Category: News

Elder Goldwire McLendon, BET’s ‘Sunday Best’ finalist, dies at 95

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

GMF was saddened to learn of the passing of Elder Goldwire McLendon, 95, on December 17, 2025. Longtime gospel devotees revered the beloved singer and elder, while a wider audience came to know him as a finalist on the third season of BET’s Sunday Best.

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Ultimately placing as runner-up to Le’Andria Johnson on BET’s Sunday Best, he first captivated judges Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, and Tina Campbell with his audition performance of the Gaither hymn “He Touched Me.” At 79 years old, his velvet vocals, gentle “soft-shoe shuffle,” and unmistakable anointing endeared him to viewers week after week, culminating in a memorable finale appearance and the subsequent release of a 7-track project titled, The Best of Elder Goldwire McLendon (reviewed by GMF in 2012).

Still, long before he garnered acclaim from the gospel talent competition, Elder McLendon made his mark along the gospel highway. A soloist and former member of Philadelphia’s legendary Savettes, a recording group on the Savoy label, he was a fixture in the city’s gospel community for decades. His reputation for stirring the Spirit was evident early on. According to Anthony Heilbut in The Gospel Sound, it was McLendon who sang “Just to Behold His Face” at the 1970 homegoing service for Ruth Davis of the Davis Sisters, prompting gospel icon Clara Ward to fall out, “hollering long, loud, eminently musical shrieks.”

Most recently, in 2023, a new generation was introduced to McLendon when a video captured at his surprise 93rd birthday dinner went viral on social media. In the clip, McLendon is seen singing “It Is Well,” a moment shared by his granddaughter, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Samara Joy. Music clearly runs in the family; his son, Antonio, Samara’s father, is a singer, songwriter, and musician who toured with Andraé Crouch.

GMF extends sincere condolences to the McLendon family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by his voice and witness.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Philadelphia, PA. Viewing will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m.

R.I.H. Jeffrey Newberry, Sr., of The Gospel Keynotes

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

Rise Again vinyl LP cover (1980). Jeffrey Newberry is pictured at the top center of the album artwork.
Rise Again vinyl LP cover (1980). Jeffrey Newberry is pictured at the top center of the album artwork.

GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Jeffrey Newberry, Sr., who transitioned December 14, 2025. He was 69.

Newberry joined the Gospel Keynotes in the late 1970s under the leadership of the late Willie Neal Johnson, the group’s organizer and frontman. His bass-baritone voice and charisma were featured on several of the group’s popular songs, including “Rise Again,” “Hold On (Just A Little While Longer),” and “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” the title song of their Grammy-nominated album.

At the time of his passing, Newberry was carrying the torch with his eponymous group, Jeffrey Newberry & The Keynotes.

A Celebration of Life service took place Saturday, December 20th, at Lighthouse Worship Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Present and past members of the Keynotes, along with Newberry’s grandchildren and son, Jeffrey Newberry, Jr., were among those who rendered musical tributes during the nearly three-hour service. Former Keynote Larry McCowin shared lively reflections and presented a resolution to the family on behalf of the group.

In tribute to his father, Jamaque Newberry emotionally described him as “a presence like no other” with “a voice like velvet,” who “sparked us with a light in all of us to be the best that we can be.”

GMF extends sincere condolences to the entire Newberry family.

2026 GRAMMY Nominees in Gospel/CCM

Nominees for the 2026 GRAMMYs were announced on November 7, and below are artists who received nominations in the Gospel & Contemporary Christian Music categories.

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Do It Again“
Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

“Church“
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters

“Still — Live“
Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing II, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters

“Amen“
Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters

“Come Jesus Come“
CeCe Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“I Know A Name“
Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters

“YOUR WAY’S BETTER“
Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & Pera, songwriters

“Hard Fought Hallelujah“
Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Jason Bradley Deford, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings & Brandon Lake, songwriters

“Headphones“
Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Bongo ByTheWay, Clifford Harris, William Roderick Miller, Lecrae Moore, Michael Render & Tyshane Thompson, songwriters

“Amazing“
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls,songwriters

Best Gospel Album

Sunny Days
Yolanda Adams

Tasha
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Live Breathe Fight
Tamela Mann

Only On The Road Live
Tye Tribbett

Heart Of Mine
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

CHILD OF GOD II
Forrest Frank

Coritos Vol. 1
Israel & New Breed

King Of Hearts
Brandon Lake

Reconstruction
Lecrae

Let The Church Sing
Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album

I Will Not Be Moved — Live
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Then Came The Morning
Gaither Vocal Band

Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah
The Isaacs

Good Answers
Karen Peck & New River

Back To My Roots
Candi Staton

See the full list of nominees in all categories here. The GRAMMYs are set for Sunday, February 1, 2026, and will broadcast live on CBS and stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

The Family returns with new music after 30 years

Dallas, TX – Bursting on the scene in the early ’90s was a unique ensemble of singers who gave birth to what we now know as Urban Contemporary Gospel Music.  Their unmistakable vocal style and flair became the sound of the ’90s and early 2000s. That ensemble was Kirk Franklin and The Family.  This iconic group lit up the charts and toured the world, collecting multiple GRAMMY®, Stellar, NAACP Image, and Dove Awards, and selling over 7.5 million records and singles that reached Gold and Platinum status. Their vocals were the backdrop of hits “Why We Sing,” “Conquerors,” “Silver and Gold,” “Now Behold the Lamb,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “Whatcha Lookin’ 4.”  The group is now known as THE FAMILY, and they are back!

After an almost 30-year hiatus, the twelve dynamic voices of The Family have returned to Gospel music with a renewed mission, shared healing, and a testimony of what happens when purpose outlasts pain. The Family members are: Kisha Grandy–Lee, Dalon Collins, Carrie “Mousie” Collins, Darrell Blair, Teresa Rucker, Jeannette Johnson, Yolanda McDonald, Ramona Barlow White, “Mother” Shelia Brice, Demetrice Clinkscale, Nelda Washington, and Stephanie Glynn.

The iconic sound, vibrant energy, and undeniable anointing that this aggregation of singers possesses remain evident today.  Their current single, “Jesus,” is heard on the chart-topping soundtrack from the movie Love Mountain.  With this single, The Family has been preparing for their reunion project TOGETHER FOREVER, set to release on October 3, 2025.  Their long-awaited EP is available now for eager fans to pre-order or pre-save on Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer.

This 30-year reset of The Family is being facilitated through a joint venture between veteran producer and songwriter Ernest J. Lee (David’s Dance Music) and music mogul Kerry Douglas (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide). This dynamic partnership is poised to bring The Family’s nostalgic sound back to their fans from the ’90s and to the new generation of Gospel music lovers.

The Family gave a showstopping performance and a glimpse of their return at the 40th Annual Stellar Awards Pre-Show in August.  They are set to attend the 10th Annual Avidity Awards being held on November 1, in Dallas, TX.  They will be honored with a special musical tribute and the Avidity Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Family’s album release celebratory concert is October 12.  Hosted by Carmina Barnett and Aldren McCullar, A Night With The Family will take place at New Breed Christian Center, 4500 S. Riverside Dr, Fort Worth, TX. 

Services announced for Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Walker, pastor and gospel singer

Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Walker

GMF extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Walker, who passed September 14, 2025, at the age of 77.

For more than 50 years, Walker faithfully served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Rocky Mount. Within the gospel music community, he was best known for his cover of “One Day at a Time,” written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson. His 1970s recording of the song with the T.L.W. Ensemble brought him wide recognition, and he revisited it decades later in 2010 with his group, Thomas L. Walker & Totally Committed, on the Keep Me In Your Will project.

According to H.D. Pope Funeral Home, services celebrating Rev. Dr. Walker’s life and legacy will be held in Rocky Mount as follows:

Friday, September 26, 2025
Meet & Greet
5 PM – 7 PM
The Assembly@9121
9121 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, NC

Saturday, September 27, 2025
Lying in State
10 AM – 12 Noon
The Rocky Mount Event Center
285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, NC

Saturday, September 27, 2025
Celebration of Life
12 Noon
The Rocky Mount Event Center
285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, NC

Interment will follow in the Buster and Bonnie Family Garden in Nashville, NC.

2026 Soar Awards announces 9th annual TV taping in Chicago

American Idol Season 23 Winner Jamal Roberts and
Billboard Music Award Nominated Singer Kierra Sheard to Co-Host!

Soar Awards Transparent Logo

Chicago, IL – The 2026 Soar Awards will tape its 9th annual ceremony on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Greenwood Oasis in Chicago, IL. Widely recognized in the gospel music community as the celebration, “where music, media, and ministry take flight,” the Soar Awards continues to honor the most influential voices across the inspirational music industry. The evening will be hosted by American Idol Season 23 Winner Jamal Roberts and Billboard Music Award nominated gospel star, Kierra Sheard.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the 2026 Soar Awards as we continue to celebrate the very best in music, media, and ministry,” says Soar Awards founder Justin Francis. “This year will be our biggest yet, filled with unforgettable moments that honor the legacy and future of gospel and inspirational arts.”

This year’s program will feature poignant musical tributes to gospel music legends Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond, and Erica Campbell. They will honor Pastor Chris Harris Sr. of the Bright Star Community Outreach in Chicago for his vast community philanthropy. There will be a special tribute to Bishop Leonard Scott, who specializes in recording hymns and who is also the founder of the oldest existing black gospel label in the USA, Tyscot Records. Scott’s tribute will celebrate Tyscot Records’ 50th Anniversary—a milestone moment in gospel music history. 

Several leading artists have already been confirmed to perform. Gold-selling artists such as John P. Kee, Dante Bowe, Le’Andria Johnson, and Anthony Brown & group therAPy will be joined by gospel crooner Jason Nelson and quartet queen Lisa Knowles-Smith & the Brown Singers for a night of dramatic performances.

For the first time, the Soar Awards will expand its categories beyond music to celebrate outstanding achievements in Media and Ministry. The new fan-voted categories include:

·      Media: Podcast of the Year, Personality of the Year, Influencer of the Year

·      Ministry: Breakout Preacher of the Year, Preacher of the Year, Author of the Year

In addition, the Soar Awards will present its inaugural Ministry Honoree and the first-ever Ministry ICON Award in the inspirational media sector.

Musical categories will also broaden to spotlight the best in gospel and inspirational music, including Music Artist of the Year, Church Anthem of the Year, Most Played Song of the Year, Breakout Artist of the Year, and more. Final nominees will be announced in October 2025.

Launching alongside the awards show, the Soar Awards Experience will debut in 2026, featuring special events and activations leading up to the main ceremony.

The Soar Awards continues to raise the standard for celebrating music, media, and ministry—creating powerful, inspiring moments for audiences worldwide. The event takes place Monday, March 2, 2026, at Greenwood Oasis, 7621 South Greenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619. The pre-show starts at 5:30 PM and the main show starts at 7 PM.

CeCe Winans’ global legacy grows through record-breaking tour, international honors & humanitarian work

CeCe Winans: African leg of More Than This World Tour

(Los Angeles, CA) – CeCe Winans continues to stand as one of the most commanding voices in music, building on a legacy defined by both critical acclaim, spiritual impact, and heartfelt service. Her latest More Than This World Tour has expanded into a global phenomenon, marking her first international tour in more than a decade and reinforcing her influence as both an artist and evangelist.

The international tour spanned 11 countries across 3 continents, drawing more than 100,000 people worldwide. Highlights included:

  • Kingston, Jamaica – over 20,000 in attendance, where she was honored with the Key to the City and an official Mayoral Citation from Mayor Councillor Andrew A. Swaby, JP, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to gospel music and her life-changing global influence.
  • Port of Spain, Trinidad – a sold-out crowd of more than 12,500.
  • Africa – her first tour across the continent in over a decade, where a 7-city run drew nearly 50,000 people in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Kenya.

The Africa leg of the tour ended with a deeply personal moment in Nairobi, Kenya, where Winans partnered with Compassion International to visit a local church and deliver food and toiletries to a family in need, underscoring her commitment to ministry beyond the stage.

Reflecting on the experience, Winans shared:

Walking into concerts filled with people from every corner of the world singing these songs of faith was overwhelming. This tour has reminded me that music truly transcends borders. It unites us, strengthens us, and draws us closer to God. And being able to step off the stage and serve communities, like my time in Kenya with Compassion International, was a powerful reminder that this calling is always bigger than me.

By the end of 2025, Winans will have performed more than 90 concerts worldwide, with the More Than This Tour continuing into Spring 2026 for its final bow. The record-breaking success of this tour reaffirms her place as one of gospel music’s most influential figures, inspiring generations with a message of faith, hope, and love.

Tyscot Records earns three Dove Award nominations for Jason Nelson & John P. Kee

Gospel music’s coolest crooner, Jason Nelson (Pastor of the Tab church in Windsor Mills, MD), earned two nominations.

Indianapolis, IN. (July 30, 2025) – The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards.  Tyscot Records, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, is celebrating with three Dove Award nominations. 

Gospel music’s coolest crooner, Jason Nelson (Pastor of the Tab church in Windsor Mills, MD), earned two nominations. His seventh album, You Belong: Live in Durham (Jaelyn Song / Tyscot / Fair Tarde), earned a nomination as Gospel Worship Album of the Year. The project was recorded live at World Overcomers Church in Durham, NC, in the summer of 2023. The set features pulsating tracks such as “You Over Everything,” the choir groove “Don’t Worry” (which features Alexis Johnson, Shawn Bigby, and Zacardi Cortez), and touching moments such as “Come Home.” Nelson’s song, “Yahweh,” a recent Billboard No.1 single with Melvin Crispell III, earned a nomination as Gospel Worship Song of the Year. Meanwhile, “Made New (Radio Edit),” a new and brilliantly inspiring duet with Madison Ryann Ward, is racing up the charts.

“What an amazing day and year this has been,” Nelson says. “Two Dove nominations is more than I expected. I’m humbled by my peers seeing the value of my music and my team that worked so hard to create this sound from You Belong.  God continues to amaze me.”

Prince of Gospel, John P. Kee, earned a nomination for “Church Medley.”

Then, the legendary Prince of Gospel, John P. Kee, earned a nomination for “Church Medley” in the category of Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year. The track is a fusion of Kee’s 1990s era standards “I Believe,” “I Won’t Let Go,” “It Will Be Alright,” “Thank You Lord (He Did It All),” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” It’s a preview of Kee’s forthcoming two-volume project, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee, an album with new live recordings of some of the biggest hits of Kee’s 40-year career.

“I’m so honored,” Kee said. “The Dove Awards have always represented excellence. I’m super glad to be nominated.”

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ App Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm and 10 pm ET and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. A rebroadcast will air on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. 

Nominees for 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards announced

56th Annual Dove Award Nominees Announced

Nashville, TENN. (July 30, 2025) – The Gospel Music Association has revealed the nominees for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards. Brandon Lake leads artist nominations with nine. Artist of the Year nominees include Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Forrest Frank, Josiah Queen, Lauren Daigle, and Phil Wickham.

A new and diverse crop of talent showcasing the future of Christian and Gospel music is represented in this year’s class of first-time nominees. Artists include: Abbie Gamboa, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Annatoria, bodie, Caleb Gordon, Chelsea Plank, Chris Blue, Connor Price, Davies., Down East Boys, ECCOS, Emerson Day, FK&M, Gabriel EMC, Gracie Binion, Hannah McClure, High Road, Jaelee Roberts, Jamie MacDonald, Jelly Roll, JWLKRS Worship, Karen Espinosa, Kenzie Walker, Lakewood Music Español, Leanna Crawford, Marcus Cole, Megan Woods, Miles Minnick, Nick Day, ONE HOUSE, Patrick Mayberry, Paul McClure, Red Worship, Roosevelt Stewart, SEU Worship, Skye Peterson, The Belonging Co, Transformation Worship, Waleska Morales, Yandel, and Zane & Donna King. 

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards, presented in partnership with the Cantinas Arts Foundation, will be held October 7, 2025, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The broadcast will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm ET, and will be simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. A rebroadcast will air on TBN and the TBN+ App on Friday, October 17th, at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET. 

“It’s such an exciting time as we announce this year’s nominees,” says GMA President Jackie Patillo. “We love honoring the incredible gifts of our community of artists, songwriters, producers, and creatives and showcasing all they’ve accomplished this past year. I look forward to celebrating with you at Bridgestone Arena this October!”

The theme for the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards is Creation Sings. “As someone who lives to create, perform, and lead in worship, I’m constantly reminded that our music is just a reflection of a much greater song… one that began when God spoke the world into existence,” shares Dove Awards Host Tauren Wells. “From the rhythms of the ocean to the harmonies of human praise, all of creation is echoing His glory. I can’t wait to celebrate the artists who are adding their voices to that eternal sound.”

Listen to the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards nominee playlists on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.

Voted on by the GMA Professional Membership, this year’s nominees were chosen from over 2,800 submitted entries. Final round voting will run August 7th through August 14th, 2025.

For the complete list of nominees, visit https://doveawards.com.

– Excerpted from a media release

Greater St. Stephen announces reunion choir live recording, featuring Bishop Paul Morton

Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording flyer

New Orleans, LA – Greater St. Stephen Ministries is proud to announce a monumental moment in gospel music history: the Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording, featuring none other than renowned preacher and gospel music trailblazer, Bishop Paul S. Morton. This event will take place on Monday, July 7th at 6:00 p.m. at Greater St. Stephen, 5600 Read Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70127.

This highly anticipated live recording commemorates 40 years of musical excellence at Greater St. Stephen and is sponsored by Tehillah Music Group. The celebration will bring together generations of choir members, musicians, and worshippers to honor the powerful legacy of music birthed from this iconic ministry.

Executive produced by Pastor Jerry G. Parries, President of Tehillah Music Group, this event will showcase the exceptional talents of pastor and GRAMMY® award-winning artist, Bishop Marvin L. Winans, GRAMMY® award-winning artist and producer, PJ Morton, and acclaimed songwriter and producer, Elder Derrick Starks. 

The extraordinary celebration will also feature special appearances by gospel singer and songwriter Dr. Micah Stampley, pastor and gospel singer Bishop Neal Roberson, and additional guest artists. The Greater St. Stephen Reunion Choir Live Recording will be hosted by Bishop T. Delbert Robinson, Senior Pastor of Greater St. Stephen, who continues the legacy of excellence in ministry.

“This is more than a recording,” said Bishop T. Delbert Robinson, Senior Pastor of Greater St. Stephen. “It’s a reunion, a revival, and a celebration of a sound that has changed and transformed lives around the world. ”

This powerful night will not only capture the voices and harmonies of the past and present, but it will set the tone for the future of gospel music at Greater St. Stephen.