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.

Alex Hobbs, son of Al "The Bishop" Hobbs, dies just weeks after father

Bob Marovich of The Journal of Gospel Music reports the unexpected passing Alex Hobbs (left), whose tragic death comes barely one month after the passing of his father, music industry veteran Al “The Bishop” Hobbs.

Alex, an active duty serviceman, was present with his siblings at their father’s tribute services about two weeks ago and could be seen riding along on the horse and carriage that escorted their father to be interred.

GMF extends condolences to the family during this shocking and difficult time. Read more at JGM.

"More of You" – Canton Jones ft. Darlene McCoy

“More of You”
Canton Jones ft. Darlene McCoy
From the CD, God City USA (2014)
Cajo Records

Canton Jones art work

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

In one of several collaborations from his newest release, God City USA, singer/writer/producer Canton Jones teams up with songstress and radio personality Darlene McCoy for a moderately-paced Christian hip-hop performance of “More of You.”

McCoy kicks off the track’s opening verse with a melodic declaration of adoration and submission before sharing the mic with Jones for a harmonic duet of the chorus: “Just give me all of You and none of me, Lord / Let Your kingdom come, let Your will be done.”  As the song moves forward to reverb-heavy rhythm, Jones spins a rhyme and true to his knack for marrying the lingo of the secular and sacred, he petitions the Lord, “I need more of your spirit; Lord, pour another round.”

“More of You” could be described as a loose urban adaptation of The Lord’s Prayer.

Joshua Rogers hosts 'Teachable Moments' for aspiring artists

Ever since Joshua Rogers was named BET Sunday Best champ in season five, making him the first male and the youngest winner in the show’s history, he says questions have poured in from other rising gospel singers who desire to be successful in the music industry.  Consequently, Joshua (whom Kirk Franklin nicknamed “Young Buck”) is launching “Teachable Moments,” a free series of teleconferences to answer questions and share from his own experiences.  He won’t be the only one giving advice though; established industry notables will also join the discussions, starting with Dorinda Clark-Cole.

“Teachable Moments” kicks off Thursday, August 21, at 6 PM (eastern time), with Dorinda as Joshua’s special guest co-host.  To participate, dial 712-432-1212 and enter 549-827-236# as the meeting ID.

"A Lil' Louder (Clap Your Hands)" – The Rance Allen Group

“A Lil’ Louder (Clap Your Hands)”
The Rance Allen Group (2014)
Tyscot

Rance Allen Group - A Lil' Louder artwork

For much of his 40-plus year career, Rance Allen has described his brand of gospel as R&B—Rhythm and Bible. Now the Rance Allen Group has added the new single “A Lil’ Louder (Clap Your Hands)” to the list, making it nearly impossible for fans to wait for the International Gospel Music Hall of Famers’ full-length project, due out later this year. 

Blazing horns, synths, and percussive hand claps—along with Rance’s trademark growls, grunts, and falsetto—drive this feel-good groove. Dr. Leonard Scott, Tyscot Music & Entertainment founder, calls it the “modern-day ‘Miracle Worker.'”


“A Lil’ Louder (Clap Your Hands),” co-written by Rance and Floyd “Timeless” Thomas, is an invitation to praise that could’ve easily been a smash back-in-the-day collab with Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Ray Charles, The Tops, and The Miracles.  That’s the flavor of “R&B” this is, and take my word for it, you’ll be doing more than clapping your hands on this one. 

45th Annual GMA Dove Award nominees announced

Lecrae, Mandisa, Tye Tribbett, Sherri Jones-Moffett, and Micah Stampley are among those whose nominations were announced today (August 13) for the 45th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  The complete list is available here.

This year’s awards will take place October 7, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville and will air on TBN.

Congratulations to all nominees!

Dr. Bobby Jones mourns passing of sister Lula Puckett

GMF sends condolences to Dr. Bobby Jones and family in the passing of his elder sister, Lula Puckett, who died Sunday, August 10, 2014, in Paris, TN. She was 79.
Services are scheduled for Thursday, August 14, at Allen Temple CME Church, 213 Warren Street, Paris, TN.  The funeral begins at noon with viewing for two hours prior. 
Rawls Funeral Home is handling arrangements.  You may share condolences there or by email to newvision.bjg@hotmail.com.

Anthony Brown & group therAPy headline minority donor awareness event

(Indianapolis, IN)  Anthony Brown & group therAPy lent their voices as the headliner for the 18th Annual National Minority Donor Awareness Week Gospel Program.  Nearly 2,000 attendees filled the Church of Christian Compassion in Philadelphia, PA this past Sunday to support the organization’s effort to increase awareness of the need for minority organ and tissue donations.


Participants were treated to a free gospel concert as well as the opportunity to increase their knowledge about the importance of this initiative.


During the event, Anthony Brown spoke about the importance of organization’s such as the Gift of Life Donor program stating, “A very wise man once told me that businesses like this…places like this are an extension of God’s healing hand.”


According to the the organization’s official Facebook page, 120 new individuals registered to be donors that very evening. To find out more information about the Gift of Life Donor Program, please visit: http://www.donors1.org/learn2/religion/gospelprogram/ 


Here’s a clip from their performance. 


The preceding content is from a press release issued by Tyscot Music and Entertainment.

Take a listen to "To Seek and To Save" by NOLA's The JUST

The JUST invites you to take a listen to the gospel soul track “To Seek and To Save.”  The song is written, arranged, produced, and performed by Daniel Rickerson (right), with music by Robert Fulco of Sanctuary Sound Studio.

Stay in the loop with The JUST via Twitter (@TheJust504) for new music updates.

"The Holy One" – Patricia LaVerne McQueen

“The Holy One”
Patricia LaVerne McQueen
From the CD, It’s All About Love (2014)
McDuJo Gospel Music
Available at Amazon

Patricia LaVerne McQueen It's All About Love cover art

Patricia LaVerne McQueen skillfully converts Scripture to song.  It’s perhaps the primary reason she’s called “The Word Singer.” Just as engaging as her ability to craft lyrics from Scripture is the sheer artistry of her vocal delivery (reminiscent of jazz greats Nancy Wilson, Lena Horne, and Natalie Cole), which is immediately apparent in “The Holy One” from her 10-track upbeat jazzy CD, It’s All About Love. 

McQueen’s talent is honed through years of experience, including her four-year tenure as an original member of the internationally acclaimed a cappella ensemble, Sweet Honey in the Rock.  And just in case you’re wondering, she is the same Patricia (Pat Johnson, at the time) who recorded the 1972 R&B hit single “Love Brought You Here.”

The strength of “The Holy One” is the intimacy of conversation between McQueen and the listener, conveyed with McQueen’s lush jazz runs and just enough scatting to tease a jazz enthusiast.  The unblemished execution of her solo as she walks through Biblical texts that point to the deity of Jesus Christ is the perfect union of style and substance.

McQueen is presently an evangelist at Seed of Faith Ministries in California.

The Rance Allen Group readies for new project

Pictured from left: Chris Byrd, Tom Allen, Floyd Timeless Thomas, Rance Allen, Steve Allen, and Sidney Scott, following a recording session for the Rance Allen Group’s new project. 

Tyscot Music released this photo along with a heads up that the Rance Allen Group has been working on music for a new project, set for release later this year. According to the press release, the project is a “fresh, new twist to their classic sound.” A debut single is forthcoming.