Video - "God Is Faithful" - Jennifer Holliday

Jennifer Holliday has released her first gospel music video for the single "God Is Faithful."  The song was written by Keith A.Williams and is the featured song on her current digital-only EP, available at CD Baby.  

Holliday was presented to another generation of music enthusiasts recently, after her appearance on this season's American Idol with finalist Jessica Sanchez.  The two brought down the house with the tune that made Holliday a household name, "And I Am Telling You," from the Broadway musical, Dream Girls.

Video - "Down in the Valley to Pray" - Doc Watson (1923-2012)

Bluegrass singer/songwriter/guitarist and North Carolina native Doc Watson has died.  He was 89.

Watson enjoyed a successful career as a bluegrass, country, and folk artist.  The seven-time Grammy winner and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient also recorded gospel, including the Grammy-winning album On Praying Ground.

Greensboro's WFMY News 2 highlights Watson's influence: Doc Watson Bluegrass Legend Dies At 89 In Winston-Salem.  Meanwhile, GMF shares a beautiful a capella tune it located on YouTube.  The Watson family, friends, and music community have GMF's sincerest condolences.

Broadway singer Carrie Smith (1925-2012) started in gospel

The New York Times details the career of jazz and blues singer Carrie Smith, who passed away Sunday, May 20.  Smith began, as many do, in the gospel genre before becoming a recording artist, achieving acclaim on Broadway, and gaining notoriety abroad.

GMF sends condolences to her family, friends, and fans.

"I Trust in God" - John Thorpe and Family

"I Trust in God"
John Thorpe and Family
From the CD, John Thorpe and Family "Live" with Dr. Bobby Jones (2012)
Available at CD Baby

Kudos to the groups and choirs of today that reserve spots for a traditional, minimally altered hymn or two in their otherwise trendy, radio-friendly repertoires.

McCollins Thorpe, Sr. solidifies this space for John Thorpe and Family with "I Trust in God," an arrangement of the W.C. Martin hymn, "My Father Watches Over Me."  It's Thorpe, Sr., the eldest brother of the 14 siblings, whose vibratic tenor hinges on the upswings and downward slopes of every note to create a moderately slow but soulful number that baptist pastor Martin himself, were he to overhear from Glory, would give a nod to.

While John Thorpe and Family are a choir that occasionally consists of all 14 brothers and sisters plus a niece and nephew, their material is crafted with a traditional quartet-like vibe--a subgenre in which the Thorpe brothers, who are the primary lead singers, are firmly planted.  This is why Thorpe, Sr. is able to guide them from the flowing expressive verses right into a toe-tapping chorus and vamp with ease, adding just the right amount of spice to the sweetness of the early 20th century composition.

2012 BET Awards Nominees Announced

Kim Burrell

Yolanda Adams, Kim Burrell, James Fortune & FIYA, Fred Hammond, and Trin-i-tee 5:7 are the Best Gospel Artist nominees for this year's BET Awards.

The show will air live July 1, at 8 PM EST, on the BET network with Samuel L. Jackson as the host. 

See the complete list of nominees here: BET Awards '12 Nominees.

"Don't Forget About Me" - Cat Cole

"Don't Forget About Me"
Cat Cole
From the digital mixtape, Strait from Da Soul of Cat Cole (2012)
Available at http://myxer.com/CATCOLE

"Can I do an old Tommy Ellison song?" Cat Cole asks at the start of "Don't Forget About Me."  Cole has a way of merging sounds of yesteryear with a style that appeals to gospel quartet lovers, R&B heads, and young folk alike.

Right after his question, the song he's asking about struts off in shuffle rhythm while Cole pours out his lines with the intensity of a 1970's soul singer.  About halfway in, the rhythm falls into a good ol' straight quartet pocket as he turns the corner on the run and petitions, "Come on, Jesus."  The background vocalists sing the same, falling slightly behind the beat.  It's a groove you have to hear for yourself.  And you can--absolutely free.

Cole, whose real name is Castro Coleman, made this and several other tracks available online for free, last month.  He says Strait From Da Soul of Cat Cole is the first of several mixtapes that will drop every 90 days while he works on his upcoming album, The Favor Factor, which is scheduled for release later this year on the 4Winds/Malaco label.  Cole is the lead singer of Castro Coleman and Highly Favored and the music director for the Williams Brothers.

"Lord, You're the Landlord" - Mississippi Mass Choir

"Lord, You're the Landlord"
Mississippi Mass Choir
From the CD, Then Sings My Soul (2011)
www.mississippimass.com

It takes an aggregation like Malaco's tenured Mississippi Mass Choir to pull off lines like, "Lord, You're the landlord, and there's a leak in Your building. Fix it, fix it like You said You would."  Voiced by some other choirs, such words might come off as demanding; to the new school, maybe even a little corny.  Not so with Miss Mass.

Original member and principal vocalist Lillian Lilly capably leads this Frederick Knight composition (previously recorded by labelmate Eddie Ruth Bradford) with the faith-filled fervor that the informal and simplistic lyrics call for, while the multi-award winning choir concurs: "I can't fix it....You're my landlord....Fix it like You said You would."

The metaphor may not necessarily strike a chord with younger listeners, but "Lord, You're the Landlord" is definitely your grandmother's kind of hand-clapper.

Pastor Marvin Winans robbed, carjacked

“This kind of nonsense just has to stop," Pastor Marvin Winans told ABC7 Action News Wednesday afternoon after being assaulted, robbed, and carjacked while pumping gas at a Detroit Citgo.  He spoke further with ABC7 Wednesday night upon leaving the hospital with a fractured finger.

The pastor of Detroit's Perfecting Church, Winans is also a Grammy-winning singer.  His current musical collaboration, "Let the Church Say Amen," features him with Andraé Crouch on Crouch's The Journey project and has become an instant classic.  Winans also appears in a recurring acting role on Tyler Perry's House of Payne, and he recently gained even more prominence as the eulogist for the homegoing of Whitney Houston.

Update (5/18/12 4:06 PM EST) - Man who allegedly punched Pastor Marvin Winans has been arrested, 3 now in custody

Helen Baylor breaks silence on music industry pitfalls and her recent addiction

Helen Baylor recently sat down with CBN's Efrem Graham (May 10), and candidly addressed the negative influences that pervade the gospel music industry.

During her interview, Baylor--recognized in gospel for her riveting testimony and thankfulness for having "a praying grandmother" (The Live Experience/Word Records)--also discussed her marriage, which ended after 30 years, and the recurrence of her struggle with drugs.

Aretha Franklin to be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame

GMF is excited to learn that Aretha Franklin will be added to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame this August in Tennessee.  It is another well deserved honor for the "Queen of Soul," whose roots in gospel music run deep.  CBS News is one of several outlets that shared the announcement a few days ago: Aretha Franklin to Join Gospel Hall of Fame.

You can listen to a few of Aretha's classic gospel pearls on the YouTube channel of GMF's partner, Gospel Experience.  The channel has an entire playlist (below) devoted to her.

Related Story
Aretha Franklin: Pumping Out Soul and Preaching Up Gospel

Song by Renee Spearman and Prez pays respect to mothers

(Hollywood, CA)  Established in 1908 to honor mothers worldwide, Mother’s Day is now one of the world’s most beloved holidays.  To mark the occasion, award-winning inspirational duo and JDI recording artists Renee Spearman and Prez have released a classic Mother’s Day song entitled “Happy Mother’s Day,” featuring Prez Blackmon.

The song is available on iTunes.

"No Weapon" - Pastor Linwood Dillard and The Voices of Citadel

"No Weapon"
Pastor Linwood Dillard and The Voices of Citadel
From the CD, Pastor Linwood Dillard Presents Churchin' with The Citadel (2012)
http://citadelofdeliverance.com

Put your dancing shoes on, because you will surely need them for "No Weapon."  Pastor Linwood Dillard and The Voices of Citadel's exuberant single is an extended praise break with a layer of lyrics proclaiming the obvious: "No weapon formed against me shall prosper."

The high energy stomper begins with an igneous 13-second homily before the band thrusts the choir into its emphatic declaration.

Superintendent Linwood Dillard, Jr. is the founding pastor of Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ in Germantown, TN, and the International Youth Department President of the Church of God in Christ, Inc.

"Turn It Around" - Tim Rogers & The Fellas f. John P. Kee

"Turn It Around"
Tim Rogers & The Fellas feat. John P. Kee
From the upcoming CD, Real (Available June 19, 2012)
Blackberry Records

Question: What do you get when you put one of the baddest rising quartets and the "Prince of Gospel" in the same studio?

Answer: You get one head-bobbing inspirational tune that's shaking up radio and uplifting hearts all over the country.

"Turn It Around" is the current single by Arkansas's Tim Rogers & The Fellas featuring John P. Kee.  The 32 year-old singer/songwriter/pastor and Kee deliver this mid-tempo bounce so earnestly that by the time they finish hurling their doses of encouragement ("Even if your life is still in a mess, believe God for your blessing--it's comin' to your address"), your faith in the power of God is unwavering.

"Turn It Around" is from Tim Rogers & The Fellas' forthcoming CD, Real, scheduled for release in June.

 

"Love No Limit" - Carl Brister

"Love No Limit"
Carl Brister
From the CD, Undefeated (2011)
www.carlbrister.com

It's the inspirational gospel remake of Mary J. Blige's hip-hop soul track, but Carl Brister makes "Love No Limit" his own with rewritten lyrics and his smooth and occasionally jazzy vocal.

Describing himself as a fan of Blige, Brister says, "After I accepted my calling to minister, the words 'Love No Limit' took on new meaning and reminded me of God's unconditional love which has 'No Limit.'"

Brister, who is a classically trained vocalist, serves as an associate minister, worship leader, and vocal instructor at Irvington, NJ's Christian Love Baptist Church.

Zacardi Cortez wants you to pick his next single

“I want everybody who ever liked anything I’ve done to help me pick my next radio single,” says gospel sensation Zacardi Cortez.

That's right.  The 25 year-old Houston-based singer's CD, The Introduction, has 13 tracks, and he's inviting his fans to help him pick the next single for a chance to win $500.

“I’m so proud of my new CD. It’s got a little bit of everything on it. I’ve got some quartet, some hymns, some praise and worship and I’ve even got some stuff with a little R&B groove. So, I need the help of the gospel music community to help me pick the song that will bless the most people and touch their hearts.”

You can preview the songs and make your pick by clicking here.

"All Go Back" - Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters

"All Go Back"
Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters
From the CD, On the Right Road Now (2012)
www.malaco.com

Traditional quartet at its core is what Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters bring to "All Go Back," from their current CD, On the Right Road Now.

The number is a spin on the traditional "Old Landmark" that turns a sharp corner in the vamp with Edwards and the sisters rockin' out on the line, "Take it back!" 

"You can do it....It's yours for the asking!" Edwards declares.

The Greenville, NC group blazes this track from start to finish with a drive that won't quit, even after the music stops near the four-minute mark.

Tammy Edwards and the Edwards Sisters have carried their message up and down the east coast and different parts of the country for more than 30 years.

A Celebration Fit for a Queen!

Bishop Harold I. Williams presents his wife, Pastor Shirley Caesar, 
as the newly crowned "Queen of Gospel."

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

"Mahalia Jackson is gone, but we have Shirley Caesar!" shouted longtime Caesar Singer, Bernard Sterling to a capacity crowd at Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church.  "We're gonna love her while she's here!"

A jubilant ovation erupts.  It was one of many during the five hour salute.

Every pew was packed and folding chairs were filled inside the 1500 seat sanctuary Sunday night as its pastor, Shirley Caesar, was crowned "Queen of Gospel." 

The symbolic crown--previously worn by greats Mahalia Jackson and Albertina Walker--was passed to Walker's protégé Caesar, whose accolades include 11 Grammy, 13 Stellar, and 18 Dove Awards; McDonald's Golden Circle and SESAC Lifetime Achievement Awards; and induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Throughout the celebratory musical, no less than 14 performers paid tribute with several of Her Majesty's hits like "Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name," "Heaven," and the perennial favorite, "No Charge."  Pastor Caesar smiled, clapped, swayed, and occasionally stood in awe.

Even the youngest generation of gospel singers was well represented in the persons of twelve year-old Michael Boone, nine year-old Rev. Leniyus Sullivan, and eight year-old Symone "Baby Shirley" Spencer.

Also in the house as a surprise guest was Douglas Miller, whose classic "My Soul Has Been Anchored" ripened the atmosphere for a praise break.

In the styling of the British monarchy, Sunday's coronation followed similar protocols such as Pastor Caesar being anointed with oil (left) by Bishop Harold I. Williams, Patriarch of the Mount Calvary Holy Church of America, Inc.  Dressed in an exquisite floor-length gown with dainty gold accents, the ageless beauty then rose to receive the charge from Evangelist Carolyn Sanders.  Following the charge and presentation of the Holy Bible, master of ceremony Jerry Smith of Radio One crowned Pastor Caesar, as the title "Queen of Gospel" was bestowed.  To a thunderous standing ovation, she was given a bouquet of flowers and presented with more gifts, including a trophy.

As the long evening drew to a close, Queen Shirley took to the lectern, graced the congregation with "Strong Man"--sprinkling a sermonette over its chorus--and expressed heartfelt gratitude along with a sobering exhortation.

"I charge you tonight," she urged, "as many as who stand on my shoulders...walk holy...live holy....Live what you sing.  Live what you preach and teach."

_________________________________

From left to right: twelve year-old Michael Boone sings "No Charge," eight year-old Symone Spencer performs "Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name," and nine year-old Rev. Leniyus Sullivan delivers the Caravans' "Lord Keep Me Day By Day."

Grammy-winning producer Sanchez Harley recalls how Pastor Caesar orchestrated an opportunity for him to produce on her 1983 gospel album Sailin', which garnered a Grammy.  After citing Caesar as his favorite singer, he adds, "That [crown] is not an imaginary token crown. She is the Queen--the real deal."

Jerry Smith, of Radio One's The Light 103.9FM, prepares to crown Pastor Caesar as Bishop Williams and Bernard Sterling look on.

The newly crowned "Queen of Gospel" receives more gifts including a framed commemorative announcement of the ceremony and a trophy presented by Dr. Mildred Summerville (second from left), on behalf of The Diamond Club.

Related Stories 

Shirley Caesar to be crowned "Queen of Gospel" - CALLING ALL FANS

Shirley Caesar on Today's 'Singingest' Women, Whitney, and the Big Screen

Lecrae, Burrell, Franklin win at 43rd Dove Awards

Lecrae

Lecrae, Kim Burrell, and Kirk Franklin were among a diverse list of winners at this year's 43rd annual GMA Dove Awards, held April 19, at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.  Vocalists Deitrick Haddon and Richard Smallwood also took home honors for Urban Album of the Year and Traditional Gospel Album of the Year, respectively.

See the complete list of winners here: 43rd Annual GMA Dove Award Winners.

GMF Anniversary Giveaway! (April 27)

Today wraps up the month-long celebration of GMF's first anniversary.  Thank you for joining in the celebration and thank you for reading Gospel Music Fever.  As we enter our second year of being your "RED HOT blog spot for all things gospel," we look forward to continuing to bring you news, interviews, articles, reviews and more on your favorite gospel artists.

Here is today's trivia:

In September 2011, GMF quoted this renowned gospel singer, who called national singing aggregation the Yancey Family "the best kept secret in Granville County [NC]."  She also features them as songwriters and lead vocalists on her current CD.

4/30/12 1:06 PM EST - Congratulations to Joyce Thorpe who was the first to email us with the correct answer: Dorothy Norwood.  You can read a bit more about the Yancey Family here.

Be the first to email the correct answer to gmfgiveaway@libranicole.com and receive the Yancey Family's CD, All in One.

The Best of Elder Goldwire McLendon - Elder Goldwire McLendon

Elder Goldwire McLendon
The Best of Elder Goldwire McLendon
Music World Gospel (2012)
www.musicworldent.com/artists/eldergoldwire

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Many viewers of BET's Sunday Best 3 were captivated by Elder Goldwire McLendon from the moment he mesmerized judges Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, and Tina Campbell at his audition with the Gaither hymn "He Touched Me."  He went on to delight audiences every week with his velvet vocals and "soft-shoe shuffle" when the Spirit moved him.  Ultimately, the elder and former pastor became the runner-up to Le'Andria Johnson in the finale.  The fans he picked up along the way have anxiously awaited the release of his new project--The Best of Elder Goldwire McLendon--which features seven new recordings of the songs he wowed audiences with throughout the music contest.

At 81 years old, Elder McLendon may be new to the broader gospel community, but he is a legend in Philadelphia, where he was a member of Savoy recording group The Savettes, and where he was honored at Philadelphia's First Annual Living Legend Music Awards (alongside Chubby Checker, Dee Dee Sharp, and Billy Paul).

Certainly, Elder McLendon has the skill and anointing to invoke the Holy Spirit's presence.  It was a younger Goldwire McLendon who sang at the 1970 funeral of Ruth Davis, lead singer of the Golden Era gospel group, The Davis Sisters.  According to Anthony Heilbut's book, The Gospel Sound, when he sang "Just to Behold His Face," gospel icon Clara Ward "fell out, hollering long, loud, eminently musical shrieks."

If there's a number on The Best of Elder Goldwire McLendon that could create a similar effect, I imagine it would be "The Battle Is the Lord's," especially if it were to be experienced live.  "Jesus Be A Fence Around Me" may not make you fall out, but hand-clapping, toe-tapping, and head-bobbing are probable.  It's in the vamp especially, that Elder McLendon rhythmically riffs over a funky organ driven musical backdrop, inserting phrases like "can't no devil penetrate that fence" and "don't leave no gap in between Lord."

Not surprisingly, McLendon is very much at home with hymns, as is obvious by his equal parts simple and stirring rendition of "How Great Thou Art," over lone piano accompaniment, and by his polished tenor on the traditional "I Know It Was the Blood."  On the latter, he swings occasionally into a deliciously sweet falsetto before taking you to church in the vamp.  He does similarly on his cover of Edwin Hawkins' "O Happy Day."  Also for your listening and swaying pleasure are his covers of Alvin Darling's "He's All Over Me" and "I'll Take You There," popularized by the Staples Singers.  

With clean production by Stanley Brown and the tunes that kept the elder at the top week after week, my only disappointment is that this isn't a live project with a companion DVD.

Favorites
"How Great Thou Art" - "I Know It Was the Blood" - "O Happy Day"

Fever Meter
SMOKIN' (4 of 5 Stars)

Shirley Caesar to be crowned this Sunday

Click flyer to enlarge