Career-Spanning Memoir Embraces Independence, Defying Expectations & Straddling The Fences of R&B and Gospel Music, Faith, Race & Culture
PJ Morton is pictured with fans at his book signing in Nashville. (From Media Release)
GRAMMY® winning singer and producer, PJ Morton, has published his inspiring and life-spanning new book, Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, via Worthy Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Aside from recent TV appearances on the Tamron Hall Show and CBS Mornings, Morton held book signing events in his native New Orleans, Nashville, New York City, and at his alma mater, Morehouse College, in Atlanta.
The memoir finds the 5x GRAMMY®-winner recounting and reflecting on a journey that continues to defy expectations and straddle the fences of music and faith, race and culture, expression and identity. As the son of beloved singing pastors Bishop Paul S. and Pastor Debra B. Morton, PJ Morton grew up grounded by the sound of the Church, but soon found himself drawn to R&B, pop and soul, writing songs that the industry, his family and community struggled to understand. In the face of mounting pressure, rejection and constant miscategorization, he committed himself to a steadfast path of independence: making music on his own terms, launching his own record label, and joining one of the biggest bands in the world (Maroon 5) while staying true to his New Orleans roots. The risks he took paid off, and through his trailblazing transformation from preacher’s kid to the busiest man in showbiz – performing everywhere from his local congregation to the Super Bowl with Maroon 5, collaborating with everyone from his father to Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Jon Batiste and Lil Wayne – PJ Morton hopes to encourage readers and listeners to overcome obstacles as they seek their dreams.
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.
(Los Angeles, CA) Triumph Church, a 35,000-member Detroit-based megachurch with eight campuses and fourteen weekly services, has extended Grammy & Stellar Award-winning artist Brent Jones’ Artist-In-Residence into 2025.
Jones said, “I am such a huge fan of Triumph Church, Pastor Kinloch, Jr., First Lady Robin, and all the great work Triumph has been doing over the years, so what an honor to share my music ministry with the entire Triumph family well into 2025.
This year has been such an amazing year for my career—back-to-back #1’s on Billboard, 150-City ‘Best Life’ Tour, my historic 4-album ‘Quadruple Release,’ first time touring Asia, etc. To God be the glory for the awesome things He has done!!”
Named the “#1 Fastest Growing Church in America” by OutreachMagazine and the largest black church in the country, Triumph Church was founded in 1920 originally as Triumph Missionary Baptist Church. In 1998, Pastor Solomon Kinloch, Jr. accepted the call to pastor at Triumph. At the beginning of his tenure, Triumph’s membership was less than 50 people. Under Pastor Kinloch’s visionary leadership, Triumph has now blossomed into a multi-site phenomenon with more than 35,000 members and counting.
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.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. As an educator and professional school counselor, the topic of bullying tugs at my heart because the impact of such cruel acts—whether physical, verbal, relational, or cyber—is often long-lasting. I was touched to see Tye Tribbett share his own story on IG.
If you or someone you know is the target of bullying, stopbullying.gov offers resources for addressing the issue and keeping yourself and others safe.
Thank you for lifting your voice and raising awareness, Tye.
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.
CeCe Winans Wins Big with Three Awards Including Artist of the Year, Forrest Frank Wins New Artist of the Year at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards
Hosted by Tauren Wells, the Dove Awards “Unites the Song” with Meaningful Moments and Dynamic Performances and Announces New Venue in 2025: The Bridgestone Arena
CeCe Winans opens the show with “That’s My King.” (Photo Credit: Tessa Voccola)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 4, 2024) – The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 1, 2024, to a sold-out, live audience in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jonathan Smith was most awarded with seven wins including Producer of the Year. Phil Wickham took home four Doves including Worship Album of the Year. Gospel music icon CeCe Winans was another big winner of the night with three total wins including Artist of the Year. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, and Phil Wickham. Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram each received three awards and Forrest Frank, who won two awards, took home New Artist of the Year. The show aired tonight, Friday, October 4th, exclusively on TBN and TBN+ and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. Returning host, Tauren Wells led the all-star, high energy, multi-genre night of music.
CeCe Winans opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King,” complete with a 24-person choir. Tauren Wells brought out surprise guests DAVIES. and Skillet’s John Cooper for his dynamic “Take It All Back” performance. Forrest Frank’s upbeat “No Longer Bound/GOOD DAY” mash-up featured members from The Choir Room. One of the night’s highlights, introduced by beloved worship leader Darlene Zschech, was the multilingual performance of “Holy Forever” featuring Brian and Jenn Johnson, Miel San Marcos and Gabriel Guedes.
In a heavy yet worshipful moment, host Tauren Wells spoke about the many losses happening at home and around the world, including within the Christian and Gospel music community. Especially poignant, Wells played a personal audio text from Mandisa, who passed earlier this year, and reminded the audience how important it is to speak words of love to those around us.
“I know so many of you in the room received messages, support, and love just like this,” Wells said. “[Mandisa] will be greatly missed along with all of the other friends and family we’ve lost this year and loved so deeply. It’s a sobering reminder that our words carry so much weight. Your words can be some of the most valuable things you can leave behind. Let’s all remember to reach out to those we love.” The moment was capped off with a stirring performance of “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” from Natalie Grant.
In a surprise announcement, the GMA revealed the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in the heart of Music City. The announcement was delivered in a video featuring Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Crabb, Jekalyn Carr, Danny Gokey, and CeCe Winans carrying the Dove statuette from Lipscomb’s Allen Arena to Bridgestone Arena. (The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be live on Tuesday, October 7th, 2025.)
Left: Chandler Moore performs. He took home three Dove Awards. Right: Bill and Gloria Gaither accept the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. (Photo Credit: Jamie Gilliam)
Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Bill and Gloria are legendary songwriters behind songs like “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” and “There’s Something About That Name.” As their names were called to receive the award, the audience leaped to its feet to celebrate the beloved couple. Accepting the award, Bill Gaither said, “I want to encourage all you young songwriters to keep writing your songs. There’s a hole in the heart of this country. There’s a whole lot of empty going on. Somewhere along the way, we’ve lost our song. There’s a hole in the heart of America that only God can fill.” The GMA was honored to award Bill and Gloria Gaither the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.
To watch the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards on demand on TBN+, click here.
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 Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake takes the lead with sixteen nominations including Artist of the Year. Jeff Pardo received eleven nominations with Chris Brown, Chandler Moore and Jonathan Smith each receiving ten. CeCe Winans and Naomi Raine lead the female nominees with five nominations each. Nominees were announced earlier this morning (July 24) on SiriusXM The Message by GMA Dove Awards host, Tauren Wells.
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held Monday, October 1, 2024, at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN, and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+, and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message, Friday, October 4, 2024 at 8 pm and 10 pm ET. A re-broadcast will air on TBN and TBN+ on Friday, October 11th, at 8 pm and 10 pm ET.
“I love this moment each year when we get to announce our nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “The Dove Awards are about spreading the message in our music with the world and honoring the work of the amazing artists, songwriters, producers, and film & TV creators in our great community. I’m thrilled for this year’s nominees and can’t wait to celebrate in October.”
The theme for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is “Unite The Song.” “’Unite The Song’ is a heart cry for God’s people to come together in unity,” says host, Tauren Wells. “We get to come together out of our individual corners, from each different stream within the church, to unite around this one song, holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty.”
Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,500 submitted entries. Final round voting will run from August 1st through August 8th, 2024.
Below is a list of the nominations announced on SiriusXM The Message. For the complete list of nominees visit doveawards.com.
Song of the Year Presented by MultiTracks.com “All Things” (Writer) Kirk Franklin
“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” (Writers) Cody Carnes, Austin Davis, Chandler Moore
“Holy Forever” (Writers) Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram, Phil Wickham
“I Believe It (The Life Of Jesus)” (Writers) Jon Reddick, Daniel Carson, David Leonard, Jess Cates, Jonathan Smith
“More Than Able” (Writers) Chandler Moore, Ben Fielding, Steven Furtick, Naomi Raine
“Praise” (Writers) Chris Brown, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Steven Furtick, Pat Barrett, Cody Carnes
“Praise You Anywhere” (Writers) Brandon Lake, Ben Fielding, Jacob Sooter, Hank Bentley
“Thank God I Do” (Writers) Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram, P!nk, Jeffrey Bhasker, Nate Ruess
“This Is Our God” (Writers) Phil Wickham, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett
“Trust In God” (Writers) Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake, Mitch Wong
Artist of the Year Anne Wilson Brandon Lake CeCe Winans for KING + COUNTRY Lauren Daigle
New Artist of the Year Presented by Cantinas Foundation Charity Gayle Forrest Frank Josiah Queen Seph Schlueter Terrian
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year “Love Like That” – Hulvey (ft. Torey D’Shaun, Alex Jean) “IGWT” – Jon Keith, KB “Miracles” – KB, Lecrae “In the Light” – Wande “Hard Work God First” – Zauntee
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year “Strong” – Anne Wilson “Any More” – CAIN “GOOD DAY” – Forrest Frank “The Prodigal” – Josiah Queen “Counting My Blessings” – Seph Schlueter
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year “Praying Woman” – Anne Wilson (ft. Lainey Wilson) “If I Got Jesus” – Ben Fuller “tell the devil” – Joseph Habedank “Man On The Middle Cross” – Rhett Walker “Lookin’ For You” – Zach Williams (ft. Dolly Parton)
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year “I Believe God” – Jekalyn Carr “God Is (Radio Edit)” – Melvin Crispell III “When I Think (Live)” – Ricky Dillard “In My Name” – Smokie Norful “Burdens Down (Live)” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
CeCe Winans at the GMA Dove Awards in 2021 | Photo Credit: Terry Wyatt
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI “That’s My King” – CeCe Winans “Lead Us Again” – DOE “All Yours” – Kierra Sheard (ft. Anthony Brown) “Fill The Room” – Michael Bethany “The Story I’ll Tell (Live)” – Naomi Raine
Worship Recorded Song of the Year Presented by CCLI “Praise You Anywhere” – Brandon Lake “Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live]” – Cody Carnes “Praise” – Elevation Worship (ft. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown, Chandler Moore) “Trust In God” – Elevation Worship (ft. Chris Brown) “I Believe” – Phil Wickham
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year COAT OF MANY COLORS – Brandon Lake Jesus Music – CAIN Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack – for KING + COUNTRY Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition) – Tauren Wells
Feature Film of the Year Journey To Bethlehem Ordinary Angels Sound of Freedom The Blind Unsung Hero
Television Series of the Year Chasing CAIN God. Family. Football. Jonathan & Jesus The Wingfeather Saga When Calls the Heart
Gospel Worship Album of the Year More Than This – CeCe Winans The Maverick Way Complete – Maverick City Music Overflow – Michael Bethany Cover The Earth (Live in New York) – Naomi Raine The Journey – Todd Dulaney
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year Presented by Secuencias.com “Tantas Historias” – Christine D’Clario “Donante de Sangre” – Daddy Yankee “Danza” – KB, Niko Eme, Cardec Drums “Amén” – Nacho (ft. Gilberto Daza, Alex Zurdo) “Babel” – Un Corazón
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year “Until We Fly Away” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound “Make the Morning Worth the Midnight” – Gaither Vocal Band “Here Come Jesus” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (ft. Mo Pitney) “Sheaves (Dedicated to Isabel)” – Karen Peck & New River “Unstoppable God” – Kingsmen
The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards is produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtus Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.
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.
(Las Vegas, NV) The College of Southern Nevada announced today (July 24) that Grammy & Stellar Award-winning recording artist & music educator Brent Jones is joining their music faculty starting in Fall 2024 as director of the 100-voice CSN Gospel Choir.
“What an incredible honor to join the music faculty of the College of Southern Nevada!” says Jones. “I’ve been blessed over the years to serve as guest lecturer at many top universities—Stanford, UCLA, Oakwood, to name a few—and there is nothing I love more than pouring into young people and encouraging them to ‘live their best life!’
“With my crazy touring schedule, Artist-In-Residence at Triumph Church, radio show, busy recording schedule, and just being a husband and dad, I’m not sure how I can add anything else to my plate[.] But to whom much is given, much is required. A very special thanks to Scheli, my wife of 31 years, for her unconditional support in allowing me to live out my dreams!”
With over 37,000 students, the College of Southern Nevada is the largest college in Nevada.
Jones’ current CD, Live Your Best Life! is presently at #2 on Billboard.
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.
(CHICAGO, IL) July 23, 2024 – Central City Productions’ highly anticipated annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” revealed the winners for the 39th ceremony. Co-hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality and comedian Loni Love, alongside Marconi Award-winning radio/TV personality and comedian Rickey Smiley, the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards awarded various categories in a taped telecast on Saturday, July 20. Other categories were awarded in a Pre-Show nominee gala. The 39th annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will premiere on the Stellar Network on Saturday, August 3 at 8 PM and 11 PM EST and in broadcast syndication from August 10, 2024 through September 8, 2024. BET will air the 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 4, at 8 PM ET/PT.
Tye Tribbett
Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr led in Stellar Awards 2024 wins. Tye Tribbett received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award and Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. The complete list of winners is below.
ARTIST OF THE YEAR Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
SONG OF THE YEAR “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc.
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK
ALBUM OF THE YEAR All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
CHOIR OF THE YEAR Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
Melvin Crispell III
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Warryn Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade
TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel
TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment
TRADITIONAL FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music
Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark
URBAN SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR “Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Rich Laru; My Block Inc.
TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel
CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR Category Omitted
TRADITIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music
SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration
RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR Emanuel; Da T.R.U.T.H.; Mixed Bag Entertainment
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR Shout Praises Kids; Joy to the World; Integrity Music
QUARTET OF THE YEAR Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc
Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR JEKALYN; Octavia’s Holmes; Waynorth Music
PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR The Journey; Todd Dulaney; DulaneyLand/MNRK
PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR “Holy Forever”; CeCe Winans; Red Alliance Media
RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR “Your Power” ft. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Lecrae; Reach Records
JAMES CLEVELAND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Tye Tribbett
ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD Kim Burrell
TOP MARKET OF THE YEAR WNZN 89.1 FM, Cleveland
MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR KOKA 980 AM 93.3 FM, Shreveport
SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR WXHL 89.1 FM, Wilmington
INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR GODRadio1.com, https://streams.radio.co/sf6241e689/listen
SYNDICATED GOSPEL RADIO SHOW OF THE YEAR Get Up! Mornings with Erica Campbell, Erica Campbell & Arlen “Griff” Griffin
GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR Cheryl Jackson, WPRS Praise 104.1
The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards is sponsored by Procter & Gamble with presenting sponsorship provided by AT&T, State Farm, McDonalds, Disney, Walmart, AFLAC and General Motors. The 39th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as producer and Executive in Charge of production; Michael A. Johnson as producer and director, Erin Johnson as talent producer and Daniel Moore as music director.
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.
Theatrical excellence was celebrated Saturday, June 29th at the 2024 ACE (Artists Celebrating Excellence) Awards, held in Greensboro, NC. Congratulations are in order for this year’s winners and honorees.
Best Church Play – Indie The CruciFIX Evangel Fellowship, Greensboro
Best Comedian – Indie Carla Simpson
Best Director – Indie Eric (Plae) Goodwin, A Man Like Me
Best Female Leading Actor – Indie Malikah Alston, Motherless Child
Best Female Supporting Actor – Indie Kela Houston, Vices
Best Male Leading Actor – Indie Steven S. Fields, A Man Like Me
Best Male Supporting Actor – Indie Brandonn Odom, WEDDING DAY WORRIES
Best Vocalist – Indie DeVonté Battle, Don’t Judge Me
Best Production – Indie WEDDING DAY WORRIES Reneè Nixon
Best Production Company – Indie K-Latt Studios Kevin Lattimore
Best Female Leading Actor in a Musical – Excel Morgan Jones, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz
Best Female Leading Actor in a Play – Excel Michelle Paris White, Theater Guild of Rockingham County’s production of A Raisin in the Sun
Best Female Supporting Actor in a Musical – Excel Adriana Herring, Winston Salem Theater Alliance’s production of The Color Purple: The Musical
Best Female Supporting Actor in a Play – Excel Lashon R. Hill, Theater Guild of Rockingham County’s production of A Raisin in the Sun
Best Male Leading Actor in a Musical – Excel Brandon Monroe, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz
Best Male Leading Actor in a Play – Excel Tony Browley, The Gallery Players Inc.’s production of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Best Male Supporting Actor in a Musical – Excel Dr. Clint Wilson, Community Theater of Greensboro’s production of The Wiz
Best Male Supporting Actor in a Play – Excel Otis Simpson, 40+ Stage Company’s production of A Raisin in the Sun
Best Musical – Excel Kernersville Little Theater’s production of Into the Woods
Best Play – Excel NC Black Rep’s production of Phenomenal Woman
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS
Mabel P. Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award Dr. Stephanie “Asabi” Howard
Independent Playwright Award Rory D. Sheriff
Artistic Achievement Award James Lyons
Outstanding Stage Manager Award Shaliah Haith-Ince
The ACE Awards was founded by Bishop Terry L. Young with the mission to “bring recognition to the great works being done in Theatre, Film and Performing Arts, to honor their artistic heritage and to provide a platform and a meeting ground for this extensive community.” Bishop Young is also the founder of the DunAmis Gospel Awards.
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.
CCMG also announces hiring of Alexandria Dollar as Senior Director of A&R
Walter Thomas and Alexandria Dollar (Photo Credit: Austin Lord)
Nashville, TN (June 26, 2024) – Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has announced the promotion of Walter Thomas to Vice President of Artist Development at Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records. Additionally, Alexandria “Dria” Dollar has joined CCMG in the role of Senior Director of A&R at TAMLA & Motown Gospel.
The new position takes Thomas from Director of Artist Development for CCMG in 2023 to his new role which comes with expanded responsibilities including overseeing the growth and nurturing of the company’s artist roster and development initiatives along with facilitating its marketing initiatives. He reports to CCMG Co-Presidents Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. Prior to arriving at CCMG, Thomas served as CEO of Agency 22 Music & Entertainment, managing artists such as DOE, JJ Hairston, Jonathan McReynolds, Maverick City Music, Smokie Norful and more.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Vice President of Artist Development for Motown Gospel and TAMLA,” says Thomas. “These iconic labels have a legacy of inspiring and uplifting music, and I am committed to continuing this tradition by developing the next generation of extraordinary artists. I am equally thrilled to welcome Alexandria Dollar as our new Senior Director of A&R. Alexandria’s innovative approach and keen ear for talent are unmatched, and I am confident that together we will elevate our artists to new heights. This is an exciting time for us, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish at Motown Gospel and TAMLA.”
“Walter Thomas is a great music executive and we are confident he’ll excel in this new role,” shared Brad O’Donnell, CCMG Co-President. “He has great instincts and strong relationships across the entire industry. I know he’ll serve our artists and partners well in this expanded capacity.”
“I want to congratulate Walter in his new role,” added Hudson Plachy, CCMG Co-President. “We are excited about what he brings to this company and the industry overall. He’s an experienced executive who is innovative and creative along with passion to serve artists.”
Dollar, a two-time GRAMMY Award winner and recipient of Stellar and Dove Awards, brings a wealth of industry experience and an unparalleled ear for identifying the next big acts across positive hip-hop, R&B, and beyond. In her new position she will work closely with Thomas and spearhead efforts to discover, develop, and sign new talent. Prior to joining CCMG, Dollar served as Director of A&R at Reach Records in Atlanta, GA. collaborating with many of music’s biggest names, including Lecrae, For King + Country, Kirk Franklin, Chloe x Halle, PJ Morton, The Disney Channel, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and more.
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.
GMF was saddened to receive news of the passing of Cleave Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees. Cleave passed June 11, at age 96. Born January 8, 1928, Cleave was a cherished member of a family of singers who went on to significantly impact the quartet music scene.
The Pilgrim Jubilee Singers started in Mississippi with Cleave’s brothers Theophilus “Hoppy” Graham and Elgie C.B. Graham alongside their cousin Monroe Hatchett and cousins-in-law Alfred Brownlee and Willis Johnson. After a brief disbandment in the late 1940s, the group regrouped in Chicago in the early 1950s, with Cleave, Hoppy, Elgie, and Monroe. Major Roberson was also added to the roster and later on, Cleave’s younger brother Clay.
Throughout their career, the Pilgrim Jubilees, as they came to be called, recorded for several labels, including Nashboro, Peacock, Savoy, and Malaco, and traveled extensively on the quartet circuit. They won the admiration of audiences not only with their charisma but also with Cleave’s rollicking drives like “Wonderful,” “Don’t Let Him Down,” and “Safety of Your Soul,” and Clay’s compelling sermonettes as heard in “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Barnyard.”
The Pilgrim Jubilees, a biography written by Alan Young and published in 2001, documents the group’s rich history and offers fans and new enthusiasts deeper insight into the Jubes’ musical legacy.
Cleave was the group’s longest active member. Clay passed away in 2018. Major died eight years prior, in 2010. Ben Chandler, another longtime member, transitioned in 2012.
Funeral arrangements have been announced by the family as follows:
Visitation Thursday, June 20, 2024 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Maggie’s Bereavement Services South Chicago Chapel Funeral Home 2939 East 95th Street Chicago, IL 60617
Musical Tribute Thursday, June 20, 2024 7:30 p.m. Prayer Center Baptist Church 1432 West 79th Street Chicago, IL 60620
Homegoing Celebration Friday, June 21, 2024 Wake: 10:00 a.m. Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Saint John Church of God in Christ 7527 South Cottage Grove Chicago, IL 60619
GMF extends condolences to the Graham family and the Pilgrim Jubilees. Another soldier is at rest.
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.
