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John P. Kee Drops a New Single & Concert Video

By
Sarah Hearn
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The gold-selling, Grammy® award-nominated crown prince of contemporary gospel music, John P. Kee, is planning to release his first full-length album since 2019’s I Made It Out. A release date has not yet been set for the massive 30+ track compilation, Throwback: An Evening with John P. Kee (Kee Music Group / Tyscot Records). However, Kee has just dropped a track and a music video from it on all digital music platforms. “Church Medley” is a fusion of Kee’s 1990s era standards “I Believe,” “I Won’t Let Go,” “It Will Be Alright,” “Thank You Lord (He Did It All),” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” In the video, Kee is seated at the piano, commanding the ecstatic audience with the combined charisma of a circus ringmaster and a singing psychologist who knows just the words to lift the spirits of his patients. It’s a joyous reminder of Kee’s heyday hits but with just enough freshening and sanctified zeal to attract new fans. 

The staggering project was recorded over the course of a year (as Kee was treated for cancer and the bacterial infection necrotizing fasciitis) with stops through over two dozen cities. This past January, the tour concluded with the video recording at Harbison Theatre @ Midland Tech College in Irmo, SC. A few weeks ago, Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), the 80+ year old performing rights organization, honored Kee with its Trailblazer of Gospel Music Award for his four decades of gospel music hits as a singer, songwriter, producer, and talent scout. Along the way, he’s amassed over half a billion digital streams, eight Grammy® Award nominations, numerous Stellar Gospel Music Awards, a R.I.A.A. certified gold album, and  over two dozen chart hits such as “Jesus is Real,” “Show Up,” “Standing in the Need” and “Life and Favor.”

 Some upcoming dates:

May 2nd @ 7 PM – Warren AME Church, 915 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo, OH

May 3rd @ 6 PM – Corinthian Baptist Church, 1920 Tennessee Avenue, Cincinnati, OH

May 16th @ 7 PM – Nu Corinthian Baptist Church, 5935 W. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 

May 17th @ 6 PM – Memorial Baptist Church, 605 Canal Street, Evansville, IN

June 7th @ 6 PM – Unity Temple Church, 4801 63rd Avenue N., Brooklyn, NY

Mogul Earl Bynum and Songwriter/Producer Jim Vierra Form Partnership To Create and Deliver New Music and Inspirational Content

By
Sarah Hearn
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Dr. Earl Bynum and Jim Vierra announce their powerful partnership between Bynum’s Lrae Entertainment® and Vierra’s Fifty Something Records. Their strategic alignment represents a significant collaboration in the Gospel music industry, bringing together two influential figures driven by their shared vision for growth, creativity, innovation, and amplifying the message of Christ. Their collaboration exemplifies the best of both worlds—Lrae Entertainment’s® fresh perspective on music and ministry and Fifty Something Records’ innovative business acumen and ambition.

“Jim Vierra’s unparalleled passion for Christ, Gospel music, and progressive approach made him the ideal partner,” says Bynum. “Together, we are poised to create something transformative for our current and future artists. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Lrae Entertainment®, as we now have more expertise to expand our reach, elevate our artists’ careers, and further amplify their voices on a global scale.”

Bynum continues, “Our focus is on long-term development and empowering artists with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing music industry. This partnership is not just about the music; it’s about redefining what it means to be an artist in today’s world.”

“Rather than focusing solely on commercial success, our collaboration is deeply rooted in ministry and spiritual purpose,” Vierra explains. “Our shared vision focuses on spiritual guidance rather than rigid business plans, creating uplifting music that blesses listeners, leveraging modern marketing and technology, and maintaining high standards for artist integrity and lyrical content.”

The first joint effort for Lrae Entertainment® and Fifty Something Records is a new single release that guides listeners through the Lord’s prayer with beauty and emotion. “Glory Forever Amen” is an extraordinary journey of faith and harmony that features the powerful voices of Emoni Wilkins and Royce “The Voice” Mosley. Written by Vierra and produced by Ron Poindexter, “Glory Forever Amen” captivates with an authentic choral-driven arrangement that builds from meditative reverence to triumphant celebration.

By collaborating with rising vocalists, choirs, and orchestras, the creative outcome creates spiritual anthems that feel both grand and intimate. “Keeping the music original is my biggest challenge,” states Vierra. “I don’t want to mimic what’s charting—I want to create something that lasts.”

“Glory Forever Amen” is available now on all digital music platforms. The official music video can be watched and shared on the Fifty Something Records YouTube channel here.

“Jim Vierra and Ron Poindexter have composed a kingdom music choral anthem!” says featured artist Royce “The Voice” Mosley. “Written based on the model prayer taught to us by our Lord and Savior, this beautiful piece is a reminder to look UP to the one who is truly in charge. I am so honored to be a part of this project.”

Together, Bynum and Vierra aim to cultivate more than just hits. They want to build legacies, expand their media presence, and help their artists grow both creatively and professionally. Their goal is to break barriers and make lasting connections with audiences worldwide.

About Jim Vierra: Jim is a successful businessman, songwriter, and producer who creates lyrics that inspire hope, ignite joy, and deliver God’s healing promises. His recent works include “Jesus Lift Me Up,” Just One Touch,” featuring Ron Poindexter, and “Let Them See Love,” featuring Committed.

About Dr. Earl Bynum: Earl is an International artist, radio personality, and music industry leader. Bynum is the Executive Director of Music at The Mount Global Fellowship of Churches and the National Chairman of The GMWA Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals. He is the Executive Advisor of The Tidewater Chapter of GMWA, the Eastern Regional Co-Chair of The National Association of Gospel Radio (NAGR), and the Executive Vice President of The Gospel Industry Network (G.I.N.). He has a nationally syndicated radio show, On Stage With Earl Bynum, on the Rejoice Musical Soulfood Network.

New Single, “El Shaddai” from Donald Lawrence available now and features Rodney Posey

By
Sarah Hearn
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Today, GRAMMY Award-winning Gospel artist, Donald Lawrence, released “El Shaddai,” the brand-new single from his groundbreaking new project “Global Love Alive (London),” available May 2nd.

“El Shaddai,” featuring Rodney Posey, is a captivating and transcendent single inspired by the Hebrew term for “God Almighty.” The song embodies themes of strength, divine guidance, and the powerful presence of God. Performed by a 300-person choir representing nations from across the globe, including Poland, Sweden, Italy, and the United States, this track is a heartfelt anthem that will inspire and uplift listeners, reminding them of God’s unwavering goodness and grace.

Lawrence, known for his masterful gospel choir arrangements, takes on a new role with his forthcoming project, “Global Love Alive (London)”. At the request of the late legendary Edwin Hawkins, Lawrence has reimagined Hawkins’ long-running Music & Arts Seminar, rebranding it as Music & Arts Global and expanding its international reach. This innovative live recording, captured in London during the April 2023 Music & Arts Conference, is slated to release on May 2nd.

Kirk Franklin, Charles Jenkins, John P. Kee, Ed Cash and More Honored at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards

By
Sarah Hearn
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BMI celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at Flourish in Atlanta, GA. Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music in recognition of his artistry and inspiring influence on the genre throughout his prolific career spanning over 40 years. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Publisher of the Year, and the most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s President & CEO, Mike O’Neill, and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

Kirk Franklin and Charles Jenkins tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his signature blend of traditional and contemporary Gospel music that continues to resonate with fans around the world across generations and genres. O’Neill presented Kee with the ceremony’s top honor, saluting his “extraordinary contributions that have greatly influenced the Gospel genre and deeply touched the community.”

The musical tributes to Kee kicked off with Lena Byrd Miles giving her moving interpretation of “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” The tributes continued with Kelontae Gavin singing “Never Shall Forget” and Jekalyn Carr giving a passionate performance of “Standing in the Need,” both of which brought the audience to their feet. Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia paid homage to Kee with their amazing renditions of “Lily in the Valley” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence and The Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an uplifting performance of “Jesus is Real.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 03: Tasha Page-Lockhart attends the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at Flourish Atlanta on April 03, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)

Upon receiving the honor, Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel,” thanked his family and friends, many of whom were in the room, for their love and support. While humbled by their affirmations of the tremendous impact he’s made on them through his mentorship and guidance, he shared, “Every time you win an award, I win an award… I’m just a proud Uncle John.” He went on to say that he was going to “flip the moment” by presenting BMI’s Brewton with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her “vision and determination that have paved the way for future generations of women in business.”

The ceremony concluded with Kee singing the opening line to his hit, “New Life” and he was joined with an impromptu celebration from many of the Gospel greats in the room, including Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks and Marvin Sapp.

Throughout the afternoon, BMI saluted the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, leading up to the highly anticipated BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA) and Jason Ingram. Performed by CeCe Winans, the hit single reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, #15 on US Hot Christian Songs and peaked at #2 on Hot Gospel Songs. It also spent an incredible 118 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Digital Songs Sales.

Kirk Franklin and Charles Jenkins tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year for each writing two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Franklin was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love,” securing his fourth Songwriter of the Year award, which now includes three for Gospel and one for Christian. Jenkins was recognized for his hit songs, “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,” marking the first time he’s received this coveted title and bringing his total to eight BMI Awards garnered over his successful career.

BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year went to Capitol CMG for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs, including BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year, “Goodness of God.”

Visit https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/trailblazers-2025 to see a full list of BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award honorees.

Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity Drop New Track and Companion Video

By
Sarah Hearn
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GRAMMY® Award-nominated contemporary gospel music mainstay Deitrick Haddon has reteamed with his `90s era choir, Voices of Unity, for a new gem, “Find Jesus” (Tyscot Records). This acoustic guitar strummed, urban pop mid-tempo is a follow-up to Haddon’s recent Billboard Gospel Airplay No. 1 smash, “Never Be the Same.” On the bright tune, Haddon and his troupe are seeking divine intervention on a breezy, feel-good rumination that showcases Haddon’s distinctive high notes, low growls, and a catchy refrain that should have congregations singing along around the globe.

Concurrently, Haddon recently rejoined his former wife DAMITA and former Voices of Unity choir member Tasha Page Lockhart for a remake of their 1997 track, “Hold on 2 Your Faith.” Deitrick Haddon & Voices of Unity mined a goldmine of cutting-edged urban gospel recordings in the late 1990s, such as their now classic contemporary gospel songs such as “Who Is Like Our God,” “Anybody Here,” and their signature anthem, “He’s Able.” The first Voices of Unity album, Come into This House, was released in 1996, and it included fan favorites such as “Rain on Me” and “Don’t Give Up.” They won a Grammy® Award nomination for their 2007 album, Deitrick Haddon Presents Together in Worship, which featured the radio smashes “Watch Me Praise Him,” “We Cry Holy,” and “He’s Able.”

Tauren Wells to Release New EP ‘Let The Church Sing’

By
Sarah Hearn
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Multi-Grammy®–nominated, platinum-selling artist Tauren Wells is set to ignite hearts and inspire worship with his upcoming EP, Let The Church Sing, slated for release on March 21, 2025. Building on a legacy of transformative, worship-driven music, Let The Church Sing invites believers everywhere to unite in praise and experience a renewed spirit of community and adoration. Presave HERE.

In January 2024, Wells and his wife, Lorna, founded Church of Whitestone in Austin, Texas. The church made history by opening its doors to nearly 4,000 people in its first weekend of services, marking the largest first-day church launch in American history. The profound impact of this moment shaped the heart of Let The Church Sing, as Wells found himself leaning into worship music more than ever before.

“For as long as I’ve been an artist, I’ve always been on staff at a church,” Wells shares. “However, I’ve never written from the lens of being involved in a church and planted in the house of the Lord at this level. When we started the church, it was a major spiritual process and excavation into the heart. A lot of songs came from the birth of our church.”

Blending contemporary Christian, gospel, and pop influences, Let The Church Sing features a collection of soul-stirring anthems—including his latest tracks, “Making Room” and “Thank You For The Cross.” Akin to building a church brick by brick, the music materialized one session at a time, naturally paralleling the growth of Whitestone’s congregation. Each song is crafted to capture the essence of communal worship, calling every church to lift its voice in celebration of God’s love and transformative grace.

Tauren’s new musical chapter was first introduced in October 2024 by “Making Room.” As soft keys echo over a distant beat accented by delicately strummed guitar, his voice crescendos and swells into a hypnotic high register on the hook: “We’re making room for a miracle from you, all we want is your presence; turn this room into heaven, we call your name.”

“When people hear this new music, I want them to walk away thinking about how amazing the church is,” Wells says. “I hope that we can re-engage with the wonder and beauty of community and faith. I’m still the same child of God, but with a sharpened focus on what He has called me to do in the world.”

With Let The Church Sing, Tauren Wells pushes artistic boundaries while staying true to his ministry roots, captivating audiences with his signature blend of contemporary Christian, gospel, and pop influences, soul-stirring lyrics, and electrifying performances across the EP’s five tracks.

This release marks the beginning of a transformative year for Wells, who is also preparing to debut his first book and broaden his impact through ministry and his podcast, The High Note.

Let The Church Sing Tracklist:

  1. Let The Church Sing
  2. Thank You For The Cross
  3. The Room Is Yours
  4. Making Room
  5. Not Guilty

JOHN P. KEE TO BE HONORED AT THE 2025 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

By
Sarah Hearn
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BMI will celebrate the songwriters and publishers behind the year’s best in Gospel at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards, held at Flourish Atlanta on Thursday, April 3rd. World-renowned Gospel music pioneer and pastor John P. Kee will be honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel in recognition of his award-winning career spanning over 40 years.

During the ceremony, BMI will also recognize the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs in the United States. The BMI Gospel Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the inspirational gathering. The private event will be hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton.

“John P. Kee is a true visionary in the genre, and his music continues to impact Gospel music for over forty years and counting. It’s an honor to recognize his dedication and the unwavering commitment he’s made through his artistry and evangelism,” said Brewton. “We’re extremely excited to come together and celebrate his legacy and incredible accomplishments and proudly honor all of our award-winning songwriters and publishers for a special afternoon of great music and fellowship.”

John P. Kee, known as the “Prince of Gospel Music,” is a prolific multiple award-winning singer/songwriter and beloved pastor widely recognized for his contributions to contemporary Gospel music. Kee’s musical talents were discovered at an early age when, after feeling inspired by the music heard in church, he began playing piano and writing songs at only eight years old. In the mid-1980s, he started a community choir in Charlotte that eventually became known as the widely celebrated New Life Community Choir (NLCC). Throughout his professional career spanning almost four decades, he has written music for Hallmark, Inc., The Hawkins Family, Daryl Coley, Billy Preston, Dorinda Clark Cole, Rev. James Cleveland, Bishop Rance Allen, Florida Mass Choir, Mississippi Mass Choir, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and for the legendary Dr. James Cleveland’s Gospel Music Workshop of America, among others.

His music has been featured in film, television, commercials and on Saturday Night Live. Throughout his solo career and his work with NLCC, he has amassed 37 GMWA Excellence Awards, 27 Stellar Awards, three BMI Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, a Trailblazer Award from former President Bill Clinton and received seven GRAMMY nominations. Adding to his tremendous list of accolades, Kee was inducted into the International Gospel Hall of Fame in 2005 and was previously honored at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in 2001 and 2005.

In addition to being one of Gospel music’s greatest pioneers, Pastor Kee has been the full-time pastor of the New Life Fellowship Center in Charlotte, NC since its inception in 1995. Through non-traditional outreach that transcends the four-walled structure, the church’s unique approach to ministry has resulted in a rapidly growing, thriving congregation.

Tamela Mann Earns Two NAACP Image Awards, Debuts Documentary

By
Sarah Hearn
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 Tamela Mann and TillyMann Music win two NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album for Live Breathe Fight and Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for her chart-topping hit “Working For Me.” The category sweep was announced during the Image Awards virtual ceremony.

“I’m truly humbled and honored to be recognized by the NAACP for Live Breathe Fight and ‘Working For Me,’” said Tamela. “I’m grateful to God for allowing me to have this opportunity, and I’m thankful to the Image Awards for giving this music a platform to reach people.”

Produced by Tamela, David Mann, Phillip Bryant, and Jevon Hill, Live Breathe Fight is a collection of many of the most compelling and deeply vulnerable songs of her decorated career. Penned by Tamela, Bryant and Tameka Mintze aka “Tia Sharee,” the debut single “Working for Me” dominated gospel radio as her fastest climbing single to date and earned Tamela a place in Billboard history with her 11th No. 1 hit, more than any other gospel artist.

“Deserve To Win” is the current chart-climbing single from Live Breathe Fight. The “Deserve To Win” music video is directed by David, and a new documentary, Winning Is Personal: The Story of “Deserve To Win”, is set for release on MannTV premiering Friday, February 21 at 6:oo pm CST. 

Watch the new documentary, Winning Is Personal: The Story of “Deserve To Win” HERE.

Earnest Pugh Enters Top 10 with ‘Don’t Give Up’

By
Sarah Hearn
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Houston, Texas Earnest Pugh is a singer, songwriter, best-selling author, and Emmy Award Winning actor who, over the last 2 decades, delivered 13 CDs projects that included four chart-topping radio hits such as: “Rain On Us” “I Need Your Glory,” “God Wants To Heal You” and “Thank You So Much.” His latest single, “Don’t Give Up” was the featured single on two projects in 2024: The chart-topping R& B “Love Mountain” movie soundtrack as well as Pugh’s 12th CD Project, “Worthy Is The Lamb.”

According to Pugh, “I was inspired to write the song after I reviewed the “Love Mountain” movie script and became acquainted with my role (Elliot) as the father of 4 children who were navigating challenging relationships. As a family, our main kitchen-table discussion centered around navigating life’s ups and downs with an understanding that giving up is not an option.”

Kerry Douglas, Executive Producer and CEO of Blacksmoke Music Worldwide, who has been responsible for Pugh’s career for nearly 20 years, stated, “I initially enlisted Earnest as an actor in the “Love Mountain” film, but when I saw his character unfold and evolve, I challenged him to score/sing a song commensurate to his role in the movie, and he nailed it! Aaron Carter produced the upbeat foot-stomping song, available on all digital platforms. Catch Earnest in a city near you during his Spring promotional events.

Father’s Death Leads to Producer’s First Billboard No. 1 Hit

By
Sarah Hearn
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Atlanta, GA-based Recording Artist-Producer Jevon Dewand has spent years collaborating with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, but now he’s finally hit No. 1 on Mediabase and Billboard’s Gospel Airplay charts with a soulful, urban track, “With You.” The song pairs Dewand with dynamic vocalist Zacardi Cortez, and super-producers Jazze Pha and Gasner the Artist. “We’re like the X-Men,” Jevon says. “We all have superpowers, and we come together for one common goal—to inspire and spread good energy and God-like oxygen.”

“Without You” was birthed from Dewand’s grief after his father Moses M. Sims’ death in the summer of 2023. In his darkest moments, Dewand felt God gave him a message to inspire others. The 16-track Without You: There Would Be No Me (Black Smoke Music Worldwide) album is dedicated to Mr. Sims who was known throughout the Atlanta community for his warmth and generosity. The project artwork features Dewand encircled by a montage of photos of his father. Bits of his last conversation and a prayer with his father are sprinkled throughout the album as short interludes. “It’s a reminder that life is the number one blessing in the world,” he says. “Don’t take it for granted.”

Dewand gives credit to his posse, the Trap Starz: Talent Revolving Around Purpose, for making the album happen. “We write and produce everything you hear from our hearts, our pain, and our struggles,” Dewand adds. “We listen carefully to people’s stories so that we can write songs that feel personalized to their lives. It’s so important to showcase real situations in our music, so that when people hear it, they can relate to it.”

The Trap Starz have had their share of trauma. Aside from his father’s recent death, Dewand had blood clots in his lungs and survived a shooting. Gasner the Artist endured a horrific marriage and lost a son to gun violence. Jazze Pha has suffered his own anguishes. The trio feels God brought them together for a reason. “God needed me to go through all of this to build me for my purpose,” Dewand reflects. “I never thought about being a gospel artist, even though we all come from the church. But sometimes, God calls you over and over until you finally pick up the phone.”

One person who picked up a phone is Houston-based CEO of Black Smoke Music Worldwide, Kerry Douglas. He signed Dewand to his label and arranged to have powerhouse vocalist Zacardi Cortez to sing on the track and take it to the next level. They produced a poignantly memorable hit that has spent 33 weeks on Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Airplay chart. The spin detections increased 12% to move the song from No. 3 to No. 1 for the week ending February 14, 2025. “We all have a purpose, and it may look different, but our goal is the same,” Dewand explains. “God is the pilot of our plane, and we’re about to land safely into the people’s hearts.”

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