- Gospel Synergy Magazine

Ms. Julia Ann Gardner was born in New York, N.Y.
Butgrew up in South Carolina. Ms. Gardner began
singingas a child at churches in the South and continued
uponher return to New York where she was a member of
THEVOICES OF PRAISES AND THE COMBINED
CHIORat THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH in East
Elmhurst, N. Y. She’s also a mother of (one Child) and a
retired postal clerk, who loves gardening, sewing, and
relaxing with a good book. But whatever she’s doing, she’s
always singing.
Cd cover art was designed by Ms. Gardner which shows
MAKE A DIFFERENCE by feeding a homeless person,
the clock and rose tells us to TAKE TIME to enjoy life,
smell the rose, MOM, DAD and WTC will ALWAYS
REMEMBER, the flag, as we continue to live in peace
is THE SPIRIT OF AMERICA.
Message
1. Make A Difference
2. The Blood
3. Rise
4. Until I What
5. Take Time
6. Let It Go
7. Spirit of America
8. Always
Now Available online download your favorite song for
$.99 at www.gospelswap.com
Airplay - Corrently in rotation
Make A Difference , Rise and Spirit of America
www.gospelpower.fm
For more information and booking call
803-644-0854 or visit us online at
www.juliaanngardner.com Email: [email protected]
http://www.gospelsynergy.com/members/?thankyou-page=335
Christian Business Opportunity!
After the 9/11 tragedy, she was inspired to write the songs
for her debut record “MESSAGE” The songs “SPIRIT
OF AMERICA” and “ALWAYS REMEMBER” were
composed as the search for survivors and victims began
at the World Trade Center site. Ms. Gardner feels that this
was a time when all America joined together in pain and
sorrow but was united in SPIRIT. THE HOPE OF Ms.
Julia Ann Gardner is that everylistener will also be inspired
to live their dreams, find their purpose in life work and
rejoice in the giving of joy and happiness to others. For
it’s truly up to each one of us to rise us to make a difference
in the world.
Sense moving too S. C. Ms. Gardner have had very
successful Debut of her CD MESSAGE, and is singing in
local Churches in the SC area WHERE SHE IS GETTING
AN exhilarating audience respond. In my brief conversation
I asked the question as to what really inspired the songs
that were written for this project. “ September 11, was a
day that I will always remember,
the postal station that I worked for was only a few blocks
from the World Trade Center. Our station would service
the many businesses and the people who worked their used
our location.” Say Ms. Gardner.
I wanted to do something special for all of the families for
people who lost their lives as a reult of this tragedy. After
that day in September I had a much greater apriciation for
life and a better understand of how awesome God is. So
much love so much caring strangers helping each other. It
wasn’t to long after 9/11, I retired after writing and
producing the CD I relocated to Aiken, S.C. to enjoy a
comfortable life and enjoy all of the beauty of what God
had created. I believe God gave me these songs as an
expression for the love that He has for mankind and the
words to each of these songs will bring healing and
understanding to everyone who hears the this project as
the word penetrate their hearts.
Contents
Volume 9 Number 4
June 2006
Page 4
My Assignment!
Andr’e L. Carter
Page 5
Ministry vs. Industry
What Drives Your Life?
I observed that the basic motive of success is the driving force of envy and
jealousy! Ecclesiastes 4:4 (LB)
Many people are driven by guilt. Many people. Many People are driven by
resentment and anger. Many people are driven by fear. Many people are driven
by materialism. Many people are driven by the need for approval.
The Benefits of Purpose - Driven Living
Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life. Knowing your purpose
simplifies your life. Knowing your purpose focuses your life. Knowing your
purpose motivates your life. Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity.
Mel Holder - Reprint
Mar/Apr 2000
Page 7
A Tribute to Beverly Jean
Nicholson
By: Medina J. Nance
One day you will stand before God, and He will do an audit of your life,
a final exam, before you enter eternity. The Bible says, “Remember, each
of us will stand personally before the judgement seat of God... Yes
each of us will have to give personal account to God.” Fortunately,
God wants us to pass this test, so he giees us the questions in advance.
Excert from Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life... Be sure to
pick up your copy for a life changing experience!
Page 23
The Belle Report
Sharing information about what going on!!!
Page 9
The Way To Wellness Series
By Carol Hinkle
Page 13
Meet JoAnn Woods
Page 18
YOU AIN’T HEARD NOTHING YET
The Future of Gospel Music: 2020
By: Dr. Nat Irving II
Page 26
Gospelpower.fm Playlist
The Best Independnet Gospel Music Online!
Add us to your favorites and listen as you surf
or work on the Net. Commercial Free gospel
music 24/7.
Page 27 & 28
Gospel Swap Playlists
List includes most requested and sold!
We welcome your feedback please send to
[email protected]
Order Your Subscription online at
www.gospelsynergy.com
Page 2
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
Synergy is the essence of principle-centered leadership. It
is the essence of principle-centered parenting. It catalyzes,
unifies, and unleashes the greatest power within people.
What is synergy? Simply defined, it means that the whole is
greater than the sum of its parts.
The essence of synergy is to value differences-to respect
them, to build on strength, to compensate for weakness.
Synergy is almost as if a group collectively agrees to subordinate old script and to write a new one.
Value the difference in the essence of synergy-the mental,
the emotional, the psychological difference between people.
And the key to valuing those differences is to realize that all
people see the world, not as it is, but as they are.
The person who is truly effective has the humility and reverence to recognize his own perpetual limitations and to
appreciate the rich resources available through interaction
with the hearts and minds of other human beings.
Synergy works it’s a correct principle. It is the crowning
achievement of all previous habits. It is effectiveness in an
interdependent reality-it is teamwork, team building, the
development of unity and creativity with other human beings.
VOLUME NUMBER 9 NUMBER 4
Publisher/Editor Andr’e L. Carter
Webmaster - Andre A. Carter
Charlene Turner - Gosplelinks.com
My Pastor Rev James T. Meeks
House of Hope of Chicago
724 E. 114 St. Chicago, IL 60628
Contributing Writers
Willette Duvall, Andr’e L. Carter
Shelle Belle, Mel Holder, Medina J. Nance
Carolyn Hinkle, JoAnn Woods, Michelle Colson-Smith
Dr. Nat Irvin II, Attorney Joseph Smalls,
Marketing And Promotions
ALC
Cover Design
ALC
Legal Advisor
Attorney Arthur Sutton
Photographer
One year subscription $20.00 USD
Synergy is collectively working together but at the same
International $40.00
time each party maintains their own identity. There should
Allow
4-6weeks
for delivery. Please notify subscription
be more positive synergy in the body of Christ. It doesn’t
department of change of address.
matter what assignment God gives each of us we are all
placed in an interdependent position. If you are a gospel
Submission of manuscripts, illustrations, and or photographs
announcer brokering your time you are looking for sponmust be accompanied by a self-address envelope for the return
sors and advertisiers to help pay for your time. If you are a
materials. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited
gospel artists you are interdependent on the gospel anmaterials.
nouncers to play your music. We live in a world of
Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is
SNERGY, God has given each of us a dream.
prohibited.
It is up to us to put the correct pieces of the puzzle together
that will make our dream and vision a reality. Bottomline
we live in an interdependent world, in order to move to the
next level we have to position ourselves to maximize on
our positive synergy. God Bless!
Postmaster send change of address to:
Gospel Synergy Magazine
P. O. Box 286261
Chicago, IL 60628
The opinions expressed by the authors who contribute to Gospel Synergy Magazine are their own and does not necessarily
reflect those of Gospel Synergy Inc. All work is copy written. Reproduction of any material appearing in Gospel Synergy
Magazine without prior written permission is prohibited. However, any articles, photographs, graphics, or other mediums
accepted for publishing becomes the property of Gospel Synergy Inc, unless other reproduction rights, terms and conditions
are negotiated and approved prior to publishing.
Page 3
My Assignment!
By: Andr’e L. Carter
As I sit here is deep thought reflecting back and reviewing the many different situations I have encountered
since I accepted God’s assignment
and purpose in August of 1989. I had
enough of being caught up in a world
of sin. I recall be awaken at 3 a.m., I
heard the voice of God say, “Andr’e
it’s time to go to work for me.” I felt
that I had no choice but to respond
so I went back to sleep. When I woke
up the next morning which happened
to be a Sunday, I had a strong urge
to go to church. Since I believed that
urge came from God, I acted upon it
because I desired to be obedient to
the voice of God.
As I drove around looking for a
church to attend, old gospel songs
came to my mind. Here I was driving
around praising God in song during
my search for a church to attend. I
knew that most services had already
started because it was after 11:00
a.m. I was already late for Sunday
School. I guess it was fate that the
church I attended and eventually join
(First Baptists of University Park, IL)
reminded me of the church I attended
when I was a child. I remained a
member for eight years under the
leadership of Rev. Rogers Jackson.
I had been running from God for almost 20 years but know it was time
to come back home. God had a plan
for my life. I felt the plan was for singing all I wanted to sing. I couldn’t
get enough opportunities at church
so I would go to nursing home and
where ever I could to sing. I became
more receptive to God’s call on my
life, as I became restless, I joined a
community choir on the Westside at
the invitation of a co worker and became a member of Carl Mabins and
Changed Community Choir. Where
I was a member for about 5 years. I
was sure that this is what God wanted
me to do. But no He was preparing
me for something even bigger although I really enjoyed singing. God
was revealing so much to me and I
mean he revealed a lot to me.
One night I attend an event and out
of no where a man came up to me
and told me that God told him that I
was the person who would help him
launch a gospel magazine? I was
amazed how could this be I had never
met this person in my life? I accepted
the new assignment because I can’t
argue with God especially when he
is in control of my destiny. In the summer of 1997, my assignment with the
magazine ended. During that time I
was confused, I began to question
God, “what do you want from me?”
I asked if I had moved in the flesh,
no I didn’t move in the flesh because
I had learned a lot during the 3 years
I worked for the magazine. God was
not pleased with the owners of the
magazine and He wasn’t pleased with
me because I was living with a
woman who wasn’t my wife.
He revealed to me what I had to do
in order for the two of us to have His
favor. During that period of adjustment God had planted a seed in my
spirit to start my own magazine. My
friend gave me the new name for the
publication that God had revealed to
me. It was a struggle but the first issue was published and on the streets
in June of 1998.
I was so proud even though I had
experienced losing the woman I loved
and had lived with for eight year, lost
my car and a place to call home. Nevertheless I had a new assignment and
it was up to me to please God and
not man so I continued on in faith.
Page 4
I made many sacrifices over the years
and many times I wanted to give up
but I couldn’t and I knew in my heart
that God wasn’t going to let that happen. Again He was revealing more
and more to me with each passing
year with the highs and lows of being in the publishing business. I have
met a lot of people over the years. I
have definitely had my share of life’s
ups and downs. Yet and still through
it all I still find myself standing up
and with each passing day I have
learned to lean more on Him. Because man will let you down.
As I continue to press on God has
now imparted in my spirit two more
businesses that can help to spread the
good news around the world. The
Internet isn’t new but because of our
lack of knowledge many of us are
stuck in a traditional rut because we
refuse change. The sad part is we
really don’t need to complain what
we really need to do is change. Everything we want is available to us
as man has experienced the agriculture age the industrial age and now
we are in the technology age.
I thank God for the wonderful assignment that He has given me. I thank
Him for all of the experiences that I
have had over the years. I thank him
for the people that He has sent into
my life negative and positive. I thank
Him for my friends and my enemies.
It is because of His Love for me and
my determination to please Him...
Ministry vs. Industry
By: Mel Holder Reprint from Mar/Apr 2000
New York, one of the most compelling issue in gospel music is the difference between “Music Ministry” and Music Industry.” Currently, many gospel artists
have not only taken the church world by
storm, they have advanced deeply into the
secular market. This new elevation increases revenue within the secular market. Gospel music now shares more than
twenty-five percent of the music industry
revenue. Many major secular labels are
seeking to open a gospel division to benefit from this economical boom. Music
ministries must avoid the hoopla and excitement of these trends and remain focused on their purpose. Unfortunately,
some have been lured by world offerings,
causing the term “crossover” to mean,
getting a piece of the pie, instead of taking the gospel message to an audience that
would not have heard it traditionally. What
is the difference? Ministry is the act of
service in which one contributes time and
energy to benefit someone other than themselves. Industry is the habitual steady attention to business.
The Bible tells us to be fervent in business, to be prosperous and to act with integrity. In fact, experiencing the increase
from the labor of ministry, is expected of
a good and faithful steward. However, we
need to be careful that the benefits do not
become the motivating factor. When, this
happens you become victims of the industry.
Here are some checkpoints to see where
you stand. Are you relying on the Holy
Spirits guidance and anointing instead of
on the skill, talent and ability He gave you?
Is you ultimate goal to glorify self? Is your
quest for deeper spiritual possessions or
greater material possessions? Are you
seeking recognition from God or from man
and for self?
Many of us may answer these questions
with spiritually correct answers. However,
is that truly what we are practicing in our
hearts? Because ministry is about serving, we offer our skills, talents and abilities back to God to serve the body of
Christ. As we lift up the name of the Lord,
He becomes glorified and He will draw
men unto Him. You see, the purpose here
is to glorify Him, His presence enters with
a rich anointing which makes it easy for
us to minister to His People and bring
down the strongholds of the enemy. As a
child of God, there is no sweeter place than
bathing in the presence of the Lord!
Our secular music counterparts spend
millions of dollars marketing artists, giving them images larger than life, believing this will translate into revenue.
Meanwhile, the artists cannot handle the
glorification and full social vices. God
never intended for man to be glorified.
When man seeks to obtain glorification,
his downfall is inevitable. History has
proven this. Sadly, the same condition and
consequence has become a reality in the
church. Marketing gospel talent is important. However, we must avoid certain
gods. We must focus on the message. The
messenger should never be greater than
the message. Promoting gospel talent
should simply be making the public aware
of a vehicle from which the message will
flow. Therefore, the ministry aspect remains the primary focus and the industry
aspect is secondary. What really motivates
involvement in ministry? Is it recognition?
Recognition drivers the industry. Gospel
music offers the Billboard charts, The
Dove Awards, The Stellar Awards and
the Grammies as instruments to recognize one’s achievements. Even in this, we
should honor each other as God intended,
and not strive for recognition. Remember
our gifts will make
room for us. Recognition should be a by
product of service, not a goal to attain. Is
publicity the motivation? Although it is
popular to be in videos, television, magazines, CDs, and radio stations these resources should be used to promote God’s
plan and not ourselves.
We are agents and representatives of Jesus
Christ. The aforementioned mediums can
definitely help in expanding the gospel.
Let’s remember that if we receive any
praise in these things let it go to calvary.
Is position motivation? There is a distinct
difference between position and being
called. An artists, who is truly called, understands there is a higher value placed
on a calling because of its eternal ramifications. As A Christian Artists, I have
struggled with these questions. I remember years ago when I accepted the Lord
into my life I was ready to just do everything for Him. I felt that God should be
honored to have someone as talented as I
was in the ministry. Quite quickly I realize that God was not interested in my talent. He was concerned with me and the
condition of my soul! After fighting with
God, I put my talent on hold for a period.
Shortly there after, I attended Bible School
and started studying the word seriously.
After a period of three years
the Lord released me into the music industry. I later realized that if those three
years of studying God’s word hadn’t taken
place I would have done things exactly as
I did in the secular music industry. I needed
a renewing of the mind. Just like a soldier
in the natural I had to have a period of
basic training. I had to learn that the focus was not on me but on Christ. I had to
learn it was not about my performance
but His ministry. Ultimately, the difference
between ministry and industry is eternal.
Only what’s done for Christ will last. Yes,
both are attainable, but you can only be
motivated by one.
For More Information Regarding Mel Holder Please visit him on line at
www.melholder.com
Mel Holder is a Gospel Jazz Artists
Listen to him and others on
www.gospelpower.fm for the best verity of
independent gospel music on line.
Page 5
THE BALM IN GILEAD GEARS UP FOR
SEVENTH ANNUAL OUR CHURCH LIGHTS THE
WAY TESTING CAMPAIGN
The Balm In Gilead announces the
seventh annual Our Church Lights
The Way: The Black Church HIV
Testing Campaign, a partnership
between the Balm In Gilead, the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the Black
Church to solicit the Black faith
leadership to encourage African
Americans to get tested for HIV and
to know their status.
This campaign, which runs the entire
month of June and culminates June
27th National HIV Testing Day, seeks
to get every African American tested
for HIV and to help Black churches
become community centers for HIV/
AIDS
education
and
information.“The quest to save
African Americans from HIV/AIDS
is the civil rights fight for today,” says
Pernessa Seele, Founder and CEO,
The Balm In Gilead. “We need the
African American church to, once
again, mobilize and engage the entire
Black community in stopping the
spread of HIV/AIDS among our men,
women and children.
The strong voice of the Black pulpit
must speak loud on HIV prevention,
which includes informing African
Americans about the importance of
HIV testing and counseling.”
Of the estimated 40,000 new HIV
infections each year, more than 50
percent occur among African
Americans. AIDS is the number one
cause of death for Black adults aged
25 to 44, before heart disease, cancer
and homicide.
Methodist Episcopal Church — is
designed to build the capacity of these
denominations to address cervical
cancer, HIV/AIDS and other health
issues in Black communities. To learn
more about these and other churchbased HIV testing programs and how
your church can participate in “Our
The Balm In Gilead’s pioneering
Church Lights the Way: The Black
achievements have enabled thousands
Church HIV Testing Campaign,”
of churches to become leaders in
preventing HIV by providing As a pillar of strength in the Black
comprehensive educational programs community, the Black Church has
and offering compassionate support taken up the cross in the fight against
to encourage those infected to seek HIV/AIDS with Our Church Lights
Church-based programs. The The Way: The Black Church HIV
organization has expanded its efforts Testing Campaign. We are sending
internationally to address the messages of love and hope to those
devastation of HIV/AIDS in African living with HIV/AIDS through Jesus
countries including Cote d’Ivoire, Christ, our Lord and Savior. We are
offering uplifting words of
Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
inspiration to those infected and
The Balm In Gilead’s other
affected by HIV/AIDS and we are
groundbreaking work in the African
telling everyone in our community to
American faith community includes
take a stand and help us stop the
the African American Denominational
spread of HIV by getting tested.
Leadership Health Initiative.
Call The Balm In Gilead at
Launched in March 2004, this historic
888-225-6243
partnership between the Balm In
or visit us
Gilead and the women’s missionary
online at
societies and councils of three Black
www.balmingilead.org
religious denominations – The
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Become a partner - Find a location
in your area more information is
The African Methodist Episcopal
available once you visit us!
Zion Church and The Christian
Page 6
Tribute to Dr. Beverly
Jean Nicholson
By: Medina J.Nance
On May 2, 2006, we lost a giant in the
field of Natural Health, not to mention a
bright ray of sunshine. Dr. Beverly
Nicholson, better known as “Doc” to
many was a giant in the herbal industry.
Wherever she traveled, she was sure to
be educating on natural health –
specifically ‘Cleansing the Colon’! She
was well known and respected as the
‘Herbal Doctor’. I met her at a Nature’s
Sunshine Herbal Conference about 12
years ago. It seems like yesterday that
she walked right up to me and started to
educate me on how to truly cleanse the
bowel and system with the 90 Day
Colon/System Cleanse. She told me that
she had been diagnosed with Lung
Cancer, Leukemia, Lupus, Hiatal Hernia
and Gallstones!
I was blown away at her wealth of
knowledge and her ability to lay out
all the stats concerning the state of health
for Americans today. I haven’t
mentioned the magnetism, she literally
had everyone running to her as if she had
a built in magnet. Actually, she
epitomized the herbal company we
utilize, Nature’s Sunshine Products.
Beverly always shined! She was well
loved and respected by everyone at
Nature’s Sunshine. We both love this
company as they personify ‘People to
People’ or actually helping people, not
just selling them a product.
Page 7
Beverly started as a Distributor with
Nature’s Sunshine about 30 years ago
and furthered her knowledge and
education to obtain mastery in the field
of natural healing, she had the rank of
Senior Divisional Manager, once
obtaining Manager of the Year for her
tireless efforts in the field, and she had
many awards plaques and certificates.
She opened the doors to the many
opportunities that the company has to
offer. There’s no other company than
I’ve seen that has such potent products
and is so big on Education.
This is what Beverly did for me – she
took an illness that I’d been diagnosed
with, Lupus SLE and actually turned it
around as well as opening the door to a
whole new world. This world consisted
of a job I love, almost as much as she
did. Not to mention a great income and
traveling all over the world. Beverly was
great at taking that sunshine she had
within and shining it all over. I’m still
trying to figure out how she found the
time, let alone the energy to do all that
she has done.
It seems impossible, but Beverly did a
juggling act out of this world! She
juggled raising Lil’ Beverly (her
namesake and granddaughter), being a
Mom, mentoring many, running a
Wholistic Health Spa, Committees,
Boards, Foundations, family members,
friends and being a Socialite here in
Chicago & abroad. God blessed her with
that special gift. So for those who want
to doubt herbs, cleansing and natural
health because she was taken away so
soon (she was only 58) – I say this, “we
work on our health for Quality, the
Longevity is in God’s hands”. God
blessed us with the time we had with her,
those years were the best of Quality.
I miss her so much, and I’m not alone
in my sorrow and heavy heart – at times
it seems so unreal and unbearable, but
God is great all the time and He Sure
blessed my soul and many others in the
person on Dr. Beverly Jean Nicholson,
PHd. She’ll be missed but never
forgotten and for all those seeds she
planted out there, we owe it to her to
help harvest her 30 years of hard work
– her labor of love. First by taking care
of ourselves, she’d always say, “Medina,
let’s not be like the beautician, who’s
head is a mess or the shoe maker with
ragged shoes, or the seamstress with torn
clothes – let’s take good care of
ourselves”!
I’ve yet to meet anyone who cleansed or
took herbs like Beverly, she had a high
quality of life. Next, let’s help each
other. Beverly would say quite often,
“you can’t get anything with a closed
fist”. She understood the ‘Gift of
Giving’, she gave to so many and God
loves a Cheerful Giver (that was
Beverly). Last year this time, we were
on a cruise through Europe – Sweden,
Finland, Germany, England, Denmark,
Russia and some places I can’t even
remember. She called me up in the fall
of last year and said, “Pack your bags,
this spring we’re going on a TAC trip to
Europe”! Those are trips that Nature’s
Sunshine pays for to reward their Top
Achievers and Beverly qualified for two.
The company is just great that way, and
we had a blast. I never would have
thought that this would be our last trip,
we were planning to go to China in the
fall. I’m going to miss calling my
mentor/sister/friend up for advice and a
good word, but I thank you God for the
wonderful times and all the nice people
that I met through your ray of sunshine.
Beverly, Thank You from all the
thousands of people you helped heal and
uplift over the short time you were here
………………. May God bless and
keep you for evermore.
Medina J. Nance C.H..H.C Offers
Personal Programs - Personal Conultant,
Nutritional Training, Herbalist Courses,
Blood Type Charts, B./T. A. Testing for
more information call: 773-324-4372/
[email protected] - Tune in every
Thursday - Education is the Answer
Herban Renewal on Ch 21(Can TV) 6
pm Chicago Only. New show will be
added to www.gospelpower.fm .
Coming Soon!!!
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Page 8
The Way To
Wellness Series
By: Carol Hinkle
“WHEN YOU FEED YOUR
BODY AT THE RIGHT
CELLULAR LEVEL THE
PROPER BUILDING BLOCK
THE BODY HEALS ITS SELF”
You might ask yourself, am I really
getting all the necessary nutrients I
need in my daily diet? Rather if you
think its yes or no, the answer is absolutely not. Today’s fruits and vegetables may look fresh and ripe and
full of nutrients, the truth is they’re
nutrients poor.
The US. Senate#264 and the Earth
Summit Report, documents an 85%
mineral depletion of our farm and
range soils over the past 100 years in
North America. As a result, food
grown in such soil is devoid of the
intended vitamins and minerals. Even
worse, the produce farmed for distribution in grocery stores is generally cultivated using chemical
fertilizers,pesticides and waste contamination.
Life Force manufactures a unique
comprehensive nutritional supplement called Body Balance. First,it is
in liquid form for maximum absorption. the Physician’s Desk Reference
(considered to be the medical
‘BIBLE’) reveals that vitamins and
minerals in pill form are only 10 to
20 % absorbed by the body. The other
80 to 90% are literally being flushed
down the drain. But nearly 100% of
a liquid supplement like Body Balance is quickly digested and pumped
into the blood stream because it’s
easily absorbed. Plus pills are difficult to swallow for many people.
Body Balance is also superior to pill
form because of it’s ingredients.
Whole foods are used in the
manufacturing of Body Balance,
including Sea Vegetables from the
pristine ocean waters. Sea vegetables
are far more superior to land
vegetables because of their vital
phytonutrients. It also contain Aloe
Vera, which adds remarkable healing
and soothing properties to a
nutritional supplement. Aloe Vera is
a great source of more than 75
nutritional compounds, including
vitamins,minerals and 18 amino
acids.
With the lack of nutrition in our
foods, it’s obvious that we need to
supplement our deits. In fact, in June
2002, the journal of the American
Medical (JAMA) publish the following findings: “Most people do not
consume an optimal amount of all
vitamins alone and it appears prudent
for all adults and children to take vitamin supplements. However, there
are so many vitamins and minerals
supplements on the market that
choosing an effective one becomes
difficult this is where Life Force
comes into play.
Page 9
Make the right choice for you and
your family. Choose Body Balance by
Life Force International for maximum
nutritional benefit in an easy to take
form Look for next month article for
testimonials and How to solve your
calcium intake problem.
It’s easy to order directly from Life
Force Intnl. Products are shipped
fresh and never over 14 days old.You
can also purchase your products
online at www.lifeforce.net./ Sponsor
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For more information call Carol at
708-275-3479 or you can email me
at [email protected]
A Changed Life Style
By: Michelle Colson-Smith
Several years ago I was going through a
painful divorce. My ex-husband was
divorcing me for another woman. After
five years of marriage, I had just given
birth to our daughter four months earlier
so you could imagine the anguish of this
abandonment. During this period of my
life, I had not accepted Jesus Christ as
my personal Lord and Savior. However,
I was seeking answers! An acquaintance
of mine, introduced me to his friend. He
believed she would be of some help to me
because she was a Christian. As time went
by, I learned she was a lesbian. I’ll call
her Linda (for this testimony). Linda was
a very attractive woman. She was tall
and slim, but she was also masculine. I
was very intrigued by her knowledge of
God and his Word. Linda was also the
mother of a son. Our kids played very
well together. I began to develop feelings
for her, just the same as I would for a
man. I knew Linda felt the same way
about me. One evening, I invited her over
for dinner. Later that night, Linda and I
talked about her lifestyle as a lesbian. Be
not deceived, evil communications
corrupt good manners. Awake to
righteousness and sin not: for some have
not the knowledge of. I found myself in
sin.
Several months later Linda and her son
moved in with us, I unquestionably
believed that I was in love with this
woman. We were living like a real family.
Proverbs 14:12 there is a way, which
seems right unto man (woman) but it
sends the way of death. During this time,
Linda taught me how to pray and fast,
basically, how to be a Christian. But she
had never mentioned having a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, she had introduced me to her
Christian’s friends who also were gay.
These friends are also in the gospel
entertainment business. The songs they
sung did not apply to the life they lived.
2 Timothy 3:5-7: Having a form of
godliness but denying its power, and from
such people turn away. For of this sort
are those who creep into households and
make captives of gullible women loaded
down with sins, led away by various lusts,
always learning andnever able to come
to knowledge of the truth.
Linda suggested that we should go to
church on a regular basis and to raise our
children in the church. One day, I asked
her what the Bible said about Lesbians.
She mentioned Sodom and Gomorra
(Genesis 19), which I was already
familiar with the story. Linda said, God
destroyed the City, because the men tried
to rape God’s angels. It had nothing to do
with sexuality. Linda also stated, it is not
a sin for two women to be in love.
Unfortunately, I was not completely
satisfied with her answers. One evening
while Linda was asleep. I got her Bible
looking for scriptures on homosexuality,
Acts 17:11... Receive the word with all
readiness, and search the scriptures daily
to find out whether these things are so.
Although, the homosexuality search I
could not find, I did find it hard for me to
put this book (the Bible) down. I read
the Bible until 6:00am. Well, Linda was
so upset, she hid her Bible from me.
Praise God! I was able to purchase my
own Bible. At that time, Linda and I had
been together for one (1) year. Afterward
our relationship got ugly. This woman
became very abusive verbally and
physically. Proverbs 22:24-25: make no
friendship with an angry man, and with a
furious man do not go, lest you learn his
ways and set a snare for your soul. One
Sunday Service, the Pastor made a
statement pertaining to homosexuals...
Leviticus 18:22: You shall not lie with a
male as with a woman.
Unfortunately, I was not completely satisfied with her answers. One evening
while Linda was asleep, I got her Bible
looking for scriptures on homosexuality,
Acts 17:11... Receive the word with all
readiness, and search the scriptures daily
to find out whether these things are
so.Although, the homosexuality search I
could not find, I did find it hard for me to
put this book (the Bible) down. I read the
Bible until 6:00am. Well, Linda was so
upset; she hid her bible rom from me.
Praise God! I was able to purchase my
own Bible. At that time, Linda and I had
been together for one (1) year. Afterward
our relationship got ugly. This woman
became very abusive verbally and physically. Proverbs 22:24-25: make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways
and set a snare for your soul.One Sunday
Service, the Pastor made a statement pertaining to homosexuals... Leviticus 18:22:
You shall not lie with a male as with a
woman. It is an abomination before God.
Linda was squirming in her seat.
Later on that same day, she called my family to inform them of our relationship.
They were not surprised since it was
geting closer to Easter, which Linda was
planning to spend time with her
family.tting closer to Easter, which
Lindawas planning to spend time with her
Page 10
family.
On Easter Sunday, I gave my heart and
life to Jesus Christ to become my personal
Lord and Savior. I was very excited about
being saved. Evening came and Linda has
returned home. I could not hold the news
so I informed her I gave my life to Jesus
Christ. Once again, she was furious; she
cursed me out for getting saved. Later
on that same day I asked her to move.
This really was not hard for me to do,
because I was truly sick of her belligerent
behavior. Of course she was not happy
with my decision so she moved back to
Fresno, California. After she had moved,
I had stopped attending church for many
months. Heb. 10:25- Not forsaking the
assembly of ourselves together ...I had a
next door neighbor who would bring her
poodle over for my kids to play with. I
will call her Kelly was much younger than
me and was of mixed race. In fact, Kelly
looked like Sally Richardson. Proverbs
6:25 says, Do not lust after beauty in your
heart. Not let her allure with her eyelids.
Once again, I found my myself in sin. I
was accepting the fact that I was a lesbian.
However, my family wasn’t accepting my
lifestyle. In fact, they wanted to fight for
custody. They believed I was neglecting
my children. Actually, they were absolutely right. Everything about me
changed, my behavior, and the way I
dressed, and I was becoming very masculine. Kelly and I were attending many
gay parties and nightclubs every weekend. I was truly lost! I though I would
never change. We even became engaged
(can you believe it?!). Kelly and I was
together for about one (1) year. In fact, I
was getting worse! Jesus was right when
stated in Luke 11:26 Then he goes and
takes with him seven other spirits more
wicked than himself, and they enter and
dwell there; and the last state of that man
is worse that the first.
Kelly knew how much I wanted to return
to church so she suggested we attend a
gay church. We decided to call the church
to send us information, which they sent
us a brochure. It stated how God accepted
Homosexuals for themselves, used with
a biblical story also. For instance,
HowDavid and Jonathan had a gay
relationshipand how God Blessed it. Read
it for yourselves 1 Samuel 20:17-41. If
you know anything about King
David...King David was pretty popular
with the sisters. They Believed you could
openly be a gay Christian. In 1 John 3:56 clearly states, “ And you know that
He was manifested to take away sins,
and in Him there is nor sin. Whoever
abides in Him does not sin. Whoever
sins has neither seen Him nor know
Him. If we are born into the family of
God, we cannot make sin a lifestyle because the Holy Spirit that is in us will convict us of sin. Meanwhile, Kelly and I
had gone to this popular gay and lesbian
bar. The owner of the bar entered the
hospital so the worker suggested we have
a silent prayer on her behalf. As I was
praying, I heard the voice of God saying,
“Michelle, I can’t hear their prayers, but
I hear yours!!!” Proverbs 28:9 says,
One who turns away his ear from hearing the law even his prayer shallbe an
abomination. As I waspraying for the
owner, I was also praying for myslef. This
scripture came to mind. Psalm 66:1820 says, If I regard iniquity in my heart,
the Lord will not hear. But certainly God
has heard me:He has attended to the coice
of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has
not turned away my prayer. Nor His
mercy from me! After the prayer was
over I turned to Kelly and I told her I
wnated to leave.
Kelly did not want to leave, but she knew
I was in no condition to drive. I had too
muchto drink. During this time Kelly and
I was living in separate apartments. I was
staying with my mom and she was staying with her grandmother so I decided to
drive myself home. A voice, the (devil),
tried to convience me to take my life.
After all, I drove like amaniac. I can recall, I made it home by the grace of God.
As my children slept, I kissed them. That
Same evening, I prayed that God would
remove this desire from my heart. The
next day I asked my mom and sister to
help me. I no longer wanted tp accept
calls from Kelly or her friends. Kelly
would not accept this!!! One day I went
to pick up my kids from school and she
God has raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved (Romans 10:9). Do
you remember the club owner? Well,
she died and I do not know if she knew
Christ personally. But if not, she is in
hell. You don’t go to hell because you
However, it was also a struggle for me,
are gay or a lesbian. You simply go
but I had to focus on my relationship with
God and my children. One day I met with because you have rejected the truth.
was there, waiting for me. I clearly
stated, “Stay away from me and my kids
or I’ll get the police involved.” I was
absolutely cold towards Kelly. I felt this
was the only way to cut ties with her.
the Pastor from the church I was attending. It was a struggle to meet with him,
because my car broke down and I had to
catch the bus. The Pastor was so patient. I finally made it to the church and
he was a blessing!!! He never judged
me, he just encouraged me in the Lord.
He is the same pastor God used to speak
on homosexuality. I truly thank God for
that pastor, who did not compromise the
word of God. Isaiah 52:7 says, How
beautiful upon the mountains, are the
feet of him who bringsgood news, who
proclaim salvation... Even though I had
fallen in love twice with a woman. I
boldly went to the Throne of God and
asked Him for mercy.Proverbs 24:16
says, For a righteous man may fall
seven times and rise again, but the
wicked shall fall by calamity.
I’ ve been delivered for eight and a half
years. I am now married to a man, and
the mother of four children. If anyone is
struggling with homosexuality, first of all
you have to recognize it as sin. You are
not born gay, but into sin!!! If you believe you are a Christian and living in this
kind of sin, then this scripture is for you.
2 Timothy 2:19 Neverthless the foundation of God stands, having this seal:
The Lord knows those who are His, and,
Let everyone who names the mane of
Christ depart from iniquity.
What the Bible says about “
Homosexuality” in Romans 1:26-28 is:
For this reason God gave them vile
passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is
against nature likewise also the men,
leaving the natural use of the women,
burned in their lust for one another,
men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the
penalty of their error which is due.
And even as they did not like to retain
God in their knowledge, God gave
them over to debased mind, to do the
things, which are not fitting
If you do not know, Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, The Bible says:
that we will have sinned and fallen short
of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). If
you confess with your mouth the Lord
Jesus and believe in your heart that
Page 11
In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the
way, the truth, and the life. No one
comes to the Father except through me.
In an acceptable time I have heard you,
and in the day of salvation I have
helped you, (2 Corinthians 6:2). And
as is appointed for me to die once, but
after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27)
Please don’t leave here without Jesus
Christ. To have a personal relationship
with Jesus, please repeat this prayer:
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for
all of my sins. I believe Jesus died for all
of my sins. Lord God, take full control of
my life, help.
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for
all of my sins. I believe Jesus died for
all of my sins. Lord God, take full
control of my life, help me to be the
person you created me to be. I now
believe I am a child of God. And my
name is written in the Lamb’s Book of
Life. I thank you, in Jesus name, Amen.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Now find a Bible teaching church, which
does not compromise the word of God
as in Hebrews 10:25, Romans 10:17
and Colossians 2:8. Find the time to
study the word of God as according to
2 Timothy 2:15. Find the time to pray
as God word says in 1 Thessalonians
5:17 and Luke 18:1. Begin a new
Godly relationship as in 2 Corinthians
5:17 and Psalms 133:1
I would like to thank my husband for
giving me his blessing for sharing this
testimony. God knew what he was
doing, when he brought you into my
life. “I love you my King! Like the
word of God in 1 Peter 3:6 says: As
Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord,
whose daughters you are if you do good
and are not afraid with any terror.
MATHEW KNOWLES LAUNCHES SPIRIT
RISING MUSIC:
Beyonce’s manager/father taps gospel markets
By Mona Austin / [email protected]
After the mutual agreement to part
ways with Sanctuary, entertainment
mogul Mathew Knowles has regained
ownership of his companies; Music
World Entertainment and the Music
World Music Record Label, and has
revamped and restructured the
gospel/ inspirational division, Spirit
Rising Music, with plans to release
several projects.
A simultaneous, September 2006,
release will set off a snowball effect
of inspirational bliss under the Spirit
Rising Music umbrella on “Music
World Entertainment.”
A Threefold Experience
The rollout begins with a cohesive
work of art from Pastor Rudy
Rasmus of St. John’s United
Methodist Church in Houston, TX,
where he invites one to travel through
and experience his ministry, music
and inspirational writings.
The musical experience:
ministry principles, but more than
that, it’s the story of God using Rudy
and St. John’s to reach into people’s
deepest fears and highest hopes—and
touch them with God’s transforming
love. A percentage of book sales will
be donated to “Bread Of Life” to
continue feeding the homeless.
The ministry: “Bread of Life” has
provided meals 7 days a week feeding
the Houston, TX downtown
homeless community distributing
15,000 lbs of fresh food every week
and serving 6,000 meals per month
without fail. It also provides housing
assistance, life skills/social services,
temporary shelter, drug rehabilitation
services, acute health care and mental
health services/case management.
Through “Bread of Life”, Pastor
Rudy is on a mission to promote selfdetermination, self-empowerment,
and ultimately self- sufficiency by
using a community network
approach.
Also in the works is a Michelle
Williams dance re-mix record, Spirit
Rising III and long-awaited projects
from Ramiyah, and Trin-i-tee 5:7 all
under the Spirit Rising Music imprint.
Mathew Knowles, President of MWE
best-known for his role as manager
of Beyonce and the global
phenomenon Destiny’s Child, the
most successful girl group in the
history of pop music, is dedicated to
bringing quality entertainment and
ministry to the world.
For more information visit:
www.spiritrisingmusic.com.
Spirit Rising Volume I & II
The Pastor Rudy Experience Volume
I: Touch, is an exceptional production
introducing an exciting variety of
styles from various talents including
Brian C. Wilson, Ron Summers,
Nikki Ross (Kirk Franklin singer) and
Soulfruit. The inspirational writing:
Touch: The Power of Touch in
Transforming Lives (September 1,
2006 release), is the story of Rudy’s
life, his response to God’s grace in
his own life, and his passion to touch
the lives of every person with God’s
great love.
The Spirit Rising Volume l & ll boasts
a virtual who’s who of gospel,
inspirational and mainstream artists
including Bishop TD Jakes, Michelle
Williams, Mahalia Jackson, Marvin
Winans, Mary Mary, Mighty Clouds
of Joy, Kelly Price, Earth Wind and
Fire, Israel & New Breed, Alvin
Slaughter, and Men Of Standard. A
bonus DVD featuring various artist
performances will be available at
Walmart.
Page 12
Billy Preston
Known as The Fifth Beatle died on
June 6, 2006. This is the day that
most people feared because of the
date 6-6-06. God had a plan of His
own. Billy will always be remembered for his musical contributions
over the years. After a long battle
with kidney problems and being in a
coma since November of 2005 Billy
went Home to be with the Lord.
Meet JoAnn Woods
Jo Ann Woods, a native Houstonian,
is the older of two children born to
Mr. Joe Ellis and Mrs. Leavergia
Woods. She received her Christian
and church experience at an early age.
Jo Ann began singing solos at one
year old under the direction of her
mother who is a musician. At the ages
of five to eight, she was featured
every Wednesday night on her radio
show with KYOK and was known as
“The Little Darling of the Airwaves.”
After graduating from Worthing High
School, she attended Texas Southern
University majoring in Business
Administration. She also earned an
Associate Certificate from CCS
Travel Academy and is now an
Executive Accounts Representative
for Continental Airlines.
Jo Ann has performed with many
gospel music greats and has traveled
extensively around the country and
internationally promoting gospel
music. She has appeared on several
television productions: HBO
Special-Robert Townsend and His
Partners in Crime-”Take No
Prisoners Part II”, Bobby Jones
Gospel, Texas Music Awards and
Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum Gospel
provides Road and Booking
Management, Artist Development,
Promotions and Productions. She is
proud to represent some of the finest
Jo Ann has also served as Artist independent artists and ministers in
Relations for Take It To The Bridge, Gospel music today. JAW
Marketing Representative for Stellar Entertainment Group is your talent
Awards Gospel Star Search, pianist resource for concerts, speakers,
of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church, Music workshops, plays, and tours.
Director for the Good Gang
Children’s Choir and Faith Jo Ann enjoys training young voices,
Community Choir Children’s Choir, workshops, concert productions and
children’s choir director for the New traveling.
Faith Church, Redeemed Chapel Roster of Artists Below...
CME, The Community of Faith,
Covenant Glen UMC and Southeast
Community Church.
Choir national Competition, to name
a few. She also appeared the movie
“Jason’s Lyric.”
Today, Jo Ann serves as Music
Director for the Children music
ministries her at Southwest “The
Bridge”, Music Teacher at Southwest
Community Christian Academy and
Event Chairperson for the American
Christian Schools International
(ACSI) South Central District Choral
Festival 1999-Present.
On a national level, Jo Ann serves as
Assistant Office Manager and
Computer Specialist for the
Academic Division of the Gospel
Music Workshop of America where
she has been a member for over thirty
(35) years. She also serves as Road
Manager for The Christianaires,
Marketing Manager for Nu Horizon
Booking and Management, Tour
Director for playwright Michael
Matthews and Travel Director for
several plays and concerts touring the
country.
In October of 2005, Jo Ann saw the
need to give a voice to independent
artist trying to minister and
presenttheir musical and speaking
talent locally and nationally. From
that need was formed her new
company, JAW Entertainment Group
Page 13
For More Information call
281-778-6370 or Email JoAnn at
[email protected]
yes, this is Michael Jackson’s “Man
in The Mirror.” The Cantons sing
“I Can See Clearly Now.” Slim and
The Supreme Angels sing “Blowin’
In The Wind.” The Christianaires
sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Lee & The Spiritual QC’s sing Bill
Withers’ “Lean On Me.” And the
gang come together to “jam’ with
“Love Train.” Some may question
the “gospel” aspect to this project.
At the same time, even those that may
not find the “gospel” music in the
songs should appreciate the fact that
the guys recorded these songs and
took each to another level.
As we continue to thank God for
allowing us to see another year let us
remember to pray for the entire
gospel music industry. It is the prayer
of Gloryland Gospel that each and
every artist presented throughout this
year, and who continue to proclaim
the Word of our Lord and Savior in
song, will sincerely seek God in every
action throughout the year. Below
you will find the latest in Gospel May 9, 2006
Quartet Industry News.
A relatively new label, Low Rush
Music
has just released 3 exciting
June 3, 2006
projects. They have released The
June has been designated Black Golden Wings Quartet’s You’ve
Music Month. During this month, Got To Leave It Here! – Live in
we encourage you to celebrate gospel Concert; The Gospel Imperials’
quartet music by sharing the music Move Satan; and The Veal Brothers’
with others. Take every opportunity Recorded Live In Alabama &
to engage in a conversation about Louisiana – Feel The Spirit. The
gospel quartet music. There is a rich label is also positioning itself to
history to this music and it is only release projects by other groups and
beginning to be told. Do you part and soloists in the not to distant future.
share the history.
To acquire copies of any of the
projects on this label contact Low
May 16, 2006
Rush Music at (770) 464-0349 or
The street date for SoulLink Live 3 visit
their
website
at
is May 30, 2006. This is one project www.lowrush.com.
that you definitely want to order in
advance. The subtitle of the project May 5, 2006
is “Man In The Mirror.” That title
alone should tell you that you are in Bill Pinkney’s Gospel Drifters are
for something entirely different with in the studio working on a new
this project. We have heard the entire project. We heard some of the songs
project and it is awesome and unique. that will be on this project and they
There are 14 songs on this project. are great. This CD is likely to be one
The project is unique because of the of the most anticipated of this year.
selection of songs and who are Reggie Funderburk is featured on
singing them. For instance, “Man In many of the songs. He also
The Mirror” is sung by The contributed to the arrangements of
Williams Brothers, with The many of the songs. The CD is
Cantons, The Christianaires, Slim, scheduled to be released by the end
and Lee singing background. And
of the summer.
Page 14
May 1, 2006
David Talley has produced an
outstanding CD on the group Randy
Gaines and Chozen. The CD is titled
Heaven. If you do not have this
project, contact Mr. Talley at Praise
G. Records. The telephone number is
256-326-9847. May 1, 2006
It’s another month and what a month
it is going to be for gospel quartet
music. Several new projects are
scheduled to be released this month.
One of the most anticipated is Just
Being Me by Keith “Wonderboy”
Johnson and The Spiritual Voices.
In addition to the releases, there are
several major events slated for May.
They include the World’s Greatest
Mother’s Day Gospel Bowl Ever,
the SC Gospel Quartets Awards
Banquet, and Barbara McLauglin’s
National Association of Gospel
Promoters and Managers’
Convention.
April 26, 2006
Jerry Mannery, the Director of the
Gospel Music Division, of Malaco
Music Group, has accepted a position
with another company. He will
become Client Service Director,
Entertainment Marketing Division, at
OwensMorris Communications.
Gloryland Gospel is the number one
site to visit for the latest update and
reviews with what’s happening on the
quartet scene. As we celebrate the
Black Music Month you have to
make sure to include the quartet
artists contribution to the Gospel
music you can go online 24/7. Visit
us online today at
www.glorylandgospel.com
Visit us on line today and enjoy the
#1 online site dedicated to Quartet
music. Come see what we have to
offer for your listening pleasure.
www.gospelswap.com
celebrates Black Music Month
The Soul Revivals
Witness For Christ
Gods Posse
Leon Scott
Rev. Charlie Wells &
Voices of Clouds
Yvette Williams & The
Voices of Paradise
Arthur Crume & The New
Generation Soul Stirrers
Dr. Rev. Ruth
Singletary
Arthur Sutton & The
Gift Of Praise
Dr. Fred Jones & The
Jones Family Singers
El King Compilation
Gene Viale
Sister Maxzine West
Alvin Willis &
Praise Alive
Gene Stewart
Joe Sharkey
Down Load Your Favorite Song On Line For $.99
Listen to www.gospelpower.fm for the best
Independent Gospel Music online
Page 15
“Worthy To Be Praised,” is
a profound ballad of
anthemic proportions, with
the Singletons delivering a
vocal performance that is
nothing short of stunning,
while “Savior, Lord and
King” closes the album with
a perfect coda of meditative,
quiet-fire jazz/R&B.
The Singleton’s
Better Than That
For most great vocal ensembles, the
magic is all in the blend…that perfect
mixing and matching of voices that
surpasses merely a sound, working its
way into the very body and soul. The
Singletons have got the blend, and then
some; no questions there. But there’s
more happening than that. For this eightmember family group, the power is not
just in the blend. It’s in the blood.
If their latest release, Better Than That,
sounds like six women and two men so
tight—so righteous and just plain
right—that they could’ve “grown up
singing together,” you couldn’t be more
correct. Sisters Camilla, Andrea, and
Catrice planted the first seeds of the
larger group to come, as the Singleton
Sisters. When nieces and nephews
Crystal, Carmen, Tia, Ryan and Alfred
joined them officially in the year 2000,
they kept things simple by settling on
“The Singletons,” the name carved on
the trunk of a very extensive family tree.
All raised in Lansing, Michigan—where
they are still based today—in a closely
knit family where literally everyone was
either vocally or instrumentally gifted,
and church was integral to day-to-day
life, the Singletons were steeped in an
environment of musical diversity built
on a solid spiritual foundation. With an
age range from mid-20s to late-30s, the
Singletons keep each other widely versed
in genres that run the gamut from
traditional Gospel, cool retro-soul and
easy jazz, to modern R&B, urban and
hip-hop. And as only a big, happy family
could do, they make it all work—
seamlessly and distinctively—with a
sound that is as familiar and friendly as
it is fresh, surprising, and entirely their
own.
With each of the Singletons gifted as both
a soloist or ensemble singer, and all
moving into and out of that role—often
within the same song—the variety of
sounds, textures and grooves in their
repertoire is almost staggering. Yet on
Better Than That, with the master
production skills of Gospel great Fred
Hammond at the helm, it all flows
together like a mountain stream; from
smooth and deep (“Nobody Like Him”)
to driving as whitewater thundering over
hard-edged rock (“Dance In The
Spirit”).
The album’s title song, “Better Than
That,” is an irresistibly hooky, modern
Gospel/R&B gem, punctuated by a toocool horn section, and several Singletons
alternating lead lines—often spine-tingly
improvised—playing off an absolutely
airtight, rock-steady wall of group
vocals.
The Singletons are quick to emphasize
that strong, and readily accessible,
singable melodies are key in everything
they do, and “Created To Worship
Him,” with a contemporary R&B jam
laid over a funky, 70s-soul guitar riff is
just one of many cases in point. “You’re
Welcome Here,” opens with a gentle,
enticing piano figure, before exploding
into a flat-out, back-beat driven rocker,
with edgy, distorted electric rock guitars
adding even more muscle. Put the
Singletons’ reverential, angelic vocals
over that and you have the definition of
pure praise and worship, redesigned and
custom-fitted to the 21st century.
Page 16
Following in the footsteps of
other great family acts
who’ve preceded them—and
all of whom they consider
true musical heroes—
including the Hawkins
Family, the Winans, and the
Clark
Sisters—the
Singletons clearly love what they do.
And they speak much as they sing:
honestly and naturally, with a profound
sense of purpose, and more than a touch
of humor as well.
“Lifting up His name in song, and
touching as many souls as we can reach
is our greatest purpose,” says Camilla.
“We don’t just perform. We go to
churches and talk to people, and get very
interpersonal with them, and that’s
crucial to the role we feel we have in
ministry. And singing songs of
encouragement that touch hearts, and
hopefully open a place for the Lord to
move in lives, is the other part of it.
“We also want to show,” she adds, “and
let it be known, that we are a family, a
strong family, and God blesses and
strengthens and uses the family in
powerful ways.”
The Singletons have been very busy since
their release performing at the Chicago
Gospel Musical Feast and are scheduled
to be in New York the week of June 13th
through the 18th. They will be at the New
Life Christian Bookstore for a
preformance and CD signing for more
information please contact Hope Allen
at Flip Side Entertainment Agency
[email protected] or
call 973-848-1818.
The Synergy of Gospel Music
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Page 17
YOU AIN’T HEARD
NOTHING YET
The Future of Gospel Music: 2020
Futurist thinker and professor Nat
Irvin II writes about an emerging
generation of blacks dictating a new
future for themselves, free from the
history of victimization and
oppression.
On Sunday Morning January 5th 2020,
a distinguished group of black gospel
mussicians gathered at the St. Luke baptist Church on the southside of Chicago
to commemorate the Emancipation -- the
advent of the 5th Century of Black
America.The Stellar Award winning ensemble, directed by revolutionary hiphop music innovator Kirk Frankklin, 50,
performed a rousing, hand clapping
acapella redition of “How I Got Over
My Soul Looks Back and Wonders, How
I Got Over.”
The Legendary group included included
Gospel Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones,
80, Rev. Dr. Shirley Ceasar, 82, twin
pastors Sandra and Andrea Crouch, 69,
CeCe Winans, 66, BeBe, 58, John P.
Kee, 60, Whitney Houston, 57, and the
still “Amazing Grace” Areatha Franklin,
79.
The speager for the occasion was none
other than former President, William
Jefferson Clinton, 74, who years earlier
became a Baptist preacher. Rev. Clinton
was introduced by his long time friend
and ally, Rev. Jessie Jackson who at the
age of 79, was still fiery, still rhyming,
and still pushing for change.
How fitting that this group of gospel
music pioneers, innovators, and performers would be honored in a celebration of
the future past. After all, they were the
Gospel creators who in the past, were
responsible for managing the musical
revolution that saw gospel become a truly
global music-dominating worldwide
markets with sales from 500 million to
billions by 2020. Gospel music was an
industry whose time had come.
Yet at the beginning of the 21st centry,
The future of Gospel music was not certain The indutry would struggle with its
identity, navigating through stormy waters of a digital technologgical revolution that changed both ownership and distribution rights, while the musical artists themselves fought against creative
stagnation in a search of a new market
in tides of swiftly changing demographics.
At the dawn of the 21st century, over
50% of Black America were under the
age of 30 and nearly 40% under the age
of 30. Some 17 million where barely alive
when Edwin Hawkins shocked the Gospel world when he used at dominating
two track tape recorded in 1969, to recorda youth choir singing the famous
“Oh! Happy Day” in the basement of a
California Penecostal church. The recording sold over two million copies.
The influence of Islam continued to
spread within the black community. By,
2020 Islam had become the fastest
growwing religion world religion exploding from 400 million adherents in 1960
to well over 1.3 billion. And with ver two
billion teenagers on the planet all linked
by the power of MTV and the Internet,
how would gospel music continue to
flourish?
Yet, so pervasive was gospel music
Page 18
with its blend of hip-hop that people were
expecting t find music everywhere. When
Kirk Franklin & God’s Property
“Stomped” there way into the NBC Tonight Show in the fall of 1998, it was
considered a big deal! TV and radio producers were all scrambling for gospel
artists because they could bring the audience... ratings.
But there was a downside:
What was gospel music becoming? In an
effort to reach new audiences the so
called new jack gospel was also stifling
innovation, once a boom, soon became a
bane.
Just a few months later, there was a sense
that musical stagnation had set in. there
was little distinguish between one
community’s choir from another. Artists
were staring to sound the same.
Unlike the times past when Thomas A
Dorsey penner the 20th century classic
“Precious Lord,” having lost his wife in
childbirth, few if any of the new jack
gospel tunes actually made people want
to sing, hum, or even moan when faced
with their own personal crisis.
There was something missing! It was as
if the whole gospel music makers cried
out “will somebody please just write a
tune, filled with the Holy Ghost, with
genuine soul and inspiration born out of
a personal experience with the man called
Jesus?
Sales of hip-hop gospel started to
decline. Where was the real creativity and
innovation? Who could sing acapella-without being surrounded by all of that
technical equipment? Even the artists
themselves, used to using digital sampling techniques began to openly wonder, “just how much more of our parents
music can we steal?”
Gradually the generation X’er & Y’s
found themselves seeking a new message.
Now that they were hitting middle age,
becoming parents and grandparents
themselves, they turned back (just like
there baby boomer parents) to the music
of old for inspiration and consolation:
Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Savior, Hear My
‘Umble Cry!”
Gospel music innovation soon turned
outward--to world audience for new
markets and for inspiration suddenly,
groups like Nu Nu World Gospel, comprised of musicians from Ghana, Jamaica, Brazil, Nova Scotia, Columbia,
Guinea and Senegal began producing
Cd’s. using digital technology, these
musicians came together--not in recording studios in downtown Nashville, Paris,
London or even Los Angeles, but instead,
they met in cyberspace to create the newest global Gospel based on old hymns
like “Amazing Grace” and “ I Need Thee
Every Hour.”
The Nu Nu World Gospel had mastered
the Net. They saw the future of Gospel
music would lie in cyberspae, and in the
process they helped bring the world
closer to God than at any time in history.
This newest music had a taste of Cacaos,
Kwasa, Soukous, Hip-Hop, R&B,
Reggae, Zouk, Gospel and Jazz, with a
little Merengue and Salsa mixed in. Now
Gospel music was truly reaching beyond
the influences of Jazz, Blues, the
rhythmAfrica, and the contexual experience of being Black in America. Now,
People from all over the world with their
multiligual rhythms were having an influence on something called Black Gospel Music. What helped the music grow
in the beginning was also helping it to
change.
But of all the changes faced Gospel music, none were more important and dramatic than the matter of who would control distribution rights--an issue that
nearly destroyed the music industry. The
digital revolution meant that Gospel
musicians could produce recordings that
sounded as good or better than the major
studios right in their own sanctuaries.
Using single storage devices such as mp3
player meant that users could record hundreds of copies of their favorite tunes
zapped to anyone with access to the
Internet.
Black churches became their own record
labels; hosting their own websites in association with their own musical artists.
Churches were paid by others to play
their music in their congregations. It was
a reversal of fortunes. The power shifted
back from the record companies back to
where the original creativity for the music all began--the church.
Finally the yoke of the past -- the good
old boys (white) broadcast networks had
been broken. And for Gospel music, that
meant good news and smooth sailing for
the next 50 years-- at last.
In the year 2020, over 45 million black
Americans will celebrate the 5th century
of existence. At Future Focus, we are
interested in the history of that futureyet to be written.
Our children may be the first of our ancestry to live well beyond 100 years of
age. Children of today are the adults who
will be here in the year 2075 and beyond.
The first black president of the United
States may already be among us!
Page 19
What will black America look like in the
year 2020? Will most of us live in the
south? Will mega-black churches headed
by female pastors sing “Amazing Grace”
be the glory of the day? Will our families be even more diverse, made up of
Black, Brown, Yellow and Whites, migrating from throughout the World? Will
dual citizenship be commonplace? Will
Aids continue unabated? And will race
matter? Will non- technology and biotechnology live up to promise of creating blue-collar manufacturing jobs? Will
the complexion of the human genome
project hope or lead toward a blind alley
of endless ethical dilemmas?
For many of us, the concept of the future is something abstract, a place somewhere in the distant horizon... But what
ever your views are about the future,
there is no doubt that we will all be there!
That is why Future Focus 2020 has undertaken a ground breaking initiative designed to engage the black community
in futurist thinking: Where will we be in
the year 2020? Is it not our intent to predict the future but rather serve as the
catalyzing organization that leads the
black community toward a better understanding the future.
By targeting the year 2020, we hope to
use this watershed in America’s history
to lead us to consider longer term views
of the future. Our focus in on the Black
community; however, we welcome alliances with others interested in creating
new and better futures. We are committed to engaging YOU in the Futurist
Movement. It is time... Join us!
Dr. Nat Irving II is the President and
Founder of Future Focus 2020, he will
be a contributing writer for Gospel Synergy Magazine. This article is a reprint
from January/February 1999.
Contact information:
Future Focus 2020
C/O Wake Forest University
P O Box 7208 Reyonlds Station
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
336-896-8764
www.wfu.edu/futurefocus
West Coast “Gospel Scoop”
Willette Duvallat Double-Header Live CD Recordings
featuring
Brent Jones & the TP Mobb and Elaine Norwood
Whoever said that Gospel music is
slow on the West Coast obviously
didn’t take March 25th into account.
That day I attended two live CD
recordings that were truly off the
hook. First up was Stellar &
Grammy Award nominated icon
Brent Jones & The TP Mobb’s live
recording at Hollywood’s legendary
Capitol Records located at 1728
Vine St., Hollywood, CA. Known as
the “Capitol Tower”, this Capitol
Records location has recorded
legends such as Nat King Cole,
Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and
many of today’s R&B greats. Brent
Jones & the TP Mobb brought out
some of Hollywood’s greatest –
Playwright/Author David Talbert,
Gospo Centric’s own Vicki & Claude
Lattilade, and icon Shandra
Denney.
Brent Jones & The TP Mobb are
back and stronger than ever before
with more power and anointing.
Brent Jones is one of my favorite
Gospel music artists - I can always
count on him to deliver a message
with a twist of worship, soul, and
urban flair. Just to spice things up,
Orlando Wright and Nysa Shenay
were brought in as guest artists on
this project.
With what has shaped up to be an
excellent project and under the very
capable helm of business manager
Neilly Dickerson, there should be no
problem finding a label that will
snatch these guys up quick fast in
and in a hurry.
I won’t disclose the entire album
song list but here’s a sneak peak:
Brent offers listeners a little bit of
everything - an intimate worship
ballad, an R&B influenced love song
to God, and a Caribbean Praise
song with dancehall style and
reggae vocals. To really set things
off, the project includes a soulstirring song by Orlando Wright (that
was performed in David Talbert’s hit
stage play “A Fabric of a Man”) and
a very edgy track that was a whole
lot of fun but even more truth
performed by Nysa Shenay. When
the CD drops and when Brent gets
a record deal we will be the first to
let you know.
This is truly one day that I was glad
of the many highways in Los
Angeles. After leaving Hollywood I
took a drive to mid-Los Angeles to
check out my girl Elaine Norwood’s
Live CD and DVD Recording. The
best way to prepare for what you
are to receive is to say, “get ready
to experience the amazing and
inspiring music of Elaine Norwood.”
Elaine recorded her second solo
project “God Has A Way” at her
label’s recording studio EVEJIM
Records in Los Angeles. Elaine is
no newcomer to gospel music (and
also no relation to the legendary
Dorothy Norwood). She is simply
known as the “The Psalmist
Extraordinaire” for her master
abilityto captivate the audience and
Page 20
take her listeners on Gospel journey
with every song that she sings.
Elaine is truly striving for mastery in
her music career. She has been
singing since the tender age of
eleven, and was afforded the
opportunity to study voice under the
tutelage of Professor Winston Poe,
formerly of the Thomas Whitfield
Company.
Elaine has recorded and performed
with renowned gospel artists such
as Edwin Hawkins, Kim Burrell and
Thomas Whitfield. You can check
out Elaine new project online at
www.elainenorwood.com.
Willette Duvall is a contributing
writer from Los Angeles. In addition
to the nationally syndicated column
the “ West Coast Gospel Scoop”&
the “Inside Gospel Scoop”, Ms.
Duvall is the publisher of “Women
In Ministry Promo”, an
international syndicated publication
that focus on Women In Ministry. For
questions or comments you may
contact her at: Pro-Vision
Entertainment, c/o: Women In
Ministry Promo© * PMB 43816, LA,
CA 90043 or logon onto:
www.willetteduvall.com or via
email
at:
[email protected]
Kiki Sheard to Release
Sophomore Album
June 27
Tyler Perry Brings
The ‘Payne’
Madea man’s new
sitcom is a raiting
winner during test
run in New York!
Perry, the mastermind behind the
films “Madea’s Family Reunion” and
“Diary of a Mad Black Woman,”
produces “House of Payne” at his
own studio in Atlanta where he can
tape the episodes non-union at a cost
of only about $500,000 per show.
As previously reported, the other test
stations for “Payne” include WCIU
Chicago, WPHL Philadelphia, KTXH
Houston, WBDC Washington,
KTXA Dallas and WBFS Baltimore.
Gospel songstress Kierra Kiki Sheard
will be releasing her much anticipated
sophomore album This is Me on EMI
Gospel at the end of next month.
The follow up to Sheard’s smash hit I
Owe You, which debuted at No. 1 on the
Billboard Gospel chart in 2004, This is
Me features a new sound from Sheard,
famous for the powerful gospel sound
of her family heritage, with the artist
integrating more R&B and hip-hop into
her music. Production on the 12-song
CD includes work from Warryn
Campbell, Antonio Neal, Tommy
Simms, PJ Morton, PAJAM, Dark Child
Productions’ Fred Jerkins and Kiki’s
younger brother J. Drew.
If the results mirror the ratings
success found on WWOR, DebmarMercury will launch a nationwide
syndication to stations for fall 2007,
adding as many as 32 new half-hours
to the 10 already produced.
Look What The Lord
Has Done
A test run of Tyler Perry’s new sitcom
“House of Payne” on New York’s
WWOR this spring has proven to be
a ratings success, even raking in
better numbers than its previous
timeslot holder, “Girlfriends.”
During its 10-episode run from April
27 through May 18 – mostly at 11
p.m. weeknights – the show scored a
2.6 household rating, beating by 53%
UPN’s “Girlfriends,” which aired in
“I am so excited about this album,” says its spot a year earlier.
18-year-old Sheard. “This Is Me, really
is me. It’s the type of music that I listen
to and the experiences that I’ve been
through.”
In the targeted demos, “Payne”
clobbered “Girlfriends” by 56% in
adults 25-54 and by 40% in adults 1849. “Payne” shot ahead by 83% with
This is Me is set to hit stores on June 27.
A special edition of the CD, which will women 25-54 and by 50% with
feature five bonus cuts and a live version women 18-49.
of the title track, will also release from
EMI Gospel simultaneously.
Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein’s
Debmar-Mercury, the show’s
This Is Me is currrently in rotation on distributor, has cleared “Payne” in
www.gospelpower.fm playing the best nine other test markets, many of
independent gospel music online.Visit us which will begin rolling out the series
online today!
in the next few weeks.
Page 21
We all grew up with the temptations and
over the years the name alone takes us
back. Even though the group has
changed and there are two seperate
groups it really doesn’t matter. What
matters is they continue to make good
music. Many of the members grew up in
church and had to make a choice. The
Temptation Review featuring Dennis
Edwards has released their first gospel
CD. This is a must have for your collection the harmonizes are tight as always.
They will take you on a spiritual journey giving God all of the credit for there
God given talents and Gifts.
DARIUS BROOKS BARES IT ALL
WITH NEW RELEASE “MY SOUL”
Chicago, IL – April 4 th, GRAMMY
Award winning songwriter / producer
Darius Brooks releases his best
yet…”MY SOUL.”
This true
renaissance man places it all on the line
as producer, artist, songwriter and label
owner for the world to experience the
bearing of his soul in a moving and
inspiring musical journey.
The career of Darius Brooks spans over
two decades and includes songwriting,
accompanist,
production
and
arrangement credit for a myriad of
Gospel luminaries that include Shirley
Caesar, Vickie Winans, Ricky Dillard,
Daryl Coley and the famed Rev. Milton
Brunson and the “Tommies”, as well as
R&B icons Aretha Franklin, Lou Rawls
and Stevie Wonder to name but a few.
For over eight years Brooks has been the
Musical Director for Jesse Jackson’s
Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
MY SOUL features classics including
the title track originally recorded by
Donnie Hathaway in 1970 (Thank You
Master, For My Soul), along with two
songs close to Darius’ heart “Lord I
Believe”, written by Percy Bady and
“Thank You,” both from his eighteen
year tenure with the late Rev. Milton
Brunson and the Thompson Community
Singers. This project would not be
complete without the ballads that have
become the signature of Darius Brooks,
for this reason he adds “Trust You
More,” the first single released from the
album and “Healed Heart” which is also
featured on jazz legend Ramsey Lewis’
“With One Voice” (2005). The hardhitting, contemporary track “Put Your
Hands Up,” produced by Steve “Stone”
Huff (Zomba) can go undetected on
R&B / Hip Hop stations around the
globe, but the commanding message of
adoration to GOD sets it apart.
“Survivor” inspired by the nation’s
recent wave of natural disasters, meant
to encourage and uplift those affected by
the tragedies. Brooks pulls out all the
stops to create an eclectic mixture on this
project that appeals to a wide range of
listeners.
With this collection of songs from MY
SOUL, Brooks is sure to continue
blazing a trail that is on the heels of the
acclaimed success he received for YOUR
WILL. The title track and hit single
placed Brooks and his backup ensemble
SDM at the 2004 Stellar Awards with a
performance and nomination for
Contemporary Choir of the Year. YOUR
WILL has found it’s place among the
timeless hits already in Darius’ repertoire
including: “Safe in His Arms,” “My
Mind’s Made Up,” “For the Good of
Them” and many more.
Brooks’ MY SOUL release schedule
already includes performances on Praise
The Lord (Trinity Broadcasting
Network), Singsation (WGN the
Superstation) and the Bobby Jones
(WORD Network). SGN The Light
(Atlanta, GA) served as radio host for
the on-air release party on the K.D. Bowe
Morning Show, syndicated in 45
markets. He has also interviewed with
both the BeBe Winans and Donnie
McClurkin Radio Shows along with
other stations around the country.
Today with great satisfaction Brooks
releases MY SOUL on Journey Music
Group (JMG) where he is President and
CEO. He has a full staff and a state of
the art recording studio, DebDash
(named after his wife Deborah and twoyear old daughter Dasha). MY SOUL
is the first of three projects to be released
on JMG in 2006 and is distributed by
KOCH Entertainment.
KOCH Entertainment is the leading and
Page 22
fastest-growing independent music and
video company in the U.S. and its
operations encompass record and video
labels and distribution companies in the
U.S. and Canada. KOCH Entertainment
is the market leader among independents
in both the U.S. and Canada and its
record labels had the largest number of
Billboard charting albums among
independents in 2004/2005.
For more information, please
contact:
Shea Howell
Marketing Director
Journey Music Group (JMG)
7630 W. Madison
Forest Park, IL 60130
708-366-9770 office
708-366-9870 fax
[email protected]
In Stores
Every Where
In Heavy Rotation
5 Star Rating
On
www.gospelpower.fm
My Soul
Put Your Hands Up
Life Keep Living It
5 star rating on
Playing the best independent
gospel music online.
The Synergy of Gospel Music
Hollywood, FL — Day two at the Artist
Retreat was very eventful. Beginning
with the morning panel discussions, the
presentations could not have been more
informative. Panelists included Donald
Lawrence, Alvin Williams, Xernona
Clayton, Jolinda Wade, Walter Rutledge,
Veda Brown, Shawn Tate and Al Hobbs,
who reminded the audience that Radio
is still the door for Gospel music.
A special luncheon was given in
celebration of Black Gospel Promo’s fifth
year of business. As a special guest for
the luncheon, Kim Burrell opened things
up with a powerful song that truly set the
atmosphere. The company’s president
Veda Brown said, it was God who had
brought her so far. Brown also passed
out plaques to close friends and
supporters of her company over the
years. In a continued celebration, a red
carpet event was held, where Lisa
Collins, also arrived with a cake for
Brown, along side artists who were
interviewed by various media outlets
including The WORD Network. This was
truly an idea pulled from Hollywood that
allowed the saints to experience what so
many others experience on the other side
of the tracks.
Special Performance by
Oscar & Grammy AwardWinner, Peabo Bryson
All Proceeds to Benefit ULP
Community Empowerment
Programs
Philadelphia, PA— The Urban League
of Philadelphia announces its 4th Annual
Song of Equality Gala paying tribute to
one of America’s most prominent
songwriters who has used music as a
vehicle to heal social ills, to promote
unity and to economically empower
individuals within the African-American
community. Join us on Saturday, June
17, 2006 at 8:30pm at the Kimmel Center
for the Performing Arts, 260 South Broad
Street, as we honor this year’s Harmony
Award recipient: legendary singer/
songwriter Teddy Pendergrass. Oscar
and Grammy Award-winner Peabo
Bryson will perform. Concert tickets are
$36 each and will go on sale at the
Kimmel
Center ’s
Box
Office
(215.893.1999
or
http://
www.kimmelcenter.org) on May 15th!
As the first African-American male solo
singer in history to record five
consecutive multi-platinum albums,
Teddy Pendergrass is a living musical
legend whose music spans over three
decades. His stellar career began with
Philadelphia International Records as a
part of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes,
which brought us such hits as “Wake Up
Everybody” and the Grammy- nominated
song “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” In
1976, Teddy embarked on his solo career
producing a string of hit albums including
“TP” and “Life Is A Song Worth Singing.”
In 1982, a car accident left Teddy
paralyzed and wheelchair-bound. From
1983-1998,
he
recorded
six
albums;performed at Live Aid;
publishedan autobiography entitled Truly
Blessed; and participated in the
legendary gospel musical Your Arms
Are Too Short To Box With God.
He has made numerous appearances on
television and award shows. Since 2001,
Teddy has made selected concert
appearances performing to sold-out
arenas throughout the country. Teddy is
an outspoken advocate for the disabled.
In 1998, he founded the Teddy
Pendergrass Alliance (TPA), a national
(501c3) non-profit organization that
helpsindividuals with spinal cord injuries
Page 23
rebuild their lives. TPA acts as a conduit,
making the resources of government,
universities and private industry more
readily available to people with spinal
cord injuries who seek education, training
and employment. We are proud to honor
Teddy Pendergrass as a Philadelphia
native who has used music as a vehicle
to promote unity and to economically
empower individuals.
Oscar Award and Grammy Awardwinning singer Peabo Bryson has earned
unprecedented international success
with almost twenty albums to his credit.
He is widely known for recording many
hit songs including duets “A Whole New
World (Disney/Aladdin’s Theme)” with
Regina Bell, “Tonight I Celebrate My
Love” with Roberta Flack, “By The Time
This Night Is Over” with saxophonist
Kenny G and “Beauty and the Beast
(Disney)” with Celine Dion. As an actor,
Peabo appeared in the lead role for the
touring production of the Tony Awardwinning play “Raisin” and in the Michigan
Opera Theater ’s production of
Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” With over
twenty-five years of music behind him,
he continues to give electrifying
performances throughout the world.
Sheilah Belle has worked in the field of
broadcast news, journalism and with the
press for over 15 years. She currently
holds the title as News and Community
Affairs Director and Talk Show Hostess
for five 50,000 watts FM radio stations
in Virginia, including the top Urban Radio
Stations in Richmond and Norfolk, VA .
Ms. Belle is also a contributing editor and
columnist for Streaming Faith, Gospel
Today, Gospel Truth, Gospel
International, Gospel Synergy and XII
Magazines. Ms. Belle is also the host for
the brand new “The Belle Report,” radio
show, that now airs in four different
markets. Ms. Belle, was also recently
tapped as the Program Director for
WTBC Gospel, one of the largest on-line
gospel internet radio stations. Ms. Belle
has worked as a News & Helicopter
Reporter, Health Producer, and Talk
Show Hostess from New Orleans to New
York for television, radio and print media.
She owns Ma & Popop Productions, Inc.,
The Gospel Times Newspaper, The Belle
Report, LaBelle & Associates (a PR,
Promotions and Marketing company) and
works as a Media Consultant. To join
my newsletter for a daily report email me
at [email protected]
The Hardest Working Woman in Gospel Draws 10,000 to Chicago for
Historic “Woman to Woman: Songs of Life” Live CD & DVD Recording
and Launches an “I am One of the Million” Campaign
It was raining, cold, and windy in
Chicago on Friday night, May 12th; but
none of that stopped almost 10,000
people from coming from around the
country to pour into the House of Hope
Worship Center. In the audience that
night were gospel legends Andrae &
Sandra Crouch, Albertina Walker,
Richard Smallwood, Inez Andrews,
Delores “Mom” Winans, Angie Winans
and over 100 of Winans’ relatives, the
Bowman family, including her 82-year
old mother, Mattie Bowman. The
ambitious, 30-song “Woman to Woman:
Songs of Life” project has been a decade
in the making and will be unveiled at
Bishop T. D. Jakes’ Mega Fest
Conference in July where Winans will
be performing. The official street date is
August 8, 2006.
At the electrifying performance hosted
by Bishop T. D. Jakes, Winans turned in
one riveting performance after another.
Dr. Rita Twiggs was also on hand to
make sure that the opening of the show
ran smoothly as she introduced Joy
Enriquez of Joyful Sound Records,
PreZence, Datisha Pickett, and The
Mircle Lights all from Vickie Winans
record label, Destiny Joy Records. The
live recording was produced by Vickie
Winans and hit producer Steven Ford.
Page 24
Steven Ford masterfully brought together
the orchestra and horns that played
throughout the entire night. Vickie
performed 11 songs, mostly traditionalstyled up-tempo such as “Stretch Out”
and “I Win.” She also rendered a calypso
flavored “Everyday is a Good Day” and
the gut-wrenching ballads “Stand Up and
Carry On” written by her hit producer
son, Mario Winans, and “The Rainbow,”
written by Brent Jones.
The live recorded portion will comprise
almost half of the new project which is
rounded out with hot gospel and urbanfriendly studio tracks produced by the
likes of Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins,
Cedric & Victor Caldwell and Winans
herself, among others. A true
masterpiece, this set deals with a variety
of issues that women face and struggle
with on a daily basis. “I’ve been through
almost everything in my life,” says
Winans. “These songs will inspire and
speak to people wherever they are in life.
I’m so excited because this is a whole
new level of ministry for me!”
The new project is the foundation for
Winans’ new “I Am One of the
Million”campaign to get over one million
women (and the men who love them) to
buy the new CD for themselves or
someone else before the first week of
release. It’s a fete that no other gospel
artist has ever accomplished, but Winans
is up for the challenge. “People laughed
when I booked the recording at the House
of Hope and we filled that up,” she says.
“People laughed when I invited Bishop
Jakes to host and said that he would
never do it because he’s never hosted any
artists’ live recording; but he came; so
I’m just crazy enough to believe that
we’ll get a million people to buy this
project before the street date. I am
shooting for the stars, even if I hit the
street lights,” she beams!
For a limited time you can purchase 1
CD for $12.97 and 2 for $24.97! “I
asked my record company if they would
allow 30 songs to go for that price up
until the release date and they so readily
said yes,” explained Winans! This is a
mighty low price for 30 songs, but I
really want everybody to own this project
and the orders are pouring in! It’s my
baby!”
Be “One of the Million” and
order your CD’s now at
www.VickieWinans.com
The Synergy of Gospel Music
Concerts, Seminars
&
Events
you don’t want to
miss in 2006
June 10, 2006
Annual Gospel Music
Industry Summit
Malcolm X College
1900 W. Van Buren St
Chicago, IL
For Info Call 773-445-9104
or visit us online at
www.chicagogag.com
June 25 - July 1, 2006
2006 Urban Gospel Music Industry
Awards & Conference
In conjunction with the
Music & Arts Love
Fellowship Conference
Houston, TX for details visit us
online at
www.musicandartslovefellowshipconference.org
July 12- 14th
Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
International Conference
Returns to
New Orleans
After Katrina...
Registration Hotline 888-424-2643
Ernest N. Morial Confention Center
New Orleans
Monday, July 10, 2006Friday July 14, 2006
STILL ON HIGH ALERT
If you have an event that you
would like to feature please
contact us at 708-272-6640
or you can email us at
[email protected]
July 19 - 22, 2006
Mega Fest
It’s More That You Think!
July 20th
Celebration of Unity Concert
Featuring
Aretha Franklin, Donnie McClurin,
Shirley Ceasar, Kelly Price, Fred
Hammond, Vanessa Bell Armstrong
and Jeff Majors
August 4-5 2006
Always Sisters - Cece Winans
2nd Annual National Conference
TheCurb Event
Nashville, TN
Register online
www.alwayssisters.com
For More Info Call 625-371-1575
August 12-18, 2006
July 21st
Just Churchin’ Comedy
Featuring: Steve Harvey, Tommy
Davidson, Johnathan Slocumb &
Vickie Winans
July 22nd
You’re Not Forgotten Concert
Performers include: Kim Burrell,
Myron Butler & Levi, Detrick
Haddon, Ty Tribbett, & IROC
Registration Info:
http://www.mega-fest.com
July 28 - 29 2006
Its Your time
Gospel Showcase
National Armory
2761 Goodwin Blvd
Suffolk, VA 23434
For More Info call:
Hunter Is Productions & God Is
Anointed Touch ministries
P O Box 409
Windsor, VA 23487
Or You can call;
757-242-4151
Do you have an event coming up
in July or August 2006 Send it to
us today!
Email:
[email protected]
Page 25
GMWA Annual Convention
Dallas, TX
Hyatt Regency Dallas Hotel at
Reunion (Headquarters Hotel)
Adams Mark Hotel
Dallas Convention Center
For more information visit:
www.gmwa.org
August 19, 2006
First Annual En Sound
Independent music Awards
at the
Robert Treat Hotel
50 Park Place
Newark, NJ 07102
Contact: Kevin James
301-809-6633
Delroy Souden
718-741-3271
[email protected]
www.ensoundentertainment.com
The Synergy of Gospel Music
www.GospelPower.fm Playlist... On Air Now!
The Best independent gospel music online supporting independent gospel everywhere...
Song
Artists
Rating
1. Ta Ta You Jesus
2. Have U Heard
3. Yes God Is Real
4. Trouble
5. I Came To Praise The Lord
6. My Soul Cries Out
7. Have U Heard
8. So Amazing
9. This Is Our Day
10. Never Alone
11. He Will Heal The Pain
12. Yeah, Yeah
13. Come On
14. Anyway
15. Where There’s A Will
16. Unity
17. Expecting A Blessing
18. A Chance
19. Hold On
20.Lord Help Me To Ou
21. Free Indeed
22. American Idol
23. Adore
24. Put Your Finger On Me
25. Praise Is What I Do
26. Everything
27. Show Me The Way
28. Wade In The Water
29. Your Cross Reaches
30. I’m Sorry Lord
31. Now and Forever
32. My Love For U
33. Church Medley
34. Your Will
35. When I Come Into Your
36. Saved
37. Come On
38. Rain On Me
39. No Problem
40. You Don’t Know
41. Blood of Jesus
42. Father
43. When I Think
44. Alright!
45. I Feel Good
Kirk Whalum
E. J. Johnson
Theola Booker & Friends
Women of Intergrity
Jason Allen & Family
Apostle Donald Alford
E. J. Johnson
Darwin Hobbs
Gary Anglin
Jason Allen & Family
Mamon & Mamon
Men of Standard
Take 6
Euclid Gray
Sister Maxine West
Sounds of Blackness
The Bradby Girls
Malcolm Williams
Kathryn Righgins
Pennel Johnson
Darrell Alexander
Bloodbought
Willette Johnson Green
Sounds of Blackness
Ministrel Jordan Cheldon
CCMJ
Valarie Cooper
The Compilation
Armintha Williams
Willie J. Harris
Mel Holder
Gary Mayes Nu Era
Rev A. Wheeler/Blessed
Darius Brooks
Portia Young
Chris Fields
Take 6
Bradby Girls
Lenasia Tyson
Keriah Shears
Katalys Crew
Nina Lockhart
Tinika Wyatt
Sounds of Salvation
Betty & Leslie Lester
10
9.7
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9.0
9.0
9.0
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8.8
8.8
8.0
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7.6
7.6
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6.8
6.5
6.5
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5.9
5.9
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5.9
Song
Artist
Rating
Cheryl Porter/I.M.G
46.Higher & Higher
Postured for Praise
47.Fruit of My Lips
Sara Remer
48.You’re All I Need
Mark Caston/JFC
49.It’s Yours
50 You Can’t Hurry God Evaughn High
51.Think of His Goodness Min R. Matterre
52.Possessed By HisLove William Crook
Jeri Little
53.Help Somebody
Women of Integrity
54.Trouble
The Compilation
55.Waiting On Jesus
Denise Wolford
56.When Your # Comes
Evaughn High
57.Available
T. Gains/Judah
58.Speak A Word
J. Edwards/Reverence
59.Call On Jesus
Lisa D. Nelson
60.No Weapon
The Compilation
61.Glory To His Name
KiKi Sheard
62.You Don’t Know
Victory Christian AMC
63.Over & Over
Darrell Alexander
64.Free Indeed
More Than Conquerors
65.We Ain’t Playin’
K.W.A.
66.23
Min. Greg Harris
67.What Did You Bring
Lenasia Tyson
68. No Problem
Danielle Nightengale
69.I Care 4 U
Rev C.Wells/VOC
70.I Heard The Angels
Tina Brown
71.Hip Hop On In
Paulette Triplett
72.The Place
Chris O’Neal
73.I Need You
74.Jesus Keeps Working On Fred Jones/Jones Singer
Hunter Brown
75.In The Church
76.Lay My Burdens Down Bishop Joe Simon
Apostle Donald Alford
77.My Soul Cries Out
Grace & Glory
78.When He Comes
Cathey Townsend
79. Halleluia
God’s Posse
80.Ride On King Jesus
Valerie Cooper
81.Blessed Be The Lord
Kunjalo Music
82.Come By Ye
Gina Green
83.Hiding Place
Arthur Sutton & GOP
84.Jesus
KWA
85.He Was There
86.I Need You To Survive Hezekiah Walker
Smokie Norful
87.I Need You Now
Greg Shell
88.God’s Love
Willie J. Harris
89.No Turning Back
Yvonne Cobbs- Bey
90.Stand Still
Playing The Best Independent Gospel Music On Line
Download your favorite song today!
Supporting Independent Gospel Artists Worldwide!
Page 26
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.6
5.6
5.6
5.6
5.6
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
Listen to www.gospelpower.fm
For The Best
Independent Gospel Music Online
New Singles
New Singles
1. Sister Maxine West -Where There’s A Will
2. Dr. Willette Greene - Johnson Journey Song - Adore
3. Jones Family Singers - Jesus Keeps Working On Me
4. Paulette Bush & CSU - I’m Free
5. William Crook - Possessed By His Love
6. Robert Houston & True Dedication - Hold On
7. Elder Charles Scott - Dr. Jesus
8. 2High - You Can’t hurry God
9. Denise Wolford - Keep Watching Over Me
10. Minister Ronald Materre - Near The Cross
11. Kathryn Riggins - Secret Place
12 Dorlisa Gales - Flow Drive
13. Jason Allen & The Family - Never Alone
14. Arthur Sutton & Gift of Praise - Jesus
15. Gospel Artists United - Can’t Nobody
16. Mamon & Mamon - I Won’t Complain
17. Yvette Williams & Voices of Paradise - It Will Be Alright
18. Delroy Souden - No Doubt
19. Ledoria - Dance Like David
20. Leon Scott - I Am Not The Same
New Addition CD
1.Sister Maxine West - Sister Maxine West
2. Dr. Willette Greene-Johnson Journey Song - Adore
3. Jones Family Singers - Taking It To The Next Level
4. Paulette Bush & CSU - Live In Chicago
5. William Crook - Kimistry 1
6. Robert Houston & True Dedication - Heaven
7. Elder Charles Scott - Elder Charles Scott
8. 2High - Bring It On (I Want My Stuff)
9. Denise Wolford When Your # Comes
10. Minister Ronald Materre - Look At God
11. Kathryn Riggins - Give Him The Praise
12 Dorlisa Gales - Simply Dorlisa
13. Jason Allen & The Family - Never Alone
14. Arthur Sutton & Gift of Praise - Praise Him
15. Gospel Artists United - 411
16. Mamon & Mamon - He’s My Rock
17. Yvette Williams & Voices of Paradise Self Titled
18. Delroy Souden No Doubt
19. Ledoria - Heaven’s Callin’
20. Leon Scott - The Demonstration of Love
www.gospelswap.com once
you enter click search
music type in artist name
or song title and listen to
2 minute sound Clips
before you purchase your favorite track for $.99.
1 Postured For Praise - I Was Created.
2. Marcy Morman & Ekklesia - Imma Whosoever
3. Betty & Leslie Lester - I Feel Good
4. Charles Green - Fly Away
5. Evangelist Faye Mosby - Continual Praise
6. Blood Bought P. I. F. - American Idol
7. Alvin Willis & Praise Alive - Church Thanks Giving
8. Yvonne Bey Cobb - Stand Still
9. B.A.S.I.C. - This Is the Day
10. Darrell Alexander - Free Indeed
11. Leon Triplett - Let Jesus Love The Hell Out of You
12. Hunter Browhn - In The Church
13. Nat Brown -Wonderful
14. Prenestine Williams Porter - It’s time To Pray
15. Chris Fields - Holyghost party
16. Chris O’Neal - I Need you Lord
17. The Bardby Girls - Rain On Me
18. Lady Peachena - Stay In The Will of God
19. Phillip Carter and SOV - Have Faith
20. Mark Caston & Just For Christ Chorle
New Additions CD’s
1. Postured For Praise - Fruits of my Lips
2. Marcy Morman - My Secret Place
3. Betty & Leslie Lester - To Be Faithful
4. Charles Green - Bring Your Troubles To The Lord
5. Evangelist Faye Mosby - A Symphony of Prasie
6. Blood Bouught P. I. F.- The Truth Unveiled
7. Alvin Willis & Praise Alive - Churchy Thanksgiving
8.Yvonne Bey Cobb - Stand Still
9. B.A.S.I.C. - This Is the Day
10. Darrell Alexaner - Praise Your Pains Away
11. Leon Triplett - Let Jesus Love The Hell Out of You
12. Hunter Brown - Raise Up!
13 Nat Brown - Family Album of Praise
14. Prenestine Williams Porter - Appointed for Praise
15. Chris Fields - Saved
16. Chris O’Neal - Got Praise
17. The Bradby Girls - Expecting A Blessing
18. Lady Peachena - The Bishop’s Daughter
19. Phillip Carter and SOV - The Journey Continues
20. Mark Caston & Just For Christ Chorale - He Did It All
Visit us online today www.gospelswap.com
Page 27
Listen To www.gospelpower.fm
For The Best
Independent Gospel Music Online
New Singles
1. Minister Greg Harris - What Did I Bring
2. Rev. Dr. Ruth Singletary - Fly High
3. TM Wright - Beleive Love
4. Julia Ann Gardner - Made A Difference
5. Clarkwise - Victory In The Storm
6. Sounds Of Salvation - Don’t Let The Devil Ride
7. K. W. A. - He Was There
8. M. T. C. - Old Ship of Zion
9. Simply Phia - Joined Together
10. Paulette Triplett - The Place Part 1
11. Endurance - Thankful
12 Sam Hofer - Lethal Action
13. Sam Hofer - The Battle Is The Lord
14. Clarissa Smith - Since I Met Jesus
15. K A E DJ Production - The Last Time
16. Minister Gerry Grant - Jesus Has Kept Me
17. Rev. C. Wells & The Voices of Couds - Angels Singing
18. Charle Green - Fly Away
19. Endurance - Come See About Me
20. Masterpiece Compilation - It’s Worked Out (D.Coley)
New CD Additions
1. Minister Greg Harris - Love
2. Rev. Dr. Ruth Singletary - The Church Is Flying High
3. TM Wright - Life Related
4. Julia Ann Gardner - Message
5. Clarkwise - victory In The Storm
6. Sounds Of Salvation - Alright
7. K. W. A - A New Heart
8. M. T. C. - His Season Our Time
9. Simply Phia - Simply Phia
10. Paulette Triplett - The Place
11. Endurance - He’ll MAke Away
12. Sam Hofer - Imagination Station
13 Sam Hofer - Whitestone
14. Clarissa Smith - God Has Got Your Back
15. KAE DJ Production - Breathe In Breathe Out
16. Minister Gerry Grant - Jesus Has Kept Me
17. Rev. C. Wells & The Voices of Couds - I Love You Lord
18. Charlie Green - Fly Away
19. Endurance - A Few More Miles
20. Master Piece Compilation - Self Titled
www.gospelswap.com once
you enter click search
music type in artist name
or song title and listen to
2 minute sound Clips
before you purchase your favorite track for $.99.
Top Clips Played
1. Dr. Margaret Douroux - The Glow of Glory
2. Dr. Margaret Douroux - Thank You
3. Dr. Margaret Douroux - Already Done
4. Arthur Sutton & Gift of Praise - In This Place
5. Joe Sharkey - If It Had Not Been
6. Pilgrim Rest - Created For Worship
7. Pilgram Rest - Church Medley
8. Ronald J Matterre - Amazing Grace
9. Lady Peachena - Lord Save Our Young Men
10. Witness For Christ - Are You Ready
11. O Lord Is It I - Nat M. Brown Productions
12. Thank You - Minstrel
13. Since I Met Jesus -The Voices of Progressive
14. All Of God’s People - MAMON and MAMON
15 Deliverance Is On The Way-God Will Deliver
16. Church House Rap - KAE DJ Publishing
17. Jesus Is Real - Unity In The Spirit Chorale
18. Simply Serene - Karli Bonne
19. Center Of My Joy - St. Monica
20. Angel Without Wings - Karli Bonne
Editor Choice
1. Portia Young - When I Come Into Your Presence
2. Rev. William Crook - Possessed By His Love
3. Robert Houston & True Dedication - Devotion
4. To Be Faithful - Betty Lester
5. Willette Green Johnson - Adore
6. The 411- Can’t Nobody
7. Secret Place - Kathy Riggins
8. Jesus - Arthur Sutton and The Gift of Praise
9. What A Friend - C.C. M. J.
10. Over & Over - Victory Christian Assembly Mass Choir
11. Grateful - Zi’el
12. Where There’s A Will There’s A Way - Maxine West
13 Can’t Nobody - Women of Integrity
14. God Has Got Your Back - Clarissa Smith
15. Since Jesus - Cathy Townsend
16. Lay My Burden Down - Bishop Joe Simon
17. Dr. Jesus - Elder Charles Scott
18. Never Alone - Jason Allen and The Family
19. It’s Your Season - Van D. Roberson
20. I Heard The Angels Singing - Rev. Charlie Wells and the
Clouds of Joy
Free Membership
Page 28
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Attention: Independent Gospel
Artists we know the challenges you face when it comes to getting airplay... www.gospelpower.fm has
partnered with the #1 choice for online distribution service for gospel music the Gospel Swap. A majority
of the music we play is independent gospel artists. The objective is to provide airplay as well as online
distribution where the artists featured on GospelPower.fm also have the opportunity to sell their music to
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featured on GospelPower.fm has a 5 star or better rating within the first 30 days of airplay. All Artists
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