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.

Susie Yancey Gooch of Oxford’s Yancey Family Singers enters eternal rest at 76

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

Gospel singer Susie Yancey Gooch (center) with the Yancey Family Singers.

GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Susie Yancey Gooch, member of the Yancey Family Singers from Oxford, NC. Gooch transitioned June 30th. She was 76.

In an emotional social media post last week, Gooch’s niece Shaundria Faulkner, who is also a special contributor to GMF, shared:

Elder Gooch is the oldest of 11 children (6 girls, 5 boys — my mother is baby number five and daughter number three). Aunt “Sue Mae” is the first of the 11 to transition into her eternal reward.

She is one of the lead singers and songwriters for The Yancey Family Singers (one of three singing groups among the siblings). You can search Yancey Family Singers/Ministries on Google, YouTube, or Facebook.

She served in ministry, most recently, at Cornerstone Christian Community Church, Oxford, NC. She preached without wavering, completed her bachelor’s degree in her 60s, and authored a book in her 70s. In her book, God Helps People with Schizophrenia, she shared her challenges and blessings in an effort to let whosoever know, nothing is too hard for God’s power that sustains her. She had an encouraging and empowering word for everyone she met. This is because the love she had to give wasn’t her own love but the Love of God that shone through her — and she would tell you that.

GMF lifts the Gooch and Yancey families in prayer during this emotional time.

Arrangements are as follows:

Family Visitation & Reflection
July 10 at 6 PM
Cornerstone Christian Community Church
3237 Knotts Grove Road
Oxford, NC 27565

Celebration of Life
July 11 at 1 PM
Cornerstone Christian Community Church
3237 Knotts Grove Road
Oxford, NC 27565

For a glimpse into the musical legacy of the Yancey Family Singers, revisit my past GMF review: History: Complete Early Recordings – The Yancey Family Singers.

Greater St. Stephen announces reunion choir live recording, featuring Bishop Paul Morton

Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording flyer

New Orleans, LA – Greater St. Stephen Ministries is proud to announce a monumental moment in gospel music history: the Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording, featuring none other than renowned preacher and gospel music trailblazer, Bishop Paul S. Morton. This event will take place on Monday, July 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Greater St. Stephen, 5600 Read Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127.

This highly anticipated live recording commemorates 40 years of musical excellence at Greater St. Stephen and is sponsored by Tehillah Music Group. The celebration will bring together generations of choir members, musicians, and worshippers to honor the powerful legacy of music birthed from this iconic ministry.

Executive produced by Pastor Jerry G. Parries, President of Tehillah Music Group, this event will showcase the exceptional talents of pastor and GRAMMY® award-winning artist, Bishop Marvin L. Winans, GRAMMY® award-winning artist and producer, PJ Morton, and acclaimed songwriter and producer, Elder Derrick Starks. 

The extraordinary celebration will also feature special appearances by gospel singer and songwriter Dr. Micah Stampley, pastor and gospel singer Bishop Neal Roberson, and additional guest artists. The Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording will be hosted by Bishop T. Delbert Robinson, Senior Pastor of Greater St. Stephen, who continues the legacy of excellence in ministry.

“This is more than a recording,” said Bishop T. Delbert Robinson, Senior Pastor of Greater St. Stephen. “It’s a reunion, a revival, and a celebration of a sound that has changed and transformed lives around the world. ”

This powerful night will not only capture the voices and harmonies of the past and present, but it will set the tone for the future of gospel music at Greater St. Stephen.

2025 BMI Christian Awards recognizes top songwriters and publishers in Christian music

2025 BMI Christian Awards

Photo L–R: BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Ryan Dahl, EJ Gaines, Be Essential Songs’ Holly Zabka, Capitol CMG Publishing’s David Gutekunst, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Ellie McKay, BMI Songwriter of the Year Jeff Pardo, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Katie Barolak, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Isabel Newell, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Kelly Redfern, BMI Spotlight Award Honoree Jackie Patillo, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Brad O’Donnell, Capitol CMG Publishing’s Kent Draughon, and BMI’s Mike Steinberg pose after winning BMI’s Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year at the 2025 BMI Christian Awards. | Photo Credit: Larry McCormack for BMI

NASHVILLE, TN – BMI celebrated the best in Christian music at the 2025 BMI Christian Awards held June 17, at its Nashville office on Music Row.  The evening paid tribute to the top Christian songwriters and music publishers behind the 25 most-performed songs of the previous year, and also revealed BMI’s Christian Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year. In addition, Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association and the GMA Foundation, was honored with the BMI Spotlight Award for her unwavering dedication to the genre and illustrious career. The private event was hosted by BMI’s AVP, Creative, Leslie Roberts. 

As BMI’s Spotlight Award honoree, Patillo was celebrated as a visionary leader and for her dedication to shaping and championing the world of Christian and Gospel music. As a surprise tribute, GRAMMY nominated and five-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Natalie Grant, accompanied by Bernie Herms, gave a compelling performance of her very first recording, “I Am Not Alone.”

After receiving the Spotlight Award, Patillo thanked her family, friends, and those who have impacted the community, including BMI, “for championing songwriters and composers… and for recognizing the beauty of Christian and Gospel music.” She said, “This is more than just a business. We are all making a difference and impacting culture, and that’s what we get up for every day. I don’t know that anyone really feels worthy, but I truly feel this is what amazing grace looks like.”  In receiving this honor, she joins an exclusive group of music creators, including Dottie Leonard Miller, Randy Edelman, and Frank Gari.

BMI’s Christian Song of the Year went to “Praise,” written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Stephen Furtick and Chandler Moore. The hit song from Elevation Worship’s eleventh album, CAN YOU IMAGINE?, spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, reached the Top 20 on the Christian Airplay chart and currently has over 171 million streams on YouTube.

Leading up to Song of the Year, BMI named the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year including “GOOD DAY,” written by Forrest Frank, “I Believe” written by Chris Davenport, Jonathan Smith and Phil Wickham, “Praise You Anywhere” written by Hank Bentley and Ben Fielding (APRA), “That’s My King” written by Lloyd Nicks Jr. and Jessica Patrice Russ, and “What Are We Waiting For?” written by Sean Douglas, Josh Kerr and Luke Smallbone, among others. In naming the top songs, BMI also recognized 18 first-time award winners.

Jeff Pardo was named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year for writing five of the 25 most-performed songs including “Don’t Stop Praying,” “Heaven Changes Everything,” “Praise The Lord” with Jake Henry and Micah Tyler, “Running Home” and “Strong” with Anne Wilson. The previously named 2023 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has made an impact on the genre as a musician and producer and has successfully crossed genres as well, working with artists such as Lady A, Ben Rector, Tauren Wells and more.

Capitol CMG Publishing brought home Publisher of the Year for representing 17 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year including BMI’s Christian Song of the Year, “Praise,” as well as “Don’t Stop Praying,” “I Believe,” “Jesus Does,” and “Take It All Back,” to name a few.

The 2025 BMI Christian Awards featured special moments during the ceremony including Roberts calling BMI’s 2019 Compass Award winner Elwyn Raymer up to the stage to start the celebration with a prayer and country songwriter Jordan Rowe giving the audience a preview of his unreleased song, “Way Back,” and first-time BMI award-winner Seph Schlueter sharing his uplifting hit “Counting My Blessings.”

For a complete list of winners, visit: https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/christian-2025.

In Memoriam: Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. (1962–2025)

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

Gospel artist Bishop Norman Hutchins dies at 61

GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr., recording artist, songwriter, producer, and pastor.

According to L.A. Focus News, Hutchins was found unresponsive the morning of June 5, 2025. No additional details were available at the time of GMF publication. He was 62.

An official announcement, released jointly by the Hutchins family, IR Record Label, and HD Global Media Group reads:

It is with profound sadness and with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of multi award-winning gospel artist, Bishop Dr. Norman E. Hutchins, Sr., a gospel giant who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. was a cherished gospel artist, a beacon of faith, and a powerful voice whose music touched countless lives with messages of hope, love, and salvation.

Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having inspired generations through his soul-stirring albums, award-winning songs, like “God’s Got A Blessing,” “Emmanuel,” “God Is Able,” etc., and his dedicated ministry with Frontline West Ministries. His unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel through music brought light to many, and their testimony of faith will continue to resonate in hearts around the world.

We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and the gospel community during this time. We ask for your continued prayers for Bishop Norman Hutchins’ family, loved ones, and all those touched by his ministry as we mourn this great loss and celebrate a life well-lived in service to God.

May we find comfort in knowing that Bishop Norman Hutchins is now resting in the presence of our Savior, singing praises forevermore.

We humbly ask that you respect the family’s need for privacy as they navigate this season of grief.

Charles Edward Johnson, Founder and President of the National Association of Gospel Radio, expressed the deeply felt impact of Hutchins’ passing within the gospel radio community. “[Bishop Hutchins’] music helped define eras, shaped programming, and encouraged listeners during their most difficult and most joyful moments,” he shared in an email.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Delaware, Bishop Hutchins became aware of his path in ministry at an early age. He started preaching at age 8, was licensed in the preaching ministry at 12, and ordained at 19. He would begin recording music professionally several years later in 1992.

“My music is my gift, but preaching is my calling,” Bishop Hutchins has said. “I’ve been called to preach, so music has become sort of a back door approach to present the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Bishop Hutchins and his wife Karen were founders and pastors of Frontline Ministries, with locations in Delaware and California.

This year, Bishop Hutchins celebrated the release of his first book, Father, I Never Knew You, and had been holding book signings in multiple US cities.

Bishop Hutchins ministers “God’s Got A Blessing” at the COGIC AIM Convention in 2004.

The Brown Four to appear on ‘American Idol’ ABC Easter Special

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

The Brown Four sibling traditional gospel music quartet
From Fb@TheBrownFour

Is anyone besides me excited that mainstream audiences will soon be introduced to gospel music’s young sensations, The Brown Four? This weekend, the sibling quartet from Memphis will take the American Idol stage for its three-hour “Songs of Faith” Easter special on ABC.

Ranging from the ages of nine to thirteen, The Brown Four are known in the gospel music community for their close harmonies, stage presence, and heartfelt delivery of traditional gospel music. Simply put, they can “SANG”! Even more remarkable is that, as young as they are, they’ve been this amazing for years. The proof is in the virality of nearly every Brown Four performance that hits social media.

The Brown Four will join a lineup that includes CeCe Winans as well as American Idol alumnus Roman Collins, Jelly Roll, and Brandon Lake. Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will also perform songs that reflect their faith.

American Idol’s “Songs of Faith” Easter Special airs Sunday, April 20, at 8/7c on ABC. I can hardly wait to experience The Brown Four on the national stage.

Here they are doing what they do best.

CeCe Winans returns to ‘American Idol’ for ABC Easter Special

CeCe Winans returns to American Idol
 Photo Credit: Hannah Corwin

LOS ANGELES, CA — American Idol is celebrating Easter with a special three-hour “Songs of Faith” episode, airing Sunday, April 20, at 8|7c on ABC. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans is set to deliver a soul-stirring performance.

Winans returns to the Idol stage following her critically acclaimed performance last season, which became one of the most-watched moments of the year across social platforms and streaming. The overwhelming audience response made her an easy choice to return for this year’s Easter celebration.

The 17-time Grammy-winning vocalist will be joined by American Idol alumnus Roman Collins, Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, and The Brown Four for an unforgettable night of uplifting music, spiritual inspiration, and powerhouse performances.

In addition to the star-studded guest lineup, judges Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan will each step away from the judging panel to perform songs that reflect their personal faith and musical roots.

With its heartwarming blend of talent and testimony, the American Idol Easter Special promises to be a moving celebration of faith, hope, and the power of music to bring people together.

Huey Williams, lead singer of the Jackson Southernaires, dies at 86

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

A musical celebration for Williams will be held on Friday, March 28, at 6 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. Both services will take place at East Fernwood Missionary Baptist Church in McComb, MS.

Huey Williams, longtime lead singer of the legendary gospel group the Jackson Southernaires, has died. He was 86.

Williams, whose powerful vocals helped define the group’s signature sound, passed away March 24, 2025. The Mississippi native dedicated his life to spreading the gospel in song, inspiring generations of quartet singers—including his younger brothers Leonard, Melvin, and Doug—and earning the respect of his peers in the industry. Huey’s younger brother, Frank Williams, was also a key member of the Jackson Southernaires before founding the Mississippi Mass Choir.

Fans and fellow gospel artists have taken to social media with condolences and tributes.

A musical celebration will be held on Friday, March 28, at 6 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. Both services will take place at East Fernwood Missionary Baptist Church in McComb, MS.

GMF extends sincere condolences to the entire Williams family as well as the Jackson Southernaires.

Read more about the Jackson Southernaires from Bob Marovich at the Journal of Gospel Music: RIP Huey Williams of the Jackson Southernaires.

John P. Kee to be honored at 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards

JOHN P. KEE TO BE HONORED AT THE 2025 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

(ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 26, 2025) BMI will celebrate the songwriters and publishers behind the year’s best in Gospel at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish Atlanta on Thursday, April 3rd. World-renowned Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee will be honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel in recognition of his award-winning career spanning over 40 years.

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 gathering. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

“John P. Kee is a true visionary in the genre, and his music continues to have an impact in Gospel music for over forty years and counting. It’s an honor to recognize his dedication and the unwavering commitment he’s made through his artistry and evangelism,” said Brewton. “We’re extremely excited to come together and celebrate his legacy and incredible accomplishments and proudly honor all of our award-winning songwriters and publishers for a special afternoon of great music and fellowship.”

John P. Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel Music,” is a prolific multiple award-winning singer/songwriter and beloved pastor who is widely recognized for his contributions to contemporary Gospel music. Kee’s musical talents were discovered at an early age where after feeling inspired by the music heard in church, he began playing piano and writing songs at only eight years old. In the mid 1980’s, he started a community choir in Charlotte that eventually became known as the widely celebrated New Life Community Choir (NLCC).

Over the course of his professional career spanning almost four decades he has written music for Hallmark, Inc., The Hawkins Family, Daryl Coley, Billy Preston, Dorinda Clark Cole, Rev. James Cleveland, Bishop Rance Allen, Florida Mass Choir, Mississippi Mass Choir, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and for the legendary Dr. James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America, among others. His music has been featured in film, television, commercials and on Saturday Night Live. Throughout his solo career and his work with NLCC, he has amassed 37 GMWA Excellence Awards, 27 Stellar Awards, three BMI Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, a Trailblazer Award from former President Bill Clinton and received seven GRAMMY nominations. Adding to his tremendous list of accolades, Kee was inducted into the International Gospel Hall of Fame in 2005 and was previously honored at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in 2001 and 2005.

In addition to being one of Gospel music’s greatest pioneers, Pastor Kee has been the full-time pastor of the New Life Fellowship Center in Charlotte, NC since its inception in 1995. Through non-traditional outreach that transcends the four walled structure, the church’s unique approach to ministry has resulted in a rapidly growing, thriving congregation.

R.I.H. Willis Pittman (1941-2025)

Willis Pittman, 83, died January 26, 2025.

GMF acknowledges the passing of Willis Pittman, 83, renowned frontman of Willis Pittman & The Burden Lifters. The gospel singer died January 26, 2025, at his residence in Lillington, NC.

Willis Pittman & The Burden Lifters moved audiences with their compelling storytelling and spirited performances, recording multiple albums across various labels, including A.I.R. Records and Melendo. Their 1997 album, Live In Rocky Mount, N.C., recorded at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, was the group’s first live video recording.

Pittman began with the Burden Lifters as a background singer. However, his songwriting and vocal talent eventually propelled him to the role of lead singer. He, his brother Norris, and Melvin Wilson often shared lead vocal duties, each bringing their distinct style to standout songs like “Thunder,” “Noah,” “Put It All in God’s Hand,” “Mama,” “Ask God in Faith,” and “Farewell Goodbye.”

A Celebration of Life service took place in Erwin, NC, on February 2nd.

2025 GRAMMY Gospel/CCM Winners

Congratulations to the 2025 GRAMMY Award winners in the Gospel/CCM categories. Winners’ names are in bold and were announced on February 2, 2025, ahead of the 67th GRAMMY Awards live broadcast on CBS.

Cory Henry won the 2025 Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album
Cory Henry won Best Roots Gospel Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Church Doors” — Yolanda Adams; Sir William James Baptist & Donald Lawrence, songwriters

“Yesterday” — Melvin Crispell III

“Hold On (Live)” — Ricky Dillard

“Holy Hands” — DOE; Jesse Paul Barrera, Jeffrey Castro Bernat, Dominique Jones, Timothy Ferguson, Kelby Shavon Johnson, Jr., Jonathan McReynolds, Rickey Slikk Muzik Offord & Juan Winans, songwriters

“One Hallelujah” — Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton Featuring Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters – WINNER

______________________________________

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“Holy Forever (Live)” — Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson Featuring CeCe Winans

“Praise” — Elevation Worship Featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore; Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” — Honor & Glory Featuring Disciple

“In The Name Of Jesus” — JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music Featuring Chandler Moore; Austin Armstrong, Ran Jackson, Chandler Moore, Sajan Nauriyal, Ella Schnacky, Noah Schnacky & Ilya Toshinskiy, songwriters

“In The Room” — Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard; G. Morris Coleman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters

“That’s My King” — CeCe Winans; Taylor Agan, Kellie Gamble, Llyod Nicks & Jess Russ, songwriters – WINNER

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Best Gospel Album

Covered Vol. 1 — Melvin Crispell III

Choirmaster II (Live) — Ricky Dillard

Father’s Day — Kirk Franklin

Still Karen — Karen Clark Sheard

More Than This — CeCe Winans – WINNER

______________________________________

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Heart Of A Human — DOE – WINNER

When Wind Meets Fire — Elevation Worship

Child Of God — Forrest Frank

Coat Of Many Colors — Brandon Lake

The Maverick Way Complete — Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore

______________________________________

Best Roots Gospel Album

The Gospel Sessions, Vol 2 — Authentic Unlimited

The Gospel According To Mark — Mark D. Conklin

Dr. Bobby Jones

Rhapsody — The Harlem Gospel Travelers

Church — Cory Henry – WINNER

Loving You — The Nelons

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The full list of winners in all categories will be updated live here throughout the evening: 2025 Winners List

Congratulations also go out to Dr. Bobby Jones who is among this year’s Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. The 2025 Special Merit Awards took place in Los Angeles on February 1st. You can watch his tribute here.