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.
(Chicago, IL) Jerrold Norwood, a founding member of the platinum-selling Chicago-based gospel music ensemble Shekinah Glory Ministry, passed away of cancer complications on August 4, 2024.
“The members of Shekinah Glory Ministry aren’t just fellow worshippers or fellow singers or fellow musicians, we are family,” was a statement posted on Shekinah Glory Ministry’s Facebook page. “We regretfully announce the passing of one of our original members, Jerrold Paine Norwood. Jerrold was a giant of a worshipper, a threat to the devil, a warrior to those who were unhoused and downtrodden. A devout family man and our dear brother.”
The ebullient Jerrold Paine Norwood was born January 3, 1964, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in the area and was a founding member of Shekinah Glory Ministry when it first organized circa 1999. The ensemble has earned five R.I.A.A.-certified gold and platinum recordings for hit recordings such as “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Before the Throne.” He led the song “Higher” from the group’s 2007 live album.
Norwood was a community-minded fellow who enthusiastically evangelized, passed out turkeys for the needy during Thanksgiving, and gave toys to kids for Christmas. He was the Director of Housekeeping at Niles Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. For the last eight years, he has battled cancer. It went into remission and later returned.
Norwood’s celebration of life takes place Friday, August 23, 2024 at 7:30 PM at the Valley Kingdom Ministries International location at 5300 151st Street, Oak Forest, IL. Norwood lived in Dolton, IL and is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Candace Marie Norwood, and their four children: Jalen, Jamel, Linnea, and Shayna.
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.
The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake takes the lead with sixteen nominations including Artist of the Year. Jeff Pardo received eleven nominations with Chris Brown, Chandler Moore and Jonathan Smith each receiving ten. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine lead the female nominees with five nominations each. Nominees were announced earlier this morning (July 24) on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells.
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Monday, October 1, 2024, at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, Friday, October 4, 2024 at 8 pm and 10 pm ET. A re-broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, October 11th, at 8 pm and 10 pm ET.
“I love this moment each year when we get to announce our nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “The Dove Awards are about spreading the message in our music with the world and honoring the work of the amazing artists, songwriters, producers, and film & TV creators in our great community. I’m thrilled for this year’s nominees and can’t wait to celebrate in October.”
The theme for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is “Unite The Song.” “’Unite The Song’ is a heart cry for God’s people to come together in unity,” says host, Tauren Wells. “We get to come together out of our individual corners, from each different stream within the church, to unite around this one song, holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,500 submitted entries. Final round voting will run from August 1st through August 8th, 2024.
Below is a list of the nominations announced on SiriusXM The Message. For the complete list of nominees visit doveawards.com.
Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com “All Things” (Writer) Kirk Franklin
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” (Writers) Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore
“Holy Forever” (Writers) Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham
“I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)” (Writers) Jon Reddick, Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jonathan Smith
“More Than Able” (Writers) Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine
“Praise” (Writers) Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes
“Praise You Anywhere” (Writers) Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley
“Thank God I Do” (Writers) Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess
“This Is Our God” (Writers) Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett
“Trust In God” (Writers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Mitch Wong
Artist of the Year Anne Wilson Brandon Lake CeCe Winans for KING + COUNTRY Lauren Daigle
New Artist of the Year Presented by Cantinas Foundation Charity Gayle Forrest Frank Josiah Queen Seph Schlueter Terrian
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year “Love Like That” – Hulvey (ft. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean) “IGWT” – Jon Keith, KB “Miracles” – KB, Lecrae “In the Light” – Wande “Hard Work God First” – Zauntee
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year “Strong” – Anne Wilson “Any More” – CAIN “GOOD DAY” – Forrest Frank “The Prodigal” – Josiah Queen “Counting My Blessings” – Seph Schlueter
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year “Praying Woman” – Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson) “If I Got Jesus” – Ben Fuller “tell the devil” – Joseph Habedank “Man On The Middle Cross” – Rhett Walker “Lookin’ For You” – Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year “I Believe God” – Jekalyn Carr “God Is (Radio Edit)” – Melvin Crispell III “When I Think (Live)” – Ricky Dillard “In My Name” – Smokie Norful “Burdens Down (Live)” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
CeCe Winans at the GMA Dove Awards in 2021 | Photo Credit: Terry Wyatt
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI “That’s My King” – CeCe Winans “Lead Us Again” – DOE “All Yours” – Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown) “Fill The Room” – Michael Bethany “The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” – Naomi Raine
Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI “Praise You Anywhere” – Brandon Lake “Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” – Cody Carnes “Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore) “Trust In God” – Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown) “I Believe” – Phil Wickham
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake Jesus Music – CAIN Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack – for KING + COUNTRY Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) – Tauren Wells
Feature Film of the Year Journey To Bethlehem Ordinary Angels Sound of Freedom The Blind Unsung Hero
Television Series of the Year Chasing CAIN God. Family. Football. Jonathan & Jesus The Wingfeather Saga When Calls the Heart
Gospel Worship Album of the Year More Than This – CeCe Winans The Maverick Way Complete – Maverick City Music Overflow – Michael Bethany Cover The Earth (Live in New York) – Naomi Raine The Journey – Todd Dulaney
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year Presented by Secuencias.com “Tantas Historias” – Christine D’Clario “Donante de Sangre” – Daddy Yankee “Danza” – KB, Niko Eme, Cardec Drums “Amén” – Nacho (ft. Gilberto Daza, Alex Zurdo) “Babel” – Un Corazón
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year “Until We Fly Away” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound “Make the Morning Worth the Midnight” – Gaither Vocal Band “Here Come Jesus” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney) “Sheaves (Dedicated to Isabel)” – Karen Peck & New River “Unstoppable God” – Kingsmen
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtus Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
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, NV) The College of Southern Nevada announced today (July 24) that Grammy & Stellar Award-winning recording artist & music educator Brent Jones is joining their music faculty starting in Fall 2024 as director of the 100-voice CSN Gospel Choir.
“What an incredible honor to join the music faculty of the College of Southern Nevada!” says Jones. “I’ve been blessed over the years to serve as guest lecturer at many top universities—Stanford, UCLA, Oakwood, to name a few—and there is nothing I love more than pouring into young people and encouraging them to ‘live their best life!’
“With my crazy touring schedule, Artist-In-Residence at Triumph Church, radio show, busy recording schedule, and just being a husband and dad, I’m not sure how I can add anything else to my plate[.] But to whom much is given, much is required. A very special thanks to Scheli, my wife of 31 years, for her unconditional support in allowing me to live out my dreams!”
With over 37,000 students, the College of Southern Nevada is the largest college in Nevada.
Jones’ current CD, Live Your Best Life! is presently at #2 on Billboard.
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.
(CHICAGO, IL) July 23, 2024 – Central City Productions’ highly anticipated annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” revealed the winners for the 39th ceremony. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards awarded various categories in a taped telecast on Saturday, July 20. Other categories were awarded in a Pre-Show nominee gala. The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8 PM and 11 PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 through September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4, at 8 PM ET/PT.
Tye Tribbett
Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr led in Stellar Awards 2024 wins. Tye Tribbett received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. The complete list of winners is below.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
SONG OF THE YEAR “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
ALBUM OF THE YEAR All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
CHOIR OF THE YEAR Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Melvin Crispell III
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark
URBAN SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR “Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.
TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR Category Omitted
TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music
QUARTET OF THE YEAR Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music
PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR “Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media
RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR “Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records
JAMES CLEVELAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Tye Tribbett
ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD Kim Burrell
TOP MARKET OF THE YEAR WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland
MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport
SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington
INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen
SYNDICATED GOSPEL RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin
GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is sponsored by Procter & Gamble with presenting sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and Executive in Charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
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.
The gospel music community is mourning the passing of Bishop Michael A. Brooks, who died on July 16, 2024, at age 62. The nature of his illness and cause of death were not disclosed.
Bishop Brooks was a founding member of Commissioned in 1982 alongside Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, and Michael Williams. He was known for his multifaceted talents as a songwriter, musician (keyboard/piano/organ), and producer who helped craft Commissioned’s signature sound.
In 1986, Brooks founded the all-female contemporary gospel group Witness, of which his future wife Lisa Page was an original member. (Many years later, the lineup would include their daughter and future Sunday Best winner, Tasha Page.) Witness became known for their powerful vocals and impactful songs under Brooks’s songwriting and production, further solidifying his legacy in the gospel music industry. He went on to produce and write for his wife’s solo projects and is credited for his work with a number of other artists as well, including Lexi, Young Artist for Christ Workshop, The Nation, and his own Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood.
Left to right: Debut albums by Commissioned (I’m Going On), Witness (Keep Looking Up), and Lisa Page (More Than You’ll Ever Know).
In addition to musical endeavors, Bishop Brooks and Lisa pastored Restoration Fellowship Church International in Redford, MI, a ministry he founded.
GMF extends its deepest condolences to Brooks’ wife of 27 years, Pastor Lisa Page Brooks; their children Tasha, LaTia, Sateara, Justin, Jessica, and the entire family; Restoration Fellowship Church International; and all who were touched by his music and ministry.
A tribute concert is set to take place Thursday, July 25, at 7 p.m. The homegoing service is Friday, July 26, at 11 a.m. Both services will be held at Christian Tabernacle in Southfield.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article inadvertently omitted Bishop Brooks’ daughter Jessica. GMF apologizes for the oversight. Thanks to Shelia Jones for making us aware.
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.
The church and gospel music community mourn the sudden passing of Bishop Kervy Brown, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 7, at age 65. He collapsed during a service at Greater Deliverance Temple in Danville, VA, where he was celebrating 15 years as the church’s pastor.
Bishop Brown was renowned for his contributions to gospel music. His earliest professional recording as a featured soloist dates back to 1988 on Rev. Charles Nicks Presents the Baptist Assembly of Free Spirit Churches Mass Choir, Volume 2, with the song “Victory.” Over the years, he recorded several solo projects. His latest solo single “My Turn Around,” was released in September 2023. He also guest appeared on recordings with GMWA, Youthful Praise, the late Rev. Timothy Wright, and most recently, Brian Spriggs & Nu Worship. Spriggs’ album, The Art of Choir Music, was released Friday, July 5, featuring the beloved preacher and singer on the track “I’ll Make It.”
Brown’s most well-known musical partnership was alongside his longtime close friend, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship. Brown was the featured vocalist on many of the Love Fellowship choir projects, leading such favorites as “The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow,” “Make It to That City,” “Never Leave Me Alone,” “I Will Fight,” and “Lord Do It.”
In 2018, Brown was elevated to the office of bishop. At the time of his passing, he served on the executive council of the Covenant Keepers International Alliance (CKIA), presided over by Bishop Walker. In a heartfelt statement released Sunday night, Walker described Brown as a “beloved friend and brother… [who] … has walked with me for over 40 years doing the Lord’s work in the United States and around the world.”
GMF extends its deepest condolences to Bishop Brown’s immediate and extended family, Greater Deliverance Temple, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Love Fellowship, CKIA, and the entire gospel community. In tribute, a segment of this past Monday’s Gospel Music Fever Radio Show on KWAY-db Gospel Station was dedicated to his memory.
Events to Honor Bishop Brown’s Life
Several celebrations honoring Bishop Brown’s life have been announced.
The victory celebration and public viewing is set for Friday, July 26, at 7 p.m., at Bibleway Cathedral, 215 Grant St. in Danville.
The national celebration and official homegoing service takes place Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m., also at Bibleway Cathedral.
An additional national celebration, “The Praise Finale,” is being held Sunday, July 28, at 6 p.m., at Pilgrim Renaissance Center in Brooklyn, NY.
More event details are on the revised flyer below.
On Monday, July 22, Elder Timothy Womack of Greater Deliverance Temple shared via social media, “Please denote change of venue for Friday evening service. At 7pm, the service will be held at Bibleway. Please remember the viewing from 3pm-5pm is for the members of GDT only along with the invited guest[s] of the Brown family (no exceptions!!!). Everyone is welcome to Bibleway at 7pm!!!!!!”
This article was last updated on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 7:45 p.m.
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.
Theatrical excellence was celebrated Saturday, June 29th at the 2024 ACE (Artists Celebrating Excellence) Awards, held in Greensboro, NC. Congratulations are in order for this year’s winners and honorees.
Best Church Play – Indie The CruciFIX Evangel Fellowship, Greensboro
Best Comedian – Indie Carla Simpson
Best Director – Indie Eric (Plae) Goodwin, A Man Like Me
Best Female Leading Actor – Indie Malikah Alston, Motherless Child
Best Female Supporting Actor – Indie Kela Houston, Vices
Best Male Leading Actor – Indie Steven S. Fields, A Man Like Me
Best Male Supporting Actor – Indie Brandonn Odom, WEDDING DAY WORRIES
Best Vocalist – Indie DeVonté Battle, Don’t Judge Me
Best Production – Indie WEDDING DAY WORRIES Reneè Nixon
Best Production Company – Indie K-Latt Studios Kevin Lattimore
Best Female Leading Actor in a Musical – Excel Morgan Jones, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz
Best Female Leading Actor in a Play – Excel Michelle Paris White, Theater Guild of Rockingham County’s production of A Raisin in the Sun
Best Female Supporting Actor in a Musical – Excel Adriana Herring, Winston Salem Theater Alliance’s production of The Color Purple: The Musical
Best Female Supporting Actor in a Play – Excel Lashon R. Hill, Theater Guild of Rockingham County’s production of A Raisin in the Sun
Best Male Leading Actor in a Musical – Excel Brandon Monroe, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz
Best Male Leading Actor in a Play – Excel Tony Browley, The Gallery Players Inc.’s production of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Best Male Supporting Actor in a Musical – Excel Dr. Clint Wilson, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz
Best Male Supporting Actor in a Play – Excel Otis Simpson, 40+ Stage Company’s production of A Raisin in the Sun
Best Musical – Excel Kernersville Little Theater’s production of Into the Woods
Best Play – Excel NC Black Rep’s production of Phenomenal Woman
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
Mabel P. Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Stephanie “Asabi” Howard
Independent Playwright Award Rory D. Sheriff
Artistic Achievement Award James Lyons
Outstanding Stage Manager Award Shaliah Haith-Ince
The ACE Awards was founded by Bishop Terry L. Young with the mission to “bring recognition to the great works being done in Theatre, Film and Performing Arts, to honor their artistic heritage and to provide a platform and a meeting ground for this extensive community.” Bishop Young is also the founder of the DunAmis Gospel Awards.
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.
CCMG also announces hiring of Alexandria Dollar as Senior Director of A&R
Walter Thomas and Alexandria Dollar (Photo Credit: Austin Lord)
Nashville, TN (June 26, 2024) – Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has announced the promotion of Walter Thomas to Vice President of Artist Development at Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records. Additionally, Alexandria “Dria” Dollar has joined CCMG in the role of Senior Director of A&R at TAMLA & Motown Gospel.
The new position takes Thomas from Director of Artist Development for CCMG in 2023 to his new role which comes with expanded responsibilities including overseeing the growth and nurturing of the company’s artist roster and development initiatives along with facilitating its marketing initiatives. He reports to CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. Prior to arriving at CCMG, Thomas served as CEO of Agency 22 Music & Entertainment, managing artists such as DOE, JJ Hairston, Jonathan McReynolds, Maverick City Music, Smokie Norful and more.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Vice President of Artist Development for Motown Gospel and TAMLA,” says Thomas. “These iconic labels have a legacy of inspiring and uplifting music, and I am committed to continuing this tradition by developing the next generation of extraordinary artists. I am equally thrilled to welcome Alexandria Dollar as our new Senior Director of A&R. Alexandria’s innovative approach and keen ear for talent are unmatched, and I am confident that together we will elevate our artists to new heights. This is an exciting time for us, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish at Motown Gospel and TAMLA.”
“Walter Thomas is a great music executive and we are confident he’ll excel in this new role,” shared Brad O’Donnell, CCMG Co-President. “He has great instincts and strong relationships across the entire industry. I know he’ll serve our artists and partners well in this expanded capacity.”
“I want to congratulate Walter in his new role,” added Hudson Plachy, CCMG Co-President. “We are excited about what he brings to this company and the industry overall. He’s an experienced executive who is innovative and creative along with passion to serve artists.”
Dollar, a two-time GRAMMY Award winner and recipient of Stellar and Dove Awards, brings a wealth of industry experience and an unparalleled ear for identifying the next big acts across positive hip-hop, R&B, and beyond. In her new position she will work closely with Thomas and spearhead efforts to discover, develop, and sign new talent. Prior to joining CCMG, Dollar served as Director of A&R at Reach Records in Atlanta, GA. collaborating with many of music’s biggest names, including Lecrae, For King + Country, Kirk Franklin, Chloe x Halle, PJ Morton, The Disney Channel, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and more.
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 saddened to receive news of the passing of Cleave Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees. Cleave passed June 11, at age 96. Born January 8, 1928, Cleave was a cherished member of a family of singers who went on to significantly impact the quartet music scene.
The Pilgrim Jubilee Singers started in Mississippi with Cleave’s brothers Theophilus “Hoppy” Graham and Elgie C.B. Graham alongside their cousin Monroe Hatchett and cousins-in-law Alfred Brownlee and Willis Johnson. After a brief disbandment in the late 1940s, the group regrouped in Chicago in the early 1950s, with Cleave, Hoppy, Elgie, and Monroe. Major Roberson was also added to the roster and later on, Cleave’s younger brother Clay.
Throughout their career, the Pilgrim Jubilees, as they came to be called, recorded for several labels, including Nashboro, Peacock, Savoy, and Malaco, and traveled extensively on the quartet circuit. They won the admiration of audiences not only with their charisma but also with Cleave’s rollicking drives like “Wonderful,” “Don’t Let Him Down,” and “Safety of Your Soul,” and Clay’s compelling sermonettes as heard in “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Barnyard.”
The Pilgrim Jubilees, a biography written by Alan Young and published in 2001, documents the group’s rich history and offers fans and new enthusiasts deeper insight into the Jubes’ musical legacy.
Cleave was the group’s longest active member. Clay passed away in 2018. Major died eight years prior, in 2010. Ben Chandler, another longtime member, transitioned in 2012.
Funeral arrangements have been announced by the family as follows:
Visitation Thursday, June 20, 2024 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Maggie’s Bereavement Services South Chicago Chapel Funeral Home 2939 East 95th Street Chicago, IL 60617
Musical Tribute Thursday, June 20, 2024 7:30 p.m. Prayer Center Baptist Church 1432 West 79th Street Chicago, IL 60620
Homegoing Celebration Friday, June 21, 2024 Wake: 10:00 a.m. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Saint John Church of God in Christ 7527 South Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60619
GMF extends condolences to the Graham family and the Pilgrim Jubilees. Another soldier is at rest.
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.
Bernie McLean, a retired music executive who was pivotal in the careers of numerous gospel and urban artists, has died at 80. Known for his work with Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, and the platinum-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry, McLean made significant contributions to the music industry. His promotional efforts helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve hits like “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Jesus.”
A Celebration of Life service takes place June 14, 2024, at 11 AM at Valley Kingdom Ministries, Oak Forest, IL.
Born June 6, 1943, in New York City, McLean excelled in basketball at Aviation High School and the New York Institute of Technology. He obtained an engineering degree from the latter and a second one from Adelphi University before beginning a 30-year tenure at General Electric.
McLean transitioned into music promotions and artist management in the 1990s and worked with a number of urban artists such as Yvonne Gage, Too $hort, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and RUSSOUL. In 2001, he became the first promotions manager at Kingdom Records, founded by his friend Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, who had formed an aggregation of singers that became Shekinah Glory Ministry worship ensemble. McLean helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve gold status for “Praise Is What I Do” as well as four gold and platinum certifications for other projects. In 2003, he was promoted to Vice President and A&R Director, working with The Whispers, Phil Tarver, and The Brown Sisters of Chicago, among others. McLean retired in 2016.
He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Tiffany, sons Phil and Ashaunte, grandchildren, and extended family.
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.
