Gospel Music Fever

For the first time, Stellar Awards to air “live” on GMC-TV

For the first time on GMC, the 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air live on January 19, 2013, at 7 PM EST.

Additional broadcast dates and times will be made available at www.thestellarawards.com in case you miss it the first time.

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.

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir to perform at 57th Presidential Inauguration

Long before the recent presidential election
was decided, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer (Democrat-NY and Chairman of the
2013 Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies) selected The
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir to perform its new rendition of “The Battle Hymn of
the Republic” at the official ceremony of the 57^th Presidential
Inauguration scheduled to take place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on
January 21, 2013.

“I’m pleased to invite The Brooklyn
Tabernacle Choir to perform at the 57^th Inauguration in
January,” Schumer said this past June when he announced the choir’s addition to
the program. “As a frequent visitor to their wonderful congregation I know from
first-ear experience how amazing this choir is, and I know they will wow the
whole nation, too.”

The novel rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the
Republic” was arranged by the choir’s founder, Carol Cymbala, and its music
director, Jason Michael Webb, with majestic
orchestral accompaniment that’s punctuated with innovative new harmonies while
maintaining the classic feel of one of America’s most beloved anthems. Alicia Olatuja, a
mezzo-soprano who has performed at Carnegie Hall, leads the song. It will be bundled with the rousing new
anthem “Let Your Kingdom Come” (led by Brandon Camphor), as an iTunes (and other online music retailers)
digital download and made available to the public on January 15th. Both tunes
are featured on the choir’s forthcoming spring CD release Love Lead The Way
– its 28th recorded album.

The 300-voice choir is a blend of ethnic and
economic backgrounds, with members ranging from lawyers and doctors to former
drug addicts. Over the years, the
choir has performed at major venues such as Radio City Music Hall and Madison
Square Garden. Visit http://www.brooklyntabernacle.org
for more information on the choir. Meanwhile, you can also take a listen to “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” below.

Libra Boyd

Help the Barrett Sisters release their long-awaited documentary film

For more than 60 years, Delois Barrett Campbell and The Barrett Sisters have performed gospel music throughout the United States and overseas. They have made media appearances with Johnny Carson, Patti LaBelle, and Oprah Winfrey and are counted among pioneers in gospel music alongside Thomas A. Dorsey, Mahalia Jackson, Roberta Martin, Theodore Frye, and Sallie Martin. Still, perhaps you know them best from their performance in the critically acclaimed movie Say Amen, Somebody.

One remaining dream for the renowned 80-something year-olds is the release of The Sweet Sisters of Zion: Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters, the long-anticipated documentary film tracing their extensive careers and contributions to gospel music through rare performance footage and interviews with sisters Delois, Billie, Rodessa and others.

But the Barrett Sisters need the help of their family, friends, fans, and well-wishers around the world.

The film is finished; however, expenses for its release are mounting and your financial support is much needed. Your contributions will pay for the costs of filming, packaging, promoting, and distributing the independently produced movie, as well as hosting a premiere screening in Chicago on February 16, 2013.

Go to www.indiegogo.com/TheBarrettSisters to make your contribution, claim your thank-you gift(s), watch sneak peeks, and stay updated throughout the campaign.

This documentary is sure to be treasured for generations to come as a commemorative piece of gospel music history about one of the genre’s greatest female trios.

Libra Boyd

Men of Standard’s Pierce takes helm as senior pastor of Greensboro’s Mt. Zion Baptist

Bryan Pierce, Sr. of the Stellar Award winning group Men of Standard has been named the Senior Pastor and CEO of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. The “Passing of the Torch” service took place New Year’s Eve at Mt. Zion. Bishop George W. Brooks, who has been the church’s senior pastor for more than 31 years, is now Pastor Emeritus.

Pierce started preaching at age six and was licensed at nine. Since being ordained at the age of 19, he has served in the capacity of Youth Pastor at Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church under Bishop Paul Morton, Sr. and as Senior Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church Ministries in Kannapolis, NC. In June 2011, he became the Chief Administrative Officer at Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he served until his appointment to senior pastor there.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Pierce is a noted songwriter, arranger and producer.

Libra Boyd

‘Happy New Year’ and ‘Thank You’ from GMF’s Libra Boyd

Happy New Year to each of you!

I take this time to thank you so much for your support, prayers, and well wishes throughout 2012. Thank you for your interest in GMF; you have been reading, commenting, and telling others about the blog. Many of you have also submitted wonderful music: thank you, and keep it coming!

You are the reason GMF is a 2013 Rhythm of Gospel Award nominee for Internet Media Group of the Year. Thank you to all who are voting; your frequent votes through March 1, 2013 are appreciated. (Vote here and vote often.)

As we enter into this new year, let’s keep moving forward with great expectations for God, self, and the advancement of gospel music.

Libra Boyd, Founder & Editor

Gospel Music Fever

www.gospelmusicfever.com

www.twitter.com/GsplMusicFever

www.facebook.com/GospelMusicFever

Libra Boyd

Enjoy Mario Brown’s remake of the Donny Hathaway classic “This Christmas”

Boston, MA (December 20, 2012) – Gospel newcomer Mario Brown has recorded one of the all-time Christmas favorites, “This Christmas,” and is making it available to all.

Mario says 2012 “has been a great year. My album [The Mario Brown Project] has been released and I am surrounded by family and friends.”

“God has truly blessed me,” Mario reflects. “My gift to the community comes in song. ‘This Christmas’ has always been special to me so I give everyone the gift of my version of the classic.”

The singer, songwriter, and musician is signed with Bronx Bridge Entertainment, Inc. and F. Hammond Music.

Enjoy!

Related Story
“Glory” – Mario Brown

Libra Boyd

Culpepper’s legacy discussed in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Michelle Shaw of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently profiled Maurice Culpepper, who passed Sunday, December 2, 2012, from cancer complications. Read the piece here:Maurice Culpepper, 60: Held the keys to gospel music in Atlanta.

Libra Boyd

GMF's Libra Boyd to be in-studio guest on WNCU's "Hallelujah Praise" – Dec. 16

Tune in to WNCU 90.7 FM this Sunday, December 16, at 8:30 AM EST. GMF’s founder and editor Libra Boyd will be a live in-studio guest on the “Hallelujah Praise” show with co-host Carolyn Pettiford-Ryals.

“Hallelujah Praise” is broadcast every Sunday morning from the campus of North Carolina Central University. The program plays a mix of traditional gospel music, including oldies and new releases by local and national artists.

You can also stream live at www.wncu.org.

Libra Boyd

Tammy Edwards & The Edwards Sisters on Bobby Jones Gospel – Dec. 9

Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters of Greenville, NC will make their national television debut this Sunday morning on Bobby Jones Gospel. The show airs at 9 AM EST on BET.

The group’s current release is On the Right Road Now, on the 4 Winds Records/Malaco label.

GMF spotlighted Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters in May 2012 for their hard-driving number “All Go Back.” You can read our review here: “All Go Back” – Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters.

Libra Boyd

Gospel Nominees for 55th Grammy Awards

Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, James Fortune, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, and Lecrae are among those who got nods for the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The show airs February 10, 2013, on CBS. The gospel categories are below. See www.grammy.com for the complete list of nominees.

Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance

“Jesus, Friend Of Sinners”

Casting Crowns

Track from: Come To The Well

[Beach Street/Reunion Records]

“Take Me To The King”

Tamela Mann

[Tillymann Music Group]

“Go Get It”

Mary Mary

[Columbia Records]

“10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)”

Matt Redman

Track from: 10,000 Reasons

[sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records]

“My Testimony”

Marvin Sapp

Track from: I Win

[Verity Gospel Music Group]

Best Gospel Song

“Go Get It”

Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Mary Mary)

[Columbia; Publishers: EMI April Music, It’s Tea Tyme, That’s Plum Song, Wet Ink Red Music]

“Hold On”

Cheryl Fortune, James Fortune & Terence Vaughn, songwriters (James Fortune & FIYA, Monica & Fred Hammond)

Track from: Identity

[Light Records/eOne Music]

“I Feel Good”

Phillip Feaster, Fred Hammond, Jonathan Miller & Calvin Rodgers, songwriters (Fred Hammond)

Track from: God, Love & Romance

[Verity Gospel Music Group;
Publishers: fHammond Music/Bridge Bldg Music/CJMS Music/Music Feast
Productions/Jonathan Miller Publishing]

“My Testimony”

Aaron Lindsey & Marvin Sapp, songwriters (Marvin Sapp)

Track from: I Win

[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publishers: Universal Music-Brentwood Benson Songs/Marvin L. Sapp Music/Ardent Media]

“Released”

Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Bill Winston & Living Word Featuring Donald Lawrence)

[Source Media; Publisher: Quiet Water Ent.]

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song

“Jesus, Friend Of Sinners”

Mark Hall & Matthew West, songwriters (Casting Crowns)

Track from: Come To The Well

[Beach Street/Reunion Records]

“10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)”

Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman, songwriters (Matt Redman)

Track from: 10,000 Reasons

[sixstepsrecords/Sparrow
Records; Publishers: Thankyou Music/sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com
Songs/Said And Done Music/Shout! Publishing]

“When Mercy Found Me”

Jeff Pardo & Rhett Walker, songwriters (Rhett Walker Band)

Track from: Come To The River

[Essential Records; Publishers: Sony ATV Music, Ships In A Bottle/Simple Tense Songs]

“White Flag”

Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Matt Redman & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Passion & Chris Tomlin)

Track from: White Flag

[sixstepsrecords/Sparrow
Records; Publishers: sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Vamos
Publishing/Said And Done Music/Valley of the Songs Music/Sony ATV Timber
Publishing/West Main Music/Windsor Hill Music/Thankyou Music]

“Your Presence Is Heaven”

Israel Houghton & Micah Massey, songwriters (Israel & New Breed)

Track from: Jesus At The Center Live

[Integrity Music; Publishers: Integrity’s Praise! Music/Sound of the New Breed, Regenerate Music]

Best Gospel Album

Identity

James Fortune & FIYA

[Light Records/eOne Music]