Winners of the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards

(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 at the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards
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 at the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards
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 at the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards
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 at the 39th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards
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.

Winners of 2024 ACE Awards announced

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

ACE Awards logo

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.

Capitol Christian Music Group promotes Walter Thomas to VP of Artist Development at Motown Gospel, TAMLA Records

CCMG also announces hiring of Alexandria Dollar as Senior Director of A&R 

Walter Thomas and Alexandria Dollar (Photo Credit: Austin Lord)
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. 

Cleave Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees passes away

Cleave Graham funeral information

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.

Bernie McLean, veteran music executive, passes at 80

Retired music executive Bernie McLean passed away at 80.

Bernie McLean, a retired music executive who was pivotal in the careers of numerous gospel and urban artists, has died at 80. Known for his work with Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, and the platinum-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry, McLean made significant contributions to the music industry. His promotional efforts helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve hits like “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Jesus.”

A Celebration of Life service takes place June 14, 2024, at 11 AM at Valley Kingdom Ministries, Oak Forest, IL.

Born June 6, 1943, in New York City, McLean excelled in basketball at Aviation High School and the New York Institute of Technology. He obtained an engineering degree from the latter and a second one from Adelphi University before beginning a 30-year tenure at General Electric.

McLean transitioned into music promotions and artist management in the 1990s and worked with a number of urban artists such as Yvonne Gage, Too $hort, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and RUSSOUL. In 2001, he became the first promotions manager at Kingdom Records, founded by his friend Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, who had formed an aggregation of singers that became Shekinah Glory Ministry worship ensemble. McLean helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve gold status for “Praise Is What I Do” as well as four gold and platinum certifications for other projects. In 2003, he was promoted to Vice President and A&R Director, working with The Whispers, Phil Tarver, and The Brown Sisters of Chicago, among others. McLean retired in 2016.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Tiffany, sons Phil and Ashaunte, grandchildren, and extended family.

Clark-Cole, McReynolds, Franklin among honorees at 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards (Recap)

(L-R) BMI's AVP, Creative - Atlanta Wardell Malloy; Jonathan McReynolds; Dorinda Clark-Cole; and BMI's VP, Creative - Atlanta Catherine Brewton attend the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 28, 2024 at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) BMI’s AVP, Creative – Atlanta Wardell Malloy; Jonathan McReynolds; Dorinda Clark-Cole; and BMI’s VP, Creative – Atlanta Catherine Brewton attend the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 28, 2024 at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

(MARCH 28, 2024 – ATLANTA, GA) – BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel legend and world-renowned evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, of the acclaimed Clark sisters, was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of her illustrious career spanning over 50 years and incomparable influence on the genre and beyond, and Jonathan McReynolds received the BMI Champion Award, the first time this accolade was presented at this ceremony, for his exceptional artistry and impact on Gospel music. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the Top 25 Gospel Songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

The inspirational luncheon began with a celebration of music and joyful worship with Tim Bowman, Jr. performing his BMI award-winning song “Jesus,” with Kim Burrell and Faith City Music, co-written with Le’Andria Johnson and VaShawn Mitchell. Zacardi Cortez brought the house down with his BMI award-winning song “You’ve Been Good to Me,” before moving to the event’s main honorees and award winners.

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, Dorinda Clark-Cole was saluted for her legendary career and contributions to the genre with several powerful tribute performances honoring her legacy. Crystal Aikin’s heartfelt voice kicked things off with “I’m Coming Out,” and Tasha Page-Lockhart brought the audience to its feet with a moving performance of “I’m Still Here.” Yolanda Adams followed with a magnetic rendition of “Take It Back,” with Lisa Knowles-Smith jumping in to help close out the performance; and Clark-Cole’s niece Kierra Sheard finished the amazing tribute with an uplifting version of “My Redeemer Liveth.” Upon receiving the afternoon’s highest honor, Clark-Cole acknowledged being “deeply humbled” and “extremely grateful.” She continued with advice for songwriters saying, “When you are at your lowest, that’s when God can get your greatest…keep writing, keep getting inspired by God because somebody is being blessed.”

After receiving the BMI Champion Award celebrating his outstanding success in Gospel music and beyond, Jonathan McReynolds thanked BMI’s Catherine Brewton and Wardell Malloy for all the love and support they have given him throughout his career. His tribute started with DOE giving a beautiful performance of “Grace.” She also joined Tyree Miller for a duet of “Cycles.” Darrel Walls followed with his resounding rendition of “Lovin’ Me,” and Jason Nelson shared his passionate version of “God Is Good,” which brought the audience to its feet.

Throughout the event, BMI saluted the Top 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the highly anticipated BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Kingdom” written by Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore and Jacob Poole. The song by Maverick City Music X Kirk Franklin debuted at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, #6 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart, and also received a 2023 GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song. BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year was a three-way tie between Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene and Tamela Mann for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Franklin was honored for “Bless Me” and the BMI Gospel Song of the Year “Kingdom,” Greene for “Finished” and “Tent Revival,” and Mann was also honored for “Finished” and “He Did It For Me.” BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Essential Music Publishing, for the second year in a row.

(L-R) Essential Music's Josh Schiffman and Turner Burnett; Norman Gyamfi; Jonathan Jay; BMI's Wardell Malloy; Chandler Moore; BMI's President & CEO Mike O'Neill; Jacob Poole; Kirk Franklin;BMI's Catherine Brewton; and EJ Gaines attend the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 28, 2024 at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
(L-R) Essential Music’s Josh Schiffman and Turner Burnett; Norman Gyamfi; Jonathan Jay; BMI’s Wardell Malloy; Chandler Moore; BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill; Jacob Poole; Kirk Franklin; BMI’s Catherine Brewton; and EJ Gaines attend the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 28, 2024 at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

Please visit https://www.bmi.com/trailblazers2024 for the full list of BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award honorees.

Durham, NC to host return of Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts Summit, May 16-18

Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts 2024 Summit flyer - Durham, NC

(DURHAM, NC) March 13, 2024 — The world-renowned Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts Summit will be returning after a brief hiatus at The River Church in Durham, NC May 16-18! This three-day intense gospel music industry bootcamp will provide aspiring gospel singers and musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals. Originally founded by industry veteran Dr. Teresa Hairston-Jackson, this year’s workshop will be hosted by Gospel Heritage President and 7x Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, VaShawn Mitchell. This year’s summit is sure to be an epic experience unlike any other year prior. 

This year’s special honorees include Dr. Judith McAllister, the group Men of Standard, and gospel music legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. Special guest speakers of the summit will also include Bishop William Murphy, Dr. Valerie Moore, and Bishop Ronald L. Godbee.  Other special guests include Gospel Heritage Vice President Dr. John Paul McGee, Anthony Brown, Tonya Baker, Meachum Clarke, Pastor Ruth Ann Wynter, and Todd Garlberth.

Pastor Shirley Caesar, also known as “The First Lady of Gospel Music”, has won 11 Grammy Awards, 14 Stellar Awards and 15 GMA Dove Awards throughout her career and currently has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also released +40 albums, participated in over sixteen compilations and three musicals.

Dr. Judith McAllister is one of the gospel music industry’s most renowned praise and worship leaders.  She has released four albums, Send Judah First, Raise the Praise, In His Presence: Live!, and Sound the Trumpet. She also served as the President of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) from 2009 to 2021.

Men of Standard is probably one of the most notable male groups of the gospel industry with two Stellar Award wins to their credit for “Group Duo of the Year” and “Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year for “Feels Like Rain”.

When asked about the return of Gospel Heritage, Mitchell says, ”I’m so happy to be bringing back Gospel Heritage! Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m big on education and this workshop is the perfect opportunity to educate the next generation of worship leaders with impactful insights from the industry’s top heavy hitters.” He continues, “This summit is for pastors, ministry leaders, worship leaders, dancers, musicians, and general worshippers that would like to grow in God and in business. So I’ve curated a list of impactful leaders to help empower the attendees and honor examples of some of the leaders who have excelled.”

BMI to recognize Lucinda Moore’s “Lord I Hear You” as one of the standout songs of the year 

Lucinda Moore

(ATLANTA, GA) March 11, 2024 – Stellar Award-winner Lucinda Moore will be recognized with her first BMI Award for her hit song, “Lord I Hear You” at this year’s BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards ceremony. Having garnered +10 million streams and earning a #1 spot on the Media Base chart and #3 on Billboard, it is truly deserving of the prestigious honor.  The heartfelt and uplifting track has struck a chord with audiences and has solidified Moore’s reputation as a powerhouse in the music industry.

When asked about receiving the award, Moore says, “I have been a member of BMI since the early 2000s, and for the first time, I am honored that a song I wrote will be recognized as one of the top songs of the year!” She continues, “When I write songs, I write out of experience. The lyrics of this song was written in 2015 while laying in ICU. I had a cyst the size of a watermelon on my spine. The doctors did surgery and my heart stopped on the table. In my recovery, I began to pen the lyrics of this song and Grammy Award winner, Cedric Thompson co-wrote it with me. I am happy and overjoyed. Thank you, BMI!!!!” 

Moore is no stranger to the gospel music scene and many fans are feeling that she is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Known for other hit songs including “Pressure into Praise”, she has shared the stage with industry veterans including this year’s “BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honoree” Dorinda Clark Cole, VaShawn Mitchell, Dottie Peoples, John P. Kee, Deitrick Haddon, Jekalyn Carr and more!  However it was her time singing background for one of her music idols, the legendary Tramaine Hawkins, that truly put her on the map for the world to see. 

“Lord I Hear You” is the title track for her album that was released in June 2023 and is currently available on all streaming platforms.

Veteran announcer and radio host Jaye Harmon launches new gospel countdown show

Radio Host Jaye Harmon, Veteran Announcer & Member of Stellar Award-Winning Team, Launches New Gospel Countdown Show

(Atlanta, GA) – March 5, 2024 – Washington, DC’s Gospel music lovers remember tuning in to the Afternoon Drive-time Show on the Stellar Award-winning Heaven 1580/WPGC-AM to get their daily dose of inspiration. In addition to hearing great Gospel music during the ride home, listeners also heard the smooth, captivating voice of Jaye Harmon. The veteran announcer was a favorite among area announcers and amassed a huge following while there. Although Heaven 1580 shuttered its doors in 2009, Harmon has continued making an impact in Gospel music. He recently prepped a new 2-hour Gospel countdown show called “Jaye Harmon’s TG 30.”

Produced by Harmon’s own JPE Media, the new show debuted on DAF Gospel Radio at DAFEntertainment.com on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Airing weekly at 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM, and 3:00 AM ET, the program will highlight both indie and major label artists impacting Gospel radio. Airing popular, inspirational music, the show features interviews during the “Indie Artist Spotlight” segment. In addition to DAF Gospel Radio, listeners can also tune in to the show on LP-FM stations, WWDA 101.9 and WFTB 104.1.

The new program is a high point in Harmon’s radio career. His launch into radio began as a student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. His passion for media was ignited there, and eventually, he was hired at his college radio station, WESM. He first “cracked the mic” there, but gained his first Sunday morning Gospel show at WJDY in Salisbury, MD. He was later positioned as an afternoon drive-time host at both WDIH in Salisbury and WWIN in Baltimore. Eventually, he landed at Washington, DC’s Heaven 1580AM, a CBS Radio station, also showcasing his talent during the afternoon drive-time show.

A musician at heart, Harmon is a drummer, keyboardist, producer, and former choir director. He is also a graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Production and a Master’s Degree in Entertainment Business. The owner of JPE Media, Harmon heads a full-service media production company specializing in voiceover and imaging for terrestrial and internet radio stations. Based in Atlanta, JPE Media also produces voiceovers for church videos, audiobooks, and documentaries. The company also offers video production services for social media promotions to a variety of businesses and organizations. 

Earl Bynum appointed National Chairman of The Alliance Of Gospel Music Professionals of the GMWA

Minister Earl Bynum, Th.D.  Appointed As The National Chairman Of The Alliance Of Gospel Music Professionals Of The Gospel Music Workshop Of America

Norfolk, VA –  Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr., and The Board of Directors of The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) appointed Minister Earl Bynum, Th.D., as the National Chairman of The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals during the 57th Annual Board Meeting in Norfolk, VA last week. The GMWA, founded by Rev. James Cleveland in 1967, is a non-profit, international, interdenominational, unbiased, and voluntary association of Gospel singers, musicians, ministers, educators, and business professionals. The GMWA’s vision is to continue the heritage of Gospel music by academically preparing Gospel artists for the future, to raise the level of excellence in the worship experience, and to provide a platform where all forms of Gospel music can matriculate. 

“Earl Bynum has been active in GMWA for many years, and he has paid his dues,” says Bishop Albert Jamison, Sr., GMWA Chairman of the Board. “The spirit of excellence is in him. He is a proven leader. We are thrilled to have him on board as the new chairman of The Alliance!”

“Earl has gained the recognition and respect of the Gospel music industry through his many years of service, contributions, and accomplishments,” states Bishop Brian D Moore, Executive Vice Chairman of the GMWA Board of Directors. “Earl will be leading industry professionals worldwide as we discover innovative ways to promote a greater presence and appreciation of Gospel music. We are pleased to have him on the team!”

The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals, formerly known as The Gospel Announcers Guild (G.A.G.), is an auxiliary of GMWA. The Alliance comprises individuals and entities working to raise proficiency and quality in the Gospel music industry, emphasizing promoting and advocating for religious broadcasting globally.

Dr. Bynum has dedicated his time and talents to Gospel music as an artist, radio and TV personality, minister of music, songwriter, producer, and mentor. He is a music mogul who serves with integrity and prioritizes the development and preservation of Gospel music. He is the Executive Director of Music at The Mount Global Fellowship of Churches, comprised of seven campuses. As a media personality, he has a nationally syndicated radio and TV show called On Stage With Earl Bynum. Dr. Bynum has served as 1st Vice President of the Virginia Gospel Radio Announcers Guild and as worship leader for the Annual Hampton University Minister’s Conference.

“I am honored to be chosen to chair Gospel industry professionals from across the world,” Dr. Bynum states. “Much of my music industry connections came from my years of attending the National Convention and National Board Meetings of the GMWA.”