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Gene Viale of the Cleveland Singers has died

Gene Viale

Robert Marovich of The Black Gospel Blog passed along the sad news to GMF that Minister Gene Viale has died.

Viale was a member of the legendary James Cleveland Singers (1964-1965) and traveled extensively as a solo artist as well.  According to his web bio, he has appeared with numerous gospel greats including Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker and The Caravans, Dorothy Love Coates and The Gospel Harmonettes, Andraé and Sandra Crouch, The Staples Singers, Pastor Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s.

Just last year, Viale released his first book, entitled, I Remember Gospel and I Keep on Singing.

GMF extends condolences to all who mourn his passing.

“And the Soul Train Award for Best Gospel Performance goes to…Mary Mary!”

Gospel’s platinum-selling duo Mary Mary has to make room for another trophy.  Last evening, Tina and Erica Campbell won the 2011 Soul Train Award for Best Gospel Performance (“Walking”).  The award was presented at the pre-show on the red carpet. 

Other nominees were Kirk Franklin (“I Smile”), Trin-i-tee 5:7 (“Heaven Hear My Heart”), James Fortune featuring Shawn McLemore (“I Believe”), and CeCe Winans (“More”).

During the show’s telecast, Mary Mary also performed the soul classic, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” in tribute to Gladys Knight, who was honored with the Soul Train Living Legend Award. (Earth, Wind and Fire was feted as well.)

Besides adding to their stash of accolades, the sisters are gearing up for their new reality series, set to premiere March 29, on WE tv.

Happy Thanksgiving from GMF

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.  His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1 NIV

Every day is one of thanksgiving, and the Lord merits our praise!
Today, I also say thank you for being apart of GMF.  Thank you for reading and for your encouragement.  Thank you also for your feedback since the blog’s inception.
May your Thanksgiving holiday be filled with fond memories, warm fellowship, and an attitude of gratitude.  

Kind regards,
Libra Boyd, Founder & Editor

The Faithful Foundation Inc. presents benefit musical for homeless – Nov. 26, 2011

The Faithful Foundation Inc., a non-profit (501c) organization, and The Chapel Hill Shelter Ministries invite you to help spread holiday cheer and encouragement to the homeless in Chapel Hill, NC.
This year’s benefit event is entitled “Oh Give Thanks!” and will feature gospel music from The New Twilights, Tony and the Magnificent Voices, Linda Bumpers, and other area artists.
Tony & the Magnificent Voices are one of the featured artists.
Attendees are simply asked to donate any of the following items, which will benefit the Men’s Homeless Shelter of Chapel Hill NC: 
  • Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, small mouthwash, lip balm, lotion)
  • Gloves
  • Underwear (all sizes)
  • Socks
  • T-shirts (all sizes, but especially medium up to 5x)

Financial donations are also appreciated and are tax deductible.  (Checks/money orders should be written to The Faithful Foundation Inc.  An acknowledgment of your support will be noted and expressed at the event.) 

The mission of The Faithful Foundation Inc. is to serve the local community through providing services and resources that contribute to the health and vitality of the community, and improving the welfare of youth, single parents, and the homeless. 

Event Information
Saturday, November 26, 2011 – 5 PM
Cain’s Chapel Baptist Church
2001 St. Mary’s Road, Hillsborough, NC
Free Admission

For more information, contact event coordinator Elder Michael T. Harris at (919) 477-9785 or [email protected].

Lee Williams comments on his health, thanks fans for prayers

GMF founder and editor Libra Boyd spoke with Lee Williams this weekend.  Gospel’s iceman was prepping to greet fans, perform a concert later that evening, and promote the Spiritual QCs’ new CD, Living on the Lord’s Side.

Followers of his ministry can’t get enough of Williams and his group’s soul-drenched gospel.  It’s only natural that fans have become concerned by the ongoing questions surrounding his health.  GMF wanted to hear straight from the source if he plans to call it quits with the QC’s anytime soon.

“That’s not my choice,” offers the debonair frontman of few words.  “That’s not up to me; that’s up to God.”  While the decision does not rest with him, he adds that he intends to sing for as long as God allows him and the group to carry the much needed message of hope and encouragement.

And all the rumors about his health?

“If I had a nickel for every time someone has asked me that,” he asserts, “I wouldn’t have to sing anymore; I’d be a rich man.”  Pointing to heaven, he maintains, “That’s not up to me either.  Like I said, as long as He lets me…”

Williams wants his supporters to know that he genuinely appreciates their concern and prayers, and he looks forward to coming their way to have a “good time.”

The Anointed Caravans: Giving God the Glory!

Photo by Libra Boyd
The Anointed Caravans serenade a near-capacity audience Sunday evening at Kirby Civic Auditorium.  Pictured (front to rear) are vocalists Courtni Croom, Indiya Pettiford, Devin Paylor, and Nila Allen.
 

 

Say “The Famous Caravans” in a gospel music context and one likely thinks of names like Walker and Caesar and songs like “Sweeping Through the City.”  The old school.

Say “The Anointed Caravans” and toggle to a new generation of traditional gospel singers that, age-wise, ranges from preteen Indiya Pettiford–first place winner in Apollo Theater’s “Stars of Tomorrow” Amateur Night–to charismatic college man Devin Paylor.  Be on lookout for this new school of young singers on the gospel scene, giving God the glory!

Bobby Jones, Dottie Rambo get stars on Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville

Congratulations to Dr. Bobby Jones, who is among seven new inductees into Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame.  The ceremony took place Sunday.  Jones is celebrated for his longstanding contributions to the advancement and preservation of gospel music.  He is perhaps most widely recognized as the host of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, which has been on TV for more than 30 years.
Fellow gospel singer and writer Dottie Rambo was also honored posthumously with a star.  Rambo is known for her 2,500-plus compositions including “We Shall Behold Him,” “He Looked Beyond My Fault,” and “I Go to the Rock.”
The stars laud persons who have made significant creative contributions in the city of Nashville.
Jones and Rambo join more than 50 past inductees, including Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix.

Salvation and Deliverance Church Choir wins Verizon's "How Sweet the Sound"

Salvation and Deliverance Church Choir took top honors this weekend at Verizon’s “How Sweet the Sound” national choir competition.

The finale was held Friday, October 28, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.  Nine regional choir winners competed and were critiqued by three of gospel’s heavyweights: Pastor Marvin Sapp, Pastor Shirley Caesar, and Israel Houghton.

Salvation and Deliverance Church Choir of Tarboro, NC performed its version of The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah and walked away with cash and prizes totaling $40,000 along with a chance to sing at the Stellar Awards and the 2012 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

The Gospel Music Channel will air the Road to Finale special on Thanksgiving weekend, highlighting the stories of the church choirs who advanced to the final round.