Entertainment
Gospel Round Up: 5/31/23
Chicago Gets Ready for Its Annual Gospel Music Festival AURN INSPIRATIONAL, META WASHINGTON, AURNONLINE The annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival will be held on June [Read More]
Entertainment
Entertainment
Lawrence Hancock Stretches Gospel Again With His Much Anticipated 9th Album Waiting For You
Emptying the cupboards, Urban Christian Artist Lawrence Hancock serves another dose of vocals that evokes and compels the heart on his 9th album, Waiting For You, on Symphonic Distribution.
“Hearing great music with a great message inspires the listener. There’s something magical about the creativity when those things intersect. Lawrence mastered this element with this album. The audience is in store for pure ear candy.”
Kitt Wakeley
Grammy® Winning Composer/Artist/Producer
The Stellar Award Nominated singer/composer/producer held back nothing in the pursuit of capturing his relationship with God in this follow-up to the celebrated Don’t Stop Caring album. Waiting For You features 14 songs taking listeners on a cosmic ride to a place of eternal perspective, leaving everything behind. The repeat button will be engaged.
When asked, Where does the music keep coming from? Lawrence answers, “I really don’t know! I start composing the music and growing from a very simple place into these songs that capture me. I’m blown away when it’s done. ”
When you get to your favorite platform, make sure you follow and subscribe, as Lawrence wants to connect!
This album will be commemorated with a limited supply of the industry’s first LP Style Digital Download Card to guide the listening experience.
Experience The Journey: Waiting For You
Entertainment
TV One’s New Original Dating Series “The One” w’ Kirk & Tammy Franklin Premieres tonight, May 18 at 9/8C
Thursday, May 18, 2023 — TV ONE is back with “Date Night Thursdays”. Kirk and Tammy Franklin kick off the night with the premiere of “The One” at 9p ET/8C. “Asking for a Friend,” hosted by LisaRaye McCoy, will return at 10p ET/9C.
Atlanta bachelor and bachelorette Brent and Ashley have long struggled to find their soulmates. Now, with a little guidance from gospel legend Kirk Franklin and his wife Tammy, Brent and Ashley will embark on a journey filled with sexy suitors and outrageous activities as they seek to find love. Throughout the series, Ashley and Brent will meet two new potential matches each week. Sparks will fly as our daters get to know one another while partaking in some risqué game nights yet soulful sessions with Kirk and Tammy at the helm. At the end of each episode, Brent and Ashley will determine which dates possess the qualities that could make them their soulmate, ultimately leading that suitor to join them at The One Mansion.
THE ONE is produced by Critical Content. The executive producers are Jenny Daly, Ron Hill, Phil Thornton, Oji Singletary, Eric Timm, Matt Pickel, and Rob Lobl. Tarvenia Jones serves as Co-Executive Producer. Tony Yates is the Head of Production. Sammy Yamada is the Executive in Charge of Production for Critical Content. Austyn Biggers is the Senior Vice President of Programming and Production and Allison Simmons is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production for TV One.
Entertainment
CeCe Winans Wraps SOLD OUT Generations Live! 2023 Women’s Conference
The highly anticipated Generations Live! 2023 Women’s Conference hosted by multiple award-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans and sponsored by Compassion International and CVS Health was concluded with a resounding success; leaving attendees inspired and empowered to embrace their potential. Winans’ mother, Delores “Mom” Winans and daughter,
Ashley Phillips joined her as co-hosts and panelists for the event.
The sold out conference featured an exceptional lineup of speakers who captivated the audience with their powerful messages of strength, resilience, and spiritual growth. Winans kicked off the opening night with a message titled, “It’s Not That Complicated” which set the tone for: Dr. Anita Phillips, Jackie Hill-Perry, Nicole C. Mullen, and DawnChere’ Wilkerson to present their own words of wisdom. Each speaker delivered thought-provoking information that resonated deeply with the registrants and livestream viewers. Special music was provided by: Naomi Raine, Nashville Life Music and Charity Gayle who all brought everyone to their feet in praise and worship.
A true highlight of the event was the surprise virtual interview with the incomparable Oprah Winfrey, whose words of wisdom around generosity and legacy added an extra layer of inspiration to the already remarkable conference.
“I am incredibly humbled and grateful for the overwhelming success of the conference. My goal has been to create a space where generations of women can experience personal growth and connection,”
says Winans.
In effort to expand the reach and impact of the conference, Winans is thrilled to announce the launch of the Generations Ambassadors program. This initiative aims to encourage women to invite their family and friends to experience the transformative power of the gospel in spoken word and song. Each Generations Ambassador will be entrusted with the responsibility of registering 25 women for the 2024 event. Mark your calendars for Friday, May 10th and Saturday, May 11th when the conference will, once again, gather during Mother’s Day Weekend in Nashville, TN.
For more information about Generations Live! 2024 Women’s Conference and the Generations Ambassador Program continue to visit www.cecewinans.com for updates.
Entertainment
Motown Gospel & Capitol CMG Celebrate 28 Stellar Award Nominations
Motown Gospel and Capitol CMG celebrate a staggering 28 Stellar Award nominations across the company’s chart-topping artist roster. With 10 nods, hitmaker Pastor Mike, Jr. earns the most nominations of any artist this year, a testament to the impact of his innovative music and the strength of his recent partnership with Motown Gospel & Capitol CMG’s Re:Think, via Blacksmoke Worldwide.
Tye Tribbett also dominates this year’s list, with 9 nominations for the fan-favorite album, All Things New, Tribbett’s first new album since 2017. The project is fueled by hits like “Get Up,” and three #1 radio singles—“We Gon’ Be Alright,” “Anyhow,” and “New.”
Fifteen-time Stellar Award-winner and powerhouse vocalist Tasha Cobbs Leonard is slated to co-host the star-studded awards taping alongside popular singer/songwriter Jonathan McReynolds. For her acclaimed Hymns project, which features hit singles “The Moment” and “The Church I Grew Up In,” Cobbs Leonard earns another 5 nominations to her credit, including for Artist of the Year.
Rounding out the roster’s nominated artists are Brian Courtney Wilson, whose latest album, Transitions, features the anthemic “Always Peace,” and Gene Moore, nominated for his feature on PJ Morton’s buzzed-about “The Better Benediction.”
“This year’s nominations are a true reflection of the creativity, the reach, and the impact of our artists and their incredible music,” says EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel and SVP of Marketing for Capitol CMG.
Adds Monica Coates, Co-Executive Director and VP of A&R/Creative for Motown Gospel: “The past year has been such an exciting time for gospel music. I am grateful for everyone who has supported our artists and their visionary projects. I am especially thankful for Mr. Jackson and the team at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards for continuing to invest in this beloved genre.”
The 38th Annual Stellar Awards will be taped live on July 15, 2023 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on broadcast dates and times, visit TheStellarAwards.com.
Entertainment
RCA Inspiration-16 Stellar Award nominations-Kirk Franklin, DOE, William Murphy, Kingdom Business soundtrack!
RCA Inspiration celebrates 16 nominations for the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards coming up this summer, with nominations for album and song releases in 12 categories, including the major categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, and Album of the Year. The acclaimed projects receiving nominations include the hit collaboration Kingdom Book One by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), Clarity by DOE (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration), and the releases of Worship & Justice by William Murphy and the Kingdom Business: Season 1 Soundtrack.
Garnering 8 Stellar Awards nominations, the GRAMMY?-winning acclaimed live collaboration by chart-toppers Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin is nominated in album and song categories. The group’s live album Kingdom Book One (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul/RCA Inspiration), #1 hit Gospel single “Kingdom” (feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore), and the single “Bless Me” are nominated for: Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“Kingdom”), Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year (“Bless Me”), and Producer of the Year (producers: Tony Brown, Jonathan Jay, Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, Norman Gyamfi).
Garnering 6 Stellar Awards nominations is chart-topper DOE, whose hit debut album Clarity was released in partnership between Jonathan McReynolds’ Life Room Label and RCA Inspiration. Clarity (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration) and her #1 hit Gospel single “When I Pray” are nominated for: Artist of the Year, Song of the Year (“When I Pray”), Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year (“When I Pray”), and Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (packaging: Tyler Simien).
Rounding out the Stellar Awards nominations are a nomination for Special Event Album of the Year, for the release of the Kingdom Business: Season 1 Soundtrack, featuring original music from the popular BET+ series “Kingdom Business,” and a nomination for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (packaging: Tim Parker), for the album Worship & Justice by William Murphy.
The 38th Annual Stellar Awards will be taped in Las Vegas, NV on July 15th, 2023 and premiere on the new Stellar TV Network on July 24th.
Entertainment
Maurette Brown Clark is back like she never left
Maurette Brown Clark is back like she never left with an uplifting, soul grabbing, new single titled “I See Good”. Through the years Maurette has given us mainstay records that are still sung in churches across the world like: “I Just Want To Praise You“, “One God”, and “It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over)”.
Maurette’s beloved voice is heard on the Richard Smallwood classic “Angels” and she does not disappoint with her newest single. The lyrics say “Everytime I look your way, I see good, I see good for you… you might still be hurting, just God’s still working… no it won’t be over until it’s good”. It speaks the goodness that God has in store for His people and points to relying on faith to carry oneself through tough times. It’s the perfect blend of uplifting lyrics and tempo for the spring/summer seasons. Take a listen to this vibrant new hit from Maurette Brown Clark! It’s a message of hope and faith during a time when people need it most.
Entertainment
Kierra Sheard-Kelly Releases New Book, THE VIBES YOU FEEL
This inspiring book for teens and young women explores what it means to listen to God’s voice, better understand the “vibes” and intuition the Spirit uses as guidance, and live a life that proclaims your heavenly truth. Filled with personal lessons from author and Grammy-nominated artist Kierra “Kiki” Sheard-Kelly and empowering scriptural promises, you’ll grow stronger in your faith as well as your God-given purpose.
Each day, we are under attack—by people who want to keep us down or who doubt our gifts, as well as by spiritual forces who want to knock us off our God-given path and into the darkness. In The Vibes You Feel, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard-Kelly invites you to uncover what it means to have the Holy Spirit in your life, and how listening to the vibes we sense in certain situations can help steer us toward the future God intends.
Inside The Vibes You Feel, you’ll find:
- encouragement and support for navigating today’s world
- solid biblical truths and scriptural promises that arm you for the tough decisions and battles in your life
- Kierra’s own personal stories and experiences with difficult situations, and the spiritual nudges that helped her through
- Advice and guidance with actionable steps
In addition, The Vibes You Feel:
- is an ideal gift for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or graduations
- helps you grow closer to God and understand the signals he sends
- is perfect for those looking for motivation and biblical guidance
Also check out Kierra Sheard-Kelly’s bestselling and inspirational book, Big, Bold, and Beautiful.
Sheard-Kelly’s seventh studio album, ALL YOURS (RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment) is also available now. The uplifting 12-track project celebrate’s God’s love, wisdom and finding personal freedom in letting go and trusting God. ALL YOURS features the singles “Miracles” (feat. Pastor Mike Jr.), “Praise Through,” “Making A Way” (feat. Adia), “The Jungle” and more. Kierra Sheard-Kelly, ALL YOURS, is available Now (RCA Inspiration/ Karew Entertainment): https://KierraSheard.lnk.to/AllYoursAlbumPR.
Entertainment
Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Jonathan McReynolds Pair to Host the 38th Annual Salute to Gospel Music
Central City Productions today announced the nominees in 25 categories for the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards taping on Saturday, July 15, returning to the Las Vegas Orleans Arena. The 38th edition of the Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar TV between Monday, July 24 and August 6, 2023, as well as air in national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 10, 2023. Gospel music’s most epic celebration is co-hosted this year by Gospel superstars and multiple Stellar Award winners Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Jonathan McReynolds, who returns to share co-hosting duties for the 2nd year.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “I am elated to celebrate this landmark 38th year of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and its premiere on our very own newly-launched Stellar TV network. Our flagship show is one of the longest-running nationally televised African American awards programs in history – we couldn’t be more proud to bring this new inspirational network to viewers, while honoring the work of Gospel music artists and industry professionals who use their gifts to lift the spirits of many during troubling times. We look forward to another spectacular weekend of family-friendly entertainment in Las Vegas.”
Eleven-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike, Jr. leads the field of nominees this year with ten nominations. The trailblazing Gospel artist earned recognition this year for his work on the album “Winning” (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide), in the key categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Urban Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.
With nine nominations, groundbreaking Gospel artist Tye Tribbett is being recognized by the voting body for excellence in the categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for his work on “All Things New” (Motown Gospel). In addition, the project received a nomination for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year, developed by Justin Foster.
Always appreciating a great musical collaboration, Stellar Awards voters recognized Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin with six nominations for keeping the praise party elevated on their project “Kingdom Book One” (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration), nominated in the categories of Artist of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.
Stellar Awards 2023 co-host and fifteen-time winner Tasha Cobbs-Leonard continues to bless audiences with her gift and is rewarded this year with five nominations for her work on “Hymns” (TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel), including Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Praise and Worship Song of the Year, and Praise and Worship Album of the Year. Also earning five nominations each are Zacardi Cortez for his work on “Imprint” (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide), and DOE, nominated for the first time as a solo artist for her work on the album “Clarity” (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration). DOE is going head-to-head with Cobbs-Leonard, Maranda Curtis, and legends CeCe Winans and Tamela Mann in the prestigious Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year category. Mann, a sixteen-time Stellar Award winner, is nominated this year in four total categories for her project “Overcomer Deluxe” (Tillymann Music Group), including Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year.
Other artists earning multiple Stellar nominations include: Travis Greene & Forward City, JJ Hairston, Maranda Curtis, Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp, and Brent Jones.
An important tradition at the Stellar Awards, Founder Don Jackson will bestow special recognition upon Gospel greats who have elevated the genre. This year’s James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Reverend Milton Biggham, Pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, NJ and founder of several mass choirs – The Miami Mass Choir, The Mississippi Mass Choir, the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, and the Georgia Mass Choir.
The Stellar Awards also announced nominees for the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards in six categories, including Gospel Announcer of the Year. Those nominees include multiple Stellar Award winner Erica Campbell, host of the nationally-syndicated morning show, Get Up! Mornings With Erica Campbell; Darlene McCoy Jackson, host of The Nightly Spirit With Darlene on WPZE Praise 102.5FM in Atlanta, GA; Charles Johnson, from KOKA 980 AM in Shreveport, LA; and Melanie Pratt, host of Melanie In The Midday on WPZS Praise in Charlotte, NC.
The Stellar Awards show taping will return to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 15, 2023 and is open to the public. Ticket prices range from $59 – $229, and are available now at www.ticketmaster.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. As previously noted, The Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar Network between July 24 and August 6, 2023, which can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios and Xumo Play. Viewers may check with their local provider for availability in their area.
Some of the biggest names in Gospel will be appearing as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production and Producer. Michael A. Johnson will produce and direct this year’s award show.
SUMMARY OF 2023 STELLAR AWARDS TOP NOMINEES
Pastor Mike, Jr. – 10 Nominations
Tye Tribbett – 9 Nominations
Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin – 6 Nominations
Tasha Cobbs Leonard – 5 Nominations
Zacardi Cortez – 5 Nominations
DOE* – 5 Nominations
Tamela Mann – 4 Nominations
Maranda Curtis – 3 Nominations
Travis Greene & Forward City* – 3 Nominations
JJ Hairston – 3 Nominations
Brent Jones* – 3 Nominations
Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp* – 3 Nominations
To view the complete list of nominees CLICK HERE
Entertainment
CHH Artist TOMMY KODEL Drops Video For New Single “For The Lord” Featuring Calvin Cooper and Austin Carr
Christian Hip Hop artist Tommy Kodel is a rising artist who infuses his love for 90s Hip Hop with today’s innovative music production and his passion for ministry and young people. He released his new single, “For The Lord,” this spring and now shares the official music video for the infectious dance track on YouTube.
In his video, Kodel, who is also an educator, starts in the classroom with his students and presents the theme for the video, which is also his life’s mission. Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working FOR THE LORD, not for human masters.”
“For The Lord” official music video showcases Kodel’s solid, smooth, and direct delivery that ignites excitement in the Universal Faith Outreach Ministries congregation. The video is directed by UD Productions and edited by Kodel. Choreography is by New Creation Step Team and Apostle Marcus Stovall. Special guest appearances in the video include PD3, Hangloose 1X, and NDO Hotwheelz.
“For The Lord” audio single is available now on all digital outlets and is independently released by Tommy Kodel Productions, LLC, and Cooper’s Clear Image Music Group, LLC.
Tommy will perform live on June 3rd with Dove Award nominated artist Co Cambell at Universal Faith Outreach Ministries in Bridgeport, CT, and on June 10th at Jerry Green’s Gospel Showcase in West Haven, CT. You can follow Tommy and check for more dates at TommyKodel.com.