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Area Singer-Promoter James Dixon readies for 43rd birthday celebration musical

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

There are a couple of things you’ll always find James Dixon talking about: Duke men’s basketball and gospel music.  This year the gospel music enthusiast will celebrate his 43rd birthday with plenty of the latter. 

Dixon, formerly a drummer for the Sensational Nightingales and currently the lead singer of James Dixon and Company, invites you to celebrate with him and all his musical guests.  See the flyer below for details.  

Saturday, April 6, 2019
4 PM 
Denniston Grove Baptist Church
1031 Bethel Hill Road
Alton, VA  24520
Admission: FREE

Nominees for 34th Annual Stellar Awards announced; McReynolds lands nine nominations

Stellar Awards nominee Jonathan McReynolds
McReynolds
January 15, 2019 – Central City Productions announces the nominees in 28 categories for the 34th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, hosted again this year by history-making artist, Kirk Franklin on Friday, March 29. Contemporary gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds leads the field of nominees this year with nine nominations.  The powerhouse singer earned recognition for his work on the album Make Room (Entertainment One) as well as in the key categories of Artist of the Year, 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, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year.
With seven nominations, chart-topping soloist Maranda Curtis is recognized by the Stellar Awards voting body for excellence in the categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, CD of the Year, Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, Recorded Music package of the Year, and Praise and Worship CD of the Year for her work on Open Heaven (Red Alliance Media/Fair Trade). This year promises to pleasantly surprise the gospel audience with nominations for secular artists Snoop Dogg and Tori Kelly. Snoop Dogg garners a respectable three nominations for CD of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Special Event CD of the Year with his hit CD Bible of Love (RCA/Inspiration).  And Tori Kelly‘s angelic vocals have landed her three nominations in the categories of Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year with the smash hit “Hiding Place” (Schoolboy/Capitol), as well as Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for her collaboration on “Never Alone” (Schoolboy/Capitol) with Stellars host Kirk Franklin. Todd Dulaney is blessed with six nominations for Your Great Name (Entertainment One) for Artist of the Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Praise & Worship CD of the Year. Jekalyn Carr continues to rise higher in the gospel genre, earning five nominations this year in the top categories of Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year, Traditional CD of the Year, and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year for her work on One Nation Under God (Lunjeal Music Group).
With four nominations each, Koryn Hawthorne, Kelontae Gavin, Bishop Noel Jones & City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir, and Jarrell Smalls and Company solidify their staying power in gospel music, representing contemporary and traditional gospel, respectively. Hawthorne is recognized for Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Gavin has garnered nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary CD of the Year, and Praise & Worship CD of the Year. Bishop Jones & CORSC and Jarrell Smalls & Company are vying for Traditional CD of the Year among their four nods each.
Other artists earning Stellar nominations include: Judah Band, The Walls Group, Earnest Pugh, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, VaShawn Mitchell, Jason Nelson, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Jor’Dan Armstrong, and Brent Jones & the Waco Community Choir.
View the complete list of nominees by clicking here.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “I am extremely excited about our 2019 Stellar Awards nominees. This year’s multiple nominations of new, established, as well as secular artists are a testament to the continued growth and success of gospel music and its appeal to a wide range of audiences across all genres. The Stellar Awards continues to be committed to celebrating the best in music that inspires and uplifts everyone.”
The Stellar Awards show taping will return to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Friday, March 29, 2019 and is open to the public, with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $200 at www.ticketmaster.com.
The week of activities begins with the Stellar Awards Independent Artist Showcase, taking place on Wednesday, March 27, with winners performing at the non-televised awards pre-show ceremony. The 2019 Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, to showcase non-televised award winners. Also, the Stellar Gospel Radio Awards & Showcase will be held on Friday, March 29, honoring top radio stations and announcers serving urban gospel music audiences. Tickets for each event can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

"Open Your Mouth and Say Something" – Brent Jones

“Open Your Mouth and Say Something” 
Brent Jones (2018)
JDI Records

Brent Jones Open Your Mouth and Say Something artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

All right now!  Get ready to tap those toes, clap those hands, get your body in motion, and definitely “Open Your Mouth and Say Something.”  

Grammy and Stellar Award winner Brent Jones should’ve added an advisory label to this uptempo traditional choir jam because if you are driving, you will positively need to pull over to get out of the car and take a praise break–like back in the day when you heard “your song” on the cassette and stopped the car and–

Oh yeah, I did go there. 

Driven by the vocal hype of Waco Community Choir and a brass-punctuated music line, “Open Your Mouth and Say Something” will not only make you do just that, but it may very well become “your song” of the day.  So turn up the volume, get your shout on, and holler, “Hallelujah!”

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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.

"You Are" – Tomisena

“You Are”
Tomisena (2018)
Available at iTunes

"You Are" Tomisena artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

“You Are” is the current single from North Carolina-based singer, songwriter, and speaker, Tomisena Hatchett.

From beginning to end, Tomisena’s expressive voice and well-placed vibrato engage you to worship, sing along, rewind, and do it again while reminiscing about the times in your life that you knew without a shadow of a doubt that the Almighty was, lyrically speaking, “a mighty strong tower” who carried, kept, and guided you. 

Tomisena’s contemporary worship song is a must-listen.


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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.

Official Video – "I Won't Judge" – Half Mile Home

Half Mile Home


Enjoy the official music video from Half Mile Home titled, “I Won’t Judge.”  A portion of the proceeds from the Akron-based quartet’s single will be given to the Boiling Point Foundation, a nonprofit that assists people battling mental health issues as well as the loss of a loved one.

Lucinda Moore on the critical moment that inspired single 'Still Alive'

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever 

Since her childhood days in Bridgeport, CT, singing in her church and with local choirs, Lucinda Moore’s music ministry has blossomed into a career that has included a five–year tenure as background vocalist for the legendary Tramaine Hawkins, a trio of solo recordings, and a Stellar Award for Traditional Female Artist of the Year.

Lucinda’s current single is titled, “Still Alive (I Survived).”  (Click here to read GMF’s review.)  The song as well as her testimony and words of encouragement are nothing short of inspirational.  

Libra:  Lucinda, our conversations go back a lot of years–to the days of AOL Instant Messenger!  How dope has God been for you?

Lucinda:  Doper than dope! God has been the dopest of Dope-tivity!!!!!

Libra:  Your current single is “Still Alive (I Survived),” and a song like that isn’t sung without a testimony.  What’s yours?

Lucinda:  Well back in 2015, the spine doctor found a cyst the size of a watermelon on my spine.  He told me that if I did not have surgery right away that I will be paralyzed in the next week.  I did the surgery!  During recovery from the surgery, the doctor came into my hospital room and told my mom that my heart stopped on the table.  I overheard it and when I came to, I began to write the lyrics.  Cedric Thompson and I co-wrote together.  He produced, rearranged, added to it, and what you hear, magic happened!

Libra:  How did you and Cedric come together as writing partners for this song?

Lucinda:  Cedric and I have known each other for years!  I first got to know his wife, LeJuene Thompson, when I was about 14 years old.  Then, she married Cedric!  Just from being in the gospel industry, I’ve gotten to know the both of them.  Preparing for my new single, several people had suggested for me to get Cedric Thompson to produce the CD!  I am so glad I listened!

Libra:  Lucinda, what is your word to people in the church who are in survival mode and barely hanging on?  There are hurting people in pews, pulpits, and choir lofts every week who are contemplating whether their lives are really worth living.   

Lucinda:  My word to those who are [on] the verge of giving up is, I was where you are.  I thought about ending it all.  I felt like God [had] forgotten about [me].  I’ve been through hurt, brokenness, divorce, unloved, lied on, rejected.  I’ve been through physical, mental, and sexual abuse!  But there is one thing that I did to be healed 100 percent from all the trauma and you must do the same:  Forgive yourself, for blaming yourself, so you can love yourself!  Once you begin to love yourself, nothing and nobody can ever hurt you again!!!  Then you can give the testimony of “I’m Still Alive, I Survived!”

Libra:  It’s important for readers to know that you’ve been in the gospel industry nearly 30 years.  I’m sure you’ve seen and experienced a lot while active in ministry, and you’ve also seen the industry itself evolve.  What do you feel is currently much needed but not often present in today’s gospel music?

Lucinda:  Well, I think I was the last of the Mohicans – one of them – to experience how the gospel industry was when there were more than three major labels and it wasn’t easy to get into the industry.  Now you have streaming, digital outlets, and do-it-yourself recordings that are hitting the charts!  What is much needed in this Gospel industry is remembering where we came from and not forgetting the tradition of music like the hymnals, the choirs on Sunday mornings etc.  

Also, things are not handed out to recording artists that easy!  In order to be a NATIONAL recording artist, you have to keep that drive and work hard for it!  You can’t give up because somebody told you, “NO!”  Keep going!

Libra:  If you weren’t doing gospel music yourself, what would you be doing?

Lucinda:  I would have either been a detective or would have been a forensic scientist!  From a young child, I have always been intrigued by what I watched on TV.  I’ve always been into TV shows like America’s Most Wanted, CSI, and other shows that pertain to law enforcement, solving, and piecing together investigations!  Straight out of high school, I ended up singing for Tramaine Hawkins for years [and] then started my own career.  I have no regrets!

Libra:  What else would you like to share with us?

Lucinda:  To everybody who is reading this, please go stream or purchase “Still Alive (I Survived)”!  My babies need some sneakers and barrettes for Christmas and Easter!!

Lucinda (@Lucindamoore1) is on Snapchat, Twitter, Periscope, Instagram, and Facebook.  Her website is www.lucindamoore.com.

"Necessary" – Juan Santiago & Integrity

“Necessary (Radio Edit)”
Juan Santiago & Integrity (2018)
Milagro Records

Necessary Juan Santiago cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Independent gospel artist Juan Santiago, owner and founder of Milagro Records, a record company with a mission of promoting gospel music nationwide, found it “necessary” to debut his newest group, Juan Santiago & Integrity, in June of this year. Along with the debut of the new ensemble was the release of the contemporary Christian single, “Necessary.”

DeLaVanta “D-Hydrate” Tabor’s tasteful piano accompaniment is the sole instrumental anchor to the passionately intense testimony of both the ensemble and the single’s lead vocalists Jana Jackson, B.J. Brown, and Joel Darwin. While the radio edit is just under five minutes, the extended CD version is nearly twice as long, adding Jonathan Parker-Ashley’s oration to the message that God works all things in our lives–good and bad–together for good. Life’s experiences have their necessary place in who we are becoming in Him.

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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.

2019 GRAMMY nominees announced

Congratulations to nominees for the 61st GRAMMY Awards, announced earlier today (December 7).
 
Jekalyn Carr, Koryn Hawthorne, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds, Brian Courtney Wilson,
Cory Asbury, and The Walls Group are among several who received nominations in this year’s Gospel/CCM categories.
 
The complete nominations list is available here.  The awards show airs live Sunday, February 10, on CBS.  

Worship Leader Krystal A. Livingston: Living God’s Songs In The Key Of Life

By Andrea R. Williams
 
Some people are just blessed with an ability to take you into the Throne Room of God.  One of those gifted worship leaders is Krystal A. Livingston.  A gospel artist, songwriter, and exceptional vocalist, Krystal A. Livingston is walking in her purpose.  Her talents have placed her front and center and even found her singing behind or opening up for mainstream and sacred artists such as Josh Groban, Kenny Loggins, and Donnie McClurkin.  Although she’s honored for the national platforms she’s been given to minister, her sole reason for singing is to share the gospel through song.
 
Although Krystal had been singing all her life, she got her first taste as a recording artist when she dropped her debut, My Journey, His Glory. Cleverly, the project was a two-part set.  The first part of the project, My Journey, lays bare her life and addresses issues like low self-esteem or feeling stuck in one’s life.  Understanding the value of transparency and how her story can uplift others, she chose songs which would allow her to share her personal experiences.  The second half of the release, His Glory, includes songs of adoration, praise, and worship to the Lord.  My Journey, His Glory saw the release of an unforgettable single, “Shoelaces,” a track encouraging listeners to look up for their identity in Christ instead of looking down in despair at their troubles.  In addition to the singles from the project, she has also dropped a song, “Great Things,” a classic praise anthem penned by Tessie Hill.
 
Her most recent creative work is a track called “Winner.”  “Winner (Hupernikao)“ is an inspirational power ballad which finds the psalmist showcasing her alto vocals while encouraging the believer.  Another track penned by the vocalist herself, Krystal delivers a rousing performance flaunting her multi-octave range.  The song is also a testimony for the singer, reflecting on a time when it didn’t seem like she was winning at all. 
 
“A few years ago, I had two positions that abruptly ended,“ Krystal recounts. “At the time, I did not understand what was happening; things were going so well and then, all of the sudden, the rug was pulled out from under me -TWICE.  Later, I realized that I was getting comfortable and God had to make me uncomfortable to push me into my purpose.”  These “unfortunate incidents” were right after she had mentioned to friends her aspiration of full-time music ministry.  The Lord told her to dust off the songs He had given her and to move forward.
 
And move forward, she has.  Born and raised in the Bronx, New York and a longtime resident of Connecticut, Krystal recently made the move to Atlanta where she plans to put her music ministry in first gear.  No stranger to the educational aspect of music, she taught a Gospel Music Master Class at Yale University.  A graduate of University of New Haven (UNH) in Connecticut, she founded and directed the UNH Gospel Choir and became the university’s first adjunct professor teaching Gospel Music Performance. Prior to her move to Atlanta, she was Executive Director of Worship & The Fine Arts and Director of Praise & Worship at her home church, New Life
Christian Fellowship in Ledyard, CT.
 
Krystal has caught the attention of many, inside and outside the music field.  The songstress was recognized with a proclamation from New London, CT, and was honored by the National Council of Negro Women.  She has netted awards and nominations for her music as well, including a Connecticut Music Award nomination for gospel music in 2015 and a Holla Back Gospel Music Award for Best Female Artist in 2017.  Also an actress, she portrayed jazz great Nina Simone in a one-woman show, “An Evening with Nina Simone.”  In 2018 alone, she made numerous television appearances including Rejoice In The Word with Bishop George Bloomer on the Word Network, Celebrate on TCT-TV, Babbie’s House and Atlanta Live on WATC-TV, Nite Line on WGGS-TV and Club 36 on WBPI-TV.  Lord knows, there is much more to come from this rising songstress and dedicated worshipper.
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Andrea R. Williams is a gospel music insider, artist, musician, producer, and owner of the PR firm, Tehillah Enterprises. A former GRAMMY Awards Project Manager, she is author of the book, Live The Life You Sing About: How To Live With Integrity In The Gospel & Christian Music Industry. 

"Still Alive (I Survived)" – Lucinda Moore

“Still Alive (I Survived)”
Lucinda Moore (2018)
Nalah Music Group
www.facebook.com/LucindaMooreOne

Still Alive Lucinda Moore cover artBy Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor

Lucinda Moore’s message to encourage oneself, never give up, and acknowledge the need for help beyond one’s own strength is evident in her current single, “Still Alive (I Survived).”  The Stellar Award-winning songstress co-wrote her testimony with Grammy-winning producer Cedric Thompson after learning that her heart stopped during spinal surgery in 2015.

Lucinda’s dynamic vocals punctuate the song’s overarching message to the hearers that they too can get through the everyday challenges of life, rising from their valley experiences to the mountaintop: “You’re the only One who heard my silent cry / I’m still alive–I survived!”  By the culmination of the song, I can see myself getting my praise on at the top of the hill–Rocky Balboa style!

“Still Alive (I Survived)” brightens the path to listeners’ purpose and destiny.  When the struggles of day-to-day duties seem to get to you, pull out the electronic device of choice, put in your earbuds, and let Lucinda enlighten you on how to be a survivor.


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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.