Oxygen Ne
twork announced the beginning of production on Pastors of LA, a new reality series following the lives of 6 prominent leading ministers including RCA Inspiration recording artist Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor Ron Gibson and Bishop Clarence McClendon. Pastor Wayne Chaney and Jay Haizlip round out the cast. The show is produced by Lemuel Plummer and Holly Davis Carter (The Sheards) and is scheduled to debut on Oxygen in the fall.
“Iyanla: Fix My Life” has become one of the most popular shows on the Oprah Winfrey Network. From Reality Stars, to everyday people, life coach Iyanla Vanzant sets out to help people fix their life and deal with hurting things from the past. Legendary Gospel family, “The Pace Sisters” has enlisted the help of Iyanla to help them overcome a life-long generational curse of obesity and being overweight. The Family is set to appear on the season finale on Saturday May 18, 2013 at 10pm on OWN. The episode will feature Latrice, DeJuaii, Melonda, June, Leslie, Duranice, and Lydia coming to grips with their very public battle with their weight, personal struggles, and dealing with the death of their only brother, Murphy Pace, who passed away at the age of 54 from health related issues.
The group also has new music on the way. Their new single ” Just Believe” produced by Teddy Riley hits iTunes and Amazon on Tuesday May 14th.
Atlanta’s Monica Lisa Stevenson makes a splash with the release of Live In Atlanta on May 14th. Live In Atlanta is Monica’s first nationally distributed CD releasing exclusively through Central South Distribution. Right There is already making impact at radio and the CD also features a memorable performance with Chicago’s Angela Spivey on Hold On. The CD also features Monica’s cover of Lord Keep Me (Day by Day) popularized by the late Albertina Walker and the Caravans.
A CD Release concert will be held on the evening of May 14th featuring appearances from Lowell Pye, Shawn Bigby and Terrence Cotton.
As the House of Blues prepares to celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the Sunday Gospel Brunch, new frontman Kirk Franklin goes to youtube to share his excitement and a little of the behind the scenes story. Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch at House of Blues will be unveiled for the first time at House of Blues locations across the country on Mother’s Day, May 12th
GOSPELflava received news of the passing of Apostle Christopher L Poole Sr, (pictured second from left) on Monday, May 6th. Chris Poole and Marcus Cole joined founding members Karl Reid and Mitchell Jones for Commissioned’s 1999 Times and Seasons CD. Poole was an active part of Detroit’s Gospel scene, having worked alongside such gospel luminaries as Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, The Clark Sisters, The Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Shirley Murdock.
Funeral Services are scheduled for May 15th and 16th in Detroit.
Tyscot Music and Entertainment
President Bryant Scott announced the signing of singing sensation Ruth La’Ontra today. The 20 year old singer/songwriter and preacher’s kid possesses a unique vocal style and is sure to make an impression on all those who hear. Scott made this proclamation: “The world will be amazed by her talent and anointing. We welcome her to the Tyscot family of artists.”
The Motown 
Gospel Family is happily experiencing growing pains as the signing of Paul Porter was announced today. Porter established his reputation as lead singer of The Christianaires and has thrilled audiences with bonafide hits including the remake of the James Cleveland classic Two Wings.
Smokie Norful’s TreMyles Music and Mars On Sunday teamed up to join Motown Gospel in bringing about Paul Porter’s return. Norful added, “Paul has been an incredible source of great music and has a powerful voice. His story of endurance and perseverance coupled with the new music is going to make this a great partnership. I’m very excited to play a part in continuing the Paul Porter legacy!”
A studio album is due to release in the fall of 2013. The first single, F.R.E.E. featuring Smokie Norful will drop in June.
Funeral arrangements were announced for Meek Records recording artist Bishop Keith C Smith, who passed away on May 1st. Smith was a noted gospel preacher and founded the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit Bible Church in Spartanburg, South Carolina where he served as Senior Pastor. Bishop Smith recorded 2 CDs for the Meek label; his CD debut, Old Time Churchin’ peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart in 2002 and was followed up by the release of Going to Church in 2005.
There will be a visitation period on Friday, May 10th from noon until 4pm at the Cathedral of Faith Bible Church followed by a services at the Cornerstone Baptist Church that evening. On Saturday, May 11th, the service of Victory and Triumph will take place at noon.
Luther Mano Hanes, President/CEO of Riverphlo Entertainment announced the signing of former Commissioned lead singer Keith Staten today. The Riverphlo family of artists already includes multiple Grammy and Dove award winner Andrae Crouch, Vonnie Lopez and Leon Timbo.
“This is a great day for our Riverphlo team,” said Riverphlo President, Mano Hanes. “Keith Staten is not only one of gospel’s most distinguished voices but is a true worshiper. As one of my biggest influences, Keith helped shape the sound and legacy of the great gospel group Commissioned. I am truly humbled and honored to help shape his solo career.”
The album will be Staten’s first studio recording in over 15 years and is scheduled for a 4th quarter release.
GOSPELflava joins others across the Gospel Music Community in mourning the loss of Reverend Arthur T. Jones, Senior Pastor of Bible Based Fellowship Church and Executive Director and Co-founder of the Florida Mass Choir.
It was a friendship between Jones and Reverend Milton Biggham that led to the organization of the Florida Mass Choir in 1974. Under the leadership of Reverend Jones, Florida Mass Choir produced a string of hits with three albums certified as number one, three as top five, and two as top twelve alongside multiple Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award nominations.