Recent Posts
El McMeen & Ed Maina – Frets and Reeds: Gospel Style!
El McMeen & Ed Maina Frets and Reeds: Gospel Style! Piney Ridge Music (release date: March 25, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich Sometimes gospel jazz can be so imaginative that the melodies get buried beneath the lengthy solos and complex arrangements. But on Frets and Reeds: Gospel Style!, acclaimed musicians Ellsworth "El" McMeen and Ed Maina jazz the hymns, spirituals, and gospel songs ever so softly and tenderly without sacrificing the timeless beauty and charm of the melodies. It’s a peaceful, easy album. McMeen picks acoustic guitar and Maina handles woodwinds, mostly saxophone but also clarinet and flute. The [...]
Pilgrim Baptist Church to Host April 25 Premiere of Kathryn Kemp’s Documentary on the Birth of Gospel Music in Chicago
Author and gospel music historian Dr. Kathryn Kemp is teaming up with Chicago's historic Pilgrim Baptist Church to host the screening of Jessica Parker picturesMake a Joyful Noise, a documentary about how God used suffering to birth a movement that changed music forever. The Red Carpet World Premiere will be [...]
“I’ll Give to You the Best of Me” – Giovanni Zucchi (Gio’s Project)
A recent example of how gospel music is a global phenomenon can be found in Italy and on a single called “I’ll Give to You the Best of Me” by Giovanni Zucchi and Gio’s Project.
Sponsored Posts:
Filter by category
Recent Posts
El McMeen & Ed Maina – Frets and Reeds: Gospel Style!
El McMeen & Ed Maina Frets and Reeds: Gospel Style! Piney Ridge Music (release date: March 25, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich Sometimes gospel jazz can be so imaginative that the melodies get buried beneath the lengthy solos and complex arrangements. But on Frets and Reeds: Gospel Style!, acclaimed musicians Ellsworth "El" McMeen and Ed Maina jazz the hymns, spirituals, and gospel songs ever so softly and tenderly without sacrificing the timeless beauty and charm of the melodies. It’s a peaceful, easy album. McMeen picks acoustic guitar and Maina handles woodwinds, mostly saxophone but also clarinet and flute. The [...]
Pilgrim Baptist Church to Host April 25 Premiere of Kathryn Kemp’s Documentary on the Birth of Gospel Music in Chicago
Author and gospel music historian Dr. Kathryn Kemp is teaming up with Chicago's historic Pilgrim Baptist Church to host the screening of Jessica Parker picturesMake a Joyful Noise, a documentary about how God used suffering to birth a movement that changed music forever. The Red Carpet World Premiere will be [...]
“I’ll Give to You the Best of Me” – Giovanni Zucchi (Gio’s Project)
A recent example of how gospel music is a global phenomenon can be found in Italy and on a single called “I’ll Give to You the Best of Me” by Giovanni Zucchi and Gio’s Project.
Sponsored Post:
Earl Bynum and Jim Vierra Form Partnership to Create and Deliver New Music and Inspirational Content
Dr. Earl Bynum and Jim Vierra announce their powerful partnership between Bynum’s Lrae Entertainment® and Vierra’s Fifty Something Records.
This episode includes music reviewed on the Journal of Gospel Music between January 1 and March 11, 2025.
On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the multi-GRAMMY Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama will be among the earliest artists to appear at Garcia’s Chicago in the city's West Loop.
By Robert M. Marovich Darrell Luster of Malaco Music Group informed JGM today that Huey Williams of the famed gospel quartet the Jackson Southernaires, passed away today, March 24, 2025. [...]
“Jesus” Eldrick Rodgers feat. Michelle Prather Independent (release date: August 30, 2024)
LATEST 5 STAR REVIEWS
LATEST PICK OF THE WEEK – SINGLES
“Shake ‘Em Off” David E. Johnson Jr. feat. 1K Phew Trucast Music Digital (release date: March 25, 2022) www.DavidEJohnsonJr.com By Robert M. Marovich On “Shake ‘Em Off,” Memphis native David E. Johnson Jr. summons the percussive go-go sound of Washington, DC, to bid good riddance to the devil. Johnson launched his gospel career in October [...]
“I’m Encouraged” Patrick Noble Allen presents Claude Deuce Embrace Your Texture Enterprises (release date: February 24, 2022)www.ClaudeDeuce.com By Robert M. Marovich Written last year by Claude Deuce, who is also the featured vocalist, “I’m Encouraged,” presented by music industry veteran Patrick Noble Allen, is a gospel power ballad about holding onto blind faith, no matter [...]
“Make It With Me” Ray Curenton Independent (release date: April 22, 2022) www.raycurenton.com By Robert M. Marovich “Make It With Me” is a lovely, introspective, and lyrically intricate song with the soul of a John Legend ballad. Written with Tim Dillinger and co-producer Brandon Adams, “Make It With Me” finds Ray Curenton employing the Passion [...]
“I Got Joy” The Dorsetts Independent (release date: January 6, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich Husband-and-wife duo Arnold and Sharee Dorsett—known as the Dorsetts—offer “I Got Joy,” a simple tune with an easy rhythm and a catchy refrain that not only establishes the premise of the song but invites a congregational singalong and possibly a [...]
“Grateful” Earnest Pugh Blacksmoke Music Worldwide (2022) By Robert M. Marovich Earnest Pugh’s current single, “Grateful,” is a gently swaying ballad of thanksgiving for Christ’s love, expressed most ardently in his sacrifice for all humanity. Pugh and his background vocalists riff on the “you didn’t have to do it but you did” trope. The song’s [...]
By Robert Marovich
In A City Called Heaven, gospel announcer and music historian Robert Marovich shines a light on the humble origins of a majestic genre and its indispensable bond to the city where it found its voice: Chicago.
By Robert Marovich
In A City Called Heaven, gospel announcer and music historian Robert Marovich shines a light on the humble origins of a majestic genre and its indispensable bond to the city where it found its voice: Chicago.
Bob Marovich of the Journal of Gospel Music interviews Casey J, whose "Fill Me Up" is currently in the Top 20 of Billboard's Top Gospel Airplay Chart.
Bob Marovich of the Journal of Gospel Music interviews Miles D. Mealing, leader of the Rhythm of Gospel Award winning Miles D. Mealing & Nu' Movement. Hear the group's new single, "I'm a Survivor," immediately following the interview.
UK gospel artist Pastor Sue Neil talks with the Journal of Gospel Music's Bob Marovich about her life and career in gospel music and ministry. Hear her new single, "Shining," immediately following the interview.
By Robert M. Marovich JGM learned the sad news from radio announcer Elder Lee (The Sheriff) Williams that gospel quartet singer Roy Tyler has passed away. Tyler was a member of the Gospel Hummingbirds, a Bay Area group that put out some very fine albums and singles, including “A Better Home” (Bar-Tone) and “Trouble Don’t [...]
(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 [...]
