“Safe” Ruth La’Ontra Tyscot Records www.tyscot.com By Bob Marovich Gospel songstress Ruth La’Ontra gushes over the protection available in God’s arms during “Safe,” a boldly arranged worship song that beats with the heart of a modern hymn. Ruth waits for the vamp to let loose with a string of melismatic runs and intense call-and-response with her BGVs. Penned by Anthony Brown (leader of Group TherAPy) and Justin L. Savage, “Safe” debuted on Ruth’s 2017 Tyscot album, I Got You (Live). The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree. Ruth is the daughter of veteran radio announcer Pastor Arvetra Jones Jr. and the ...

“He’s Never Failed Me Yet” Saint Mark Sanctuary Choir From The Saint Mark Experience Live (2018) https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/saintmarksanctuarychoir By Bob Marovich From the opening strains of “He’s Never Failed Me Yet,” the Sanctuary Choir of Saint Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, is unrelenting in its praise of an unfailing God. Backed by deliciously thick harmonies from the open-throated choir, the lead singer declares that “Momma may fail / Daddy may fail / Sister may fail / Brother may fail / Friend may fail / Pastor may fail,” but God won’t fail. Under the leadership of Darius Nelson, the choir dedicated its album ...

By Bob Marovich The Journal of Gospel Music is saddened to hear of the passing of Kenny Taylor, one of gospel music’s finest and most professional consultants and promotional men. Kenny was someone you could trust that if he said he would do it, he would do it. Dependable, honest, and with integrity…that’s how I describe Kenny Taylor. Each year, he and his Teemade Productions of Washington, DC, would treat the Gospel Announcers Guild with a themed musical at the annual Gospel Music Workshop of America convention. He showcased the artists he was promoting but with a twist that put a ...

From a press release: Following the recent death of the much loved and respected National Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG) Chairman, Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Bishop Albert Jamison and the Board of Directors of the GMWA announce the appointment of a new GAG administration and leadership team. The newly appointed officers, along with the GAG Committee, will oversee the operation of the National Gospel Announcers Guild. Dennis Cole (Chicago, IL) has been named Committee Leader and Chris Squire (Philadelphia, PA) appointed Assistant Committee Leader. “Proverbs 18 says that your gifts will make room for you. This committee is full of gifted ...

By Bob Marovich On Tuesday, July 29, members of the Gospel Announcers Guild of the Gospel Music Workshop of America saluted their longtime friend and leader, Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, with a special musical program at the GWMA Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.  Among the performers were Rev. Milton Biggham, Dottie Peoples, and Dorothy Norwood.  Two of his children were present for the tribute. It was the first year Hobbs, struggling with cancer, was unable to attend the annual Gospel Announcers Guild convention, for which he has served as chairman for many years.  Nevertheless, he called in frequently from his home in ...