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.

Are you a youth with talent? “Wilson Idol” Talent Search 2013 wants you!

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Summerville Promotion and Production Company (SPPC) has begun its search for talented youth to compete in the first annual “Wilson Idol” contest. Wilson Idol is a local competition sponsored by SPPC and Teaching Academics for Life Learning Outreach Ministries (TALL-1 OM) which will find musical, dance and acting talent from Wilson’s youth, ages 10-18.
The competition will give Wilson’s youth an opportunity to showcase their talent in the areas of solo music, band/group music, dance/step and acting. Cash prizes will be awarded and the top performer will be given an opportunity to perform for Pastor Shirley Caesar, Queen of Gospel and will be given a part in the onstage production of the award winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville. All winners will be featured in TPC Magazine and within The City Insight and posted on their websites, www.tcpmagazineusa.com and www.thecityinsight.com. This event will showcase diverse talents throughout the community and give all interested youth an opportunity to reach their full potential while building their confidence, social skills, and communication skills.

The competition is being produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville, Founder/CEO of Teaching Academics for Life Learning 1-Outreach Ministries (TALL1-OM). Dr. Summerville established TALL 1-OM, a community-based nonprofit organization, to strengthen academic achievement and bring about a multicultural awareness within the community on various issues hindering students’ academic success. This awareness serves as a strong force for overcoming barriers such as gangs, crime, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, tobacco use and HIV/AIDS prevention. In addition to its focus on academic achievement, TALL-1 aims to help youth with learning enhanced social and life skills to assist them in becoming healthy functioning members of the community.

As a means to carry out its mission, TALL-1 established the James and Leanther Summerville Academy, named to honor Summerville’s parents. The Academy is a community base school serving suspended students from Wilson County Schools offering them an opportunity to continue their education. Its fundamental purpose is to improve academic performance and reduce negative behavior, leading to a decrease in the number of suspensions and dropouts.

Youth can obtain the Wilson Idol Rules and Application Package by calling Dr. Mildred Summerville at 252-230-2689, Marjie Slagle at 252-265-2688, emailing your request to [email protected], or by picking one up at the J&L Summerville Academy, 618 Tarboro St. NE, Wilson, NC 27893. Additional information on Summerville’s Entrepreneur Program can be obtained by calling Dr. Summerville or emailing her at [email protected].

Rev. Arthur T. Jones, co-founder of Florida Mass Choir, has died

Jordan K. Phillips informed GMF that Pastor Arthur T. Jones passed away today after battling cancer since 2010.

Pastor Jones is co-founder of the Florida Mass Choir, with which he recorded and produced several projects.  In 2002, he released his first solo CD, Speak For Me.  He was also the founder and senior pastor of Tampa’s Bible-Based Fellowship Church.

GMF extends condolences to Pastor Jones’ wife, children, other relatives, friends, church family and Florida Mass Choir.

McCollins Thorpe, Sr., of John Thorpe and Family, passes on

Please join GMF in extending condolences to the family and friends of McCollins Thorpe, Sr., who transitioned yesterday, April 30, after a brief illness.  He was 70 years old.
Thorpe was perhaps one of traditional gospel quartet’s best kept secrets with a versatile vibratic tenor that could drive a quartet scorcher, churn out a soul-drenched hymn arrangement, or croon a melodic ballad.  He was a lead singer in his sibling group John Thorpe and Family and can be heard handling lead chores on “I Trust in God” and “I Don’t Mind,” both on the CDs In His Name and John Thorpe and Family “Live” with Dr. Bobby Jones.  Additionally, every Sunday morning listeners could tune in to WKRX 96.7FM to hear Thorpe along with his brothers, called simply The Thorpe Brothers.  He opened every broadcast with the Sam Cooke-popularized version of “Nearer My God to Thee.”
Thorpe was also a dedicated member of several choirs at his home church, New Hope Person Missionary Baptist Church in Timberlake, NC.
In addition to his 13 brothers and sisters, he is survived by three children and a host of other relatives.

Homegoing arrangements, per sister Joyce Bailey, are as follows:

Visitation, Public Viewing & Musical
Saturday, May 4, 2013
6:30 – 8:30 PM
New Hope Person Missionary Baptist Church
1261 Tom Oakley Road
Timberlake, NC 27583

Homegoing Celebration
Sunday, May 5, 2013
2:30 PM
Greater Cleggs Chapel Community Missionary Baptist Church
2601 Surl-Mt. Tirzah Road
Timberlake, NC 27583


Online condolences can be posted at www.whitesmortuary.net.

Damon Little recovering well, personally thanks fans for payers

(Baltimore, MD)  Damon Little announced two weeks ago that he would
have surgery on April 22, but he entered the hospital earlier, on April
15, for emergency open heart surgery, and now he wants everyone to know
his progress in this update letter: 

I just want to take some
time to inform my fans, friends, family, and the gospel music industry
on the progress of my surgery. As momma used to say, “this is from the
horse’s mouth.”  Thanks be to God, my operation went very well.
Although I had a few slight setbacks, I am alive and I want to give God
all the praise.  I was told before surgery that I probably would need
stents, a pacemaker, or animal parts for the bypass surgery, but God
fixed it that when the doctors opened me up they were able to repair my
heart without those things because a supernatural healing had
already begun. I didn’t need a pacemaker, or foreign animal parts to
complete the surgery.

The surgery should have only lasted four
hours but lasted almost eight hours instead. The chief surgeon explained
to me that they fought hard to restart the heart because it was only
working at 18%.  My body was rejecting the heart and would not let the
pulmonary-lung machine go.  The chief surgeon did not want to give up,
and did few other techniques to restart the heart. He believed I was too
young and strong to go out like that.  The doctor told me that he
remembered hearing me say, “yea though I walk through the valley, I will
fear no evil for though art with me” before I received anesthesia.
Saints, God was truly with me because my heart restarted and climbed to
36.5% and has continued to climb. 

After entering ICU, I had
another setback, where mucus began to build up all over my body. My ICU
nurse treated me horribly that night after my surgery. She wasn’t aware
that I was coherent and the more I attempted to communicate with my
hands for help, the more she medicated me for comfort, thinking I was
delirious.  Once again I was at death’s door, but God sent an angel, who
was the morning nurse. He had been off for three days and decided to
come in two hours early for his shift. He found me choking, and started
working on me. Since then I’ve remained stable, and I am now in cardiac
rehab.  I want everyone to know, that I don’t have to assume. I know God
is truly a way maker, so please keep me in your prayers and I will be
speaking to my pastors, radio announcers, promoters, sponsors, and
colleagues in the industry, friends, and family very soon.

On April 27, Damon celebrated “a true birthday of being renewed in spirit
and happy to be alive.”  You can continue to send well wishes to
P.O. Box 29806, Baltimore, MD. 21216, [email protected],
or 410-462-5371.   
Damon has one more request: “Everyone eat a slice of sugar-free cake on my
birthday for me. Lol…I look forward to personally making calls in
May—God Bless.”

Carolyn Pettiford-Ryals hosts her popular “It’s You And Me” Women’s Retreat – May 11

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Desmond Pringle joins Cancer Treatment Centers of America for concert series

(Zion, IL)  Noted gospel singer/songwriter Desmond Pringle is teaming up with Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) to present a three city inspirational concert event to inspire hope in Chicago, Charleston and Los Angeles as Kingdom Records releases his new CD, Fidelity, on May 14, 2013. His current radio single “Can’t Even Imagine” is #22 on Billboard magazine’s Hot Gospel Songs chart.

The series of music and worship-filled events kicks off in Chicago on Thursday, May 2, with the city’s leading pastors and choirs participating in “An Evening of Inspiration” at 7:30 PM at Grace Apostolic Faith Church.

“I’ve worked with the most prominent Christian artists and leaders of our time, Pringle said, “and I am so very honored to partner with Rev. Percy McCray and Cancer Treatment Centers of America.” Rev. McCray leads the Our Journey of Hope program at CTCA in Illinois, a community outreach program to assist faith based organizations establish ministry programs to support parishioners and their families who are facing life threatening illnesses.

“We are so grateful to the Lord for providing us with this opportunity to serve our congregations most challenged members,” he stated.

“We are going to have a beautiful and inspired time,” said Rev. McCray, who will serve as the MC of the events. “We are offering a night of inspiration and hope with a stellar lineup of invited guests, choirs and ministries. We are extending an invitation to all of the people living with cancer and their supporters to come and bask in the glory,” he added.

On Saturday, May 11, Pringle will perform for leaders in the faith-based community at the Inaugural Red Carpet Awards Dinner Gala at the Alfred Williams Community Center in Charleston, SC.  The Los Angeles “Evening of Inspiration” event, scheduled for June 2013, will feature Pringle and the area’s prominent religious leaders and gospel musicians.

All events are free and open to the public.

George Beverly Shea (1909-2013) of Billy Graham crusades leaves rich legacy

Photo | American Profile

George Beverly Shea, gospel singer widely recognized for his ministry alongside Rev. Billy Graham, died yesterday in Asheville, NC. He was 104 years old.

Read the related New York Times article on his life, career, and passing here: George Beverly Shea, Billy Graham’s singer, dies at 104.

Riva Tims announces plans for center in memory of former husband Zachery

(Orlando, FL)  In honor of the late pastor Dr. Zachery Tims,
Jr., his former wife Pastor Riva Tims and their children (Zoelle, Zachery III,
Zahria and Zion) are coming together with others to celebrate his life and
legacy on April 18, 2013. Family, friends, local pastors and others will gather
at The Kingdom Church to remember the late Dr. Tims. He touched thousands
of lives with his preaching and television program. Now, Riva Tims and the
family are planning to establish The Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. Enrichment Center
to continue his good works.

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The center will function as a retreat oasis for ministerial leaders suffering
from emotional and spiritual burnout and will also serve as a rehabilitation
facility for people struggling with addiction and depression. The center
will allow leaders to recuperate, rehabilitate, rejuvenate and rebound in a
confidential, nurturing environment. The Tims family has a five-year
projection plan to attain funding, acquire property and to hire staff for the
center.

There has been media attention around the Tims family over the last few months.
Recently, Riva Tims and family members were saddened and disappointed when
a popular African-American magazine published an article on the late Dr.
Tims that they felt exploited his legacy with inappropriate graphics and
statements taken out of context. However, Riva Tims has not let negative
news accounts keep her from moving forward in her efforts to perpetuate the
memory of all the good Dr. Tims accomplished when he was alive and the
good he will continue to do in his demise through the enrichment center’s
mission to help leaders in crisis.

Event Details:
Thursday, April 18,
2013
7:30 PM
The Kingdom Church
5225 Alhambra Drive
Orlando, FL 32808
For more information,
call (407) 296-8587.
_______________________________
Editor’s Note:  GMF was one of the first media outlets to
confirm Pastor Tims’ passing in August 2011. 
At that time, GMF highlighted his connection to gospel music by noting
that in 2006 he released a music project on the Zion Records label entitled ‘Dr.
Zachery Tims Presents’ A New Praise.  Just prior to his death, he was
the host of the Orlando radio show “102 Gospel Jamz.”

Kirk Franklin to perform for District of Columbia Emancipation Day

Concert on Freedom Plaza starts at 4 PM, followed by a fireworks display

(Washington, DC) Councilmember Vincent Orange (At-Large, D) has announced that one of gospel music’s biggest names, Kirk Franklin, will help celebrate DC Emancipation Day with a free, live performance at Freedom Plaza on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at 4:00 PM.
“We’re very excited to have Kirk Franklin perform for our citizens,” Councilmember Orange said. “His presence makes this year’s Emancipation Day that much more special.”

One of the most popular names in gospel music, the nine-time Gramrny Award winner Kirk Franklin is also the host and executive producer of the gospel talent show Sunday Best, the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history.
“To bring an artist of his magnitude is quite a feat for DC and our holiday,” Orange said. “His performance, to be on Freedom Plaza, is recognition of how important this day is in the District’s history and American history.” Kirk Franklin has also won an American Music Award, eight NAACP Image A wards and two BET Music Awards.

Also performing this year will be the West Virginia State University Jazz Ensemble and Washington, DC’s own, acclaimed jazz saxophonist Brian Lenair. The musical performances will begin after the annual parade down Pennsylvania Ave which this year will also include the world famous UniverSoul Circus. Following the performances is a fireworks display at 8:30 PM.

The DC Emancipation Day celebration is an historic occasion in the nation’s capital. On April 16, 1862, President Lincoln signed the District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act. The Act released the 3,100 enslaved persons in the District of Columbia, making them the “first freed” at a cost of one million dollars to the federal government. Nine months later, on January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 to begin to end institutionalized slavery in America.

Damon Little to have emergency heart surgery

(Baltimore, MD)  Quartet gospel music legend Damon Little, who is best known for hit
songs such as “You Can’t Straddle The Fence,” “Do Right” or his recent
hit “Make A Way,” has been scheduled for emergency heart surgery to take
place Monday, April 22, in the Baltimore, MD area.  Little wanted his
fans to hear the news straight from him and here’s his letter:


“To all my friends and family, first and
foremost we serve an awesome God, and I am thankful to God for being
merciful and kind to me. I would like to take this time to sincerely
speak to my friends, family and colleagues about an incident that has
occurred.  My message may seem sad, but it’s indeed a blessing for me,
and I hope this message will be of encouragement to others. This year
has been a blessed top of the year for me, as far as my music charting,
concerts, and tour dates, family life, witnessing, and blessing the
saints across the country.   As I ministered last week in the Carolinas,
and was preparing for dates in Florida and Overseas; I noticed
three times that I experienced shortness of breath. I had no chest
discomfort but I remained concerned and mindful of the changes that were
occurring in my body. The spirit led me to go home instead of to
Florida and get myself checked out with a doctor.
      
I went
to the emergency room thinking I had a sinus infection and when I
entered the emergency room, yes saints I lied—I told them my chest was
hurting so that I could be seen quicker, the EKG was taken and came back
great. I was told to go back to the waiting room but I then informed
the nurses that my chest was really beginning to bother me.  I was then
escorted away for a cat scan that found fluid in my lungs. This was the
first sign of congestive heart failure.

Saints, I am in the
hospital where I will be treated by top doctors and you guys know I am
always encouraging everyone—so I am taking this opportunity to encourage
all my singers, fans, friends and family to take better care of
yourselves.  Sometimes you never know how you will write and sing a song
that will turn around and minister back to you:  ‘I don’t know how you
going to fix it, how you going to make away, but Lord I need you to do
something for me today.’    I am asking my pastors, promoters, radio
stations, fans, family, friends, and colleagues, to lift me up in prayer
and most importantly, ask the lord to `Make A Way’ for me, my wife and
family.”

Fans can send cards and well wishes to Damon Little at P.O. Box 29806, Baltimore, MD 21216 or call (410) 462-537, [email protected] for updates.