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.

Tracy Morgan, radio veteran, becomes first woman Spin Awards Hall of Fame inductee

Veteran radio announcer and programmer Tracy Morgan recently made history when she became the first woman inducted into the Spin Awards Hall of Fame at the sixth annual ceremony at the Sylvia Beard Theatre in Atlanta, GA.

“This started as a dream when I was just 13 years old,” she said after stepping on stage to accept the award that was presented to her by Tyscot Records VP of Promotions, Jeff Hargrove. “I actually wanted to be a TV newscaster, so I began to pursue this at a very young age.”

Morgan first thanked her support system. She said her deceased father “would be cheesin’ from ear to ear” to see her win and she thanked her mother who has always been her biggest encourager. She went on to credit her husband Keith’s support for allowing her the freedom to program the historic WBBP 1480 AM in Memphis, to host the daily show “Morning Inspiration” on WHUR 96.3 FM in Washington, D.C. (the lead-in to the Steve Harvey Morning Show), and to host the syndicated Tracy Morgan Show on the Rejoice! Musical Soul Food network.  She then thanked her daughter Katrina, a graduating senior at New York University. Morgan also spoke of her gratitude to the radio executives who gave her some of her biggest breaks such as Louise Patterson of WBBP, and Mike &  April Chandler of Rejoice! Musical Soul Food.

Finally, Morgan spoke to her peers in broadcasting.

“We are rocking this thing,” she told them. “Stay encouraged and let us continue to do what we do, and that is impact the lives of many all across the country through inspirational and gospel music. He [God] gets all the glory.”

The ceremony was hosted by radio personalities Tony Gee of WFMV in Columbia, SC, and GRIFF from the syndicated Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell program. The program airs November 26, 2022, at 7 PM EST on the NOW Television Network.

A Washington, D.C. native, Morgan has been a program director, music director, producer, and on-air talent for various stations around the country. She’s worked for CBS Radio, Radio One, and other networks. Morgan is a multi-Stellar Gospel Music Award winner as Announcer of the Year. In addition, she was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in Akron, Ohio in 2005.  She was also inducted into the Columbia School of Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2014.

– From a press release

Editor’s Note: Visit https://www.thespinawards.com/2022-winners/ for a complete list of this year’s winners and finalists.

MG Music Group to kick off ‘Gospel In Person’ concert series

MG Music Group photo
MG Music Group

Sponsored by the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex – MG Music Group is gearing up to perform the first concert in the “Gospel In Person” series, presented by the Kirby Cultural Arts Complex in partnership with Just Love In Person community service organization and Gentry Visuals production company. The concert takes place at the Kirby Theater in Roxboro, NC, on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 6 PM. “Gospel In Person” is a multipart celebration of the rich Black gospel music history found in North Carolina’s rural Person County, located in the Piedmont region along Virginia’s border. The schedule of events includes live concert performances and a documentary feature film to round out the series.

MG (Mighty God) Music Group is a Christian-based record label in Person County’s city of Roxboro. Its roster of artists, also collectively known as the MG Music Group, consists of eight Christian rappers, all of whom have ties to the area. The collective has performed in multiple cities across the US and in the UK. Label founder and CEO Cedric Hester, aka Deacon Authority, is himself a Person County native who writes, produces, and performs. The upcoming concert is set to feature the international award-winning artist/producer along with labelmates George Pettiford, Curtis Clay, Bryant Lofton, Effram Winstead, Roderick Shepard, and Eli Cope, better known by their stage names, Judea, Soundman, Shoe Man, CLASS, Sim’Plea Rock, and Lil Lij, respectively. Some of MG Music Group’s most popular songs to date are “Mighty God,” “La La La,” and “Yahweh.”

The “Gospel In Person” series features several live concerts between November 2022 and April 2023 and culminates with the premiere of Gospel In Person, a documentary, in June 2023. Michael Gentry, the film’s creator and producer, hopes the documentary will duly honor some of the community’s legends whose impact has created ripple effects throughout the broader gospel music scene.

“Gospel In Person will tell the history of the great musical anointing that has rested upon Person County,” says Gentry. “You will hear the stories of legends such as Roosevelt and Michael Whitfield, Martha Pettiford, Leroy Cash, Victor Hester, Willie Carrington, and many more. And you will learn more about the living legends who walk among us and tirelessly minister to us all.”

Deacon Authority’s late grandfather is named among the legends. Victor Hester was a noted bass singer and member of an area group whose inception is believed by some to date back to the 1930s, the now defunct Traveling Sextet. Deacon Authority and his grandfather had a special relationship.

“He took me with him and taught me so many things,” he remembers.

As far as he knows, the elder Hester never got to perform overseas like him. Nevertheless, Deacon Authority says his granddad’s influence is always present with him and present wherever the music goes around the world.

“My grandfather is in all my songs. He’s the reason why I like bass so much.”

From generation to generation and in song after song shared at home and abroad, it seems likely Mr. Victor Hester’s influence is traveling farther than the Traveling Sextet singer ever dreamed was possible.

Tickets for MG Music Group’s concert are available now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/19211/kirby-cultural-arts-complex/.

MG Music Group reflects on humble beginnings. (Video courtesy of Gentry Visuals)

Gentry describes the entire series as “historic and monumental.”

“Walk in the Spirit” – Ellen Hayes

“Walk in the Spirit”
Ellen Hayes feat. Cynthia Gross
From the full-length project, We Owe It All To You (2022)
https://meetellenhayes.com/

Ellen Hayes Walk in the Spirit cover art

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Ellen Hayes’ single, “Walk in the Spirit,” is inspired by 2 Corinthians 3:17. Using the scripture’s message, she has written a rousing song of instruction that her daughter Cynthia Gross delivers. Attention is easily focused squarely on the lyrics as both Cynthia’s approach and the music are refreshingly simplistic. Hayes is known for writing songs with lyrics taken directly from scripture, and “Walk in the Spirit” adheres to her signature writing style. The track is from her current release, We Owe It All to You.

Based in Michigan, Hayes is a noted organist, pianist, vocalist, songwriter, choir director and four-time Rhythm of Gospel nominee.

CeCe Winans makes history at 53rd Annual Dove Awards

CeCe Winans accepts Dove Award. (Photo by Javis Dason)

Nashville, TN – The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 18, 2022, at the Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee to a sold-out audience. The show aired Friday, October 21, exclusively on TBN and was simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Co-hosts Erica Campbell and Chris Tomlin led the all-star night of music with performances from across the music community including Gospel, Latin, Hip Hop, and Southern Gospel.

Iconic artist CeCe Winans made Dove Awards history this year as the first Black female solo artist to win Artist of the Year. When accepting her award, instead of an acceptance speech, she sang a few lines from the Andraé Crouch classic, “To God Be the Glory,” moving many in the audience to tears. She and the co-writers for “Believe for It” were also awarded Song of the Year. Throughout her incredible career, CeCe has won a staggering 25 Dove Awards including the very first New Artist of the Year award in 1988 with her brother BeBe Winans.

“It’s amazing when we come together and we love each other and we stand for righteousness, it’s amazing what God will do,” Winans said after accepting the award for Song of the Year. “It’s amazing what He’s already done. But He wants to do so much more. I’m believing for God to move in this industry greater than He ever has before. The God we serve responds to faithfulness and the testimonies I’ve heard through this song have blessed my life.”

Jekalyn Carr sings at Dove Awards
Jekalyn Carr (Photo by Terry Wyatt)

Choirmaster Ricky Dillard won his first-ever Dove award in the category of Traditional Gospel Album of the Year for his twelfth album, Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live).  Young gospel queen Jekalyn Carr picked up the third Dove award of her career. This time, she won Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for her No. 1 hit, “My Portion.”

For KING + COUNTRY, writer/producer Jeff Pardo, and Phil Wickham led the night with three awards each. Twenty year-old newcomer Anne Wilson took home two awards including New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “My Jesus.” The latter was recently certified gold by the R.I.A.A.

The night was packed with one-of-a-kind performances such as Steven Curtis Chapman’s career-spanning mash-up of his hits such as “The Great Adventure” and “Dive.” Phil Wickham and his electrifying band performed his current Top Ten single, “Hymn of Heaven.”

TobyMac thanked followers for their prayers and support following his son Truett’s unexpected death in 2020 before launching into a spirited performance of “The Goodness” with Nigerian-born singer Blessing Offor. “Thank you for the kindness you showed me and my family as we walked through the deepest valley in losing my firstborn son,” he said. “…There were times I never thought I would ever write another song, much less an uptempo song or a song that felt like joy. But God is good. He might not always give us what we want, or take away the pain, but He is right here with us. He doesn’t leave. He remains.”

Here are a few of the other winners. For a full list of winners, visit doveawards.com/awards/2022-winners.

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
KB, nobigdyl
“King Jesus”

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
“Gotta Believe”

Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year
Maverick City Music ft. DOE, Jonathan McReynolds, Chandler Moore
“Breathe”

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Lecrae 1k phew
No Church in a While

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
DOE
Clarity

Gospel Worship Album of the Year
Tribl, Maverick City Music
Tribl Nights Atlanta

Short Form Music Video of the Year
Tauren Wells ft. Aaron Cole
“Fake It”

The theme of this year’s show was Sound of Heaven, highlighting how all the different styles of Christian and Gospel music come together under one banner of hope. “The music created by the artists assembled tonight covers a lot of ground style-wise, but collectively they represent the sound of heaven,” said co-host Chris Tomlin. Co-host Erica Campbell added, “We bring it all together to unite as one for the kingdom of God. One mind, one voice, giving glory to God. That’s the sound of heaven.”

The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards is produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returned as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.

Watch on the TBN YouTube channel.

– From a press release

“Your Blessing’s On The Way” – Mary P. Coston

“Your Blessing’s On The Way”
Mary P. Coston (2022)
Available at iTunes

Mary P. Coston Your Blessing's on the Way cover art

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

“Your Blessing’s On The Way” is a hand-clapper of a declaration from Mary P. Coston. “No matter what the devil says, your blessing’s still on the way!”

Coston shines in the verses of this number, where her staccato notes rhythmically punctuate the fast pace of the song. Though entirely tuneful, Coston also sounds undeniably preachy at times, particularly as the track ascends to its peak. Listen intently and her vocal becomes a mash-up of Dorinda Clark Cole and Cosmopolitan’s Dianne Williams – and I like it.

Coston is a native of Michigan and started singing at age three. She released her first single (“Jesus is the Best Thing”) in 2008. “Your Blessing’s On The Way” is Coston’s current single, written by Andre Cranford and produced by Gregory Pearson.

“Satan Is Defeated” – Jonathan Willis & Zion City

“Satan Is Defeated”
Jonathan Willis & Zion City (2022)
https://www.poftzc.com

Jonathan Willis Satan is Defeated cover art

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Jonathan Willis & Zion City are giving Sunday morning pentecostal congregational praise with “Satan Is Defeated,” and it sounds to me like that’s exactly what Willis and the song’s co-writer and producer Patrick Shorts intended. “Satan Is Defeated” offers foot-stomping, hand-clapping, call-and-response, led by Willis. Zion City begins in unison before branching into three-part harmony in time for the vamp, making it a number that even non-singers will find enjoyably easy to sing.

The message is as simple as the melody: Satan loses and Christ’s followers win, for God’s Word declares it to be so. “I’ve got it – the victory!” the aggregation proclaims.

Willis is the senior pastor of Prayer of Faith Temple Zion City Church of God in Christ in Lynchburg, VA.

Keith ‘Wonderboy’ Johnson dies suddenly at 50

Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson is dead at 50

September 30, 2022 – One of the current kings of gospel quartet music, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, has died suddenly at the age of 50. Johnson was found dead in his Atlanta, GA home this morning. An autopsy is scheduled. Johnson was known for big gospel radio hits such as “Let Go and Let God Have His Way,” “Be Right,” and “Hide Behind the Mountain.”

“I’m in total disbelief,” says Black Smoke Music Worldwide founder Kerry Douglas, who first discovered Johnson when he was performing at the American Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, AL in the late 1990s. “I saw Keith perform there and I was just taken by how he moved the audience,” Douglas recalls. “He was an electrifying performer. He was the second act I ever signed, and he was my first signing to become a major artist. We used to sell CDs and The Gospel Truth magazines out of the trunks of our cars. We sold over 10,000 copies back in the day. Keith was like a brother. I was there when his first child was born. We fussed and fought with each other since we met, but that relationship built this company. A lot of the big artists today stand on Keith’s shoulders because of those sacrifices we both made in those early days. Keith began his career with Black Smoke and ended with Black Smoke.”

Johnson was born Keith Lamar Johnson on May 17, 1972, in Brooklyn, NY.  When he was five years old, Johnson’s family started calling him “Wonderboy” for his wonderous musical talents. As a teenager, he enjoyed going to Harlem’s Apollo Theater to see great gospel acts such as John P. Kee and the Rev. James Cleveland. During his teens, he sang with the Boys Choir of Harlem and with his father’s quartet group,  The Spiritual Voices.

Johnson’s first Black Smoke Music Worldwide hit was 1998’s “Hide Behind the Mountain,” a rootsy a cappella track with a steady drumbeat. Then came other hits such as the massive “Be Right,” “Send A Revival,” “I’ll Fly Away,” and “I’ve Got a Feeling,” which showcased the singer’s gravelly tenor. In 2004, he moved on to RCA-owned Verity Records  where he released two albums and scored his biggest hit of all, “Let Go and Let God.” Over the years, Johnson’s bouncy rendition of “12 Days of Christmas” has become an annual favorite on gospel radio stations.

After one-off albums with Malaco Records and Motown Gospel, Johnson scored a production deal with SRT Entertainment which released his album, Keep Pushin’, through a distribution deal with Shanachie Records. “I am saddened to hear of the passing of Keith ‘Wonderboy’ Johnson,” says Shanachie General Manager, Randall Grass. “I first heard his song ‘Let Go and Let God’ around 20 years ago and was immediately impressed; here was an artist injecting the quartet tradition into a contemporary style and it was great. A few years ago, we had the opportunity to release a new album by him which was an equally satisfying melding of traditional and contemporary gospel. His contribution has been great, and he will be missed.”

Homegoing Arrangements flyer for Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson

This past spring, Johnson returned to Black Smoke Worldwide where he released the album, Restructure, Renew & Reunion, which featured the radio single, “It Was You.” Johnson has also acted in touring musicals such as “PMS” and “What A Man Wants, What A Woman Needs.” “He had a bubbly personality,” says Glinda Perkins, Program Director for WXVI in Montgomery, AL. “He was very personable and very serious about music. He was his own best pitchman and even though he had people who worked for him, he was always the best promoter for his music.”

A wake and musical tribute will take place Friday, October 14, 2022, at 6 PM ET, with a homegoing service (funeral) taking place on Friday, October 15, 2022, at 9 AM ET. Both events take place at The Concord Baptist Church of Christ, 833 Gardner C. Taylor Blvd. (Formerly Marcy Avenue) in Brooklyn, NY 11216. Attendees should enter through the red doors on Madison Street. Interment will take place immediately after the Saturday service at The Evergreens Cemetery at 1629 Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn, NY 11207. The Evergreens is the resting place of entertainment giants such as tap dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and Jazz musician Lester Young. The service will stream live via YouTube: @ConcordBrooklyn

Johnson is survived by his parents, Susan and Phillip Johnson; a sister, Attorney Sonya Denise Johnson; and two daughters, Brianna Destiny Johnson and Elyse Victoria Johnson.

– From a media release

James Farmer of the Silver Stars passes on

James Farmer of the Silver Stars of Blanch passed on Sept. 15, 2022.

Funeral services were recently held for James “Mutt” Farmer, a longtime member of the Silver Stars of Blanch, NC. Farmer passed on September 15, 2022, after a period of declining health. 

Founded by Isaac Long (d. 1999), The Silver Stars released numerous projects that featured Farmer as primary lead singer. Times Like These, So Glad I’m Here, Didn’t Hear Nobody Pray, Movin’ To the Millennium, and Bye and Bye are only a few. 

On a personal note, Brother James was a dear friend to our family for well over 50 years. He shared in our joyous celebrations, which included giving concerts at our family reunions, and in our times of grief, during which he rendered solos at the homegoing services of beloved family. His physical presence is already greatly missed. Surely, as he sang, we will look for him “Somewhere in Glory.”

7th Annual Avidity Awards set for October 13-15

7th Annual Avidity Awards graphic

Memphis, TN – The nominees have been announced, and the date for the annual celebration honoring excellence in independent Gospel music has been set! The 7th Annual Avidity Awards is coming to Memphis, Tennessee, for the show’s live taping on Friday, October 14, 2022, at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education.  The exciting weekend of events will include an emphasis on mental health awareness in the Black community and the forthcoming launch of Avidity TV. The Avidity Awards celebrate the accomplishments of independent artists and artists signed to an independent record label. This night of excellence boasts a production that has a reach extending to non-traditional gospel audiences.  The Avidity Awards will assemble an array of independent gospel music artists, groups, and spiritual leaders on one stage for an explosive evening of great performances and excitement! 

Leading this year’s nominations is award-winning choirmaster Zak Williams (& 1AKORD) of Philadelphia, PA.  Williams has five nominations – Community Choir of the Year, Choir Director of the Year, and Artist of the Year, all stemming from his Billboard chart-topping single, “Jehovah Jireh,” which is also in the running for Song of the Year.

Kim Person, a multiple 2021 Avidity Award nominee, has received four nominations this year for Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year, all derived from her #1 Billboard Gospel Indicator Chart single, “Wonderful.”  Other artists with several nominations for this year’s Avidity Awards are Cardell Booker and Michael Dixon, who received three nominations each. For the complete list of the 2022 nominees, click here.

The 7th Annual Avidity Awards will feature performances by Robyn McGhee, Dr. James Mable, Jr., Kim Person, Cardell Booker, Gia Wyre, Lamont Sanders, The Exciting Holy Sons, and others to be announced at a later date.

“There’s very little doubt that gospel music has been tremendously influenced and enhanced by the creative genius of independent artists,” says Derrick Huggins, Founder and CEO of The Elite Gospel Music & Ministry Academy (TEGMMA) and Avidity TV. “This has especially been the case since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Avidity Awards will continue to amplify the gospel through musical expressions emanating from our outstanding community of independent artists.” 

The hosts for the show are Aldren McClullar, social media influencer of “The Aldren Brand,” and social media influencer Marquis Jelks of “Church Stuff.”  In addition to the main awards show event, attendees can enjoy the official Pre-Show Indie Artist Showcase with hosts Hasan James (Root Magazine), and recording artists Michelle Prather and Dr. James Mable, Jr., and the Indie Artist Help Desk. 

The Avidity Awards are presented by Avidity TV in conjunction with Avidity Media Group.

“King of Kings” – Monique Chambers-Watson

“King of Kings”
Monique Chambers-Watson (2022)
Available on all digital streaming platforms
Instagram: @monique.chamberswatson

"King of Kings" cover art - Monique Chambers-Watson

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Monique Chambers-Watson conveys her zeal for ministry in song through her self-penned single, “King of Kings.”

Jonathan Laws, the song’s producer, issues the opening declaration that “Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” After which, Monique guides the song along for its high-energy duration, encouraging listeners to lift high the Holy One. “King of Kings” is Afrobeat-infused praise and worship perfectly suited to kick off a live worship service experience.

Monique began singing at the age of eight. She continues as it is her desire to spread the gospel of salvation through her gifts. “King of Kings” is the Toronto native’s debut single.