Blog

Jamison & Wright-Pate win sing-off, will perform during Super Bowl Gospel Celebration

Jamison
(Atlanta, GA)  Two talented and extraordinary women have been selected by gospel greats Kierra Sheard, J. Moss and Bishop Paul S. Morton for The American Family Insurance “Your Dream is Out There” Gospel Sensations Sing-Off. Kristen Jamison of Orangeburg, SC and Valaree Wright-Pate of Columbus, OH competed against eight contestants for an opportunity of a lifetime. Jamison and Wright-Pate will perform live January 31, at Madison Square Garden theatre during the 15th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

Wright-Pate
In addition to performing, the two winners will also enjoy an all-expense paid Super Bowl winning weekend, which includes tickets to the Big Game, Taste of the NFL, and Super Bowl Boulevard.

Although this is the fourth year American Family Insurance has served as the official sponsor of the NFL sanctioned Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, this is the first year of the Live Sing-Off, which garnered participants from across the country.

To watch videos and for more information about The American Family Insurance “Your Dream is Out There” Gospel Sensations Sing-Off, visit www.dreamsoutthere.com.

For more information about the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, visit www.superbowlgospel.com.

Ruth McLendon, wife of Elder Goldwire McLendon, has died

GMF extends condolences to Elder Goldwire McLendon and family in the passing of his wife Ruth, who transitioned January 25.


Read more about Mother McLendon’s life and music here. 


Those who aren’t already familiar with the McLendons’ tenure with Philadelphia gospel ensemble and Savoy recording group The Savettes, will more than likely remember Elder McLendon earning the runner-up slot on Sunday Best 3, coming in behind Le’Andria Johnson.

"Do What Jesus Says" – Jenise La Vonne

“Do What Jesus Says”
Jenise La Vonne (2013)
Available at iTunes

Jenise La Vonne "Do What Jesus Says" art work

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

There’s something about Jenise La Vonne that makes her message instantly believable.  Maybe it’s that she conveys the lyrics of her single “Do What Jesus Says” with a not-often-used combination of gentle earnest.  Perhaps it’s because she sings as if the lyrics are a part of her lived experience.  Whatever the likely reason, when Jenise ascends to the uppers of her alto register to reiterate, “I’ll only do what, I’ll only do what, I’ll only do what Jesus says,” you get that she means it.

It’s just that simple.

And nearly as simple is the accompaniment, notably the barely audible strings underneath the more prominent acoustic guitar (and its periodic fret noise). Occasionally, Jenise backs herself like a reassuring voice of wisdom in the unhurried, introspective ballad.

Jenise is originally from Norcross, GA.  The singer/songwriter, aspiring author, and thespian describes her sound as a blend of contemporary gospel and contemporary christian.  This particular track leans strongly and beautifully toward the latter.

Gospel Winners Announced at the 56th Grammy Awards

Tribbett

Congratulations to gospel winners (highlighted in yellow) at the 56th Grammy Awards, announced this evening in Los Angeles.





Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance
For new vocal gospel/CCM recordings. All sub-genres of gospel/CCM music are eligible.

  1. BREAK EVERY CHAIN [LIVE] Tasha Cobbs
    Track from: Grace [Live] [EMI Gospel/ Motown Gospel]     
  2. HURRICANE Natalie Grant [Curb Records] 
  3. LORD, I NEED YOU Matt Maher
    Track from: All The People Said Amen (Live) [Essential Records] 
  4. OVERCOMER Mandisa
    Track from: Overcomer [Sparrow Records] 
  5. IF HE DID IT BEFORE… SAME GOD [LIVE] Tye Tribbett
    Track from: Greater Than [Live] [Motown Gospel]

Best Gospel Song
A Songwriter(s) Award.  (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

  1. HAVE YOUR WAY
    Calvin Frazier & Deitrick Haddon, songwriters (Deitrick Haddon)
    [RCA Inspiration; Publishers: Deitrick Vaughn Haddon Publishing/Calvin Frazier Publishing] 
  2. IF HE DID IT BEFORE… SAME GOD [LIVE] Tye Tribbett, songwriter (Tye Tribbett)
    Track from: Greater Than [Live]
    [Motown Gospel; Publisher: Everything Fresh Entertainment LLC] 
  3. IF I BELIEVE
    Wirlie Morris, Michael Paran, Charlie Wilson & Mahin Wilson, songwriters (Charlie Wilson)
    Track from: Love, Charlie
    [RCA Records / P Music Group Inc.; Publishers: Nephew Wirlie Music/EMI Music Publishing/Pacific Coast Pirate Publishing/Mamas Pebbly Publishing] 
  4. A LITTLE MORE JESUS
    Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Erica Campbell)
    [My Block Inc / Eone Music; Publishers: That’s Plum Song-EMI April/It’s Tea Tyme-EMI April/Campbell Kids
  5. STILL Percy Bady, songwriter (Percy Bady Featuring Lowell Pye)
    Track from: Kingdom Inspirations
    [Maranatha! Music/K-Bizz Ent.; Publisher: Kingdom Bizz Songs BMI]

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

  1. HURRICANE
    Matt Bronleewe, Natalie Grant & Cindy Morgan, songwriters (Natalie Grant)[Curb Records; Publisher: Razor & Tie Music Publishing] 
  2. LOVE TAKE ME OVER
    Steven Curtis Chapman, songwriter (Steven Curtis Chapman)Track from: The Glorious Unfolding
    [Reunion Records] 
  3. OVERCOMER
    David Garcia, Ben Glover & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Mandisa)Track from: Overcomer
    [Sparrow Records; Publishers: Ariose Music/9T One Songs/Meaux Mercy/LarryDavid Music/Capitol CMG Publishing/Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing/D Soul Music] 
  4. SPEAK LIFE
    Toby McKeehan, Jamie Moore & Ryan Stevenson, songwriters (Tobymac)
    Track from: Eye On It
    [Forefront Records; Publishers: Achtober Songs/EMI CMG Publishing/Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing/Songs Of Emack/Jamnu Music/Hole-Steen Music] 
  5. WHOM SHALL I FEAR (GOD OF ANGEL ARMIES) Ed Cash, Scott Cash & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)Track from: Burning Lights
    [sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records; Publishers: Sixsteps Songs/Worship Together Music/A Thousand Generations Publishing/EMI CMG Publishing/Alletrop Music/McTyeire Music]

Best Gospel Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal gospel recordings.

  1. GRACE [LIVE]
    Tasha Cobbs
    [EMI Gospel/ Motown Gospel] 
  2. BEST FOR LAST: 20 YEAR CELEBRATION VOL. 1 [LIVE]
    Donald Lawrence
    [Quietwater Entertainment/EOne] 
  3. BEST DAYS YET
    Bishop Paul S. Morton
    [Tehillah Music Group/EOne] 
  4. GOD CHASER [LIVE]
    William Murphy[RCA Inspiration/ Verity Gospel Music Group]
  5. GREATER THAN [LIVE]
    Tye Tribbett
    [Motown Gospel] 

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal contemporary Christian music recordings.

  1. WE WON’T BE SHAKEN Building 429
    [Essential Records]
  2. ALL THE PEOPLE SAID AMEN [LIVE] Matt Maher
    [Essential Records] 
  3. OVERCOMER Mandisa
    [Sparrow Records] 
  4. YOUR GRACE FINDS ME (LIVE) Matt Redman
    [sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records] 
  5. BURNING LIGHTS Chris Tomlin
    [sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records] 

Gospel Winners Announced at the 56th Grammy Awards

Tribbett

Congratulations to gospel winners (highlighted in yellow) at the 56th Grammy Awards, announced this evening in Los Angeles.



Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance
For new vocal gospel/CCM recordings. All sub-genres of gospel/CCM music are eligible.

  1. BREAK EVERY CHAIN [LIVE] Tasha Cobbs
    Track from: Grace [Live] [EMI Gospel/ Motown Gospel]     
  2. HURRICANE Natalie Grant [Curb Records] 
  3. LORD, I NEED YOU Matt Maher
    Track from: All The People Said Amen (Live) [Essential Records] 
  4. OVERCOMER Mandisa
    Track from: Overcomer [Sparrow Records] 
  5. IF HE DID IT BEFORE… SAME GOD [LIVE] Tye Tribbett
    Track from: Greater Than [Live] [Motown Gospel]

Best Gospel Song
A Songwriter(s) Award.  (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

  1. HAVE YOUR WAY
    Calvin Frazier & Deitrick Haddon, songwriters (Deitrick Haddon)
    [RCA Inspiration; Publishers: Deitrick Vaughn Haddon Publishing/Calvin Frazier Publishing] 
  2. IF HE DID IT BEFORE… SAME GOD [LIVE] Tye Tribbett, songwriter (Tye Tribbett)
    Track from: Greater Than [Live]
    [Motown Gospel; Publisher: Everything Fresh Entertainment LLC] 
  3. IF I BELIEVE
    Wirlie Morris, Michael Paran, Charlie Wilson & Mahin Wilson, songwriters (Charlie Wilson)
    Track from: Love, Charlie
    [RCA Records / P Music Group Inc.; Publishers: Nephew Wirlie Music/EMI Music Publishing/Pacific Coast Pirate Publishing/Mamas Pebbly Publishing] 
  4. A LITTLE MORE JESUS
    Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Erica Campbell)
    [My Block Inc / Eone Music; Publishers: That’s Plum Song-EMI April/It’s Tea Tyme-EMI April/Campbell Kids
  5. STILL Percy Bady, songwriter (Percy Bady Featuring Lowell Pye)
    Track from: Kingdom Inspirations
    [Maranatha! Music/K-Bizz Ent.; Publisher: Kingdom Bizz Songs BMI]

Best Contemporary Christian Music Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

  1. HURRICANE
    Matt Bronleewe, Natalie Grant & Cindy Morgan, songwriters (Natalie Grant)[Curb Records; Publisher: Razor & Tie Music Publishing] 
  2. LOVE TAKE ME OVER
    Steven Curtis Chapman, songwriter (Steven Curtis Chapman)Track from: The Glorious Unfolding
    [Reunion Records] 
  3. OVERCOMER
    David Garcia, Ben Glover & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Mandisa)Track from: Overcomer
    [Sparrow Records; Publishers: Ariose Music/9T One Songs/Meaux Mercy/LarryDavid Music/Capitol CMG Publishing/Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing/D Soul Music] 
  4. SPEAK LIFE
    Toby McKeehan, Jamie Moore & Ryan Stevenson, songwriters (Tobymac)
    Track from: Eye On It
    [Forefront Records; Publishers: Achtober Songs/EMI CMG Publishing/Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing/Songs Of Emack/Jamnu Music/Hole-Steen Music] 
  5. WHOM SHALL I FEAR (GOD OF ANGEL ARMIES) Ed Cash, Scott Cash & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)Track from: Burning Lights
    [sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records; Publishers: Sixsteps Songs/Worship Together Music/A Thousand Generations Publishing/EMI CMG Publishing/Alletrop Music/McTyeire Music]

Best Gospel Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal gospel recordings.

  1. GRACE [LIVE]
    Tasha Cobbs
    [EMI Gospel/ Motown Gospel] 
  2. BEST FOR LAST: 20 YEAR CELEBRATION VOL. 1 [LIVE]
    Donald Lawrence
    [Quietwater Entertainment/EOne] 
  3. BEST DAYS YET
    Bishop Paul S. Morton
    [Tehillah Music Group/EOne] 
  4. GOD CHASER [LIVE]
    William Murphy[RCA Inspiration/ Verity Gospel Music Group]
  5. GREATER THAN [LIVE]
    Tye Tribbett
    [Motown Gospel] 

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
For albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal contemporary Christian music recordings.

  1. WE WON’T BE SHAKEN Building 429
    [Essential Records]
  2. ALL THE PEOPLE SAID AMEN [LIVE] Matt Maher
    [Essential Records] 
  3. OVERCOMER Mandisa
    [Sparrow Records] 
  4. YOUR GRACE FINDS ME (LIVE) Matt Redman
    [sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records] 
  5. BURNING LIGHTS Chris Tomlin
    [sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records] 

2014 Stellar Award Winners, Air dates, and Times

Congratulations to all of the 29th Annual Stellar Award winners!  See the list below and visit this link frequently for airdates and times in your market. 
AT&T Artist of the Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days (Tillyman Music)

Ford Song of the Year
Kirk Franklin, “Take Me to the King” – Best Days (Tillyman Music)

Male Vocalist of the Year
Tye Tribbett, Greater Man (Motown Gospel)
Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days (Tillyman Music)
Group/Duo of the Year Presented by Wal-Mart
Anthony Brown & group therAPy (Tyscot Music and Entertainment)
UNCF New Artist of the Year
Tasha Cobbs, Grace (Motown Gospel, formerly EMI)

CD of the Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days (Tillyman Music)
State Farm Choir of the Year
Hezekiah Walker, Azusa: The Next Generation (RCA Inspiration)
Producer of the Year
Fred Hammond & Derek “DC” Clark, United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson (RCA Inspiration)
Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
Fred Hammond United Tenors, United Tenors Hammond Hollister Roberson Wilson (RCA Inspiration)
Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
John P. Kee and New Life, Life & Favor (Kee Music Group)
Contemporary Male of the Year
Anthony Brown of Anthony Brown & group therAPy (Tyscot Music and Entertainment)

Traditional Male of the Year
John P. Kee, Life & Favor (Kee Music Group) 

Contemporary Female of the Year
Tasha Cobbs, Grace (Motown Gospel, formerly EMI)                              
Traditional Female of the Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days (Tillyman Music)
Contemporary CD of the Year
Tasha Cobbs, Grace (Motown Gospel, formerly EMI)

Traditional CD of the Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days (Tillyman Music)
Urban/Inspirational Single of Performance of the Year
Tamela Mann, “Take Me to the King” – Best Days (Tillyman Music)
Music Video of the Year
Brand X for “Testimony” by Anthony Brown & group therAPy (Tyscot Music and Entertainment)
Traditional Choir of the Year
Hezekiah Walker, Azusa: The Next Generation (RCA Inspiration)
Contemporary Choir of the Year
Earl Bynum & the Mount Unity Choir, Bishop K.W. Brown Presents Earl Bynum & the Mount Unity Choir (K.W. Brown Ministries)

Special Event CD of the Year
Hezekiah Walker, Azusa: The Next Generation (RCA Inspiration)

Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
Lecrae, Gravity (Reach Records)
Children’s Project of the Year
Jekalyn Carr, Greater is Coming (Lunjeal/Malaco)
Quartet of the Year
Doc McKenzie & the Hi-Lites, Blessed (Ophir Entertainment)

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Patrick Dopson, Best Days (Tillyman Music)

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Tamela Mann, Best Days (Tillyman Music)

GOSPEL RADIO and ANNOUNCERS’ AWARD WINNERS

Major Market (3 million and up)
WPZE 102.5/102.9, Atlanta – Lori Hall 

Large Market (1-3 million)
Heaven 600 – WCAO 600 AM, Baltimore – Lee Michaels

Medium Market (500,000-1 million)
The Light 103.9 WNNL, Raleigh – Jerry Smith

Small Market (Under 500,000)
WIMG – 1300 AM, Trenton – Ed Long

Internet Radio Station
Yes Lord Radio -YesLordRadio.com – Elder Howard C. Young, III & Rodrick J. Warren

Gospel Announcer
Cedric Bailey, Musical Soul Food – Norfolk/VA Beach, VA

Bishop Fritz Cobbs, father of Tasha Cobbs, passes

Bishop Fritz & Lady Bertha Cobbs

Our prayers are with Tasha Cobbs and her family in the passing of her father, Bishop Fritz Cobbs.  Singer Richard Smallwood was one of the first to report the passing early this morning and express condolences via his Facebook page.

Bishop Cobbs was the pastor of Jesup New Life Ministries, Inc., in Jesup, GA.  Tasha served under him until moving to Atlanta in 2006.  

 
She took to social media this morning to thank her friends and supporters for the outpour of love.  “Hey Family!” she tweeted. “Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! They are felt! Love You Guys! [sic]”

 

Just this past weekend, Tasha garnered Stellar Awards for her album Grace, which features “Break Every Chain.”

Arrangements are entrusted to Royal Funeral Home of Jesup.  Read the obituary here. 

 

LIVE STREAM ► Stellar Awards Weekend Backstage Pass

Access the live stream below. Chat with others while you watch
and have immediate access to on-demand footage and photos from the
backstage pass weekend! Peep the schedule of events at the bottom of the page so you don’t miss a
thing!



LIVE STREAM SCHEDULE


Friday, January 17, 2014

Live Interviews and Rehearsals 
1:30 – 3:30 PM EST (time subject to change) 

29th Annual Stellars Pre-Show 
7:00 – 10:00 PM EST
Hosted by Sonya Blakey & Angenella

Interviews with Earnest Pugh, Anita Wilson, Beverly Crawford,
Kevin Vasser, J. Moss, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, Chanel Haynes,
Monica Lisa Stevenson, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Kevin Lemon &
Higher Calling, Livre, and more.


Saturday, January 18, 2014

Stellar Gospel & Radio Announcers Awards
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM EST
Hosted by  Sonya Blakey, Angenella, & Michael Davis

Red Carpet
5:00 – 6:30 PM  EST
Hosted by Tye Tribbett

Get up-close and personal with all the Stellar Awards nominees, gospel music artists, and legends.


Backstage Pass
7:00 – 10:00 PM EST

Hosted by Tye Tribbett, Jonathan Slocumb, Sonya Blakey, & Angenella

Don’t
miss interviews with Tasha Cobbs, Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard,
VaShawn Mitchell, Jekalyn Carr, Jonathan McReynolds, Shirley Caesar,
Erica Campbell, Lexi, Anthony Brown & group TherAPy, Donald
Lawrence, and more.

GMF to host live stream of Stellar Awards Backstage Pass Weekend

CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVE STREAM ► Stellar Awards Weekend Backstage Pass

GMF has your backstage pass to the 29th Annual Stellar Awards! 

Starting Friday, January 17, you can watch interviews, rehearsals, and the Stellars’ ancillary events–all right here at www.gospelmusicfever.com.


The grand gospel weekend continues on Saturday, January 18, with the Stellar Gospel & Radio Announcers Awards, the red carpet event hosted by Tye Tribbett, and the “Backstage Pass” (offstage interviews while the main show airs live on the UP television network). 

Here’s the complete schedule for the live stream, released by the Stellar Awards and hosted by media affiliate, Gospel Music Fever Blog.  (Please note that the times listed on this blog are Eastern Standard). A few surprises are promised as well!  

Friday, January 17, 2014

Live Interviews and Rehearsals
1:30-3:30 PM EST (time subject to change)

29th Annual Stellars Pre-Show

7:00 – 10:00 PM EST
Hosted by Sonya Blakey & Angenella

Don’t miss interviews with Earnest Pugh, Anita Wilson, Beverly Crawford, Kevin Vasser, J. Moss, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, Chanel Haynes, Monica Lisa Stevenson, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Kevin Lemon & Higher Calling, Livre, and more.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Stellar Gospel & Radio Announcers Awards

10:00 AM – 2:30 PM EST
Hosted by  Sonya Blakey, Angenella, & Michael Davis

Red Carpet
5:00 – 6:30 PM  EST
Hosted by Tye Tribbett


Get up-close and personal with all the Stellar Awards nominees, gospel music artists, and legends.

Backstage Pass
7:00 – 10:00 PM EST

Hosted by Tye Tribbett, Jonathan Slocumb, Sonya Blakey, & Angenella

Don’t miss interviews with Tasha Cobbs, Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard, VaShawn Mitchell, Jekalyn Carr, Jonathan McReynolds, Shirley Caesar, Erica Campbell, Lexi, Anthony Brown & group TherAPy, Donald Lawrence, and more.

The Stellar Awards will be held at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium on Saturday, January 18, 2014.
The show will air on the UP television network live on January 18, and
in broadcast syndication on 150 stations in over 125 markets around the
country from January 18 through March 2, 2014.  Rickey Smiley and Sherri Shepherd will host.

An Interview with Ruth La’Ontra

By Shaundria Williams
Special Contributor
 
Recently, I had the awesome opportunity to speak with North Carolina’s own Ruth La’Ontra (pronounced Lah’Ontrah).   She’s the daughter of radio pioneer Bishop Arvetra Jones—who’s also the president of the North Carolina Gospel Announcers Guild of the Gospel Music Workshop of America—and Mrs. Ruth Jones.  Her grandfather, the late Apostle Arvetra Jones, Sr., was a recording artist as well; so it seems accurate to say that music is in her blood.
 
Our conversation was like talking to a cousin on the porch in springtime as the sun sets just beyond the trees.  La’Ontra’s got such a sweet spirit and a playful personality; but don’t let the giggles fool you.  This young lady is serious about her Kingdom Assignment!
 
Her debut album, So Good boasts four self-written songs, including the title track: “Speechless,” “I’m In Love With This Man,” and “I Believe.”  Of her songwriting process, La’Ontra explains, “I try to keep the song in a storyline, in order to express what I am going through.”
 
“Speechless,” for instance, is the first track on the project, and it is an energetic song of worship fit to minister at any sports half-time show.
 
QUICK SOAP BOX:  Before the Pharisee in you comes out because of her vernacular, yes, some of the lyrics in the chorus are “my Father, my best friend, my boo.”  To that I say, “AWESOME!”  Really, it is, because if you understand what it truly means to be “booed-up” and if God has ever come through for you in a very real way, you get it.  To those who still don’t get it I’ll just encourage you to get booed-up with Jesus, ask Him to be the true LOVER of your soul, then you’ll sing along with Sis. La’Ontra.
 
The entire So Good project is hip and young with nuances of The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Beyoncé, Bilal and Ledisi.  La’Ontra’s producer Bubby Fann translated the images in La’Ontra’s head into hot beats, smooth transitions and mellow lulls.  He also wrote her first single “Count it All Joy,” which has swiftly made its way up the charts.  Her brother, Arvetra Dominic “Dom” Jones, and sister, Princess Jones added “I’ll Trust You” and “I Got This” to this dynamic project.  If you are nervous about doing something that God has placed in your heart, put that last one I mentioned on “repeat” and get it done.  The full collection of songs is sure to encourage and uplift you.
 
Beyond her music, La’Ontra reveals that she wants to develop programs for women and children who have been affected by domestic violence.  While she doesn’t have a personal history with domestic violence, she has seen the effects and wants to provide an avenue for women to express their feelings and leave with hope.  Maybe in some way, this actually works in tandem with her desire “to go outside of the four walls of the church and minister to the mainstream while maintaining gospel roots and go wherever God’s footsteps lead.”  I am positive that wherever God leads the young twenty-something songstress, it will be so good.