EJ Gaines writes…

The backbone of gospel music has always been the choir. Whether a humble, but faithful handful of church members or a 300-member citywide mass choir, the format is unique to our genre. As a result, choir music is never really in short supply. But with the ever-evolving economy of the music industry, choirs have become increasingly difficult to tour with, leaving smaller ensembles, groups and solo acts to nab the most recognition and opportunities.

Fortunately, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise is one of several contemporary choirs that has withstood the changing industry climate, consistently delivering great music that is current, but still anchored in a rich gospel music heritage. And it does so again with its newest album, the choir’s sixth, After This.

Read the FULL REVIEW at gmc’s official website by clicking here.

And click here to listen to snippets/buy it at Amazon.com.

JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have released their newest music video– it’s for their current radio hit, “After This.”

The video features live performance footage from the group’s recent recording. And it’s so high-energy that you kinda feel like you’re there. Plus, Bishop Eric McDaniel steps out at the end to deliver one of his signature ad libs. If you like the single, you’ll love the video!

Check it out–

The new project from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, titled After This, hits stores on March 27, 2012! It’s the group’s sixth project, recorded live in July of 2011, and featuring guest appearances from Hezekiah Walker, John P Kee, Tye Tribbett, LaShun Pace and more!

The lead single and title track, “After This,” has made an impact at radio and online since it was released a couple of months ago. It continues to rise, having broken into the Top 15 at radio.

1.Lord of All – feat Hezekiah Walker
2.My King
3.Now – feat James Fortune
4.After This – feat Bishop Eric McDaniels
5.Love Lifted Me – feat Tye Tribbett
6.You
7.Victor
8.Grateful
9.Working Out For Me – feat John P. Kee & Lisa Knowles
10.I Am
11.The Blood – feat Lashun Pace
12.Reap

You can pre-order After This now at Amazon.com by clicking here.

Check out the latest single from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, titled “After This.” It’s an encouraging praise anthem letting believers know that “there will be glory after this!”

The new single is from the group’s upcoming album, due in 2012, on Light Records.

I’ve just added it to the Pundit Player on the bottom of your screen. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

Don’t dare think that Deon Kipping is a newcomer to the industry. With indie releases under his belt, and having written such acclaimed hits as “Praise Him In Advance” (Marvin Sapp) and “Incredible God” (JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise), Deon is no novice.

He recently signed his first major label deal with Verity, so you’ll be hearing much more from him, starting with his new single, ”I Don’t Look Like (What I’ve Been Through),” which hits iTunes on November 1, 2011!

He will also be one of the featured artists on Kirk Franklin’s Fearless Tour this fall.

Cuz I love ya, and I love Deon’s music, you can listen to it right here, right now, on the Pundit Player!

Take a listen on the bottom bar of this site and let me know what you think!

The Gospel Heritage Foundation, the nonprofit founded by Dr. Teresa Hairston (of Gospel Today magazine) fifteen years ago, is adding regional conferences to its ever-popular annual Praise & Worship Conference, the first of which begins TODAY in Cleveland, OH.

Each regional conference will consist of Friday evening ‘Worship and Word’ services, followed by an artist showcase featuring local talent. From that talent pool, local artists may receive an invitation to perform at an upcoming annual conference or live recording.

Regional conferences end  on Saturday mornings with a three-hour seminar featuring Dr. Teresa Hairston, along with national speakers and recording artists, including Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Wess Morgan, Joe Pace, JJ Hairston and Dr. John Guns.

A quick look at the cities/churches sponsoring a regional conference:

Aug. 19 – Aug. 20 | Cleveland, OH | New Spirit Revival Center
Sep. 23 – Sep. 24 | Bloomfield, CT | First Cathedral
Sep. 30 – Oct. 01 | Washington, DC | Mt. Calvary Holy Church
Nov. 11 – Nov. 12 | Sacramento, CA | This Is Pentecost Fellowship Ministry

Next year’s annual conference will again take place in Jacksonville, FL, from February 16-18, 2012.

For more info about the regional conferences and the annual conference, visit Gospel Heritage’s website at http://www.gospelheritage.org.

Be there!

Hey buddies… just a quick reminder that JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise will be recording their new album live TOMORROW in Bloomfield, CT.

Click here for my initial write-up on the event.  You don’t wanna miss it!

On the heels of their successful current project, Resting On His Promise, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise are prepping for the live recording of a new project on Friday, July 8 at 6pm at The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT.

You don’t wanna miss this one, folks.  With guests including Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Jessica Reedy, Tye Tribbett and Kathy Taylor, I’ve got a feeling that the night is going to be one to remember.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and can be purchased right now, right here: http://www.youthfulpraise.org. You can also grab them at The First Cathedral (360 Colorado Avenue, Bloomfield, CT).

For more info, visit http://www.youthfulpraise.org.

Lucinda Moore, winner of this year’s Stellar Award in the ‘Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year’ category, will be honored for her first Stellar win this Friday, March 4th at a celebration in Durham, NC.

Vickie Winans and radio personality Melissa Wade will co-host this concert celebration, which will feature guest performances by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise, James Hall, Zebulon Ellis and more!

Event Location:
Greater Joy International Ministries
2000 Chapel Hill Road | Durham, NC
919-294-8123 | http://www.greaterjoyim.org

Tickets:
General Admission: $10
Advance Seating: $20
VIP Seating: $30 (includes reserved seating & a reception)

To purchase tix, or for more info, visit http://www.lucindamoore.eventbrite.com.

Anyone planning to attend?

Light Records has announced JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise will record their new project on Friday, July 8, 2011 at First Cathedral (1151 Blue Hlls Ave) in Bloomfield, CT.

More details as they come!