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| Source | Malaco Records |
GMF recently learned of the passing of Luther Jennings, original member of the Jackson Southernaires. We extend our sympathy and prayers to Jennings’ family and friends.
Read more from Malaco Music Group here.
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'Spiritual Awakening' TV host Terence Jenkins to return with 'Gospel Awakening'
Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Fans of the defunct Sunday morning gospel music television program Spiritual Awakening will be delighted to know that Bishop Terence Jenkins, the show’s host since 1993, has plans to kick off January 2020 with a new show called Gospel Awakening.
The new TV program is set to air Sunday mornings at 8 AM ET on 11 ABC’s Disney (D-2) and WITN-2 and will spotlight a featured artist during the half-hour broadcast. With twice the viewing area of its predecessor, Gospel Awakening can be watched from Guilford County to North Carolina’s Atlantic coast.
Bishop Jenkins hopes to continue the legacy of the show’s forerunner, The Sister Gary Show, which premiered in 1942 and later became Spiritual Awakening. Believed to be among the longest-running gospel music TV shows on the East Coast, Spiritual Awakening aired its final broadcast March 31, 2019, ending a historic 77-year run.
Gospel Awakening is viewer supported and currently booking talent to appear on the show. To make a contribution or to sign up to perform, visit www.gospelawakeningnc.org.
Official Video – “Listen” – Seun Ayeni
Enjoy the official music video from Seun Ayeni called “Listen.” Ayeni describes his self-written tune as one of his most animated pieces. The video is directed by Tope Valentine of Genesis Paparazzi Studios.
“Oh How I Love You” – Zacardi Cortez
“Oh How I Love You”
Zacardi Cortez (2018)
Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
www.zacardicortez.com
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Some of the best songs I’ve heard sound new and old at the same time. New and catchy, yet nostalgic. Enter Zacardi Cortez with “Oh How I Love You,” written by Lucius B. Hoskins, Fred Sanders Jr., Izk Jenkins, and Nicholas
Humes.
“Oh How I Love You” is a ballad with music that’s an instant throwback to 70s R&B and
soul. Add Zacardi’s passionately soulful vocals and you have an intimate vertical song of devotion for both old school and new school music heads.
Lauren Daigle earns multiple wins at Billboard Music Awards
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Lauren Daigle collected a trio of trophies for Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album, and Top Christian Song at this year’s Billboard Music Awards. The CCM singer and songwriter continues to enjoy success from her third studio album Look Up Child and performed her crossover hit “You Say” during the awards show, which took place at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1.
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| Lauren Daigle |
The winners in each of the CCM and gospel categories are highlighted below.
Top Christian Artist
Cory Asbury
Lauren Daigle
For King & Country
Hillsong Worship
MercyMe
Top Gospel Artist
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tori Kelly
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Marvin Sapp
Top Christian Album
Cory Asbury, Reckless Love
Lauren Daigle, Look Up Child
For King & Country, Burn The Ships
Hillsong Worship, There Is More
Zach Williams, Chain Breaker
Top Gospel Album
Snoop Dogg & Various Artists, Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love
Aretha Franklin, Gospel Greats
Koryn Hawthorne, Unstoppable
Tori Kelly, Hiding Place
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room
Top Christian Song
Cory Asbury, “Reckless Love”
Lauren Daigle, “You Say”
For King & Country, “joy.”
Hillsong Worship, “Who You Say I Am”
Tauren Wells, “Known”
Top Gospel Song
Todd Dulaney, “Your Great Name”
Koryn Hawthorne, “Won’t He Do It”
Tori Kelly ft. Kirk Franklin, “Never Alone”
Jason Nelson, “Forever”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “A Great Work”
See the complete list of BBMA winners here.
“Hosanna” – Godlives Don
By Janie Sheeley-TorainGMF Special Contributor
“Hosanna,” the first single from Godlives Don’s recently released album, is a refreshing, inspiring and anointed spiritual song of praise and worship. Godlives displays his unwavering passion to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through song: “With all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength. I will worship you….Hosanna be glorified…”
Godlives is the president and founder of Faith Land Praise Assembly International, also known as Rhema City, in his hometown of Ughelli in Delta State, Nigeria.
Godlives is the president and founder of Faith Land Praise Assembly International, also known as Rhema City, in his hometown of Ughelli in Delta State, Nigeria.
______________________
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.
"Not Yet" – Donnie McClurkin
“Not Yet”
Donnie McClurkin (2019)
RCA Inspiration/Camdon Music
www.donniemcclurkin.com
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Donnie McClurkin‘s life could‘ve ended in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 12, 2018. Many of us learned what happened hours later. The miracle is that the survivor told us himself.
“Lost consciousness driving…but two human angels followed my swerving car with their emergency blinkers onto [sic] stop traffic ….drove behind me until my car crashed into the middle concrete island. I remember none of it except those two angels pulling me out of the passengers [sic] side of the crumbled TOTALED car..airbags deployed…crushed metal and Fiberglas [sic]!!”
“I AM ALIVE!!!!” (via Facebook @DonnieMcClurkin)
Not surprisingly, the Grammy-winning singer went on to pen the reflective single, “Not Yet.“
Thought it was the end this time
God said, “Not yet”
I thought that I would lose my mind
God said, “Not yet”
Thinkin’ ’bout my yesterday
Wondering how I got away
But death heard Jesus say
He said, “Not yet”
God said, “Not yet”
Thinkin’ ’bout my yesterday
Wondering how I got away
But death heard Jesus say
He said, “Not yet”
“Not Yet“ is a lyrical sentiment of God‘s grace and intent toward McClurkin. The beauty of the single from his forthcoming solo project is that like many a good song, the message is widely applicable to all who can testify of their own “not yet“ encounters with the Almighty.
“Your Love” – Enin Perryman
“Your Love”
Enin Perryman (2018)
www.eninperryman.com
By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor
Listening to “Your Love” is like being in a movie theater with surround sound. Just like surround sound, Enin Perryman’s single creates a sensation of empowering love coming from any horizontal direction–360° around the listener–and brings you along with him to have you tapping your toes and ready to tell the world of your victories too. Prepare yourself to allow his rich sound–which occasionally ascends into his falsetto register–and captivating lyrics to take you back to a moment when you felt the overwhelming presence of the Almighty‘s love. Through “Your Love,” the Atlanta-based singer, songwriter, and pastor assures you that Jesus is with you through any challenge that you face.
Perryman, whose talents have afforded him performances and collabs with Usher, Quincy Jones, Prince, and others, is preparing to release a full-length project in 2019.
______________________
Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and lifelong 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.
Billboard nominees for 2019 announced
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
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| Koryn Hawthorne |
Congratulations to this year’s finalists for the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
Koryn Hawthorne and Tori Kelly earned nominations in each gospel category–Top Gospel Artist, Top Gospel Album, and Top Gospel Song.
Cory Asbury, Lauren Daigle, For King & Country, and Hillsong Worship all picked up nominations in each of the Christian categories–Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album, and Top Christian Song.
Aretha Franklin received a posthumous nod for the album, Gospel Greats.
The Billboard Awards will take place at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1, 2019, at 8 PM ET and will be broadcast live on NBC.
Below are the nominees for both the gospel and Christian music categories. You can view Billboard’s entire list here.
Top Christian Artist
Cory Asbury
Lauren Daigle
For King & Country
Hillsong Worship
MercyMe
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| Tori Kelly |
Top Gospel Artist
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tori Kelly
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Marvin Sapp
Top Christian Album
Cory Asbury, Reckless Love
Lauren Daigle, Look Up Child
For King & Country, Burn The Ships
Hillsong Worship, There Is More
Zach Williams, Chain Breaker
Top Gospel Album
Snoop Dogg & Various Artists, Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love
Aretha Franklin, Gospel Greats
Koryn Hawthorne, Unstoppable
Tori Kelly, Hiding Place
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room
Top Christian Song
Cory Asbury, “Reckless Love”
Lauren Daigle, “You Say”
For King & Country, “joy.”
Hillsong Worship, “Who You Say I Am”
Tauren Wells, “Known”
Top Gospel Song
Todd Dulaney, “Your Great Name”
Koryn Hawthorne, “Won’t He Do It”
Tori Kelly ft. Kirk Franklin, “Never Alone”
Jason Nelson, “Forever”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “A Great Work”
34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners and Honorees
April 1, 2019 (Las Vegas, NV) – Central City Productions wrapped up the taping of the 34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Friday, March 29, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The biggest night in gospel music, hosted by Kirk Franklin, will premiere on BET Network on Easter Sunday, April 21, at 7pm ET (6pm CT).The standout highlight of the evening was an emotional tribute performance by Kelly Price, Erica Campbell, and Regina Belle honoring the undisputed Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Family members of the late legend–Brenda Corbett, Jordan Franklin, and Kecalf Franklin–were presented with the inaugural Aretha Franklin ICON Award to give posthumous recognition of her profound impact on the gospel music genre and unforgettable contributions.
The undeniable breakout winner of the annual show was performer Jonathan McReynolds, who swept the awards taking home eight Stellar Awards including AT&T Artist of the Year, State Farm Song of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Performance of the Year. Jekalyn Carr received three awards for Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, and Traditional CD of the Year. The Walls Group was awarded twice as Duo/Chorus Group of the Year and Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year.
A special award presentation was also given to honor gospel legend Delores Washington Green of The Caravans with the Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award. Gospel star Yolanda Adams and Stellar Awards Founder, Chairman & CEO Don Jackson inducted James Robinson Jr. (Malaco Gospel), Jackie Patillo (GMA), and Phil Thornton (RCA Inspiration) into the Stellar Honors Hall of Fame. Quartet legends, The Sensational Nightingales, were honored with the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award.
This year’s sensational lineup of performances included an energetic opening number by Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin stirring the audience to their feet performing new music, and a rousing medley by Phil Thompson, Kelontae Gavin, and Maranda Curtis. Other performers included Brian Courtney Wilson, Koryn Hawthorne, Todd Dulaney, Charles Jenkins, and Jekalyn Carr.
The show will continue to air around the country in broadcast syndication from April 27 through May 26 (check local listings). For more information visit us at www.thestellarawards.com. View the complete winners list below:
2019
34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners
34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award Winners
Category 1
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 2
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” Jonathan McReynolds, Terrell Demetrius Wilson & Anna B. Warner, Entertainment One
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” Jonathan McReynolds, Terrell Demetrius Wilson & Anna B. Warner, Entertainment One
Category 3
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 4
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr, One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr, One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
Category 5
DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Walls Group, The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Walls Group, The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
Category 6
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jabari Johnson, Day of Redemption, Entertainment One
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jabari Johnson, Day of Redemption, Entertainment One
Category 7
CD OF THE YEAR
Make Room, Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
CD OF THE YEAR
Make Room, Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
Category 8
CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
Category 9
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds & Darryl “Lil Man” Howell, Make Room, Entertainment One
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds & Darryl “Lil Man” Howell, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 10
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Walls Group, The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Walls Group, The Other Side, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
Category 11
TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit/SRT/Shanachie
TRADITIONAL DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit/SRT/Shanachie
Category 12
CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room, Entertainment One
Category 13
TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
VaShawn Mitchell, Cross Music, Tyscot
TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
VaShawn Mitchell, Cross Music, Tyscot
Category 14
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Tasha Page-Lockhart, The Beautiful Project, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Tasha Page-Lockhart, The Beautiful Project, RCA Inspiration/Fo Yo Soul Recordings
Category 15
TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr, One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jekalyn Carr, One Nation Under God, Lunjeal Music Group
Category 16
CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR
Make Room, Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
CONTEMPORARY CD OF THE YEAR
Make Room, Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
Category 17
TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR
One Nation Under God, Jekalyn Carr, Lunjeal Music Group
TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR
One Nation Under God, Jekalyn Carr, Lunjeal Music Group
Category 18
URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
“Not Lucky, I’m Loved,” Jonathan McReynolds, Entertainment One
Category 19
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Won’t He Do It,” Casey Cross, RCA Inspiration
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Won’t He Do It,” Casey Cross, RCA Inspiration
Category 20
TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, Run to the Altar, JH/Tyscot
Category 21
CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR
New Direction, When All God’s Children Get Together, New Haven Records
CONTEMPORARY CHOIR OF THE YEAR
New Direction, When All God’s Children Get Together, New Haven Records
Category 22
INSTRUMENTAL CD OF THE YEAR
(Category omitted)
INSTRUMENTAL CD OF THE YEAR
(Category omitted)
Category 23
SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR
The Best of Fred Hammond, Fred Hammond, Verity/Sony Music
SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR
The Best of Fred Hammond, Fred Hammond, Verity/Sony Music
Category 24
RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR
God Knows, Flame, Clear Sight Music
RAP HIP HOP GOSPEL CD OF THE YEAR
God Knows, Flame, Clear Sight Music
Category 25
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Pure N Heart, “Be You” 15 Years Unplugged, Music2ChangeU
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Pure N Heart, “Be You” 15 Years Unplugged, Music2ChangeU
Category 26
QUARTET OF THE YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit / SRT/Shanachie
QUARTET OF THE YEAR
Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, Keep Pushin, Wonder Spirit / SRT/Shanachie
Category 27
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
Israel Houghton, Road to DeMaskUs, RCA Inspiration
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
Israel Houghton, Road to DeMaskUs, RCA Inspiration
Category 28
PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR
Your Great Name, Todd Dulaney, Entertainment One
PRAISE AND WORSHIP CD OF THE YEAR
Your Great Name, Todd Dulaney, Entertainment One
THOMAS A. DORSEY MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Sensational Nightingales
DR. BOBBY JONES LEGENDS AWARD
Dolores Washington Green
ARETHA FRANKLIN ICON AWARD
Aretha Franklin (posthumously)
STELLAR HONORS HALL OF FAME
– Jackie Patillo
– Phil Thornton
– James D. Robinson, Jr.
Gospel Radio of the Year Winners
MAJOR MARKET OF THE YEAR
WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta
WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta
LARGE MARKET OF THE YEAR
WFMI-FM 100.9 FM, Virginia Beach
WFMI-FM 100.9 FM, Virginia Beach
MEDIUM MARKET OF THE YEAR
WCGL AM 1360/FM 94.7, Jacksonville
WCGL AM 1360/FM 94.7, Jacksonville
SMALL MARKET OF THE YEAR
WIMG 1300AM, Ewing
WIMG 1300AM, Ewing
INTERNET STATION OF THE YEAR
uGospel Radio, http://uGospel.com
uGospel Radio, http://uGospel.com
GOSPEL ANNOUNCER OF THE YEAR
Dwight Stone, WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta, GA
Dwight Stone, WPZE Praise 102.5, Atlanta, GA