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.
Milton, North Carolina’s Faithful delivers a compelling message in their single “Walk On Walker,” produced by Antwon Timmons of Perfect Peace Music. Lead vocalist Danny Stewart encourages listeners to rise above negativity and gossip, drawing parallels to the unwarranted criticism faced by Jesus Christ.
While Faithful is rooted in traditional gospel, they could stride confidently down to a blues or soul festival with the music and message of “Walk On Walker” and leave a memorable impression.
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.
(Atlanta, GA) – March 5, 2024 – Washington, DC’s Gospel music lovers remember tuning in to the Afternoon Drive-time Show on the Stellar Award-winning Heaven 1580/WPGC-AM to get their daily dose of inspiration. In addition to hearing great Gospel music during the ride home, listeners also heard the smooth, captivating voice of Jaye Harmon. The veteran announcer was a favorite among area announcers and amassed a huge following while there. Although Heaven 1580 shuttered its doors in 2009, Harmon has continued making an impact in Gospel music. He recently prepped a new 2-hour Gospel countdown show called “Jaye Harmon’s TG 30.”
Produced by Harmon’s own JPE Media, the new show debuted on DAF Gospel Radio at DAFEntertainment.com on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Airing weekly at 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM, and 3:00 AM ET, the program will highlight both indie and major label artists impacting Gospel radio. Airing popular, inspirational music, the show features interviews during the “Indie Artist Spotlight” segment. In addition to DAF Gospel Radio, listeners can also tune in to the show on LP-FM stations, WWDA 101.9 and WFTB 104.1.
The new program is a high point in Harmon’s radio career. His launch into radio began as a student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. His passion for media was ignited there, and eventually, he was hired at his college radio station, WESM. He first “cracked the mic” there, but gained his first Sunday morning Gospel show at WJDY in Salisbury, MD. He was later positioned as an afternoon drive-time host at both WDIH in Salisbury and WWIN in Baltimore. Eventually, he landed at Washington, DC’s Heaven 1580AM, a CBS Radio station, also showcasing his talent during the afternoon drive-time show.
A musician at heart, Harmon is a drummer, keyboardist, producer, and former choir director. He is also a graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Production and a Master’s Degree in Entertainment Business. The owner of JPE Media, Harmon heads a full-service media production company specializing in voiceover and imaging for terrestrial and internet radio stations. Based in Atlanta, JPE Media also produces voiceovers for church videos, audiobooks, and documentaries. The company also offers video production services for social media promotions to a variety of businesses and organizations.
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.
Norfolk, VA – Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr., and The Board of Directors of The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) appointed Minister Earl Bynum, Th.D., as the National Chairman of The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals during the 57th Annual Board Meeting in Norfolk, VA last week. The GMWA, founded by Rev. James Cleveland in 1967, is a non-profit, international, interdenominational, unbiased, and voluntary association of Gospel singers, musicians, ministers, educators, and business professionals. The GMWA’s vision is to continue the heritage of Gospel music by academically preparing Gospel artists for the future, to raise the level of excellence in the worship experience, and to provide a platform where all forms of Gospel music can matriculate.
“Earl Bynum has been active in GMWA for many years, and he has paid his dues,” says Bishop Albert Jamison, Sr., GMWA Chairman of the Board. “The spirit of excellence is in him. He is a proven leader. We are thrilled to have him on board as the new chairman of The Alliance!”
“Earl has gained the recognition and respect of the Gospel music industry through his many years of service, contributions, and accomplishments,” states Bishop Brian D Moore, Executive Vice Chairman of the GMWA Board of Directors. “Earl will be leading industry professionals worldwide as we discover innovative ways to promote a greater presence and appreciation of Gospel music. We are pleased to have him on the team!”
The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals, formerly known as The Gospel Announcers Guild (G.A.G.), is an auxiliary of GMWA. The Alliance comprises individuals and entities working to raise proficiency and quality in the Gospel music industry, emphasizing promoting and advocating for religious broadcasting globally.
Dr. Bynum has dedicated his time and talents to Gospel music as an artist, radio and TV personality, minister of music, songwriter, producer, and mentor. He is a music mogul who serves with integrity and prioritizes the development and preservation of Gospel music. He is the Executive Director of Music at The Mount Global Fellowship of Churches, comprised of seven campuses. As a media personality, he has a nationally syndicated radio and TV show called On Stage With Earl Bynum. Dr. Bynum has served as 1st Vice President of the Virginia Gospel Radio Announcers Guild and as worship leader for the Annual Hampton University Minister’s Conference.
“I am honored to be chosen to chair Gospel industry professionals from across the world,” Dr. Bynum states. “Much of my music industry connections came from my years of attending the National Convention and National Board Meetings of the GMWA.”
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.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – March 1, 2024 – The City of Birmingham honored Brian McCoy with a proclamation for his 20 years of contributions and dedication to gospel music and cultural enrichment on February 21. Since its establishment in 2004, his platform, MyBirminghamGOSPEL.com, has become a cornerstone for gospel music enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive source of news, entertainment, events, and video content.
This proclamation was officially made by Mayor Randall Woodfin, underscoring McCoy’s influential role in the promotion, celebration, and advancement of gospel music within the Birmingham area.
“Brian McCoy’s commitment to showcasing and supporting local talent has provided a voice and stage for many artists, thus elevating the cultural fabric of Birmingham, Alabama,” said Mayor Woodfin in the proclamation.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage and look forward to the future of gospel music in our city,” said McCoy. “Gospel music is more than a genre; it’s a vehicle for inspiration, hope, and unity. Our mission at MyBirminghamGOSPEL.com has always been to uplift and showcase the talented artists in our area and to bring the message of gospel music to as many people as possible.”
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.
(ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 22, 2024) BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) will pay tribute to the songwriters and publishers behind the best in Gospel at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish Atlanta on Thursday, March 28th. Gospel legend and world-renowned evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole will receive the evening’s highest honor as a Trailblazer of Gospel in recognition of her illustrious career spanning over 50 years and incomparable influence on the genre and beyond. Jonathan McReynolds will receive the BMI Champion Award for his exceptional artistry and impact on Gospel music, marking the first time this accolade has been presented at this ceremony. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
“We’re thrilled to be recognizing our BMI family of songwriters and publishers for their contributions to Gospel music and the Gospel community,” said Brewton. “When I think of a trailblazer in Gospel music, Dorinda stands out as a pioneering figure. The Clark Sisters are among the legends of Gospel, and Dorinda’s distinctive jazzy sound lends a unique brilliance to the group. I’m so proud to be honoring her work and highlighting the impact she’s made on the genre and community through her music and evangelism. We’re also paying tribute to one of the most incredible voices in Gospel, Jonathan McReynolds, whose music is often referred to as ‘life’ songs, speaking to the hearts of all. We’re looking forward to celebrating all of our honorees and bringing the community together for an afternoon of faith, fellowship and incredible music.”
Throughout the ceremony, BMI will also recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs in the United States. The BMI Gospel Song, Songwriter and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the inspirational event.
Dorinda Clark-Cole, known as the “Rose of Gospel Music,” is a multiple award-winning singer/songwriter, a talk show host, and world-renowned evangelist. Born and raised in Detroit, Clark–Cole is the daughter of pioneering choral director Mattie Moss Clark, and is best known as a member of The Clark Sisters, one of the most successful and groundbreaking Gospel music groups of all time. Some of the iconic group’s crossover hits include “Blessed & Highly Favored,” “Hallelujah,” “He Gave Me Nothing to Lose,” “Jesus Is A Love Song,” “Pure Gold,” “Expect A Miracle,” and “You Brought The Sunshine,” to name a few. Throughout Clark-Cole’s remarkable career she’s received many accolades as part of The Clark Sisters and as a solo artist, including two GRAMMY Awards, two Dove Awards, three BMI Awards, 13 Stellar Gospel Music Awards and a Lady of Soul Award. The sisters also received a Lifetime Achievement honor at this year’s GRAMMY Awards, which followed a James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award at the Stellar Awards in 2020 and induction to the Black Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2020, The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel biopic, produced by Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott and Queen Latifah, premiered on Lifetime to over 20 million viewers.
Mastering a balance between music and evangelism, Clark-Cole currently serves as International Elect Lady of the International Department of Evangelism (IDOE) to the Church of God in Christ and is the church administrator for Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ.
Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Jonathan McReynolds cultivated his love for music at an early age in church and continues to share his music, heart, and journey as he travels the world professing the Gospel through his inspiring song ministry. The award-winning singer/songwriter has released six full-length albums including his 2018 release Make Room, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel charts, winning eight Stellar Awards and earning two GRAMMY nominations. In 2020, he released, People, which garnered his first GRAMMY for Best Gospel Performance/Song for his hit single “Moving On.” His latest release My Truth (2023) spent several weeks on Billboard’s Gospel charts and earned McReynolds a Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel/Urban Recorded Song of the Year for his single “Your World” and a GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Album. McReynolds has also received four BMI Awards and was named BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year in 2023.
In addition to his successful career in music, Jonathan has a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary and founded Elihu Nation, a nonprofit organization that has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to youth across the country.
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.
Gina Lloyd, psalmist and worship leader, recently dropped the single, “Set Me On Fire,” and it’s been making rounds on social media, even becoming the soundtrack for local and overseas dance challenges with its Afrobeat vibe.
The song unfolds with Gina’s invitation to the manifest presence of the Holy Spirit: “I feel you—your presence all around me / I want you to consume me / Consume me with your fire.” Yet, what’s striking is the juxtaposition of her light, occasionally airy vocals with the fiery imagery of the lyrics, especially by the time she proclaims, “I’m on fire!”
Lloyd is at home in the music industry, having sung backup for artists such as Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, and Melonie Daniels. She embraced her calling as a psalmist in 2006.
Overall, “Set Me On Fire” doesn’t quite deliver the intensity I expected from a song with that title, but that’s also what makes it worth a listen; it captivates in its own right. My sense is that a live worship setting gives “Set Me On Fire” adequate fuel to engulf the atmosphere.
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.
Lecrae took home two trophies at the 66th GRAMMY Awards.
Congratulations to the 2024 GRAMMY Award winners in the Gospel/CCM categories. Winners’ names are in bold and were announced on February 4, 2024, ahead of the 66th GRAMMY Awards live broadcast on CBS.
BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE/SONG “God Is Good” Stanley Brown Featuring Hezekiah Walker, Kierra Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard; Stanley Brown, Karen V Clark Sheard, Kaylah Jiavanni Harvey, Rodney Jerkins, Elyse Victoria Johnson, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Valencia Sheard & Hezekiah Walker, songwriters
“Feel Alright (Blessed)” Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, William Weatherspoon, Juan Winans & Marvin L. Winans, songwriters
“Lord Do It For Me (Live)” Zacardi Cortez; Marcus Calyen, Zacardi Cortez & Kerry Douglas, songwriters
BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE/SONG “Believe” Blessing Offor; Hank Bentley & Blessing Offor, songwriters
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” Cody Carnes
“Thank God I Do” Lauren Daigle; Lauren Daigle & Jason Ingram, songwriters
“Love Me Like I Am” for KING & COUNTRY Featuring Jordin Sparks
“Your Power”– WINNER Lecrae & Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“God Problems” Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine; Daniel Bashta, Chris Davenport, Ryan Ellis & Naomi Raine, songwriters
BEST GOSPEL ALBUM I Love You Erica Campbell
Hymns (Live) Tasha Cobbs Leonard
The Maverick Way Maverick City Music
My Truth Jonathan McReynolds
All Things New: Live In Orlando– WINNER Tye Tribbett
BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM My Tribe Blessing Offor
Emanuel Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
Lauren Daigle Lauren Daigle
Church Clothes 4– WINNER Lecrae
I Believe Phil Wickham
BEST ROOTS GOSPEL ALBUM Tribute To The King The Blackwood Brothers Quartet
Echoes Of The South– WINNER Blind Boys Of Alabama
Songs That Pulled Me Through The Tough Times Becky Isaacs Bowman
Meet Me At The Cross Brian Free & Assurance
Shine: The Darker The Night The Brighter The Light Gaither Vocal Band
The full list of winners in all categories is here: 2024 Winners List
Congratulations also go out to The Clark Sisters, who were among this year’s GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. The Special Merit Awards Ceremony took place in Los Angeles on February 3rd.
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.
Pastor John P. Kee is recovering at an undisclosed facility following an illness that has taken him out of the pulpit of Charlotte’s New Life Fellowship Center “for a short period.” This news was released in an official letter from Shelia Lakin, church administrator, and posted Sunday, Jan. 28, on social media accounts affiliated with Kee and the church.
The letter read, in part:
Our beloved pastor, John, will be taking a break from his duties for a short period to heal and strengthen his physical, mental, and spiritual body. He fell seriously ill a few weeks ago and by the grace of our dear God, [o]ur leader has been given back to us! We know him as a true fighter and he is yet fighting back in our midst! Hallelujah [sic]
As many of you may or may not know, Pastor John’s recent severe injuries caused him considerable personal pain and discomfort. In order to fully recover and regain his strength, it is necessary for him to take some time off from his pastoral responsibilities. This break will allow him to focus on his healing and ensure that he can continue serving our church and community with renewed energy and faithful dedication.
Lakin’s letter continued with a call for prayer, “asking for a speedy recovery and a renewed sense of purpose and calling.” The letter also revealed that “in the meantime, he has been placed in an undisclosed facility.”
Official Letter from Administrator, Shelia Lakin (Full Statement)
During this past Sunday morning’s service, Pastor Kee delivered a personal audio message to his New Life church family.
“Praise the Lord. If you’re listening to this message, you’re indeed a partaker of New Life Fellowship Global Church,” he began. “We’ve been called to effect change all over the world. God has used us mightily to do just that. As your pastor, I found myself in a position a few weeks ago where I didn’t know that I even existed. But oh for the grace of God, the warriors in prayer, my amazing team of doctors and surgeons, I’m here amongst the land of the living.” You can hear his full audio message starting at the 6:45 mark of the live-streamed service.
Our prayers are with Pastor Kee as he recovers from this health challenge, which comes on the heels of his mother Lizzie Shannon Kee’s passing at the age of 97 earlier this month.
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 extends its sincerest condolences to Pastor John P. Kee and the entire Kee family on the passing of Mother Lizzie Shannon Kee. The matriarch passed January 2, at the age of 97.
“Her hearts [sic] desire was for all of you to remember her for her beauty, her zest for learning and living life to the fullest. Always remember her voice, her smile, and the joys you brought to her life,” the Kee family shared in a statement.
A celebration of life service for Mother Kee took place Sunday, January 7, at New Life Fellowship in Charlotte, where her son pastors. A memorial service followed on Wednesday, January 10, at Durham’s Union Baptist Church.
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.
Rance Allen Group members Chris Byrd, Tom Allen, and Steve Allen, along with Murdella Wallace (sister of the group’s longtime road manager, Cecilia Wallace) accept their framed gold plaques.
After six decades of music, the Rance Allen Group has earned its first RIAA certified gold record.
The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) closed 2023 with an armful of new gold and platinum certifications by the likes of Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Bobby Darin, and Justin Bieber. Among those new awards was a first-time certification for the Rance Allen Group’s classic track “Something About the Name Jesus” (Tyscot Records), which was certified gold for 500,000 sales on December 27, 2023. The song is from the legendary gospel group’s 2004 GRAMMY® Award nominated album, The Live Experience (Tyscot Records).
Rance Allen’s brothers Steve and Tom Allen; longtime producer, Chris Byrd; and Murdella Wallace, sister of the group’s longtime road manager, Cecilia Wallace, accepted the gold plaques during a recent Sunday morning service at New Bethel Bountiful Blessings church in Toledo, OH where Allen was the pastor from 1985 until his sudden death on October 31, 2020.
“Something About the Name Jesus” was written by Kirk Franklin with Rance Allen in mind. It was originally featured on Franklin’s 1998 full-length release, The Nu Nation Project, which featured the megahits “Revolution” and “Lovely Day.” That studio version featured Allen performing the tune alongside Isaac Carree and Lowell Pye. After a few years passed, the Rance Allen Group invited Franklin to appear on their own live rendition of the song which became just as big as the original version.
“Kirk was the artist of that time when he called and asked me to sing,” Allen recalled in a 2010 interview. “I had already decided that I wasn’t going to sing on anybody else’s project. When he called, I all of a sudden had a change of mind and said to myself, `Let me see what song he has for me.’ So, he sent me the song, `Something About The Name Jesus.’ When he sent it to me, the song didn’t have any verses. So, I’m listening to the chorus line, and I got back with him and said, `It doesn’t have any verses.’ He said he’d write them when I got there and that’s when he wrote the verses. So just like with ‘Miracle Worker,’ the audience demands that we sing that in every show.”
The Rance Allen Group has earned five GRAMMY® Award nominations and amassed over 250 million digital streams during its six-decade career. They started with Stax Record’s Gospel Truth imprint circa 1972 with soulful message songs such as “Ain’t No Need in Crying” and “Lyin’ on the Truth.” They also had six R&B chart singles, including the 1979 Top 25 gem, “I Belong to You.” From the 1980s on, Allen mixed music with ministry as he became a pastor in the Church of God in Christ denomination. The group reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart in 1992 with the album, Phenomenon, which featured the radio smash, “Miracle Worker.” In 2002, they signed to Tyscot Records, where they have enjoyed hits such as “Do Your Will,” “Closest Friend,” “You That I Trust,” and “Something About the Name Jesus.”
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.
