Wedding of the Century: GospoCentric and Verity with Zomba – from The Belle Report

While TBGB was fast asleep after attending a pioneer-studded GMWA Quartet Gala on August 17, Sheilah Belle of The Belle Report was still on task getting the story below. The article is from The Belle Report.

Thanks, Sheilah, for reporting on this exciting moment at GMWA. I heard the music — at 4:30 a.m. — and was SURE it was someone’s CD player down the hall from my hotel room. Little did I know it was the live sound of Kirk Franklin resounding throughout the Milwaukee Hyatt!

If you haven’t signed up for The Belle Report yet, you should — go to www.gospelmemories.com and click on “Gospel Links” to find out how easy it is to sign up for these excellent email blasts that you will not want to be without. — TBGB

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin (8/17/05) –It was the wedding ceremony of the century as two of the most powerful gospel labels in the country; Gospel Centric and Verity Records joined forces under the Zomba Label umbrella.

The President of Verity Records, Max Siegel said, “the merge between the two companies actually happened about a year ago,” but the companies made it official before the Gospel Announcers Guild and a standing room only crowd as they combined talent and musicians to solidify their unity during a stellar night of performances, including Kirk Franklin (left).

Teddy Campbell from the Soul Seekers and Keith “Wonder Boy” Johnson served as the initial emcees for the first three artists.

Performances were given by JoAnn Rosario, The McClurkins, Dwayne Woods; who recently signed to Quietwaters, (Donald Lawrence label that also falls under the Zomba Umbrella), Byron Cage..with a matrix affect and mime dancers….before actually hitting the stage with a fast pace and high energy show. He ended his set with a song called, “Bless the Lord” which was off the chain and will surely cause the saints to look for it on the music store, CD shelves.

Ray Bady and Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson emceed the next set with J Moss bringing it down with a new group 21:03, under his production company; PAJAM, backing him up. Moss then stepped aside giving the new group some stage time in front of hundreds of gospel announcers. What an opportunity! Following the three young men was Moss who returned with a re-mix and his chart topping single, “I’ll Praise Him.”

Performing next was Papa San who threw down Jamaican style with many feeling every beat he had to offer.

Pastor Marvin Sapp hit the stage next with six background singers. Sapp also gave an upbeat performance that bought many in the crowd to their feet. “Is there anyone in the house who knows God is a way maker?,” says Sapp. The crowd was responsive, to the point, Sapp became energized and woke up some of the dozing 2:31am crowd.

J Moss returned as the next emcee, when he introduced his cousin Dorinda Clark Cole (left). Wearing a beautiful pink mid-length dress Clark rocked the crowd. Her last song for the evening was “I’m Coming Out! Before leaving the stage, Clark tossed pink roses to the crowd to show her appreciation to those who had supported her over the years.

Next up was Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers who sang everyone’s favorite including “God Blocked It.” Carr also had the crowd on their feet…even at 3:25 in the morning. However in Carr’s own style, he gave the crowd something to stand for as he offered a serious jazz revision, along with a stellar band, background vocals who gave show stopping moments! They were truly blazing.

Gospel legend and Pastor Andre Crouch made it to the stage next. A little older but still a respected and mighty force in the industry, Crouch in many ways hasn’t changed. His style of music is basically the same with a mixture of Praise & Worship along with a dash of the traditional sound. In between songs, Crouch testified that he had been attacked by cancer four times, and beat it each time. Crouch said, “I just want to thank God for being here today.”

Finishing off the night was Kirk Franklin along with a few new singers in his backup group, including 6 women and 3 men. Franklin also called on J Moss to help him sing a song. This was truly a memorable moment.

Franklin’s group performed all new songs before the crowd, which will probably have no problem getting radio play on Gospel or Secular stations. Kirk’s flavor was in every beat. His lyrics were tight and his ministry was on point with many just not being able to get enough of this musical genius. And while he is known for making musical history his latest offering is bound for the same direction. His newest project isn’t slated for release until FALL, but already thousands have gone on-line to pre-order it, possibly helping to make his newest release, shipped out Platinum before it even hits stores.

Ladies and gentlemen, needless to say, but Kirk Franklin is back in a mighty way! Besides, who else could end a concert at 4:55am and still have a standing room only crowd!?