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.

“Come On Everybody” – Greater New Hope Mass Choir

Greater New Hope Mass Choir cover art

“Come On Everybody”
Greater New Hope Mass Choir (2016)
Touch One Musiq
Available at CD Baby

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Greater New Hope Mass Choir in Oxford, NC is having some foot-stomping church, and they don’t intend to do it alone.  They issue an exuberant invitation to “praise the Lord…for He is good, He is good, He is good” with their current single, “Come On Everybody,” recorded live during a spiritual service.

“Come On Everybody” has all the hand clapping, horn stabbing, organ riffing, and tambourine shaking you’d expect in a traditional church choir song.  Punctuated by pulsating bass and the lead vocal of the song’s writer and producer Brian Foster—who is Greater New Hope Baptist Church’s minister of music and co-founder of the North Carolina Community Choir (Malaco)—”Come on Everybody” has Sunday Morning written all over it.

Official Video – "Gospel on Sunday" – Mike Body



Enjoy Mike Body’s official music video, “Gospel on Sunday,” which features Jarell Johnson and is directed by King G.  “Gospel on Sunday” is the self-written single from Body’s 2016 EP, Signs of Maturity.

Hezekiah Walker lands radio show on Rejoice Musical Soul Food Radio Network



(Virginia Beach, VA)  Rejoice! MSF (Musical Soul Food Radio Network) has signed gospel music legend Hezekiah Walker to an exclusive syndication and sales partnership. Rejoice! MSF will handle production, distribution, and syndication duties while Sun Broadcast Group will supply sales support for Walker’s new syndicated radio program. 

The working title for the show that will launch the first week in November is, “The Hezekiah Walker Show.” The Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award winning recording artist has sold millions of records over the years and is known for classic songs such as “Every Praise” and his current No. 1 hit “Better.” Hezekiah Walker joins Rejoice! Musical Soul Food’s illustrious roster of gospel stars who also host syndicated radio shows such as Dorinda Clark Cole, Melvin Williams of the Williams Brothers, Dottie Peoples, and Coko Clemmons of the R&B group SWV. 

“The Hezekiah Walker Show” will target urban, urban adult contemporary, hip-hop, and gospel stations with a one-hour, weekday music-driven inspirational format to kick-off the mornings with a burst of inspiration. Additionally, Walker will also package a two-hour weekend program targeting multi-formats. 

“The addition of Hezekiah Walker to our lineup of powerful celebrity-driven shows positions us to increase our impact in the gospel music arena,” says Mike Chandler, Rejoice! MSF President. “We’ve been blessed to have some of the most recognizable names in the gospel industry as part of our talent pool.”


Hezekiah Walker says, “I am excited about teaming up with such an influential organization in the gospel music industry as the Rejoice Musical Soul Food Radio Network….so radio look out, here we come!”


SOURCE Bill Carpenter

Ami Rushes teams with Kurt Carr, seeks songwriters for 2017 album

(Los Angeles, CA)  Gospel recording artist Ami Rushes is gearing up for her sixth album and she wants to make you part of the process. As Rushes continues to uplift and inspire with her Sunday morning classics, praise and worship anthems, and foot-stomping, hand-clapping gospel music, she’s seeking songwriters to contribute music for her presently untitled 2017 release that will be produced by the award-winning Kurt Carr.
“I love ‘Standing Up For Jesus’ and spreading His message through gospel music,” says Rushes. “And I’m looking to work with some fresh, new songwriters on music that will encourage God’s people. Come go to church with me and participate in this recording process.”
All interested songwriters should submit original material only—complete songs with music that will professionally record. Submissions should be sent in the mp3 format. Deadline to submit music is Friday, December 16, 2016. For consideration, submit to: [email protected].
As a member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ and a former singer for the late Rev. James Cleveland, Rushes has a deep appreciation for gospel music and prides herself on maintaining the traditions of the genre.

Services announced for Lecresia Campbell

The passing of songstress Lecresia Campbell (September 29) left the gospel music industry in mourning.  Campbell—whose notable songs include “Perfect Praise (How Excellent)” with Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago, “Stand Still,” “Magnify,” and “Safety”—was recovering from a stroke and was scheduled to be released from Emory Rehabilitation when a pulmonary embolism led to her demise.

Remembrances have flooded social media and include condolences from fans and ministry colleagues across the country.  Our prayers are with Campbell’s family, friends, and fans.  Celebration of Life services appear on the flyer below.

Arrangements flyer for Lecresia Campbell

‘Wilson Idol’ winner Alexander Blount: ‘I am ready to see where He takes me on this journey’

Alexander Blount

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

With gospel vocalist Shawn McLemore at the helm of the judges’ panel and a $1,000 prize and other perks at stake, Alexander Blount emerged as the 2016 grand prize winner of the “Wilson Idol” Talent Show, held Saturday, September 24, at Fike High School in Wilson, NC.  The annual competition was presented by Summerville Promotion and Production Company and Tall One Outreach Ministries and emceed by GMF’s Libra Boyd and Rev. Justin Barbour. 

‘Wilson Idol’ is an event that showcases the singing, instrumental, and spoken-word talents of Wilson area youths and adults.  The talent show opens doors for many participants and exposes them to the greater Wilson community and beyond. 

Libra caught up with the East Carolina University sophomore and newly named “Wilson Idol” to talk more about his musical journey and ambitions. 

Libra:  Congrats on your win!  Please tell us about your musical background and interests.

Thank you! I started singing at church and school when I was young, like most children. I know I wasn’t more than three or four when I started singing. I have always loved music and the positive effects that it had on people, but I never looked at the bigger picture of what Christ had for me. I definitely didn’t start taking my singing seriously until 11th grade. My chorus teacher, Mr. Jeremy Tucker, really started showing me the possibilities of what I could do with music, and I’m glad that I listened. I attend East Carolina University’s School of Music, and I’m majoring in music education and vocal performance. As far as my interests go, I really like what every genre has to offer. Music is a universal language that musicians and listeners all speak, but if I had to choose [a genre] I’d [choose] gospel and jazz music.

Libra:  Who are your musical influences?

Lauryn Hill, Marvin Winans, Jermaine Dolly, James Hall, Cory Henry, Pastor Andrew Barbour, Greg Cox, and Stephen Pender. They all have brought something totally different to the world of music, whether it [be] their own rendition of a song or something [completely original]. I really like how they were comfortable to be themselves. They did things their way instead doing what everyone else was doing, and the music that they have created is absolutely great.

Libra:  The judges selected you from 15 contestants as the grand prize winner of “Wilson Idol” for your performance of VaShawn Mitchell’s “Turning Around for Me.”  How did you select that song and what was your prep process like?

I actually heard one of my friends at church sing it, and I really loved the message behind it. Things will turn around as soon as you put your faith in Christ and stop worrying. I would practice at least four days out of the week to make sure I had everything down. Eventually, I [got] my parents to come hear me. Then once I got with the ‘Wilson Idol’ band (Rod Lewis, Jamal Lewis, Jesse Johnson, and Zyyayre Johnson), we all clicked and I was like, ‘Yeah, we have something special here.’

Libra:  So you expected to win?

Honestly?  No ma’am.  There were a lot of great vocalists in the competition. But I’m grateful that I won!

Libra:  What are your music ambitions?

I plan on releasing a single within the next few months and eventually an EP…then an album and eventually [I want to] collaborate with different artists. I’ve been talking to Jamal Lewis and Stephen Pender about it. Jamal is a great producer and over the course of my ‘Wilson Idol’ experience I got to know him; he’s a great guy.  Stephen is a family friend, and he’s like my big brother; and in my opinion he’s one of the best organists on the East Coast. Along with them, my parents and peers are backing me so I can’t wait to get to the next level of my career.

Libra:  With more exposure and larger platforms, it becomes important to remain grounded in and covered by your local assembly.  Would you like to shout out your church?

I would absolutely love to! Everyone in Willing Workers Apostolic Holiness Church (Lucama, NC)–young and old–have watched me grow and perfect my craft daily. They all are my family and I truly love them!

Blount adds,

I [also] really appreciate the opportunity that Dr. Mildred Summerville gave me. I thank my parents and grandparents, my siblings, my girlfriend, and everyone that is connected with me for believing in me. Most importantly, I thank God for the gifts and talents that He has instilled in me and I am ready to see where He takes me on this journey of life. 

In addition to the $1,000 cash prize, Blount’s win comes with a trophy, a chance to perform for gospel great Pastor Shirley Caesar, a part in the stage production of Dr. Mildred Summerville’s award-winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child,” and an opportunity to record with artist Dr. James Robertson.

GMF congratulates Blount as well as the runners-up in the youth and adult divisions.

"God's Grace" – Rev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir

Luther Barnes The Favor of God cover art

“God’s Grace”
Rev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir
From the CD, The Favor of God (2016)
www.shanachie.com

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever 

“God’s Grace” is the current single from Rev. Luther Barnes’ full-length release, The Favor of God, his first choir project in ten years.

“God’s Grace” adheres to Barnes’ characteristically uncomplicated vocal approach and traditional genesis, sauntering from his mild opening verses to the choir’s passionate refrain.

The singer/songwriter/producer/pastor is backed by the Restoration Worship Center Choir, which sounds like a compact version of the Redd Budd Gospel Choir that he recorded with for years. Barnes is the senior pastor of Restoration Worship Center.

2016 'Wilson Idol' on tap for Sept. 24 with Shawn Mclemore as special guest judge

On September 24, 2016, “Wilson Idol” will provide an evening of entertainment at Fike High School, 500 Harrison Drive, Wilson, NC.  Doors open at 4 PM and the event is scheduled to begin promptly at 5 PM.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

“Wilson Idol,” produced by The Summerville Promotion and Production Company along with Tall One Outreach Ministries, showcases the musical, dance, and spoken word talents of Wilson’s unsung acts.  This year, more than 20 hopefuls will vy for the title of “Wilson Idol.”  Special guest and judge is recording artist Shawn McLemore, whose credits include the Billboard charting CD, Wait on Him and more recently, “I Believe,” on which he is featured with James Fortune and Zacardi Cortez.

In addition to media coverage and a cash prize, the evening’s top performer will have an opportunity to perform for gospel’s queen Pastor Shirley Caesar and will be given a part in the stage production of the award-winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child,” a gospel drama written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville.  This year’s winner will also earn an opportunity to record with Dr. James Robertson.

Correlated with last year’s competition was the launch of the Tall One’s Champion Award program.  The Tall One’s Champion Award program honors individuals for their hard work, perseverance, and meritorious contributions to their communities. The chosen honorees have impacted their communities through various initiatives such as performing arts, community services, education, and outreach ministries.  This year, Tall One Outreach Ministries pays tribute to Bishop Aaron McNair, Dr. Brooksie Harrington, Prophet Calvin Suggs, Pastor Ricky Daughtridge, Evangelist Veronica Morgan, Marjie Slagle, and Roy Edmundson.

For ticket information and other inquiries, contact Dr. Mildred Summerville at 252-230-2689 or email [email protected].

– From a press release

Ruth Cooper (1928-2016) of The Cooper Four

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Ruth Cooper of The Cooper Four has died.

Ruth Cooper, a lead singer of The Cooper Four, passed away August 12, 2016.  She was 88.

Ruth and three of her siblings—twin brother Reuben (d. January 12, 2016), sister Maria (d. 1996), and brother Walter—started singing in 1935, at their log cabin in Hillsborough, NC.  By 1954, The Cooper Four were singing live every week on WSRC, Durham’s first all-Black radio station.  They continued to harmonize every Sunday morning on the radio for well over fifty years.

The group’s rootsy traditional singing style, simple guitar accompaniment, and distinctly deep singing voices amassed both a local and regional following in their heyday, including 12 year-old Shirley Caesar, who appeared at one of their anniversary programs.  In the 1960s, WSRC Records released a 45rpm single featuring the quartet and the sides “This May Be My Last Time” and “Stay in the Field Until the War is Ended.”  

GMF extends condolences to Ruth’s brother Walter and to other Cooper family members and friends.

Vickie Winans to perform concert, comedy in Roxboro, NC – August 13

This Saturday, August 13, Vickie Winans brings her “Bling, Sing, Laugh Til You Scream” concert to Roxboro, NC, where she will perform some of her well-known hits, serve up her brand of comedy, and showcase her line of self-made jewelry. 

Winans tells GMF’s Libra Boyd, “Baby, we’re gonna laugh, we might cry a little bit,
we’re gonna worship, we’re gonna dance, and when it’s all over, we’re
gonna get us a chicken sandwich and go to the crib!”  Read the full interview here: Vickie Winans: Blinging, Singing, Laughing, and Giving Today’s Music Talent a Chance.

The event will also feature a fashion show production by Mr. Carlyle, founder of Durham, NC Fashion Week; music by Indebted Praise; and the local talents of area youth.  Vendors will also be on-site. 

Proceeds from the concert will benefit Bridging the Gap.  According to its visionary, Kelly Rogers, Bridging the Gap’s purpose is to bring ministries together, unite generations “to work as one in the Kingdom,” and to “bring [people] from the ages of 16 to 35 who have strayed from the church back to God.” 
_____________

EVENT DETAILS
What:  Live in Concert: National Recording Artist Vickie Winans
When:  August 13, 2016 at 5 PM (doors open at 4 PM)
Cost:  Tickets – $20 (complimentary for pastors and their spouses)
Where:  Stories Creek Elementary School, 1333 Stories Creek School Road  Roxboro, NC  27574

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Kelly Rogers at 919-426-2891.