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Clark Sisters movie soundtrack highlights talent of cast, genius of Donald Lawrence

 
Various Artists
The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic
Soundtrack (2020)
Releve Entertainment
Available on Amazon
 
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
 
Clark Sisters fans’ prayers were answered when The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack dropped Friday, just a day ahead of Lifetime’s movie premiere of The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel.  According to Donald Lawrence, producer extraordinaire and the movie’s music director, the decision to release the accompanying soundtrack was made only the week prior.
 
On film, Angela Birchett, Raven Goodwin, Christina Bell, Sheléa Frazier, and Kierra Sheard captivate viewers with their portrayals of Jacky, Denise, Twinkie, Dorinda, and Karen, respectively.  On the soundtrack, they amaze with their abilities to recreate the nuances of the sisters’ phrasing, tone, riffs, trills, growls, close harmonies, and the “one voice” (unison singing) that matriarch Dr. Mattie Moss Clark (magnificently portrayed in the movie by Aunjanue Ellis) helped her girls to perfect.  “I Can Do All Things Thru Christ That Strengthens Me,” “Name It Claim It,” and “Nothing to Lose” showcase the real-life vocal talent of the cast, thanks to Lawrence who made sure no element of “The Clark Sound” was overlooked.  Individually, the ladies’ lead vocals are impeccable, resulting in “Name It Claim It” and “What He’s Done for Me” sounding uncannily like the vintage recordings and “You Brought the Sunshine” sounding as if Twinkie herself stepped behind the mic to remake the group’s massive hit.
 
A fan and student of The Clark Sisters, Lawrence was meticulous about recreating “The Clark Sound” since the movie’s actors would be doing their own singing.  His thoughtful approach even included recapturing the distinctive character of Twinkie’s organ style and sound, which was a dominant musical component of The Clark Sisters’ recordings, especially throughout the 70s and 80s.  Lawrence was particularly intent on recreating the organ’s robust, big room feel for “What He’s Done for Me.” To do this, he and organist Andre Morris tracked the organ at a large church in Memphis with three Leslie speakers.
 
The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack features thirteen tracks, six of which are spoken-word segments from the movie.  The final spoken-word track is Sheléa Frazier’s spot-on reenactment of Dorinda Clark Cole’s memorable sermonette from the 1982 motion picture Gospel.  
 
In all honesty, the entire project feels like a tease, running at just 27 minutes.  Nevertheless, both emerging and longstanding Clark Sisters fans will appreciate that The First Ladies of Gospel: The Clark Sisters Biopic Soundtrack is a superb salute to the highest-selling female gospel group in history whose story debuted as the highest-rated original movie of the year on all of television.
 
Favorites
“What He’s Done for Me” – “You Brought the Sunshine”
 
Fever Meter
SWELTERIN’ (5 of 5 Stars)
 

Brenda Joyce Moore, “Oh Lord, How Excellent” composer, has died

Songwriter and musician Brenda Joyce Moore, whose widely known composition “Perfect Praise” (better known as “Oh Lord, How Excellent”) is in nearly every gospel choir’s repertoire, passed away this morning, April 8th.  Ramon Perry made the announcement on Facebook.  
 
GMF extends sincere condolences to Moore’s family, friends, and the entire Chicago gospel community, and sends prayers for God’s comfort during this difficult time. 

“I Can’t Make It Without You” – Beloved St. John Evangelistic Church

“I Can’t Make It Without You”
Beloved St. John Evangelistic Church
From the album, The Praise Worship Experience (2019)
belovedstjohn.org

By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

“I Can’t Make It Without You” is the single from Beloved St. John Evangelistic Church Music and Arts Ministry’s full-length project, The Praise Worship Experience.  The upbeat praise track is fueled by a punchy bassline that showcases the bass player’s chops and manages to stay out of the way of the singers and other musicians.  Meanwhile, the vertical lyrics, penned by Scot Stevens and driven by enthusiastic vocals of Beloved St. John Evangelistic Church, underscore our dependence on God and remind us perhaps now more than ever in our nation’s dark and divided days that we can rely on Christ to bring us through any situation. 


______________________

Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and life-long educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.

‘The Stellar Awards: Music of Hope’ two-hour special hopes to inspire amid COVID-19 pandemic

CHICAGO, March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Central City Productions Inc., the producers of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards brings you an uplifting and encouraging two-hour musical special, “The Stellar Awards: Music of Hope.”
 
Executive producer Don Jackson stated, “During this unprecedented crisis, we produced a special to uplift the country with gospel music performances that inspire hope from the many artists who have gifted us with their songs of inspiration from our Stellar Awards library over the past 34 years.”
 
Hosted by multiple Stellar and Grammy-award winning artist, Kirk Franklin, “The Stellar Awards: Music of Hope” special features songs from previous Stellar Awards classic performances by Tamela Mann, Donnie McClurkin, Michelle Williams featuring Beyonce’ and Kelly Rowland, Marvin Sapp, Lecrae, Canton Jones, Da’ T.R.U.T.H., Yolanda Adams, Bebe and Cece Winans, Hezekiah Walker, Mary Mary, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Brian Courtney Wilson, Patti LaBelle, Ricky Dillard, Karen Clark Sheard, VaShawn Mitchell, Sarah Reeves, Jonathan Butler, Tramaine Hawkins, Travis Greene, Dottie Peoples, and Israel Houghton.
 
“The Stellar Awards: Music of Hope” special will air around the country in broadcast syndication from April 11 through May 24 in more than 216 markets and on Bounce TV on May 24th at 12PM EST (noon). Visit www.stellarawards.com. for a complete list of airdates.
 
“The Stellar Awards: Music of Hope” special leads up to the live taping of the 35th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Sunday, August 16, 2020. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com.

Production of 35th Annual Stellar Awards postponed until August 14-16, 2020

GMF Update (5/28/20): On May 28, 2020, Central City Productions announced plans to produce the 35th Annual Stellar Awards as a virtual broadcast, which will replace the live taping that was rescheduled for August 2020.  Read the May 28th press release here: Central City Productions announces plans to produce 35th Annual Stellar Awards as a virtual broadcast
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(Chicago) – March 17, 2020 – The 2020 Stellar Awards 35th Anniversary Show, in partnership with the Orleans Hotel and Arena, thanks everyone for their patience and understanding as we continue to do our best to bring you the greatest week of events in gospel music.

 
In light of recent news and the declaration of the COVID-19 crisis as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the 35th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will now take place August 14-16, 2020. Ticket information for all events is as follows:
 
35TH ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS – ORLEANS ARENA TICKETS ORLEANS ARENA TICKETS (REFUND OPTIONAL) – Tickets purchased for the 35th Annual Stellar Awards at the Orleans Arena and Hotel will automatically transfer over to the new date, August 16, 2020. If you purchased a ticket for the 35th Annual Stellar Awards via Ticketmaster and want a refund, go to your Ticketmaster account and select the “Refund” button within your order.
 
35TH ANNUAL STELLAR AWARDS PRE-SHOW; STELLAR AWARDS LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY SHOW; AND GOSPEL MUSIC RADIO AWARDS – ORLEANS HOTEL SHOWROOM ORLEANS SHOWROOM TICKETS (MUST BE REFUNDED) – All tickets purchased for the Stellar Awards Showroom events noted above will require new tickets so each will be refunded. We are currently rescheduling those events in the Showroom and all dates and times for the Showroom events are forthcoming. If you purchased a ticket for the Showroom events via Ticketmaster, go to your Ticketmaster account and select the “Refund” button within your order.
 
REMINDER: CANCEL YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS FOR THE MARCH DATES – Please contact your Las Vegas hotel to cancel your reservation for the March dates. Your hotel should give you the option for a full refund (if deposit was required) or you can transfer dates (pending availability) for the August dates. Central City Productions/The Stellar Awards is not responsible for any cancellation fees or lost deposits you may incur from failure to cancel your reservations by the deadlines imposed by each hotel.
 
Please follow our accounts on social media @thestellars and check our website www.thestellarawards.com for updates from Central City Productions.
 
It is our hope and prayer that with quick community action, we can do our part toward the solution to this global problem. We encourage our families to continue to keep the mission of the gospel music community at heart and support each other with prayer and responsible preparation through this trying time.
 
We thank everyone for 35 years of support of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and we look forward to safely celebrating this special milestone with everyone soon!
 
Don Jackson, CEO
Central City Productions
 
 
 

Passing: Billie Barrett Greenbey of the Barrett Sisters

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Billie Barrett Greenbey has passed on, Dr. Patricia James Holloway informed GMF Friday morning (Feb. 28).  She was 91 years old, or to hear the classy and sassy legendary singer tell it, “39 and holding.”

Auntie Billie, as I affectionately called her, was one-third of the famed Barrett Sisters.  Her older sister Delois Barrett Campbell died in 2011 (see related story).  Younger sister Rodessa Barrett Porter is now the sole surviving member of the singing trio.

Whether leading or backing, Auntie Billie’s robust contralto was a perfect complement to her sisters, helping them earn the nickname, “Sweet Sisters of Zion.”  Albertina Walker once proclaimed, “I’ll tell the world, ain’t no greater singers than these Barrett girls.  They’re the singingest honeys!”

GMF joins the masses in extending heartfelt sympathy to daughter Tina, sister Rodessa, and the entire family.  We hold them in prayer now and in the days ahead.

I will play music in tribute to Auntie Billie during the Gospel Music Fever Radio Show on Monday, March 9, at 1 PM ET.  Be sure to tune in at kwaygospel.com.

Here’s more from The Journal of Gospel Music’s Bob Marovich: RIP Billie Barrett Greenbey, Member of the Barrett Sisters

 
 

Homegoing celebration for LaTonya Earl set for this weekend

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Gospel Music Fever was heartbroken to learn of the passing of songstress Dr. LaTonya Earl.  LaTonya perished Valentine’s Day in a car collision in Houston, TX.  She was 49 years old.  

LaTonya is known in the gospel community as a gifted singer, songwriter, musician, and longtime worship director at The Church at Bethel’s Family in Houston.  Her talent has garnered widespread recognition among her peers and earned her multiple Rhythm of Gospel and Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards. 

I met LaTonya in 2013 at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards, as we were seat buddies at the main show.  That single encounter birthed a friendship that continued til her demise.  I had the privilege of interviewing LaTonya in 2013.  You can read it here: LaTonya Earl: Her Story, Her Song

Heartfelt sympathy and prayers are extended to her husband Rev. Walter Earl, children Britney, Amber, and Drew, grandson Roman, and her entire biological and spiritual family during this undoubtedly difficult time.

Rev. Walter August, senior pastor of The Church at Bethel’s Family, announced homegoing arrangements for LaTonya Tuesday via Facebook.  The public viewings and services will take place at The Church at Bethel’s Family, located at 12660 Sandpiper Drive in Houston, TX.

Friday, February 21, 2020
Viewing
3 – 6 PM CST

Celebration Musical 
6:30 PM

Saturday, February 22, 2020
Viewing
8:30 – 10 AM

Homegoing Celebration
10 AM

Mondre Bynum of Mondre and Divine passes away

Herb McFadden informed GMF yesterday (January 30, 2020) that Mondre Bynum made his transition.  He was 39 years old.

Bynum was a songwriter, producer, author, and lead singer of the eastern North Carolina based group Mondre and Divine, whose music includes “Jesus Makes Me Smile,” “So Amazing,” “It’s Gonna Get Better,” “Working Everyday,” and I Believe in Us. 

Bynum penned “It’s Gonna Get Better” following the tragic death of his younger brother due to gun violence.  He went on to author a devotional by the same title and to found a non-profit called the IGGB Campaign, the mission of which is to “assist those who have been directly affected by gun violence, the family of the victim as well as all others directly or indirectly impacted by murderous acts.”

GMF extends heartfelt condolences to the Bynum family during this extraordinarily shocking and difficult time.

Libra Boyd, creator, producer, and host of the Gospel Music Fever Radio Show, will pay tribute to Bynum during the second half of the show’s one-hour broadcast this Monday, February 3, at 1 PM ET.  You can listen at kwaygospel.com.