Bob

About Bob Marovich

Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.

Vernell Payton Jr. – Former Sunday Best Contestant Steps Out on Faith

2016-02-20T20:40:30-06:00February 20th, 2016|

By Bob Marovich In Mark 6:4, Jesus advises that “a prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown.” This is true, almost to the point of becoming cliché.  It rings true for Vernell Payton Jr. “It took a man from Chicago, who did not know me, who I never met, [...]

Herbert “Pee Wee” Pickard, Noted Gospel Accompanist, Dies

2016-02-20T02:49:22-06:00February 20th, 2016|

Herbert Pickard. Courtesy: YouTube By Bob Marovich Traditional gospel music enthusiast Jordan K. Phillips informed JGM that Herbert "Pee Wee" Pickard, noted organist and pianist who accompanied the Gospel Harmonettes, James Cleveland and the Voices of Tabernacle,  and many other gospel artists, passed away today. Mr. Pickard,  a resident [...]

Congratulations to the 58th GRAMMY Winners

2016-02-16T14:32:40-06:00February 16th, 2016|

Gospel winners at the 58th GRAMMY Awards: 36. Best Gospel Performance/Song "Wanna Be Happy?" – Kirk Franklin 37. Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song "Holy Spirit" – Francesca Battistelli 38. Best Gospel Album Covered: Alive in Asia [Live] (Deluxe) – Israel & Newbreed (RGM Newbreed/RCA Inspiration) 39. Best Contemporary Christian Music [...]

JGM Pick of the Week: February 15, 2016

2016-02-16T03:38:03-06:00February 16th, 2016|

“Breakthrough” Bonita Burney Simmons (released October 19, 2015) www.bonitaburneysimmons.com Bonita Burney Simmons infuses her single, “Breakthrough,” with a toolkit of traditional church soloist techniques. Melismatic runs, soulful top notes, and lyric attacks a la Jennifer Hudson--all in the service of encouraging listeners to stay faithful, because their own breakthroughs are on [...]

Mavis! the Documentary as Effervescent as Its Subject

2016-02-15T03:13:45-06:00February 15th, 2016|

Mavis! Produced and Directed by Jessica Edwards www.mavisfilm.com Airs Monday, February 29, 8:00 p.m. CT (HBO) By Bob Marovich - Journal of Gospel Music Mavis!, the first full-length film to chronicle the life and artistry of Mavis Staples and the Staple Singers, is one of the most entertaining, moving, and informative [...]

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