On Friday, January 13, 2012, BMI held its annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music awards luncheon at Nashville’s Rocketown. The invite-only industry gathering has become the hottest ticket in town.

This year, BMI saluted the music and ministry of Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Kirk Franklin.

A virtual who’s-who was in attendance… Kim Burrell, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Isaac Carree, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Jason Nelson, Jonathan Nelson, Jessica Reedy, Virtue, Asaph Ward, Ricky Dillard, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe Winans, DJ Rogers, David & Tamela Mann, Dayna Caddell, Brian Courtney Wilson, Dorinda Clark Cole, Marvin Sapp… my fingers are tired, but just think of EVERYONE in gospel music.

Check out these photos from the event!

Over Stellar Awards weekend, Karen Clark Sheard announced the signing of the newest artist to her label, Karew Records– Jonathan Nelson!

After that, Jonathan tweeted and confirmed it, as did his twin bro, Jason Nelson. Jonathan was previously signed to Integrity Music, on which his latest album, Better Days, was released in 2010.

We can expect new music from Jonathan Nelson THIS YEAR.

Congrats Jonathan and Karew!

If you haven’t already grabbed Better Days, the latest project from Jonathan Nelson, you need to do so TODAY– it’s only $5, but it’s only for today (Tuesday, December 7).

To get it, you have to order it directly from the online store of his label, Integrity Music, at integritydirect.com. Shipping is FREE.

Also, FYI– Jonathan is slated to perform his single, “Expect the Great,” on BET’s Celebration of Gospel, which tapes this Saturday in Los Angeles.

Who’s getting a copy (or two)?

Word has it that Youthful Praise leader and songwriter JJ Hairston can add “television host” to his list of accomplishments– he’s the host of TBN’s new show, 15th Street Live.

In fact, if you’re in the NYC area, you can attend his next taping THIS MONDAY, November 15th.  It’s at the TBN studio, 111 E 15th Street (off of Union Square).  Doors open at 6pm and taping begins promptly at 7pm.  Seats are first come, first served.

The show will feature Jonathan Nelson, Wess Morgan, Deon Kipping, Jonathan Dubose and Durward Davis!

Kinda wish I still lived in NYC… :-\

Congrats to JJ on the new show! Now, who’s going???

Word has it that the 103rd Holy Convocation of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) will be streaming live online all week, beginning TODAY at 8am PT/10am CST/11am ET.

The annual gathering, which runs through the 15th,  is being hosted in St. Louis, MO for the first time ever, but we’ll be able to catch it from the comfort of our own homes or offices (but you should be working!).

In addition to awesome preaching from TD Jakes, Noel Jones, Charles E. Blake, Darrell Hines, Dorinda Clark Cole and more, there will be musical performances from gospel artists including Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, Jonathan Nelson, Y’Anna Crawley, the Nevels Sisters, Smokie Norful, Tamela Mann, Rance Allen, Ricky Dillard and a BUNCH more.

Click here to watch the events online.

How many of y’all are COGIC?

Who’s tuning in???

Mia Paylor weighs-in on SMILE, the debut release from Tasha Cobbs…

Now, let’s call out the elephant in the room as it relates to independent releases. Regardless of how anointed, gifted, and sincere the artist might be, most independent projects will:

• lack the polish and clarity you hear on CDs backed by major label money and veteran producers
• have a few songs that are full of potential…falling just short of being stellar
• sound like a really good recording of a really great church service in some spots (if it’s a live recording)

But, in the case of Smile, the debut release of new artist Tasha Cobbs’, I say, “So what?! Buy it anyway!”

Here’s why…

I stumbled upon the single, “Happy,” on a day when I wasn’t feeling so happy. This simple, upbeat song with its base-heavy, churchy drive and awesome message (You make me happy/ You make me whole/You take my pain away/I’m so in love with You) turned my focus from my unhappy feelings to my capable and sufficient God! I made a mental note of Tasha’s name and pulled up Amazon.com to listen to the song clips from Smile, which was released by Tasha Cobbs Music Group on July 7th.

And, thanks to TashaCobbs.org, I also discovered that Tasha Cobbs is the Worship Pastor at dReam Center church of Atlanta, where William Murphy III and his wife, Danielle, are the Pastors. She has also performed background and lead vocalist duties for Pastor Murphy and other artists. Pastor Murphy even mentored Tasha…helping to cultivate her gifts.

After considering what I read, the impressive song clips, and the conviction by which she delivered “Happy”, I felt confident that her CD would bless me. And I was soo right!

Smile is a strong start to a long and prosperous future in music ministry. Tasha, an alto, works her range and builds each song with precision. Delivering every song with a conviction that defies her age, it’s also apparent that Tasha is a sincere worshipper and a gifted exhorter. Tasha filled Smile with moving, personally penned declarations that can help you along your journey with the Lord.

When you question what God is doing in your life, declare, “You are accountable/You are dependable/And I Trust You, Lord” with the song, “I Trust You”. And when you desire to pour your love on God, declare, “If You’re deep in the ocean/Or high on the mountain/Lord, my worship will chase You/My one desire is to never be to far away/Draw me close enough to touch You” with the song, “Heart of Worship”. Or, tell God, “Here’s my worship/Take joy in it/Make it your dwelling place/I wanna put a smile on your face” with the song that the Jonathan Nelson deemed worthy to be included on his latest project, “Smile”.

Yeah…some indie issues are present on Smile. However, none of those issues outweigh what Smile has to offer you, such as, great singing, heartfelt lyrics, and sincere worship. New artists must start somewhere. And Tasha’s start, Smile, has earned our attention and our support.

So, by now, most of you have gotten the opportunity to grab Better Days, the latest project from Jonathan Nelson.

I know I can’t get enough of the band hits on “Cry Holy,” the incomparable vocals of Jason Nelson on “Another Way,” or the GRAMMY-worthy vocal performance from Kierra Sheard on “Performance” (it’s MAJOR to me).

But what about you?  You lovin’ it?  Just likin’ it a little?  Do you prefer this project to his Integrity debut, Right Now Praise?

What’s the word on Jonathan Nelson’s project???

Just a little swapping of positions, but nothing earth-shaking in the top 10 of Billboard’s Gospel Albums charts.

This week, it looks a little something like this…

#1 | Mavis Staples – You Are Not Alone
#2 | Israel Houghton – Love God. Love People.
#3 | Marvin Sapp – Here I Am
#4 | Shekinah Glory Ministry – Refreshed By Fire
#5 | WOW Gospel 2010
#6 | Kerry Douglas – Gospel Mix Vol. IV
#7 | Jonathan Nelson – Better Days
#8 | VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant
#9 | Tamela Mann – The Master Plan
#10 | William McDowell – As We Worship: Live

Can I just say a super big KUDOS to William McDowell and the folks at Light Records? You all didn’t really see the behind-the-scenes of it, but these folks created and implemented a great plan for his project. The album has been on the charts for 63 weeks, but with the success of his single, “I Give Myself Away,” it continues to gain in sales. Through intentional publicity and radio efforts, he finally broke the top 10 this week– that’s God’s favor, a good plan, some hard work and great label folks. Holla!

Okay, next week, I’m predicting Lecrae’s Rehab will take the #1 spot. Aside from that, not sure how it will all shake out.

Who here grabbed that Mavis Staples project???

Either folks have REALLY been waiting for this new music, or we may see a couple of dips in sales next week.  In any case, we’ll celebrate this week!

This week, four of the top five positions on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart are album debuts. Congrats to Shekinah Glory Ministry for topping the chart with the #1-selling album in gospel this week, entitled Refreshed By Fire.  Shout-out to Mavis Staples for debuting at #2 with You Are Not Alone. Big congrats, also, to Jonathan Nelson, whose newest project, Better Days, debuted at #4! Finally, big shout-out to Beverly Crawford on her #5 debut with Live from Los Angeles, Vol. 2.

WHEW! The rest of the top 10 looks like this…

#1 | Shekinah Glory Ministry – Refreshed By Fire
#2 | Mavis Staples – You Are Not Alone
#3 | Israel Houghton – Love God. Love People.
#4 | Jonathan Nelson – Better Days
#5 | Beverly Crawford – Live from Los Angeles, Vol. 2
#6 | Marvin Sapp – Here I Am
#7 | WOW Gospel 2010
#8 | Kerry Douglas – Gospel Mix Vol. IV
#9 | Tamela Mann – The Master Plan
#10 | VaShawn Mitchell – Triumphant

Who’s got what on this list?

Did anyone grab the new projects from Shekinah Glory, Mavis Staples, Jonathan Nelson or Beverly Crawford?

Talk to me!

Word has it that Integrity Music’s hit gospel compilation project, Gotta Have Gospel, will be returning to stores with its 8th edition on October 5th.

The project features 24 tracks, with a bonus DVD of gospel performances and music videos.

The track listing?  Glad you asked–

Disc One
1.  I Give You Praise – Byron Cage
2. Expect The Great – Jonathan Nelson
3. All Of My Help – Hezekiah Walker & LFC
4. How I Got Over featuring Tim Bowman, Jr. – Vickie Winans
5. Nobody Like You Lord – Fred Hammond
6. Every Prayer featuring Mary Mary – Israel Houghton
7. I Will Lift – Trin-I-Tee 5:7
8. Your Name Alone – Stephen Hurd
9. Lord You Reign Forever – Crystal Aikin
10. Jesus – Kirk Franklin
11. Free – Rizen
12. I Gave It Up – J Moss

Disc Two
1. Trusting In You – Donnie McClurkin
2. Let The Word Do The Work featuring Brother Hahz – Donald Lawrence & Co.
3. I Praise You – Shari Addison
4. Get Up – Mary Mary
5. It All Belongs To You – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
6. The Master Plan – Tamela Mann
7. Bless The Lord (Son Of Man) – Tye Tribbett
8. Worship Medley: I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You/There’s Something About That Name – Marvin Sapp
9. All I Need – Brian Courtney Wilson
10. Free – Darwin Hobbs
11. Your Will – Ken Reynolds
12. Trading My Sorrows – PAJAM

DVD Footage
1. La Buena Vida (Romans 8:31) – Ken Reynolds featuring Lucia Parker
2. I’ll Say Yes – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
3. Just Wanna Say – Israel Houghton
4. Worship Medley: I Worship You Almighty God/There Is None Like You/There’s Something About That Name – Marvin Sapp

Sounds good, yes?

Who’s thinking of grabbin’ this one???