By now, I’m REALLY hoping you guys own Resting On His Promise, the latest album from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise.  If not, tarry no longer– click here
to go’n and make your purchase. LOL

JJ reached out to me to let me know that they’ve selected their second single– “Lord, You’re Mighty.”  The track hasn’t even hit radio yet, but I think it’s an awesome choice.  The song, featuring lead vocals from Deon Kipping, is a great rock-infused worship chant, simply and catchy… and POWERFUL.

For your listening pleasure, JJ is allowing me to add it to the PunditPlayer before the radio edit even hits the airwaves!  You heard it here first… click here to listen.

And make sure you let me (and JJ) know what you think about it by leaving a comment right here!

In a couple of weeks, Dr. Teresa Hairston (Gospel Today) will be hosting her annual Gospel Heritage Praise & Worship Conference in Jacksonville, FL.  It’s gonna be a two-day event that you do NOT wanna miss, featuring worship services, musical offerings, workshops and panels that’ll inspire, encourage and equip you.

Check out the flyers below to see just a SAMPLE of some of the folks participating– from Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker and Kirk Franklin to Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Jonathan Nelson and Paul Morton… on and on and on.

During the conference, I’ll be speaking on two panels geared toward young adults (peep my lil’ photo on the second flyer, top right… LOL).  One panel discussion will focus on what the “new” music industry looks like, the other talks about careers opps in that new music industry.  My panel peers will include some of the best and brightest in the gospel game and I’m excited to be a part of it.

Anyone ever attended one of the annual conferences?  Anyone planning to attend THIS one?  Talk to me!

I’m saddened to report the passing of Pastor Shawn Brown, former co-director of the dynamic gospel choir Youthful Praise, and writer of hits like “Awesome God” (Youthful Praise) and “Grateful” (Hezekiah Walker & LFC).  He was also known for his work with gospel group Key Of David.

The industry mourns his passing but celebrates his life.  Please pray for his family, his church, the members of Key Of David, and for JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise.

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…

If you’re gonna be REMOTELY close to Nashville for Stellar Awards weekend, make sure you mark the Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party on your calendar.  It’s going to be awesome!

Bonnerfide Radio is the brainchild of host Gerard Bonner.  In just a few short months, the show has raised the bar for what gospel radio should be.  He’s even been nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station Of The Year!

To celebrate the launch of his new show, Gerard is having the launch party of a lifetime on Friday, January 15th.  Featured guests include Sheri Jones-Moffett, JJ Hairston, Lisa Page Brooks, Vashawn Mitchell, Melinda Watts, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, and MORE.

Click the image below to see the full-size flyer and for more details.  Tickets can be purchased NOW at http://www.GetBonnerfide.com.

I plan to be in the house.  For SURE.  Who else???

And don’t forget– you can tune in to Bonnerfide Radio every weekday morning, from 9am-12:30pm ET (with a little afterparty usually thrown in) at GetBonnerfide.com.

I raaaaved about Trent Cory in April (click here to read that).  Then I interviewed him in May.  Then I added this song, “Awesome Wonder,” to the PunditPlayer in June.  Then, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise covered the song on their latest project, Resting On His Promise.  Coincidence?  Maybe… but JJ does read GospelPundit on the regular.  Gimme my credit, JJ!!!

Imagine my sheer delight when I learned that Trent recently released a VIDEO of this song! If you guys haven’t bought his album, Freedom Is, by now, I don’t know what more I can do.  BUY IT!

For your viewing pleasure, here’s the video of “Awesome Wonder”.  Watch and enjoy (and peep Aaron Lindsey on keys… he produced the project!).

What did you think???

Tomorrow, GospelPundit.com turns ONE YEAR OLD!

It’s humbling to see how much growth my blog has experienced in just one year.  From hard-hitting interviews to exclusive premieres of highly anticipated singles, God has blessed me to play a pivotal role in the industry.  I’m blown away by that because I DO NOT deserve to fulfill all that He’s called me to do and be.

Moreover, I’m grateful to each of you for visiting the site on a regular basis, for telling folks about it, and for every encouraging comment or email I’ve received about it.  Daily readership continues to skyrocket and I promise that I’ll continue to give you my absolute best, for the glory of God alone.

I’ve got some major things planned for the coming year.  But, first, we’re gonna celebrate the past year!!!

Beginning MONDAY, I’m giving away a bundle of recent releases EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Each day next week, I’ll pose a question about SOMETHING I’ve said on the site in the past year.  Your task will be to find the answer and email it to me.  From among those emails, I’ll randomly select a winner to receive my hand-picked bundle pack of new music, which will include the new releases from BeBe & CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Byron Cage, Israel & New Breed, Ted Winn, Kierra Sheard, J Moss, Rizen, Shirley Caesar, Coko, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise AND MORE… even an autographed copy of the newest album from Smokie Norful!  For real, guys… it’s big.  Kinda like the “new release JACKPOT.”

Do you hear what I’m saying?  Every day, ONE person will win about 20 new CDs.    Just my little way of sayin’ “thanks.”

Okay, so spread the word and get ready to celebrate all week long.  Sound good?

Love you guys.

Singer/songwriter Deon Kipping and his group, New Covenant, are gearing up to record a new live project.  The recording will take place at 6pm, Saturday, November 28th at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Bridgeport, CT.

In addition to his own artistry, Kipping is responsible for penning such gospel hits as “Praise Him In Advance” (Marvin Sapp) and ”Incredible God, Incredible Praise” (JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise).

Click here to view the full flyer for the event!

Anyone planning to attend?

Word has it that JJ Hairston, of popular choir Youthful Praise, and his wife, Trina, are expecting a new baby!

CONGRATS guys!  We’re all prayin’ for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Vickie Winans remains on top of the Billboard gospel albums chart with her latest release How I Got Over.  Mary Mary swaps spots with J Moss, taking the #2 position, while J rests at #3.

Kerry Douglas’ compilation album leaps from #34 to #4 this week, while James Fortune & FIYA gained sales, rising from #17 to #5.

Earnest Pugh leaves the top 5, but doesn’t go far… he’s right a #6, while JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise leave the #4 spot and lands at #7.