The nominees for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards were announced tonight during a live telecast on CBS.

In the gospel categories, the nominees are–

Best Gospel/CCM Performance
“Do Everything”
Steven Curtis Chapman
Track from: re:Creation
[Sparrow Records]

“Alive (Mary Magdalene)”
Natalie Grant
Track from: Music Inspired By The Story
[WOW Joint Venture/EMI CMG]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records]

“Jesus”
Le’Andria Johnson
Track from: The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson
[Music World Gospel]

“I Lift My Hands”
Chris Tomlin
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

Best Gospel Song
“Hello Fear”
Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)
Track from: Hello Fear
[Verity Gospel Music Group/Fo Yo Soul Ent.; Publisher: Aunt Gertrude Music]

“Sitting With Me”
Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Gerald Haddon & Tammi Haddon, songwriters (Mary Mary)
Track from: Something Big
[Columbia Records; Publishers: Precious Baby Music/T Bella Music/EMI April Music, It's Tea Tyme, That's Plum Song]

“Spiritual”
Donald Lawrence, songwriter (Donald Lawrence & Co. Featuring Blanche McAllister-Dykes)
Track from: YRM (Your Righteous Mind)
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publisher: Quiet Water Entertainment]

“Trust Me”
Richard Smallwood, songwriter (Richard Smallwood & Vision)
Track from: Promises
[Verity Gospel Music Group; Publishers: Universal-Z Tunes/T.Autumn Music]

“Window”
Canton Jones, songwriter (Canton Jones)
Track from: Dominionaire
[Cajo Records; Publisher: CAJO Music]

Best Gospel Album
The Love Album
Kim Burrell
[Shanachie Entertainment]

The Journey
Andraé Crouch
[Riverphlo Entertainment]

Hello Fear
Kirk Franklin
[Verity Gospel Music Group/ Fo Yo Soul Ent.]

Something Big
Mary Mary
[Columbia Records]

Angel & Chanelle Deluxe Edition
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
[Music World Gospel]

Best CCM Song
“Blessings”
Laura Story, songwriter (Laura Story)
Track from: Blessings
[Fair Trade Services; Publishers: New Spring/Gleaning Publishing]

“Hold Me”
Jamie Grace Harper, Toby McKeehan & Christopher Stevens, songwriters (Jamie Grace Featuring Tobymac)
[Gotee Records; Publishers: Universal Music, Brentwood Benson Tunes, Songs of Third Base/Chriscendo Music, Meaux Mercy/Achtober Songs]

“I Lift My Hands”
Louie Giglio, Matt Maher & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin)
Track from: And If Our God Is For Us…
[Sparrow Records/sixstepsrecords; Publishers: sixsteps Music/worshiptogether.com Songs/Vamos Publishing/Thankyou Music/spiritandsong.com Publishing]

“Strong Enough”
Matthew West, songwriter (Matthew West)
Track from: The Story Of Your Life
[Sparrow Records; Publishers: External Combustion Music/Songs For Delaney/Songs of Southside Independent Music]

“Your Love”
Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)
Track from: Leaving Eden
[Reunion Records; Publishers: Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing/Big Skwawka Music, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing/Windsor Hill Music]

Best CCM Album
Ghosts Upon The Earth
Gungor
[Brash Music]

Leaving Eden
Brandon Heath
[Reunion Records]

The Great Awakening
Leeland
[Essential Records]

What If We Were Real
Mandisa
[Sparrow Records]

Black & White
Royal Tailor
[Essential Records]

And If Our God Is For Us…
Chris Tomlin
[Sparrow Records / sixstepsrecords]

If you recall, NARAS significantly revamped the awards categories this year, chopping down 7 categories to 5, and crunching all of it into either “gospel” or “Christian contemporary music (CCM)”… it’s cleaner, though it may unfairly treat some very significant sub-genres (like Christian hip-hop).

*shrug*

A full list of nominees in all categories can be viewed here.

What do you think of the nominees???

Folks, I want you to check out the debut album from new artist Jamie Grace, titled One Song at a Time. It’s in stores TODAY and is worth a listen and a purchase.

After hearing tons of buzz about Jamie in both gospel and CCM circles, I finally met her at a tobyMac concert this weekend (she’s the newest artist on his label, Gotee Records). The 19-year old college student is as gracious and fun off-stage as she is on it. Just a cool young lady with a remarkable gift.

Her single, “Hold Me,” reached #1 at Christian radio in May and doors just keep opening for her.  Check out the full video for the tune–

You can learn more about Jamie at her official website. And listen to/buy the full album, One Song at a Time, right here–

JUST IN!!!

Here are the winners in the gospel categories at this year’s 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards!!!

Winners highlighted below in blue.

Best Gospel Performance

“He Wants It All” by Forever Jones | Get Ready
“You Hold My World” by Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People.
“Nobody Greater” by VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant
“He’s Been Just That Good” by Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway | The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III
“Grace” by BeBe & CeCe Winans | Still

Best Gospel Song

“Beautiful Things” by Lisa Gungor & Michael Gungor, songwriters (Gungor) | Beautiful Things
“Better Than A Hallelujah” by Sarah Hart & Chapin Hartford, songwriters (Amy Grant) | Somewhere Down The Road
“It’s What I Do” by Jerry Peters & Kirk Whalum, songwriters (Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway) | The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III
“Our God” by Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin) | Passion: Awakening
“Return To Sender” by Gordon Kennedy, songwriter (Ricky Skaggs) | Mosaic

Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album

Church Music | David Crowder Band
For Those Who Wait | Fireflight
Beautiful Things | Gungor
Rehab | Lecrae
Hello Hurricane | Switchfoot

Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

Beauty Will Rise | Steven Curtis Chapman
Love God. Love People. | Israel Houghton
Pieces Of A Real Heart | Sanctus Real
Mosaic | Ricky Skaggs
Tonight | TobyMac

Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel

Times Like These | Austins Bridge
The Reason | Diamond Rio
Expecting Good Things | Jeff & Sheri Easter
Journey | Ty Herndon
Live At Oak Tree: Karen Peck & New River | Karen Peck & New River

Traditional Gospel Album

The Experience | Vanessa Bell Armstrong
A City Called Heaven | Shirley Caesar
Downtown Church | Patty Griffin
Here I Am | Marvin Sapp
All In One | Karen Clark Sheard

Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

Get Ready | Forever Jones
Love Unstoppable | Fred Hammond
Triumphant | VaShawn Mitchell
Aaron Sledge | Aaron Sledge
Still | BeBe & CeCe Winans

The nominees for the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards were announced tonight during a live telecast on CBS.

In the gospel categories, the nominees are–

Best Gospel Performance
“He Wants It All” by Forever Jones | Get Ready
“You Hold My World” by Israel Houghton | Love God. Love People.
“Nobody Greater” by VaShawn Mitchell | Triumphant
“He’s Been Just That Good” by Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway | The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III
“Grace” by BeBe & CeCe Winans | Still

Best Gospel Song

“Beautiful Things” by Lisa Gungor & Michael Gungor, songwriters (Gungor) | Beautiful Things
“Better Than A Hallelujah” by Sarah Hart & Chapin Hartford, songwriters (Amy Grant) | Somewhere Down The Road
“It’s What I Do” by Jerry Peters & Kirk Whalum, songwriters (Kirk Whalum & Lalah Hathaway) | The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III
“Our God” by Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman, Jesse Reeves & Chris Tomlin, songwriters (Chris Tomlin) | Passion: Awakening
“Return To Sender” by Gordon Kennedy, songwriter (Ricky Skaggs) | Mosaic

Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album

Church Music | David Crowder Band
For Those Who Wait | Fireflight
Beautiful Things | Gungor
Rehab | Lecrae
Hello Hurricane | Switchfoot

Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

Beauty Will Rise | Steven Curtis Chapman
Love God. Love People. | Israel Houghton
Pieces Of A Real Heart | Sanctus Real
Mosaic | Ricky Skaggs
Tonight | TobyMac

Southern/Country/Bluegrass Gospel

Times Like These | Austins Bridge
The Reason | Diamond Rio
Expecting Good Things | Jeff & Sheri Easter
Journey | Ty Herndon
Live At Oak Tree: Karen Peck & New River | Karen Peck & New River

Traditional Gospel Album

The Experience | Vanessa Bell Armstrong
A City Called Heaven | Shirley Caesar
Downtown Church | Patty Griffin
Here I Am | Marvin Sapp
All In One | Karen Clark Sheard

Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

Get Ready | Forever Jones
Love Unstoppable | Fred Hammond
Triumphant | VaShawn Mitchell
Aaron Sledge | Aaron Sledge
Still | BeBe & CeCe Winans

What do you think of the nominees???

I woke up humming this song, then decided I wanted to hear it, then decided I wanted to watch the video… and by that time, I decided I was just gonna blog about it.

TobyMac’s “Lose My Soul” (featuring Kirk Franklin and Mandisa) is SUCH an incredibly great song already, but the video was also verrry nicely done.  I love the setting and the storyline, plus I love that the artists are performing in the scene instead of having cut-aways to some live performance venue or something. I just LOVE It!

Check it out–

Whatd’ya think???

The 41st annual Dove Awards were taped last night in Nashville, TN at the Grand Ole Opry House.  The show, hosted by Natalie Grant and Bart Millard (of MercyMe), featured a who’s-who of artists and execs in Christian music, along with great collaborative performances.

Among the winners in gospel categories were Fred Hammond (Contemporary Gospel Album – Love Unstoppable), Smokie Norful (Traditional Gospel Recorded Song – “Justified”), and Israel Houghton(Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song – “The Power Of One”).  There was also a tie between BeBe & CeCe Winans (“Grace”) and Israel Houghton (“I Just Wanna Say”) in the Urban Recorded Song category. 

The night was great, featuring key performances by Donald Lawrence & Jason Crabb (in a special tribute to Andraé Crouch), Natalie Grant & Jordin Sparks, TobyMac, BeBe & CeCe Winans, MercyMe, Francesca Battistelli and more.  As I mentioned yesterday, I was backstage for much of the preparation and the taping, itself, so I missed seeing a lot of the performances (I could hear ‘em though, and I loved it!).

I’ve also gotta say that I loved the vibe of the show.  Everyone seemed like one big family and I didn’t see too many of those “gotta-hold-it-together-for-the-camera, but-I’m-really-mad-that-I-didn’t-win” faces.

All in all, the evening was great fun.  Backstage, I got a chance to speak with Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence & The Co., Wess Morgan, Brian Courtney Wilson, Calvin Nowell, B. Reith, Mandisa, Melinda Doolittle, TobyMac, Casting Crowns, Tony LeBron, Britt Nicole… I KNOW I’m forgetting folks. Sorrrrry…

If you don’t know who some of the above-noted folks are, tell me so I can feature them for you QUICKLY.  And I think I’m gonna write an editorial soon, cuz I’ve got something else to say… stay tuned.

For a full list of winners, head over to gmc’s official website.

The show will air this Sunday, April 25th, at 8pm ET/7 CST exclusively on gmc.

Watchin’???

Last night, BMI honored some of its songwriters and publishers at its annual BMI Christian Music Awards (kinda similar to the Trailblazers Awards in January) at their Nashville office.  It’s all part of the annual festivities of GMA Week here.

Though GMA Week isn’t taking place in the grand fashion of previous years, the parties aren’t stoppin’!

I caught up with Donald Lawrence (who was honored for “Back II Eden”), Jonathan Nelson (for “My Name Is Victory”), Derrick Starks (for “Take It Back”), Nate McNair (for “Souled Out”), TobyMac (for “Lose My Soul” and “My Deliverer”), and Caleb, the CCM duo comprised of Steven Curtis Chapman’s sons, who also performed Chapman’s “Cinderella” in his absence from the event.

Other performances came from TobyMac and The Booth Brothers.    It was a GREAT night!  A couple shots (TobyMac and Caleb) for ya:

My wife and I were fortunate enough to receive an invitation to a private gathering to celebrate the release of the full album from Gotee Records recording artist B. Reith, entitled Now Is Not Forever.

We’ve been jammin’ to B’s seven-track EP for months now, so we were excited to be in the swank little Franklin, TN spot to hear the full project.  Folks who weren’t able to attend were able to watch the party as it streamed live on his website, BReith.com.

It’s kinda hard to sum up B. Reith’s style– he’s a singer and a rapper, and does both VERY well on his tracks.  But he’s also an incredibly gifted songwriter– some of his melodies are reminiscent of Stevie Wonder’s memorable tunes and his musical ideas are refreshing and innovative.  More than anything, he’s in love with Jesus Christ and he uses his gift to demonstrate what THAT relationship looks like as he lives his life.

At the event, B chatted with the crowd, played some recorded tracks, performed a few cuts live, and even showcased some hot new apparel bearing the title of his new album, Now Is Not Forever.  And to make sure we all knew how important this release is, tobyMac was in the house to show support for B and to encourage us all to buy this project (and, if you follow me on Twitter, you saw me gush about how hot his pair of Pumas was).  All in all, it was an exciting time. 

So, here’s the deal… I need you guys to check him out and check out this album.  Visit his MySpace page to hear full-length tracks and learn more about him.  I believe you guys are gonna really enjoy it… I’m a HUGE supporter.  Special shout-out to Calvin Nowell, B’s manager, for the invite!

For your listening pleasure, I’m embedding one of my fave tracks from the album, called “Rain Down”:

Lemme know what you think!

The short and sweet:  Really incredible.

The detailed version:  To me, this album sounds like happiness and freedom in worship.  I kinda wanna put it on and go on a road trip to some outdoor Christian festival.  Y’know?

The latest album from Israel Houghton, The Power of One, isn’t due in stores until March 24th, but rumblings about it have been around for months.  In fact, I wrote this review at the end of January and have been chompin’ at the bit to post it– all in due time!

It’s a solo album, so the vibe is a bit different from his other stuff, but it’s still got a tinge of that “New Breed” sound to keep it familiar for us.  I don’t think praise and worship teams will have much new music to copy, though, which is prolly a good thing.  Y’all need to settle down.  But I digress…

In addition to giving us more great music, this album succeeds in reminding us that Israel is a great songwriter, not a formulaic one-hit wonder, and an awesome vocalist (dude is SINGING on this album).  And with production from Tommy Sims and Aaron Lindsey, and guest appearances from Mary Mary and tobyMac, there’s a little something for everybody.

Standout tracks for me are “Just Wanna Say,” the single that I’ve already raved about in an earlier post, “Everywhere That I Go,” a feel-good, rockin’-out kinda deal, and “Saved By Grace,” a clap and dance-worthy anthem that made me knock into a couple folks on the subway a while back.  Sorry, lady!  I also groove HARD to “U R Loved,” a funky track that could’ve been a hit by Earth, Wind & Fire.  Oh, and “Every Prayer,” featuring Mary Mary… the folks are saaangin!

So, yeah, for the record, you’ve gotta get it when it comes out!

STAY TUNED for a stupendous CD Giveaway RIGHT HERE… coming sooner than you think.  In the meantime, check out Israel talking about the song concept for his hit single, “Just Wanna Say”:

Who watched the the Grammys???

My predictions were actually rather on point.  I was 4 for 7!

See below.   The winners are in GREEN.  The folks I said are in YELLOW (unless I was right, in which case… just in GREEN, folks).

Best Gospel Performance

“I Understand” by Kim Burrell, Rance Allen, Bebe Winans & Mariah Carey
Track from: Randy Jackson’s Music Club, Volume One

“East To West” by Casting Crowns
Track from: The Altar And The Door Live

“Get Up” by Mary Mary
Track from: The Sound

“Shall We Gather At The River” by Take 6
Track from: The Standard

“Waging War” by CeCe Winans
Track from: Thy Kingdom Come

EJ SAYS:  A little surprised by this, but I don’t think folks got it wrong.  Good job, Marys!

Best Gospel Song

“Cover Me” - James L. Moss, songwriter (21:03 With Fred Hammond, Smokie Norful & J Moss)

“Get Up” – Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Warryn Campbell & Eric Dawkins, songwriters (Mary Mary)

“Give Me Your Eyes” – Brandon Heath & Jason Ingram, songwriters (Brandon Heath)

“Help Me Believe” – Kirk Franklin, songwriter (Kirk Franklin)

“You Reign” – Jim Bryson, Steven Curtis Chapman, Nathan Cochran, Barry Graul, Bart Millard, Mike Scheuchzer & Robby Shaffer, songwriters (MercyMe)

EJ SAYS:  Saw this comin’ a mile away.  The man writes a good song (I don’t care if you think you’ve heard it before!).  Lyrically, he does the whole “transparency” thing better than most songwriters.  Kudos!

Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album

Hello - After Edmund

Our World Redeemed - Flame

We Need Each Other – Sanctus Real

Rock What You Got – Superchick

Alive And Transported – TobyMac

EJ SAYS:  Called it.  Makes me wanna get the album… anyone have it already?  How is it???

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

This Moment – Steven Curtis Chapman

What If We – Brandon Heath

Opposite Way – Leeland

Hello Love – Chris Tomlin

Thy Kingdom Come – CeCe Winans

EJ SAYS:  I really didn’t think they’d give it to CeCe Winans in THIS category, but it kinda confirms what I’ve been thinking– she may be the only superstar artist able to do both CCM and Gospel, and be accepted in both.  Others may dabble, but I dunno if they really succeed.

Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album

Room For More – Booth Brothers

Lovin’ Life – Gaither Vocal Band

Steps To Heaven – Charlie Louvin

Hymned Again – Bart Millard

Ephesians One – Karen Peck & New River

EJ SAYS:  Duh.  I said GAITHER!

Best Traditional Gospel Album

Down In New Orleans – The Blind Boys Of Alabama

I’ll Say Yes – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Take It Back – Dorinda Clark-Cole

Deitrick Haddon Presents . . . Together In Worship – Voices Of Unity

Bishop Charles E. Blake Presents… No Limit – The West Angeles COGIC Mass Choir

EJ SAYS:  I was surprised, but then not at all.  I mentioned name recognition a while ago… for some reason, The Blind Boys of Alabama are what gospel music is all about to many people in mainstream music.  And it’s not to say that they don’t deserve it, but I’ve known atheists who’ve said to me “wait… you like gospel music… have you heard of The Blind Boys of Alabama?”  I’ll allow it.

Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

Reflections – Jason Champion

The Fight Of My Life – Kirk Franklin

The Sound – Mary Mary

Donald Lawrence Introduces: Family Prayer – The Murrills

Stand Out – Tye Tribbett & G.A.

EJ SAYS:  I said my prediction was gonna be controversial, but it was also RIGHT on the money.  Great albums all around (though, someone called me off-the-record to say “now you KNOW so-and-so shouldn’t be on that list”).

* * * * *

How accurate were you???  What did you think of the winners?