After being postponed from its usual December-taping, BET’s popular Celebration of Gospel returns to Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theater for a taping on March 16, 2012 at 8pm PT.
The long-running program will again be hosted by Steve Harvey. No word yet on who performers will be.
Visit http://www.bet.com/celebrationofgospel for updates and info. There’s nothing there just yet, but there will be. And I guess I’ll clue you in as I get details, too. 
It’s been a minute since we’ve gotten a video from Yolanda Adams.
This one is for “Be Still,” one of the singles from her independently released 2011 album Becoming.
The vid features a busy busy Adams, running from private jet to hotel, from make-up to meetings, from press to fashion shows and finally to mommyhood. And in the midst of it all, a call to ‘be still’ and trust God.
The concept is cool, the lighting and production is top-notch. Check it out–
What do you think?
Congrats are in order to Anthony J. Brown, who has been signed by Tyscot Records!
A noted artist, songwriter and producer, Brown recently wrote the radio hit “It Ain’t Over” for Maurette Brown Clark, but has been known for some time for his work with his group, Group TherAPy.
Apparently, VaShawn Mitchell will partner with Tyscot in a joint venture label deal to bring Brown’s new project this year.
He had a pretty tight song, called “Harvest Song,” featuring Maurette Brown Clark, last year… check it out!
The latest installment of the WOW Gospel compilation series debuts at #3 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart this week, followed directly by Worship, the newest project from Myron Butler.
James Fortune & FIYA retain the #1 spot on the charts with their purchase-worthy Identity.
Here’s the full Top 10…
1 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
2 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise Sountrack
3 | WOW Gospel 2012
4 | Myron Butler – Worship
5 | William McDowell – Arise
6 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
7 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
8 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
9 | Lecrae – Rehab
10 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of…
Next week, expect Top 10 showings from Fred Hammond for his latest project, God, Love & Romance. Got it yet? Check out snippets and my review… and grab it!
I just got word that BeBe Winans is planning to release a patriotic-themed project, titled America America this year. No release date has been given.
The album will feature Winans’ spin on classic patriotic tunes like “America the Beautiful,” “Lift Every Voice,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and “The Star Spangled Banner,” but it’s also got some originally penned songs like “America America,” “We’re the United States of America,” and “Ultimate Sacrifice.”
Of the album’s direction, BeBe Winans says “the inspiration for America America is the time we are living in. Sometimes, we forget that we are all Americans. At sporting events, when the national anthem is sung, everyone stands– black, white, rich, poor– everyone.”
He’s definitely got the voice for it. BeBe’s tone and delivery is unmatched.
Curious to see who the audience will be, though… you buying it?
Check out this cool behind-the-scenes peek into all that went into making this year’s BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards luncheon.
It’s a pretty cool glance at the production efforts of the BMI team as they prepare one of the most highly-attended and highly-anticipated events in gospel music.
Take 6 is, hands-down, one of my favorite groups ever– tight blend, tight harmonies, tight tones, tight songs. Open and shut case.
They’re back with a new single, titled “One.” Its lyrics are playful but intentional, and the vibe is classic “Take 6.” The single is the title track from their upcoming album, One, in stores on March 27, 2012.
I also hear that they just wrapped a video shoot for the single, featuring Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight and Lalah Hathaway.
I just posted it to the Pundit Player, so click here to take a listen!.
I can’t lie– I’m super proud of James Fortune as I type this!
James Fortune & FIYA’s new album, Identity, has debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart and Independent Albums chart. He has also debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200! It represents the first #1 debut of his career, a great feat for the first album on his own label. Kudos!
Here’s the rest of the Top 10 this week…
1 | James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
2 | Various Artists – Joyful Noise Sountrack
3 | Le’Andria Johnson – The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson…
4 | William McDowell – Arise
5 | Kirk Franklin – Hello Fear
6 | Marvin Sapp – Playlist: The Very Best of…
7 | Lecrae – Rehab
8 | Shirley Caesar – The Ultimate Collection
9 | Charlie Haden & Hank Jones – Come Sunday
10 | Isaac Carree – Uncommon Me
Next week, we should see entries on the chart from Myron Butler and WOW Gospel 2012.
You have James Fortune’s new project yet???
Representatives for Mary Mary have just announced that Erica Campbell gave birth to a baby girl, Zaya Monique, last night (Tuesday, January 24, 2012). Mother and daughter are resting comfortably.
Erica stated that she and husband, Warryn Campbell, are “feeling so thankful and so blessed to have our sweet Zaya finally make her grand entrance into the world! God is awesome, our family couldn’t be more happy than we are today!”
Zaya Monique was born at 6 lbs, 12 oz.
Congrats Campbell fam!
Stylist J. Bolin recently launched Denim Magazine, a digital fashion mag featuring incredible features and styling. He recently featured one of gospel’s favorite couples– James and Cheryl Fortune.
Check out photos from the spread below and visit Denim Magazine to see more!
