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.

The Wardlaw Brothers release song to support cancer patients and families (video)

(Lyons, GA) Cancer is a group of diseases that in one form or another has affected loved ones, friends or even oneself.  Cancer does not respect age, ethnicity or gender.  Millions all over the world have suffered, but, millions are surviving!  The popular gospel group The Wardlaw Brothers (TWB) are among those who have experienced this painful disease within their own family and are on a mission to spread hope and assist those who are suffering, as well as to celebrate those who have survived. 

To honor all persons who have been touched in some way by cancer, The Wardlaw Brothers have written and released a special song, “We Will Survive.” The single is available only on iTunes with portions of the proceeds from the sale of the single to benefit two Georgia-based foundations.  TWB has partnered with The Nick Eason Foundation and The Pretty in Pank Foundation who are on the same mission, to offer support to those affected by this disease.
TWB is requesting that everyone partner with them in support of this effort by not only downloading the single, but by watching and sharing the companion video.  “We Will Survive” has a poignant and inspiring video that features friends, family and those TWB admire who are cancer survivors, currently fighting cancer and those who have succumbed in their fight.


TWB are five biological brothers (Tony, Luther, Jamie, Carl and Rodney) from Georgia who have recently garnered success with their Top 20 Billboard Gospel Radio Chart hit “Right Now Lord” from their God’s Been There CD.  The brothers have also had key appearances on national TV shows–BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, The Word Network and TCT TV Network.  TWB will be featured as musical performers at the Bill Pickett Rodeo in Atlanta, GA, on  August 3-4 and have a special performance appearance in the forthcoming film Angel’s Wings, featuring noted actor Reginald VelJohnson (Family Matters TV show) and actress Robin Givens.

Founded in January of 2012, The Nick Eason Foundation has a mission to assist families with loved ones fighting cancer.  The foundation helps families financially as well as spiritually and emotionally to try and relieve some of the immense pressure that comes with managing such a critical family time. 

The inspiration for The Nick Eason Foundation comes from Nick’s own experience losing his mother to breast cancer in 2012.  He also lost his uncle to cancer, and has lost other friends to the illness over the past few years.  Through his experiences, he realized that many families cannot manage the struggle alone, whether from the financial or emotional stresses the consistently arise. 

Nick Eason is a native of Lyons, GA and played football for Clemson University before going on to play in the NFL for the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals.

The Pretty in Pank Foundation was begun in Georgia in 2007 by three friends–Ann Owens, Jill Murphy, and Pete Frost–whose families had each been greatly affected by breast cancer. Although Jill’s mother had lost her battle, Ann’s niece and Pete’s mother had recently been diagnosed.

And so it began, three friends enlisted local talent and other volunteers to plan a variety show FUNdraiser to “raise a little money” for the ladies affected in their small town. Ann, the owner of the local theater, afforded the use of the perfect venue. The first Pretty in Pank variety show was held, selling out and making $3,000, and thus launching future events to support the foundation’s goal: to bring help, hope, and humor to those battling breast cancer.


“Never Let Go” – Shabach Ministering Team

“Never Let Go”
Shabach Ministering Team
From the CD, So Amazing (2012)
Indie
Available at CD Baby

Shabach Ministering Team So Amazing art work
Rosana Goodloe and Montra Roberts aka Shabach Ministering Team allow us to listen in on their conversation with the Master in “Never Let Go.”
“In my darkness, You have proven to be strong / And in my storms, Lord, You’ve never left me alone….Now I know that I can still be strong / and I can still hold on…”
 
The team has been helping to set atmospheres for worship for more than a decade.  Written by Jarrell Goodloe and produced by Trey Corley, “Never Let Go” is from their CD, So Amazing.

Artists, media group, designer rep NC with Rhythm of Gospel Award wins

Lamanuel Boykin & Company accept their award

Congratulations to all nominees and winners for the 5th Annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards.  Winners were announced this weekend at the pre-show, media awards, and main show in Jacksonville, Florida.

Entrants from 54 categories hailed from all over the US, Canada, and Bahamas.  Below are the winners from NC, the birthplace of Gospel Music Fever. (A complete list of winners is available on The Black Gospel Blog.) 

Internet Media Group of the Year
Gospel Music Fever Blog

Quartet Group of the Year
Apostle Joseph Green & God’s Glory 

Quartet CD of the Year
Lamanuel Boykin & Company 
Living for the Lord 

Holy Hip Hop Song of the Year
Electionsure 
“Backpacks and Snapbacks” 

Product Packaging of the Year
Kelvin Chappell Designs
Eunice Wright’s CD, Worth It All

Kim Burrell mourns passing of brother, Julius Lynn Burrell

GMF extends condolences to and prayers for Kim Burrell and family in the passing of her older brother Julius Lynn Burrell today.  Burrell shared the news earlier today via social media.

Update (8/11/13): Funeral services were held August 8, at Love & Liberty Fellowship Church, where Kim Burrell is pastor.

GMF wins 2013 Rhythm of Gospel Award for Internet Media Group of the Year

Gospel Music Fever emerged from a category of nine nominees to win Internet Media Group of the Year at this weekend’s 5th Annual Rhythm of Gospel Awards.  The festivities were held in Jacksonville, FL.


“It’s a blessing to be recognized by your readers and industry colleagues for your efforts to advance gospel music and uplift its artists,” comments Libra Boyd, GMF’s founder and editor. “It’s truly a rewarding feeling, and I am thankful.” 

According to the organization, The Rhythm of
Gospel Awards is the “Official & The Largest” Independent Gospel
Show, giving independent gospel artists both a national platform and a
positive collaboration.  The national televised awards show is an annual
event that brings in over 6,500 artists, churches, and media groups throughout
the USA, Canada, and Bahamas.

Gospel Music Fever was founded in spring 2011.  Since its inception, Libra has been the blog’s chief writer and editor, publishing news, articles, interviews, and reviews covering every
style and era of gospel music. 
Accordingly, GMF has grown in popularity and name
recognition among gospel music’s fans and followers.

A complete list of winners is available on The Black Gospel Blog.

__________________________
Editor’s Note: Thanks to the National Independent Gospel Music Association (N.I.G.M.A.) and all persons who took part in the voting process.

I am also grateful to the following organizations and contributors that helped make travel to Florida possible: 

Penn Avenue Baptist Church

Pastor W.S. Darby & Penn Avenue Baptist Church
Mr. James Bailey
Mr. Anthony Moore
Mr. Dwight Thorpe

"Gotta Believe in Me" [Audio] – Ebony Archer

“Gotta Believe in Me”
Ebony Archer
From the upcoming EP, The Breakthrough (Fall 2013)
www.ebony-archer.com

Ebony Archer Gotta Believe in Me art work
Here’s one to sing to yourself in the mirror every morning: “Doesn’t matter if I fall / Gonna make it through it all / For now I see / Gotta believe in me!”  Better yet, let gospel and inspirational pop artist Ebony Archer sing it for you; she has the chops as well as the infectious dance track to go with it. “Gotta Believe in Me” is part of her forthcoming five-track EP, The Breakthrough.

The Chicago singer, who’s a former member of Walt Whitman and the Soul Children, says that “the message of this song is to let everyone know that in order to reach your dreams, you must believe in yourself first, in order to make them come true.”

At 21 years of age, Ebony doesn’t just talk the talk.  In addition to singing, she is an author and the executive producer of Youth Speak Out TV Show.  She also has plans to film and produce her first documentary this year.

"The Medley" [Audio] – Connection!

“The Medley”
Connection! (2013)
Redeemed Records
Available on Amazon

Connection artwork
The group of young men from Houston known as Connection! makes good use of a medley to showcase clean vocals, slick production, and the ability to drop some good music on both contemporary and traditional gospel quartet fans.
 
Simply called “The Medley,” Connection! starts with ‘”Heaven is My Goal” followed by “Running (99 1/2 Won’t Do),” both of moderate tempo and R&B/soul feel, before diving into the hand-clapper “Hold On.”
 
Since the group’s formation in 2000, Connection! has gotten much attention, including racking up a pair of Rhythm of Gospel Award nominations.

Tributes to Norwood, Hayes at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards – July 26, 2013

Click to enlarge

Among the many events taking place at the 2013 Rhythm of Gospel Awards are musical tributes to Evangelist Dorothy Norwood and Bishop Charles Hayes.

Norwood’s career spans more than six decades and includes tenures with the famous Caravans and the Dorothy Norwood Singers, along with renown as a solo artist and “Gospel’s Greatest Storyteller.”

Bishop Hayes is the founder and pastor of Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer on Chicago’s South Side.  He is also the founder of the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir (also known as The Warriors), which has recorded more than 30 albums including the choir smash “Jesus Can Work It Out.”

The midnight musical starts at 10:30 PM on Friday, July 26, at Downtown Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk Hotel. Tickets are available either in advance ($15) or at the door ($20).

"You Are" – Patricia Leigh

“You Are”
Patricia Leigh
From the CD, The L.I.F.E. Project (2013)
Poieo Music
www.iampatricialeigh.com

Patricia Leigh cover art
“You Are” from Patricia Leigh’s current release, The L.I.F.E. Project, is a great example of her self-described sound, “polyethnic sophisti-pop soul.”
 
The tune is lively: heavy on synths and drums.  And though it somewhat deviates from the contemporary gospel vibe to which many are acquainted, it’s Patricia’s warm alto that so effortlessly proclaims, “Because You are, I am” that makes it obvious she’s found her niche.
 
Patirica is a graduate of Oakwood University (also the alma mater of Take 6, Brian McKnight, and Committed), and has shared the stage several industry notables including Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, and Lamar Campbell.

2013 Rhythm of Gospel Awards gets underway this week – July 24-28

GMF is nominated for Internet Media Group of the Year

Click to enlarge for more info & list of performers

(Jacksonville, FL)  All roads lead to Jacksonville, FL this week for the 5th Annual Rhythm Of Gospel Awards. The televised awards show is an annual event filled with a variety of innovative and exciting showcases and achievement galas–bringing in over 6,500 excited tourists, church, social and civic groups, families and business professionals throughout the entire USA, Canada, and Bahamas.

Gospel Music Fever is honored to be among this year’s nominees for Internet Media Group of the Year.

The Rhythm of Gospel Awards is the “Official & The Largest” Independent Gospel Show, giving independent gospel artists both a national platform and a positive collaboration, which supports artists of all ethnicities in various genres of gospel music. This year’s event will spotlight 54 categories of recognition and will honor 16 distinguished pastors, national & independent gospel artists, and radio personalities–giving them the opportunity to network formally while congratulating trailblazers from various sectors of the community and music industry. 

Click to picture above for more information and a list of performers.