Always Coko gospel compilation to be released on Light Records

Nashville, TN (May 17, 2012) -Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, the beautiful soprano of the legendary R&B group SWV, has always been deeply connected to Gospel music. Over the past few years, Coko released two successful gospel albums, Gratefuland The Winner In Me. They will celebrate her gospel roots with the release of Always Coko, a compilation of her best of gospel songs.

Always Coko

Always Coko relives her anointed moments on rich upbeat tracks, spirited contemporary tunes and engaging melodies. Always Coko is a testimony of her journey and intimate look at the heart of a truly gifted artist.

Coko’s power-house vocals are showcased on big ballads “The Winner In Me,” & “I Surrender.” She rises on the upbeat “May Be My Last Time” and simply soars on the fan favorite, the Clark Sisters re-do of “Endow Me,” featuring Faith Evans; Little Mo and Fantasia.

From its Urban inspirational, contemporary pop tracks and worship ballads, Always Coko is a must have for music fans.

Always Coko will be available May 22, 2012 in stores and online everywhere.

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Mary Mary to perform live on ABC’s Good Morning America on May 9th

(May 8, 2012 – New York, NY) The amazing momentum surrounding groundbreaking R&B/gospel duo Mary Mary refuses to slow down. Following a year of chart hits from their smash 2011 album “Something Big,” sold out tour dates, high-profile media appearances and a steady stream of prominent awards – the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, Soul Train Award, two Stellar Awards, and double Grammy Award nominations among them – the talented pair keeps moving forward.

Mary Mary’s constant efforts to connect with their fans will continue during the new album’s release week. On May 8th, the duo appeared on WPIX’s Morning News and on Better TV’s The Better Show. On May 9th, they will perform live on ABC’s Good Morning America.

Also on May 8th, the duo participated in the “I Will Graduate” campaign, an initiative from Entertainers for Education Alliance (E4EA) that encourages high school students in underperforming schools to stay the course until graduation (more information at http://www.iwillgraduateday.com/).

Go Get It

Sisters Erica and Tina Campbell have also launched a hit television series, “Mary Mary,” which debuted on cable network WE tv in late-March to the delight of their ever-growing fan base. The show follows the siblings’ lives onstage as successful recording artists and performers, and offstage as sisters, mothers and wives, striving to balance their superstar lifestyles with raising families of their own. “The tone of the show is nurturing,” wrote The New York Times, “even when the two are at cross purposes.” The new video for “Go Get It,”directed by Darren Grant (India Arie, Destiny’s Child), premiered exclusively on wetv.com on April 12th. “Mary Mary” airs on Thursday nights at 9 pm, ET/8 pm CST.

Mary Mary’s constant efforts to connect with their fans will continue during the new album’s release week. On May 8th, the duo appeared on WPIX’s Morning News and on Better TV’s The Better Show. On May 9th, they will perform live on ABC’s Good Morning America.

Also on May 8th, the duo participated in the “I Will Graduate” campaign, an initiative from Entertainers for Education Alliance (E4EA) that encourages high school students in underperforming schools to stay the course until graduation (more information at http://www.iwillgraduateday.com/).

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Freda Battle and her independent label ink exclusive deal with Central South Distribution

Boston, MA  (May 8, 2012)- Recording artist Freda Battle  has launched her new independent label Peace-O-Mind Music and inked a national distribution deal with leading independent distributor Central South Distribution.

Freda Battle & The Temple Worshippers with Friends will release their long-awaited new CD, HOW GLORIOUS AND EXCELLENT IS OUR GOD available in stores and online  June 12th via this exclusive partnership. Marketing, promotion and publicity efforts will be handled by the J. Hardy Agency.

Freda Battle & the Temple Worshippers returns to the music scene with their first CD in six years. HOW GLORIOUS AND EXCELLENT IS OUR GOD, which was recorded and streamed live in Boston at Morning Star Baptist Church, where Battle serves as a worship leader proves that she still has more to offer the Gospel music community.

From the high church energy of the title cut “How Glorious & Excellent Is Our God” and the  Brazilian infused tune “150 Praises” to the passionate reflection of “His Presence Is Here” and the refreshing latin-flavored praise and worship song “Oh How I Love”, this striking 13-song collection, which features guest appearances from Dove Award-nominated and Stellar Award winning worship artist Stephen Hurd, Rodney Posey, and Bobby Perry (of Bobby Perry & R.A.I.N), is evidence not merely of a collection of great singers, but seasoned ministers. Continue reading Freda Battle and her independent label ink exclusive deal with Central South Distribution

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Fred Hammond set to headline 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour

PRNewswire via COMTEX/- McDonald’s USA recently announced that multi-award winning gospel artist Fred Hammond will headline the 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, an annual summer concert series the company pioneered as a way to bring positive, uplifting messages and entertainment to communities nationwide.

The nine-city tour kicks off May 12 and runs through June 30, and will also feature special guest Byron Cage, 21:03, Canton Jones, J Moss, Myron Butler and VaShawn Mitchell.

God, Love & Romance

“I look forward to being a part of the 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour because it provides an ideal platform for sharing the hopeful messages of gospel music with audiences in diverse communities,” said Hammond, a 30-year gospel music veteran and former McDonald’s restaurant crew member.

“Now more than ever, our nation’s communities need messages of hope and encouragement. My goal is to make sure everyone who attends a concert leaves feeling personally inspired and motivated to serve their community.”

Now in its sixth year, the 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour will stop in major markets, including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Ft. Washington, Md., Jackson, Newark and Philadelphia. Concerts are free of charge, with the exception of the May 12 show in Newark, which is part of McDonald’s Gospelfest.

Tour dates and locations include:

May 12 – Newark, McDonald’s Gospelfest – Prudential Center

June 14 – Birmingham, Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center Continue reading Fred Hammond set to headline 2012 McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour

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The King’s Men tour with Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin and Israel Houghton

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 3, 2012) Four of the most successful performers in gospel music history, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin and Israel Houghton, announced today that they will share the same stage for the very first time when they embark on The King’s Men concert tour this fall.

The historic U.S. tour will hit major venues in 15 U.S. cities beginning on Sunday, September 16th at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, AZ, and culminating in Brooklyn, NY at Barclays Center on Sunday, October 14th.

Produced by Live Nation Entertainment, tickets for The King’s Men concert tour will go on sale beginning on Friday, May 11th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning on Tuesday, May 8th at 10:00 AM ET through Citi’s Private Pass Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

“In the Gospel world, this is like Springsteen, McCartney, Prince and Elton hitting the road together,” said Kevin Morrow, Senior Vice President of Touring at Live Nation. “It’s going to be a once in a lifetime event for music fans.” Continue reading The King’s Men tour with Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Donnie McClurkin and Israel Houghton

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James and Cheryl Fortune talk relationships in May/June issue of Gospel Today magazine

Nashville, TN (May 2, 2012) – Multiple award winning, Grammy nominated recording artist, James Fortune & wife Cheryl talk about relationships in the cover story of the new issue of Gospel Today magazine. The May/June Issue features the Fortunes in the summer ‘Love’ issue along with five other prominent ‘it’ couples.

In the cover story, James & Cheryl share their powerful love story of survival and strength. As portraits of courage James & Cheryl recall the most difficult time in their marriage -the season of being homeless. The couple relives how they stuck by each other and leaned on their unwavering faith to survive despite an over 7 month stretch of being jobless, living in their car and subsequently moving from motel to motel.

“It was a difficult time because it affected our entire family” said James. “To realize that I was having a hard time providing for my kids, in the midst of this family struggle proved a difficult, dark time in my life.”

The Fortunes didn’t allow their lives to be defined by that narrative and have thrived since that trying time. The Fortune’s have enjoyed a burgeoning career along with successfully launching their own record imprint F.I.Y.A World Music in conjunction with Light Records, under which Cheryl’s solo album will be released next year. Continue reading James and Cheryl Fortune talk relationships in May/June issue of Gospel Today magazine

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New music from Janice Gaines heads to Gospel radio

The anticipated debut single from emerging gospel artist Janice Gaines, titled “One Day,” heads to radio and online outlets today, and is currently streaming online at OneDayMusic.com. The single will be available for download on iTunes and Amazon.com on May 15, 2012.

On “One Day,” Janice Gaines offers a heartwarming and familiar chorus—simple enough for everyone to sing along to—while delivering a vocal performance as beautiful and pure as the eternal world about which she is singing.

“One day, we’ll look back on this life from Heaven,” shares Gaines. “We’ll look at all that we went through down here, and we’ll say ‘Is that it? Is that what we went through?’ And we’ll say that it’s fine with us—that everything God allowed was okay. And it will be beautiful.”

Janice Gaines wrote the familiar refrain of “One Day,” and simply sang it around the house to encourage herself, until she took it to writing partners Alvin Love III and Dwan Hill. The trio completed the song, which was produced by Hill (for Crystal City, Inc.) and Love. The result is a refreshing gospel anthem that stands out and resonates with every heart.

“One Day,” is more than just a song—it’s a musical invitation to rest in the hope of an eternal life void of trials, pain or sorrow. “It’s about taking on the Lord’s perspective, from Heaven,” adds Gaines, “instead of resting in our own understanding.” Continue reading New music from Janice Gaines heads to Gospel radio

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Cheneta Jones making impact in Gospel music with new CD and concert appearances

St. Louis, MO — St. Louis native Cheneta Jones is establishing an astonishing presence in Gospel music.  Her fresh sound, magnetic character and pure vocal quality has her dubbed as The One To Watch!  This young breakout solo artist is in demand and on the road with a heavy tour schedule and key appearances in preparation of her highly anticipated national debut CD release Transformed.

The new CD will be available May 22 on Real Talent Media Group / Habakkuk Music / INgrooves Fontana Distribution. You can pre-order on Amazon.

Transformed

“I want listeners to be able to hear a song and reflect on how it applies to their life,” Cheneta explains. “In addition, for those who are not believers, it is my intention to draw them to Christ through practical means and not religiosity.” Continue reading Cheneta Jones making impact in Gospel music with new CD and concert appearances

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Fred Hammond to serve as spokesperson for Ties Never Broken campaign

New York, NY (April 30, 2012) — Inspired by President Barack Obama’s 2010 Father’s Day address, Fathers Incorporated has launched its Ties Never Broken campaign. Fathers Incorporated, a not-for-profit organization in New York is committed to eliminating fatherlessness and increasing the commitment of men to become mentors. Over the last several months, the campaign has garnered international attention and is supported by The White House and several major urban cities. The Ties Never Broken campaign is symbolized by the social marketing icon of a “blue bow tie.”

God, Love & Romance

New to the team in championing the mission of responsible fatherhood is Fred Hammond, Grammy Award and multiple award-winning performer, producer and writer. Hammond joins fellow co-spokesperson Chris Broussard, journalist and sports analyst for ESPN. “I am excited to serve in this honorable capacity of saving our children,” states Hammond. “I’ve spent my life striving to be a responsible father and man, and I find it unacceptable what’s happening to our children because of the disengagement of fathers and able bodied men.” Continue reading Fred Hammond to serve as spokesperson for Ties Never Broken campaign

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Joel Osteen’s Washington,DC ‘Night of Hope’ to air on TBN

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2012-Trinity Broadcasting Network is partnering with Joel Osteen Ministries to provide the global television coverage of Joel and Victoria Osteen’s America’s Night of Hope April 28th from Nationals Park in Washington, DC.

“TBN has been honored to partner with the Osteens in their past historic Night of Hope events in New York City, Los Angeles, and Jerusalem,” noted TBN founder Dr. Paul Crouch. “The excitement, inspiration, and hope that emanate from these capacity-crowd gatherings make them something we look forward to every year. We anticipate great things in Washington, DC.

Every Day a Friday: How to Be Happier 7 Days a Week

Pastor of one of America’s largest and most diverse congregations, the 43,000-strong Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, Joel Osteen speaks hope and truth into the lives of millions of individuals and families weekly through his number-one rated TV program. The New York Times recently noted that Pastor Joel is one of the most influential people on Twitter, and one of the most retweeted. Continue reading Joel Osteen’s Washington,DC ‘Night of Hope’ to air on TBN

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