Is it just me, or is anyone else noticing how many moves Light Records is making?

I alluded to it last week, in discussing how well their team had coordinated publicity, radio and retail to make a splash for William McDowell.  But as I continued to think about it, I was reminded that they JUST signed Ricky Dillard, JUST signed Dorinda Clark-Cole (didn’t we all think she was going to Karew?!), and is releasing a compilation project with some great new tunes via GospelFlava.com.

They may be an “indie” label, but they’re making some major strides.  I see you Light Records!

Is it just me?

We’re still rolling with our weekly series– The Prayer List– in which we pray for one member of the gospel community each week.

This week, I’m adding Gerard Bonner to The Prayer List.

As one of the co-founders of GospelFlava.com, you’ve probably read dozens of Gerard’s articles and reviews, as well as benefitted from his photography skills for a decade. But, for nearly a year now, the gospel community has also been blessed BIG time by his innovative internet radio show– Bonnerfide Radio.

Gerard Bonner has gained the recognition and support of artists, labels and consumers alike. He was nominated for Internet Radio Show of the Year at the 2010 Stellar Awards and was recently awarded Internet Radio Station of the Year at GMWA’s Crystal Mic Media Awards.

But the enemy is mad. In January during Stellar Awards weekend, after throwing a landmark launch party that is STILL being talked about, Gerard and two associates were in a collision with an 18-wheeler, totaling the car he was in.  They all walked away bruised, but alright. Then, this past week, his tire blew out on the highway en route to Bobby Jones Gospel tapings– again, safe and spared from a MAJOR accident that happened just a mile ahead of him, around the time he would have arrived there, had his tire not blown out.

All that to say– we’ve gotta lift up our brother.

Father, thank You for the life, gifts and calling of Gerard Bonner.  Thank You for orchestrating so many aspects of his life– the good and the bad– to be for his ultimate well-being, and Your ultimate glory.  Thank You for being faithful to him, even in times when it felt like You were missing in action.  Thank You for having more plans for Gerard than he could have dreamt for himself.

Lord, I pray for protection for Gerard.  I pray for physical protection, but also for spiritual protection and emotional protection.  I pray that all of the things You’ve placed in him would be guarded for Your glory.  I pray that he would dive deeper into relationship with You, pursuing You more, craving time with You more.  And I pray that when he comes to You, that You would hide him in the safety of Your wings.  God, please cover him.

God, thank You for Gerard’s humility and his passion for the gospel music industry.  Thank You for his heart of servanthood.  I pray that it would grow even larger.  I  pray that Your Kingdom would be blessed by this one man, that testimonies will continue to be told of Your goodness and Your grace, and how his trusting in You was rewarded openly.

Father, expand the reach of Gerard Bonner.  Let his faithful devotion to You be announced and noticed.  Let opportunities open up for him and shut doors that he ought not enter.  Surround him with people who are good for him, not opportunists looking to latch on to his calling.  Help him to have brothers and sisters in Christ who will challenge, edify and hold him accountable.

Finally, Lord, bless his daughter and bless him as father, to model the fathering that You do for Your children every day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Okay, fam… let’s hear what you’re asking God for as it relates to our brother, Gerard Bonner.  Post your prayers in the comment section!

THIS series is so good that GospelPundit is teaming up with two other new media heavyweights to cover it– GospelFlava.com and The Gospel According To Torrence at BET.com.  It’s THAT major.

I wanna introduce to some, and present to others, the one and only Jojo Pada, gospel’s publicist extraordinaire.  She is probably one of the BIGGEST personalities in the gospel music industry.  She knows everyone and everyone knows her.  Now 15 years into this biz, she is THE go-to person for PR (public relations) in this game and she has worked very hard to be where she is.  On a personal note– I was her intern at Verity many moons ago and she is one of the people that laid the foundation of my knowledge and know-how in this business.

FINALLY, she’s sharing her PR prowess with the masses– pay close attention, take notes, and be educated in this historic three-part series across multiple media platforms.

Your roadmap:

1.  Visit GospelFlava.com to read more about Jojo and what motivated her to write this editorial– http://www.gospelflava.com/articles/confessionspublicistpart1.html.

2.  Read the section below, in which Jojo shares 5 tips for becoming a great publicist.

3.  Hop over to The Gospel According To Torrence to read the conclusion of Jojo’s PR advice.  She’s giving 5 amazing tips for anyone who’s seeking help from a publicist– http://blogs.bet.com/ontv/thegospelaccordingto/2010/02/confessions-of-a-gospel-publicist-part-3/.

Make sure you visit all three websites to read everything Jojo’s got to say– it won’t make much sense if you don’t.  She wrapped up at GospelFlava by saying “I know that I’ve been called to be a publicist.  But have you?”

Let’s pick up there…

*     *     *

5 helpful hints if you want to be a publicist:

1.  Learn how to write.  I’m lucky – I actually went to college and got my degree in Public Relations.  I was taught how to write for newspapers and news releases; I was taught how to analyze media and media trends and I was taught how to pitch.  And I’ve had excellent training.  My first real job in the biz was with the legendary Terrie Williams.  Ms. Williams was probably the preeminent Black publicist for years.  In her heyday she was simultaneously handling Eddie Murphy, Johnnie Cochran and Janet Jackson.

The most important thing that was constantly drilled in my head was LEARN HOW TO WRITE.  Writing is our lifeline.  Bios, press materials, sales pages and creative copy – it’s all something PR people must know how to do.  If you want to work in Music PR, writing bios is probably the best thing to do. For me, when I write a bio, I take the time to interview the artist and listen to the CD over and over.  That gives me a hands-on, intimate sense of what the artist likes to talk about as it pertains to that particular project AND what the music really sounds like – both are essential items in being able to pitch the artist and the project to different media.

After I write a bio – I know exactly what the highpoints of the CD’s are, I know what things are important to the artists – I know how to craft what media should ask.

2.  Understand the story you’re pitching.  One of my strengths is knowing the right story for the right media outlet.  I love creating just the right pitch that works.  If a gospel client says to me, “I want to be in non-traditional gospel magazines,” I have to think of a way to make it work.  I wouldn’t pitch Black Enterprise with a new-CD-release pitch; I would find out if the client has a businesses or entrepreneurial ideas that would make sense for a magazine like Black Enterprise.

3.  Know your media (Part 2 of understanding the story).  Befriend your media compatriots.  Learn their dislikes, likes, when they like to be pitched, when their deadlines are, etc.– it will help make you a better publicist.  When I was doing celebrity events for the Motown Café, our job was to bring celebs in and get as much press surrounding their appearance at the restaurant.   A good friend Richard Corkery, was THE celebrity Photographer for the Daily News in New York City.  We all knew that if he came to one of your events and took pictures, there was a good likelihood the photo would run in the paper the next day.  One thing about him is he LOVES to drink Amstel Light.  The minute I saw him walk in to the restaurant, I’d have one ready for him.  I know it’s a little thing … but he’d always remembered that and made a point of coming to ALL my events.

And don’t just reach out to media people just for a pitch.  Actually care about their lives outside of “what can you write about this week.”

4.  Specialize. Create a niche for yourself that makes you the BEST in your area of specialty.  Publicity is contact and network-driven.  If you start in TV publicity and stay in that field, in a few years you will know all the key players, writers and media outlets.  Like in any profession, making a name for yourself is important to success.  Once you’ve established yourself as a knowledgeable, experienced publicist in that particular field, your reputation will spread – a publicist’s value is based in what other people (potential clients, press people, artists) think of you.

Also, create camaraderie with other publicists in your area of expertise.  So often, people try to pit PR people against each other but you never know when you’ll need to call upon other people for help on a particular project or you might even garner work from another publicist.  For example, veteran publicist Bill Carpenter (Capital Entertainment) provides links to different publicists (including me) on his website.

5.  Network with media and with other publicists.  I know I just said pick one field and stay there, but it doesn’t hurt to get to know and connect with publicists in different genres.  You can learn tips on strategies for media pitching, social networking campaigns, find out about upcoming events and TV specials.  Knowing what other publicists are doing can elevate your game.  Join PR societies and groups. One great example is run by another awesome veteran Publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn of GQ Media, who runs the PR listserv – a database to whom she sends all things germane to PR (job opportunities, upcoming events for clients, media stories, etc).

*     *     *

I LOVE THAT INFORMATION!  Kinda makes me wanna be a publicist. LOL

Okay, now head over to The Gospel According To Torrence RIGHT NOW for the conclusion of the matter (churchy!), where Jojo gives FREE advice to aspiring artists in search of a publicist.

And, leave a comment here to let me (and Jojo) know what you think of this advice!!!

One of the most highly publicized events of the Stellar Awards weekend was the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party, the celebratory event hosted by Gerard Bonner for… well, the entire industry.  The party did not disappoint… it was a virtual who’s-who of folks in the industry and just about everyone rolled through at some point to show their love.

In case you don’t know by now, Bonnerfide Radio is a new internet radio station created and hosted by Gerard Bonner (also of GospelFlava.com).  Within months, the interactive radio show/chat room experience was nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station Of The Year, and garnered the support of MAJOR gospel artists, including Fred Hammond, J Moss, John P. Kee, Sheri Jones-Moffett and countless others.

The night, hosted by popular journalist and personality Jawn Murray, boasted performances and appearances from new and established artists including PJ Morton, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, George Huff, Melinda Watts, Myron Butler, Candy & Peaches West, Algernon, Tre Thomas, Claude Deuce, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Rae Ellis, CMO, Dominique Side, JJ Hairston, Darnell Davis & Remnant, Lisa Page Brooks… I have to stop there cuz I’m losing myself in the evening again.

But just imagine a relaxed (though packed to the RAFTERS) lounge setting at Nashville’s popular venue, Limelight, featuring food and drink, enhanced by ministry/entertainment from some of the most creative and skilled vocalists in our game.  That’s where I was on Friday night!

Wanna make sure I mention this testimony, too– immediately after THIS event, Gerard Bonner was involved in an automobile accident in which his car was totaled.  From what I understand, he was hit by another car, which sent his car head-on into a truck… an 18-wheeler.  Praise God, Gerard and the passengers with him, walked away with only minor bruises– no internal bleeding or complications whatsoever.  When I spoke with him a few hours later, he was resting up to make sure he had enough energy for the rest of the Stellar weekend!

Now, I’m not big on blaming everything on the devil… I think, sometimes, folks just have auto accidents.  But if you were blessed to watch how God has been dropping miracles for Gerard left and right over the past several months, and if you had seen how that evening was a confirmation of so many of Gerard’s dreams and ambitions (based on his calling), and if you had seen the wreckage and how the accident REALLY could’ve turned out another way… you’d probably be rejoicing that the hand of God remains more powerful than any attempt of the enemy, that His plans can never be ruined, that He’s a God of mercy, grace and love… I’m not thrilled about the accident, but I am thrilled that God is consistent in showing His children “I’m here for you… I’ve got plans for you… I’ve got you– physically, financially, emotionally, spiritually…”  Let’s rest in that.

Anyway… it was kind of a once-in-a-lifetime type of deal, cuz how many launch parties can be thrown?!  But maybe, if we’re nice to him, Gerard Bonner will throw the industry another shindig next year…

In the meantime, you can check out his live radio show EVERY weekday morning, from 9am to 12noon ET, at http://www.getbonnerfide.com/.  You’ll immediately see what everyone is raving about…

Word has it that gospel group Witness is planning to come together for another album in the near future.

According to reports from GospelFlava.com, Witness will have a live recording in the Fall of 2010, featuring all of the original group members.  That oughta be quite the album!

‘Tis the season for reunion projects!

If you were at Marvin Sapp’s live recording (or at www.VerityRecords.com) on Friday night, you heard the great music that he plans to put on his new project, tentatively titled Here I Am, expected in the first quarter of 2010.

My wife and I were fortunate enough to make it to Grand Rapids for the event.  Once we got there, we met up with Gerard Bonner (Bonnerfide Radio, GospelFlava.com), Jawn Murray (AOL Black Voices, Tom Joyner Morning Show, etc.) and Sheilah Belle (The Belle Report) before heading to the venue.  Once there, we got settled in the front row along with Neechy (RocSpace) and the folks from Verity before the recording began.  When I tell you we were cutting up from JUMP… let’s just say we were a rowdy group.

Before the recording, Aaron Lindsey’s wife, Adrian, surprised him with an award to recognize him for his commitment to the gospel/Christian industry, and for writing and producing such GREAT music.  It was kinda awesome of her… wanna point it out cuz you wouldn’t know it if you weren’t there.

Next, Marvin Sapp’s brother, Henry Sapp, performed a stand-up routine to get the crowd ready.  I’m not a huge fan of stand-up, but he had the crowd laughing a bit.  Finally, drummer extraordinaire and MC-for-the-night Ray Bady came to the stage to introduce Marvin Sapp.

With lights and energy at level 10, Marvin Sapp took to the stage and performed some reeeeaaally great music.  For me, it got even better as the recording progressed.  Aaron Lindsey served as musical director/producer while Myron Butler worked the vocal production with some of the tightest background vocals you’ll find in the game (shout out to Candy & Peaches West and Deonis Cook).

My favorites of the night: “Fresh Wind,” a song with a churchy/quartet feel to it, the vamp of which we stayed on for a good while; “Comfort Zone,” an encouraging ballad penned by Ted Winn (who was in the house); and, of course, ”He Saw The Best In Me,” written by Sapp and Lindsey, which reminds me of “Never Would Have Made It” in terms of its lyrical simplicity but easy-to-relate-to sentiment.  I also enjoyed “Wait On Him,” “I’m In His Hands,” and “I Came.”  It was just an evening of really good music.

He capped off the night by thanking and acknowledging various people in the audience, which included Commissioned mastermind Michael Brooks (and, of course, his lovely wife Lisa Page Brooks!).  Almost as if unable to help himself, Sapp went into a quick impromptu medley of classic Commissioned songs written by Brooks– “City,” “Will You Be Ready,” “Giving My Problems To You”… it was tons of fun.  I got several tweets that the live feed was cut, probably because of licensing issues for those songs.  Sorry ya missed it!

Other folks of note in the crowd– Deborah Smith Pollard (Detroit radio DJ, author, speaker, professor and gospel historian), Michael Williams (drummer and former member of Commissioned) and Ken Reynolds (Integrity Music worship artist).

Pastor Sapp ended the entire evening by singing a small bit of “Never Would Have Made It,” like I’ve NEVER heard him sing in my life.  His range was limitless and he made me feel like it was the first time I heard the song, which is a very tough task given how much it’s been played.

Special shout-out to Kymberlee Norsworthy, Jazzy Jordan, Jeff Grant and Joseph Burney of Verity Gospel Music Group– you were fantastic hosts and you made the weekend great for us.  Plus, it was just good to see ya!

I’ve got a few photos for you below, but I urge you to check out Gerard Bonner’s website (http://www.GetBonnerfide.com, in the “In Concert” section) for a full collection of great shots.  And I also got a chance to chat with Marvin Sapp, Aaron Lindsey and Myron Butler after the recording.  I’ll tell you what they had to say later this week, so stay tuned.

Who else was in the house in Grand Rapids?  Who heard the recording online?  Which songs were your faves?

TALK TO ME!

This is MAJOR, folks… Industry vet Gerard Bonner is launching his own internet radio show, Bonnerfide Radio, next Wednesday, September 2nd at 9am ET.

Not only is he already well-known in the industry as co-founder and Associate Editor of GospelFlava.com, Gerard is a highly sought-after event photographer (he provided exclusive photos from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise’s most recent recording, Jonathan Nelson’s recent farewell concert, Vashawn Mitchell’s recent live recording and much more).

And he’s been in the radio game for a GOOD minute– he served as co-host of Virginia Beach’s “Morning Praise” on the Stellar Award-winning Rejoice 100.9 for four years, and he hosts the popular entertainment segment, “The Gospel Beat,” on radio shows in Pittsburgh, Nashville and New Haven.

Bonnerfide Radio will be a 2-hour radio show broadcasting exclusively from his site, http://www.GetBonnerfide.com, Monday thru Friday.  The show will feature the latest in music, news and provocative issues facing believers.

On a personal note to GospelPundit readers: I try REALLY hard not to lead you astray– I need you to trust me when I tell you that I fully endorse Gerard’s vision and calling in this industry.  His show is interactive (with a live chatroom during the broadcast) and full of a good variety of music.  This is gonna bless you, I promise.  I’m tellin’ you NOW where I’ll be every weekday at 9am ET.

Alright, who’s tuning in with me on Wednesday???

Word has it that Lisa Page Brooks, lead singer of the gospel group Witness, is releasing a new album on October 20, 2009.

GospelFlava.com reports that the project, entitled Strong, will be released on the Habakkuk Music Group label.

I can already hear the gospel industry buzzing like crazy!  It should be a great project.

Wonder who’s workin’ on it…

Word has it that we no longer need to wait to find out who’s slated to appear on the new episodes of BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel.

GospelFlava.com reports that BeBe & CeCe Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Fred Hammond, Vickie Winans, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard, Vashawn Mitchell, Ricky Dillard & New G, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Ted Winn, Shirley Caesar, Byron Cage, Y’anna Crawley and Jessica Reedy are among the artists expected to perform.

Amendment: AND, I just heard from one of my sources that George Huff is also slated to tape!

THAT’S gonna be a good season!

And I’m glad about it, too, cuz I get so annoyed when I tune in and it’s just a bunch of unknown quartets like Rufus Jenkins & The Anointed West Virginia-aires…

Make sure you visit Coko’s Corner on the sidebar… >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

She recently posted a new webisode of CokoTV, entitled The Winner In Me, in which she’s being interviewed by MY DUDE Gerard Bonner (of GospelFlava.com and GetBonnerfide.com).  She chats about the theme of this album, the story behind it, and what it’s like to be working with her husband, drummer/producer Mike Clemons.