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.

Official Video – “Wanna Worship” – Seun Ayeni

Seun Ayeni Wanna Worship cover art

Enjoy the official music video from Seun Ayeni titled, “Wanna Worship.”  Ayeni dedicates his debut single to the leadership of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide and Pastor J.K. Omoniyi
for “allowing God to bring an end to the 27 year-old dispute within the body
in their time.”


Five Questions With Modern Day Cure: ‘Jesus is the answer’

Modern Day CureBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Worship band Modern Day Cure has enjoyed warm reception since the release of their current single “Confident.”  With Aaron and Tamar Chipp at the helm, the Nashville-based group has shared their ministry across several states and venues since 2012, sharing the stage with the Newsboys, Sanctus Real, and other artists. 

Libra:  Tell us about the moniker Modern Day Cure.

MDC:  We get our name from Hebrews 14:8 which says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” To us, this makes Him the modern day cure.  Jesus is the answer the world needs today and He will always be.

Libra: How do you describe the band’s sound?

MDC:  Our sound can be described as contemporary worship with pop/rock elements.  We’re exploring new sounds and feel like we’re finding ourselves in this new season as a band.

Libra:  Modern Day Cure is a young band–just getting started–so to speak.  What do you want the band to be when it “grows up”?

MDC:  God’s given us a big vision, but we know it’s in His control and time frame.  We try to stay faithful with what He’s given us in the moment.  We like to say we’ll go as far as He takes us.

Libra:  Besides your own music, what’s currently playing in your personal music playlist?

MDC:  We love The Belonging Co (our home church), Elevation Worship, and Bethel Music.

Libra:  What else would you like to share?

MDC:  We’re in the process of recording a new EP to be released this fall…and would love to partner and serve churches, events and festivals. For more info visit www.moderndaycure.com.

"Confident" – Modern Day Cure

“Confident”
Modern Day Cure (2017)
www.moderndaycure.com

Modern Day Cure Confident cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

More than ever, we as the people of God and especially our young people, need music that encourages us to not only confidently face day-to-day situations, but face the future with confidence in the Lord.  Thanks, Modern Day Cure.  

“You know–that you know–that you know!”  Modern Day Cure, a Nashville-based worship band, helps listeners be self-assured that they will not be abandoned; left to their own devices.  Rather, they will look back over the challenges that God has brought them through and be “Confident”!

– Confident that God finishes what He starts!
– Confident that God will honor His promises!
– Confident that God will be with you until the end and forever more!

Modern Day Cure is led by Aaron and Tamar Chipp.  “Confident” is the contemporary worship single from their forthcoming EP.

___________________

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.

Winners of 49th Dove Awards announced; Tauren Wells collects handful of trophies

Tauren Wells wins four Dove Awards
Wells walked away with four awards at the 49th annual show.

Congratulations to all of the winners at the 49th Annual Dove Awards, which took place October 16, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.  Tauren Wells, Cory Asbury, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard were among artists with multiple wins on Christian/gospel music’s big night.

For the complete list of winners, click here.  The Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN this Sunday, October 21, at 8 PM CT. 

“Lord, You’ve Been Good to Me” – Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony

“Lord, You’ve Been Good to Me”
Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony (2017)
Peacock Music Group 
https://www.facebook.com/timandtheheirs/

Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony cover artBy Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Tim Woodson and the Heirs of Harmony pay homage to a pioneering gospel quartet-styled group with the current single, “Lord, “You’ve Been Good to Me.”  The number was popularized over 50 years ago by the legendary Five Blind Boys of Mississippi.

Sticking to the adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” Woodson pounds this toe-tapper with the same vocal intensity as Henry Johnson, who is heard on the Blind Boys’ version as this Heirs’ remake begins. 

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Woodson and the Heirs have been spreading the good news since 1992.

Gospel Music Fever, Libra Boyd nominated for 2018 DunAmis Gospel Awards

DunAmis Gospel Awards logoNominees for the 2018 DunAmis Gospel Awards have been announced and voting is underway.  

Gospel Music Fever Blog and its founder Libra Boyd received nominations in three categories. Libra is nominated for Female Musician of the Year and Gospel Announcer of the Year, while Gospel Music Fever Blog is nominated for Media Publication of the Year.  Michael Yelverton, Jerry Sadler & SOP, Deacon Authority, and Devin Paylor & IOP are also among several artists with multiple nominations.  

The DunAmis Gospel Awards was conceptualized by Bishop Terry Young to honor independent gospel artists, pastors, pastors’ wives, churches, and other local and regional talents.  The awards are voted on by the general public.  Click here to view the complete list of nominees and vote multiple times daily.

The DunAmis Gospel Awards will also bestow special honors on individuals with distinguished contributions to the gospel community.  This year, director/promoter/producer Dr. Walter Jones will receive the Local Legend Award; the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Bishop Eric Ellis; and the Trailblazer Award will be bestowed upon musician and minister Dr. Joyce Harbor.   

The DunAmis Gospel Awards is a ticketed event that takes place October 27, at Cornerstone Conference IPHC in Browns Summit, NC.  Red carpet arrivals begin at 5 PM and the awards show starts at 6 PM.

Brent Jones to join Childish Gambino on new album

Brent Jones and Childish Gambino
Jones (left) with Childish Gambino
Rap superstar Childish Gambino has tapped Grammy and Stellar Award winner Brent Jones to record vocals on his upcoming album.
 
Childish Gambino is the musical alter ego of multi-talented actor, rapper, comedian, writer and director Donald Glover, who has taken the world by storm with his “This Is America” video–which has garnered over 500+ million views and sparked vital discussions about gun violence, mass shootings, and racial discrimination in America. 
 
“It is an absolute honor working with the brilliant Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino!” says Brent Jones.  “Not only is he at the very top of his craft but equally important, he is a great human being with a heart for the people.  I’m truly humbled that he chose me to be a part.”
 
Jones is presently enjoying the success of his current single, “Open Your Mouth and Say Something.”
 
– Excerpted from a JDI press release

"I'll Always Be Thankful" – Duranice Pace ft. The Pace Family

“I’ll Always Be Thankful”
Duranice Pace ft. The Pace Family (2017)
Madison Music Group

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Duranice Pace is the eldest sister and a lead singer with gospel’s beloved Anointed Pace Sisters.  She’s appeared in a number of stage plays and once upon a time appeared weekly on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel as a Nashville Super Choir cast member, the backing choir for Jones.  Those who weren’t already acquainted have been introduced through video clips of her trademark entrances at family gatherings and impromptu performances at places like Walmart and IHOP, which spread like wildfire across social media.

At the family’s most recent Thanksgiving Day get-together, Duranice burst through the front door with melody.  Her musical family–which includes matriarch Pastor Bettie Pace and Duranice’s eight singing sisters–has come to expect as much, so the phone’s cameras were rolling.  The footage, posted by younger sister LaTrice, became an instant hit and within a few days, “I’ll Always Be Thankful”–the song that brought everyone joy, tears, and tears of joy–was released as a single.  It’s easy to see why the inspirational uptempo song of gratitude, celebration, and fond remembrance resonated with hundreds of thousands: “Here we are again sitting at the dinner table / Talking to one another / Ain’t nothing like family and friends…”

“I’ll Always Be Thankful” features the Pace family and is produced by Duranice’s nephew, Dennis Lamar Martin, Jr.

'Living Legends Concert' honors Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's as Williams readies for retirement

Lee Williams and the Spiritual QCs
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
 
Melvin Williams and Doc McKenzie & the Hi-Lites were among hundreds who filled Durham’s King’s Park International Church Friday evening to honor Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s (pictured left).
 
The four-hour musical was billed as “The Living Legends Concert: An Intimate Evening with The Legends Honoring Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s” and is said to be one of Lee’s final appearances with the QC’s in North Carolina.  The longtime frontman of the Tupelo-based group founded by his uncle in the 1960s plans to retire from traveling and performing this year.  In July, Daily Journal reported that the multi award-winning singer and songwriter is battling Alzheimer’s Disease.  Lee spoke with GMF in 2011 regarding fans’ concerns about his health and rumors of retirement.  At the time, he told GMF founder Libra Boyd, “That’s not up to me” and that he’d continue to travel and perform with the group “as long as [God] lets me.” (Read the related story here.)
 
Last evening, Williams led the QC’s and an enthusiastic audience through abbreviated renditions of the group’s hits including “I’ve Learned to Lean” and “I Can’t Give Up,” with support from fellow group members Patrick Hollis and Leonard Shumpert.  One of the evening’s most memorable moments, however, occurred at the conclusion of gospel great Melvin Williams’ 37-minute set when Lee, to Melvin’s utter surprise and sheer delight, reappeared on stage for “Cooling Water,” the standout song from Doug and Melvin Williams’ Duets project.  Minutes earlier, Melvin had credited Lee, who was featured on the recording with Melvin, for the song’s massive success.
 
Other musical guests for the Living Legends Concert were Doc Mckenzie & The Hi-Lites and area groups From the Heart, New Creation, and Chuckey Robinson & C.E.R.J.E.R.Y.  Lee was also celebrated with video tributes from industry colleagues Pastor Luther Barnes, Harvey Watkins, Paul Porter, Keith Wonderboy Johnson, and Pastor Thomas Walker. 

Additionally, he was honored with a proclamation from the City of Durham declaring August 24, 2018 “Lee Williams Day” and was presented a framed honorary gold plaque on behalf of event coordinator Clarence Harding, M4 Enterprise, and North Carolina gospel media.
 
GMF extends congratulations and deep gratitude to Mr. Lee  Williams for his notable achievements during his time on the gospel highway and for the example he has set in the quartet community.  Our prayers are with him for a blessed retirement and precious quality time with his family and friends.
 
See more pictures below and check out even more photos from the concert on GMF’s Facebook page.
 
  • Lee and Melvin Williams sing "Cooling Water"
  • Lee Williams
  • Doc McKenzie and the Hilites
  • Melvin Williams hugs Lee

Clockwise from top left: Lee joins Melvin Williams for “Cooling Water.” (Photo credit: Michael Boykin) / Radio personality Bobby Parker (left) presents Lee a framed honorary gold record on behalf of M4 Enterprise, its owner Clarence Harding (third from left), and NC gospel media personalities (in the background, partially obscured). Rosie Trenia Moore (right) looks on. (Photo credit: LaShelle Crump) /  Doc McKenzie & The Hi-Lites deliver a riveting concert of fan favorites. / Melvin weeps as he embraces Lee following “Cooling Water.”

Editor’s Note:  Lee Williams is no relation to Doug and Melvin Williams.

Luther Barnes to be inducted into NC Music Hall of Fame

Pastor Luther Barnes is among seven artists to be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame for 2018.Pastor Luther Barnes is among seven artists to be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame for 2018.

Luther Barnes is an award-winning songwriter, producer, and singer whose discography includes projects with the Red Budd Gospel Choir, the Sunset Jubilaires, and the Restoration Worship Center Choir.  His father Bishop F.C. Barnes, of “Rough Side of the Mountain” fame, was inducted posthumously into the NC Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

The induction ceremony is set for October 18, 2018, at GEM Theatre in Kannapolis, NC.  Other 2018 inductees are pianist, composer, and media personality, John Tesh; singer and musician, Chris Daughtry; record exec, Dolphus Ramseur; R&B/soul singer-songwriter and producer, Calvin Richardson; GMA Gospel Music Hall of Famers, The Hoppers; and blues guitarist, Blind Boy Fuller.

Editor’s note: In the initial post of this story, GMF inadvertently listed Calvin Richardson as Chris Richardson.  GMF apologizes for the error.