JGM Pick of the Week – December 15, 2025
Taylor Janay’s introspective gospel ballad “I Pray” offers refreshing relief from the routine gospel lyric.
RIP: Judy Cheeks – Singer, Daughter of Rev. Julius Cheeks
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.
RIP: Cleave Graham, Last Original Member of the Pilgrim Jubilees
JGM is saddened to report that Cleave Graham, the last original member of the Pilgrim Jubilees gospel quartet, passed away this week.
“Shine On Me” – Nikki Berry
Nikki Berry’s “Shine on Me,” a vocal solo with only organ accompaniment, is the kind of gospel performance that enlivens a church congregation.
Jekalyn Carr on McDonald’s 16th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour Holiday Experience: It’s “Black Excellence on One Stage”
Christmas spirit filled the air when the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour: Homecoming Edition hit Houston, Texas, on December 2.
JGM Pick of the Week: August 30, 2022
“My Faith & My Fight” (unplugged) Tina Nelms Boson Independent (release date: February 4, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich Of the orchestrated and unplugged versions of “My Faith & My Fight” by Tina Nelms Boson, my money is on the unplugged, piano-only version. It’s here that Ms. Boson shows herself [...]
“Beautiful Day” – Trenton Kirksey ft. Nikki Ross
“Beautiful Day” Trenton Kirksey ft. Nikki Ross Independent (2022) www.Facebook.com/MusicByTrent By Robert M. Marovich “Beautiful Day” is the debut single from Trenton Kirksey, a Houston-based baritone vocalist, songwriter, and conductor. Fellow Houstonian Nikki Ross is the vocalist on Kirksey’s track. To a classically-inspired and Latin-fired arrangement, Ross expresses unbridled joy [...]
Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards Names JGM’s Bob Marovich 2022 Gospel Promoter of the Year
The Journal of Gospel Music is grateful to the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards for selecting its Editor-in-Chief Robert M. "Bob" Marovich as its Gospel Promoter of the Year for 2022. The award ceremonies and related activities took place February 24 to 27 in Houston, Texas. For 24 years, the [...]
“Now I Know” – Ted & Sheri feat. The Walls Group
“Now I Know”Ted & Sheri feat. The Walls GroupBlacksmoke Music Worldwide (release date: February 4, 2022) By Robert M. Marovich Combining the veteran duo of Ted Winn & Sheri Jones-Moffett with The Walls Group family band works so well on “Now I Know” that it makes one wonder why it [...]
Brian Courtney Wilson to Appear on the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour Holiday Experience December 12
By Robert M. Marovich On Sunday, December 12, at 8 p.m. ET, McDonald’s USA will deliver the gift of music to McDonald’s fans through its Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour Holiday Experience. Yolanda Adams, Kurt Carr, James Fortune, The Walls Group, and Brian Courtney Wilson, and featuring BET’s Sunday Best winner [...]
