More of the Editor’s Picks of the (Easter) Season

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

I’ve done it again.  I’ve compiled more of my favorite songs of the season—new tunes and old tunes, familiar and not so familiar.  The one thing they all have in common is the message and miracle of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.  Jesus is alive!

You Did It All
Shirley Caesar
From Stand Still (1993)

The Blood Song
The music of Ricky Dillard is among my picks for this Easter season.Kirk Franklin
From The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin (2002)

The Blood Still Works
Malcolm Williams and Great Faith
From In Your Glory (2009)

Fountain Filled with Blood
Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark
From Praise Belongs to God (1979)

Jesus Dropped the Charges
The O’Neal Twins and the Interfaith Choir
From Saved By His Love (1981)

Because of the Blood
Ricky Dillard & New G
From Keep Living (2011)

The Greatest Story Ever Told
The Famous Caravans
From Let’s Break Bread Together (1969)

Hymns – The Blood Medley
Tamela Mann
From Best Days (2012)

Will the Lord Remember Me?
The Sensational Nightingales
From Let Us Encourage You (2005)

Calvary
Richard Smallwood with Vision
From Persuaded: Live in DC (2001)

See more of my favorites here: Editor’s Picks of the (Easter) Season

"Amazing Worth" – Charles Butler & Trinity

Charles Butler & Trinity Amazing Worth cover art
”Amazing Worth”
Charles Butler & Trinity (2014)
EPM Music Group
 
By Libra Boyd, Founder & Editor
 
If God is worthy of our worship—and He is—then Charles Butler and Trinity’s single, “Amazing Worth,” can be added to the soundtrack of our worship experience.

EPM Music Group (founded by Earnest Pugh) announces the digital availability of “Amazing Worth” as the second single from the urban contemporary ensemble’s project, Better.  The group’s connection to Pugh is a strong one: Charles Butler and Trinity provided backing vocals on his 2009 smash, “Rain on Us.”

A radio-friendly tune, “Amazing Worth” is written by James Ziegler and produced by Morgan Turner.  Jeremiah Hicks passionately handles the lead duties.  

The Wardlaw Brothers make movie debut in "On Angel's Wings"

The Wardlaw Brothers (TWB) make their film debut today in the opening of the movie, On Angel’s Wings, starring Reginald Vel Johnson, Robin Givens, Taylor Faye Ruffin, and Sweet Brown.  In addition to appearing in the movie, the group’s hit “Right Now Lord” and cover of “Here I Am to Worship” are featured.  Luther Wardlaw also wrote the movie’s theme song, “Angel’s Wings.”
On Angel’s Wings is directed by Aaron L. Williams (Preaching to the Pastor; The Pastor’s Secrets; Mama, I Want to Sing). It’s a family film about a star player for the Angels soccer team who gets injured, and Coach Carter (Vel Johnson) decides to play the water girl, McKenzie Adams (Ruffin). After embarrassing herself in front of
the entire school, her luck changes when she meets an angel that grants
her three wishes. Unable to keep it a secret, she takes her little brother
Josh (Tyler Humphrey) and their dog Zeus on a whirlwind of fun and adventure.
  Their
excitement proves short-lived when McKenzie’s luck runs out and she has
to figure things out on her own. In this coming of age family movie,
McKenzie, Josh, and their dog Zeus find that miracles really do happen
everyday, because they happen whenever we help someone in need.
On Angel’s Wings premieres at AMC Theatre, 9168 Mall of Louisiana Blvd in Baton Rouge, LA, today, April 13, at 3 PM. Tickets to the premiere are available at www.digitalmediala.com/angels.  Use the promo code “Angels” to receive $1.00 off each ticket purchase.
You can watch the official movie trailer here

Take 6 to be inducted into Gospel Music Hall of Fame

Take 6 will soon take its place alongside other vocal groups like The Fisk Jubilee Singers and The Winans in one of gospel’s grand “halls.”  The a cappella sextet, along with Brown Bannister, Rich Mullins, and the Gaither Vocal Band, are the newest inductees into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. 

Take 6’s contemporary brand of gospel, heavily laced with jazz and R&B, has netted them twelve Grammys, five Dove Awards, and one Soul Train Award. The group was formed (and named the Gentleman’s Estate Quartet) in 1980 at Alabama’s Oakwood College. Since becoming Take 6 in 1987, they have released 18 albums; the most recent is entitled One, on the Shanachie label.

The Gospel Music Association also announced that Dr. Bobby Jones is one of five GMA Honors recipients for 2014.

The induction and honors ceremony will take place April 29, 2014, at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.

"While I Wait" – Trice Staten

“While I Wait”
Trice Staten (2013)
Available on iTunes

Trice Staten "While I Wait" cover art

By Shaundria Williams 
Special Contributor

Have you ever been waiting on God to do something for you? Open a door?  Give you a sign? Create a breakthrough?  Ms. Trice Staten has a word of encouragement for you.  Depending on where you are in the waiting process, it may not feel like encouragement; but listen to it a few times.  The beautiful, worshipful, gentle self-penned ballad, “While I Wait,” is sure to usher you from the bitterness and doubt often associated with waiting into anticipatory praise.  
 

The first stanza ever so clearly expresses the childlike expectations that we have concerning God’s blessings and the care that He takes in uniquely crafting each one just for us.  In her chorus, Trice stands on the surety that the blessing is in fact on the way, and she softly declares that she will be faithful to her relationship with God by maintaining her praise and worship for Him–while she waits.  The melody might sound like a lullaby, but the lyrics are an honest reflection of the ups and downs of waiting on God.  Trice yet encourages us to praise Him, worship Him, and draw closer to Him while we wait.  

SOAPBOX:  Someone might wonder how.  How can I praise?  How can I worship when all of this is going on?  I’ve been waiting so long, won’t people think I’m faking? Well listen, regardless of your circumstance, situation, or even the timing–He’s still God and He’s still worthy.  In spite of yesterday, you’re still here.  The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Don’t let him steal your praise, kill your hope, and destroy your blessing.  Remember, your praise is your weapon and your worship is your duty.  Let Ms. Trice Staten help get you back on the right track.

The Chicago native’s debut single, “While I Wait,” (produced by Matt Jones) is available on iTunes, Amazon, & Google Play.  The full-length project is expected to drop this spring. 

Official Music Video – “Amazing” – Livre’

“Amazing” will hit iTunes this Tuesday, March 25.  In the meantime, enjoy the official music video by urban inspirational worship singers, Livre’, whose self-titled debut project is expected to be released this summer.


Divine Connections’ 4th Anniversary Celebration: Songs, Dance, and ‘Prayse’

Mime group Krazie Prayse from Burlington, NC, performs “Take My Life (Holiness)” at Saturday’s anniversary of Divine Connections in Durham. Check out their YouTube channel here, and like them on Facebook here.

The W.H. Amos Praise and Worship Mass Choir wrecks the house.
GMF recently interviewed Deloris Williams of Divine Connections. Read it here: Deloris Williams, entrepreneur and author, talks about the value of ‘divine connections’.  
See more pics from yesterday’s celebration on the Gospel Music Fever Facebook page. GMF thanks Deloris for the opportunity to be a part.

R.I.P. Edna Tatum

Joseph Middleton of The Golden Era Gospel Blog informed GMF of the passing of Edna Tatum.

Edna was a longtime commentator and broadcaster who was also recognized for her narrative collaborations with Rev. James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, and others.

I was introduced to Edna by Bro. Steve Harris in 2012, and I fondly remember her warmth and her encouraging words to me as a newcomer to the GMWA convention.

GMF extends sympathy to her family, friends, and industry colleagues.

Read about Edna’s ministry and homegoing arrangements in the Los Angeles Sentinel

Annual Gospel Fashion/Dinner Show to benefit Duke Stroke Center – April 5

Joy Armour-Williams and A Touch of Joy Outreach Ministries, Inc. are calling on the community to come out and help bring awareness to, and raise money for, the Duke Stroke Center. 

4th Annual Gospel Fashion/Dinner Show
Saturday, April 5, 2014
6-10 PM (doors open at 5:30)

Campus Hill Community Center
2100 S. Alston Ave
Durham, NC
 
Tickets: Adults – $25; Children – $15; Under 5 – Free
Tickets may be purchased at www.atjomi.com.

Click flyer to enlarge