U.S. Congress Designates September 2008 "Gospel Heritage Month"

Pictured at the event at the Capitol (left to right): Gospel music advocate Carl Davis, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Gospel Music Channel founder and president Charles Humbard, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), president/CEO of The Recording Academy® Neil Portnow, and Gospel Music Channel senior director of music development Alvin Williams.

September 2008 will be an exciting month for Gospel/Christian music lovers. In addition to the new music projects to be released, the United States Congress has passed H. Cong. Res. 370 (House of Representatives) & S. Res.595 (Senate) designates September 2008 as Gospel Music Heritage Month. The legislation passed will honor Gospel music for its valuable long-standing contribution to American culture. In deed, the genre of Gospel is a thread in the blanket of American History. Hymns and Spiritual songs such as "Amazing Grace" have been recorded by major American musical icons and sung by congregations all over the country. Gospel artists, Rance Allen, Kurt Carr, and newcomer, Spensha Baker, were among the select few invited to appear before President Bush during his special "Salute to Gospel Music" at The White House.


Gospel Music Channel television network joined with Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-Ark.), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), and The Recording Academy® to launch the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" initiative. "Gospel Music is a cornerstone of the American musical tradition and has grown beyond its established audience to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance across the globe," said Lincoln. "My home state of Arkansas has a rich history in gospel music and I am proud to honor this tradition that has touched audiences around the world." The initiative was created by Gospel Music Channel, the country's first and only 24/7 television network devoted to all forms of Gospel/Christian music. The initiative was publicly unveiled at The Recording Academy's GRAMMY®s on the Hill event at the U.S. Capitol on June 18.

"This is the opportunity for the millions of gospel/Christian music fans to have
their own national month to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of their
music," said Charles Humbard, founder and president, Gospel Music Channel. "We thank Senators Lincoln, Hutchison and Leahy, and Representatives Jackson-Lee and Bono Mack, for their efforts and The Recording Academy for its partnership. We
look forward to celebrating 'Gospel Music Heritage Month' in September."

Gospel Music Channel (GMC) is the nation’s first and only 24/7 television network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is Gospel/Christian music. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country and on DIRECTV.

August: New Music Releases!

*all release dates are street dates that are subject to change without notice.

8/5/08
Spensha Baker New Artist!
Outloud!
Universal Music Christian Group
CD

Sample the CD

8/19/2008
Shirley Caesar
Revisited
CD

8/19/2008
Casting Crowns
The Altar and The Door Live
Reunion Records
CD/DVD

8/19/2008
David Crowder Band
Remedy Club Tour Edition
Sixsteps Records
CD/DVD

8/19/2008
GRITS
Reiterate
Revolution Art
CD

8/19/2008
This Beautiful Republic
Perceptions
ForeFront Records
CD

8/19/2008
Joy Whitlock
God And A Girl
INO Records
CD

8/19/2008
The Wrecking
A New Abolition
Universal Music Christian Group
CD

8/19/08
Deitrick Haddon
Revealed
Verity Records
CD

8/19/08
Keith Wonderboy Johnson
The Best Of
Verity Records
CD

8/26/2008
DecembeRadio
Satisfied
Slanted Records
CD

8/26/2008
Darwin Hobbs
Free
Tyscot/Taseis Media Group
CD

8/26/08
John P Kee
Live In Miami
Verity Records / Provident
CD

8/26/08
Kurtt Carr
Kurt Carr
Gospo Centric / Provident
CD

8/26/2008
Point Of Grace
How You Live Expanded Edition
Word/Curb/Warner Bros.
CD

For submission of new releases, please e-mail legpromo@aim.com

Singers Pay Tribute at Gospel Music's Birthplace

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO - A landmark church known as the birthplace of gospel music has opened its doors for the first time since a fire two years ago ravaged the structure on the city's South Side.

The historic Pilgrim Baptist Church played host Sunday to members of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs in Chicago for their annual convention. The group toured the salvaged space of the church.

The building was designed in the late 1800s by the famous architectural firm headed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler.

Mahalia Jackson, Sallie Martin, James Cleveland, and the Staples Singers are among those who have sung at the church.

The City Mission Hosts Free Concert for Youth, Features Level 3:16

Abundant Grace Fellowship is sponsoring a free concert featuring Level 3:16 for youth and young adults at The City Mission. Level 3:16 is one of Impact Movement's touring Praise & Worship bands. These young people criss cross the country to bring the Gospel to teens with a Hip-Hop flavor, while remaining true to the integrityof the Word of God.

Friday, July 25, 2008

7:00 PM

Cleveand City Mission

5310 Carnegie Ave

For additional information contact Gerald Roberts, Minister of Music (Abundant Grace Fellowship) at (216)650-4703 or by groberts7@mac.com

Billboard artist FLAME heads to Cleveland, Talks Ministry & More

Billboard artist FLAME (Cross Movement Records), a.k.a. Marcus T. Williams-Gray, will be in Cleveland this Friday to minister at New Spirit Revival Center. The St. Louis, Missouri native is part of a rising group of young men who are spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Hip Hop form (aka Holy Hip Hop)- a concept that many Christians have yet to grasp. The music industry, however is taking note, as G.R.I.T.S. (Gotee Records), one of the first signed Christian Hip Hop duos had their song, "Here We Go", featured in Jack Nicholson’s 2003 film “Somethings Gotta Give” and on the small screen on shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Pop Stars, Boston Public and MTV Cribs. Though the genre of Hip Hop/Rap is one that evokes thoughts of drugs, sex, and self-worship, this new Gospel/Christian genre is doing the very opposite. While the world of Hip Hop thrives through "beefs" between artists, these Christian ambassadors tour together, collaborate on projects, and even promote each other's albums. If you listen beyond the beat, you will hear FLAME tell his young listeners in "Hold On" that the walk [of salvation] is not easy, and in fact gets harder. In "13 Letters" (Reach Records), artist Trip Lee & 116 Clique encourage you to "Dig In" as the lyrics run, Bible, Check, Spiral, Check, Lighter, Check, Now Dig, Dig- promoting Bible study.

FLAME credits the veteran Holy Hip Hop group Cross Movement for his music ministry genesis. The group's hard-hitting, "scripture saturated" lyrics impacted FLAME during a difficult time in his life. After the passing of his grandmother, 16 year-old FLAME began attending church and seeking Christ. He soon found himself in a Christian bookstore browsing the music section. It was then that he purchased a CD by Cross Movement and was thoroughly impressed with artist quality of their music and content- something he found encouraging and challenging.

FLAME took out time from his very busy tour schedule to talk music ministry and more for LEGPROMO.INFO. His visit is a testament to the underground Holy Hip Hop movement of Cleveland. "I have been to Cleveland before, there is a lot of support from the people and New Spirit Revival Center", he says regarding his tour stop to the area. D-Liv (Ardale Patrick) member of local group LIFE Camp, will be opening up for FLAME. The group which consists of members Choze, Overflow, and L-Peezy have traveled throughout Ohio and neighboring states using the method of rap to share the gospel.

FLAME's fourth album, "OUR WORLD REDEEMED" (Cross Movement Records 2008), was released in March of this year and is a follow up to the successful release of "OUR WORLD FALLEN" (Cross Movement Records 2007) – the first of the two-part series. FLAME speaks of the series as follows:

"The first album, Our World Fallen is sobering and addresses life issues.

Our World Redeemed is about the benefits of Christian life. Its music composition is energetic and fun."

What the humble artist did not mention {he didn't have to, I did for him :) } is that the album climbed to the number five spot on the Billboard Charts: an honor most artists only dream of. "I was just as shocked as everyone else," he said humbly. The Midwest Christian Rap artist shared that he never aspired to the hip hop artistry.

There is no doubting where FLAME stands regarding whom he serves or what he believes. If you visit his Myspace page, you will quickly find a moving icon that reads, "I'VE BEEN REDEEMED, YOU CAN TOO!", as his profile picture. His website hosts more than the usual suspects discography, picture gallery, tour schedule, etc. The first button you will find is a free online Bible followed by sermons, devotions, and a list of books he suggests for Biblical study. A Q&A forum will be available on the site soon as well. So, why all of the resources for his music listeners?

Before I was an artist, I was a music listener. I would go to the artists
websites and think, where can I find out more about their lyrics (the
scriptures). This goes beyond the music, there is only so much the music
can do. So, I wanted to give people the resources to study and learn more.

All the talk of Bible study is no smoke-and-mirrors, the busy artist is currently studying Biblical Counseling at Boyce College in Louisville, KY. After asking why he decided to attend Bible college, he replied, "After learning about it through fellow artists, I felt inspired to go." "I feel it makes me a more well-rounded artist."

When asked about the growing number of aspiring Hip Hop artists, FLAME had this piece of advice to share, "Stay faithful to the Lord and your church home, He will open up doors and shut those that should be shut." He also added to "practice, maintain integrity behind the scenes, and stay in the Word of God." How does the "lyrical torch bearer" maintain his walk with Christ while on the road? "I am not always headlining an event, so I plug into the other music ministries I travel with. "When I am at home, I do outreach and evangelism at my church, it keeps me humble. I also travel with my wife."

FLAME and his counterparts in the Faith are making a deep impact on young listeners world-wide. Next month Reach Records artists Trip Lee, LeCrae, and Tedashii are headed to the UK for the UnAshamed Tour. It's most certainly time that the Body of Christ stand with these young men as they spread the message of Jesus Christ in the most unexpected, yet relevant form.

So what's next for FLAME? "I am just riding the waves and observing the culture."

Friday's concert will begin at 8:00 pm at New Spirit Revival Center- 3130 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44118. This event is FREE and open to the public. Go out and support our young brother's in Christ as they reach the lost generation. You will be blessed!

For more information about FLAME and his music ministry, visit www.flame314.com or for booking information, write to info@flame314.com.

JOYFEST- Ohio Music Festival Pays Tribute to Rev. Timothy Wright

Curtis A. Perry III (left), owner of Joy 1520 Radio, and the Rev. Vince Watts Photo by: REPOSITORY BOB ROSSITER

What do the last two recent posts on this website have in common? JoyFest Music Festival, one of Northeast Ohio's largest urban celebrations! Joyfest is a CAP III Production supported by Joy1520AM - WINW. The gathering will include carnival rides, the very best in gospel music, a Rib BurnOff, and Sweet-Potato Pie & Pound Cake Contests...yummy! The Rib BurnOff will feature a $1,000 top prize. "So You Think You Got Talent?", a talent show for local youth will showcase tonight at 6:00 pm. Attendance to this amazing event is FREE and open to the public!


Concerts from national recording artists Vanessa Bell Armstrong (EMI Gospel) and Tye Tribbett & GA (Sony BMG Music) will occur Friday and Saturday evenings, respectively. Gospel Artist Rev. Timothy Wright was scheduled to minister on Sunday. After hearing the tragic news of the interestate collision that killed Rev. Wright's wife and grandson, and left him in critical condition, organizers were shocked. But, they have turned the tragedy into a gospel tribute for the Wrights. "It's still going to be a festive event," Curtis Perry told the Canton Repository. "People are going to come out because of the void. They'll want to be here for the tribute."

Proceeds from food concessions will benefit Saving Our Sons, a youth employment program, and a scholarship fund. CAP III Community Fund's purpose is "to promote the growth and development of inner-city youth by providing scholarships, youth activities, summer employment and technological enrichment."

This event is a great example of summer fun and fellowship. The festival is community centered and shows that there are positive things happening in Northeast Ohio. So, if you have no plans for the beautiful weekend, head to Canton to celebrate- and tell someone else about it.

JOYFEST Schedule of Events (July 10, 11,12, & 13th)

Thursday — 6 p.m., youth talent show, hosted by Sheryl "Dottie" Pressley

Friday — 8 p.m., Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Saturday — 8 p.m., Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing

Sunday — Noon, musical tribute to the Rev. Timothy Wright and family;

drawing for flat-screen TV.

GOOD IN THE HOOD (updated)

Perhaps I am preaching to the choir, but not everything "in the hood" or "inner city" is negative and violent. There is another video (by Mr. Del) that I intended to post today, but I ran into this one first. This track is from the new album "STANDOUT" by Tye Tribbett and GA. Enjoy!

Tye Tribbett & GA @

309-400 Market Ave, Canton, Ohio

Kreskge Block

July 12th, 2008

JoyFestival

More Videos

Rev. Timothy Wright critical, Wife Killed After Interstate Collision

According to the New York Daily News, Rev. Timothy Wright, known as the “godfather of gospel” was critically injured and his wife and grandson were killed when a wrong-way driver hit their vehicle in Pennsylvania on Friday, July 4th.

The Rev. Timothy Wright, 61, was hospitalized after the Friday night crash that
killed his wife, Betty, 58, on Interstate 80 in Greene Township, about 160
miles west of Manhattan, state police said.
Wright has released more than a dozen gospel recordings and is pastor at Grace Tabernacle Christian Center in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
His album “Come Thou Almighty King” was nominated for best traditional soul gospel album at the 1995 Grammy Awards. His latest CD, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,” came out last year.

- KRISTEN BROWN and TINA MOORE, DAILY NEWS WRITERS

The title track was one of my personal favorites and was co-written with his wife.
Every gospel music listener is familiar with his music or has heard one of his many songs. My prayers are with his family and congregants as the body of Christ mourns. Please pray for God's will and the recovery of Rev. Wright.

To read the full story visit: nydailynews.com