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.

Nominees for 50th Annual Dove Awards

50th annual Dove Awards nominee, Lauren Daigle
 
Nominees for the 50th annual Dove Awards have been announced.  Lauren Daigle (pictured) leads with six nominations, closely followed by For King & Country and Kirk Franklin’s five.  Tasha Cobbs Leonard is among three artists who received four nods.  The complete list of nominees is available here.

The 2019 awards show will take place October 15 in Nashville and will air October 20 at 8 PM ET, on TBN.

Congratulations to all nominees!

Tessie Hill remembered as ‘powerful and anointed’ gospel singer

 

Tessie HillFamily, friends, and the gospel community are preparing to bid Tessie Hill farewell this week. The gospel great died Sunday night, July 28, 2019.
 
In the 1960s, the Detroit singer was often a featured vocalist with the Original Church of God in Christ Radio Choir. The church was pastored by her husband, the late Rev. Lonnie Hill. In the 1970s, she continued recording as a solo artist signed to the HOB and Peacock labels. Among her standout recordings was “Great Things” from her self-titled vinyl LP. Lady Hill’s latest recording, Stepping Out, was released in 2015.
 
Over the weekend, Pastor Shirley Caesar took to Facebook to express condolences, remembering Lady Hill as a powerhouse.
 
 
“What could I say about the late great Tessie Hill, better known to many others as ‘Mama Tessie’? Well, I can tell you that I met her many years ago when I was singing with the Caravans. [She was] one of the ‘singingest’ women that you’d ever want to hear. Late last year, 2018, she came to our church in Raleigh, NC…and when that woman started singing in our morning worship, I had to sit my little self down. That woman had such a powerful and an anointed voice! And I want you to know that we will forever be thankful and grateful that God blessed her to come and to be such a wonderful blessing to all mankind. Those that knew her, those that sat under her singing ministry, we will forever remember Tessie Hill.”  
 

Arrangements for Tessie Hill are as follows:

 
Viewing
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Noon – 8 PM
Swanson Funeral Home
14751 W. McNichols
Detroit, MI
 
Homegoing Service
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
10:30 AM – Family Hour
11:00 AM – Service
Citadel of Praise
20280 Lyndon Street
Detroit, MI
 
Repast
Charles J. Edison
24444 W. 7 Mile Road
Detroit, MI
 
This video posted to Facebook by Jacqueline Brinkley on October 29, 2017, shows Hill singing at the Mount Calvary Word of Faith Holy Church, where Pastor Caesar serves as senior pastor.
 
Tessie Hill Photo Credit | Detroit Public Library Digital Collections – shorturl.at/uxyEX
 

"Isaiah Song" – Yemi Ayeni

“Isaiah Song”
Yemi Ayeni (2019)
WTL Records
www.yemiayeni.com

Yemi Ayeni cover art for "Isaiah Song"By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

The sultry voice of Yemi Ayeni in “Isaiah Song” evokes profuse peace and calm as you marvel the holiness of the Lord of Hosts.  It is a mode of worship–inspired by Isaiah 6:1-3–that has the capacity to release you from the anxiety and stress of any current situation, redirecting you to join in with Yemi in seeing the Lord “high and lifted up.”

By the time “Isaiah Song” ascends to its climax, you are likely engulfed with praise and chanting with the background chorus of celestial voices, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts / The whole earth is filled with His glory!”

Yemi is a UK-based singer-songwriter and youth and music minister, and “Isaiah Song” is from her forthcoming worship EP.


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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.

Bishop Andrew J. Ford, II passes from labor to reward

Bishop Andrew FordGMF is sad to report the passing of Bishop Andrew J. Ford, II.  Ford died Friday, July 19, in New Jersey.

Bishop Ford was the presiding prelate of Next Generation Fellowship Ministries, Inc. and pastor of Philadelphia’s Ford Memorial Temple Baptist Church, the latter founded (as Highway Christian Church of Christ) and pastored by his father Bishop Andrew J. Ford, Sr. until his death in 1993.  Bishop Ford was also a gospel music industry notable who is credited with propelling several artists’ careers.  His social media bio reads in part:

[Bishop Ford] is also the founder and executive producer of Sweet Rain Record Company, where he discovered, launched the careers of, and produced some of America’s gospel notable artists such as Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, The Reverend Ernest Davis, Jr. and Wilmington Chester Mass Choir featuring Rev. Daryl Coley, Southeast Inspirational Choir of Houston, introducing Yolanda Adams, and many others. During his tenure in the recording industry, he was considered ‘The Renaissance Man’ of gospel music, because of his unique ability in recording live choir recordings. His production company was affectionately known as ‘The Choir Boys.’ He has also trained and produced his ‘How Sweet the Sound’ and ‘TV One / Sony Choir Competition’ award-winning church choir, The Anointed Voices of Ford Memorial Temple.

GMF extends condolences and prayers to Bishop Ford’s immediate and extended family, church family, and host of friends.

“Wind and Waters” – Native Kingdom

“Wind and Waters”
Native Kingdom (2019)
www.nativekingdom.com

Wind and Waters cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Native Kingdom’s “Wind and Waters” puts passion and prayer to song with resounding hope and joy.  The warm melodious instrumental and intimately personal lyrics rejuvenate your spirit like the refreshing waters of a brook on a hot summer day, offering an encouraging message for anyone currently in the midst of a fiery furnace or a tempestuous storm. 

The Native Kingdom Collective is based in the Pacific Northwest and was founded by Ryan and Haley Smith and Reuben Wai.  “Wind and Waters” is Native Kingdom’s first original single. 

Whether you are relaxing or exercising, put your earbuds in for a natural mood booster.  “Wind and Waters” will usher you into praise and worship of the One who will be with you to the end.


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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.

“I Am More Than A Conqueror” – Tonya Lewis Taylor

“I Am More Than A Conqueror”
Tonya Lewis Taylor
From the forthcoming EP, I Am More Than A Conqueror (Available 2019)
www.tonyalewistaylor.com

I am more than a conqueror artwork

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Scriptural affirmations frame the premise for Tonya Lewis Taylor’s self-written and produced single “I Am More Than A Conqueror.” 

The mid-tempo contemporary track features Taylor and her backing choir engaging in vocal interplay to proclaim, “I am more than a conqueror; through Christ, I can do all things!”

Taylor seamlessly melds ministry and uplift in her music, including her other singles “I’m A Winner” and “Delayed But Not Denied.” It stands to reason; the singer is also a minister and empowerment coach.  

If you’re itching to hear another good choir tune, Tonya Lewis Taylor’s current single “I Am More Than A Conqueror” is sure to be music to your ears.

Dorinda Clark Cole to appear in Charlotte production of Summerville play 'Spare the Rod'

Spare the Rod Part 2 flyer
 
Tall One Outreach Ministries presents the award-winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child – Part 2,” written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville and directed by Trina Jeffrie (aka Sister Cantaloupe). The event takes place at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Boulevard in Charlotte, NC, on August 10, 2019, at 7:30 PM. Gracing the stage are Grammy award-winning artist Dorinda Clark Cole, gospel singing sensation Shawn McLemore, Tra’Lesha Willis, Rhonda McLemore, “Queen of Gospel Comedy” Trina Jeffrie, and renowned preacher, teacher, and author Apostle Aaron McNair.
 
A must-see story, the play is alternately a moving drama and a side-splitting comedy that will be talked about in families and generations to come. These insurmountable challenges have been encountered by most families. In this gripping and engaging dramatic piece, a woman is simply known as “Grandma” serves as the pillar of her surroundings. Her son’s family is in crisis, and those within her neighborhood are drowning in chronic troubles of their own. Through it all, Grandma seeks God on behalf of those who are not spiritually inclined enough to seek Him for themselves. Even those who resent her, such as her son’s sometimes-rigid wife, Linda, ultimately end up on Grandma’s prayer list. And when the walls of the lives of those around Grandma seem to come tumbling down, they know who to turn to for guidance and sound counsel. It’s not always advice that they want to hear, but it is consistently the precise word needed to steer them in the right direction.
 
“Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” portrays issues within the community such as family dysfunction, peer pressure, substance abuse, and other pertinent matters that are too often inadequately addressed or considered taboo altogether. Extraordinary drama, corrupt karma, a supportive pastor, and a praying grandma all come together to make “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” a must-see theatrical production. Infused with foot-stomping gospel music, this is soul-stirring entertainment that will warm hearts, tickle funny bones, uplift the spirits, and search the souls of all those who experience it.
 
The 2019 Charlotte production of “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” is sponsored by The Rock Worship Center in memory of Gabriel Michael Jacobs. Gabriel, the son of  Pastor Frank and First Lady Kimberly Jacobs, passed away
unexpectedly at the age of 12. Because Gabriel was best known for his big heart, his parents founded the Gabe’s Heart Foundation in his honor. The foundation recognizes individuals who display a giving spirit and a compassionate heart. A portion of each ticket sale for the Charlotte production will be donated to Gabe’s Heart Foundation.
 
– Excerpt from press release

“Hallelujah” – Doyin Johnson

“Hallelujah”
Doyin Johnson (2018)
For more information, email [email protected]

Hallelujah cover art

By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor
 
Get ready to close your eyes, raise your hands and usher in the presence of the Holy Spirit through worship! Doyin Johnson’s “Hallelujah” is an energizing, powerful worship song with lyrics that will lure you closer to Jesus.

Worship is a powerful spiritual exercise in anyone’s life. As you listen, worship and rejoice, for God’s grace has been lavished on us. We have received a generous, over-abundance of God’s love, grace and favor! Doyin invites you to join her along with all that was created to bring God glory—the 24 elders, ocean, mountain, and trees—to give God the highest praise, “Hallelujah!”

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.

Agnes Jackson of the Clara Ward Singers has died

Agnes Jackson

Alice Houston of the Clara Ward Singers informed GMF’s Libra Boyd this morning that the Clara Ward Singers’ Agnes Jackson passed Sunday, May 12.  GMF extends deepest condolences.

Jackson joined the legendary group in the late 1960s and was the featured soloist on several of the Clara Ward Singers’ songs including “Up Above My Head,” “It Is Well With My Soul,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” and “I Believe.”

Jackson was 87.  

Homegoing information is as follows:

Visitation

Monday, May 20, 2019
10 – 11 AM
Reliable Funeral Home
3958 Washington Blvd
St. Louis, MO  63108

Funeral Service

Monday, May 20, 2019
11 AM
Reliable Funeral Home
3958 Washington Blvd
St. Louis, MO  63108

Watch Lady Agnes Jackson with the Clara Ward Singers on The Flip Wilson Show (1971) here.  She is featured on “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”

“I Can” – Adaora ft. Papa San

“I Can”
Adaora feat. Papa San (2018)
Available at iTunes

By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor
 
Encourage yourself with “I Can” from Adaora Nwokoye’, popularly called Adaora. Pop it into your ears when you head off to work, school, or play. When you listen to this song, you’ll not only want to find the lyrics so you can quickly learn and sing along, but you’ll want to share it to lift up somebody else.


“I Can,” with its Reggae style and Caribbean feel, reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, according to the scriptures. We can start our day positively, and remain positive no matter what the enemy throws our way. Keep singing it: “I can do all things through Christ my Saviour / Nothing can hold me back or take my place!”


Adaora’s uptempo inspirational single features world renown Reggae maestro Papa San and is produced by US-based Nigerian music maker Lexisuger.

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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.