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.

"Rejoice With Me" – Bobby Jones f. Faith Evans

“Rejoice With Me”
Bobby Jones f. Faith Evans (2013)
EchoPark JDI/Caroline/Capitol Records

Bobby Jones and Faith Evans

Dr. Bobby Jones is a legend, arguably not so much for his musicality as for his flagship show, Bobby Jones Gospel, the longest-running show on cable TV.  His legendary status may be attributed in part to the manner in which he advances gospel music as art by graciously extending his national platform to other talented acts across all subgenres of gospel and inspirational music.  

Through the years, Dr. Jones has been blessed to score many memorable collaborations (Dr. Maya Angelou, Donald Lawrence, Melvin Williams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Barbara Mandrell, et al.) for his projects; the latest of which, “Rejoice With Me,” features R&B diva Faith Evans.  NSC (formerly known as the Nashville Super Choir) joins in on the uptempo contempo radio-friendly tune.

Following a brief intro, Dr. Jones steps aside from the mic, allowing Evans to do her thing.  Characteristically, the soprano’s riffs and runs soar effortlessly as she exhorts, “Trust God to work it out / All you gotta do is shout!” 

Dr. Jones’ full-length project is expected to drop on March 25, 2014.

Boyd: "Let's make 2014 the best year yet for advancing gospel music"

Happy New Year! 

It’s another new year, and I wish to take this moment to thank you for your continued support, prayers, and well wishes throughout 2013.  Thank you for your ongoing interest in GMF; you have been reading, commenting, and telling others about the site, and many of you have also submitted great music.  Thank you!
Last year this time, GMF was a Rhythm of Gospel Award nominee for Internet Media Group of the Year.  This year, because of you and the Rhythm of Gospel voting board, GMF is an award-winning blog.  Thank God and thank you!
Let’s make 2014 the best year yet for the advancement of gospel music by moving forward with great expectations for God, self, and the art form. 


Libra Boyd, Founder & Editor
Gospel Music Fever

GMF Editor’s Picks of 2013

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

The end of another year is upon us, and 2013 brought with it some wonderful gospel music. Here’s my list of picks for this year.  This list includes only the songs I have reviewed and featured on GMF in 2013.  

LaTonya Earl's "I Run to You" is the GMF editor's pick of 2013.
LaTonya Earl

“I Run to You” 
LaTonya Earl

“He Rescued Me”
Tim Woodson & The Heirs of Harmony


“Won’t Be Like This Always”
PreZ Blackmon

“New Beginnings”
Linda Clark

 
“Joy Comes in the Morning”
 
“Gud 2 Me”
 
“Ready Aim”
“Greater Is Coming”
 

“Heaven”
Changed

“God Brought Us From A Mighty Long Way”
The Yancey Family Singers

History of the Roberta Martin Singers highlighted on Cross Rhythms

Cross Rhythms music editor Tony Cummings charts the history of the Roberta Martin Singers.  Read it here: Roberta Martin Singers: Chicago’s gospel legends of the ’50s and ’60s.

"God Can / You Give Me" [Double Single] – Tim Spady & Inspiration

“God Can / You Give Me” [Double Single]
Tim Spady & Inspiration
From the upcoming CD, Just Believe (Available 2014)
Available on iTunes

Tim Spady & Inspiration art workTim Spady has been making music for most of his 20-something year life. By the time he was a teenager, he was playing for the children’s choir at his aunt’s church and through his college years, he continued to hone his God-given gifts. 

Tim Spady & Inspiration’s double single is the most recent offering—the introduction to their forthcoming project, Just Believe.  “God Can,” an inspirational tune as soothing as its title, features the sultry soprano of Vanessa Williams along with musical stylings reminiscent of the Kurt Carr Singers.  The second single, “You Give Me” featuring Walt Anderson, picks up the tempo and takes it on an urban spin.  Both tracks are right at home among today’s roster of inspirational and contemporary music.

Paul Porter – The Healing Testimony [Video]

Motown Gospel artist Paul Porter, formerly of the Christianaires, shares a powerful testimony of God’s miracle-working power.

Watch as he recalls the long road to recovery from blindness, an aneurysm, and subsequent paralysis.


"Stand Up" – LaJaye Britt

“Stand Up”
LaJaye Britt (2013)
Rebel Hill Music LLC/My Q Music Group
Available on iTunes

LaJaye Britt art work stand up

LaJaye Britt hit the music scene in the 90’s with an R&B single, which partly explains the vibe of his current gospel offering, “Stand Up,” and its occasional Ronald Isley nuances.

For the entire three and a half minutes, the Goldsboro, NC native empowers one to emerge from setbacks and “stand up, stand up…stop lettin’ the devil hold you down.”  Suffice it to say that “Stand Up” runs on a full tank of motivation.

In addition to being a singer/songwriter, producer, and musician, LaJaye is the chief apostle of Kingdom Love Fellowship, Inc., based in LaGrange, NC.

“Noel Noel” – Quebec Celebration Gospel Choir (Video)

"What A Holiday" – Maurice Griffin

“What A Holiday”
Maurice Griffin
From CD, My Holiday (2013)
MGM Chicago Music Group
http://mauricegriffinonline.com

There’s nothing like a feel-good song to get you in the spirit of Christmas, and Maurice Griffin taps into the Memphis soul sound (think Al Green) to do just that.

Griffin’s melismas in “What A Holiday” meet up with a slapping bass and brilliant horns to bring you the same infectious energy that he transmitted to BET Sunday Best 2 viewers when he was a finalist.

The full-length Christmas project, My Holiday, is available at iTunes.

Armstrong Williams says Nelson Mandela was inspired by the music of Shirley Caesar