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JGM Pick of the Week – September 7, 2026
Ann Nesby’s “Amen” is not the Wings Over Jordan / Jester Hairston / Lilies of the Field neo-spiritual but a contemporary piece proclaiming, to a bouncy and bracing backdrop, that when things get bad, “don’t give up,” remember who pulled you through, and “say ‘Amen’.”
The Exciting Holy Sons – Greatest Hits, Volume 1
By surveying highlights of the Exciting Holy Sons’ two-decade recording career, Greatest Hits, Volume 1 puts listeners into the virtual front seats of a program by the award-winning Chicago-based gospel quartet.
JGM Pick of the Week – August 24, 2026
With more than a dash of Walter Hawkins embedded in the silky arrangement and distinctive harmonies, “Holy One” evokes Calvin Bridges’ late ‘70s work with the Spirit of Love choir.
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Recent Posts
JGM Pick of the Week – September 7, 2026
Ann Nesby’s “Amen” is not the Wings Over Jordan / Jester Hairston / Lilies of the Field neo-spiritual but a contemporary piece proclaiming, to a bouncy and bracing backdrop, that when things get bad, “don’t give up,” remember who pulled you through, and “say ‘Amen’.”
The Exciting Holy Sons – Greatest Hits, Volume 1
By surveying highlights of the Exciting Holy Sons’ two-decade recording career, Greatest Hits, Volume 1 puts listeners into the virtual front seats of a program by the award-winning Chicago-based gospel quartet.
JGM Pick of the Week – August 24, 2026
With more than a dash of Walter Hawkins embedded in the silky arrangement and distinctive harmonies, “Holy One” evokes Calvin Bridges’ late ‘70s work with the Spirit of Love choir.
Sponsored Post:
Motown Gospel announces the signing of GRAMMY-nominated artist Koryn Hawthorne.
Clyde Wright, jubilee and gospel quartet singer and member of the world-famous Golden Gate Quartet, passed away on July 1, 2026, at age 98.
Bishop James C. Austin Sr., pastor of St. Luke Church of God in Christ in Chicago, transitioned from earth to glory on June 30, 2026.
Calvin Bridges is marking the 50th anniversary of his treasured composition, "I Can Go To God In Prayer."
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 [...]
LATEST 5 STAR REVIEWS
Independent (released July 15, 2022)
New Day Entertainment (release date: August 26, 2022)
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, [...]
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 [...]
Maverick City x Kirk Franklin Kingdom Book One Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul / RCA Inspiration (release date: June 17, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich Maverick City Music, gospel’s current “it” group, joined with the venerable Kirk Franklin, no stranger to special event gospel projects, to bring music and ministry to 1,300 Florida inmates. [...]
LATEST PICK OF THE WEEK – SINGLES
“Word” Bishop Darrel Petties & Take 2 Independent (release date: November 14, 2025) By Robert M. Marovich “Word,” a declaration to keep the faith by remembering God’s promises during tough times, is a high-octane workout pinned to a contemporary musical foundation. It has the motive force of a locomotive without brakes. From the first note [...]
It’s been a while since we’ve posted anything on the Soul Messengerz, but “New Jerusalem” gives us that opportunity, even if the song was first introduced by the men about two years ago.
With an old-fashioned gospel quartet name but a style that blends old- and new-school, the Echoaires introduce “I Promised Jesus” with an explosion of sound before the song settles into the quintessential quartet backbeat.
“All Along” Kate Stanford Lucid Artist Management (release date: October 10, 2025)
“Grateful” DJ Nevaquit Independent (release date: October 24, 2025)
“Conversations with the Gospel Legends” – Allen Cathey and Dianne Williams
Director Allen Cathey and soloist Dianne Williams ("Jesus Can Work it Out") of the world-renowned Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer "Warriors" of Chicago, Illinois, are our guests on "Conversations with the Gospel Legends." Special thanks to Rev. Harold Bailey and Mr. Clarence McMillon for putting the show together expertly every time! [...]
“Conversations with the Gospel Legends” – Min. Kevin Yancy
This episode of "Conversations with the Gospel Legends" with talented singer, songwriter, musician, and producer Min. Kevin Yancy (Fountain of Life Joy Choir) explores the Yancy Family's many significant contributions to gospel music. Special thanks, as always, to the Reverend Harold Bailey, Mr. Clarence McMillon, and the PCC Network for [...]
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.
By Bob Marovich Like all of us, Brian Courtney Wilson is navigating the raging tempests of 2020 as best he can. He is also using his platform as a GRAMMY-nominated gospel singer, and specifically his new album, Still, to help others weather the storms of life. Wilson’s fifth studio album comes out this Friday, October 16, [...]
By Bob Marovich Earlier this year, the Chicago Children’s Choir was busy coordinating some 5,000 youth meeting in various in-school and after-school ensembles throughout the region. The sound of song was in the air everywhere. Then COVID-19 happened. Choirs became potential virus spreaders. Everything moved to virtual learning. CCC launched the online Arts Enrichment Sessions [...]
By Bob Marovich Where are the musical tributes to the one who wrote “My Tribute?” Who is remembering the man who taught the world to “Always Remember” Jesus? Myron Butler wanted to know. Then he took matters into his own hands. Butler, a multiple Grammy and Stellar-Award winning gospel artist, is releasing a multi-artist collection [...]
Rev. Dr. Issac Whittmon, Founder and Senior Pastor of Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ in Chicago, has passed away.
Judy Cheeks, daughter of Reverend Julius Cheeks and a singing star during the disco era, passed away on November 26 at the age of 71.
