Jermaine Sain, creator and host of Atlanta’s When We Speak talk show, recently interviewed gospel powerhouse LaShun Pace. Watch and enjoy!
LaShun Pace talks to ‘When We Speak’ TV’s Jermaine Sain
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Maggie Ingram Mother's Day Celebration Recap: Daughter Almeta reflects
By Libra Boyd, Founder & Editor
Gospel Music Fever
Although open to the public, modest was the number who weathered Saturday evening’s messy, rainy conditions to celebrate Evangelist Maggie Ingram, matriarch and lead singer of Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes, at Danville, VA’s Greater United Apostolic Church. At 84 years of age, Maggie, hailed Virginia’s “Queen of Gospel,” is likely the oldest active female singer on the gospel quartet circuit.
The pre-Mother’s Day service was presented by Patrick Street for Street Productions, LLC and emceed by Twonda Johnson with performances by David Wilson, the Heavenly Stars, and the Loving Sisters. GMF’s Libra Boyd gave biographical reflections.
During the celebration, the evangelist was praised for her commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ for over a half century as well as for her ongoing efforts to strengthen struggling families in her community. Notable is the gravity of sacrifices for her own five children–which eldest daughter Evangelist Almeta Ingram-Miller frequently recounts–along with her compassion and advocacy for others, especially the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated. A third grade education, vigorous work ethic (hewn in part from Maggie’s upbringing on Mulholland’s Plantation in Coffee County, GA), and God-given musical talents of singing, songwriting, and playing the piano with no formal training have worked together in service to God and His people.
“This is a woman that I’ve seen sacrifice,” Almeta shared candidly Saturday night. “There are five of us [children]. When God gave her a [new] house, we thought it was just for us, [but] women would be released from prison and have little babies and nowhere to go. Mama would make us double up in a room [and then tell the women], ‘Come on Baby, bring your babies; you can stay here til you get on your feet. You can stay here til you find a job.'” Maggie didn’t just open her home as a “halfway house,” but she worked to initiate legislation permitting inmates at minimum security prisons to interact with their children through “family day” programs.
During the celebration, the evangelist was praised for her commitment to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ for over a half century as well as for her ongoing efforts to strengthen struggling families in her community. Notable is the gravity of sacrifices for her own five children–which eldest daughter Evangelist Almeta Ingram-Miller frequently recounts–along with her compassion and advocacy for others, especially the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated. A third grade education, vigorous work ethic (hewn in part from Maggie’s upbringing on Mulholland’s Plantation in Coffee County, GA), and God-given musical talents of singing, songwriting, and playing the piano with no formal training have worked together in service to God and His people.
“This is a woman that I’ve seen sacrifice,” Almeta shared candidly Saturday night. “There are five of us [children]. When God gave her a [new] house, we thought it was just for us, [but] women would be released from prison and have little babies and nowhere to go. Mama would make us double up in a room [and then tell the women], ‘Come on Baby, bring your babies; you can stay here til you get on your feet. You can stay here til you find a job.'” Maggie didn’t just open her home as a “halfway house,” but she worked to initiate legislation permitting inmates at minimum security prisons to interact with their children through “family day” programs.
While Almeta talks, Maggie affirms. Both look at and cheer on each other adoringly. When they are onstage, the chemistry between Maggie and each of her Ingramettes is simply beautiful. Nowadays, Almeta tag teams with her mother on most of the group’s tunes. Granddaughter Cheryl Beaver and close family friend Valerie Stewart provide supporting fiery vocals while the band blazes in the background. Sometimes Maggie takes cues from Almeta; other times, she gives them with raised eyebrows, clasped hands and a head nod, or a reassuring smile followed by “I got it” or “Tell it, Baby.” Between songs, Almeta’s storytelling gives Dot Norwood’s a run for its money. One anecdotal narrative in particular reveals the heart of the Ingramettes’ music ministry:
We’ve sung to ten thousand [at the Kennedy Center], and we’ve sung to ten. As a matter of fact, we went down to Raleigh…and the lady forgot she had booked the program…and so we were getting ready to pack up and go home. Mama said, ‘Oh no! Set up every keyboard, set up every drum, set up the guitars and the bass. Set up the microphones–because God has been good. And for this one lady, we’re gonna sing to the glory of God.’
Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes’ current CD, Live in Richmond, is available at www.virginiafolklife.org and according to the group’s bio, is set to be archived at the Smithsonian Institution.
Check out GMF’s Facebook page for photo highlights of this weekend’s service.
Top photo: ‘To the glory of God’ – Maggie Ingram and the Ingramettes, (from left): Valerie Stewart, Almeta Ingram-Miller, Maggie Ingram, and Cheryl Beaver.
Pre-Mother’s Day Celebration Honoring Evangelist Maggie Ingram – May 10
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CPR Ministries presents “It’s You and Me” Women’s Retreat – May 10
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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
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
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.
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.
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
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.