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.
Career-Spanning Memoir Embraces Independence, Defying Expectations & Straddling The Fences of R&B and Gospel Music, Faith, Race & Culture
PJ Morton is pictured with fans at his book signing in Nashville. (From Media Release)
GRAMMY® winning singer and producer, PJ Morton, has published his inspiring and life-spanning new book, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, via Worthy Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Aside from recent TV appearances on the Tamron Hall Show and CBS Mornings, Morton held book signing events in his native New Orleans, Nashville, New York City, and at his alma mater, Morehouse College, in Atlanta.
The memoir finds the 5x GRAMMY®-winner recounting and reflecting on a journey that continues to defy expectations and straddle the fences of music and faith, race and culture, expression and identity. As the son of beloved singing pastors Bishop Paul S. and Pastor Debra B. Morton, PJ Morton grew up grounded by the sound of the Church, but soon found himself drawn to R&B, pop and soul, writing songs that the industry, his family and community struggled to understand. In the face of mounting pressure, rejection and constant miscategorization, he committed himself to a steadfast path of independence: making music on his own terms, launching his own record label, and joining one of the biggest bands in the world (Maroon 5) while staying true to his New Orleans roots. The risks he took paid off, and through his trailblazing transformation from preacher’s kid to the busiest man in showbiz – performing everywhere from his local congregation to the Super Bowl with Maroon 5, collaborating with everyone from his father to Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jon Batiste and Lil Wayne – PJ Morton hopes to encourage readers and listeners to overcome obstacles as they seek their dreams.
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.
(Los Angeles, CA) Triumph Church, a 35,000-member Detroit-based megachurch with eight campuses and fourteen weekly services, has extended Grammy & Stellar Award-winning artist Brent Jones’ Artist-In-Residence into 2025.
Jones said, “I am such a huge fan of Triumph Church, Pastor Kinloch, Jr., First Lady Robin, and all the great work Triumph has been doing over the years, so what an honor to share my music ministry with the entire Triumph family well into 2025.
This year has been such an amazing year for my career—back-to-back #1’s on Billboard, 150-City ‘Best Life’ Tour, my historic 4-album ‘Quadruple Release,’ first time touring Asia, etc. To God be the glory for the awesome things He has done!!”
Named the “#1 Fastest Growing Church in America” by OutreachMagazine and the largest black church in the country, Triumph Church was founded in 1920 originally as Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. In 1998, Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Jr. accepted the call to pastor at Triumph. At the beginning of his tenure, Triumph’s membership was less than 50 people. Under Pastor Kinloch’s visionary leadership, Triumph has now blossomed into a multi-site phenomenon with more than 35,000 members and counting.
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.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. As an educator and professional school counselor, the topic of bullying tugs at my heart because the impact of such cruel acts—whether physical, verbal, relational, or cyber—is often long-lasting. I was touched to see Tye Tribbett share his own story on IG.
If you or someone you know is the target of bullying, stopbullying.gov offers resources for addressing the issue and keeping yourself and others safe.
Thank you for lifting your voice and raising awareness, Tye.
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 private, invitation-only memorial service was recently held at Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church for gospel great Cissy Houston who passed October 7, at the age of 91. She was under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. Her powerful voice and soulful performances left indelible impressions on the music industry and were passed down to her children, particularly her iconic daughter, Whitney.
Jonathan Landrum, Jr. and Hillel Italie shared more about Cissy’s life and career in their detailed report for The Associated Press. CBS News New York reported highlights from the two-time Grammy-winning artist’s memorial service on October 17th.
With her father Nicholas Drinkard’s encouragement, Emily “Cissy” Drinkard and her siblings began singing as the Drinkard Four. As others were added to the group, the aggregation became the Drinkard Singers. The Drinkard Singers went on to record a live album titled Joyful Noise, which was followed by Cissy’s 1963 solo record This Is My Vow (released under the name Cecily Blair). By year’s end, Cissy had formed The Sweet Inspirations, a lineup that included her nieces Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick as well as Doris Troy. Both Cissy and The Sweet Inspirations recorded projects over the next decade and sang backup for top artists of the day, including Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis Presley. In 1970, Cissy parted ways with the group to devote more time to her family and a solo career. While the tangible rewards for her artistry may be the Grammys she won in the category of Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for Face to Face and He Leadeth Me in 1997 and 1999, respectively, many contend that her greatest contribution to music was her daughter Whitney. In Whitney’s own words:
My mother taught me how to sing. I had the singing in me, but she taught me how. And she taught me through gospel. And she told me that if I could sing gospel, I could sing anything that I wanted to—because everything is rooted from that music...
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.
CeCe Winans Wins Big with Three Awards Including Artist of the Year, Forrest Frank Wins New Artist of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
Hosted by Tauren Wells, the Dove Awards “Unites the Song” with Meaningful Moments and Dynamic Performances and Announces New Venue in 2025: The Bridgestone Arena
CeCe Winans opens the show with “That’s My King.” (Photo Credit: Tessa Voccola)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 4, 2024) – The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 1, 2024, to a sold-out, live audience in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jonathan Smith was most awarded with seven wins including Producer of the Year. Phil Wickham took home four Doves including Worship Album of the Year. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans was another big winner of the night with three total wins including Artist of the Year. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, and Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram each received three awards and Forrest Frank, who won two awards, took home New Artist of the Year. The show aired tonight, Friday, October 4th, exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Returning host, Tauren Wells led the all-star, high energy, multi-genre night of music.
CeCe Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King,” complete with a 24-person choir. Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for his dynamic “Take It All Back” performance. Forrest Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/GOOD DAY” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room. One of the night’s highlights, introduced by beloved worship leader Darlene Zschech, was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes.
In a heavy yet worshipful moment, host Tauren Wells spoke about the many losses happening at home and around the world, including within the Christian and Gospel music community. Especially poignant, Wells played a personal audio text from Mandisa, who passed earlier this year, and reminded the audience how important it is to speak words of love to those around us.
“I know so many of you in the room received messages, support, and love just like this,” Wells said. “[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply. It’s a sobering reminder that our words carry so much weight. Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind. Let’s all remember to reach out to those we love.” The moment was capped off with a stirring performance of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” from Natalie Grant.
In a surprise announcement, the GMA revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Music City. The announcement was delivered in a video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey, and CeCe Winans carrying the Dove statuette from Lipscomb’s Allen Arena to Bridgestone Arena. (The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be live on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.)
Left: Chandler Moore performs. He took home three Dove Awards. Right: Bill and Gloria Gaither accept the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. (Photo Credit: Jamie Gilliam)
Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Bill and Gloria are legendary songwriters behind songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” As their names were called to receive the award, the audience leaped to its feet to celebrate the beloved couple. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither said, “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.” The GMA was honored to award Bill and Gloria Gaither the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.
To watch the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on demand on TBN+, click here.
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 acknowledges the passing of Gregory Kelly, Sr., gospel singer formerly of Slim and The Supreme Angels. Kelly passed September 4, after a period of health challenges.
A musical tribute and homegoing service took place September 13th and 14th, respectively. Both services were held at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, NC.
In addition to his tenure with Slim and The Supreme Angels, Kelly fronted his own group, Greg Kelly and Foundation.
The GMF community continues to send up prayers for Kelly’s family, friends, and supporters.
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 Rev. Janice Brown-Stephens. Brown-Stephens, the youngest of 14 siblings, transitioned on August 30, 2024. She was 80.
Born September 13, in Rocky Mount, NC, the singer, preacher, and pastor became most widely recognized as the singing partner of Bishop F.C. Barnes. Together, they gave us the massive traditional gospel hit, “Rough Side of the Mountain,” along with other favorites like “Uncloudy Day” and “The Lord Will Fix It For Me.”
The Reverend Barnes met The Reverend Janice Brown around 1979 while doing a radio broadcast in Rocky Mount on WSRV. On a reel-to-reel tape recorder, they recorded “It’s Me Again, Lord” for a radio broadcast; the response from listeners was overwhelming so they recorded it in a studio. In addition to “It’s Me Again, Lord,” they recorded “Come On In The Room.” AIR Records executive Wendell Parker heard it and brought it to the attention of Ron Freeman, owner of AIR, the Atlanta International Records, a subsidiary of Malaco Music Group. Freeman offered them a recording contract.
The Reverends Barnes and Brown recorded eight albums; their biggest hit was “Rough Side of the Mountain” which reportedly sold half a million copies and reached number one on the Gospel Chart.
Pastors Monte and Janice Brown-Stephens
Following Brown-Stephens’ departure from the duo in the late 1980s, she left the music industry and became a pastor in a small Jones County, NC town. Two decades later, she reemerged in the industry with a new duet partner, Monte Stephens, a former radio station owner who was the founder and then-president of Freedom Records in Murfreesboro, TN. The partnership began after Stephens’ now-deceased wife Dee heard one of Janice Brown’s recordings, insisted on meeting her, and ultimately invited her to record a project with Monte. Dee produced the new project and even titled it Alive and Well to clap back at Internet misinformation that the gospel singer had died. Unfortunately, Dee herself passed away from cancer before the album’s release. Several months later, Janice and Monte united in marriage and continued their singing and preaching ministry under the name of Ebony and Ivory Ministries.
Brown-Stephens and her husband were the pastors of Full Circle Church of God in Friendsville, TN.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for September 14, at 10 a.m. with a pre-celebration one hour prior. The services will take place at Deeper Life Church Ministries in Goldsboro, NC.
GMF extends condolences to the entire Brown and Stephens 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.
(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.
