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Cheryl "Cheri" McClurkin, sister of Donnie McClurkin, passes on [Arrangements Added]

Los Angeles, CA (March 3, 2015) – The McClurkin Family gathered together today to say farewell to sibling, Cheryl “Cheri” McClurkin, who died from complications of a massive coronary heart attack at 4pm EST.

Cheri was a mother of five and grandmother of nine; she sang and recorded with The McClurkin Family over the years. However, she is best known as a playwright who recently penned her life story in the form of a riveting play entitled “A Cry for Help,” that was produced by her own company, Cheronic Productions. The family will ensure that this play lives on in her honor.

The McClurkin Family requests prayers and privacy at this time. All cards and condolences can be forwarded to Perfecting Faith Church, 311 N. Main, Freeport, NY 11520. Details for service arrangements will be forthcoming.


Update (3/6/15): Arrangements, as announced by Donnie McClurkin, are below.

Homegoing Service
Friday, March 13, 2015
7 PM
Freedom Chapel International Church
641 Broadway
Amityville, NY 11701
(Pastor Jimmy Jack)

George Dickens, Jr. of George Dickens and The Gospel Disciples succumbs [Arrangements Added]

GMF is sad to report the passing of George Dickens, Jr. The singer died after being shot Saturday afternoon (February 28) at his barbershop in Tarboro, NC, according to WITN News. He was 36 years old.

Dickens is known throughout and beyond North Carolina as a singer, songwriter, and producer.  In addition to a string of popular recordings with his family group George Dickens and The Gospel Disciples (including “All I Need,” “Nobody But You,” and “Turnin’ Things Around”), he also penned and was featured on Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson’s hit song “I Made It” (from the album Just Being Me) which won Johnson a Stellar Award in 2007.


Our deepest sympathy is extended to Dickens’ family, friends, group members, and all who mourn his unexpected passing. 

Services are entrusted to Hemby-Willoughby Funeral Mortuary, Inc., and arrangements have been announced: Obituary for George Lee Dickens, Jr.

Family, friends remember singer Stephanie Dotson

Stephanie Dotson, known widely for her musical performance in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion, passed unexpectedly Monday, February 23. Her family and friends talked with KSLA News about her legacy.  Read more here: Shreveport gospel singer dies, loved ones remember her legacy


Prior to her appearance on the big screen, Stephanie emerged as the winner of BET’s Gospel Dream singing competition in 2004. Subsequently, she released Miracles Still Happen on the Artemis Gospel label.


GMF extends condolences to Stephanie’s family, friends, and colleagues.


Photo Credit | Facebook Profile of Stephanie Dotson

BeBe and CeCe to be inducted in GMA Gospel Hall of Fame

Congratulations to BeBe and CeCe Winans, who are among this year’s inductees into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  The honors ceremony will be held May 5, 2015, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville. Bishop Paul Morton, Founding Bishop of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International and noted singer/recording artist, will also be honored.

Read more here: Gospel Music Association Announces Hall of Fame Inductees & Honorees

"I Love to Praise Him" – Tim Rogers & The Fellas

“I Love to Praise Him”
Tim Rogers & The Fellas (2014)
www.pastortimothyrogers.com

Tim Rogers & The Fellas - I Love to Praise Him cover art

Tim Rogers & The Fellas hit hard with their remake of Jessy Dixon’s “I Love to Praise Him.” The Arkansas quartet’s current single is downloadable on iTunes.

At the outset, Rogers announces, “Church, I’m ’bout to take you back down to the country, from where I’m from!” From there, he and his group drive the classic into repeated declarations of “hallelujah” and “thank You, Jesus.”

"Take Your Burdens" – Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise

“Take Your Burdens”
Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise (2015)
www.jsuplive.com

Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise Take Your Burdens art work

Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise’s single “Take Your Burdens” can be summed up in one word: churchy.

 
JSUP, an aggregation of vocal talent recognized in and beyond the country for its captivating style of praise and worship (with songs like “Holy is the Lord” and “Healing Rain”), presents a markedly different sound with “Take Your Burdens.”  Vocalist Jeneal Johnson and JSUP’s cascading choir vocals make this moderately paced scorcher of a traditional choir number redolent of South Side Chicago Sunday mornings, Jackson Sunday afternoons, and Memphis Sunday evenings.

Gospel winners announced at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards

Congratulations to the gospel winners at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, announced last evening (February 8, 2015) in Los Angeles.

Best Gospel Performance/Song
“No Greater Love” – Smokie Norful
Written by Aaron W. Lindsey and Smokie Norful 

Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song
“Messengers” – Lecrae featuring For King & Country
Written by Torrance Esmond, Ran Jackson, Ricky Jackson, Kenneth Chris Mackey,
Lecrae Moore, Joseph Prielozny, Joel Smallbone and Luke Smallbone
 
Best Gospel Album
Help – Erica Campbell

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. – For King & Country 

Best Roots Gospel Album
Shine For All The People – Mike Farris

Pastor and recording artist, Bishop John Heath, to be funeralized this weekend

Homegoing services have been set for Bishop John Heath, who transitioned Friday, January 23: Funeral for popular pastor and singer John Henry Heath set for Saturday


Bishop Heath was the founder and pastor of Greater Higher Ground Ministries in Winston-Salem, NC.  He was also a well-known vocalist and recording artist–featured with the Gospel Music Workshop of America, David Allen and the Ambassadors for Christ Church Choir, and in theatrical roles as a member of the North Carolina Black Repertory Theater.