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.

JSUP to hold S.O.S. (Select Our Single) Listening Party – Nov. 14

Inasmuch as SOS is the international Morse code distress signal, it can be said that Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise (JSUP) need your help.

JSUP has been working hard in the studio and is ready for you to hear what they’ve been cooking up.  The choir invites fam, fans, friends, and media to join them November 14 at 3 PM, for their S.O.S. (Select Our Single) Listening Party.  That’s right, the award-winning aggregation wants you to select the new single from their forthcoming album, Fresh Fire.

The event takes place at SkyLofts Gallery & Studios, 3701 Bank Street, in Baltimore, MD.  General admission is $12.  Admission is free for media, but you must RSVP to [email protected] by November 12.

In other celebratory news this year, JSUP is nominated for four Rhythm of Gospel Awards, including Traditional Choir of the Year and Traditional Song of the Year for “Take Your Burdens.” (Read GMF’s review of “Take Your Burdens” here.)

"Never Let You Go" – Dennis Garner ft. Truman Comer

“Never Let You Go”
Dennis Garner feat. Truman Comer (2015)
Available at iTunes

"Never Let You Go" artwork_Dennis Garner

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Nope, it’s not Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.  It’s Dennis Garner featuring Truman Comer. And the only reason I’m telling you is because when you hear the intro, you just might think otherwise.

Nope, it’s not the 1980s R&B hit “Before I Let Go.”  The single is actually its gospelized equivalent, “Never Let You Go.”  The music is entirely familiar, but Garner’s lyrics are conspicuously different: “I am so grateful You saved my soul….You are my Savior, and I’ll never let You go.”

The producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has worked with Quincy Jones and other industry heavyweights throughout his decades-long career.  The Greensboro, NC native also made a pair of movie appearances in The Color Purple (as a guitar player) and Eddie.

Official Video – "Back Where You Belong" – Brian Nhira

 Enjoy Brian Nhira’s music video “Back Where You Belong,” produced by Faith Nhira and directed by Isaiah Cartledge.
The poignant composition communicates the compelling request of a child for his father’s active daily presence.  The song is from Brian’s album, Hope’s Stand, and brings attention to the issue of families with absent fathers. 

Lecrae celebrates multiple wins at 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards

Lecrae

One wonders if Lecrae is running out of space for all his music hardware.  The rapper toted three trophies–including one for Artist of the Year–from the 46th annual GMA Dove Awards.  The sold-out show was held October 13, at Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University.  Tasha Cobbs and Erica Campbell also won awards for Gospel Artist of the Year and Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of the Year, respectively.  

Also among the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bobby Jones Gospel, which is currently airing its final season of shows to crown a 35-year run. 

The Dove Awards will air this Sunday, October 19, at 9 PM CT (10 PM ET) on TBN. 

Read more and see the complete list of winners here: 46th Annual GMA Dove Awards Honored Top Christian and Gospel Artists

Tiff Joy’s self-titled debut project charts on Billboard

Chicago native Tiff Joy has had a very good two years.

It was almost two
years ago when she hit the national stage as the songwriter and soloist
on Ricky Dillard & New G’s Grammy Award nominated gospel radio
smash “Amazing.” Three weeks ago, her soul-stirring radio single “The
Promise” made its Top 30 debut on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, and
this past week her inaugural album Tiff Joy (Walkway Music Group/Tyscot
Records) made its Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart entrance at
#5.

“Wow…. this is crazy,” the ecstatic singer says. “I am CONSTANTLY
in awe of how GOD moves. This is HIM and I’m forever Grateful.“

From Bill Carpenter

Marshalee talks about new single, unique sound

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Marshalee is a gifted and skilled singer.  She has sung at conventions and conferences, performed in corporate circles, made TV appearances, and landed roles in professional theatre.  Marshalee’s resumé is weighty, and yet, just a glance at her bio tells you that her highest priority is representing Jesus Christ and “seeking daily to live in His image.”

As His representative, the Jamaican-born songstress is using her current single, “Follow,” to invite others to do likewise.  Recently, Marshalee shared more with me about her single and the “sound” that has given her exposure across multiple platforms.

I love the song, “Follow.”  It encourages you to stay the course and follow Christ where He leads, and He will see that you accomplish the goals He has placed in your heart.  A line in the song says, ‘I want to speak your words I wanna dream your dreams,’ and it means I want to help evangelize the world so that people may come to know Jesus Christ and receive the gift of salvation so they can have a good and abundant life here on earth as well as have eternal life in heaven.  It is Christ’s desire (to bring it down to earth—my level of understanding—it’s His dream) that ‘all should be saved…’ and that ‘none should perish.’

“Follow” is the lead single off the singer’s 2015 album by the same name and is produced by Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Jeff Pardo, whom Marshalee describes as “a real musical genius…an amazing musician and extremely creative.”  The contemporary christian anthem is also illustrative of a distinct sound—one that is inspired by her locale. 

I describe my ‘sound’ as CCMS (Contemporary Christian Music Soul) with a Caribbean and R&B flavor.  Naturally, being from the islands in addition to doing traditional, urban, contemporary and R&B gospel song arrangements, song ideas also come to me in reggae and calypso—both of which are natural formats of gospel music for me.  I believe God intended for me to incorporate those types of musical arrangements in my albums and stage presentations by virtue of the fact that He caused me to be born and raised in the culture and Island of Jamaica.

In addition to the influence of Jamaican culture, Marshalee eagerly acknowledges a host of artists who have been inspirations – Dottie Peoples, Yolanda Adams, Mary Mary, Mandisa, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, and Jonathan Nelson are just a few. She credits one gospel legend’s concert in particular for the trajectory of her music ministry.

I remember attending a Shirley Caesar concert with my cousins in Paterson, New Jersey in the 1990’s, and that experience had a profound spiritual and musical influence on me. It really focused my mind, spirit and heart on ministry and on serving God.  Her testimony and ministry was instrumental in setting me on my way to where I am in singing and writing music today.

Supplementary to her work as a performing artist, Marshalee dedicates herself to nurturing the musical interests of the youth in her community by offering a free summer music program for children and teens.  As she describes, the Voice Lesson and Choral Program “[provides] exposure to youth who are interested in music and [helps] validate and
nurture their vocal skills.”  As many as 75 youths from the Framingham community have participated annually.  The program, Marshalee explains, is an extension of her ministry as a gospel artist.

There’s boundless hope and power in gospel music soothing the body, soul, heart
and mind….Gospel music has the power to empower the hopeless and to
rebuild ruined lives.    

_____________________________
Marshalee is busy gearing up for her 2015 album release community concert, set for Friday, November 20, 2015, at 6 PM.  The event takes place at the Greater Framingham Community Church, 44 Franklin Street, Framingham, MA.  All are invited, and admission is free.  The full-length album will be on sale at the concert and can be pre-ordered at www.MarshaleeMusic.com.  It will also be available for download on iTunes, Amazon, and other electronic media.

'Wilson Idol' 2015: "And the winner is…

Photo | PVICK Studio

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

…Patrice Farmer!”


Congratulations to Patrice Farmer (pictured with Dr. Mildred Summerville), grand prize winner of the third annual “Wilson Idol” talent competition, held Saturday, September 19, at Wilson, NC’s Fike High School auditorium.  Patrice wowed the judges and captivated the audience with her vocal performance of Tamela Mann’s “I Can Only Imagine” to capture the first place honor.  The win came with a $1,000 prize and trophy, along with a part in the onstage production of the award-winning Mildred Summerville play “Spare the Rod,
Spoil the Child,” and an opportunity to perform for gospel music’s leading lady, Pastor Shirley Caesar.


As has become standard for the annual competition, participants took to the stage and delivered an evening of impressive performances that left judges splitting hairs over who would earn the grand prize as well as top spots in the youth and adult divisions.


Runners-up in the youth division were:

James Thomas Daniels (1st runner-up)
Precious Finch (2nd runner-up)
William Featherston (3rd runner-up)


In the adult division, runners-up were:

Shannon Baker (1st runner-up)
Kelsey Joyner (2nd runner-up)
Ashley Ongaro (3rd runner-up)


Each runner-up was presented a trophy for his or her exceptional performance, and each contestant received a certificate of recognition. 

“Wilson Idol“ talent competition is sponsored by Summerville Promotion
and Production Company and Tall One Outreach Ministries to give residents of Wilson, NC (ages 10 and up)
an opportunity to showcase their talents in the areas of music, dance/step, and acting.

This year, for the first time, “Wilson Idol” recognized three honorees as Tall One Outreach Ministries’
Champions.  During a pre-show, Bishop Eloise Sessoms,
Sharetta Blackwell, and Minister Michael Boone were celebrated for
standing tall in the Wilson community through excellence in leadership,
integrity, and inspiration. 

GMF congratulates Patrice, the runners-up, the Tall One Outreach Ministries’ Champions, and the show’s producer Dr. Mildred Summerville for jobs well done!

Earl Bynum announces self-titled solo project, releases single


(Chesapeake, VA)  He is a prolific songwriter, a master vocal arranger and has
demonstrated musical creativity and gospel music artistry that has
elevated him as one of the most recognized leaders in music and
ministry.  Multi-award winning vocalist and producer Earl Bynum is the Executive Minster of Music at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church “The Mount” which has four locations–Chesapeake, VA, Elizabeth City, NC, Peninsula, VA and Charlotte, NC.  He is also the International Minister of Music for the Gospel Heritage Foundation.
 With a vast catalog of songs and projects in his repertoire, Bynum is
now preparing to release his long awaited self-titled solo project EARL BYNUM in 2016 and leads off with a soulfully expressive single, “Call Him.”  Click here to watch it.
From The Bellamy Group

"Call Him" – Earl Bynum feat. Andra Cross (Video)

Enjoy Earl Bynum’s official music video, “Call Him” featuring Andra Cross, from his forthcoming self-titled solo project.  The video is directed by TSGS Films and produced by X. Scott and Sean Wilson.
The project, EARL BYNUM, is slated for a 2016 release via Mann-Up Muzik and eOne Distribution. 

Lisa Page Brooks preps for first live recording

Songstress Lisa Page Brooks is set to record her first live album Friday, October 23, 2015, at The Christian Tabernacle Church in Detroit.  Bishop Michael Brooks, founding member of Commissioned, will serve as the evening’s producer.  Attendees can also look forward to a reunion of Witness, the eclectic contemporary group of which Brooks is a former member.  


The live session starts at 7 PM ET.  General admission tickets are $25 and VIP seats are $40.