Bob

“Medicine for Someone Else”Ruben StuddardFrom Medicine – Live at the Black Academy of Arts and LettersMCG Records (2011) http://www.mcgrecords.com/By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.In an interesting twist on the “pay it forward” mantra, American Idol’s teddy bear of a man Ruben Studdard instructs the audience to turn the [...]

“The Balance”Marsha McWilsonwww.myspace.com/marshamcwilsonOn “The Balance,” Niagra Falls, NY native Marsha McWilson intones her problems in a smoky, after-hours, girlfriend-to-girlfriend voice. It’s a slow, introspective and intimate urban AC song about the pressures of contemporary life and the need for a “balance to hold me up so that I won’t fall.” [...]

Marian Elaine BlairSongs of DeliveranceMarian Elaine Blair 2011http://www.marianelaineblair.com/By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.Songs of Deliverance – part live, part studio-produced – is the third release from Marian Elaine Blair, a psalmist whose ministry began on the streets of Washington DC, feeding the homeless.A flatfooted singer, Blair doesn’t possess [...]

Chicago's Historic Roberts Temple COGIC, 4021 South State Street, is celebrating its 95th anniversary in fine style with six nights of activities, including guest speakers and the Roberts Temple Reunion Choir under the direction of Dr. Delores "Honey" Sykes of the famed Duncanaires.A special musical will take place at Roberts Temple COGIC on Saturday, [...]

“You’re So Amazing”James “Kelly Fox!” Davis and A Bunch of Friends (2011)http://www.kellyfoxonline.com/As James “Kelly Fox!” Davis announces at the outset, this is a “new jam,” and jam it is. “You’re So Amazing” is a bouncily hypnotic ode to God’s majesty wrapped in a psychedelic swirl of voices. The carnival-like rhythm, evocative of [...]

“Tell the Lord Thank You”Evangelist Lemmie Battles (2011)http://www.lemmiebattles.com/Chicago’s Lemmie Battles lights up any meeting room, auditorium or church with her effervescent personality, which bursts forth through her traditional gospel singing.On her new single, “Tell the Lord Thank You,” Battles does what she does best: shout troubles over in a bouncy mid-tempo, [...]

Le’Andria Johnson The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Music World Gospel (release date: September 6, 2011) http://www.musicworldgospel.com/ By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog. Le’Andria Johnson is one of the most promising female vocalists in gospel music today. The Season Three BET Sunday Best champ’s estimable talent is evident on her debut [...]

Angela “Missy” BillupsStanding on the PromisesNGE/MissyB Music (2011)www.sonicbids.com/AngelaMissyBillupsSunday’s a good day to review New York’s Angela “Missy” Billups' newest music because whenever she sings, she takes you to church. On her latest effort, a four-track EP called Standing on the Promises, Billups puts on her shouting shoes (and one of [...]

Robert E. PersonSoul SanctuaryREP Music (2011)http://www.roberteperson.com/By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.Robert E. Person is from Washington, DC but his voice is as big as Texas. His robust style – part gospel singer, part jazz balladeer – can be heard on his third CD, Soul Sanctuary.Person’s vocal talent is [...]

Detroit gospel enthusiasts Marcel West, Donna Riggs and R. Patrick Johnson informed TBGB that Sister Victoria Hawkins-Westbrook died Tuesday, August 30, 2011.Born June 6, 1935, Victoria and her mother, Thelma Hawkins, were a marvelous singing duo back in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.  They recorded gospel songs for Staff (Detroit) and [...]