Congratulations to this year’s nominees for the 31st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. You can view the complete list here.
The show takes place February 20, 2016, at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas. Rickey Smiley and Sherri Shepherd will share hosting duties.
Last updated Jan. 9, 2016 at 5:45 PM
The information originally shared here has been updated as a result of cast updates provided to GMF by the play’s writer and producer, Dr. Mildred Summerville on Friday, January 8.
Dr. Mildred Summerville, award-winning playwright, presents the stage play “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” Saturday, January 23, 2016, at Columbus, GA’s River Center. The play, directed by James A. House, features a talented cast, including 11-time Grammy winner Pastor Shirley Caesar.
High
drama, bad karma, and a praying grandma, all come together to make “Spare
the Rod, Spoil the Child” a must-see theatrical production. Infused with
foot-stomping gospel music, this is soul-stirring entertainment that
will warm the hearts, tickle the funny bones and uplift the spirits of
all those who experience it.
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
GMF offers its deepest condolences to Pastor Shirley Caesar and family in the transition of her brother, Julius Caesar, who died December 27, one day shy of his 90th birthday.
The homegoing service will take place Sunday, January 3, at 2:30 PM (with visitation one hour prior) at Raleigh’s Mt. Calvary Word of Faith Church.
In addition to Pastor Caesar, he is survived by two sons, one daughter, one brother, and six grandchildren.
Photo Credit | B. Jackson Caesar via Facebook
“All of Me”
Doug Williams
From the upcoming CD, Crossover (Available Summer 2016)
Blackberry Records
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Doug Williams’ current single “All of Me” is a contemporary vertical worship tune—not necessarily what one might expect from one of gospel quartet’s most recognizable voices. Doug has always been on the cutting edge, though—whether performing solo or with Melvin and Henry aka The Williams Brothers.
“All of Me,” from the singer/songwriter’s forthcoming project, Crossover, adheres mostly to the familiar CCM I-V-vi-IV progression. Doug comfortably assumes the role of worship leader while the background singers‘ alternating unison and harmony voicings carry the worship melody.
“Silent Night”
Ex Musiq (2015)
www.facebook.com/exmusiq
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Ex Musiq’s gift to you this Christmas is a free download of “Silent Night,” available at http://vibedeck.com/3hprecords/145219.
Despite their eclectic blend of gospel, hip-hop, pop, and R&B sounds, the Baltimore area inspirational trio presents “Silent Night” in its traditional form with an unaltered melody cushioned by warm layers of strings.
“Do You Hear What I Hear?”
Charles P. Walker
From the digital EP, Do You Hear What I Hear? (2015)
www.charlespwalker.com
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Charles P. Walker rolls in holiday cheer with a lively instrumental performance of “Do You Hear What I Hear?” The saxophone arrangement is the title track from his digital Christmas EP.
Walker has drawn comparisons to sax greats Grover Washington and Kirk Whalum, among others. Still, his style bears a uniqueness that has earned him session credits with Bernard Harris and Kevin Whalum as well as shared platforms with Smokie Norful and Donnie McClurkin.
Walker is a featured artist at the bi-annual Kingdom Global World Connect Conference, the Music Boat, and K-Love Christian Cruises.
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”
Livrè
From the CD, A Classic Holiday…Presented by MBK (2015)
MBK Entertainment/Sony Music Entertainment
Available at iTunes
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
For the Christmas holiday, Livrè delivers a delightfully harmonic and soulful arrangement of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
The urban inspirational quintet’s modern a cappella rendition of the 16th century carol is featured along with the music of Alicia Keys, Tyrese, Brandy, Elle Varner, and others on the multi-genre compilation disc, A Classic Holiday…Presented by MBK.
Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Congratulations to gospel’s nominees for the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Israel & New Breed received two nods.
Pioneering gospel greats, The Fairfield Four, also earned a nomination. Travis Greene, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Cobbs, sisters Dorinda Clark-Cole and Karen Clark Sheard and others are among this year’s nominees as well.
To see the complete list in the gospel categories, visit: 58th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees [Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Award Genre]
The awards show will air February 15, 2016, at 8 PM ET on CBS.
By Libra Boyd
By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever
Robert Holland, longtime member of Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites, has died after battling health issues for several years.
Holland said in a recent interview that he’s been a member of the Hi-Lites for 19 years. During his tenure, fans have enjoyed hearing him deliver the songs “Love One Another,” “Down the Road,” “Born by the River,” and “One Touch.” Despite his physical ailments, he continued to sing with the group as long as his health permitted.
At one time or another, Holland also had tenures with the Fantastic Goldenaires, Bill Pinkney and the Original Drifters, and Robert Holland and the Chosen Brothers.
Holland’s voice, which drew comparisons to Sam Cooke, will certainly be both remembered and missed. Our condolences are extended to his family, friends, fans, and Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites.
Update (12/7/15): Homegoing arrangements have been posted by the funeral home as follows:
Friday, December 11, 2015
Visitation and Viewing
4:00 – 6:00 PM
Musical Celebration of Life
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Red Budd Holy Church
637 Cleveland St.
Rocky Mount, NC
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Funeral Service
12 PM
L.N. Forbes Tabernacle
1800 Lane St. Ext.
Wilson, NC
Interment
Homestead Memorial Gardens
Greenville, NC