Mavis Staples Readying Gospel Album—  Mavis Staples —one of Gospel's finest and most recognizable voices —has signed with roots-specialists Alligator Records, and is readying for a late summer 2004 album release of Gospel-rooted material that is to include both originals and covers. Production for the album will be jointly handled by Staples and Jim Tullio. (May 11, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

CeCe Winans' DVD Recording—  CeCe Winans celebrated Mother's Day weekend by recording her live DVD for PureSprings Gospel in Nashville. The concert recording was on May 8th at Nashville's Cornerstone Church. (revised May 11, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Andrae Crouch Star—  Andrae Crouch, winner of 7 Grammy Awards, is set to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, June 4, 2004 in Los Angeles. Crouch is working on his next project, slated to release in August, 2004, and titled Mighty Wind (with features from his twin sister Sandra, Karen Clark-Sheard, Marvin Winans, Fred Hammond, Crystal Lewis, Tata Vega, Tachina Daniel and Daniel Johnson). The first Gospel artist to receive a star on the famous sidewalk was Rev. James Cleveland, in 1991. (May 5, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Neptunes Gospel?—  The Electronic Urban Report's columnist Jawn Murray is reporting that Pharrell Williams, of the in-demand hit-making production crew The Neptunes, is putting out a Gospel compilation as the first release from his new label (Star Trak) foray with Interscope. (May 4, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Dove Award Results—  The 2004 Dove Awards were handed out on April 28, 2004 in Nashville, Tennesse. Among winners in the album category were Smokie Norful for Limited Edition (contemporary), KJ-52 for It's Pronounced Five Two (rap / hip hop), Robert Randolph and the Family Band for Unclassified (urban) and The Born Again Church Choir (traditional). Winners in the song categories included CeCe Winans for "Hallelujah Praise" (contemporary), GRITS for "Believe" (rap / hip hop), Mary Mary for "Dance, Dance, Dance" (urban) and Fisk Jubilee Singers for "Poor Man Lazarus" (traditional). The awards were hosted this year by Yolanda Adams and football great Deion Sanders. (April 29, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

The Bryant Award —  The GMWA Quartet Division has announced plans to inaugurate the "Rev. Roger Bryant, Jr., Outstanding Lead Vocalist Award", aka The Bryant Award, to be given to an outstanding participant in the GMWA Quartet Division New Artist showcase. The Bryant Award is to honor Roger Bryant Jr., the late lead singer of the legendary Jackson Southernaires. The GMWA Annual Convention this year is in Kansas City, running from August 7 through to August 13th, 2004. (April 29, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Dorothy Norwood Returns—  The legendary Dorothy Norwood is set to delight fans again, with her latest project, Stand On The Word, from Malaco Records. Recorded live in Birmingham, AL, the 13-track album features guest spots from Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, LaShun Pace and Albertina Walker, with choir support from Prince Yelder & The Disciples For Christ. The award-winning Dorothy Norwood, aka 'The World's Greatest Storyteller', is in her fourth decade of recording, with over 40 albums already under her belt. Stand On The Word hits retail on May 11, 2004. (April 29, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

New Recording for Shekinah Glory Ministries—  The chart-topping Shekinah Glory Ministries is readying for their sophomore recording, this one slated for April 30, 2004 at the Valley Kingdom Ministries International in Oak Forrest, IL, near Chicago. The live recording will again feature Elder William Murphy, and also Desmond Pringle as guest soloists. Pastor Rose Harper is taking production responsibilities for this CD / DVD recording. (April 22, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Anointed Signs With Sony Gospel—  The award-winning group Anointed —brother and sister duo Steve Crawford and Da’dra Crawford Greathouse, have signed with Sony Gospel. (April 21, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Passing of Roger Bryant Jr.—  Gospelflava.com joins the quartet community in mourning the homegoing of preacher, singer and songwriter Roger Bryant, Jr.. Bryant was a member of the legendary Jackson Southernaires, and went home to be with his Lord on Friday, April 16th, 2004. This gifted singer and writer recently recorded his first solo project Simply Roger on Melendo Music. Roger's presence will be missed but his music will forever remain in our hearts. Our heartfelt condolences goes out to the Jackson Southernaires, his mother and family. (April 18, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Verity Signs Donald Lawrence to Production, Publishing and Label Deal—  Verity Records has confirmed the signing of Donald Lawrence to a production, publishing and label deal. Lawrence's future solo projects as well as releases through his new Quiet Water Entertainment label will be on Verity Records, with Lawrence's next solo album slated for Fall 2004. Artists on the Quiet Waters Entertainment roster are soloist DeWayne Woods and the family group, The Murrills, both with roots in The Tri-City Singers. Both artists are expected to release their projects in early 2005. (April 14, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Yolanda Adams and Deion Sanders to Host Dove Awards—  This year's Dove Awards, slated for April 28th 2004 during to close the Gospel Music Association's annual weekly confab, will be hosted by Yolanda Adams and former NFL star Deion Sanders. UPN will televise the music show, on May 28th beginning at 8:00 PM. New this year, is the “One Night Only” Big Screen Premiere of the show in a special simulcast event from Nashville on April 28th, to be shown live at Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Theatres in 50 cities across the nation. (April 14, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

SGR Music Moves Into Soul—  Houston's juggernaut indie rap label SGR Music Group has announced the opening of their soul imprint, titled SGR Soul. First up for the label offshoot will be female crooner Alkendria, with her debut Thank You. The rap foundation of the label, headed up by artist and exec. Dereik Smith, is also putting out new music from Big Nate with a May 2004 release of The Verdict, and later, the sophomore project from female rapper phenom, Tragedy, to be titled Dollar Bill. (April 13, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Announcer Tim Smith Passes—  Gospelflava.com joins with many others in mourning the passing of award-winning Gospel announcer and prolific Gospel music columnist and writer Tim "The Doctor" Smith, on April 8, 2004. In addition to his homegoing service on April 16, 2004, there was a musical tribute on April 15, both at the Anderson Memorial Church of God in Christ in Detroit. (revised April 18, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

2004 Marlin Awards—  The seventh annual 2004 Marlin Awards —the celebration of excellence in Carribean Gospel —is slated for July 25th, 2004 in Nassau, Bahamas at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino. Artists from over fifteen nations are represented in this year's nominees, with judging to be performed by a panel of experts pulled from the Carribean and also the UK and the USA. Both the Marlin Awards and the concurrent Oasis Music Conference will be held during the 2004 International Caribbean Gospel Music Week (ICGMA) scheduled to be held July 20-25th, in Nassau, Bahamas. (April 3, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Sparrow and Forefront Merging—  EMI Group has announced the merging of music labels Sparrow and Forefront (tobymac). The move comes as one of several in efforts to trim costs. (March 31, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Canada's Vibe Award Nominees—  The Vibe Awards are Canada's newly founded Christian music awards, with winners chosen by online voting. Nominees in the Gospel categories for 2004 were announced on March 31, 2004. Included in the Urban / Soul album of the year category were Kathy Mahon, The People's Gospel Choir of Montreal, Pat Francis & High Praise, Krystaal, and Doreen Johnson. Rap / Hip Hop / Dance nominees were Fresh I.E., Knights of the Realm, Malichi and the Imperial Allstars, Ricky T and Manafest. The winners will be announced May 15, 2004 at the Queensway Cathedral in Toronto. (March 31, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

International Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees —  The Detroit-based International Gospel Music of Fame has announced the 2004 inductees. Voted in this year are Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Rev. Milton Biggham, the late Anna Crockett Ford, Dr. Albert J. Lewis, Jr., Bill Moss & The Celestials, The O'Neal Twins and Carribean artist Joseph Niles. The official induction is scheduled for October 23, 2004. (March 30, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Ma$e To Return? —  New York Daily News and Electronic Urban Report are reporting that Dr. Mason Betha (aka Ma$e) hopes to re-enter the hip hop scene on Fo' Real Records to record clean hip hop. Betha left his lucrative hip hop career in 1999 to pastor the S.A.N.E. Church International in Atlanta. (March 30, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Disciples of Christ (D.O.C.) Returns —  Veteran hip hop / R&P group Disciples of Christ (D.O.C.) returns to the scene with a new project, The Antidote, on their own WeAreOne/ Throne Room record label. The Grammy-nominated group created a sensation in the early 90's when they debuted with their merge of rap and funk (and garnered Dove and Grammy nominations). D.O.C. expects to release their album in April, 2004. (March 26, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

New Urban Label Avista Records To Launch —  Fledgling Avista Records is putting the focus on urban Gospel, and aims to tap into the mainstream market by way of its distribution agreement with Universal Distribution. First up on Avista is TWYSE, a hip hop artist from Philadelphia with a July 2004 release and video single, followed by rhythm 'n praise artist JT, with a September album. The label also is planning a compilation project, titled Bump This! For summer release. Avista Records has also announced plans to sign artists in the pop and rock genres. (March 26, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Soul Train Awards—  Byron Cage won the 18th Annual Soul Train Music Award in the Gospel category. Also nominated were Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Vickie Winans, for their most recent respective solo albums. The televised awards were held at the International Cultural Center in Los Angeles on March 20, 2004. (March 24, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Canton Spirituals Head to Chicago for Next Album—  Media outlets are reporting that The Canton Spirituals are headed to the Chicago area on Saturday, April 17, 2004 for the recording of their next album for Verity Records. Booked to be held at St. Mark Cathedral Missionary Baptist Church in Harvey, Illinois, the recording is said to feature both new songs and favorite hits from the popular quartet's past. (March 24, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

J.Moss Signs With Gospo Centric—  Famed Detroit production team PAJAM has confirmed that they have signed an artist/production deal with Gospo Centric Records for PAJAM partner and artist, J.Moss. Look for PAJAM to produce the upcoming solo project from J.Moss for the label. (March 23, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Gospel Dream Winner Recording Live Project—  Gospel Dream winner Benita Washington embarks on her first album recording venture, for Full Gospel Entertainment. With production slated from Alex "Asaph" Ward and songwriting from V. Michael McKay, Donald Lawrence, Byron Cage and others, the live session is scheduled for March 24, 2004 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville. (March 23, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

New Signings for Word Records—  Word Records is gearing up for a busy 2004, with several projects in the works. The established Nashville-based label has signed duo Ted & Sheri, with their sophomore set slated for a Fall 2004 release. Word is also gearing up for the long-awaited release of Generation J's album Living Free in June 2004, as well as new music from Fortitude and Nicole C. Mullen. (March 17, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Houston Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards—  Houston is again hosting the Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards, this year slated for June 26, 2004. The event, hosted by DaSouth.com, was created to honor artists, retailers, pastors, media agencies, DJ's, graphic designers, vendors and others for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the holy hip hop music industry, specifically in Houston. Featured are workshops, concerts and various ceremonies. (March 17, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

GMWA Urges Signing of Rev. James Cleveland Petition—  The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) celebrated what would have been the 71st birthday of its Founder and President, Rev. James Cleveland, on Friday, December 5, 2003. To commemorate the anniversary, GMWA is co-ordinating a “National Campaign to Honor the King” with a grass-roots petition drive to collect 25,000 – 50,000 signatures. The signatures will then be presented to the U.S. Postal Service to request that Rev. James Cleveland be honored with a commemorative postage stamp for his many contributions to the genre of Gospel music in America. Gospelflava.com supports this iniative, and strongly urges you to sign the petition TODAY. Please do this before Tuesday, March 16th, 2004. Click here for the online petition.  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Donnie McClurkin Nabs NAACP Image Award—  In a strong field of nominees for the 2004 NAACP Outstanding Gospel Artist (Traditional or Contemporary) Award, Donnie McClurkin took home the honors. The awards were handed out on March 6th, and will be broadcast on March 11th, 2004 at 8 PM on the Fox Network. Also in the running were Bishop T. D. Jakes & The Potter's House Mass Choir, Byron Cage, Shirley Caesar and Vickie Winans. (March 8, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Twinkie Clark Live Recording—  The Clark Sisters website is reporting that Twinkie Clark's next live recording is slated for Saturday, April 24, 2004 in Detroit at the Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ, with special appearances from The Clark Sisters. The artist website is mentioning that the live recording will be produced by Alex Asaph Ward and will be released on Verity Records. (March 7, 2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

New Fred Hammond on Radio—  Preceding his upcoming album slated for a late Spring release on Verity Records, Fred Hammond's first single "Celebrate (He Lives)" is set to create major waves at radio. The Easter cut is first out the blocks from Hammond's much-anticipated solo project, titled Somethin' 'Bout Love, and heralds the start of a media campaign that included a Feb 24th appearance on BET's "106 & Park" and also on BET's "Celebration of Gospel". (revised 02/25/2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Passing of Kelvin Lenox—  Gospelflava.com joins with others in mourning the January 18, 2004 passing of Kelvin Lenox. The Chicago singer / songwriter (son of Elder James Lenox) was known for penning songs such as “Nobody Like Jesus” and “Waiting On You” for The Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir, as well as numerous other songs performed by a Who’s Who of Gospel, including Rev. Clay Evans & the AARC Mass Choir, Angela Spivey & The Voices of Victory, Tryone Dickerson, and Bishop Larry Trotter & Sweet Holy Spirit Combined Choirs. (01/19/2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

7 Sons of Soul Hits Radio—  Radio is spinning new music from Verity Record’s latest signee, 7 Sons of Soul. Titled “Run On”, the cut is the lead single from the upcoming project from the group, who sport a soul-laden, vocals-based sound primed with contemporary production. The East coast collective includes vocalists Cliff Jones and Sam Kendricks. (01/18/2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Music World Music Announced New Signees—  Matthew Knowles, CEO of Music World Music, announced at the Stellar Awards post-reception that Music World Music has hired industry veteran Demette Guidry as General Manager of the label. Knowles also announced that the label had signed the popular female trio Trin-i-tee 5:7 to a recording contract and had also signed The O’Jays. Houston-based Music World Music sponsored the Stellar Awards post-reception party with a showcase that featured Ramiyah, Michelle Williams, the cast of The Fighting Temptations including Beyonce, Shirley Caesar and T-Bone. Also performing were Patti Labelle and Ty Tribbett & Greater Anointing. (01/12/2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Stellar Awards Updates—  Multiple Stellar Awards winners include Vickie Winans, Lee Williams, Byron Cage, Deitrick Haddon and Hezekiah Walker. Check out the complete results from this year's Stellar Awards. (01/11/2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

New Fred Hammond Tour—  Fred Hammond moves into 2004 with a new tour. Titled the Worship Alive Tour, Hammond kicks off the tour in February, focusing on church venues. The tour is in collaboration with veteran promoter Al Wash of ALW Entertainment. (01/02/2004)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Passing of Anna Broy Crockett Ford—  The Gospel community mourns the passing of Gospel music pioneer Mother Anna Broy Crockett Ford, who went home to Glory on December 29, 2003. A woman of grace, elegance and dignity, her accomplishments include master choir director and trainer, singer and songwriter (one of her works is the standard "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me"). Mother Ford was appointed by Bishop Charles H. Mason, founder of the Church of God in Christ, to assist in the organization of the music department and served as director of the National Choir until 1972 (when she was succeeded by Mattie Clark). (12/30/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

EMI Gospel Signs Kierra "Kiki" Sheard—  The Stellar Awards are traditionally a time for record labels to showcase their rosters, and announce new artists. The trend continues into 2004, with EMI Gospel gearing up for special events in Houston over the Stellar weekend, including a showcase with several of their artists, including their newest signee, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard. (12/26/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Gospel Music Hall of Fame Goes International—  The Detroit-based Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum has officially changed its name to The International Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum, reflecting the entity's aim to expand activities. Members will now be inducted from around the world, including Africa, Japan, Canada and the Caribbean. There will also be a move towards international meetings and events to celebrate the progression of gospel music and entertainment around the world. (12/19/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Cross Movement Records Partners with Provident—  Well-respected holy hip hop label Cross Movement Records has partnered with Provident Music Distribution for all domestic (USA) CBA and general market retail sales for new releases. First up is the solo debut by T.R.U.T.H., slated for April 2004. Also on the independent label are M.O.D., FLAME, J.R., the four individual solo artists comprising The Cross Movement, and The Cross Movement themselves. (12/18/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Ruben Studdard Duets with Fred Hammond—  American Idol winner Ruben Studdard's debut album, Soulful, on J Records includes as the album-concluding cut, a duet with Fred Hammond titled “We Have Not Forgotten”. The Birmingham-bred Studdard acknowledges that both Fred Hammond and Commissioned were major musical influences. (12/09/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Basketball's Allan Houston Partners with Gospel Gangstaz—  Basketball All-Star Allan Houston (New York Knicks) has announced a joint venture with Camp 8, formerly known as the Grammy Award nominated hip hop crew, Gospel Gangstaz. The collaboration between Houston's music production company H20 Productions and Camp 8's Camp 8 Inc. will see H20 Productions providing marketing, promotion and creative support for future projects by Camp 8 and other projects. (12/08/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Smokey Robinson Gospel—  Veteran R&B vocalist Smokey Robinson is looking to March 2004 for the release of his awaited, self-written Gospel project, Food For The Soul. With production from longtime collaborator, Michael Stokes (Jesse Powell, Mavis Staples), the album is to be released on Liquid 8 Records. (12/08/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com 

Bassist Anthony Harmon Passes—  Gospelflava.com extends our sympathies to the family and friends of Gospel bassist Anthony Harmon, who passed away on December 4, 2003 after a bout with cancer. Harmon contributed to dozens of Gospel projects over the years, including recent albums from Yolanda Adams, Lamar Campbell, Beverly Crawford, Clay Evans and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. (12/05/2003)  News Provided by Gospelflava.com