The latest project in the Gotta Have Gospel series– this one, featuring Choirs– will be in stores on July 27th.  There will also be an accompanying DVD released on the same day.

Check out the track listing–

1. Lift Him Up -Hezekiah Walker
2. Victory (Live) -Tye Tribbett & G.A.
3. Zion Rejoice (featuring Erica Campbell of Mary Mary) -Faithful Central Church
4. Let The Praise Begin -Fred Hammond & Radical For Christ
5. You Are Good -Lakewood Church
6. High And Lifted Up -Joe Pace
7. God Is Featuring The Tri-City Singers -Dewayne Woods
8. Imagine Me -Kirk Franklin
9. I Speak Life -Donald Lawrence featuring Donnie McClurkin
10. Total Praise -Richard Smallwood With Vision
11. God Great God -Kurt Carr
12. Holy Is The Lord -The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
13. Show Up! -The New Life Community Choir Featuring John P. Kee
14. The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow -Bobby Jones & New Life with The Nashville Super Choir
15. Stand! -VIP Mass Choir featuring John P. Kee
16. Give Thanks- T.D. Jakes

For anyone who doesn’t already have the individual projects that first featured these songs, this is a pretty decent line-up.  I am, however, givin’ the side-eye to the notion that Kirk Franklin’s “Imagine Me” should be listed as a choir song…

Again, it’s in stores next Tuesday, but you can pre-order now by clicking here.

Anyone thinking of grabbin’ it?  Do you guys typically buy compilation projects like this???

Full disclosure– I love tons of new artists, but rarely get excited about ‘em.

It’s just that the concept of “longevity” in the gospel music industry is becoming increasingly foreign (maybe I’ll do a blog post about that later), so I rarely put my eggs of excitement into any new artist’s basket.

Immediately after listening to track 3 of More Than I Ever Had, the new album from developing group Rashad McPherson & Divine Purpose, I chucked away a few worshipful tears and immediately went to call Rashad McPherson’s team.  My sentiments: I am more passionate about this group’s raw ability and potential than ANY new artist I have seen in gospel music in a while.

Why?  A couple of reasons.

The artist format– frontman with an ensemble behind him– is familiar, but fresh because each of the singers with him can sing the walls DOWN (I’ve already got a personal fave from among them!).  The music is beautiful.  Just downright beautiful– lyrically, melodically, instrumentally.  McPherson has captured the sound of authentic “gospel,” and gives just enough to stir up nostalgic nuances of Kirk Franklin, Donald Lawrence or Hezekiah Walker, while still taking us on a musical journey into new terrain.

Rashad McPherson is a Berklee College of Music grad, as evident in the superb musicality you’ll hear in the tunes.  Standout tracks for me are “Everything You Are,” “The Promise,” “You’re My Reason For Breathing,” “I Would Be Lost Without You,” “He Made Me Well” and “More Than I Ever Had.”

I kid you not, nor do I intend to deceive and waste your money– if you adore contemporary gospel music by ensembles, you will not be disappointed by this project.  I endorse it wholeheartedly.  Big time.

To prove my point, I convinced Rashad McPherson to let me stream three tracks (I’m too excited) for you guys to listen to!

CLICK HERE to launch the PunditPlayer and Check ‘Em Out on the tracks ”Everything You Are,” “I Would Be Lost Without You” and “More Than I Ever Had.”  Geez… I also kinda wanna add “The Promise,” but I’ll wait… I believe you’ll still get a dose of what this phenomenal group has to offer.

And if you like what you’re hearing, listen to more and grab a copy of your own at CDBaby.com.  Also, make sure you connect with them on Facebook (click here) and on Twitter (click here).

Okay, folks– what do you think of what you’ve heard so far???

Is it just me, or does anyone else reeeeeallly hope the powers-that-be at BMI will honor Walter Hawkins at their annual BMI Trailblazers Awards during Stellar Awards weekend in Nashville this January???

The only problem– BMI honored The Hawkins Family in 2006.  In that tribute, they included music from both Walter & Edwin… too much to do a repeat?

I dunno.  But oooh, it’s just such a PERFECT fit.  Then, broadcast that bad boy on gmc again?!  Whaaat?!

Come on, somebody… is it just me?!

Is it just me, or don’t we need a major tribute to Walter Hawkins at the Stellar Awards in January 2011?

I’m talkin’ MAAAAJOR… like, get the folks together and start preppin’ and rehearsin’ TOMORRUH.

*shrugs*

My ideal tribute would include Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Donnie McClurkin, Kevin Bond, The Hawkins Singers… and a few others.

Anyone?  Who would your ideal tribute feature???

Bishop Walter Hawkins, one of the greatest contributors to gospel music to ever live, has passed into his next life in Heaven.

At the age of 61, Bishop Hawkins passed yesterday at his home in Ripon, CA, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Hawkins, the pastor of Love Center Church, leaves two children to celebrate him– Walter Hawkins, Jr. (aka Jamie Hawkins) and Trystan Hawkins.  His older brother, Edwin Hawkins, shared: “I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend. Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more, and he will be greatly missed.”

With an impeccable songwriting ability and a gift to arrange vocals like few others can, the Grammy and Stellar-award winning Hawkins still stands strong as a giant in gospel music. Known for such classic songs as “Changed,” “Be Grateful,” “Goin’ Up Yonder,” “I’m Not the Same,” “Holy One,” and “Jesus Christ Is the Way,” he left an indelible mark on the sound and style of contemporary gospel music.  And introducing us to voices like that of his sister, Lynette Hawkins-Stephens, and his former wife, the incomparable Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins’ contribution to gospel music is multi-faceted.

He informed us, decades ago, of what an ensemble should sound like. And we now hear it today in the vocal arrangements and styles of gospel greats Donald Lawrence and Richard Smallwood.

He showed us, decades ago, how a man’s voice can soar limitlessly into the stratosphere, and we hear it today in the range, approach and ability of Donnie McClurkin.

Hawkins demonstrated for us, decades ago, how a church choir can record music for the Kingdom, and still be as relevant more than 30 years later. And we see it in the representation of the albums Love Alive I, Love Alive II, Love Alive III, Love Alive IV and Love Alive V. And we would have seen it in Love Alive VI, which was to be recorded live later this year.

I didn’t say anything about it yesterday, not here on the blog, nor on Twitter or Facebook, where comments and questions ran rampant. I guess I couldn’t quite bring myself to confirm it. I wanted so badly for all of us, even those who were with him at the time of his passing, to just be wrong. I wanted the message I got about it to have been a typo, or that the person who told me was simply misinformed, or perhaps joking.

But I knew that it was true. I knew it.

I grew up on the gospel music of two families in my household– the Winans family and the Hawkins family. No one has informed my understanding of gospel music more than Walter Hawkins. No one can be credited with sparking my passion for the gospel industry more than Walter Hawkins. No one’s music is as classic, as memorable, as timeless in my own life as the music of Walter Hawkins.

How can a man that I’ve spoken with only once have been used by God to contribute so greatly to the course and direction of my life? I know where he is, and that it’s better than being around here. I, admit, though, that I selfishly want him here. I want more– more music from him, and more community with him.

And then, I have to remind myself that the music will be even better later. Fellowship and community with him will be infinitely greater, later. And so, I’ll wait.

In the meantime, I’ll miss him here. I’ll miss impomptu performances by him at various musical events across the country. I’ll miss knowing he’s just over in Oakland whenever someone sings a Hawkins tune (because forever, they will be sung). I’ll miss looking forward to his next album.

All week, I’ll be posting videos of Walter Hawkins, perhaps some random thoughts and facts about him and/or the songs that he wrote. I don’t know how I’ll decide what to post– so much of what he did meant so much to me. But stick around here, if you want, and celebrate his incredible life and legacy with me.

The hottest choir competition in the nation, Verizon Wireless’ How Sweet the Sound, is just about ready to begin its nationwide tour dates, hosted by Donald Lawrence and featuring performances from some of the sangin’-est choirs in the country and some of the top gospel artists in the game.

I attended one of the sold-out events last year and it was INCREDIBLE. I strongly urge you to attend one in your area, if you’re at all able to do so.  Tickets for the events go on sale on July 10th.

Details on dates, cities and performers are as follows:

Houston, TX
September 9, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Byron Cage

Jacksonville, FL
September 11, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, James Fortune

Memphis, TN
September 14, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Dorinda Clark Cole

Philadelphia, PA
September 17, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Lonnie Hunter

Washington, DC
September 18, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Richard Smallwood, Maurette Brown Clark

Newark, NJ
September 22, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Kurt Carr

Cleveland, OH
September 24, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, James Fortune

Detroit, MI
September 25, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Kurt Carr

Chicago, IL
September 27, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Dorinda Clark Cole

Charlotte, NC
September 30, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, John P. Kee

Atlanta, GA
October 2, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Israel Houghton, Tamela Mann

St. Louis, MO
October 5, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Dwight Stone

Oakland, CA
October 9, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans, Byron Cage

Los Angeles, CA
October 11, 2010
Featuring CeCe Winans

Visit http://www.howsweetthesound.com for more updates and info.

Who’s attending???

Troy Lilly has HELD IT DOWN for the past several weeks, writing awesome recap after awesome recap of BET’s nationwide talent competition Sunday Best.  What better way to discuss the season finale at GospelPundit.com than in Troy’s own words?  Without any delay, here’s Troy Lilly…

*     *     *

It’s official – the people have spoken and the results are in.

LeAndria Johnson is the winner of BET’s Sunday Best for season three. Thousands from around the country auditioned, but in the end there could be only one. She won the title after viewers like you took to the Web and phone lines, casting votes online and via telephone and text.

She will receive a national recording contract and a 2010 Ford Taurus SHO.

But she didn’t have time to get caught up in celebrating. Immediately after she was named the winner, LeAndria debuted her first original song, “I Shall Leap Into My Destiny.” Sounds like she’s ready to leap forth into her new recording career.

LeAndria beat out the unlikeliest Sunday Best contestant yet, 79-year-old Elder Goldwire McLendon. Elder McLendon defied the myth that you have to be young to win a singing competition, and that age works against you. He showed that his seven decades of experience only helped him. That, and the anointing.

The show was awesome, too. The theme for the evening was “seasons.” Host Kirk Franklin said there’s a time for weeping. “A time to weep a time to laugh and a time to sing.” 

Representing the East Coast, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir opened the finale with their ubiquitous choir-favorite “Souled Out.” Choir members appeared in the audience and ran up on stage with Hezekiah Walker. They really got the house rockin’.

Each of the contestants performed a medley of songs that comprised their best showing during the competition. 

LeAndria Johnson sang, “I Love the Lord,” “He Was There All the Time,” and “In the Midst of It All.” 

Asked why she sings they way she does, LeAndria simply answered, “pain!” Before coming to Sunday Best she lost her house. In the audition she wore flip-flops and socks because that’s all she could find. She said at one point she had chosen death over life. But one song got her through: Yolanda Adams’ “In the Midst of It All. How ironic that she also sang it during the show. Yolanda was honored and said she feels the pain, but more importantly, the victory of LeAndria.

 Elder Goldwire McLendon began singing a few bars of  “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” with barely any music, and moved right into “The Battle Is The Lord’s,” another Yolanda song. He finished up with a characteristically energetic rendition of “He’s Keeping Me Alive.”

 One week before Elder McLendon auditioned for Sunday Best he heard God say he was moving into a new season of his life. “God will set you up if you stay in His will,” Elder McLendon said. Throughout the competition, it seemed like Elder McLendon had been set up by God to win. And he was certainly a worthy contender. Judge Tina Campbell said, “every time I experience you I experience the God that you love and live for.

Season Two mentor Donald Lawrence returned with a few special guests to showcase his quintessential hits. Season two contestants, Jessica Reedy and Latice Crawford, sang “Seasons,” and “Encourage Yourself” respectively. And Season Two winner, Y’Anna Crawley, sang a stripped-down version of “The Blessing of Abraham.” Together, they did a few bars of “Let the Word Do the Work.”

 But no one could have prepared for the special treat that came next.

God answered my personal prayer and this year’s mentor, Kim Burrell, FINALLY performed. And the wait was so worth it. She remixed “Oh, Lord” from her Everlasting Life album, freestyling the words up to recognize Sunday Best contestants Martha Buries, Dathan Thigpen, Tiffany Carlin-Laird and Orlando Wright. Her musical acumen is undeniable and reaches across so many genres. I would go as far to say she’s the finest gospel-jazz singer of our time.

In addition to the prizes given to the winner and runner-up, Kirk presented a generous donation of $30,000 on behalf of BET to the New Orleans’s Ellis Marsalis Center for Music. New Orleans native and saxophonist Calvin Johnson was the featured local musician this week. 

Season three of Sunday Best will go down in the books as a competition that redefined what a contestant should look like. It also showed, yet again, that the power of gospel music has no limit, and the healing power can often touch the person who sings it as much as those who hear it.

LeAndria Johnson’s win this year was a triumph over the competition, but equally a triumph in her personal life. As Kim Burrell warned her, she’ll have to start preparing for life as LeAndria “after the fact.”

*     *     *

Great recap, Troy.  Thanks!

NOW, what are we gonna do on Sunday evenings?!

Leave a comment and lemme know what you folks liked/disliked about the season finale!  And what do you think about how it all turned out?!

Stumbled across this THROWBACK video footage featuring Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard and Donald Lawrence performing “Heaven” (from the Finally Karen album).

THIS is why I love gospel music– it’s moments like this that are captured, perhaps never to happen again, that make my giddy for gospel.

Check it out–

How awesome was that?!

Right now, mine is Donald Lawrence.

Purely out of curiousity and simply for fun– who’s your favorite gospel artist?

Okay, family… we’ve been praying for one industry person a week as part of the ongoing series, The Prayer List.  Click here to read the initial post about what we’re doing and why.

This week’s addition to The Prayer List– Sheri Jones-Moffett.

In my opinion, Sheri is one of gospel’s treasures.  She rose to prominence for her work with Donald Lawrence & Tri-City (her lead vocal on “Encourage Yourself” has garnered the video nearly 3 million YouTube views to date!), and she’s done a couple of guest spots on some great projects, too.  Sheri launched her debut solo album, Renewed, to much acclaim last summer and, since then, has spreading the message of encouragement and redemption that God gave her.  Her soaring soprano is matched only by her sweet personality and kind spirit. Let’s left her up…

Lord, thank you for the life of Sheri Jones-Moffett.  Thank you for the grace You’ve given her.  Thank You for the gift You placed in her.  Thank You for using her to touch so many lives, to encourage so many hearts and to inspire so many people.

God, I pray that You would encourage Sheri as she ministers.  Increase her opportunities to spread Your Gospel, Your truth, to more areas.  Where she is weak, give her strength.  Where she doubts, give her holy boldness.  Where she is uncertain, give her clarity of thought and mind.

Lord, I pray for Sheri as a wife and as a mother.  Give her the wisdom and courage it takes to do fulfill both roles well.  Please bless her with grace to mother Khady and Jaime in a way that will inspire them to desire a personal relationship with You.  And give her grace, Lord, to continue to be a loving and devoted wife to her husband, Dion.  Bless their union, their family and their household.

Father, I pray that You would continue to be the Lord of Sheri’s life.  I pray that every resource and bit of provision You’ve prepared for her and her family would be released, in Your timing, and for Your glory.  I pray that the plans You’ve had for her, since before she was born, would come to pass in Your timing and that, until then, You would cover her with patience and peace.  I pray that Your Will would be done in her life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Okay, family– -please join me in sending up some words to God on behalf of our sister, Sheri Jones-Moffett!

Let’s go!!!