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 This is the Archived News Page, containing news items from at least several months ago. Current news can be found on our Current News Page.
New Diva Music Coming—
The new year sees new music coming from multiple diva quarters: Pam and Dodi on January 8th, and Maurette Brown-Clark, Karen Clark-Sheard and the new Mary Mary in March, plus a new project from Lexi (entitled Somewhere Different) in May. Additionally, Damita is set to go into studio to record for her sophomore project with Atlantic. (revised 01/16/2002)
New Tonéx Music—
Tonéx sparks interest in his new project O2 due out in April 2002 on Verity Records via his first single from the album, "Bout A. Thang". The filming for the accompanying concept video is scheduled for early January 2002.
Kim Sledge to Debut—
Known for her days with Sister Sledge of disco fame and more, Kim Sledge brings out a solo Gospel project in early 2002. Titled Peaceful, the singer delivers contemporary material with a diverse range of styles, a melange of jazz, Gospel, classical and inspirational sound influences. The album comes from Malaju Records.(12/18/2001)
NAACP Image Awards Nominees—
The NAACP Image Awards nominees have been announced. Yolanda Adams gets two nods, one in the Outstanding Contemporary Gospel Artist category for her album Believe, and the other a joint nomination with Donnie McClurkin in the Outstanding Performance in a Variety Series/Special category for their performance on the "2001 Essence Awards".
No Doubt Offerings—
Newcomer No Doubt Records (distributed by 2ksounds/ Virgin / EMI) is gearing for releases with a decidedly urban emphasis. First up is the three-member group Schenk along with rapper T.S. in the first half of 2002, followed by two young girl groups, Infinit’e and E-Merge in the later half of the year. (12/06/2001)
Grieving With The Bolton Brothers—
GospelFlava.com joins with the Bolton Family in grieving the death of Minister Paul Bolton of Blackberry Records recording group, The Bolton Brothers, who died suddenly in a car accident on November 23rd 2001, at the age of 37. He leaves behind his wife Teressie and his four children. We join with others in praying for the strengthening of the family; we also rejoice in knowing that Paul Bolton is safe in the arms of Jesus. Funeral services were held on November 30th. (revised 11/30/2001)
Warner Buys Word—
On November 26, 2001, Gaylord Entertainment and Warner Music jointly announced that Word Entertainment, the Christian music division of Gaylord Entertainment, will be sold to Warner Music for a cash amount. The transaction, which is expected to be completed by January, specifies that Word will continue to be based in Nashville. Malcolm Mimms will be president and CEO, and most of the Word employees will remain with the new company. (11/26/2001)
Kurt Carr Productions—
Kurt Carr is keeping busy on the production front, readying to produce Byron Cage’s first project for GospoCentric, with a January live recording date scheduled for Bishop Dennis Leonard’s church in Denver, and slated for a June 2002 release. Carr has also been pegged to produce Tramaine Hawkins’ next project, a live album to be recorded for GospoCentric later in 2002. (11/21/2001)
BeBe's Third Album—
BeBe Winans recorded his third solo project, this one live in DC, on November 21, 2001. Due out on Motown (along with DVD) in March 2002, the project features new material and some live takes of hits from his last album. Joining him were guests Juan Winans, Stephanie Mills, Debbie Winans and others. (11/21/2001)
Donnie McClurkin / God's Property Get Platinum—
A check of the latest RIAA Certifications shows that as of October 2001, Donnie McClurkin's Live in London has hit platinum, and God's Property's debut project has reached Triple Platinum status. Platinum means sales exceeding 1 million units (triple platinum, 3 million). (revised 11/15/2001)
TriCity Records Again—
The next project from Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers is to be recorded live on November 10, 2001 in their hometown of Charlotte, NC at the University Park Baptist Church. Featuring guest vocalists Bishop Walter Hawkins, Ann Nesby and others, the new record is to be titled Go Get Your Life Back, and is slated for a February 2002 release on EMI Gospel. (10/29/2001)
Arrow To Debut Two Edge and Generation J—
Arrow Records, the music arm of Creflo Dollar Ministries, is gearing up for the offical debut of two urban artists in early 2002: Generation J and Two Edge. Both have already garnered advance acclaim on the basis of regional and GMWA appearances. The label debuted earlier in 2001 with The Changing Your World Mass Choir's first recorded album, Heart of God. (10/24/2001)
New Boo—
Lady Boo (aka Lola Mitchell) and formerly known as Gangsta Boo of the currently mainstream charting hip hop crew Three 6 Mafia, is teaming up with Mr. Del, also formerly of Three 6 Mafia, has done a 180 degree turnaround to embark on the Gospel hip hop path. Very recently claiming Jesus Christ as her Saviour, the hard-hitting, 22-year-old rhymer is working with The Dedicated Group label. (10/15/2001)
Bishop Carlton Pearson, Mayor?—
Bishop Carlton Pearson has declared that he will soon officially announce his candidacy for the upcoming mayoralty race for the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Known as the founder and
pastor at Higher Dimensions Family Church, and a noted tele-evangelist, outspoken speaker on political issues, author and Gospel music recording artist (with his Live at Azusa series), Pearson also heads Azusa International, a growing interdenominational fellowship of
600 churches and ministries. Should he win the mayorality contest, he has stated that he would continue to oversee the church, but
would turn day-to-day operations over to a leadership team.
The Tulsa
mayoral primary election is in early February 2002.
(09/26/2001)
New Rodney Posey—
Rodney Posey and Praise wrapped up the live recording for their third project in Cincinnatti at James Temple COGIC on September 15th, tentatively titled, A New Song of Worship. The Crystal Rose release is expected to drop in early 2001.
(09/17/2001)
Tonéx Theme Music—
The theme music for the new television show “One On One” features both Tonéx and Shanice, in mid-tempo urban duet. The show features Flex Alexander who plays a single father who takes on the responsibility of raising a teenage daughter (Kyla Pratt). Air time is 8:30 PM on Mondays on UPN.
(09/04/2001)
Vanessa Williams Signs with BAJADA Records—
New Detroit-based label BAJADA Records has announced the signing of Vanessa Williams to a solo recording contract, with an expected album release date in 2002. As a member of Richard Smallwood’s Vision, Williams has been behind numerous memorable solos. BAJADA is based out of Bishop Andrew Merritt’s Straight Gate Church, and includes the church’s Minister of Music and renowned producer Steven Ford on staff, with industry veteran Veda Brown appointed as the label’s general manager. The church has also just launched the comprehensive Straight Gate Studios, designed to provide services across the Gospel music industry. (08/28/2001)
Lumzy Sisters at Marxan Records—
The Lumzy Sisters are the latest to sign with Marxan Records, with their project scheduled for a late Fall release date. Also in the studio at the Ohio-based record company are Charles Woolfork and Shadonna, working on their next respective projects. (08/23/2001)
Shontae on Danbla—
New artist Shontae has signed with Danbla Records with a 2002 release date penciled in. The young singer has excited industry insiders and is expected to cause a stir with her versatility and flexible vocal stylings.
(08/23/2001)
GMWA Convention In Detroit in 2002—
The next annual convention of the GMWA is set for August 2002 in Detroit, going back to to the birthplace of the workshop 34 years ago. (08/19/2001)
Winners of the 20th Annual GMWA Excellence Awards—
The 20th Annual GMWA Excellence Awards winners were announced at the GMWA National Convention on August 12th, 2001. Multiple award winners included Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Kurt Carr, Angela Spivey, Donald Lawrence and Mary Mary. A full list of results is presented in our Excellence Awards focus page. (08/18/2001)
Deitrick Haddon Signs with Verity—
Verity Records used their GMWA showcase as an opportunity to announce the signing of Deitrick Haddon to a solo recording contract. Following the pattern of business arrangement laid down by John P. Kee, Deitrick remains connected to Tyscot Records by way of production deal, with his church choir Voices of Unity featuring Minister Deitrick Haddon now signed to a long term deal with Tyscot. There is no firm news as yet of when the first solo Deitrick Haddon project on Verity will be released. (08/19/2001)
Tehillah Music Group Debuts—
The Tehillah Music Group debuted their first release to Gospel announcers at the GMWA's annual convention in Minneapolis. Headed up by industry veteran Jerry Q. Parries, the label is based out of Bishop Paul S. Morton's Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship, and serves as the the music label for the large denomination. First off the blocks is the Women of Excellence project, to be followed by the recently recorded Daughters of Promise choir project. (08/19/2001)
EMI Gospel Signs Smokie Norful—
EMI Gospel debuted their newest signee, versatile singer/songwriter Smokie Norful at the GMWA annual national convention. At the label's midnight showcase, Norful brought the crowd of Gospel announcers to their feet with a strong set of two songs, one traditional and the other praise and worship, as he sang and played the keyboard. Norful is songwriter on the growing Gospel roster of Seven Summits Music (BMI), a division of Disney Music Publishing. Norful's songs have recently appeared on projects that include the latest from Desmond Pringle, The Tommies and Dottie Peoples. (08/19/2001)
Jackie Patillo Returns—
Industry veteran Jackie Patillo steps into the General Manager’s position at Integrity Music’s Urban /Gospel Division. Patillo draws on her considerable A&R experience at StarSong and Benson Records as well as recent consultancy responsibilities with ministries such as CeCe Winans, Word Entertainment and Gospel Today. Integrity has recently upped its involvement in the urban worship genre with recent projects from Joe Pace, Gary Oliver, Israel and New Breed and upcoming projects that include artists such as The Colorado Mass Choir. (08/09/2001)
Bassist Joel Smith Weds—
July 14th 2001 saw the wedding of renowned Gospel bassist and drummer Joel Smith to Alicia Bradford at the Love Center Ministries. Smith is the nephew of Bishop Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins, and has been featured on myriads of Gospel projects throughout the years. (07/14/2001)
Youthful Praise Signs With Label, Releases Album—
Youthful Praise, the high energy contemporary choir based out of Turner's Faith Temple in Bridgeport, CT, is set to release their in-demand debut project. Under the direction of JJ Hairston and Shawn Brown and with guest vocals from Melonie Daniels, Lecresia Campbell, Robin Rowe-Stewart, Lorraine Stancil and Ayana George, the album is based on their independent release, but with remastering and featuring some new material. Look for the release, titled Awesome God, to be in stores this summer on the Evidence Gospel label, a new venture owned and operated by GospelFlava.com. (07/07/2001)
Gospel Hip Hop Spotted in The Source—
The July issue of The Source (the renowned hip hop newsrack magazine), features a multi-page feature on Gospel hip hop. With interviews with The Cross Movement, Knolly Williams, Prime Minister, Christopher Martin and mentions of several others, the article is honestly written and a good read. (06/25/2001)
Kevin Bond To Serve in Atlanta—
Veteran producer and songwriter Kevin Bond is to relocate to Atlanta in July 2001, to take on responsibilities as Minister of Music for New Birth Cathedral, pastored by Bishop Eddie L. Long. Bond joins EMI Gospel recording artist Darwin Hobbs, who recently became the church's Worship Leader. (06/25/2001)
Mary Mary Weddings—
Both Erica and Tina Atkins recently got married. Check out the wedding visuals from Erica's wedding on our focus page. (06/06/2001)
Bob Dylan Gospel—
Several artists are contributing to a Gospel project featuring the work of music veteran Bob Dylan. Produced by New York-based Burning Rose Productions Ltd., the project is titled Pressing On: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan, and is expected to be released by the end of 2001, featuring interpretations of Dylan’s songs pulled from his acclaimed Slow Train Coming and Saved projects from several years ago. Look for contributions from Aaron Neville, Shirley Caesar, Lee Williams & The Spiritual QCs, Dottie Peoples, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Fairfield Four, in addition to Dylan himself. Joel Moss takes producer responsibilities. (06/06/2001)
B. Chase and ShaBach Record—
Atlanta-based contemporary choir B. Chase Williams and Sha Bach took to Charlotte’s Reflection Sounds Studios in mid June 2001 for a live recording of their upcoming project, Back By Divine Appointment. Look for a Spring 2002 release. (revised 10/11/2001)
Bad Boy Gospel—
With a 2002 release date on the horizon, the first single from the much-hyped Thank You project, the first Gospel album from Bad Boy Records has hit radio. Titled "You", its video counterpart also slams into rotation this week, and like the single, features Carl Thomas, Faith Evans, 112, Asia &
Ashley, Tammy Ruggieri and Thelma Guyton, plus Hezekiah Walker and P. Diddy. (revised 10/11/2001)
PAJAM Intros Ramiah—
The Detroit production powerhouse PAJAM is set to introduce their own artist, Ramiah. The 4-member female group (Sherise Staten, Tracy Bryant, Stephanie Bonner, DeLaurian Burton) takes their name from the Hebrew, meaning 'Jehovah is exalted', and can be heard with PAJAM on a cut from the upcoming Christiannaires project, Thank You, set to drop on May 29th from Marxan Records. (revised 06/18/2001)
Dove Awards Announced—
The winners for the 32nd Annual Dove Awards have been announced. Check our Dove focus page for results from the Gospel relevant categories. Dove Focus Page. (04/26/2001)
Demetrus Stewart To Head up CW Wellspring Entertainment—
Industry veteran Demetrus Alexander Stewart has been given the responsibility of heading up Nashville-based CW Wellspring Entertainment, a comprehensive entertainment company owned by CeCe Winans and her husband Alvin Love. The company encompasses the Wellspring Gospel recording label but includes other facets such as consulting, independent marketing and promotion for other labels and artists, booking, touring and non-traditional management. Stewart comes with previous industry experience that include top positions with Warner Alliance, Jive and most recently, Atlantic Records. Look for Wellspring to deliver their next project, a new one from CeCe, on June 19th. (04/08/2001)
Robert Blair Passes—
GospelFlava.com offers our condolences to the family, friends and group members of Robert Blair, lead singer of The Fantastic Violinaires, who died of a heart attack on March 19, 2001. Blair joined the renowned group in the '60s, continuing to sing lead with his trademark style until recently. Funeral services were held on March 26th at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit. (03/22/2001)
Leon Lacey with Zemi Music—
Leon Lacy has inked a production deal with Grand Rapids, Michigan based independent label, Zemi Music. The 23-year old writer/producer heads up NY-based Leon's Inner Voice (LIV) (see album review), and has released three independent projects. Lacey himself has catalogued over 250 original songs. The deal calls for Zemi to work with Lacey in producing songs toward a finished album. Once the project is completed, the label will secure a
third-party label to handle the marketing and distribution for the CD
(03/04/2001)
Marvin Winans Jr. Heads Up New Label—
Marvin Winans Jr. (aka Coconut) is heading up a new, urban, Detroit-based Gospel label, M2Entertainment. With CEO and lead production responsibilities, the Winans Phase 2 member is gearing up to introduce a slate of young urban and hip hop artists to the market this year. (01/17/2001)
Willie Neal Johnson Passes—
Veteran Gospel artist Willie Neal Johnson passed away to glory on January 10th. The longtime frontman and Malaco recording artist with his group, The Gospel Keynotes, Johnson's homegoing service will be on January 17th in Tyler, Texas. (01/14/2001)
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