Arguably gospel music’s most beloved duo, BeBe & CeCe Winans, were honored in Hollywood yesterday, receiving a star on the legendary Walk of Fame.
On hand to speak during the ceremony were the legendary Quincy Jones, jazz musician Dave Koz, Jim Bakker (of The PTL Club, where the duo first came to nationwide acclaim), actress Yvette Nicole Brown and their brother, Pastor Marvin Winans.
Check out the comical remarks from Dave Koz in the video below–
The Journey is the newest project from the legend himself, Andraé Crouch, and it hits stores on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. The 15-track album is produced and co-written by Luther “Mano” Hanes, who also worked on Crouch’s last album, Mighty Wind (2006).
The songwriting, familiar but fresh, is second to none. Listeners will enjoy the fact that, though Crouch explores and experiments with new sounds and instrumentation, he never veers too far from his wheelhouse– captivating melodies and refrains so beautiful that one is compelled to sing along.
This is clearly seen in the album opener, “Somebody Told Me About Jesus,” a classic Crouch-styled upbeat gospel tune, full of movement and led by the powerhouse vocals of none other than Táta Vega. It’s also apparent on “When I Think About You,” which is a personal favorite. Led by Markita Knight (you may have heard of her from West Angeles COGIC or through her work in the COGIC Music Department), this tune has a funk element laced over a very classic sound. But no matter how “current” these songs sound, they are as classic as ever because of the pen that wrote them.
The Journey also shines because of the perfectly paired guest vocalists throughout it. Whether Linda McCrary-Fisher on “Where Jesus Is,” or Kim Burrell and Take 6 on the dramatic and melodically winding “Faith,” Andraé Crouch has selected some of the music industry’s finest and featured them on musical masterpieces.
And he is, indeed, a master of musical styles. With The Journey, Crouch experiments with the ragtime-inspired “He Has A Plan For Me,” and the almost club-danceable “All Around the World,” featuring a soulful and in-her-lane Chaka Khan on lead vocals and Sheila E. dominating the percussion.
Other notable tracks include the smooth and jazzy ”Jesus Came Into My Life,” with Daniel Johnson (perhaps best known as a part of Israel Houghton’s New Breed) on lead vocals, the hymn-like ballad ”I Can,” with Andraé Crouch passionately delivering his lead, and the project’s current single, “Let the Church Say Amen,” featuring Marvin Winans.
I’m also a huge fan of ”There’s Nobody Like Jesus,” a jazzy groove looping a standard refrain, featuring LeAnne Palmore on lead vocals. It’s actually a segment of a larger live moment, but I’m thrilled to get the snippet that we get– it’s absolutely one of my favorite three minutes on the album.
The album ends with two versions of the captivating “The Promise,” an assurance that God will never leave us. Crouch leads one version and, as a special treat for listeners, he repeats the track again, swapping out his lead vocal for that of Marvin Winans.
I cannot quite express how much consumers will enjoy this album. I can admit that, as I sat and listened for the first time, tears welled up in my eyes. I thought to myself, “this is the man who God has used to shape the sound of gospel music as we know it today… and every tune he writes, even to this day, is laced with that same power and anointing.”
I’m happy to have The Journey in my collection because it takes me back to being the young kid who simply fell in love with great music, even before I could understand the beauty of its Gospel message. But I’m happier– perhaps even ecstatic– that Andraé Crouch can deliver for me, as an adult, music that will truly encourage and bless me on this journey with Christ. It’s really “the soundtrack of life” type of music. It is Andraé Crouch at his best.
For about 5 days, the only music I’ve listened to is advance tracks of The Journey, the upcoming album from the legendary Andraé Crouch. It instantly became one of my favorite albums of the year– pure genius musicality, incredible guest vocalists…
ONE of the incredible tunes on this project is the single, “Let The Church Say Amen,” which features none other than Marvin Winans on lead vocals. It’s awesome.
And, cuz I love you guys so much, I’m adding it to the Pundit Player!
The full album hits stores at the end of this month, on September 27th.
In the meantime, click the bar at the bottom of your screen to listen and lemme know what you think!
Kirk Franklin, one of the most innovative and gifted trendsetters to ever enter gospel music, returns to the marketplace with his latest offering, Hello Fear. It’s theme? A bold, in-your-face, musical expression of stepping to our fears and, in essence, saying “so what?!”
The album opens with the beautiful title track, “Hello Fear.” Though love-song in its acoustic sound and style, its lyrics are that of an unwavering breakup letter to FEAR– “never again will I love you; my heart, it refuses to be your home; no longer your prisoner, today I remember– apart from you is where I belong.”
The project then moves into a spoken word piece, before launching the banger “Before I Die.” Many will remember loving it on BET’s Celebration of Gospel this year, but it’s even better when you can put it on repeat over and over and over… (and over).
The project seamlessly transitions to “I Am,” a great declaration of who we, as children of God bought by Christ’s blood, truly are. And more– what it means for life… real life. The simple piano accompaniment on “But the Blood” is perfectly placed, framing the simplicity of its message.
“Everyone Hurts” offers a mellow reminder of the reality of life, tagged by the promise that God will actually “heal the hurt,” before the hit single “I Smile,” encourages believers to… smile. And, listening to the playful tune, you kinda can’t help but to do just that.
Always an artist who presents varied musical stylings, Kirk doesn’t disappoint this go ’round either– the “Never Alone” interlude, which features just a children’s choir, is sandwiched between the urban pop track “Give Me” (featuring the stylized and popular Mali Music) and the oh-so-churchy “The Altar,” featuring Beverly Crawford and Marvin Sapp. Contrast those tracks with the electronica dance vibe on “Today,” and you’re reminded that Kirk really is an incredible musician, able to authentically master multiple styles of music, even if one or more of those styles don’t fit your fancy.
Fans of unbeatable male crooners will enjoy “Something About the Name Jesus Pt. 2,” which features the incomparable Marvin Winans, Rance Allen, Isaac Carree and John P Kee. I probably would have enjoyed more of an integration of the now-classic original with this new tune, aside from the “shoo doo doo doo’s” at the end. Still, you can’t beat the guest vocals on this one.
But lest you think that the guest artists make this project, “The Moment #1″ and “The Moment #2″ remind listeners that Kirk’s got some of the most gifted “backup singers” in the game. As the vocalists trade leads on multiple musical medleys, Kirk fades to virtually silent, showcasing the incredible talent, and worship, that his team brings to the table. The album closes with the playful and bouncy “A God Like You.” It’s a fun, lighthearted declaration that there is no one like the God that we serve.
I am intentionally avoiding the trite conclusion that Hello Fear is better than Album X, but falls short of Album Y. With a catalogue as vast as his, it’s becoming difficult to make such delineations. More than that, though, this album has a bit of something for everyone and I don’t want anyone thinking they can pass on it. At the most fundamental level, plainly– you’re going to be out of the loop if you don’t get this project.
See, with each album release, the gospel industry looks to see what Kirk Franklin will do. Maybe not to imitate it, but definitely to be informed. Kirk informs the gospel music genre, progressing it in a way that only a handful of artists can. Though younger than most “legends” in our industry, Kirk is certainly one of the gospel community’s teachers.
So, hurry to your seats… with Hello Fear, Kirk Franklin announces that class is once again in session.
Buy it NOW by clicking right here
Kirk Franklin has announced that his 12th album, Hello Fear, will hit stores on March 22nd!
The new album, which features the lead singles “I Smile” and “I Am” (both, already making impact at radio), is a 13-track project confronts fear head-on and, as Kirk says, “invites the listener to join me on the journey of letting this familiar ‘friend’ know that his time is over.”
Backed by his incredible team of singers– Nikki Ross, Charmaine Swimpson, Anaysha Figueroa, Isaac Carree and Eric Moore– Kirk enlists the help of guest artists like Marvin Sapp and Beverly Crawford (“The Altar”), Mali Music (“Give Me”), as well as Rance Allen, John P Kee and Marvin Winans (“Something About the Name Jesus Pt. 2″).
Kirk will promote Hello Fear on a 7-city tour with funnyman Steve Harvey, starting March 19. Tickets are available at TicketMaster.
The 26th Annual Stellar Awards were held in Nashville, TN this past Saturday.
Special awards went to Donald Lawrence (Lifetime Achievement), Kirk Franklin (Notable Achievement) and Vanessa Bell Armstrong (Living Legend).
Here’s a full list of the night’s winners…
Artist of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Fred Hammond
James Fortune & FIYA
Marvin Sapp
Song of the Year
BeBe Winans, “Close to You”
Fred Hammond, Calvin Rodgers, Phillip Feaster, Ericka Warren, Michael Bethany and Dynna Wells, “They That Wait”
James Fortune, C. Fortune and T. Vaughn, “Encore”
Marvin Sapp, “Best In Me”
Male Vocalist of the Year
Byron Cage
Fred Hammond
J. Moss
Marvin Sapp
Female Vocalist of the Year
CeCe Winans
Karen Clark Sheard
Lucinda Moore
Tamela Mann
Group/Duo of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans
Forever Jones
James Fortune & FIYA
The Anointed Pace Sisters
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
Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir
Producer of the Year
Aaron Lindsey, Here I Am
Donald Lawrence, The Experience
Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
James Fortune, Terrance Vaughn and Ayron Lewis, Encore
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
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
Contemporary CD of the Year
BeBe and CeCe Winans, Still
Fred Hammond, Love Unstoppable
J.Moss, Just James
James Fortune and FIYA, Encore
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
Urban/ Inspirational Single / Performance of the Year
BeBe & CeCe Winans, “Still”
Forever Jones, “Get Ready”
James Fortune & FIYA, “Encore”
Marvin Sapp, “Here I Am”
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”
Contemporary Choir of the Year
God’s Little Soldiers International
Myron Butler & Levi
Youth for Christ
Youthful Praise featuring JJ Hairston
Traditional Choir of the Year
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
James Hall & Voices of Citadel
Victory Cathedral Choir
Wilmington Chester Mass Choir
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
Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year
DJ Official, Entermission
Everyday Process, Outtadisworld
Sho Baraka, Lions and Liars
Trip Lee, Between Two Worlds
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
Quartet of the Year
Reverend F.C. Barnes & Company
The Christian Angels
The Golden Wings Quartet
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
Recorded Music Package of the Year
Cameron Hilson and Mark Neubauer, Get Ready (forever Jones)
Denise Trotman, Here I Am (Marvin Sapp)
Derek Blanks and Ken Barboza, Still (BeBe & CeCe Winans)
Jeff Gilligan, Love Unstoppable (Fred Hammond)
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
The awards show will air on gmc on March 5 at 8pm ET. Before that, however, you can catch it in most major markets (check your local listings) between January 22 and March 13.
Some good new projects hit stores TODAY and I wanna make sure you guys are aware, so you can grab ‘em if you wanna–
1. Soul Seekers II, from Soul Seekers
This highly-anticipated sophomore album from today’s modern-day quartet group features some of the greatest musicians in the music biz. That, alone, could make you wanna buy it. The fact that their lead single, “It’s All God,” features Pastor Marvin L. Winans is icing on the cake.
2. Bishop Morton Celebrates 25 Years of Music: A Live Celebration, from Various Artists (Light Records)
This CD/DVD project features musical tributes to Bishop Paul Morton from some of the greatest vocalists in the gospel community, including CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar, Mary Mary, Sheri Jones-Moffett, PJ Morton, The Williams Brothers and more. It’s a must-have for your gospel music collection.
3. The Master Plan (Special Edition), from David & Tamela Mann
This jumbo pack of Mann family goodness includes Tamela’s latest CD, The Master Plan, David’s Mr. Brown’s Good Ol’ Time Church CD, footage from a “Cooking with The Manns” television special, as well as interviews and music videos. The couple is so gifted– great power couple, plenty of products. Grab it!
4. Release Me, from Micah Stampley
This 7-song EP is Micah’s first release on the recently reformed Music World Gospel label headed by Matthew Knowles. It features a dope song, “Heaven on Earth” (originally by David & Nicole Binion) that you simply have to hear.
What are y’all gettin’???
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???
I noticed that Marvin Winans was listed on the final round ballot for a 2011 Stellar Award (I think for Male Vocalist of the Year) for THIS song, THIS recording.
Dunno if he’ll win, but it’s definitely a worthy performance, in my humble and completely unbiased opinion (OMG… MARVIN WINANS IS ONE OF THE BEST SINGERS TO EVER ENTER GOSPEL MUSIC). 
This isn’t the full performance, as it cuts to the finale with some other incredible vocalists including Darrell Hines and the incomparable Walter Hawkins. No matter, anyhow. By the end, I’m just about torn up.
Thoughts???
Just a great throwback video (GOTTA be from the 80s, given those shoulder pads and puffy pants) featuring Marvin Winans and Vickie Winans singing the Winans hit “Ain’t No Need To Worry.”
Stumbled upon this randomly, but I enjoyed it. They’re BOTH some singing folks and the tune is classic!
Whatcha think???
.
