RIP: Bishop James C. Austin Sr., Prelate, Pastor, Youth Choir Director
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.
JGM Pick of the Week – June 10, 2026
Dawne Cole is from Chicago and her Windy City chops come out loud and clear on “I Called On Jesus,” a traditional-style selection about the power of prayer.
Gospel Classic “I Can Go to God in Prayer” Hits the Half-Century Mark
The now-classic gospel song "I Can Go to God in Prayer" turns fifty years old this year.
Three Gospel Radio Angels, Martin, Robinson, and Smith-Pollard, Have Earned Their Heavenly Wings
Dr. Angela Martin, Bishop Kenneth Robinson, and Dr. Deborah Smith-Pollard - three gospel radio angels - have passed away in the past week.
Museum Exhibit Celebrating Chicago Gospel Singer and Actress Sylvia Fedrick Runs Through June 1
The Chicago Defender reported in February on an exhibit at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield that celebrates "the remarkable artistic journey of Sylvia Fedrick, a Chicago-born recording artist and actress whose creative story reflects resilience, faith, and hometown pride."
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 [...]
Kronos Quartet Reimagine Early Mahalia Jackson Recording Ahead of Tribute Project Out 4/3 via Smithsonian Folkways
GRAMMY-winning San Francisco string quartet Kronos Quartet is out with the third single, “God Shall Wipe All Tears Away,” from their forthcoming album Glorious Mahalia, out April 3 via Smithsonian Folkways.
RIP Reverend Jesse Jackson: Civil Rights Leader, Gospel Music Fan
In addition to everything already being said about Rev. Jackson's achievements, it should be noted that he also loved gospel music.
Enon Music Group Launches EMG CARES Humanitarian Arm and Forthcoming 2026 I Still Believe National Tour
The first efforts of EMG Cares will be to directly impact communities across the country in tandem with the label's upcoming 2026 I Still Believe Tour: Building Unity, Igniting Hope!
RIP: Rev. Dr. Issac Whittmon, Chicago-Based Pastor and GRAMMY-Nominated Gospel Artist
Rev. Dr. Issac Whittmon, Founder and Senior Pastor of Greater Metropolitan Church of Christ in Chicago, has passed away.
