Tag: Malaco

“Victory Is Mine” featured on soundtrack of Oscar nominated movie

Malaco Music Group recently announced that a Malaco published gospel song appears in the Academy Award nominated film The Help.

“Victory Is Mine,” written by Dorothy Norwood and Alvin Darling, and a staple in congregations across the country, is featured in the movie.

The Help and/or its actresses are nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actress.

Lexi signs with Malaco

The Malaco Music Group recently announced the signing of Alexis Allen, professionally known as “Lexi.”

Lexi has amassed an impressive following through both music and television.  Before realizing her destiny to have a musical ministry of her own, she was a background vocalist for Gerald LeVert, Fred Hammond, and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.  Her most critically acclaimed project, A Praise in The Valley, garnered her a Stellar Award nomination.

In early 2006, Lexi became the “face” of the The Word Network. The birth of the The Lexi Show, a one-on-one style talk show, became Lexi’s new endeavor and proved to be a groundbreaking success for the network.  The fifth season of The Lexi Show currently airs every Saturday at noon (EST) on The Word Network.  In addition, Lexi can be heard weekly on “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show,” bringing listeners the latest gospel news.

Executive Director of Malaco’s Gospel Division, D.A. Johnson, says, “Fans of [Lexi’s] television show will be pleasantly surprised when they are finally introduced to her music. I’m excited to see what God is going to do in this season of her life.”

Lexi comments, “I am humbled to be a family member of the iconic recording label Malaco Records. I am honored to have the opportunity of continuing in the legacy of great singers, musicians and music.”

Lexi’s debut Malaco CD, entitled Phenomenal, produced by Marcus Cole of Commissioned, will be released in spring/summer 2012.

"I Love to Praise Him" – Mississippi Mass Choir

“I Love to Praise Him”
Mississippi Mass Choir
From the CD, Then Sings My Soul (2011)
http://www.mississippimass.com

Mississippi Mass Choir and Mosie “Mama” Burks don’t believe in messing up a good thing.  The choir’s popular silver-haired lead vocalist has become known for putting her spin on hit songs of yesteryear written by the likes of Dorothy Love Coates (“Holding On” and “They Got the Word [City Built Foursquare]”), Inez Andrews (“I’m Not Tired Yet”), and others.  Rev. Milton Biggham’s arrangement of the late Rev. Jessy Dixon’s “I Love to Praise His Name” is about as appropriate as any to continue the trend.

This hand-clapper adheres to the pattern of Mama Burks’ other high-speed classics: a big brass section, a rocking choir, and a spirited frontwoman with vigor and vibrato.

“Fly Again” Music Video – Sounds of Blackness

Malaco Records has released the official music video of the new inspirational single by Sounds of Blackness.  Click here to watch.

“Fly Again” – Sounds of Blackness

“Fly Again”
Sounds of Blackness
From the upcoming CD, The Sounds of Blackness (Fall 2011)
www.malaco.com

Sounds of Blackness was recently signed with Malaco Music Group (see related post here), and the choir is already set with its debut single “Fly Again” from its forthcoming self-titled CD.

“Fly Again” features Jamecia Bennett, daughter of longtime Sounds of Blackness powerhouse Ann Nesby and mother of American Idol Season 5 sensation Paris Bennett.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and like her mother, Jamecia Bennett delivers a signature sound of soulful singing, colorful phrasing, and stirring ad libs on this midtempo inspirational track, all alongside the choir’s staccato vocals which soar to their summit with, “Just hold on and be strong / You hold the key to your victory / Keep your head up to the sky / You’re gonna fly / You’re gonna fly!”

According to Gary Hines, the group’s music director and producer, the single is dedicated to Malaco and to people across the country and world “who have recently suffered unfathomable devastation. Together we will all soon be able to ‘fly again!'”

The release of the full length CD The Sounds Of Blackness coincides with the 20th anniversary of the group’s landmark album The Evolution of Gospel (which features the hit “Optimistic”), and the 40th anniversary of the group’s inception.

Expect to hear “Fly Again” all over radio the first of August.

Sizzlin’ This Week (6/6/11) – “God Made Me”

“God Made Me”
Mississippi Mass Choir
From the CD, Then Sings My Soul (2011)
http://www.mississippimass.com

When Mississippi Mass Choir’s current project was released earlier this year, “God Made Me” was one song in particular that came with an abundance of encouragement.

Penned by Jules Bartholomew (“Calling My Name,” “Faithful is Our God,” “God Favors Me”) and led by Benjamin “Benjie” Cone, III in the reminiscent spoken-word fashion of his father, the number is filled with personal affirmations: “I’m a conqueror, I am victorious, I won’t be stopped–I won’t be stopped!  I’m a believer, I’m an achiever, I won’t be blocked–I won’t be blocked!”

Already enjoying a nice ride on radio waves and gospel charts, you can expect church music departments all over the country to add “God Made Me” to their repertoire of inspirational choir music.

Historic Malaco Records structures destroyed in storm

GMF is sad to learn that an historic music landmark is nearly reduced to rubble.

Malaco Records was destroyed yesterday by destructive storms.  Malaco has been the home to numerous blues and gospel performers throughout its 44 year existence.  Its gospel roster has included greats like The Jackson Southernaires, The Soul Stirrers, The Sensational Nightingales, The Williams Brothers, the Angelic Gospel Singers, and the Mississippi Mass Choir, among many others.

The owners, staff, and artists are in our thoughts and prayers.

NBC affiliate WLBT has the report here.