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.

"Not Yet" – Donnie McClurkin

“Not Yet”
Donnie McClurkin (2019)
RCA Inspiration/Camdon Music
www.donniemcclurkin.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Donnie McClurkin‘s life could‘ve ended in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 12, 2018. Many of us learned what happened hours later.  The miracle is that the survivor told us himself.

“Lost consciousness driving…but two human angels followed my swerving car with their emergency blinkers onto [sic] stop traffic ….drove behind me until my car crashed into the middle concrete island. I remember none of it except those two angels pulling me out of the passengers [sic] side of the crumbled TOTALED car..airbags deployed…crushed metal and Fiberglas [sic]!!”
 
“I AM ALIVE!!!!” (via Facebook @DonnieMcClurkin)
 
Not surprisingly, the Grammy-winning singer went on to pen the reflective single, “Not Yet.“
 
Thought it was the end this time
God said, “Not yet”
I thought that I would lose my mind
God said, “Not yet”
Thinkin’ ’bout my yesterday
Wondering how I got away
But death heard Jesus say
He said, “Not yet”

“Not Yet“ is a lyrical sentiment of God‘s grace and intent toward McClurkin. The beauty of the single from his forthcoming solo project is that like many a good song, the message is widely applicable to all who can testify of their own “not yet“ encounters with the Almighty. 

“Your Love” – Enin Perryman

“Your Love”
Enin Perryman (2018)
www.eninperryman.com

Enin Perryman Your Love art

By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Listening to “Your Love” is like being in a movie theater with surround sound.  Just like surround sound, Enin Perryman’s single creates a sensation of empowering love coming from any horizontal direction–360° around the listener–and brings you along with him to have you tapping your toes and ready to tell the world of your victories too. Prepare yourself to allow his rich sound–which occasionally ascends into his falsetto register–and captivating lyrics to take you back to a moment when you felt the overwhelming presence of the Almighty‘s love.  Through “Your Love,” the Atlanta-based singer, songwriter, and pastor assures you that Jesus is with you through any challenge that you face.  

Perryman, whose talents have afforded him performances and collabs with Usher, Quincy Jones, Prince, and others, is preparing to release a full-length project in 2019.


______________________


Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong 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.

Billboard nominees for 2019 announced

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Koryn Hawthorne
Koryn Hawthorne

Congratulations to this year’s finalists for the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.

Koryn Hawthorne and Tori Kelly earned nominations in each gospel category–Top Gospel Artist, Top Gospel Album, and Top Gospel Song. 

Cory Asbury, Lauren Daigle, For King & Country, and Hillsong Worship all picked up nominations in each of the Christian categories–Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album, and Top Christian Song.

Aretha Franklin received a posthumous nod for the album, Gospel Greats. 

The Billboard Awards will take place at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1, 2019, at 8 PM ET and will be broadcast live on NBC.  

Below are the nominees for both the gospel and Christian music categories.  You can view Billboard’s entire list here.

Top Christian Artist
Cory Asbury
Lauren Daigle
For King & Country
Hillsong Worship
MercyMe

Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly

Top Gospel Artist
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tori Kelly
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Marvin Sapp

Top Christian Album
Cory Asbury, Reckless Love
Lauren Daigle, Look Up Child
For King & Country, Burn The Ships
Hillsong Worship, There Is More
Zach Williams, Chain Breaker

Top Gospel Album
Snoop Dogg & Various Artists, Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love
Aretha Franklin, Gospel Greats
Koryn Hawthorne, Unstoppable
Tori Kelly, Hiding Place
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room

Top Christian Song
Cory Asbury, “Reckless Love”
Lauren Daigle, “You Say”
For King & Country, “joy.”
Hillsong Worship, “Who You Say I Am”
Tauren Wells, “Known”

Top Gospel Song
Todd Dulaney, “Your Great Name”
Koryn Hawthorne, “Won’t He Do It”
Tori Kelly ft. Kirk Franklin, “Never Alone”
Jason Nelson, “Forever”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “A Great Work”

34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners and Honorees

April 1, 2019 (Las Vegas, NV) – Central City Productions wrapped up the taping of the 34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Friday, March 29, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The biggest night in gospel music, hosted by Kirk Franklin, will premiere on BET Network on Easter Sunday, April 21, at 7pm ET (6pm CT).
The standout highlight of the evening was an emotional tribute performance by Kelly Price, Erica Campbell, and Regina Belle honoring the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Family members of the late legend–Brenda Corbett, Jordan Franklin, and Kecalf Franklin–were presented with the inaugural Aretha Franklin ICON Award to give posthumous recognition of her profound impact on the gospel music genre and unforgettable contributions.
The undeniable breakout winner of the annual show was performer Jonathan McReynolds, who swept the awards taking home eight Stellar Awards including AT&T Artist of the Year, State Farm Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Performance of the Year. Jekalyn Carr received three awards for Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, and Traditional CD of the Year. The Walls Group was awarded twice as Duo/Chorus Group of the Year and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year.
A special award presentation was also given to honor gospel legend Delores Washington Green of The Caravans with the Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award. Gospel star Yolanda Adams and Stellar Awards Founder, Chairman & CEO Don Jackson inducted James Robinson Jr. (Malaco Gospel), Jackie Patillo (GMA), and Phil Thornton (RCA Inspiration) into the Stellar Honors Hall of Fame. Quartet legends, The Sensational Nightingales, were honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
This year’s sensational lineup of performances included an energetic opening number by Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin stirring the audience to their feet performing new music, and a rousing medley by Phil Thompson, Kelontae Gavin, and Maranda Curtis. Other performers included Brian Courtney Wilson, Koryn Hawthorne, Todd Dulaney, Charles Jenkins, and Jekalyn Carr.
The show will continue to air around the country in broadcast syndication from April 27 through May 26 (check local listings). For more information visit us at www.thestellarawards.com. View the complete winners list below:
2019
34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners
Category 1
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 2
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” Jonathan McReynolds, Terrell Demetrius Wilson & Anna B. Warner, Entertainment One
Category 3
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 4
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr, One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
Category 5
DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Walls Group, The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
Category 6
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jabari Johnson, Day of Redemption, Entertainment One
Category 7
CD OF THE YEAR
Make Room, Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
Category 8
CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
Category 9
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds & Darryl “Lil Man” Howell, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 10
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Walls Group, The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
Category 11
TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit/SRT/Shanachie
Category 12
CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 13
TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
VaShawn Mitchell, Cross Music, Tyscot
Category 14
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Tasha Page-Lockhart, The Beautiful Project, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
Category 15
TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr, One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
Category 16
CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR
Make Room, Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
Category 17
TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR
One Nation Under God, Jekalyn Carr, Lunjeal Music Group
Category 18
URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
Category 19
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Won’t He Do It,” Casey Cross, RCA Inspiration
Category 20
TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
Category 21
CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR
New Direction, When All God’s Children Get Together, New Haven Records
Category 22
INSTRUMENTAL CD OF THE YEAR
(Category omitted)
Category 23
SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR
The Best of Fred Hammond, Fred Hammond, Verity/Sony Music
Category 24
RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR
God Knows, Flame, Clear Sight Music
Category 25
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Pure N Heart, “Be You” 15 Years Unplugged, Music2ChangeU
Category 26
QUARTET OF THE YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit / SRT/Shanachie
Category 27
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
Israel Houghton, Road to DeMaskUs, RCA Inspiration
Category 28
PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR
Your Great Name, Todd Dulaney, Entertainment One
THOMAS A. DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Sensational Nightingales
 
DR. BOBBY JONES LEGENDS AWARD
Dolores Washington Green
 
ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD
Aretha Franklin (posthumously)
 
STELLAR HONORS HALL OF FAME
– Jackie Patillo
– Phil Thornton
– James D. Robinson, Jr.
Gospel Radio of the Year Winners
MAJOR MARKET OF THE YEAR
WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta
LARGE MARKET OF THE YEAR
WFMI-FM 100.9 FM, Virginia Beach
MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR
WCGL AM 1360/FM 94.7, Jacksonville
SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR
WIMG 1300AM, Ewing
INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR
uGospel Radio, http://uGospel.com
GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR
Dwight Stone, WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta, GA

'Spiritual Awakening' gospel music TV program ends its historic 77-year run

Spiritual Awakening art
Photo | WRAL.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Spiritual Awakening, believed to be among the longest-running gospel music TV shows on the East Coast, will air its final broadcast this Sunday (March 31), according to the show’s host, Bishop Terence Jenkins.  Spiritual Awakening’s history dates back to the early 1940s.  The following is excerpted from the website of its parent company, Capitol Broadcasting:

Spiritual Awakening is a locally-produced gospel music program that evolved out of the legendary “Sister Gary Spiritual Program.”  It is one of the oldest continuously-running gospel music shows on the East Coast. 

“The Sister Gary Program” began on WRAL Radio in 1942 and made its television debut on WRAL in 1969. After host Mabel Gary died in 1978, the program title changed to Spiritual Awakening, with hosting responsibilities going to Gary’s sister, Sandra Byrd.

 In 1989, Ms. Byrd passed the hosting baton to her son, Otis Byrd, a local pastor. Reverend Byrd hosted for more than a decade before giving way to Sonja Hamm, who hosted the show for some five years before turning it over to current host Terence Jenkins in late 2005.

 Spiritual Awakening has been produced since 1990 by Dona Anderson–a former programming assistant at WRAL-TV. Dona regularly schedules top regional and national talent to perform and minister to a weekly audience on WRAL-TV and sister station WRAZ-TV.

 The show focuses primarily on gospel music, but it has also featured segments on spiritual dance and breast-health awareness. The award winning program can be seen in parts of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

 Spiritual Awakening has won the Torchbearers Award for Excellence, presented by the Raleigh/Triangle Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and also a Community Service Award presented by the Capital City Academy in Raleigh.

 Sunday’s broadcast, which is sure to be a bittersweet finale, features singer Tierra Martin.  It airs at 6am ET on WRAZ/Fox 50.

Doug Williams retires as president of Blackberry Records

Doug WilliamsJACKSON, MS (March 15, 2019) – After twenty-eight years of leading the label, Doug Williams is officially retiring from his role as President and CEO of Blackberry Records as of April 1, 2019. 

Williams was instrumental in signing such artists to the label as Bishop Paul S. Morton, The Canton Spirituals, The Williams Brothers, and many others.  Williams says, “We’ve had an incredible 28 years and made some history along the way.  However, God is leading me in other directions at this time in my life.”

Doug Williams will continue his involvement in the music industry.  “Music is my first love,” he says.  “Therefore, I’ll always be involved in some facet.  I still have a passion for singing, songwriting, and producing.”  When asked about the future of Blackberry Records now that he’s retiring, Williams states, “As of now, the future of the company is to be determined; however, we’ll make an official announcement once that decision has been made.”

Doug Williams was an instrumental catalyst behind Blackberry’s numerous Grammy nominations and Stellar Award wins. 

Kelly, Daigle, Crabb pick up Grammys at 61st awards

Congratulations to gospel and CCM’s winners at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, announced last evening (February 10, 2019) in Los Angeles.  

Tori Kelly
Tori Kelly

Best Gospel Performance/Song 
“Never Alone” – Tori Kelly featuring Kirk Franklin
Written by Kirk Franklin and Victoria Kelly

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“You Say” – Lauren Daigle
Written by Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, and Paul Mabury

Best Gospel Album
Hiding Place– Tori Kelly

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
Look Up Child – Lauren Daigle

Best Roots Gospel Album
Unexpected – Jason Crabb

Area Singer-Promoter James Dixon readies for 43rd birthday celebration musical

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

There are a couple of things you’ll always find James Dixon talking about: Duke men’s basketball and gospel music.  This year the gospel music enthusiast will celebrate his 43rd birthday with plenty of the latter. 

Dixon, formerly a drummer for the Sensational Nightingales and currently the lead singer of James Dixon and Company, invites you to celebrate with him and all his musical guests.  See the flyer below for details.  

Saturday, April 6, 2019
4 PM 
Denniston Grove Baptist Church
1031 Bethel Hill Road
Alton, VA  24520
Admission: FREE

Nominees for 34th Annual Stellar Awards announced; McReynolds lands nine nominations

Stellar Awards nominee Jonathan McReynolds
McReynolds
January 15, 2019 – Central City Productions announces the nominees in 28 categories for the 34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted again this year by history-making artist, Kirk Franklin on Friday, March 29. Contemporary gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds leads the field of nominees this year with nine nominations.  The powerhouse singer earned recognition for his work on the album Make Room (Entertainment One) as well as in the key categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.
With seven nominations, chart-topping soloist Maranda Curtis is recognized by the Stellar Awards voting body for excellence in the categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, Recorded Music package of the Year, and Praise and Worship CD of the Year for her work on Open Heaven (Red Alliance Media/Fair Trade). This year promises to pleasantly surprise the gospel audience with nominations for secular artists Snoop Dogg and Tori Kelly. Snoop Dogg garners a respectable three nominations for CD of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Special Event CD of the Year with his hit CD Bible of Love (RCA/Inspiration).  And Tori Kelly‘s angelic vocals have landed her three nominations in the categories of Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year with the smash hit “Hiding Place” (Schoolboy/Capitol), as well as Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for her collaboration on “Never Alone” (Schoolboy/Capitol) with Stellars host Kirk Franklin. Todd Dulaney is blessed with six nominations for Your Great Name (Entertainment One) for Artist of the Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Praise & Worship CD of the Year. Jekalyn Carr continues to rise higher in the gospel genre, earning five nominations this year in the top categories of Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year, and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for her work on One Nation Under God (Lunjeal Music Group).
With four nominations each, Koryn Hawthorne, Kelontae Gavin, Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, and Jarrell Smalls and Company solidify their staying power in gospel music, representing contemporary and traditional gospel, respectively. Hawthorne is recognized for Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Gavin has garnered nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Praise & Worship CD of the Year. Bishop Jones & CORSC and Jarrell Smalls & Company are vying for Traditional CD of the Year among their four nods each.
Other artists earning Stellar nominations include: Judah Band, The Walls Group, Earnest Pugh, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, Jason Nelson, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Jor’Dan Armstrong, and Brent Jones & the Waco Community Choir.
View the complete list of nominees by clicking here.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “I am extremely excited about our 2019 Stellar Awards nominees. This year’s multiple nominations of new, established, as well as secular artists are a testament to the continued growth and success of gospel music and its appeal to a wide range of audiences across all genres. The Stellar Awards continues to be committed to celebrating the best in music that inspires and uplifts everyone.”
The Stellar Awards show taping will return to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, March 29, 2019 and is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $200 at www.ticketmaster.com.
The week of activities begins with the Stellar Awards Independent Artist Showcase, taking place on Wednesday, March 27, with winners performing at the non-televised awards pre-show ceremony. The 2019 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, to showcase non-televised award winners. Also, the Stellar Gospel Radio Awards & Showcase will be held on Friday, March 29, honoring top radio stations and announcers serving urban gospel music audiences. Tickets for each event can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

"Open Your Mouth and Say Something" – Brent Jones

“Open Your Mouth and Say Something” 
Brent Jones (2018)
JDI Records

Brent Jones Open Your Mouth and Say Something artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

All right now!  Get ready to tap those toes, clap those hands, get your body in motion, and definitely “Open Your Mouth and Say Something.”  

Grammy and Stellar Award winner Brent Jones should’ve added an advisory label to this uptempo traditional choir jam because if you are driving, you will positively need to pull over to get out of the car and take a praise break–like back in the day when you heard “your song” on the cassette and stopped the car and–

Oh yeah, I did go there. 

Driven by the vocal hype of Waco Community Choir and a brass-punctuated music line, “Open Your Mouth and Say Something” will not only make you do just that, but it may very well become “your song” of the day.  So turn up the volume, get your shout on, and holler, “Hallelujah!”

______________________

Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong 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.