Bernie McLean, a retired music executive who was pivotal in the careers of numerous gospel and urban artists, has died at 80. Known for his work with Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, and the platinum-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry, McLean made significant contributions to the music industry. His promotional efforts helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve hits like “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Jesus.”
A Celebration of Life service takes place June 14, 2024, at 11 AM at Valley Kingdom Ministries, Oak Forest, IL.
Born June 6, 1943, in New York City, McLean excelled in basketball at Aviation High School and the New York Institute of Technology. He obtained an engineering degree from the latter and a second one from Adelphi University before beginning a 30-year tenure at General Electric.
McLean transitioned into music promotions and artist management in the 1990s and worked with a number of urban artists such as Yvonne Gage, Too $hort, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and RUSSOUL. In 2001, he became the first promotions manager at Kingdom Records, founded by his friend Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, who had formed an aggregation of singers that became Shekinah Glory Ministry worship ensemble. McLean helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve gold status for “Praise Is What I Do” as well as four gold and platinum certifications for other projects. In 2003, he was promoted to Vice President and A&R Director, working with The Whispers, Phil Tarver, and The Brown Sisters of Chicago, among others. McLean retired in 2016.
He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Tiffany, sons Phil and Ashaunte, grandchildren, and extended family.
After years of personal evolution, Billboard charting artist Neva Ford Nation is back with a new single that resonates with her life experiences, “You Cover Me.”
Co-written by Neva, the song was conceived to bring healing and hope following an unexpected chapter in her life. “I poured my experiences into the lyrics, putting my heart and soul into this song,” she shares. “It’s me looking at my life and the things I was dealing with, trying to learn that God has me covered in any situation and I can overcome them.”
“You Cover Me” was produced by Bdm/Ugroove Music husband and wife duo Glenn Piper and Sheila-Moore Piper, who is also the song’s co-writer.
(L-R) BMI’s AVP, Creative – Atlanta Wardell Malloy; Jonathan McReynolds; Dorinda Clark-Cole; and BMI’s VP, Creative – Atlanta Catherine Brewton attend the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 28, 2024 at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
(MARCH 28, 2024 – ATLANTA, GA) – BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel legend and world-renowned evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, of the acclaimed Clark sisters, was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of her illustrious career spanning over 50 years and incomparable influence on the genre and beyond, and Jonathan McReynolds received the BMI Champion Award, the first time this accolade was presented at this ceremony, for his exceptional artistry and impact on Gospel music. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year and the Top 25 Gospel Songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.
The inspirational luncheon began with a celebration of music and joyful worship with Tim Bowman, Jr. performing his BMI award-winning song “Jesus,” with Kim Burrell and Faith City Music, co-written with Le’Andria Johnson and VaShawn Mitchell. Zacardi Cortez brought the house down with his BMI award-winning song “You’ve Been Good to Me,” before moving to the event’s main honorees and award winners.
As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, Dorinda Clark-Cole was saluted for her legendary career and contributions to the genre with several powerful tribute performances honoring her legacy. Crystal Aikin’s heartfelt voice kicked things off with “I’m Coming Out,” and Tasha Page-Lockhart brought the audience to its feet with a moving performance of “I’m Still Here.” Yolanda Adams followed with a magnetic rendition of “Take It Back,” with Lisa Knowles-Smith jumping in to help close out the performance; and Clark-Cole’s niece Kierra Sheard finished the amazing tribute with an uplifting version of “My Redeemer Liveth.” Upon receiving the afternoon’s highest honor, Clark-Cole acknowledged being “deeply humbled” and “extremely grateful.” She continued with advice for songwriters saying, “When you are at your lowest, that’s when God can get your greatest…keep writing, keep getting inspired by God because somebody is being blessed.”
After receiving the BMI Champion Award celebrating his outstanding success in Gospel music and beyond, Jonathan McReynolds thanked BMI’s Catherine Brewton and Wardell Malloy for all the love and support they have given him throughout his career. His tribute started with DOE giving a beautiful performance of “Grace.” She also joined Tyree Miller for a duet of “Cycles.” Darrel Walls followed with his resounding rendition of “Lovin’ Me,” and Jason Nelson shared his passionate version of “God Is Good,” which brought the audience to its feet.
Throughout the event, BMI saluted the Top 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the highly anticipated BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Kingdom” written by Kirk Franklin, Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore and Jacob Poole. The song by Maverick City Music X Kirk Franklin debuted at #17 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart, #6 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart, and also received a 2023 GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song. BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year was a three-way tie between Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene and Tamela Mann for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Franklin was honored for “Bless Me” and the BMI Gospel Song of the Year “Kingdom,” Greene for “Finished” and “Tent Revival,” and Mann was also honored for “Finished” and “He Did It For Me.” BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Essential Music Publishing, for the second year in a row.
(L-R) Essential Music’s Josh Schiffman and Turner Burnett; Norman Gyamfi; Jonathan Jay; BMI’s Wardell Malloy; Chandler Moore; BMI’s President & CEO Mike O’Neill; Jacob Poole; Kirk Franklin; BMI’s Catherine Brewton; and EJ Gaines attend the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards on March 28, 2024 at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
Sandra Crouch, Grammy® Award winning twin sister of gospel legend Andraé Crouch, and an artist in her own right, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 12 PM PST at Northridge Hospital in Northridge, CA. She was 81. She died of complications from radiation for a non-cancerous brain lesion.
Crouch was an integral partner in her brother’s trailblazing career as the most popular crossover gospel artist of the 1970s and co-wrote one of his biggest hits, “Jesus is the Answer.” She was also a percussionist and/or vocal conductor on recordings by artists such as The Jackson 5, Madonna, Neil Diamond, and Janis Joplin. In the 1980s, Crouch stepped into the spotlight on her own with a trio of Grammy® Award-nominated albums that produced modern church standards such as “He’s Worthy,” “Completely Yes,” and “We Need To Hear From You.” Since 2015, she’s been the Senior Pastor of New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, CA.
Sandra Elaine Crouch and her twin brother, Andraé Edward Crouch, were born on July 1, 1942, in Los Angeles, CA. Their parents, Benjamin E. and Catherine Crouch, owned two dry cleaning operations and a restaurant in Los Angeles. In the late 1940s, their parents sold their businesses to go into ministry. They packed up their eldest son, Benjamin Jr., and the twins, and moved to Verde, CA, where they eventually founded Christ Memorial Church C.O.G.I.C. out of a garage in 1951.
While the twins were students at San Fernando Valley High School, they formed The COGICS circa 1960 with friends who were active in the Church of God in Christ C.O.G.I.C. denomination. Billy Preston, Gloria Jones, Blinky Sondra Williams, Frankie, and Edna Wright would all go on to have successful careers in the music industry. Their first recording was “It Will Never Lose Its Power” which was distributed by Vee Jay Records. After Preston left to tour with Ray Charles, the group disbanded. Andraé then formed Andraé Crouch & the Disciples while Sandra worked as a percussionist in Hollywood. Among the notable recordings she played on were The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back,” Neil Diamond’s Tap Root Manuscript LP which featured “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and Janis Joplin’s Pearl LP which featured “Me and Bobby McGee.” She also played on projects by Gabor Szabo, Mongo Santamaria, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and various Motown acts.
By the 1970s, Sandra Crouch had rejoined her brother as a key member of Andraé Crouch and the Disciples. Aside from singing and playing with the group, she co-wrote songs with her brother. Among the biggest was “Jesus is the Answer,” which was a huge crossover hit on both white and black gospel radio stations. Over the years, it’s been covered by over 75 artists including Paul Simon, and Michael W. Smith. The group dominated the airwaves during the period with hits such as “Take Me Back,” “Soon and Very Soon,” “Through It All,” and “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory).” They performed on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Saturday Night Live, and at The White House during the Carter Administration.
In 1983, Sandra Crouch bankrolled, composed, and produced her first solo LP, WeSingPraises. It won a Grammy® Award and birthed the radio hits “He’s Worthy,” “There is Power in the Blood,” and “We Need to Hear From You.” Its unexpected success helped save Light Records from financial bankruptcy. Her next set, We’reWaiting, appeared in 1985 and included the massive hit “Completely Yes” which was sung by church choirs nationwide. It earned three Grammy® Award nominations in 1989. Her final solo album, With All of My Heart, was released on Sparrow Records in the autumn of 1992. To promote the project, Crouch went on a concert tour, “Gospel: Good for the Soul,” with Daryl Coley and the Richard Smallwood Singers.
Over the years, Andraé Crouch began to work on film soundtracks and always included Sandra. Quincy Jones tapped them to work on The Color Purple. They wrote “Heaven Belongs to You” for it and they sang “Maybe God Is Trying to Tell You Something” on the soundtrack. That led to other scores for the films The Lion King and Free Willy. In addition, the twins assembled choirs that backed artists such as Madonna on “Like A Prayer” and Diana Ross on “Force Behind the Power.” They backed Michael Jackson on “You Are Not Alone” and many of the songs on his History – Past, Present and Future Book 1 album. They also backed him on “Man in the Mirror” on the studio recording and when he performed it live at the 1988 Grammy® Awards.
The Sandra Crouch Singers backed Beyoncé, Common, and John Legend on the closing segment of the 57th annual Grammy® Awards in 2015 with a riveting medley of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “Glory” from the Selmamotion picture soundtrack. She also produced one of the few televised Grammy® gospel performances ever with Al Green as the star of the segment. It’s just one of innumerable achievements from Sandra Crouch’s illustrious career.
Sandra Crouch testifies at New Christ Memorial Church, San Fernando, CA circa 2005. (Photo by Robert Shanklin for Capital Entertainment)
In 1998, Andraé Crouch, who assumed leadership of his parents’ church when his brother, Pastor Benjamin Crouch Jr. passed, defied the COGIC denomination’s policy against female preachers and ordained Sandra as a co-pastor. They renamed Christ Memorial COGIC as New Christ Memorial Church to signify a new era. Andraé Crouch passed away on January 8, 2015. Upon his death, Sandra Crouch assumed the role of senior pastor and had been active up until recently.
Updated April 3, 2024: A viewing for Pastor Sandra is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, from 4 to 6 PM, with a musical tribute service to follow at 7 PM. The homegoing service takes place Wednesday, April 17, at 11 AM. Please note the venue has changed and all services will be held at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA. The services will be streamed live:
Celebration of Life Homegoing Service – click here
El DeBarge, Donnie McClurkin, David and Nicole Binion, and Erica and Tina Campbell (Mary Mary) are among the confirmed artists and friends who will perform at Tuesday’s musical tribute.
(DURHAM, NC) March 13, 2024 — The world-renowned Gospel Heritage Worship & Arts Summit will be returning after a brief hiatus at The River Church in Durham, NC May 16-18! This three-day intense gospel music industry bootcamp will provide aspiring gospel singers and musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading professionals. Originally founded by industry veteran Dr. Teresa Hairston-Jackson, this year’s workshop will be hosted by Gospel Heritage President and 7x Stellar Award-winning gospel artist, VaShawn Mitchell. This year’s summit is sure to be an epic experience unlike any other year prior.
This year’s special honorees include Dr. Judith McAllister, the group Men of Standard, and gospel music legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. Special guest speakers of the summit will also include Bishop William Murphy, Dr. Valerie Moore, and Bishop Ronald L. Godbee. Other special guests include Gospel Heritage Vice President Dr. John Paul McGee, Anthony Brown, Tonya Baker, Meachum Clarke, Pastor Ruth Ann Wynter, and Todd Garlberth.
Pastor Shirley Caesar, also known as “The First Lady of Gospel Music”, has won 11 Grammy Awards, 14 Stellar Awards and 15 GMA Dove Awards throughout her career and currently has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has also released +40 albums, participated in over sixteen compilations and three musicals.
Dr. Judith McAllister is one of the gospel music industry’s most renowned praise and worship leaders. She has released four albums, Send Judah First, Raise the Praise, In His Presence: Live!, and Sound the Trumpet. She also served as the President of the International Music Department of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) from 2009 to 2021.
Men of Standard is probably one of the most notable male groups of the gospel industry with two Stellar Award wins to their credit for “Group Duo of the Year” and “Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year for “Feels Like Rain”.
When asked about the return of Gospel Heritage, Mitchell says, ”I’m so happy to be bringing back Gospel Heritage! Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m big on education and this workshop is the perfect opportunity to educate the next generation of worship leaders with impactful insights from the industry’s top heavy hitters.” He continues, “This summit is for pastors, ministry leaders, worship leaders, dancers, musicians, and general worshippers that would like to grow in God and in business. So I’ve curated a list of impactful leaders to help empower the attendees and honor examples of some of the leaders who have excelled.”
(ATLANTA, GA) March 11, 2024 – Stellar Award-winner Lucinda Moore will be recognized with her first BMI Award for her hit song, “Lord I Hear You” at this year’s BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards ceremony. Having garnered +10 million streams and earning a #1 spot on the Media Base chart and #3 on Billboard, it is truly deserving of the prestigious honor. The heartfelt and uplifting track has struck a chord with audiences and has solidified Moore’s reputation as a powerhouse in the music industry.
When asked about receiving the award, Moore says, “I have been a member of BMI since the early 2000s, and for the first time, I am honored that a song I wrote will be recognized as one of the top songs of the year!” She continues, “When I write songs, I write out of experience. The lyrics of this song was written in 2015 while laying in ICU. I had a cyst the size of a watermelon on my spine. The doctors did surgery and my heart stopped on the table. In my recovery, I began to pen the lyrics of this song and Grammy Award winner, Cedric Thompson co-wrote it with me. I am happy and overjoyed. Thank you, BMI!!!!”
Moore is no stranger to the gospel music scene and many fans are feeling that she is finally receiving the recognition she deserves. Known for other hit songs including “Pressure into Praise”, she has shared the stage with industry veterans including this year’s “BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honoree” Dorinda Clark Cole, VaShawn Mitchell, Dottie Peoples, John P. Kee, Deitrick Haddon, Jekalyn Carr and more! However it was her time singing background for one of her music idols, the legendary Tramaine Hawkins, that truly put her on the map for the world to see.
“Lord I Hear You” is the title track for her album that was released in June 2023 and is currently available on all streaming platforms.
Milton, North Carolina’s Faithful delivers a compelling message in their single “Walk On Walker,” produced by Antwon Timmons of Perfect Peace Music. Lead vocalist Danny Stewart encourages listeners to rise above negativity and gossip, drawing parallels to the unwarranted criticism faced by Jesus Christ.
While Faithful is rooted in traditional gospel, they could stride confidently down to a blues or soul festival with the music and message of “Walk On Walker” and leave a memorable impression.
(Atlanta, GA) – March 5, 2024 – Washington, DC’s Gospel music lovers remember tuning in to the Afternoon Drive-time Show on the Stellar Award-winning Heaven 1580/WPGC-AM to get their daily dose of inspiration. In addition to hearing great Gospel music during the ride home, listeners also heard the smooth, captivating voice of Jaye Harmon. The veteran announcer was a favorite among area announcers and amassed a huge following while there. Although Heaven 1580 shuttered its doors in 2009, Harmon has continued making an impact in Gospel music. He recently prepped a new 2-hour Gospel countdown show called “Jaye Harmon’s TG 30.”
Produced by Harmon’s own JPE Media, the new show debuted on DAF Gospel Radio at DAFEntertainment.com on Sunday, March 3, 2024. Airing weekly at 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM, and 3:00 AM ET, the program will highlight both indie and major label artists impacting Gospel radio. Airing popular, inspirational music, the show features interviews during the “Indie Artist Spotlight” segment. In addition to DAF Gospel Radio, listeners can also tune in to the show on LP-FM stations, WWDA 101.9 and WFTB 104.1.
The new program is a high point in Harmon’s radio career. His launch into radio began as a student at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne, Maryland. His passion for media was ignited there, and eventually, he was hired at his college radio station, WESM. He first “cracked the mic” there, but gained his first Sunday morning Gospel show at WJDY in Salisbury, MD. He was later positioned as an afternoon drive-time host at both WDIH in Salisbury and WWIN in Baltimore. Eventually, he landed at Washington, DC’s Heaven 1580AM, a CBS Radio station, also showcasing his talent during the afternoon drive-time show.
A musician at heart, Harmon is a drummer, keyboardist, producer, and former choir director. He is also a graduate of Full Sail University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Production and a Master’s Degree in Entertainment Business. The owner of JPE Media, Harmon heads a full-service media production company specializing in voiceover and imaging for terrestrial and internet radio stations. Based in Atlanta, JPE Media also produces voiceovers for church videos, audiobooks, and documentaries. The company also offers video production services for social media promotions to a variety of businesses and organizations.
Norfolk, VA – Bishop Albert L. Jamison, Sr., and The Board of Directors of The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) appointed Minister Earl Bynum, Th.D., as the National Chairman of The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals during the 57th Annual Board Meeting in Norfolk, VA last week. The GMWA, founded by Rev. James Cleveland in 1967, is a non-profit, international, interdenominational, unbiased, and voluntary association of Gospel singers, musicians, ministers, educators, and business professionals. The GMWA’s vision is to continue the heritage of Gospel music by academically preparing Gospel artists for the future, to raise the level of excellence in the worship experience, and to provide a platform where all forms of Gospel music can matriculate.
“Earl Bynum has been active in GMWA for many years, and he has paid his dues,” says Bishop Albert Jamison, Sr., GMWA Chairman of the Board. “The spirit of excellence is in him. He is a proven leader. We are thrilled to have him on board as the new chairman of The Alliance!”
“Earl has gained the recognition and respect of the Gospel music industry through his many years of service, contributions, and accomplishments,” states Bishop Brian D Moore, Executive Vice Chairman of the GMWA Board of Directors. “Earl will be leading industry professionals worldwide as we discover innovative ways to promote a greater presence and appreciation of Gospel music. We are pleased to have him on the team!”
The Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals, formerly known as The Gospel Announcers Guild (G.A.G.), is an auxiliary of GMWA. The Alliance comprises individuals and entities working to raise proficiency and quality in the Gospel music industry, emphasizing promoting and advocating for religious broadcasting globally.
Dr. Bynum has dedicated his time and talents to Gospel music as an artist, radio and TV personality, minister of music, songwriter, producer, and mentor. He is a music mogul who serves with integrity and prioritizes the development and preservation of Gospel music. He is the Executive Director of Music at The Mount Global Fellowship of Churches, comprised of seven campuses. As a media personality, he has a nationally syndicated radio and TV show called On Stage With Earl Bynum. Dr. Bynum has served as 1st Vice President of the Virginia Gospel Radio Announcers Guild and as worship leader for the Annual Hampton University Minister’s Conference.
“I am honored to be chosen to chair Gospel industry professionals from across the world,” Dr. Bynum states. “Much of my music industry connections came from my years of attending the National Convention and National Board Meetings of the GMWA.”
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – March 1, 2024 – The City of Birmingham honored Brian McCoy with a proclamation for his 20 years of contributions and dedication to gospel music and cultural enrichment on February 21. Since its establishment in 2004, his platform, MyBirminghamGOSPEL.com, has become a cornerstone for gospel music enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive source of news, entertainment, events, and video content.
This proclamation was officially made by Mayor Randall Woodfin, underscoring McCoy’s influential role in the promotion, celebration, and advancement of gospel music within the Birmingham area.
“Brian McCoy’s commitment to showcasing and supporting local talent has provided a voice and stage for many artists, thus elevating the cultural fabric of Birmingham, Alabama,” said Mayor Woodfin in the proclamation.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate our shared heritage and look forward to the future of gospel music in our city,” said McCoy. “Gospel music is more than a genre; it’s a vehicle for inspiration, hope, and unity. Our mission at MyBirminghamGOSPEL.com has always been to uplift and showcase the talented artists in our area and to bring the message of gospel music to as many people as possible.”
