We like Thursdays. Celebrating good times gone by, we remember the impact of one of Gospel music’s most influential acts, Commissioned. These Detroit boys produced a string of hits that our forever in our hearts. From the archives, we pull some amazing facts and via the wonderful world of youtube, we find some amazing footage of the group performing on Chicago’s Saturday Night Sing television program
Gerard Bonner Commissioned Tribute
Donald Lawrence returns in the post of music director as McDonalds gears up to celebrate the tenth season of its Inspiration Celebration tour. The multi city event will cover 13 markets including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Greensboro, Houston, Jackson, Los Angeles, Memphis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. Fans can expect to hear the glorious sounds of the incomparable Karen Clark Sheard, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Jonathan McReynolds, Doug Williams, Canton Jones and Pastor Charles Jenkins. Lonnie Hunter returns as host this year, complimented by the comedy antics of Christian Comedienne Small Fire.
“This tour has been a staple in the African American community for ten years. It is an honor to be part of this year’s lineup,” said Bishop Marvin Sapp. “Gospel music inspires, uplifts AND empowers like no other music can. I am proud to join my peers and friends in supporting the work of the Ronald McDonald House Charities while bringing joy, hope and encouragement to Gospel music fans around the country.”
RCA Inspiration continues to hold its own as a Gospel music leader with a total of 7 nominations in the gospel categories for the Billboard Music Awards. Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp are joined by newcomer Travis Greene as nominees for Top Gospel Artist. Kirk Franklin received three nominations across all three Gospel categories, Marvin Sapp has two nominations, and Travis Greene also received two nominations.
Bishop Marvin Sapp received a nomination in the Top Gospel Album category, for his tenth solo project You Shall Live, while Travis Greene was nominated in the Top Gospel Song category for his Grammy nominated radio single Intentional.
In 2015, Stellar Awards Founder and Executive Producer Don Jackson introduced the Stellar Awards Honors paying tribute to individuals who have been trailblazers and trendsetters in Gospel music. The inaugural honorees included Pastor Shirley Caesar, Byron Cage, Clifton Davis, Kirk Franklin, Vickie Winans, Dottie Peoples, Ricky Dillard, Vicki Mack Lataillade, Dr. Leonard Scott and Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones. (more…)
GOSPELflava joins others across the globe sending congratulatory greetings to Pastor Marvin Sapp on his elevation to the office of Bishop. The consecration ceremony was held during the gathering of the Global United Fellowship gathering in Jacksonville, Florida on July 10th.
Bishop Sapp is currently enjoying the success of Yes You Can, the hit single which hit #1 on the Mediabase chart. Yes You Can comes from his fourth #1 album You Shall Live released by RCA Inspiration on June 2nd.
Stan Jones has ma
de a name for himself writing and producing the hits for Bryan Courtney Wilson (All I Need), Mississippi Mass Choir (God’s On Your Side) and Marvin Sapp (You Shall Live, Greater, He Has His Hands On You). Today, the multifaceted producer and award winning composer enlarges his territory with the formation of Clout Music Group. Jones announced BET Sunday Best Season Three finalist Durward Davis as the first artist signed to the new label.
Jones is ecstatic about the label and had this to say , “He’s a phenomenal vocalist and great communicator through song. I’m excited to launch my label with his project and to witness what God will do through the unification of our gifts.”
You Shall Live, the 10th solo album from Marvin Sapp made its debut atop the Billboard Gospel Charts this week. This marks the fourth #1 album debut for the two dozen Stellar Award winner. “I am humbled that so many people still believe in the practical musical message that my team and I have shared over the years……………….Words can’t express the appreciation that I feel, ‘ Sapp noted.
Many are familiar with Jonathan Dunn as pastor and worship leader, but most know the Cincinnati native via the prolific songs he has written for his own projects and those for Byron Cage, Amber Bullock, Tamela Mann and Marvin Sapp. On June 9th, the world awaits to hear the release of Keep My Mind. The new EP features more of the distinctly anointed and life changing music that has flowed from his pen including a re release of Oil from his 2004 Another Level CD.
Keep My Mind is available on all digital outlets.
Preacher, Pastor and Psalmist Marvin Sapp declares victory in Jesus despite trying circumstances with the June 2nd release of his 10th solo CD, You Shall Live on the RCA Inspiration label. “I was in a very transparent space when I recorded this album.” “I wanted to deliver something that was going to encourage those who are in the valleys of their lives, to let them know I get it. I know what it feels like to have your heart ripped out of your chest. But, I also needed them to know that no matter the heartbreak, God’s got us and even the most painful experience can be overcome.”
Pastor Sapp will celebrate the CD’s release with concert appearances in Atlanta, Charlotte and as part of the 30th annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival.
On May 29 – 31, the largest free outdoor Gospel music festival celebrates 30 years in Chicago. This year’s Chicago Gospel Music Festival will feature over 30 performers including Israel Houghton and New Breed, Richard Smallwood and Vision, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, Marvin Sapp, Chicago’s own Ricky Dillard and New G, Anita Wilson, Jonathan McReynolds and Cinque Cullar and a 200 voice Peace Choir comprised of churches throughout the Chicagoland area.
Donald Lawrence will helm a very special tribute to Bishop Walter Hawkins and Andrae Crouch featuring Bishop Rance Allen, Bryan Courtney Wilson, Lisa Page Brooks and Tasha Page Lockhart, Vanessa Bell Armstong, Krystle Murden and more.
A complete listing and lineup for the Chicago Gospel Music Festival can be found here