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.

James Dixon to celebrate birthday with musical – April 4

James Dixon loves God and good gospel music–so much so that he’s going all out this year for his birthday and wants you to join him.

The former drummer for the Sensational Nightingales and current lead singer of James Dixon and Company invites you to his birthday musical which features The Joy Bells, Jennifer Baker, The Richardson Brothers, and others.

Saturday, April 4, 2015
6 PM
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
1012 East Hanover Road
Graham, NC
Free Admission (love offering will be taken)

Luther Barnes inks exclusive recording deal with SRT Entertainment

From D.A. Johnson


(Flowood, MS)  SRT Entertainment is proud to announce the signing of Grammy Award nominated, Stellar Award winning producer, artist, songwriter Luther Barnes to an exclusive recording agreement.

Luther Barnes brings his very successful solo career as well as his Sunset Jubilaires, Red Budd Gospel Choir and Barnes Family Reunion brands to the label.

Luther Barnes, son of “Mr. Rough Side Of The Mountain” the late great Bishop F. C. Barnes, has forged his own place and has made his own mark in the history of Gospel music. Cherished as one of the greatest balladeers of all time in any genre (urban, gospel, or blues), Luther Barnes has enjoyed airplay and sales  success with his many styles of gospel recorded albums from  quartet, choir, praise & worship to contemporary.


As a producer and songwriter, Luther Barnes has produced and penned timeless classics such as “I’m Still Holding On,” “So Satisfied,” and the Grammy nominated, Stellar winning “It’s Your Time,” Stellar nominated “Somehow Someway” and “You Keep On Blessing Me,” which was a Top 10 Billboard Gospel Song and experienced crossover success into the Urban mainstream, receiving airplay on Urban AC stations around the country. 


And just when you think he couldn’t get any better, continuing his family lineage, Luther Barnes has accepted the pastoral call on his life and is the senior pastor and founder of Restoration Worship Center in Rocky Mount, NC.

Virtue joins Pres. Obama and others in concert commemorating Selma March this Sunday

From Jason Hardy


Grammy-nominated sister trio Virtue joins President Obama, Tamar Braxton, Harry Belafonte, Kirk Franklin, Doug E. Fresh and more to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Selma with an All-Star Concert set to stream online live this Sunday, March 8, 2015 on BET.COM and CentricTV.com at 5pm ET, hosted by AJ Calloway.


Centric/BET Networks, in partnership with the Selma-to-Montgomery 50th Commemoration Foundation, will present a historical and all-star celebration concert that will honor those who stood up for freedom, equal rights, and the right to vote.


The concert will be held on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where the original march took place in 1965, and will feature performances by Aloe Blacc, Anthony Hamilton, Arrested Development, Bebe Winans, Fantasia, Bell Biv DeVoe, D-Nice, Donnie McClurkin, Eddie Levert, Eric Benet, Flavor Flav, Keith Sweat, Kelly Price, MC Lyte, Rick Ross,Tank, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tyrese, and Vanilla Ice.


President Obama will deliver a civil rights speech and Harry Belafonte and Peter Yarrow (two original Selma marchers), Bill Withers, Cicely Tyson, Malcolm Jamal Warner, and Tom Joyner are slated to make appearances.

With Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award nominations, over 500K in career sales, five recorded studio albums, and signature hits like “Get Ready,” “Put Your War Clothes On,” “Til’ You Believe,” “Lord, I Lift My Hands,” and “Follow Me,” Virtue is back on the music scene after a 10-year recording hiatus with their new rising radio single “You Are.”

Habakkuk teams with Central City to release Stellar Awards 30th anniversary CD

From Bill Carpenter


Habakkuk Music has announced a historic partnership with Central City Productions to release a special compilation album celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The highly anticipated album, Stellar Awards 30th Anniversary 1985-2015, (Habakkuk Music) releases March 31, 2015.
 
The first Stellar Gospel Music Awards television broadcast took place at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago in 1985, and this year’s landmark program takes place at The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. The collector’s edition album will feature an array of chart-topping tracks by fifteen of the most legendary names to ever stand on a Stellar Awards stage and sing the praises of God. The final track will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson and produced by Barbara Wilson for Central City Productions (CCP). Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, the Chicago-based Central City Productions is a distributor of original targeted programming to television and cable networks. CCP’s award-winning television programs include The Stellar Gospel Music Awards, The Trumpet Awards, The Black College Quiz Show Series, Hispanic College Quiz, Our World with Black Enterprise and Women of Power, among others.


Founded in 2007, Habakkuk Music is distributed by UMG and IN grooves (a division of Isolation Network, Inc.) and has released gospel music by brilliant artists such as Lisa Page Brooks, Earl Bynum & The Mount Unity Choir, Kevin Levar, Cheneta Jones, Papa San, The Temple of Deliverance Women’s Choir and others. Habakkuk Music, Inc. (d/b/a HBK Media) has successfully formed marketing relationships with organizations such as the American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and Rejoice Radio Network, among others.

"The Greater" – J. Grant Thompson

“The Greater”
J. Grant Thompson (2014)
Available at iTunes

J. Grant Thompson - The Greater - art work

By the time J. Grant Thompson was six, he was singing and playing drums for the children’s choir at his church.  His musical gifting was evident. Years later, his musicianship evolved to include piano, writing, and music production.  The evolution continues with the recent release of his debut single, “The Greater.”

Just as evident as J. Grant’s musical gifting is his heartfelt vertical worship through lyrical prayer: “Open my eyes to see greater…The Greater is You!”  Flowing piano arpeggios and uncomplicated background harmonies usher the urban contemporary worship track to its climactic emphasis—”You are Greater!”

J. Grant is a native of Washington, DC, and serves as a worship leader at Church of the Rock Praise Factory, founded and pastored by his parents, Pastor G. Ainsworth and Lady Margaret Thompson.

Cheryl "Cheri" McClurkin, sister of Donnie McClurkin, passes on [Arrangements Added]

Los Angeles, CA (March 3, 2015) – The McClurkin Family gathered together today to say farewell to sibling, Cheryl “Cheri” McClurkin, who died from complications of a massive coronary heart attack at 4pm EST.

Cheri was a mother of five and grandmother of nine; she sang and recorded with The McClurkin Family over the years. However, she is best known as a playwright who recently penned her life story in the form of a riveting play entitled “A Cry for Help,” that was produced by her own company, Cheronic Productions. The family will ensure that this play lives on in her honor.

The McClurkin Family requests prayers and privacy at this time. All cards and condolences can be forwarded to Perfecting Faith Church, 311 N. Main, Freeport, NY 11520. Details for service arrangements will be forthcoming.


Update (3/6/15): Arrangements, as announced by Donnie McClurkin, are below.

Homegoing Service
Friday, March 13, 2015
7 PM
Freedom Chapel International Church
641 Broadway
Amityville, NY 11701
(Pastor Jimmy Jack)

George Dickens, Jr. of George Dickens and The Gospel Disciples succumbs [Arrangements Added]

GMF is sad to report the passing of George Dickens, Jr. The singer died after being shot Saturday afternoon (February 28) at his barbershop in Tarboro, NC, according to WITN News. He was 36 years old.

Dickens is known throughout and beyond North Carolina as a singer, songwriter, and producer.  In addition to a string of popular recordings with his family group George Dickens and The Gospel Disciples (including “All I Need,” “Nobody But You,” and “Turnin’ Things Around”), he also penned and was featured on Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson’s hit song “I Made It” (from the album Just Being Me) which won Johnson a Stellar Award in 2007.


Our deepest sympathy is extended to Dickens’ family, friends, group members, and all who mourn his unexpected passing. 

Services are entrusted to Hemby-Willoughby Funeral Mortuary, Inc., and arrangements have been announced: Obituary for George Lee Dickens, Jr.

Family, friends remember singer Stephanie Dotson

Stephanie Dotson, known widely for her musical performance in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion, passed unexpectedly Monday, February 23. Her family and friends talked with KSLA News about her legacy.  Read more here: Shreveport gospel singer dies, loved ones remember her legacy


Prior to her appearance on the big screen, Stephanie emerged as the winner of BET’s Gospel Dream singing competition in 2004. Subsequently, she released Miracles Still Happen on the Artemis Gospel label.


GMF extends condolences to Stephanie’s family, friends, and colleagues.


Photo Credit | Facebook Profile of Stephanie Dotson

Passing: Barron "BaBa" McGlothin, formerly of O'landa Draper & The Associates

GMF extends condolences to the family and friends of Barron “BaBa” McGlothin, who was found dead early Friday morning, February 20, according to WHBQ Fox 13 in Memphis: COGIC Member, Elementary Teacher Found Dead

BeBe and CeCe to be inducted in GMA Gospel Hall of Fame

Congratulations to BeBe and CeCe Winans, who are among this year’s inductees into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  The honors ceremony will be held May 5, 2015, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville. Bishop Paul Morton, Founding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International and noted singer/recording artist, will also be honored.

Read more here: Gospel Music Association Announces Hall of Fame Inductees & Honorees