“What More Can He Do? (Already Done)” LaNorris McFadden & P.R.O.O.F. ft. Pastor Beverly Crawford Independent (release date: September 18, 2020) By Robert M. Marovich Although nearly two years old, Elder LaNorris McFadden & P.R.O.O.F.’s “What More Can He Do” continues to be promoted to media, and I can see why – it certainly has lots of potential. Pastor Beverly Crawford is the featured vocalist on this Pentecostal-flavored piece guaranteed to raise heart rates all over the church. Backed by the singing and handclapping of P.R.O.O.F. in praise break tempo, a squalling Crawford and preaching McFadden declare that no matter ...

NEWARK, NJ (August 8)— The 15th Anniversary Lincoln Park Music Festival, Newark NJ’s “best kept secret,” continues the city’s rich history of Gospel music in an outdoor “Black Church revival style” experience. The historic downtown neighborhood of Lincoln Park (named after President Lincoln in the 1800s), was home to Sarah Vaughan, who cut her singing chops at Mount Zion Baptist Church. In modern times, it has been the home of the annual “Gospel In The Park” night at Lincoln Park Music Festival, which has featured legends Donald Malloy, Cissy Houston (The Drinkards), Rev. Milton Biggham, Joshua Nelson, and the Clark ...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 3, 2022) – Iconic and legendary multi-award winner RICKY SKAGGS will make his debut performance at the ARK ENCOUNTER on August 12, 2022. The appearance is a part of the 40 Days & Nights of Gospel Music Festival, held at the Williamstown, KY, attraction from August 2, 2022 – September 10, 2022. The annual event, south of Cincinnati, features over 120 concerts along with inspirational messages from sought-after speakers. The concert is included with park admission. The event is sponsored by Christian Healthcare Ministries, Inspiration Cruises & Tours, and Singing News Brands. Ricky is excited to appear ...

“We Call” Grant Allison IV One Nation Under God Records (Release date: April 14, 2020) www.grantallisoniv.com By Robert M. Marovich Though worship pastor Grant Allison IV has a new single (“Here”) and “We Call” has been around a while, I’m nevertheless struck by the loveliness and power of the latter song. “We Call” is orchestrated dramatically to fit its message of a community calling on Jesus during times of confusion. The chorus is deliberately hypnotic to capture the hushed vibe of a worship moment. It’s well-sung P&W with a pop flavor, courtesy of the thumping drums and recurrent electric guitar ...

TV One Original Film Premieres Sunday, August 21st at 9/8c on TV One Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story Chaz Lamar Shepherd (“Marvel’s Luke Cage”, “The Game”) will star as Marvin Sapp with Ambre Anderson (“Power Book II” “Manifest Evil”) joining him as Sapp’s wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp. The biopic chronicles the prominent gospel music artist and preacher’s Michigan upbringing, battle against teenage alcohol abuse, love for MaLinda Prince, rise in the music industry, and growth in his faith. Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story premieres Sunday, August 21st at 9/8c on TV One. ...

Hood Memorial AME Zion Church Celebration Choir I‘m In His Plans Bison Disc (release date: February 23, 2021) https://hoodmemorialamez.com/ By Robert M. Marovich Time was, you would have looked long and hard in the AME Zion church writ large and found neither gospel music nor gospel singers anywhere within the four walls. Hymns, yes. Anthems, yes. Spirituals, check. Gospel songs, not so much. Then you hear “It’s About Time to Praise Him” by the joyously full-throated Celebration Choir from the Hood Memorial AME Zion Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and you realize those days are passed and gone. Complete with ...

William Murphy Worship & Justice RCA Inspiration (release date: July 15, 2022) www.rcainspiration.com By Robert M. Marovich Do gospel artists have a responsibility to speak truth to power through their songs? Isn’t all gospel music message music, or should it be more explicit when it comes to the social gospel? Answers vary from artist to artist. For his part, Bishop William Murphy embraces the responsibility of social leadership through music ministry on Worship & Justice, his seventh album and first since 2019’s GRAMMYⓇ-nominated Settle Here. Recorded live in December 2021, at dReam Center Church in Atlanta, the album finds Murphy ...

(ATLANTA, GA) – July 8th, 2022 – Popular gospel group Half Mile Home lost member David “Ready Writa” Felder. Felder unexpectedly passed away earlier this week at the age of 42. Felder was a loyal member of the Billboard chart-topping group. He was a dedicated father of 4 and known throughout the industry for his talents as a writer, producer, and singer. With the 2022 return of Half Mile Home, their latest single “Closet” has been trending in the Top 40s several weeks on the Billboard chart. The song is getting rave reviews nationally from radio and fans. The message of ...

“Did It Again” Ruth La’Ontra ft. Thomas and the Situation Tyscot Music and Entertainment (release date: July 8, 2022) www.tyscot.com By Robert M. Marovich Ruth La’Ontra’s new single, “Did It Again,” makes plain its premise in the lyrics: a “simple song to say thank you” for making “a way for us again.” Her creamy-to-shouting vocal demonstrates her conviction. She weaves her vocals in and around the Situation, and belts some straight outta North Carolina-style blue notes at the end. Throughout, producer and writer Jeffrey Thomas II drops interjections like Kirk Franklin or James Fortune, but it is an unnecessary layer ...

From Radio Facts: iHeartMedia announced today that ADRIAN WARREN has been named VICE-PRESIDENT OF SALES for JACKSONVILLE, effective June 13th. iHeartMedia/Jacksonville has a strong cross-platform presence and includes a number of iconic brands and franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than 8 stations comprised of music, talk and news formats in both English and Spanish. iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company. As Vice-President of Sales, Warren will be responsible driving revenue across the market’s entire broadcast and digital cluster, with a specific ...