By Robert M. Marovich Last March, the COVID-19 pandemic washed over Bishop J. Drew Sheard’s family and associates like a tsunami. His brother, the Reverend Ethan B. Sheard, tested positive for the virus. So did his children, well-known musicians J Drew II and Kierra. His mother, Willie Mae Sheard, and [...]
“Thank God for What Didn’t Happen” Prez Blackmon Pearl’s Son Music (release date: January 1, 2021) By Robert M. Marovich The title alone is a testament to the times. But for God, Blackmon sings in his elastic tenor, it could have been me, it could have been worse, it could [...]
By Robert M. Marovich The January 16, 2021, episode of Gospel Memories with Prof. Lovett Hines (pictured, left) of Philadelphia's Clef Club explaining the United House of Prayer Shout Band Tradition was so informative that I want to share the episode here. Listen here: The UHOP Shout Band Tradition
By Bob Marovich As is our custom for this time of year, the Journal of Gospel Music presents its "best of" lists in the category of CDs, songs, and historical releases. The recordings were not chosen as "best of" based on sales, chart status, promotion, voting, fan popularity, number of [...]
The Frierson BrothersBreakthroughJ.E.F. Records (release date: November 23, 2020)www.friersonbrothers.com By Robert M. Marovich There are so many links to gospel music history on the Frierson Brothers’ Breakthrough that it would be hard for the album to not feel a little like a church revival. First, the album, produced by Derrick [...]
By Robert M. Marovich JGM was saddened to learn of the passing of singer Duranice Pace of the Pace Sisters on January 14, 2021, at age 62. Born May 13, 1958, in Atlanta’s Poole Creek community to Murphy and Bettie Ann Pace and brought up in the Church of God [...]
“Forgive Me” Toneisha Harris Connected Sound Music Group (release date: October 1, 2020) By Robert M. Marovich Toneisha Harris makes as transparent a confession of sin as one is likely to hear on “Forgive Me.” Harris’s impassioned and melismatic pleas are set to a soulful rhythm section that receives dramatic [...]
“Get Right Church” The Gospel Legends From the OTH Records CD Just One Touch (release date: December 11, 2020) www.thegospellegends.com By Robert M. Marovich One day about fifteen years ago, I was at the Gospel Music Workshop of America when someone handed me an invitation to meet a group called [...]
“God is Working” Deon Kipping The Underestimated Group (release date: November 20, 2020) www.deonkipping.com By Robert M. Marovich “That Dude” Deon Kipping, the singer-songwriter responsible for JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise's 2005 hit, “Incredible God, Incredible Praise,” delivers a heartwarming new gospel ballad called “God is Working.” The song’s image [...]
“He Picked Me Up” The Highway QCs featuring Spencer Taylor Jr. Ruffboyzmusic Group, LLC / Overboard Records 2020 By Robert M. Marovich The Highway QCs under “The Godfather” Spencer Taylor Jr. have not only entered their eighth decade of spreading the good news through quartet harmony, they show no signs [...]
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