By Robert M. Marovich I was inducted into the Gospel Industry Network’s Hall of Fame last night along with such leading lights as Willie Rogers (Soul Stirrers), Jeral Gray (Chicago Mass Choir), and Dr. Joyce Logan (Gospel International). The program was part of the G.I.N.’s first-ever convention, which took place at Christ Unity Evangelistic Church on Chicago’s South Side. Some photos from the evening program: It was a great honor to be selected in this first class of honorees. I always say, nobody ever has to be nice to you, but it’s so nice to be nice. Thank you to ...

Episode 144 Playlist Leap of faith – YimikaSoul Man from Galilee – DK Dru feat. Rance Allen, Paul Porter, and Chris Byrd and True Victory In his hands – Zion Messengers Sorry – Erica Reed We are family, we are friends – Darius Twyman & Destiny A perfect heart – Reba Rambo While traveling through – Shonda English feat. Lemmie Battles Steal away – Calvin Bridges Turn it over – The Loving Sisters Free to worship – Min. James Willis & Nu Praze It’s on the way – Chozen Believers Never fail – Da T.R.U.T.H. feat. Greg Cox Heal our ...

“I Got Better Coming” LaVarnga Hubbard Utopia Music Group (2015) On her new single, Lady LaVarnga Hubbard of Chicago has “got better coming,” and she’s not afraid to shout down the church rafters to let you know. Church shouting is what the “Duchess of Gospel Music” does.  She rollicks along on the up-tempo, traditional-laden “I Got Better Coming” like a twin sister of fellow Chicagoans Lemmie Battles or Angie Spivey. Old-fashioned gospel music will never die as long as the likes of Lady LaVarnga have a breath in their body. She comes from the Caravans-Davis Sisters-Gospel Harmonettes tradition, where Zion ...