Margaret Allison, founder of The Angelic Gospel Singers in 1944, has died, according to her recording label, Malaco Records, based in Jackson, Miss.

No further details were available at this time.

Allison formed The Angelics in Philadelphia with Ella Mae Norris, Lucille Shird, and her sister, Josephine McDowell.

The group was a known talent around Philadelphia, but quickly gained national attention. In 1947, they recorded their first song,"Touch Me Lord Jesus,'' which is still a gospel favorite even in the changing landscape of an industry that has gone more contemporary and away from what is known as traditional or old time gospel.

The group sang with some of gospel's greats such as The Might Clouds of Joy, the late Mahalia Jackson, Shirley Caesar, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Soul Stirrers and many more.

Even though the members in the group changed over the years, it maintains the title of being the longest selling female gospel group in history. In their more than 60 year history in the business, The Angelics first recorded with Gotham Record in 1947, then moved to Nashboro Records in 1955, and finally Malaco Records, who they started with in 1983.

Earlier this year, the group released a CD, Touch Me Again.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)
                       

Here's a story from today's Baltimore Sun seeking gospel groups for a concert by a nonprofit in Anne Arundel County.

Participants sought for gospel concert

The South County Faith Network Inc., an interfaith organization providing volunteer services to seniors in southern Anne Arundel County, is looking for gospel groups for its concert in September at Southern High School in Harwood.

To read the entire article, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:34 PM | Permalink
                       

Even before Stellar Award winning gospel artist Donald Lawrence took the stage Wednesday night at Living Word Christian Center in Chicago, you could feel that this performance was different.

And he said it would be.

Lawrence did away with the glitz and glamour of the typical gospel showcase for his live recording of The Law of Confession.

Instead, he focused on a message to the capacity audience that was in many ways a sermon put to music. Lawrence said he adapted his music series from The Law of Confession sermon and book by his Pastor Bill Winston, whose book is due out in late August. He billed his CD as a companion piece to the book, although it won't come out until later this fall.

The more than three hour recording took place in an architecturally stunning church sanctuary in Forest Park, a suburb of Chicago.

Emotions ran high as some familar background singers (DeWayne Woods and other former Tri-City Singers) helped to propel the message. Lawrence led the Tri-City Singers for many years before the group retired in 2006.

Sitting in the audience were some of the top names in gospel, including Smokey Norful, Richard Smallwood, two members of The Murrills, and many other gospel artists and pastors.

I'll share video of the performance and of Lawrence talking about what he was attempting to accomplish for this recording sometime next week.

In two months, you can see Lawrence in Baltimore as the featured artist with Jason Nelson as part of the Macy's Presents UniSun Gospel Concert at the Lyric Opera House. The performance takes place Sept.27 at 7 p.m.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
                       

Stellar Award winning artist and producer Donald Lawrence will record his second CD with Zomba/Verity Records tonight at The Living Word Christian Center of Chicago.

Lawrence, who has had a whirlwind year including producing gospel artists The Murrills, DeWayne Woods, and The Clark Sisters for which he won a Stellar Award earlier this year, is the featured artist for this year's UniSun Gospel Concert in Baltimore.

I'm covering tonight's recording of the CD "The Law of Confession," which is borrowed from a sermon and forthcoming book by Lawrence's pastor, Rev. Bill Winston of Living Word.

This CD will be co-produced with Daniel Weatherspoon. Lawrence will be accompanied by a 10-member ensemble, called The Co.

Lawrence is expected to talk about the title of the CD and what it means in a pre-concert "Meet and Greet.'' And the night wouldn't be complete without a Red Carpet-like treatment of gospel celebrities who plan to be in attendance.

They include people Lawrence has worked with such as famed gospel legend Walter Hawkins, Mary Mary, Dave Hollister, Dwayne Woods, Arnetta Murrill-Crooms and others, according to publicist Bill Carpenter.

“The CD is about applying the Word of the Lord to everyday life that it may change your personal speech speaking only positive things and things of good report,” says Lawrence in a news release.

For tickets to the Macy's Presents UniSun Gospel Concert on Sept. 27 at 7 p.m., click here. Tickets are $20.

In September, Lawrence will perform with artist and song writer Jason Nelson of Baltimore. The evening also includes performances by five local choirs. (See a previous post on this blog about these choirs.)

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:00 PM | Permalink
                       

Rosalyn Brunswick-McDuffie, the first lady of Palace of Praise Church and a gospel artist from Houston, died of stomach cancer, according to a report on blackvoices.com.

She was 39. Brunswick-McDuffie had suffered with the condition for about two years. Her death Saturday came on the weekend that she was to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the church she founded with her husband Pastor Efrem McDuffie four years ago.

Brunswick-McDuffie is a former background singer for gospel artist Donnie McClurkin. She had several solo efforts, one of which included the noted song "Speak to Me.'' She was also the second half of the duo, Lyric, with another former McClurkin background songbird, Rhonda McClemore.

Brunswick-McDuffie leaves behind her husband, their two daughters, Charizma Zhonè McDuffie and Charity Zhonì McDuffie, and a son, Sir William.

Pastor Gregg Patrick's CD/DVD, Crossover includes her last recording.
To read the Blackvoices report, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                       

When the curtain at Lyric Opera House goes up on Sept. 27 at the Third Annual Macy's Presents UniSun Gospel Concert, five local church choirs will share the same stage with Stellar Award winning gospel artist Donald Lawrence, Jason Nelson and company.

And the Baltimore winners of this prized opportunity are Southern Baptist Church Maxium Annointing Choir, Ark Church, El Shaddai Temple Mass Choir, Greater Paradise Christian Center and Bethel AME Outreach of Love Choir.

A panel of judges discovered that of those who submitted audition tapes, these choirs offer distinctive styles of praise and worship that represent the broad spectrum of gospel music, from traditional to contemporary.

And if this year's concert is anything like last year's event, the concert will feel more like a high spirited worship experience with gospel music that renews, revives and restores the soul.

Also that night, Lawrence, a multi-Stellar Award winning artist, will take the stage with Jason Nelson and his group, Nelson, the twin brother of Baltimore's Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose, wrote several songs, including the title trac on Marvin Sapp's CD, Thirsty.

(I'll share more about Nelson on an upcoming blog post.)

Lawrence, who made a name for himself by leading the Tri-City Singers through its retirement in 2006, continues to be a giant among producers and artists in the gospel industry.

This year he won a Stellar Award for producing The Clark Sisters:LIVE One Last Time . Lawrence has worked with the top artists in the industry, including Hezekiah Walker, Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose, Kim Burrell, Kelly Price, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin and many others.

Come back later to read more about Lawrence's next CD, which is being produced at a live performance tonight in Chicago.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:00 AM | Permalink
                       

Known as "First Lady Roz," gospel artist Rosalyn Brunswick-McDuffie would have celebrated the fourth anniversary of the church she and her husband Pastor Efrem McDuffie founded - Palace Of Praise Church last weekend.

Instead, the church celebration went on without her as the former Donnie McClurkin background singer turned solo artist died over the weekend from cancer.

"She showed nothing but strength through the whole thing,'' said Josyln Young, a member of Palace of Praise who I spoke with today after she wrote a message on Gospelrama.

Brunswick-McDuffie had suffered from cancer for about two years.

To learn more about her homegoing services, click here. To learn more about Palace of Praise, click here.
To learn more about McDuffie's gospel music with Rhonda McLemore (another former McClurkin background singer), click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:53 PM | Permalink
                       

The Rev. Al Sharpton and bishops from around the U.S. spoke at the funeral of Betty Wright and her grandson D.J. yesterday afternoon at a Brooklyn church.

D.J.'s father, Daniel Wright, remembered his 14-year-old son whom he lovingly called "Pork Chop.''

The child's principal at Harry D. Daniels Primary School in Roosevelt says he wanted to be a gospel singer just like his grandfather, Rev. Timothy Wright who is known as the "Godfather of Gospel.''

Rev. Wright and his wife, co-pastor Betty Wright, had been married for 37 years. The 58-year-old evangelist wrote several of her husband's gospel hits, including "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,'' which is dedicated to Hurricane Katrina victims.

A choir sang this song at the funeral.

See the Newsday report, by clicking here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

Here's a WCBSTV.com video report on the funeral of evanglist and wife of Rev. Timothy Wright, Betty and grandson D.J. today in Brooklyn. Both died after a tragic accident on July 4th on Interstate 80 near Danville, Pa.

Rev. Wright remains in a Pennsylvania hospital on a respirator, according to published reports.

To see the video, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Rosalyn Brunswick-McDuffie, a former background singer for gospel artist Donnie McClurkin turned solo artist, died Saturday of cancer.

The Yolanda Adams of the Yolanda Adams Morning Show , heard on Radio One stations, reported the death this morning, sending condolences to the McDuffie family of Houston.

Brunswick-McDuffie died while at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, according to officials with McDuffie Funeral Home, a family-owned business she and husband Pastor Efrem McDuffie of Palace of Praise in Houston, own. No further details surrounding her death was available.

Brunswick-McDuffie embarked on a solo career more than four years ago. She released her debut CD Just Roz in 2001, according to the church Website. One of her most popular songs on that album was "Speak to Me.''

A celebration of her life will take place Friday from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., followed by a funeral on Saturday at 11 a.m., both held at Fountain of Praise, 13535 S. Post Oak Road, Houston.
For more information, call the church at 713-433-1824.

To read more about Brunswick-McDuffie and to listen to music from her first CD, click here.

Or go to a myspace page about her music with another artist, by clicking here .

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (40)
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright, the "Godfather of Gospel," remains in critical condition at a hospital today and will not attend the 10 a.m. funeral of his wife, Betty, and grandson, D.J. Wright at Washington Temple C.O.G.I.C. at 1372 Bedford Ave. in Brooklyn, according to published reports.

Wright is recovering from numerous fractures as a result of a July 4 accident that took the lives of his 58-year-old wife and his 14-year-old grandson. According to various reports, the driver, who also died in the accident, was drunk when he drove the wrong way on Interstate 80 in upstate Pennsylvania, hitting Wright's car head-on. A second car hit Wright's car in the rear. The driver of the first car, John Pick, 44, also died.

Hundreds yesterday attended the wake for Betty Wright and grandson, D.J., at Grace Tablernacle Christian Cener Church where she was co-pastor with her husband. The Wrights had been married about 40 years.

To read more about the wake, click here.

To read a report and see pictures of those going into the church for the wake, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 7:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)
                       

Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of Brooklyn held a public viewing Sunday afternoon of Rev. Timothy Wright's wife, Betty, and grandson, D.J., both killed earlier this month in a tragic accident in upstate Pennsylvania.

According to a New York television station, hundreds attended the wake for Betty Wright, 58, and D.J. Wright, 14. The funeral for the two will be held tomorrow. Betty Wright was co-pastor of Grace and wrote the minister's latest hit song "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,'' which is dedicated to hurricane Katrina victims.

Wright remains in critical condition at an upstate hospital where he has undergone surgery for injuries sustained in the accident along Interstate 80 in which a driver going the wrong way slammed into the minister's vehicle. Smoke from the accident obstructed the view of another driver whose car hit Wright's vehicle from the rear, according to law enforcement.

The family was returning home from a church conference in Detroit when the accident occurred on July 4.

To read more details about the wake, click here.

Wright, known as the "Godfather of gospel,'' has numerous fractures throughout his body, including his face. Several weeks ago, he had surgery to his fractured jaw. He is expected to have more surgery, other news sources have reporterd.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 9:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                       

Newsday reports that the family of Rev.Timothy Wright told the "Godfather of Gospel" that his wife Betty died earlier this month in the tragic accident in which a car driving the wrong way collided with the car they were in on Interstate 80 near Danville, Pa.

Wright was told the news on Monday. The wake for Betty Wright and grandson D.J. Wright, who also died in the accident, is today. The funeral is tomorrow.

To see the report, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 2:28 PM | Permalink
                       

Stellar Award winning artist and Baltimore resident Maurette Brown Clark will perform Sunday at the Verizon Center in Washington.

Her concert is part of "Gospel Night" at the 4 p.m. WNBA game between the Washington Mystics and Conneticut Sun.

Clark sings the hit gospel songs "One God'' and "It Ain't Over'' from her 2007 CD The Dream. Earlier this year, Clark's CD won her a Stellar for "Praise and Worship CD of the Year." Daughter Jada Clark also received a Stellar for "Children's Performance of the Year" for "I Am What God says I am,'' which is also featured on The Dream.

The daytime game also includes a halftime gospel show put on by a choir that won the PRAISE 104.1 FM radio station's gospel contest. The winner of the contest was to be selected earlier this week.

This is the third year that the women's team has hosted a "Gospel Night.'' Last year's performer was gospel artist Karen Clark Sheard.

For tickets to the game, go to ticketmaster.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:22 AM | Permalink
                       

Regina Belle, the R&B artist turned gospel singer, is getting a lot of air time these days for her down-home thumping song "God Is Good" from her first gospel CD "Love Forever Shines.''

Belle is working hard to make sure that her old image doesn't overshadow her new venture into inspirational music. In an interview I had with her months ago, she said that she came into R&B from gospel roots. So this album is a return to what she knows.

Here's another story on Belle. Click here.

Belle is also having a "God Is Good" choir contest.

For more information on how your choir can participate, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 5:15 PM | Permalink
                       

If you didn't already know by now, the Fred Hammond Concert featuring gospel artists such as Dewayne Woods, the Maryland Mass Choir and a host of other talent has been canceled for tomorrow.

However, it has been rescheduled for Oct.18 at the First Mariner Arena.

I few weeks ago I was talking to a promoter about ticket sales for this event and he said ticket sales were not going well. Summer is a difficult to sell a paid gospel concert because most people are enjoying summer vacations.

Maybe Baltimore will be ready for the "Summer Praise Jam" in the fall.

For more information on the event, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Next week while I'm in Chicago, I'll get a chance to meet DeWayne Woods, who is in concert in Baltimore on Friday at the Summer Praise Slam at First Mariner.

He will be among the many Donald Lawrence mentored and influenced artists attending a live recording of Lawrence's next CD, which is due out in October.

Lawrence, as you might recall, is the featured artist of the Macy's Presents UniSun Gospel Concert on Sept. 27 at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore. The event is put on by The Baltimore Sun.

Lawrence is very connected to the Gospel world as you will see over the next few weeks on my blog leading up to the September concert.

But it's Woods' story that is most interesting.

Some years ago, the former member of the Tri-City Singers (a Lawrence gospel choir) was diagnosed with the HIV virus. But now he says he's cured of the virus, because he "Let Go" so that through prayer he would be healed. That is his testimony.

Earlier this year, he won the Stellar Award's Male Vocalist of the Year.

His latest CD is "Dewayne Woods and When the Singers Meet," which includes his latest single "Let Go.''

To read more about him, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

A gospel artist in Africa complains the inspirational music doesn't receive as much support as secular music.

Doesn't this sound familiar?

Read the story by clicking here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:15 PM | Permalink
                       

Fred Hammond is coming to First Mariner Arena Friday at 7 p.m. as part of the Summer Praise Slam Concert.

Hammond is the featured artists for a night of praise that includes Ricky Dillard and New Generation, DeWayne Woods (formerly of Donald Lawrence's Tri-City Singers), and BET's Sunday's Best Winner Crystal Akin, first runner up Shari Addison and the Maryland Mass Choir.

I've seen Hammond in concert and he puts on a dynamite show. He and his backups know how to take praise and worship to another level.

For ticket information, go to ticketmaster.com

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:30 AM | Permalink
                       

Death has struck the gospel industry again.

Michael Cook, a member of the award-winning Mighty Clouds of Joy, died Friday of a heart attack. He was 46.

According to to a news release provided by gospel music industry publicist Bill Carpenter, Cook was a member of the group for 24 years. The group has won three Grammy awards and is a member of the Music Hall of Fame.

The group, formed in 1960, has two original members, Joe Ligon and Richard Wallace.

A tribute to Cook will be held Thursday in Odenton, at Living Waters Worship Center, 8262 Lokus Road., from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. For information, call 420-672-4260.

The funeral is Friday at Reid Temple AME Church, 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, with the viewing at 9 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. For more information, call 301 352-1758.

Cook is survived by his wife Valerie and 3 children, ages 8, 11 and 16.

A trust fund has been set up for the children. Donations are being accepted for the Michael Cook Trust Fund by Bank of America, the news release said.

Cooks death comes a week after the death of Rev. Lawrence C. Roberts, a musician and producer who founded Savoy Records (now known as Malaco Records) and who worked with some of the industry's legends, including Rev. James Cleveland, the Clara Ward Singers and Dorothy Norwood. Roberts death was last weekend in Stone Mountain, Ga.

Earlier this month, Rev. Timothy Wright -- the "Godfather of Gospel" -- lost his wife Betty Wright and grandson D.J. Wright in a head-on collision along a highway in Pennsylvania. Wright remains in a Pennsylvania hospital in critical condition.

His wife and grandson will be remembered in services July 27 and July 28 in New York.

Look for specific details about these services on this blog.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Mattie I. Taylor of Van McCoy Music, Inc.,attended the funeral of Rev. Lawrence C. Roberts, a gospel artists who worked with some of the industries legends including James Cleveland, The Clara Ward Singers, Dorothy Norwood and many others.

Taylor of Clinton (a suburb of Washington) drove to the funeral service held in a Stone Mountain, Ga., church over the weekend.

Here's her report.

"It has been an incredible service,'' she said. "The tributes paid to him were fitting and uplighting to all of us who were there."

Those in the attendance included Albert Jameson, president of the Gospel Music Workshop Association, Milton Bingham of Malaco Records (formerly Savoy Record which Roberts founded.)

And evangelist and gospel artist Norwood "broke down the house" with "A Denied Mother" from her 1987 CD of the same name.

Roberts died last week of a heart attack. He was 77.

To see Roberts' obituary and the many guest tributes, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 6:46 PM | Permalink
                       

I'm sure Marvin Sapp is so glad his wife persuaded him to put his hit song "Never Would Have Made It" on his latest CD, Thirsty.

The song, which came from his heart after losing his father and a mentor last year, is at the top of the gospel and R&B charts. So no matter whether you listen to only gospel or both gospel and secular radio stations, you're bound to hear the former Commissioned artist and Grand Rapids, Mich., pastor's song about how a higher power brought him through and out of such a bad place in his life.

Overheard on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show: Sapp is the first gospel artist to top both charts since 2000. Adams topped both charts in 2000 with "Open My Heart.'' USA Today has a profile on him in today's Lifesection. To read, click here. See Adam's "Open My Heart."

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:34 PM | Permalink
                       

Longtime pastor and gospel artist and producer Lawrence C. Roberts, who worked with noted gospel legends James Cleveland, the Clara Ward Singers, Dorothy Norwood, The Gospel Caravans, and many more was remembered in a "homegoing" service this weekend in Stone Mountain, Ga.

To see his obituary and the many guest tributes, click here. The obituaries appear in on Legacy.com in the Atlanta Constitution.

I hope to speak to one of Roberts associates, Mattie I. Taylor of
Van McCoy Music, Inc., later today who with Norwood drove from Clinton, Maryland to Stone Mountain to attend the funeral.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:00 AM | Permalink
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright "Godfather of Gospel'' is set to undergo more surgery for injuries he sustained in a July 4th Weekend head-on accident in which his wife of about 40 years, Betty, and grandson, D.J., were killed, according to a New York magazine's Web site.

To read more, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 5:54 PM | Permalink
                       

The funeral services for Lawrence C. Roberts, who built Savoy Records into a major gospel recording company, is 11 a.m. tomorrow at Victory Baptist Church in Stone Mountain, Ga.

Roberts became the first African-American producer of a major recording company who worked with other gospel icons including James Cleveland, Doris Duke, Albertina Walker, t Dorothy Norwood and many others.

I spoke to Mattie Taylor, president of Van McCoy Music, Inc. in Clinton, Md., who knew Roberts. She and Norwood, an evangelist and gospel artist, were enroute to Stone Mountain when we spoke.

"He did not like fanfare,'' she said. "When people got big, he moved on. He looked at gospel recording as a way to get the the Word (the Bible) out in song.

"We really don't realize the contribution he has made,'' she said. "We would not have a gospel music (industry) if it wasn't for him.''

Roberts, 77, died of a heart attack, according to GospelCity.com.

A wake was planned for today at Levitte Funeral Home in Scottdale, Ga.

Roberts was a pastor for 36 years at First Baptist Church of Nutley, N.J. He retired in 1995.

To read more, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 6:15 PM | Permalink
                       

The annual Newsome Awards will be held this weekend in Baltimore.

The weekend includes a Hall of Fame dinner at 8 p.m. tonight at the Best Western, 1800 Belmont Ave., Baltimore. The awards show will be held tomorrow afternoon, beginning at 5 p.m. at FCF Ministry, 9306 Winands Road. A post show will be held at Mt. Zion Apostolic Church, 5501 Liberty Heights. And Sunday afternoon, the Newsome Awards Concert with Alfonso Freeman and the Fantastic Violinaires will be held at the church beginning at 4 p.m.

Heaven 600's Doresa Harvey is the host of tomorrow's awards show. Freeman, a gospel entertainer, is the son of actor Morgan Freeman. For more information on the newsome awards.
click here.

Sail the Potomac, and see gospel artists Bruce Parham and Terrell Hunt on the Spirit of Washington cruise from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, click here.

Gospel artists and BET Award winner Marvin Sapp, Tye Tribbet and multi-award winner Fred Hammond tomorrow will highlight Joyfest at Kings Dominion Park, Doswell, Va.

For more information, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 5:18 PM | Permalink
                       

Bishop George C. Searight and the McDonald's Gospelfest will pay tribute to the Rev. Timothy Wright in a telecast in New York on Sunday.

Searight is from Abundant Life Family Worship Church in New Brunswick, N.J. The tribute comes at the end of the broadcast -- Searight prays for Wright and his family, and then plays a video in which the "Godfather of Gospel" is singing "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,'' which was written by his late wife, Betty Wright, and was dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Reverend Wright remains in critical condition at a Danville, Pa., hospital after a car accident over the July 4th weekend. His wife and grandson, D.C., died after the vehicle in which the family was riding was hit twice, head on and in the rear, along Interstate 80 in Pennsylvania. The Wrights were returning from a church conference in Detroit when the accident occurred.

Funeral arrangements for the reverend's wife and grandson have been set. See previous posts on this blog for more information.

The Wright tribute was added to the telecast of the McDonald's Gospelfest, which took place in June at Newark, N.J.'s Prudential Center. The event included such top gospel artists as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McKlurkin, Vickie Winans, The Might Clouds of Joy, Byron Cage and the McDonald's Gospel Choir featuring Cissy Houston, and Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir. To see a clip of the tribute, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright had a successful surgery and is responding well to treatment and therapies, a release by his son, David Wright, says on the gospel singer's myspace page.

Wright sustained numerous injuries in a July 4 weekend crash in which his wife Betty Wright and grandson D.J. Wright died.

The myspace page has a slightly different time than we just reported for the wake for Betty Wright and D.J. Wright Sunday, July 27. The page says it will begin at noon at their church, Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of God in Christ, 1745 Pacific St., Brooklyn.

The "Homegoing Celebration'' is the next day at 11 a.m. at Washington Temple COGIC, 1372 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn.

The internment will be at Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale, N.Y.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family is asking for financial tributes, which can be sent to Rev. Timothy Wright, 15 Meyer St., Roosevelt, N.Y., 11575.

To see the myspace page, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (35)
                       

The funeral services of Rev. Timothy Wright's wife, Betty, and grandson, 14-year-old D.J., have been set for the last weekend in July, according to an outgoing voice message at Wright's church, Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of Brooklyn.

Fifty-eight-year-old Betty Wright and D.J. Wright will lie in state at the church on Sunday, July 27. The time for the viewing on the message was not clear enough for me to determine whether it would start or end at noon, which is the time mentioned in the outgoing message.

The funeral is 10 a.m. the next day at Washington Temple, 1327 Bedford Ave., which is also in Brooklyn.

Wright, who had surgery today, remains in critical condition, hospital officials said today.
They would not elaborate further.

Betty Wright and D.J. Wright died from their injuries in a head-on collision over the July 4th weekend in which a driver on Interstate 80 in Danville, Pa., was driving the wrong way. Wright's vehicle was hit twice, in the front and by another driver in the rear who couldn't see the accident because of smoke.

Wright is aware his grandson died in the accident. However, as of yesterday, he was unaware that his wife of about 40 years had died. Family members were hoping to tell him when his condition improves, hospital officials said earlier this week.

Wright is known as the "Godfather of Gospel.'' His latest hit includes "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,'' which was written by his wife and dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The family was returning home from a church conference in Detroit when the accident occurred.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (28)
                       

I found this interesting story about two gospel artists in South Africa who were competing to get the larger audience in different venues on the same day.

One of the artists gave herself the title "Queen of Gospel.''

In the U.S. black gospel circles, Albertina Walker is known as the "Queen of Gospel." And earlier this year, Aretha Franklin was upset at the Grammy Awards when pop star Beyonce referred to Rocker Tina Turner as a "queen.'' Franklin is known as the "Queen of Soul.''

So why is it so important that an artist be given such a distinction? What do you think?

Read on to learn more about the South African "Queen of Gospel.'' Click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:39 PM | Permalink
                       

The Chicago Defender is reporting that Rev. Timothy Wright's vehicle was hit twice in an accident earlier this month that claimed the lives of his wife Betty and grandson, D.J.

According to the report,"a man driving a 1992 Chevy Corsica the wrong way on Interstate 80 hit the Wrights' 2002 Lincoln Blackwood head on'' in the July 4th weekend accident.

"Police also said that another vehicle traveling in the same direction as the Wrights could not see the smoke from the accident and ran into the rear of the Wrights’ vehicle,'' the article in today's Defender said.

Wright is in critical but stable condition at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., where the accident occurred. He suffered numerous fractures and is scheduled to undergo surgery sometime Thursday.

He is aware of his grandson's death, but the family has yet to tell Wright about the death of his wife of about 40 years. They are waiting until his condition improves, reports have said.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

To read more about the Wright report in the Chicago Defender, click here and scroll down the page to see the story.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 6:48 PM | Permalink
                       

Former American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, who married earlier this month, is set to take his career in another direction. He's moved from pop music into gospel, and later this year he's set to perform on stage in Aint Misbehavin'. All this while touring to promote his new CD, which is due out soon.

Studdard will portray Fats Waller in the 30th anniversary of Ain't Misbehavin'. The play is a tribute to black musicians of the 1920s and '30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance, an era of growth and creativity for African-American writers and musicians. The tour is set to begin in November.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 5:00 PM | Permalink
                       

A New York television station reports that Rev. Timothy Wright is expected to have surgery on his jaw Thursday.

Wright remains in critical but stable condition at Geisinger Medical Center in upstate Pennsylvania after suffering multiple fractures throughout his body, including his face, after a head on accident in which his wife, Betty and grandson, D.J., died, officials said.

The accident occurred on Interstate 80 near Danville, Pa., when a driving going the wrong way hit the vehicle Wright was in on the July 4th weekend, officials said. His wife was killed instantly, while his grandson died hours later.

Wright is known as the "Godfather of Gospel'' because of his many contributions to the inspirational music with a message. His latest hit song is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,'' which was written by his wife and dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

To read more about the New York report, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

On Sept. 27 at the Lyric Opera House, five choirs will get a chance to share the same stage as gospel producer/artist Donald Lawrence, who is the featured guests along with Jason Nelson, at the annual Macy's Presents UniSun Gospel Concert.

But who will make up the field of choirs to perform that night? Your guess is as good as mine as we still need to narrow down the many groups and church choirs that have agreed to audition for the coveted spots. The deadline for CD submissions was Friday.

I can't share the names of the groups yet, but I will when the field is narrowed down.

The groups will receive $2,000 toward their organization from The Sun.

In previous shows, the choirs vied for a prize. But this year it's a concert of praise without the competition.

I do know this: One of the coveted spots will automatically go to Bethel AME Church of Baltimore, which won last year's event. Bethel's Outreach of Love choir blew the lid off of last year's show and I'm sure they'll bring a spirited performance this year.

Lawrence is a multi-talented Stellar award winning artist who works with gospel's top talent, including Jason Nelson and his brother Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose, Hezekiah Walker, The Murrills, The Clark Sisters, DeWayne Woods, Kelly Price, Kim Burrell and others.

Tickets for the Sept. 27 show are $20. They are available at the Lyric Opera House at lyricoperahouse.com or ticketmaster.com.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 7:30 AM | Permalink
                       

Lawrence C. Roberts, a renowned gospel producer and baritone, has died, according to The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J.

Roberts founded Savoy Records, a gospel label based in Newark, becoming the first African-American producer of a major recording company. He worked with other gospel icons including James Cleveland, Doris Duke, Albertina Walker and many others.

It was his Angelic Choir of Nutley that worked with Cleveland to produce 11 of gospel's greatest albums, including ''Peace Be Still'' and ''Stood on the Banks,'' the newspaper said.

He was pastor of First Baptist Church of Nutley (New Jersey) for many years. Roberts died in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where he retired after serving as pastor of First Baptist Church of Nutley.

To read more of the Star-Ledger report, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 2:30 PM | Permalink
                       

Chellena Black-Harris wants to be the next CeCe Winans or Yolanda Adams, two multi-award winning gospel artists.

And maybe this Californian will be one day.

But Black-Harris is praying that her appearance on America's Got Talent, the NBC show, is a steppingstone to making that dream come true.

The final competition show for "Talent" in Las Vegas has not aired. But if you want to read more about Black-Harris and her aspirations, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:36 PM | Permalink
                       

Geisinger hospital officials today said that Rev. Timothy Wright, "the Godfather of Gospel," remains in critical condition in the Danville, Pa., hospital, more than a week after a tragic accident took the lives of his wife, Betty, and grandson, D.J.

Tom Schaeffer, a spokesman with the hospital, said the family has not told Wright about the death of his wife, to whom he had been married for about 40 years. He is aware of his grandson's death.

"It's the decision of the family not to convey the information to him, not the physicians,'' Schaeffer said Monday. "They (the family) don't want them (the doctors) to convey that information. We will abide by their wishes as long as he is here with us.''

"We are letting them have their time,'' Schaeffer said. "It's a very difficult situation.''

A call to Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church in Brooklyn, where Wright is pastor, was not returned.

Wright and his family were hit by a driver going in the wrong direction on the July 4th weekend on Interstate 80 near Danville.

Wright suffers from numerous fractures throughout his body, including to his face.
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The family was returning home after a church conference in Detroit. Funeral arrangements were pending as of last week.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 4:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                       

Gospel fans will enjoy Ebony Magazine's August edition, which is on newsstands now.

This issue features the "Women of Gospel," those who have been the backbone of the music industry that speaks to a higher power and inspires the best in all of us by speaking to the heart, mind, and soul.

The article includes Albertina Walker, Shirley Caesar, Vicki Mack Lataillade, Mary Mary, Yolanda Adams, The Clark Sisters, Dottie Peoples, the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Teresa Hairston, CeCe Winans, Demetrius Alexander-Stewart, Dorothy Norwood, and Tara Griggs MaGee.

But is there anyone else that should be on this list? What do you think?

A columnist for blackvoices.com says the list leaves at least one of his favorites off the list.

Click here to read more.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

A son of Rev. Timothy Wright told reporters Friday that his father is ""fighting for his life.''

David Wright says his father, who is in critical but stable condition, is aware that 14-year-old grandson D.J. Wright died in the tragic accident last weekend. However, Wright remains unaware that his wife of about 40 years, Betty J. Wright, died in the accident in which the family car was struck by a driver going the wrong way on Interstate 80 in upstate Pennsylvania. Betty Wright was 58.

The gospel artist is known as the "Godfather of Gospel." His latest hit, written by his wife, is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,'' which is dedicated to the victims of Katrina.

Wright, 61, is lead pastor of Grace Tabernacte Christian Center of Brooklyn. His wife served as co-pastor.

Here are the various reports about Friday's news conference.

To see The New York Daily News report, click here.

To see The Daily Item, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 4:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

Funeral arrangements for Betty J. Wright, co-pastor of Grace Tabernacle Christian Center, Brooklyn, N.Y., and her grandson D.J. Wright, both of whom died after an accident last weekend, are pending, according to the Church of God In Christ Inc. Web site.

To learn more about Wright, wife of the "Godfather of Gospel," and pastor the Rev. Timothy Wright, click here.

Send condolences to Grace Tabernacle Christian Church Center, 1745 Pacific Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11213. Condolences are also being received at 162 Lincoln Ave., Roosevelt, NY 11575.

The reverend was listed in critical condition at a hospital in Pennsylvania. He suffered multiple fractures all over his body, including his face. The family, upon the request of doctors, have not told Wright about the death of his 58-year-old wife and 14-year-old grandson.

The July 4th weekend accident along Interstate 80 in Greene Township, Pa., is under investigation.

According to the New York Daily News this week, the Wright family's car was struck by John Pick of Lewisburg, Pa., while they were driving home to Roosevelt, L.I., from a church conference in Detroit, parishioners said. Pick, 44, who died as a result of the crash, was driving the wrong way.

A toxicology report was to be done to determine if Pick was under the influence of alcohol. A coroner told Wright family members that two beer cans were found in Pick's car, the Daily News story said.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
                       

There are several tributes planned this weekend in Ohio and Florida for Rev. Timothy Wright and his family.

Before the accident which took the lives of his wife Betty and grandson D.J., Wright was to perform in Ft Lauderdale on Saturday and in Canton, Ohio on Sunday.

Pastor Carolyn Ellis of Center of Hope Ministries in Florida said the benefit concert will go on now with Joe Ligon of The Might Clouds of Joy. During the event, which is to raise money for the church's homeless ministry, there will be a special video presentation and tribute to the Wrights. The city is expected to do a proclamation as well.

"He's one of the icons of our day,'' said Eillis, who has been in contact with the administrative assistant at Grace Tabernacle Christian Church where Wright is pastor. "He's a nice person and he has come to our chruch before.''

On Sunday, Wright was to perform as the featured artist during JoyFest in Canton..
Instead, organizers will host a tribute to the Wrights on Sunday, featuring a community choir performing Wright's music, says a report from The Repository newspaper of Canton.
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The four-day festival will also include gospel artists Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Tye Tribett.

To see The Respository report, click here.

To see a video tribute to Rev. Timothy Wright, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:00 PM | Permalink
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright still remained in critical condition Wednesday night, with injuries that include fractures to his jaw, neck, ribs, leg and ankle, his family has told news sources.

He was responsive earlier this week but was unable to speak because of a broken jaw and a tube in his throat, according to MyFoxNews website, a news organization in New York.

Wright, along with his wife of about 40 years - Betty Wright - and grandson D.J. Wright, were involved in collision with a car going the wrong way on an upstate Pennsylvania interstate over the July 4 weekend.

His wife and grandson died as a result of their injures in the accident, which is still under investigation by law enforcement authorities. His family has not told Wright about the deaths at the request of doctors. The family was returning from a church convention in Detriot.

Wright is known as the "The Godfather of Gospel" and is a Grammy award nominee. His latest hit song, written by his wife, is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.'' See a report on how the song, dedicated to Hurricane Katrina victims, came about in a previous post on this blog.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

Here's a report on Rev. Timothy Wright's contributions to the gospel music community by a New York station.

Wright, according to his myspace page, was to perform throughout the summer, including as the featured artist this weekend in a benefit for the Center of Hope Ministries. Fort Lauderdale event organizers plan to go on with the event and are now hosting Joe Ligon of the Mighty Clouds of Joy.

For more information, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 7:00 AM | Permalink
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright and his wife Betty were married nearly 40 years, the couples' son told the New York Daily News recently.

The report says the Wrights 17 years ago started a church - Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of God In Christ..

"Timothy Wright's name went up on the front as the pastor of Grace Tabernacle Christian Center, but Betty Wright was the co-pastor,'' a Daily News columist writes. "One notable instance of their particular magic together came during a service just after Hurricane Katrina.

"Betty suddenly stood up and began to sing a song that had come to her like lyrical lighting. The song became the title track of Timothy Wright's most recent album, 'Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.,''' the Daily News report goes on to say.

The pastor had become known as the Godfather of Gospel Music.

Tragedy struck over the July 4th Weekend. The Wrights (with their grandson D.J.) were on their way to New York from a church conference in Detroit where they watched their son David Wright's gospel group DW Project perform when they collided with a vehicle going in the wrong direction, according to the article.

Read the entire column here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

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Here are the images of praise and worship from the CeCe Winans concert this weekend at Mountain Christian Church, Joppa.

The multi-award-winning gospel artist appearance was the highlight of the Independence Day Weekend in Hartford County.

The show opened with local talent the Tony Burroughs Singers, New Destiny Evanglist Praise Team and Pastor Marium Tatem of Helping Hands Church.

Winans, who this year won an achievement award at the Stellars, sang for two hours, rendering such notable songs as "Waging War," "Oh, Holy Place" and an old favorite,"Alabaster Box.''

"She's a high spirit person. And one song I want to learn how to sing for my church is 'Waging War,''' said Gwendolyn Wilson, who with her sister attended the Saturday night concert. "When I left I bought the CD and played it all the way home.''

Added Wilson's sister, Doris Presbury,"CeCe did a marvelous job. She put the icing on the cake.''

Earlier this year, Winans released her CD Thy Kingdom Come, which is holding at No.7 on the Billboard Charts. The CD includes "Waging War" and "Thy Will Be Done,'' the two singles that have been released this year.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:30 PM | Permalink
                       

In today's New York Daily News, the daughter of Rev. Timothy Wright says he has not been told about the deaths of his wife and his grandson "at the request of the doctor.''

Earlier reports from other news sources said he was aware of the grandson's death but not his wife's.

Wright, a grammy-nominated gospel artist and pastor, remains in critical but stable condition at a Pennsylvania hospital where he is recovering from multiple injuries he suffered after his car was involved in a collision with another vehicle going the wrong way over the July 4 weekend. His wife, Betty Wright, and grandson, D.J. Wright, were killed.

To read the New York Daily News report, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright's sons were interviewed by Fox 5 in New York.
They told reporters that Wright, who is in critical but stable condition, has suffered numerous fractures, including a broken jaw, after a car deadly accident this weekend that claimed the lives of his wife, Betty Wright and grandson, D.J. Wright.

The family asks for prayer and thanked fans for their love and well wishes.

To see the latest report, click here.

Wright and his wife co-pastor Grace Tabernacle in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (26)
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright, who with his wife and grandson, were in a tragic accident in route home from a Detroit church conference, is "holding on" say family members in Newsday.

Wright remains hospitalized and alert. He was informed about the death of his grandson, D.J. Wright in the accident. However, the family is holding off telling the gospel artist and pastor about his beloved wife, Betty Wright, who also died in the weekend accident.

Betty Wright, was co-pastor with Rev. Wright, of Grace Tabernacle Church of God In Christ in Brooklyn, N.Y. She wrote the couple's latest gospel hit inspired by Hurricane Katrina victims, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.''

According to blackvoices.com, 29-year-old David Wright, one of the couple's five sons, suffered an apparent mild heart attack after learning the news.

To read more, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (95)
                       

It's been a long time coming, but Mary Mary is set to release a new CD, The Sound, in August.
According to Gospel Music Channel, the ladies are expected to release the single "Get Up" sometime this month. The CD will feature top gospel artists, from Marvin Winans to Musiq Soulchild. It promises to be a mix of praise and worhship that will appeal to down-home gospel lovers and still give hop hop, R&B and Rock fans something to shout about.

Mary Mary, along with Tye Tribbett (Stand Out), will be filming an episode of Gospel Music Channel's Front Row Live series in Atlanta on July 25. The show will air at a later date. The sisters are expected to go on tour in September to promote the project. Dates for the tour were not available.

The sisters' last CD was a Christmas Album in 2006, which didn't do well on the music charts.
Their last CD that broke the Top 10 was in 2005 with a self-title CD that included the hit "Heaven."

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                       

Rev. Timothy Wright remains in critical condition, although he is alert. Wright was injured during a weekend accident on his return to Brooklyn New York from a church convention in Detroit. His wife, Betty Wright, and grandson, D.J. Wright, 14, died of their injuries in the accident.

To read more about what Wright's church is going through, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (103)
                       

Here's a video report, click here, on the prayer service for Grace Tabernacle Pastor Rev. Timothy Wright, who remains in critical condition after a tragic accident this weekend. His wife and co-pastor of the church, Betty Wright, and grandson, D.J. Wright died in the accident.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
                       

Congregants at the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center prayed for the recovery of their pastor and gospel artist Rev. Timothy Wright, who remains in the hospital in critical condition after a head on collision with another vehicle. His wife, Betty Wright, and grandson, D.J. Wright died from their injuries in the weekend accident.

To read more, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
                       

Gospel artist Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose is willing to give a free concert to any church in the United States.

This is not a gimmick!!! Click here for more information. The contest ends July 15.

The Stellar Award-winning artist and Baltimore native is enjoying huge success with "My Name Is Victory,'' which is steadily climbing the Radio Gospel Charts at No.13. This hit song appears on his latest CD, Right Now Praise.

In Baltimore, you can see Nelson with Purpose and other local gospel artists July 11 at New Psalmist Baptist Church. Click here for more information.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:03 AM | Permalink
                       

Newsday reports that famed gospel artist Rev. Timothy Wright is in critical condition, and his wife Betty Wright and grandson D.J. Wright have died after a wrong way accident in upstate Pennsylvania.

To get the details, click here.

Wright's most recent gospel hit is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus," a song dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Award-winning gospel artist CeCe Winans will perform 7 p.m. Saturday at Mountain Christian Church in Joppa.

Winans, who hails from a family of gospel greats, recently recently released Thy Kingdom Come, her eighth solo CD..

Tickets are $37.50 in advance and $45 at the door. Call 866-926-3921 for information.
The concert at 1824 Mountain Road is part of a weekend of Independence Day events held in Harford County.

For more information, click here.

CeCe Winans' brothers, who are known as The Winans, were honored for their legendary work in gospel at the Grammy Salute to Gospel last month. She participated in that program.

See Grammy Salute to Gospel, click here .

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:30 AM | Permalink
                       

American Gospel.tv returns this weekend looking for a Baltimore talent that will be one of several opening acts for headliner Martha Munizzi at Powerfest in Orlando later this year.

Louis Thomas, president of American Gospel and Powerfest, said 35 semi-finalists here will take the stage at the Crowne Plaza in Timonium on Saturday. The field will be narrowed down to three finalists who will compete for the top prize of winning an all expense trip to Orlando, including spending money, and the opportunity to open the show. There are three shows, 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m and 5:30 p.m. For more information, call Thomas at 321-663-5515 or email him at info@powerfestorlando.org

Thomas has taken his American-Idol like show case to Orlando (its base), Jacksonville, Charlotte, Atlanta and Baltimore to find acts of all kinds -- from gospel musicians to Christian comedians, from gospel dancers to mimes. A winner from each area will perform on Oct. 11 at the Florida Citrus Bowl.

Munizzi, a judge on Gospel Music Channel's Gospel Dream 2008, was recently here in the Baltimore-Washington area for the Grammy Salute to Gospel. She recently released her latest CD, Change The World.

More than 200 participated in Baltimore auditions earlier this year. To learn more about American Gospel, click here. You'll also find Powerfest information here .

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                       

Jazz singer Rene Marie earlier this week made a statement in song when she sang the Negro spiritual "Lift Every Voice and Sing" instead of the National Anthem at the Denver mayor's State of the City address.

The audience was aghast. Marie sang the song, commonly known as the Black National Anthem, to the melody of the National Anthem.

According to the Rocky Mountain News, she was following her own artistic expression.

Click here to read more about Marie's solo, city officials' reaction and to see the video of her performance.

CHIME IN: Do you think the song was appropriate for this event?

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:23 AM | Permalink
                       

Fresh off her win at Gospel Dream, Melinda Watts is seeing her talent and notoriety bring other opportunities.

Radio stations nationwide are playing "Tis So Sweet,'' one of the songs she performed during the American-Idol-like show, which ended Sunday on Gospel Music Channel.

According to Alvin Williams, senior director of music at the Atlanta-based station, here's what being talked about for Watts' future: gospel CD release in 2009; concert appearances at churches around the United States; a role in J.D. Lawrence's next play Clean Up Woman; and an opportunity to sing or record with gospel greats such as Byron Cage, William Murphy and Bishop Paul Morton and the Full Gospel Fellowship Mass Choir.

"I'm a big fan of music reality shows like American Idol,'' Williams said earlier this week. "It was Carrie Underwood and Fantasia that really made that show jump out.

"Melinda has really knocked down the door (for Gospel Dream),'' he said. "Anything she sings, it gives you this conviction.''

If all goes well, Baltimore will get its first look at Watts should she sign on with Lawrence. His urban theater play is expected to come through town, Williams said.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 10:20 AM | Permalink
                       

Seven Sons of Soul rocked the stadium at Six Flag's Praise in The Park last weekend.

And the crowd responded in kind as it braved the hot temperatures to hear the group that sounds more like The Mighty Clouds of Joy with R&B flavor.

The group sang crowd favorites such as "Prayin 4 You'' "Prayer Changes" and "Need You" as one of the opening acts for John P. Kee on Saturday.

Their name would suggest that there are seven members, but only six members of the Washington-based group were on stage..

So I asked about the seventh man. See the video for the complete answer. But the group believes it's "the seventh man" that covers them and allows them to take their music ministry forward.

The Stellar Award nominated group's latest CD is Witness, which was released last year. A self-titled CD was released in 2004. There are plans for a live concert CD.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:23 PM | Permalink
                       

Former Kirk Franklin & the Family member Christopher Simpson has died at 36, according to Gospelflava.com.

Simpson died as a result of injuries he suffered in an accident earlier last month. He died June 28.

Simpson was the lead singer in "Jesus is the Reason for The Season," a hit on the Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas CD (1995).

Simpson was also a former member of John P. Kee and the New Life Community Choir. He released a solo project in 2000, called Conversion.

A report on how Simpson died can be found here in the Dallas Morning News.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                       

Last fall, Jessica Greene took her ministry of song to another level, when she released her first CD 4 The World.

But in many ways she was a bit naive about the business aspect, she says. So she's still learning that gospel music is a business, from making the right contacts to having the right look, from stage presence to understanding her audience needs.

After singing just a few songs from her CD Saturday afternoon at Praise In the Park at Six Flags, the Church of The Redeemed of The Lord (CRL) member talked to Gospelrama to explain what she now knows and gives advice to others seeking to enter the industry. She also talked about another project that she is working on with the CRL youth choir.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:30 AM | Permalink
                       

Over the weekend, Calfornian Melinda Watts won The 2008 Gospel Dream contest, an American Idol-inspired program that gives the winning hopeful a chance at stardom with a record and music video deal and a Royal Caribbean Cruise.

The show is seen on Gospel Music Channel, which is available on Comcast in Baltimore City but not in Baltimore County.

Watts, a educator and founder of a nonprofit that helps troubled girls in Fair Oaks, Calif., won the judges over, beating out Dream finalist Kymm Lowery of Beach Park, Ill. and John McKoy, Jr. of Monroe, N.C.

Judges Big Jim Wright, an award winning record producer/songwriter, Dove and Stellar award-winning artist Martha Munizzi and J Moss, who has one of Gospel's top production companies PJAM, were impressed with her performances of the contemporary praise song "You are Good” and the traditional hymn "Tis So Sweet.”

"Tis So Sweet” has already been recorded as Watt's first single and is receiving airtime on radio stations acrss the United States, according to Gospel Music Channel.

To learn more about the show and Watts, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 3:30 PM | Permalink
                       

Keyboardist Justin Savage and singer Juanita Contee from the Baltimore-based gospel group Purpose sang last weekend at the wedding of Baltimore Ravens tight end Daniel Wilcox to Shauna Chin, a former Ms. Belize.

The duo, from Jonathan Nelson featuring Purpose, sang "The Prayer" by gospel artists Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin.

Chin said last week she selected this song because "that's our prayer for our marriage and new beginning.''

Three hundred guests were invited to the the wedding, which took place on the 50-yard line at at M&T Stadium, a first for the Baltimore Ravens venue.

To learn more about Savage, who will play for CeCe Winans when she comes to town on Saturday (See Gospelrama later this week for a post on this concert.), click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 12:00 PM | Permalink
                       

This picture of Marvin Sapp made me think of when I interviewed him a few weeks ago while in concert at the Church of the Redeemed of the Lord

In this photo from last week's 2008 BET Awards, he looks in awe and humbled by what has happened in his life the last year. And that's what I felt when I met him.

BET will re-air the awards program again at 7:30 tonight.

If you missed the many performances, including the one of Sapp, here's your chance to catch up on what you missed. Or if you want to see the "CliffsNotes" version, including the performance by Sapp, click here.

Posted by Karlayne Parker at 8:00 AM | Permalink