News

Jordan Phillips, Gregory Gay, and Anthony Heilbut informed TBGB that Evangelist Rosie Wallace died in Philadelphia died Friday, May 23, in Philadelphia at the age of 79. A native Philadelphian, Wallace was a member of the Imperial Gospel Singers, a zesty female gospel group that included Anna Smallwood and sang with the verve of the Caravans, Davis Sisters, and Ward Singers.  Among the Imperial Gospel Singers’ gospel hits were “My Father’s House” and “Lazarus.” With eight members, Wallace organized the First Church of Love, Faith, and Deliverance in February 1962.  She and the church choir recorded “God Cares,” a big ...

Delores “Honey” Sykes informed TBGB that Eddie Robinson, singer, songwriter, and keyboardist, passed away in Detroit April 25, 2014. His home going service will take place in Detroit on Saturday, June 7. Among Robinson’s many writing credits are the Duncanaires’ 1960s singles “Breathe On Me” and “One Step Closer;” Tessie Hill’s “He Keeps Doing Great Things for Me” (also recorded by LaShun Pace); “Don’t Forget To Remember (Where All Your Blessings Come From)” recorded by Rev. James Cleveland; and “Reflections of the Man Inside.” Two years ago, TBGB reviewed Robinson’s 2002 CD Elephant Song.  His 2010 album Back on Track, ...

The Rocky Mount Telegram – Winston-Salem-based band’s history relived in CDs

Claudelle Clarke remembers Otis Wright – Entertainment – JamaicaObserver.com

In 1972, the Sons of Thunder were a teenage, interracial gospel group that toured with the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, and Dorothy Norwood as part of the Stones’ STP Tour.  Two years later, Word Records was interested in recording the group, but by 1975, the Sons of Thunder was no more.What happened? Member Roger Wood wants to answer that question via a retrospective DVD and television series. Want to learn more?  Check out this interview: http://www.vinylradionw.com/music/sons-of-thunder-spin-that-45-vinyl-radio-editon/.

Conference showcasing new gospel artists here this weekend: Recording artist to lead event

The Black Gospel Blog is pleased to announce that its reviews will also be available on a brand new website dedicated to gospel music reviews:  www.gospelcdreviews.com.  Check it out!

Gospel singing comes naturally to Pastor, songwriter Ronette Davis – Herald Mail Media: Life

  OAKLAND, Calif. (May 4, 2014) – Dr. Helen James Haynes Stephens passed away peacefully, the evening of Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 10:30 p.m. under the care of hospice.   Statement from the Family: “The Stephens Family wishes to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and prayers. Her passion was more than vocation – she used her gifts to their full potential, and as a result, her trailblazing contributions are forever etched in Gospel Music’s timeline. We ask for your continued prayers during this difficult time.” A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Lady Stephens’ early musical instruction began at ...

The Mississippi Mass Choir will be touring the country from May through July. You can win tickets to see them! The first four persons to email The Black Gospel Blog at bob@gospelmemories.com with the correct answer to the trivia question will win two tickets to their choice of one of the venues on the schedule below. Trivia Question: in what quartet did the founder of the Mississippi Mass Choir sing? (hint: there are two possible answers and either will be deemed correct).