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Jekalyn Carr Earns 10th Billboard Gospel #1 Single

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WayNorth Music’s GRAMMY® Award-winning, Stellar and GMA DOVE Award-winning artist, Jekalyn Carr, continues to make history as her latest single, “Don’t Faint,” rises to the top of gospel radio, earning her tenth #1 radio single and twelfth Billboard career #1. All this on the heels of her forthcoming album, JEKALYN X LEGENDS.

The powerful, faith-filled single—released earlier this year—has quickly become an anthem of endurance and breakthrough for listeners across the world. With its message drawn from Galatians 6:9, “Don’t Faint” encourages believers to remain steadfast through trials, reminding them that “in due season, you shall reap if you faint not.”

“Breaking into a new year of music with my tenth #1 radio single is truly a blessing,” shares Carr. “Every song I release is a declaration of faith, and to see ‘Don’t Faint’ touch lives and reach #1 reminds me that God continues to honor obedience and purpose.”

From her breakout hit “Greater Is Coming” to chart-toppers like “You Will Win,” “Changing Your Story,” and “I Believe God,” Jekalyn Carr has consistently inspired audiences with her unmatched vocal power, spiritual authority, and unwavering message of victory. With 12 Billboard #1s now to her name, Carr stands as one of gospel music’s most impactful young voices and a living testament to faith in action.

“Don’t Faint” is available now on all digital streaming platforms. Follow Jekalyn Carr on social media using the handle @JekalynCarr, visiting Facebook, and on her website at: IAMJekalynCarr.com.

Remembering Bonita V. White: More Than a Melody

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On September 25, 2025, Bonita V. White left this earthly sphere. It came out of the blue. It was quite a surprise to many of us and shook so many at the core. “Surely not, Bonita,” many thought. You see, Bonita was one of those people who we believed would always be around. Her departure reminds us that life is but a vapor.

The last time I saw Bonita, she was doing what she always does, celebrating someone else. That afternoon, she was celebrating her longtime friend, gospel industry insider, Pastor Jerome Bell, as he was being installed as pastor at Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. I remember our conversation from that day. She was sharing some history with me about Robert Fryson, the prolific songwriter who penned “I Just Want to Praise You.”

As always, I was struck by her encyclopedic gospel music knowledge. I said, “We’ve got to do an interview. We’ve got to talk about all these things you know about gospel music history,” and she responded with a humble nod. You see, Bonita never sought the spotlight for herself. Instead, she found great joy in uplifting and celebrating those around her and sharing great nuggets of history. Shortly after that conversation, this journalist moved to Charlotte, N.C, and our interview never took place. It’s interesting how we always seem to think there’s always next time, more opportunities to do this or that. Sadly, it was not meant to be.

Bonita was a founding member, business manager, and singer for the famed ensemble Patrick Lundy & the Ministers of Music. On many occasions, as part of that ensemble, she sang background for many celebrities during many high-profile events, including the Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus, Gospel Music Heritage Month on Capitol Hill, and A Capitol Fourth. Surely her voice resonated among the shadows of the monuments and all those other historic things that are in Washington, DC.

Over her lifetime, Bonita received several accolades. In 2024, she received the DMV Musicians and Singers Fellowship Distinguished Service Award, honoring her decades of impact in ministry, music, and mentorship. In 2014, she was an honoree at the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) annual pre-caucus reception, “Melody of Art.” CAAPA recognized her for dedication and outstanding work on behalf of African American classical musicians and the performing arts community. There were others, but these provide an inkling into her overall contributions to the gospel community.

But that’s not all. Bonita attended as many events as she could to cheer on gospel artists and musicians in the DMV. She always posted about it on Facebook, carefully curating every nuance and sharing who else was in attendance. Bonita always gave her trusted critic’s review of the event. It was always glowing and always uplifting. One could consider Bonita a pseudo-journalist because her take on events was always breaking news and hot off the press.

One memorable moment included her participation in the 75th birthday celebration for Gospel legend Richard Smallwood in 2023, where she led “Oh Lord, Stand By Me.” Bonita was so ecstatic about the night’s events, she posted on Facebook several times. She kept everyone posted on how many views the video had on YouTube (it’s currently 709, by the way). Bonita was wrapped up in celebrating her friend.

There are NO words to express just how much the DMV LOVES Richard Smallwood, how much sharing his gifts, talents and humility means to SO many, how Godly proud we are of him and his accomplishments and how unifying his Tribute was for the DMV Gospel Community! It was truly a night to remember – forever!!! (Bonita White, 2023)

When Pastor Jerome Bell was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, she was overjoyed and penned this message:
Congratulations on your induction into The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, your second pastoral anniversary at Grace, and your birthday celebration. So very proud of you, My Gospel Brother of 48 years + counting!!
(Bonita White, 2025)

That was Bonita, always celebrating others. As we remember Bonita, we can all create our memorial stones of her life in the way that she interacted with us, that voice, that smile. Bonita sowed seeds, and those seeds will continue to grow through the encouragement that Bonita provided to young up-and-coming musicians, singers, and mentees. It will live on when that person plays or sings or recalls a historical gospel tidbit they got from Bonita. Indeed, Bonita’s legacy lives on, although she’s departed for a heavenly residence. This was very evident in the tributes that poured in on social media when the news broke.

“Your ministry of service and helps endeared you to many. Your vocal excellence drew the attention of countless choir and ensemble directors who eagerly requested your gifts and talents. You were professional, yet always kind.”-Bishop Jeremiah Murphy.

“Remembering DC Gospel Music Force Bonita V. White. I will miss her encouraging spirit and enthusiasm in advocating and supporting the gospel music arts, especially with Patrick Lundy and The Ministers of Music.”-Journalist Patrick D. McCoy.

“Thank you, Bonita, for being my big sister, for always looking out for me, and for always being a true friend and family to me.”-Jimmy Russell (Jimmy RussellnBOC)

“A very special person whose life positively impacted anyone who had the privilege of interacting with her. She was an encourager, and her life reflected God’s glory.”-Henry MacKenzie Davis

This is just a small glimpse into how the DMV gospel community reacted. However, the community does not mourn as one who has no hope because they know that Bonita loved the Lord. They know that Bonita loved the gospel community. They know that Bonita loved her friends and her church. In the federal space, she was respected as a mentor among her colleagues. She hadn’t been considering retiring, but her heavenly pension kicked in.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints~Psalm 116:15

Rest well in the Father’s arms, Bonita V. White. Rest well.

Homegoing arrangements: Stream the service at https://www.sbcsw.org/

Gospel Time Machine: Mike McCoy and Voices United Rekindle Gospel’s Golden Legacy with Retro Concert

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Photo credit: Alicia Butler

Some concerts do more than entertain. Instead, they take you back down memory lane. That’s how it was on Saturday, October 18, as Mike McCoy and Voices United took the stage for their Retro Concert II at Greater St. John Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, MD. Emceed by Stephen Hurd, the concert was a musical celebration that featured gospel hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The result was an unforgettable night of nostalgia, joy, and praise.

The setlist was a journey through the catalogs of Milton Brunson, Robert Fryson, L.A. Mass Choir, Walter Hawkins, and many more. A highlight of the evening was Helen Holmes singing “God Is.” No choir backing, just Helen singing the song in the powerful way that only she could. Mike McCoy stated that she is often called “Hurricane.” That was very evident with her performance as she blew in and tore strongholds down with her delivery.

A poignant part of the evening was when Bishop Marvin McCoy came up and sang the song he penned, “For the Rest of My Life.” Originally denied the credit he deserved for his authorship, the song has experienced a resurgence through Vincent Bohanan, and the proper credit was ascribed.

Mike McCoy and Voices United performed with excellence, high energy, and visible joy. The chemistry between the singers and the band was seamless, with each song leading the audience deeper into a spiritual rich music experience.

The sanctuary was full of singers and musicians. Spotted in the audience were Roderick Giles, Jared Sawyers, and Brian Spriggs.

The Retro concert took a trip back in time, serving as a reminder of gospel’s origins and its enduring significance. This was so much more than a performance. It was a musical accomplishment that was well executed and will be long remembered.

Jekalyn Carr Announces New Album, JEKALYN X THE LEGENDSInbox

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WayNorth Music’s GRAMMY® Award-winning, Stellar, and GMA DOVE Award-winning artist, Jekalyn Carr, announces the release date of her forthcoming album, JEKALYN X LEGENDS. The project marks a powerful celebration of faith, legacy, and the unifying force of gospel music. The album will be available everywhere music is sold and streamed on Friday, November 7, 2025, and is available now for pre-save.

With JEKALYN X LEGENDS, Carr continues to solidify her standing as one of the most dynamic voices in gospel, curating a collection that bridges generations by featuring collaborations with some of the genre’s most celebrated trailblazers. Known for her commanding vocals, prophetic anointing, and ability to inspire hope through music, Carr delivers an album that promises to uplift hearts, stir souls, and create timeless worship moments. “I’ve always believed in honoring those who paved the way,” says Carr. “JEKALYN X LEGENDS is not just an album—it’s a tribute to the voices and sounds that shaped gospel music, while also showing how the message continues to move forward today. I can’t wait for the world to experience what we’ve created together.”

The album follows Carr’s string of chart-topping singles and critically acclaimed projects, further cementing her reputation as a gospel trailblazer with a voice and ministry that transcends generations. Fans can expect a body of work filled with passionate worship, powerful declarations, and collaborations that highlight the beauty of gospel’s rich legacy.

Carr can also be heard weekdays on Atlanta’s Praise 102.5 as the host of her midday show “Jekalyn Carr Family Affair Show.” Follow Jekalyn Carr on social media using the handle @JekalynCarr, visiting Facebook and her website at: IAMJekalynCarr.com.

JEKALYN X LEGENDS Tracklisting

1. Legends Intro ft. Dr. Bobby Jones

2. He Don’t Miss ft. Dorinda Clark- Cole & Dottie Peoples

3. I Break 

4. I Will Come Through ft. Yolanda Adams

5. Don’t Faint ft. John P. Kee

6. Don’t Faint Melody 

7. History (Breakthrough) ft. Shirley Caesar, Harvey Watkins Jr. & Karen Clark- Sheard

8. I Love You Ft. Lisa Page Brooks & Kim Burrell

9. You Are Able Ft. Bebe Winans & The Williams Brothers

10. I Am Happy 

11. There Must Be A Miracle

12. Don’t Faint (Bonus Track)

Stellar Award-Nominated Choir B. Chase Williams & ShaBach Deliver New Single ‘Secret Place”

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‘Thomas Whitfield &The Whitfield Company, The Mississippi Mass Choir, O’Landa Draper & The Associates, Ricky Dillard and New G, and Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers are some of Gospel music’s greatest traditional and contemporary recording choirs. One of Gospel music’s most dynamic choirs to add to that line-up of iconic artists is B. Chase Williams and ShaBach.

For over 30 years, choirmaster B. Chase Williams has groomed his choir to perform elaborate choral arrangements, traditional hymns, and high-velocity praise and worship songs. Their 2023 CHASING THE NEXT CHAPTER album garnered the choir a Stellar Award nomination and a Billboard Top 30 Gospel Airplay Chart hit single, “Power of God.”

“CHASING THE NEXT CHAPTER was a HUGE blessing for my ministry and career,” says B. Chase. “The Billboard and Mediabase Chart success of our single Power Of God has afforded us Bigger, Better, and Greater opportunities to share our ministry across the world! Our new single, Secret Place, is definitely confirmation that our journey continues.”

B. Chase Williams and ShaBach’s journey in Gospel music continues to evolve with poignant lyrics and powerful arrangements as heard on their new single “Secret Place.” Their vocal agility and passionately controlled projection draw listeners into the message that God is our refuge and that we can dwell in the secret place in the presence of the Lord.

“Secret Place” is written by B. Chase and produced by him and Andre “Dre Cole” Kitchings. “I wrote this song at a very dark time in my life,” he says. “The only place I found peace, strength, and inspiration was in the Secret Place of the Most High God through my worship, praise, and prayer life.”

“Secret Place” is available now on all digital music platforms. The single is being played on Gospel radio and is swiftly climbing the Billboard and Mediabase Gospel airplay charts, which indicates and confirms B. Chase Williams and ShaBach are consistent in releasing theologically based and innovatively produced music that offers life-inspiring experiences.

Additionally, B. Chase and ShaBach are nominated for two 2025 Avidity Awards for Choir of the Year and Traditional Choir of the Year. The Avidity Awards will take place on November 1, 2025, in Dallas, TX.

For more music and information, and to connect with B. Chase, visit @bchasewilliams.shabach on Instagram.

Katy Nichole Releases ‘Have Your Way’ From Sophomore Album

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RIAA Platinum®-selling, Dove Award-winning Katy Nichole follows the successful launch of her acclaimed Centricity Music sophomore album, Honest Conversations, with the release of “Have Your Way” to radio today (Sept. 12). This prayerful song of surrender follows five consecutive Top 5 Billboard hits.

Produced by GRAMMY-nominated Jeff Pardo, the upbeat “Have Your Way” is already being heard on K-LOVE Radio Network, SiriusXM “The Message”, and more radio outlets nationally. The song also received airplay during a K-LOVE First feature following Nichole completing a K-LOVE Radio Network takeover each weekday afternoon during the album’s debut week as the network celebrated the release of Honest Conversations.

“‘Have Your Way’ is my prayer and surrender song,” shares Nichole. “Sometimes in my life, I try to control things. Even if I give something to God, I only give it halfway because I’m so afraid that things won’t happen the way that I planned or how I expected. But what I’ve started to realize is when I give things fully to God, they go better than anything that I could have ever imagined. So this is my prayer for you, and it’s my prayer in this season of my life: Lord, have your way.”

CHORUS

Lord have your way in my life

In my heart, in my soul, in my mind

Lord have your way every time

Cause I know that your plans are better than mine

I lift up my hands and I fall on my knees

Surrendering, all singing, Lord have your way in me

Recently performing “Have Your Way” live on the KDFW FOX 4 (Dallas) “Good Day” morning show, SiriusXM “The Message Delivered Live!,” Life Today (slated to broadcast Oct. 8) and more outlets, Nichole will be singing the song and her hit singles during the Women of Joy events being held in convention centers this fall. Nichole will be featured at these events along with well-known guest speakers like Candace Cameron Bure, Lysa TerKeurst, Jackie Hill Perry and Annie F. Downs.

 56TH Annual GMA Dove Award Winners Announced

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The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night, October 7th, 2025, to a live audience at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.  Brandon Lake was awarded five wins, including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” honoring songwriters Lake, Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown, and Benjamin William Hastings.

Artist of the Year went to Forrest Frank, and New Artist of the Year went to Leanna Crawford. CeCe Winans took home two awards, including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with Shirley Caesar. Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year went to Israel & New Breed, Unified Sound (ft. Israel & New Breed, Unified Sound (ft. Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Nate Diaz, Aaron Moses, Lucia Parker) for “Coritos de Fuego.”

The broadcast aired exclusively on TBN and the TBN+ app and was simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. The broadcast will re-air Friday, October 17th, 2025, at 7:30 pm and 10:00 pm ET on TBN, the TBN+ app, and TBN YouTube.

Unforgettable performances ruled the night as for KING + COUNTRY, with guest Taylor Hill, opened the show with a stunning performance of “World On Fire.” In a crowd-pleasing surprise, Ben Fuller welcomed 8-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood to the stage to sing their nominated song, “If It Was Up To Me.” Newly minted Opry Member Steven Curtis Chapman was joined on stage for a special Opry 100 performance with fellow Opry members Lady A and Vince Gill. Israel & New Breed and Unified Sound welcomed friends Aaron Moses, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Alex Campos, Christine D’Clario, Josh and Waleska Morales, Ingrid Rosario, Janina Rosado, Lucia Parker, and Nate Diaz for a one-of-a-kind Latin performance. Tauren Wells with gio. brought the energy on “Let The Church Sing.” CeCe Winans led the arena in a poignant, acoustic version of “Come Jesus Come,” and Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, with special guest Jon Batiste, closed out the night with a rain-soaked version of “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

Host Tauren Wells brought out his pastor-side in the opening monologue, encouraging the audience, saying, “There is only one reason that we’re here tonight, one common denominator between all of us, and it’s that without Jesus, we recognize we have nothing. Without Jesus, we have no songs to sing, without Jesus, we have no stories to tell, we have no scripts to write, no books, we have no platforms, we have no Instagram followers, we have no subscribers, we have nothing to celebrate if it had not been for the Lord who is on your side. But because of Jesus, we have everything to celebrate. Because of Jesus, we have songs to sing, stories to tell, and platforms to declare the greatness of our God. It is not about us, it’s not about our songs or our creativity, it’s about Jesus’s songs and about Jesus’s story.”

Winners followed suit, proclaiming the Dove Awards to be a celebration of faith and community. CeCe Winans, accepting the award for Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year, shared, “Like Tauren said earlier, we don’t do what we do for this [award], we do what we do for Jesus.” Accepting the award for Song of the Year with Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll said, “I want to give this message as clear as I can right now, the world is hearing about Jesus like they have never heard it before. And while they are hearing about Jesus, I encourage you to put faith on your feet and feet on your faith and walk out of this building and go do for the least. They’ve heard Jesus, now show them Jesus.” Receiving the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award, Al Andrews from Porter’s Call said, “I feel like I get a front row seat to hope.”



To watch the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards CLICK HERE.

Partial list of winners:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Forrest Frank

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Leanna Crawford

SONG OF THE YEAR: “Hard Fought Hallelujah”

GOSPEL WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “Come Jesus Come” – CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar

WORSHIP RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake

RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM OF THE YEAR: CRY – Hulvey

SPANISH LANGUAGE RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “Coritos de Fuego” – Israel & New Breed, Unified Sound (ft. Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Nate Diaz, Aaron Moses, Lucia Parker)

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: “God Problems” – Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann

SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Loving You – The Nelons

INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG OF THE YEAR: “The Jesus Way” – Phil Wickham

FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR: The King of Kings – (Director) Jang Seong-ho, (Producers) Jang Seong-ho, Kim Woo-hyung

For the full list of winners, CLICK HERE.
 

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers, and JoAnna Illingworth and Shama Mrema as scriptwriters. Russell E. Hall returns as director and Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.

Wintley Phipps Honors Bill & Gloria Gaither with ‘Symphonic Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither’

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GRAMMY-nominated bass-baritone Wintley Phipps pays homage to two of gospel music’s most influential songwriters on his new album, A Symphonic Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither, available today via Gaither Music Group.

A stunning collaboration with The City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, the project reimagines timeless Gaither compositions through lush orchestral arrangements by David T. Clydesdale, uniting Phipps’ resonant voice with sweeping symphonic textures. The result is a stirring, cinematic experience that captures both the majesty and intimacy of these beloved songs.

“This project is a celebration of faith, hope, and the enduring power of song,” shares Phipps. “The Gaithers’ music has been a guiding light for generations, and to interpret their work with a full orchestra has been one of the most moving experiences of my career.”

Highlights include transcendent new renditions of “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” and “The King Is Coming.” The album’s focus track, “In the Name of the Lord,” showcases Phipps’ signature warmth and authority, blending reverence with emotional power in a way that feels both timeless and newly alive.

Produced and arranged by longtime collaborator David T. Clydesdale, A Symphonic Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither was recorded in Prague and Nashville, bringing together world-class musicianship and Phipps’ unmistakable voice in a testament to the global reach of gospel music.

Wintley Phipps is known worldwide as a vocal artist, motivational speaker, author, and pastor whose performances have graced audiences from the White House to Carnegie Hall. With more than 30 albums to his credit, Phipps has sung for six U.S. presidents and millions of viewers worldwide—his rendition of “Amazing Grace” has surpassed 60 million views online. He is also the founder and CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering children of incarcerated parents through mentoring and education.

Track List for A Symphonic Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither

  1. I Just Feel Like Something Good Is About To Happen
  2. The Center Of My Joy
  3. Something Beautiful
  4. In The Name Of The Lord – Focus Track
  5. This Is My Father’s World / The Family Of God
  6. Jesus Paid It All / There’s Something About That Name
  7. Because He Lives
  8. He Touched Me
  9. The Longer I Serve Him
  10. The King Is Coming

Stream and purchase the new album here. Click here to access a press folder with images, covers, and additional information.

About Gaither Music Group:

One of the largest Independent Christian music companies in the world and a household name for millions of fans, Gaither Music Group (part of Sun Label Group, which encompasses Gaither Music, Sun Records, Green Hill, emeraldwave by Green Hill, and Rural Rhythm), in partnership with Primary Wave Music Publishing, is known worldwide for its award-winning and top-selling recordings, including the Gaither Gospel Series, of which 133 products have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum. 


Lisa Knowles Smith and The Brown Singers Mourn The Loss of Original Group Member Vanessa Yvette Brown Knowles

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For almost fifty years, the quartet group The Brown Singers sang from coast to coast, ministering music that captivated audiences and, through their music, brought peace and hope to the souls of everyone who heard them.  They fused soul, blues, and jazz with traditional hymns and spirituals, creating their powerful signature delivery.  The now, multiple Stellar Award-winning all-female quartet group has lost an iconic figure who contributed to the signature sound and delivery that The Brown Singers are known for.

With heavy hearts, Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers mourn the loss of original group member and icon Vanessa Yvette Brown Knowles, whose life was tragically taken on September 28, 2025.  The Gospel music community has lovingly extended an outpour of love and support to the Brown-Knowles family during their loss and in honor of her legendary contributions to the genre for nearly five decades.

The homegoing arrangements for Vanessa will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Brown Missionary Baptist Church, 7200 Swinnea Road, Southaven, MS 38671. A burial will take place on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Calvary Cemetery, 1663 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106.

As they navigate this turn in life, with heartfelt sensitivity and prayer, Lisa Knowles Smith & The Brown Singers have decided to continue ministering music and maintain their set tour schedule in honor of Vanessa.  Her legacy will be celebrated and will never be forgotten. The continuation of the group’s appearances will also allow fans to honor her contributions to Gospel music.  

The Memorial Concert celebrating her life will be held on Friday, October 10 at 7pm at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 1490 Gold Ave, Memphis, TN 38106.  Special tributes from the Gospel music community include Pastor Tim Rogers, Pastor Roney Strong & The Strong Family, Darrel Petties and Take 2, Jewell & Converted, George Dean & The Gospel 4, and The Violinettes.  Sherry Mackey and Amelia Shields will host the memorial concert. 

The multiple-award-winning group members now are Lisa Knowles-Smith, Jackienna Richmond, Sierra Ward-Pope, and Rachel Anderson, with Lisa’s daughter N’dia standing in her grandmother’s stead. Vanessa will forever be remembered as a mother, a musical matriarch, and a beacon of hope whose faith and resilience inspired all who knew her or heard her powerful testimony.

For more information or to submit a tribute to Vanessa, click here.

About Vanessa Yvette Brown Knowles and The Brown Singers:  The legendary Gospel Quartet group, The Brown Singers, was founded in 1976 by Willie Mae “Brown” Richmond.  Group members then were Vanessa Brown (Knowles), Dolly Starks (Mohn), the late Elizabeth Starks (Cleveland), Rosemary Starks (Mathis), and Ray King.  In the early 90s, the group underwent changes, with Vanessa’s 12-year-old daughter, “Lil Lisa,” becoming the group’s lead singer.  Fast forward forty years,  Lisa Knowles and The Brown Singers have emerged as the preeminent quartet group in Gospel music today.  

Vanessa Brown Knowles was a foundational figure in gospel music and a powerful advocate for breast cancer awareness. As an original member of the Memphis-based Brown Singers, she helped establish the family group’s rich legacy. Knowles’s powerful voice, commitment to her faith, and her role as a mother to Lisa Knowles-Smith were all central to her identity, making her a beloved figure within both her family and the broader gospel community.

Bri Babineaux Hits No. 1 on Billboard Gospel Airplay

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Bri Babineaux had scored her third No. hit with the urban contemporary groove “Confident” (Bri Babineaux Music / Tyscot), which hit the top spot on both the Billboard Gospel Airplay and Mediabase Gospel charts this week.

That song and her prior smash “I Will Wait” are featured on Bri’s highly anticipated fourth album, which will be released in 2026. In the meantime, she’s about to drop a smooth acoustic ballad entitled “All” to close out this year and whet the appetites of her burgeoning audience.