If you’re in Tampa for GMWA, or planning to get there soon, make sure you get to this star-studded concert!

The annual ‘Tribute to the King’ concert (referring to the late Rev. James Cleveland) is always well-attended and full of great performances.  This year will be no different, featuring Kirk Franklin, Dorinda Clark Cole, Rance Allen, James Fortune & FIYA, Jessica Reedy, Myron Butler and more!

The show starts at 11pm (doors at 10pm) on Wednesday, August 17th. Check out the flyer below for details.  Anyone going???

The nominees for the 26th annual Stellar Awards were announced on Saturday in Nashville, TN during a live telecast on gmc, hosted by Donnie McClurkin and featuring performances by Jessica Reedy, VaShawn Mitchell, Lucinda Moore, Joe Pace and more.

The show takes place on Saturday, January 15, 2011 in Nashville, TN. It will be hosted by Donnie McClurkin, alone, serving as the first time that the show has been hosted by only one person. Also, in honor of Albertina Walker, the “Female Vocalist of the Year” category will be forever named the “Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year” award.

The following are the recipients of the special awards:

Donald Lawrence will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award
Kirk Franklin will receive the Thomas Dorsey Most Notable Achievement Award
Vanessa Bell Armstrong will receive the Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award

And the nominees are…

Artist of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Fred Hammond
James Fortune & FIYA
Marvin Sapp

Song of the Year
“Close to You” | BeBe Winans
“They That Wait” | Fred Hammond, Calvin Rodgers, Phillip Feaster, Ericka Warren, Michael Bethany and Dynna Wells
“Encore” | James Fortune, C. Fortune and T. Vaughn
“Best In Me” | Marvin Sapp

Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

New Artist of the Year
Forever Jones
Kristina Halloway
Travis Greene
Victory Cathedral Choir

CD of the Year
Fred Hammond | Love Unstoppable
J. Moss | Just James
James Fortune & FIYA | Encore
Marvin Sapp | Here I Am

Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey for Here I Am
Donald Lawrence for The Experience
Fred Hammond for Love Unstoppable
James Fortune, Terrance Vaughn and Ayron Lewis for Encore

Female Vocalist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Karen Clark Sheard
Lucinda Moore
Tamela Mann

Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage
Fred Hammond
J. Moss
Marvin Sapp

Group/Duo of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Forever Jones
James Fortune & FIYA
The Anointed Pace Sisters

Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage
Fred Hammond
J. Moss
James Fortune

Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year
Alvin Darling
Darrell Hines
Marvin Sapp
Marvin Winans

Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Karen Clark Sheard
Lisa Page Brooks
Tamela Mann

Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year
Fredericka Faison
Lucinda Moore
Shirley Caesar
Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Traditional CD of the Year
James Hall & Voices of Citadel | Won’t It Be Wonderful
Marvin Sapp | Here I Am
Shirley Caesar | A City Called Heaven
Vanessa Bell Armstrong | The Experience

Contemporary CD of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans | Still
Fred Hammond | Love Unstoppable
J.Moss | Just James
James Fortune and FIYA | Encore

Contemporary Choir of the Year
God’s Little Soldiers International
Myron Butler & Levi
Youth for Christ
Youthful Praise featuring J.J. Hairston

Traditional Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir

Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Forever Jones
James Fortune and FIYA
Trin-i-tee 5:7

Traditional Group/Duo of the Year
James Greer & Company
The Anointed Pace Sisters
The Christian Angels
The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Quartet of the Year
Reverend F.C. Barnes & Company
The Christian Angels
The Golden Wings Quartet
The Mighty Clouds of Joy

Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
DJ Official | Entermission
Everyday Process | Outtadisworld
Sho Baraka | Lions and Liars
Trip Lee | Between Two Worlds

Music Video of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans | “Close to You”
Kirk Whalum | “Make Me a Believer”
Shirley Caesar | “Playground In Heaven”
The Anointed Pace Sisters | “If I Be Lifted Up”

Urban Inspirational Performance of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans | “Still”
Forever Jones | “Get Ready”
James Fortune & FIYA | “Encore”
Marvin Sapp | “Here I Am”

Recorded Music Packaging of the Year
Cameron Hilson and Mark Neubauer for Get Ready
Denise Trotman for Here I Am
Derek Blanks and Ken Barboza for Still
Jeff Gilligan for Love Unstoppable

Praise and Worship CD of the Year
Darwin Hobbs | Darwin Hobbs Live: Champion
James Fortune & FIYA | Encore
Phil Tarver | Place of Worship
The Anointed Pace Sisters | Access Granted

Children’s Project of the Year
God’s Little Soldiers International | Soldier Story
Kingdom Kids Worldwide | Kingdom Kids Worldwide Volume 1
The Velasquez Family Singers | While We Still Have Time
Youth for Christ | Thanks In Advance

Special Event CD of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans | Still
Kirk Franklin | Are You Listening
Various Artists | CoCo Brother Live Presents Stand 2010
Various Artists | WOW Gospel 2010

What do you guys think of the nominees???

Found this little nugget on YouTube this morning and I thought “come on, now, doc! That’s alright!” (churchy)

It’s James Cleveland performing “Peace Be Still” with a choir that’s doin’ the doggone thing (check for the sopranos). I’m lovin’ this–

Whatcha think?

AWESOME!!!

Folks, I’m telling you now– tune in to Gospel Music Channel THIS Sunday at 8pm ET… they’re showing the concert film, Oh Happy Day.

In case you don’t know what it is, it’s a live concert featuring Walter Hawkins & The Hawkins Family, The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy, and Rev. James Cleveland.

The original broadcast aired on PBS years ago, but kudos to GMC for the good gospel programming in celebration of Gospel Music Heritage Month.

Take THAT, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman!

Wednesday at GMWA was a slower day, not cuz there wasn’t plenty to do, but because people were kinda dragging and showing their fatigue… folks were skippin’ events and what not. LOL

I got a chance to chat with Floyd Wilkinson, who leads the hit Donald Lawrence & Co. single, “Back II Eden.”  To be one of the singin’-est dudes you’ll find in the game, he is incredible kind, humble and down to earth.  And he’s hilarious.  Gotta love that.

I stopped by the “Tribute To The King” concert, which was being hosted by Kurt Carr.  I didn’t stay for the whole tribute, but I noticed some of his singers, so I’m sure they ministered their faces off.  I also got a chance to see Dottie Peoples and Chrystal Rucker backstage.  The attendance at the tribute was rather low, but they were goin’ in on some classic James Cleveland tracks before I had to leave.

Took a quick break for dinner at some Korean bistro (it was pretty good) before heading to the Youth & Young Adult showcase, which featured a bunch of great aspiring/new artists.

When I arrived, Isaac Cates & Ordained were on stage and sounded GREAT.  Not long after, Sunday Best finalist Zebulon Ellis got on the piano to play and sing the classic Milton Brunson tune “For The Good Of Them.”  I’ll say this– we, the Sunday Best viewing audience, were cheated out of experiencing how awesome his vocal ability is.  Dude can blow, FOR REAL.

A bit later, Melinda Watts performed “There Will Come A Day” from her new album, followed by a organ-accompanied “When We All Get To Heaven” and “When I See Jesus” medley.  It was HOT.

After her, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise took the stage and performed their hit song “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.”  Lemme tell ya– incredible PERFORMANCE, too.  They ended their set with their new single, “Resting On His Promise,” and had Bishop Eric McDaniel join them for the vamp (as he does on the recorded version).  They had great energy and an even better sound.

I ducked out before the end, lest I fell out from fatigue– this week will wear you OUT if you don’t get your rest!  Geeeeez.

That’s it for now.  ‘Til later!

Gospel legend Eugene Smith, famous for his solos with the Roberta Martin Singers, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88 in his hometown of Chicago, IL.

Smith was only 12 years old when he joined the Roberta Martin Singers.  He was known for having brought fire and excitement to the once more-refined sound of gospel music.  He was said to have influenced James Cleveland’s style and sound and is also credited as having written “I Know The Lord Will Make A Way (Yes He Will).”

Here’s a clip of him singing “Walk In Jerusalem” with the Roberta Martin Singers. CLASSIC and beautiful…

Read the full New York Times article here. Let’s celebrate his life, but also pray for his family in their loss.

Are y’all watching this show?!?!  If you’re not, I cannot explain how much you’re missing out.  It’s a free weekly gospel concert series that you get to enjoy while sitting in your pajamas.  What’s better?!

Okay, so as always, I was updating on Twitter.  The Twitter server kept crashing cuz it said it had too many tweets, which I’m convinced was due SOLELY to the gospel folks watching Sunday Best and commenting together.  If you’re not following me yet, you’re missing out.  Click here: http://www.twitter.com/gospelpundit.

NOW, the show:

Fred Hammond opened up with a new haircut (we love it) and an incredible performance of “No Weapon,” a throwback classic.  He flipped it into a medley by adding “This Is The Day,” reminding EVERYONE that he is gospel royalty.  Why do folks still sleep on Fred?  Has he EVER let us down, musically?!

Anyway, next came the performances.  They said they were honoring the “Godfathers” of Gospel Music– Thomas A. Dorsey, James Cleveland and Bobby Jones.  Didn’t know we had given them those designations, especially since Thomas A. Dorsey created what we consider gospel music (we call him the “Father”) and the entire industry calls Rev. Timothy Wright the “Godfather of Gospel,” but he wasn’t even recognized… whatever.  I’m glad whenever we honor gospel greats, so that’s kewl.  I DIGRESS!

The performances:

Latice Crawford – “Soon I Will Be Done…”:  MA’AM!  You look flawless and your performance was incredible.  The judges mentioned a “disconnect,” which I noticed a bit too– right when the beat came in, she didn’t seem like she FELT like delivering it… But she demolished that song from note one at the VERY TOP of the stairs, all the way until her Whitney Houston-lookin’ self got to the end of the song.  Fantastic performance.

Y’Anna Crawley – “No Ways Tired”:  It may have been my favorite performance from her to date.  I know everybody is still buckin’ and shoutin’ over “Grandma’s Hands” from a few weeks back, but the MINISTRY that was there last night… we haven’t really seen her in that way yet, so I’m all about last night’s performance.  And when she got to talkin’ about how she’s raising her kids on her own… she meant that thing.  Awesome job!

Jessica Reedy – “God Has Smiled On Me”: I’ve said it from day one and I’ll say it until the end of this competition– JESSICA REEDY IS MY FAVE.  She always looks incredible, she has this sweet, humble demeanor (which she tastefully flips to a “commanding confidence” on stage)… she’s better than she even realizes, I think, which is awesome.  I say it all the time about her– it’s the MUSICAL CHOICES she makes… she’s tasteful, daring, unique, not easy to imitate… AND THE RANGE.  She was hitting notes in her lower register that some dudes can’t even hit.  And with precision… and with tone and color… and with… ALL THAT.  Jessica Reedy, you are… well, you just ARE!

Zebulon Ellis - “Precious Lord”:  I didn’t feel like hearing nobody’s “Precious Lord.”  In fact, I walked away for a minute.  But I’ll be doggoned if Zebulon Ellis didn’t make me RUN back into the room with dropped jaw and wide eyes… that man sang that song.  Still, the performance was not as stellar as those of his female counterparts.  He sings well, but he doesn’t PERFORM as well as they did.  And ultimately, I think that’s what made the distinction.

In the end, Zebulon was sent home, which I think is the right decision.  He gave it his all and has gained a BUNCH of people who are gonna support him.  Great work, brother!

Now, it’s down Jessica Reedy, Latice Crawford and Y’Anna Crawley. At this point, any one of these three ladies could win and I’d say “ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.”  I am, of course, hoping for one in particular, but I’ma be buying albums from each of ya.  EACH OF YA, I say!

Some general notes:

1.  With fewer contestants on the show each week, we’re getting to hear longer songs from them, which is GREAT.  The fact that they don’t have to start at the bridge and end with the chorus means that we get a better picture of how they perform a full song, which is kinda important.

2. Ummm… Donald Lawrence is a musical mastermind who is bringing out the absolute best in each of these singers.  O, to be a fly on the wall of those vocal coaching sessions– he’s got the midas touch.

3.  My wife pointed out (and I concur) that the show’s STYLIST is on their J-O-B.  Everybody looks like a gazillion bucks.  Get it!

4.  I didn’t PERSONALLY need Wynonna Judd’s performance, but the beauty of God’s plan is that SHE needed it… and that’s enough to shut all of our mouths (a little).  After she gave her tearful performance of “How Great Thou Art,” she said that her grandmother had died the night before.  That performance was pure worship for her, and I have nothing to say about that.  AND, I’ll add: she’s a singing somebody anyway.  For proof, listen to her duets on Kelly Price’s Christmas album or Patti LaBelle’s recent gospel album.  She holds her own with both singers, which is no small feat.

All in all, an EXCELLENT show.

Thoughts???

Depending on whether or not you watched much of BET‘s hit gospel talent search, Sunday Best, you may or may not have heard of Shari Addison (she was the runner-up to the winner, Crystal Aikin).  But if you haven’t yet, you soon shall…

Honestly, I had heard of her, but wasn’t really checking for her.  I planned to listen one day, but hadn’t gotten around to it.  I played myself!  LOL

Last week, my wife and I watched an episode of the Bobby Jones International Gospel Industry Retreat, airing on The Word Network, and she was a featured guest.  She was singing an old James Cleveland cut, “Please Make Me Better.”  In the interest of full disclosure, I have to tell you that I immediately thought “she’s cool, but more of the same.”  Not so!

This sister got to singin’ and shufflin’ across that stage, and I nearly LOST MY MIND.  She BRINGS IT!  And I cannot stop listening to her and watching the video clips.  I love that she praises God from the moment she hits the stage, that she’s got great vocal stamina and stage presence, that she’s mature and seasoned, that she can ad lib well, that she is committed from the first beat to the last… she’s just a refreshing addition to the industry (plus, she’s from Chicago, so you KNOW I’m partial!).

Featuring production and songwriting help from Kevin Bond, Donald Lawrence, and Percy Bady, her self-titled debut album (from Zomba Gospel) is due on January 13th.  I can’t wait to hear more from her.

Do yourself a favor and check her out: http://www.bet.com/onblast/?chan=3&id=2326&sub=3&itype=v

(Note: Click the link above for the video clip… it’s the only one I wanted to use, but it’s only available streaming directly from BET directly, so I can’t embed it.   BUT WATCH IT!)