GOSPELflava.com BLOG

James Murphy’s “Echo” Creates Buzz

Martin Williams — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:57:37 +0000

One of Gospel Music’s brightest new talents, James Murphy is making a lot of noise with his new mix tape “Echo”. The free download available through James website is creating a huge buzz on social media and in the Gospel Music industry. James is no stranger as he has released two buzz singles, “Un-Apologetically Me” , and “Good God”. His smooth tenor voice has supported numerous artist such as the legendary Bebe Winans, Patti LaBelle, Kelly Rowland, and Cece Winans just to name a few. A graduate of Morgan State University, James has traveled across the world singing to audiences in Russia, Prague, Chezk- Republic and Paris. James is working on his debut album which is scheduled to be released later this year on Fontez Camp/Campground Records, but first wants to give Gospel listeners a taste of what they will experience from his forth-coming albun.

To download James Free mix tape log onto iamJamesMurphy.com.
Tweet James @JamesMurphy and let him know GFlava directed you over to him!

James Fortune Does Radio

Gregory Gay — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:43:34 +0000

James Fortune will connect with fans via his new radio show beginning Tuesday, May 28th. The show will air on twenty nine stations across the country afiliated through Reach Media , Inc.

Catch Up With Smokie Norful

Gregory Gay — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:15:07 +0000

In anticipation of the release of Say So, his new single dropping on Tuesday, May 28th, Smokie Norful decided to use youtube to debut Hangin With Smokie Norful. The video vignettes provide insight into his life and daily activites as well as tell us what he’s been up to since we last saw him.

Catch this week’s edition here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkIHX3tmhkA

Sirius XM “Praise” To Become “Kirk Franklin’s Praise”

Martin Williams — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:24:01 +0000

Sirius XM’s “Praise” Channel 64 will become “Kirk Franklin’s Praise” as of Friday May 24, 2013. The commercial-free music channel will now be executive produced by Grammy Award Winning, multi platinum Gospel star Kirk Franklin. Sirius XM subscribers will get the opportunity to hear the perfect blend of contemporary and traditional gospel music 24/7. From Yolanda Adams to Shirley Caesar, the channel will be filled with uplifting music showcasing some of today’s most celebrated acts in Gospel Music. The station will launch at 12 pm EST on Friday May 24, 2013 with an exclusive in studio performance from Franklin and his band. The performance will re-air on Monday May 27th at 8 am, and will also be available on Sirius On Demand. On his new position with Sirius XM, Kirk states, “I am so honored and excited to be able to have this platform to bring music fans the biggest stars and the freshest new talents in Gospel music.” Kirk goes on to state that over the years Sirius XM has shown a true commitment to Gospel music and he’s “proud to be working alongside their staff to build this new channel.” Listeners of the station will continue to enjoy their favorite on air personalities: Gina Rogers, Meta Washington, and Fred Mills. Pastor Rudy Rasmus of Houston, TX will also continue his “Love Revolution” airing on Sundays at 12pm EST. Kirk Franklin will join the ranks of other prestigious artist and entertainers with their own channel on Sirius XM such as, Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Radio, Ozzy Osbourne’s Ozzy’s Boneyard, Pearl Jam Radio, Eminem’s Shade 45, Willie Nelson’s Willie’s Roadhouse, and B.B. King’s Bluesville. For more information about Sirius XM log onto www.siriusxm.com.

The Return of Nancey Jackson Johnson

Gregory Gay — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:50:50 +0000

Donnie McClurkin’s Camdon Music is getting in high gear anticipating the summer release from 2 time Stellar Award nominee Nancey Jackson Johnson. A love for the church and Gospel music was established at an early age as Nancey begin singing at age 7 in her Dad’s church. After recording with Bishop Jeff Banks and the Revival Temple Mass Choir, the New Jersey native’s solo debut came in 1997 with the release of Free, Yes I’m Free from Harmony Records. Following the success of Free, Harmony Records released Relationship featuring five star production from Michael J Powell, Tonex, PAJAM, Fred Hammond and Dawkins & Dawkins. This licensed and ordained minister has traveled the country leading worship and sharing the stage with Donald Lawrence, Judith McAllister and Donnie McClurkin.

Her new single, I’m Free is available on iTunes and Amazon now.

Damien Sneed Releases God Bless America Single

Gregory Gay — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:03:56 +0000

LeChateau Earl Records announced the release of God Bless America, an arrangement of the American classic by Damien Sneed and Chorale LeChateau featuring Chenee Campbell.

Sneed had this to say of the release of the single. “It feels as if our nation is under siege. Senseless gun violence plagues our inner city neighborhoods with no regard for the lives of the innocent. Fires, floods, tornadoes, continually test us – our hope and faith are daily diminished. If there was ever a time that we needed to join together in continual prayers for our nation, that time is now. It is our hope that hearing this arrangement of God Bless America will draw us to prayer.”

Chorale Le Chateau is developing a remarkable reputation for its vivid interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance period pieces to jazz, spirituals, gospel, and avant garde contemporary music. This musical ensemble will join legendary jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis for a multi-city tour of the Abyssinian Mass.

The “God Bless America” release is one of several projects from Le Chateau Earl Records. In June, the label will release, Spiritual Sketches, another eagerly awaited project featuring the lead single “All Night, All Day” by Sneed and world-renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee. In addition, a live recording from Damien Sneed featuring The Levites is scheduled for the summer as well as the album debut of newcomer Tekesha Russell.

Danetra Moore Signs With Tyscot Music & Entertainment

Martin Williams — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:00:41 +0000

BET Sunday Best Finalist Danetra Moore has signed with Tyscot Records to release her debut album. Moore appeared on Season 5 of BET Sunday Best where she wowed the judges and audiences each week with her powerhouse voice. Moore is no stranger to the music industry. For many years she’s lent background vocals to artist such as Ledisi , Angie Stone, Kurt Carr, Byron Cage, DeWayne Woods and countless others. Danetra was a fixture on BET’s, “The Monique Show” as an in house vocalist with The Penthouse Players, and has appeared on The Jay Leno Show, R&B Divas, and even accompanied Ledisi at the 2012 Democratic National Convention where they sang for President Barack Obama.

On her recent label signing Danetra tells Bonnerfide Radio that, “she’s excited, appreciative, and grateful beyond words”. She goes on to explain that she’s “happy that the label believes in the ministry and message that GOD has given her and she wants to be her best and give her best”. Bryan Scott, President of Tyscot calls Daneta a “rare find”, and that her vocal talent and work ethic is impeccable.

Danetra released an an independent single entitled, ” All I Can Do Is Pray” last year and continues to travel and work on her new music. Danetra new music is slated for release later this year or early 2014.

Donald Lawrence 20th Year Celebration Recording In Chicago June 18th

Gregory Gay — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:16:45 +0000

Mark your calendars for June 18th, when all roads will lead to Dr. Bill Winston’s Living Word Christian Center in Chicago for the live recording celebrating award winning singer/songwriter/producer Donald Lawrence’s 20 years in gospel music. Some of music’s best and brightest will be on hand to celebrate this momentous ocassion, including gospel royalty Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Ted & Sheri, Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Price and more.

The live recording in Chicago will mark the first collaboration between Lawrence’s Quiet Water Entertainment production company and eOne Music in their partnership, Lawrence’s live recording for Volume II will take place in Charlotte, NC with the Tri-City Singers and other guests at a later date.

2013 BET Awards Nominees Announced

Gregory Gay — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:33:20 +0000

The nominations were announced for the 2013 BET Awards taking place on June 30th. In the Gospel category, Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Lecrae and Deitrick Haddon received nominations. Mary Mary also received an additional nomination in the Best Group Category. The 2013 BET Awards will be hosted this year by comedian Chris Tucker and the winners will be announced during the live show held at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on June 30th.

Mississippi Mass Choir At 25: The Celebration Begins

Gregory Gay — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:38:03 +0000

America’s Choir, the Mississippi Mass Choir takes their 25th Anniversary Praise Celebration on the road this weekend. On Friday, MMC will join the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP along with Dr. Myrlie Evers Williams and Julian Bond in celebration of the life and work of the late Medgar Evers in Jackson before heading to Houston for the official kick off of the year long celebration. Soulfruit, Willie Taylor and Friends and J Shep and Standard will take part in the Houston celebration and hosting duties will be handled by Marcus D. Wiley.