisha Grandy–Lee, Dalon Collins, Carrie “Mousie” Collins, Darrell Blair, Teresa Rucker, Jeannette Johnson, Yolanda McDonald, Ramona Barlow White, “Mother” Shelia Brice, Demetrice Clinkscale, Nelda Washington, and Stephanie Glynn.

The iconic sound, vibrant energy, and undeniable anointing that this aggregation of singers possesses remain evident today.  Their current single, “Jesus,” is heard on the chart-topping soundtrack from the movie Love Mountain.  With this single, The Family has been preparing for their reunion project TOGETHER FOREVER, set to release on October 3, 2025.  Their long-awaited EP is available now for eager fans to pre-order or pre-save on Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.

This 30-year reset of The Family is being facilitated through a joint venture between veteran producer and songwriter Ernest J. Lee (David’s Dance Music) and music mogul Kerry Douglas (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide). This dynamic partnership is poised to bring The Family’s nostalgic sound back to their fans from the ’90s and to the new generation of Gospel music lovers.

The Family gave a showstopping performance and a glimpse of their return at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards Pre-Show in August.  They are set to attend the 10th Annual Avidity Awards being held on November 1, in Dallas, TX.  They will be honored with a special musical tribute and the Avidity Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Family’s album release celebratory concert is October 12.  Hosted by Carmina Barnett and Aldren McCullar, A Night With The Family will take place at New Breed Christian Center, 4500 S. Riverside Dr, Fort Worth, TX. 

Services announced for Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Walker, pastor and gospel singer

Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Walker

GMF extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Walker, who passed September 14, 2025, at the age of 77.

For more than 50 years, Walker faithfully served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Rocky Mount. Within the gospel music community, he was best known for his cover of “One Day at a Time,” written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson. His 1970s recording of the song with the T.L.W. Ensemble brought him wide recognition, and he revisited it decades later in 2010 with his group, Thomas L. Walker & Totally Committed, on the Keep Me In Your Will project.

According to H.D. Pope Funeral Home, services celebrating Rev. Dr. Walker’s life and legacy will be held in Rocky Mount as follows:

Friday, September 26, 2025
Meet & Greet
5 PM – 7 PM
The Assembly@9121
9121 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, NC

Saturday, September 27, 2025
Lying in State
10 AM – 12 Noon
The Rocky Mount Event Center
285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, NC

Saturday, September 27, 2025
Celebration of Life
12 Noon
The Rocky Mount Event Center
285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, NC

Interment will follow in the Buster and Bonnie Family Garden in Nashville, NC.

2026 Soar Awards announces 9th annual TV taping in Chicago

American Idol Season 23 Winner Jamal Roberts and
Billboard Music Award Nominated Singer Kierra Sheard to Co-Host!

Soar Awards Transparent Logo

Chicago, IL – The 2026 Soar Awards will tape its 9th annual ceremony on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Greenwood Oasis in Chicago, IL. Widely recognized in the gospel music community as the celebration, “where music, media, and ministry take flight,” the Soar Awards continues to honor the most influential voices across the inspirational music industry. The evening will be hosted by American Idol Season 23 Winner Jamal Roberts and Billboard Music Award nominated gospel star, Kierra Sheard.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the 2026 Soar Awards as we continue to celebrate the very best in music, media, and ministry,” says Soar Awards founder Justin Francis. “This year will be our biggest yet, filled with unforgettable moments that honor the legacy and future of gospel and inspirational arts.”

This year’s program will feature poignant musical tributes to gospel music legends Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, and Erica Campbell. They will honor Pastor Chris Harris Sr. of the Bright Star Community Outreach in Chicago for his vast community philanthropy. There will be a special tribute to Bishop Leonard Scott, who specializes in recording hymns and who is also the founder of the oldest existing black gospel label in the USA, Tyscot Records. Scott’s tribute will celebrate Tyscot Records’ 50th Anniversary—a milestone moment in gospel music history. 

Several leading artists have already been confirmed to perform. Gold-selling artists such as John P. Kee, Dante Bowe, Le’Andria Johnson, and Anthony Brown & group therAPy will be joined by gospel crooner Jason Nelson and quartet queen Lisa Knowles-Smith & the Brown Singers for a night of dramatic performances.

For the first time, the Soar Awards will expand its categories beyond music to celebrate outstanding achievements in Media and Ministry. The new fan-voted categories include:

·      Media: Podcast of the Year, Personality of the Year, Influencer of the Year

·      Ministry: Breakout Preacher of the Year, Preacher of the Year, Author of the Year

In addition, the Soar Awards will present its inaugural Ministry Honoree and the first-ever Ministry ICON Award in the inspirational media sector.

Musical categories will also broaden to spotlight the best in gospel and inspirational music, including Music Artist of the Year, Church Anthem of the Year, Most Played Song of the Year, Breakout Artist of the Year, and more. Final nominees will be announced in October 2025.

Launching alongside the awards show, the Soar Awards Experience will debut in 2026, featuring special events and activations leading up to the main ceremony.

The Soar Awards continues to raise the standard for celebrating music, media, and ministry—creating powerful, inspiring moments for audiences worldwide. The event takes place Monday, March 2, 2026, at Greenwood Oasis, 7621 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619. The pre-show starts at 5:30 PM and the main show starts at 7 PM.

CeCe Winans’ global legacy grows through record-breaking tour, international honors & humanitarian work

CeCe Winans: African leg of More Than This World Tour

(Los Angeles, CA) – CeCe Winans continues to stand as one of the most commanding voices in music, building on a legacy defined by both critical acclaim, spiritual impact, and heartfelt service. Her latest More Than This World Tour has expanded into a global phenomenon, marking her first international tour in more than a decade and reinforcing her influence as both an artist and evangelist.

The international tour spanned 11 countries across 3 continents, drawing more than 100,000 people worldwide. Highlights included:

  • Kingston, Jamaica – over 20,000 in attendance, where she was honored with the Key to the City and an official Mayoral Citation from Mayor Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to gospel music and her life-changing global influence.
  • Port of Spain, Trinidad – a sold-out crowd of more than 12,500.
  • Africa – her first tour across the continent in over a decade, where a 7-city run drew nearly 50,000 people in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya.

The Africa leg of the tour ended with a deeply personal moment in Nairobi, Kenya, where Winans partnered with Compassion International to visit a local church and deliver food and toiletries to a family in need, underscoring her commitment to ministry beyond the stage.

Reflecting on the experience, Winans shared:

Walking into concerts filled with people from every corner of the world singing these songs of faith was overwhelming. This tour has reminded me that music truly transcends borders. It unites us, strengthens us, and draws us closer to God. And being able to step off the stage and serve communities, like my time in Kenya with Compassion International, was a powerful reminder that this calling is always bigger than me.

By the end of 2025, Winans will have performed more than 90 concerts worldwide, with the More Than This Tour continuing into Spring 2026 for its final bow. The record-breaking success of this tour reaffirms her place as one of gospel music’s most influential figures, inspiring generations with a message of faith, hope, and love.