Welcome to Gospel-Spotlight.com!! GS NEWS ROOM, #1 FIRST WITH NEWS     May 18, 2013 UPDATE!!...  Mary Mary on Ebony cover.... I Hear Music this week... Donald Lawrence to kick off live recording...May 18, 2013 UPDATE!!...Pastors of L.A. on Oxygen...  News News News News News News News News News ____________________________________________ The nominees for the 2013 BET Awards have been announced. Mary Mary is included in two categories, nominated for Best Gospel and Best Group category. Other Best Gospel Nominees are Deitrick Haddon, Lecrae, Tamela Mann, Mary Mary, and Marvin Sapp. Comedian Chris Tucker will host the show, The 2013 BET Awards will air live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on June 30, 2013 at 8 pm EST. Grammy® Award-winning songwriter and producer Donald Lawrence will kick off a star-studded live recording in Chicago on Tuesday, June 18th for the first part in his much-anticipated two-volume 20th Year Anniversary album, 'Donald Lawrence 20 Year Celebration Volumes I & II.' A host of diverse performers will join Lawrence for this milestone live album recording of Volume I, including Natalie Grant, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kierra Sheard, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Coko, Rudy Currence, Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Price, Ted & Sheri, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Lawrence’s backing ensemble The Co. and director/choreographer/dancer Laurieann Gibson. Oxygen Media is joining the ‘Gospel Reality TV’ craze with its own show “Pastors of L.A.” ‘Pastors of L.A.’ will give viewers a candid and revealing look at six boldly different and world renowned mega-pastors in Southern California, who are willing to share diverse aspects of their lives, from their work in the community and with their parishioners to the very large and sometimes provocative lives they lead away from the pulpit. Bishop Noel Jones, Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Wayne Chaney, Bishop Ron M. Gibson and Pastor Jay Haizlip will be featured. The I Hear Music in The Air Conference will be held Friday, May 17- Sunday, May 19, 2013. The I Hear Music In The Air Conference is the brainchild of Gospel hitmaker, Tracey Artis. The Friday Night Concert features Fred Hammond, The United Tenors, J. Moss, William Murphy, Anita Wilson, Larry Callahan & SOG, Temple of Deliverance, Kevin Davidson & UCICC, Isaac Carree, Javen, Livre. Kevin Vasser, Michael Pugh and Praise Dancer Stacey Johnson. The I Hear Music In The Air Conference celebrates its 12th year in 2013. Karen Clark Sheard, the first lady of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God and Christ in Detroit, MI, which is pastored by her husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard, will host an international summit for women who serve in various leadership roles in the church. Lady Karen Clark Sheard Presents: Ladies 1st: A Celebration of Women; The Inaugural Annual International Summit will go down September 18-21, 2013, in Virginia Beach, VA. The summit will bring together women of God who are pastors, co-pastors, ministers, wives, widows and adjutants from all denominations for three days of sharing, healing and breakthrough in a relaxing environment outside of the traditional church landscape. Thousands will descend upon Dallas for MegaFest, hosted by T.D. Jakes, from August 29 to 31. The three-day festival is making its triumphant return to the United States for the first time since 2006 and will be held at the Dallas Convention Center, American Airlines Center and other venues throughout the city. Joel and Victoria Osteen will headline the event along with Bishop Jakes. Other nationally known speakers and guests include Bishop I. V. Hilliard, Dr. Jasmin Sculark, Dr. Marvin Sapp, Pastor Sheryl Brady, Dr. E. Dewey Smith and Pastor Chris Durso. The event will draw men, women and youth with real-world messages of hope and purpose. The Pace Sisters will appear on an episode of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network's popular series "Iyanla: Fix My Life," The episode will air on Saturday, May 18 at 9:00pm EST. The Pace Family is 9 sisters, 7 of which are in the group, The Pace Sisters: Latrice, DeJuaii, Melonda, June, Leslie, Duranice, and Lydia. The Pace Sisters have released four albums. On the outside, the group seemingly has it all yet on the inside, the Pace family has struggled with a lifelong battle with weight. The family of a total of 10 siblings have been all challenged with weight loss and at age 54, their only brother, Murphy Pace passed away. Motown Gospel is joining with TreMyles Music and Mars On Sunday to sign Gospel Hall of Fame Member Paul Porter. Porter, a founder and former lead singer of the Quartet The Christianaires, is a multi-award-winning vocalist and songwriter. A new studio album is slated for release in Fall 2013, while the first single "F.R.E.E," featuring GRAMMY-winner Smokie Norful, will debut in June 2013. Ebony Magazine will feature Mary Mary on the cover of their June 2013 issue. In a revealing interview Tina shares that her husband Teddy once had an affair, which she has since forgiven him for. “Once I became aware of the affair, I initially wanted to kill my husband. I was considering adjusting the will, the living trust and all that kind of stuff. I did physically try to stab him. Several times. I never got to the point of physical harm, not really, but my words. My words hurt,” says Tina. Erica chimes in on her solo career and how she feels about her husband’s decision to go into ministry. “I feel like my husband has been called to minister. Now I said Lord, when I first started dating this guy he worked for Death Row Records, but he was from the church. That was a perfect combination for me, a little street, a little church,” reveals Erica. Motown Gospel has signed Micah Stampley. The Atlanta-based singer/songwriter came to national prominence in 2005 with the release of "The Song Book of Micah." It was released on Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Dexterity Sounds/EMI Gospel label, Steve Harvey will soon take his place as a part of history by being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood’s Chamber of Commerce announced that the ceremony will take place on May 13, 2013. Harvey will be feted by fellow comedian Ellen DeGeneres and self-help guru Dr. Phil McGraw at the ceremony. Bishop Larry D. Trotter- Senior Pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church of Chicago- recently announced to his congregation and associate churches that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo surgery on May 22nd. The initial diagnosis came during Bishop Trotter’s annual physical in March of 2013 and was confirmed by tests. Doctors have informed Bishop Trotter that the cancer is in its earliest stages and that his prognosis is good. Bishop Trotter is prepping to release his forthcoming album with his church choir Sweet Holy Spirit Combined Choir entitled "Praise Unlimited" on June 25. The McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is back. Join host Vickie Winans with guest Smokie Norful, Lecrae, Tamela Mann and John P. Kee. The multi-city tour will make stops in nine markets, including: Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Louisville, Newark, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The Concerts are free. AlwaysAList.com reports that TLC has canceled its controversial reality series “The Sisterhood.” A source close to the production tells the site, “It absolutely won’t be back!” The reality show was set in Atlanta and chronicled the lives of the wives of several less-than-prominent preachers. Arrow Records, a division of Arrow Global Entertainment, announced its partnership with the South African-based David Gresham Record Company. Under the agreement, the Gresham Company will facilitate the release and distribution of music projects from Arrow’s diverse roster of artists, including Kim Burrell, Ann Nesby and pastor Creflo Dollar, in South Africa and other African countries. I Hear Music In The Air is preparing for its 12th annual event. Attended by thousands and produced by I Hear Music, Inc., and its CEO, Tracey Artis, the conference assembles the top Gospel music artists, professionals and industry insiders to honor, educate, and enjoy music and ministry. This year’s conference features Fred Hammond, William Murphy, Livre, Kevin Davidson & UCIC, Larry Callahan & SOG, Ray Bady, Javen, Canton Jones, J. Moss, Byron Cage, Anita Wilson, 21:03, <b>Kevin Vassar and others. The conferencegoes down May 17-19, 2013 in Cincinnati, OH. After eight years of litigation music industry giant Sony BMG Music Entertainment has settled a lawsuit filed by industry entertainment Attorney James L. Walker, Jr. Walker alleged in his lawsuit that Sony BMG Music Entertainment refused to allow urban artists effective legal representation. Filed nearly a decade ago in 2005, the Connecticut & Atlanta based Walker & Associates law firm alleged that Verity Records, Provident Distribution, Zomba (now owned by Sony), and Max Siegel, tortuously interfered with contractual relationships that the law firm had with dozens of artists. The case received national attention as no firm had challenged Sony before and won in this manner.In the complaint, the Plaintiffs named numerous examples of bad conduct by Sony including intentionally omitting of the firm’s name on album credits, defamation about the firm, and a refusal to pay artists top dollars for the use of their copyrights and intellectual property. Gospel legends, Donnie McClurkin and Tramaine Hawkins, will be honored this year during the annual Day of Praise and Inspiration at the Essence Festival in New Orleans on July 7, 2013. The free event will feature performances from Yolanda Adams, Isaac Carree, Kim Burrell, Kurt Carr, Michelle Williams, Tyronne Foster and The Arc Singers, Bishop Lester Love and Bishop Noel Jones. It all goes down at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and New York News Anchor Cheryl Wills is scheduled to host. Mary Mary’s younger sister and stylist, Goo Goo and her boyfriend Justin calls it quits. Over the last two seasons we’ve seen Goo and Justin go through their ups and downs of reality TV “love”. Goo Goo made the announcement over social cam. Erica Campbell, one half of the phenomenal Grammy winning duo Mary Mary, stepped out in New York this Sunday to perform the first single “A Little More Jesus” off her forthcoming solo CD. Performing before a packed house at Manhattan’s Village Underground, Campbell had the crowd on their feet with the upbeat tune that took people back to that classic old school sound. David and Tamela Mann finally had the wedding ceremony of their dreams over the weekend in Dallas, Texas. Although the couple was legally married since 1988, they never had the chance to have the ceremony they desired. The couple didn't have much money, so they were married by their pastor in his study. Although the Manns have four children, none of them were included in the wedding. Instead, the couple opted to use their grandchildren. "Our grand babies were dressed as little princes and princesses, "says Tamela. "Our children weren't happy they didn't get to be in the ceremony, but they eventually were okay with it because their kids got to be on stage with us." The ceremony was small and intimate, with only close family and loved ones in attendance, including the couple's long time friend Kirk Franklin. Thursday April 19, 2013, JUANITA BYNUM spent the night in the Lew Sterrett Justice Center after being arrested for a warrant for her failure to appear in a Dallas civil proceeding against her. Bynum was released after appearing in a Dallas courtroom earlier that day to answer questions in the case, which includes a 2007 judgment ordering her to pay $140,000 to ALW Entertainment. Bynum has yet to pay Al Wash, President/CEO of ALW Entertainment. Wash sued Bynum for failing to perform in a play for which he paid her. Songwriter George Henry Jackson passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013. George’s first of many Gold Records as a songwriter, was “One Bad Apple” by The Osmonds, came soon after his arrival at Fame. One of George’s Muscle Shoals demo recordings actually became his biggest hit ever: Bob Seger’s 1979 rock classic, “Old Time Rock & Roll”. Another of George’s MSS songs “Down Home Blues” by Z. Z. Hill, released by Malaco Records in 1982, became the best known blues song of the 80's and Malaco’s biggest hit. George signed as a writer for Malaco Records in 1983 where he continued writing hit songs for Blues and Soul icons Z. Z. Hill, Denise LaSalle, Little Milton, Latimore, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and Shirley Brown. George also enjoyed success with songs recorded by Christina Aguilera, Luther Ingram, Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Joss Stone, Ike & Tina Turner, Billy Swan, Millie Jackson, Etta James, James Brown, Candy Staton and many others. The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced the return of the legendary GMA Dove Awards to Music City for its 44th year of honors. For the first time in Dove Awards history, Gospel music’s biggest night will take place in the fall. This year’s show is on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at 8 p.m. EDT. Entertainment One Music (eOne Music) has inked a new deal creating a strategic partnership with My Block Records. My Block abel and entertainment enterprise head, Grammy®-winning super producer Warryn Campbell and eOne Music SVP James Robinson made the announcement this week. In this deal, the strategic partnership will utilize eOne Music’s multi-faceted channels of production, distribution, sales, marketing, communications and more to support a range of My Block’s artists. Look for the debut of Art & Beat EP newly-released from JoiStaRR, upcoming releases will include an album from Campbell’s wife Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, a new single in June and album from his Gospel group Soul Seekers in Fall 2013, as well as releases planned from Jason McGee and Jason Champion for 2014. In honor of the late pastor Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr., his former wife Pastor Riva Tims and their children (Zoelle, Zachery III, Zahria and Zion) are coming together with others to celebrate his life and legacy on April 18, 2013. Family, friends, local pastors and others will gather at The Kingdom Church to remember the late Dr. Tims. Riva Tims and the family are planning to establish The Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. Enrichment Center to continue his good works. Brad Knight, son of Paula White, defended his mother after being criticized by Christian Rapper Shai Linne, who claims White and several other popular televangelists are frauds in his new song “Fal$e Teacher$.” Knight penned an open letter stating: When I hear a fellow Christian leader, whom has never had a conversation with me or my mother, call her a Fal$e Teacher I wonder what Fal$e Teaching. I myself have been inculcated with since I, more than anyone else on the face of the earth, have been most exposed to her teachings, he added. He goes on in the letter to dismiss the song as pure cannibalization without Biblical precedence, and argued that instead of writing a song publicly criticizing his mother, Linne should have tried reaching out to the televangelist. Along with Paula White, Linne lists several other televangelists as Fal$e Teacher$. They include: Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Fred Price, Kenneth Copeland, Robert Tilton, Eddie Long, Juanita Bynum and Paul Crouch. Damon Little, who is best known for “You Can’t Straddle The Fence, ” has been scheduled for emergency heart surgery to take place Monday, April 22nd in the Baltimore, MD area. Little wanted his fans to hear the news straight from him and he released a letter to his fans.You can send cards and well wishes to Damon Little at P.O. Box 29806, Baltimore, MD. 21216 or call (410) 462-5371, ltlfamcare@aol.com The Malaco Music Group, announces the Board of Director’s election of Thomas J. Couch, Jr. as the new President and CEO of the company. Mr. Couch, currently a Board member, has been associated with the company for over 15 years. Mr. Couch succeeds his father, co-founder Thomas Couch, Sr. in that position. “Tommy was instrumental and took the lead in several of our acquisitions throughout the years with the most important being the purchase of 50% interest in Select-O-Hits, the premier independent record distributor located in Memphis, TN. In the past, Malaco’s expansion has included the purchase of the Savoy Gospel label in New York and the The Atlanta International Record Company with Select-O-Hits, as well as the distribution of numerous other labels including Apollo Records of New York, Muscle Shoals Sound Records, Jermaine Dupri’s SoSo Def Records, BeBe and CeCe Winans’ B & C label and Warryn Campbell’s My Block Records. Zie’l one of the more notable girl group’s to emerge since the Clark Sisters. Zie'l have announced that they are making a comeback; and sooner than you think too. Look out for the new single 'He’s Sweet I Know.' The ladies are known for their hit "Is My Living In Vain.' Earnest Pugh has joined forces with J. Moss and the PAJAM production team to create a new radio single, “I Believe You Most.” The ballad that Pugh co-wrote with PAJAM tells a story of maintaining faith in God in the face of life’s obstacles. Grammy-Award winning star and Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin is joining forces with House of Blues to create a new Gospel Brunch experience as part of its year-long 20th Anniversary Celebration. House of Blues Gospel Brunch has been a staple of Sunday morning family entertainment around the country for over two decades. Kirk Franklin's Gospel Brunch at House of Blues will be unveiled for the first time at House of Blues locations across the country this Mother's Day, May 12th. The new Gospel Brunch experience will be infused with the same kind of contemporary energy that has made Franklin the biggest selling Gospel Music artist in the world. American Idol Winner Fantasia Barrino revealed that her mother, Diane Barrino, is working on her Gospel album with Stellar Award-winner VaShawn Mitchell. It was announced during an interview on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Kierra Sheard is in studio preparing her upcoming, yet-to-be titled album. Kierra has revealed that she will be working with Award-winning producer/writer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds . She used instagram to break the news by posting a picture. Vicki Yohe is set to record a live CD and DVD April 9, 2013 at the FaithWorld Center in Orlando. "Free Worshipper" will be released on Shanachie Entertainment in August 2013. Vicki Yohe will reunite with celebrated recording artist and producer Kendall Duffie who produced her last two recordings "Reveal Your Glory" and "I’m At Peace" Duffie has also produced, recorded and executive produced Stellar Award-winning artists such as Marvin Winans, Bishop Paul Morton, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee, as well as Maysa Leak and Mitchell Jones of Commissioned. Motown Records has entered in a joint venture with EMI Gospel to form Motown Gospel. The label made it's debut last night in Los Angeles with a showcase featuring Smokie Norful, Kierra Sheard, Tasha Cobbs and Tye Tribbett. EMI Gospel label veteran Ken Pennell will oversee day to day operations and Grammy award winning songwriter/producer Aaron Lindsay has been tapped to serve as VP of A&R. In its first act, the label signed multi award winner CeCe Winans whose project is slated for a 2014 release. Friday, April 5th, the Rance Allen Group will perform live on the Word Network during the network’s Live Spring Revival Telethon. The Spring Revival Telethon will also feature, JJ Hairston, Deon Kipping, Bishop Liston Page, Dr. Juanita Bynum and more. The telethon will air at 8pm EST. On Sunday, April 7th, Bishop Rance Allen will appear on BET’s Celebration of Gospel and pay tribute to Reverend James Cleveland during a solo performance of Cleveland’s song, “That Will Be Good Enough For Me”. In what appears to be the most bizarre accusation of the year thus far, Bishop T.D. Jakes is being blamed for helping Deion Sanders hide money during his divorce settlement. A few years ago ex-football player, Deion Sanders, filed for divorce from his wife, Pilar. According to Nikki Sanni, ex-girlfriend of Fred Hammond, Deion met with Bishop Jakes at Hammond’s house, where he sought advice from him on how to protect his finances from the court system. Apparently he doesn’t want to lose too much money when the divorce is finalized. Sanni claims she doesn’t know Deion or Pilar personally, but decided to share the conversation she heard between the gentlemen because her mother advised it was the right thing to do. Whether she’s telling the truth or not, this could mean serious trouble for both, Bishop Jakes and Deion. Sanni says that she will testify in court on Pilar’s behalf. RCA Inspiration is gearing up for the release of Deitrick Haddon’s new album R.E.D. (Restoring Everything Damaged). The first single released to radio is “Have Your Way,” a passionate mid-tempo song of worship. Tyscot Music Film & Entertainment president Bryant Scott and wife Ta'Sha were installed on Palm Sunday as new pastors of Total Praise & Worship Center in Indianapolis, IN. Officiates included Pastors Bruce & Loretta Farr (Overcoming Church, Indianapolis, IN), Bishop J. Laverne & Lady Linda Tyson (World Federation of Independent Ministries), and Bishop Leonard & Lady Christine Scott (Rock Community Church, Indianapolis, IN). Total Praise & Worship Center also celebrated 14 years of ministry. Javen drops a new effort "Worship In the Now " on May 21th. The Worship In the Now Tour will go down March 20th in New York and continue in Philadelphia, Maryland, Washington D. C., Detroit, Chicago, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Atlanta, North Carolina, Florida and Texas. GSN announced that GRAMMY winner and multi-platinum-selling musician and producer Kirk Franklin will join “The American Bible Challenge” as musical co-host for the second season. Franklin, along with musical director Kris Pooley, will lead the show’s choir with additional new members joining to support GSN’s series. Season 2 of ”The American Bible Challenge”, hosted by Jeff Foxworthy and produced by Relativity Real, will premiere on Thursday, March 21st at 8 pm ET/PT on GSN. Gospel singer and choir director Ricky Dillard announced that he was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis in his lungs. On Twitter he revealed he has been going to doctors for the past two years because of constant phlegm in his chest and throat. His tweets: “I was recently diagnosed w/ Sarcoidosis in my lungs. Went to DRs for 2+ years, because I constantly had phlegm in my chest & throat. Wanted 2 share this, bc we all know how the saints r w/ rumors. I' m taking medication, but am fully functioning, working & shouting victory!” Sarcoidosis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues. The disease can affect almost any organ of the body, but it most commonly affects the lungs. There’s a new director of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in The White House. President Obama announced Melissa Rogers will take the role as well as being a special assistant to the president. According to The Christian Post, Rogers will provide President Obama with spiritual support and guidance, and assist the Administration in it's effort to collaborate with faith-base and non profit organizations throughout the country. Troy Sneed and Alvin Darling have teamed up for the “All is Well” Tour 2013, which will kick off, March 14th in Georgia. The “All Is Well” Tour 2013 is geared to encourage hearts that no matter what the circumstance or how you may feel, remember that with God “All Is Well”. Charley Humbard, President/CEO of GMC TV, released a statement revealing the network will be revamped with a new name, logo and appearance. The transformation has already begun, as the new logo is available and beginning September 1, 2013 the eight-year-old network will officially be known as UP. Also, GMC TV’s parent company Gospel Music Channel LLC will change its name to Up Entertainment LLC. “We like to say we have been a brand that has offered uplifting entertainment, as well as uplifting entertainment overall,” says Humbard. “Nothing’s changing on the channel programmatically, but it’s a way for us to bring clarity to the brand, and it gives punch to the network’s message of a place where viewers can turn to be uplifted, entertained and inspired.” SERVING UP SOUL, hosted by Dorinda Clark-Cole, announces a major expansion of the radio show with Rejoice Radio Networks. Rejoice will provide programming, distribution, advertising sales, marketing and affiliate sales for the two hour weekly radio. SERVING UP SOUL is nationally syndicated and serves up a two hour weekly music and lifestyle show of non-stop inspiration and health tips. WE tv announced that the women's network has greenlit a third season of its popular docu-series, Mary Mary,just ahead of the season two finale airing tonight, February 28 at 9 pm, ET/PT. WE tv has ordered 10, one-hour episodes. Production will begin in Los Angeles in mid-March. Entertainment One (eOne) announce it's expanding its relationship with Grammy® Award winning singer/songwriter Michelle Williams through its television division to produce a reality series based on Williams' life entitled MY SISTER'S KEEPER. The Inspirational Soulful Sista’s Tour features Shirley Murdock, Regina Belle, Kelly Price and Chante’ Moore. Sponsored by Traxx Records and Productions, LLC, the Inspirational Soulful Sista’s Tour will donate a portion of all proceeds to a foundation to reach women and persons of color in underserved urban populations. The soulful celebration will begin February 22nd in Flint, MI., February 23rd in Muskegon, MI. and will culminate on March 30th in Greenville, SC. Tyler Perry has reached out to Sweet Brown for the movie version of his stageplay, ”A Madea Christmas”. Sweet Brown rose to fame after a news report of her apartment building catching on fire went viral. In the video she gave a very animated re-cap of her actions once finding out the building was on fire. Congratulations to the Grammy Award Ceremony winners! BEST GOSPEL SONG-“Go Get It-”Mary Mary, BEST CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM-“Eye On It-”Tobe Mac, BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC SONG (TIE) “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)”-Jonas Myrin, Matt Redman, songwriters (Matt Redman) and “Your Presence Is Heaven”-Israel Houghton, Micah Massey, songwriters (Israel & New Breed) BEST GOSPEL ALBUM-“Gravity” Lecrae-BEST GOSPEL/CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE. Malaco Records, the Mississippi based music company re-signed The Fantastic Violinaires and recorded its new group, The Little Angels in their newly designed state of the art recording studio in January. If you will recall the old studio was damaged as a result of a destructive tornado in the spring of 2011. Also, Malaco announced a joint venture with Arkansas based Lunjeal Music Group for the CD release of 15 year old Evangelist Jekalyn Carr. The CD is scheduled for a spring release. Verity Gospel Music Group will now be known as RCA Inspiration. It will be headed up by GM Geo Bivins SVP, Urban Promotion, RCA Records. In addition, Stanley Brown has been promoted to Head of A&R and Cheryl Marks has been promoted to VP of Marketing. Georgia megachurch pastor Creflo Dollar has successfully had battery charges against him dropped after he completed an anger management program, after accusations last year that he physically attacked his 15-year-old daughter. Dollar was originally arrested and taken into custody at Fayette County Jail on June 7, 2012, where he was later released on a $5,000 bond. It was reported that the minister was suspected to have "slightly hurt" his 15-year old daughter after they got into an argument about her attending a party. Dollar's 19-year-old daughter, Alexandria Dollar, later claimed that she saw her father "put both hands around her sister's neck and [choke] her for about five seconds," after which she allegedly saw him slap her younger sister in the face and throw her to the ground. A deputy Fayette County officer added that upon inspection, the girl appeared to have a scratch on the right side of her neck. Dollar reportedly told officers that his daughter had become very disrespectful after the argument over the party, and she hit him when he tried to wrestle her to the floor. Judge Inagawa has now dismissed the charges against the minister, but said that he will have to pay $1,072 in fees and court costs. and since he opted to take the pre-trial intervention program, the pastor did not have to enter a plea in the case. Pastor Dollors' anger management program lasted three months, during which he was required to report to a probation officer and avoid violent contact with anyone. He successfully completed the anger management classes, and his probation officer said that he incurred no new charges during in that time period. Gospel singer, actor. director and producer Deitrick Haddon has finally decided to come clean about his devoice from ex-wife Damita. Deitrick's Facebook post stated the cause of the split was adultery on Damita's behalf with chart-topper Isaac Carree. Haddon claims he revealed the info because he was tired of being blamed for causing the divorce after recently announcing his new engagement to a younger woman and the birth of his child. Damita nor Isaac, who is married, have released a statement on the situation. Canton Jones and CAJO International announced the ministerial ordination of Canton Jones as Student Pastor at New Hope Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, Sunday, January 13th. Canton has served New Hope Church at Alive Student Ministries since the summer of 2012. During these services, Canton has exposed the youth to action packed nights of activities, including games and contests, engaging videos, a live DJ, praise & worship and culminating with a relevant Word from God. DeVon Franklin and his wife Meagan Good are Hollywood movers-and-shakers who are soul mates. The Sony Pictures film executive, author and minister and his wife grace the cover of Ebony Magazine' s Black Love issue. The newlywed couple share how God brought them together and what keeps their union strong given the stresses and strains of Hollywood. Meagan Good is the star of the new NBC series Deception. The February 2013 issue is on newsstands now. Tracey Artis founder of I Hear Music, Inc., a promotions and marketing firm has been blessed to promote some of the top records of the year. Billboard's Top Gospel Songs of the Year Chart report that the number 1 and number 2 songs were represented by I Hear Music. "Let The Church Say Amen" by Andrae' Crouch (featuring Pastor Marvin Winans) and "Awesome" by Pastor Charles Jenkins. Artis' company also had two other tracks in the Top Ten: Marvin Sapp's "My Testimony" (#3) and Mary Mary's "Go Get It" (#9). Other singles worked by Artis include Isaac Carree's "In The Middle" (#13), Byron Cage's "Great and Mighty" (#16), and Patrick Dopson's "Keep Me" (#18). Artis has also assisted with radio promotions and marketing for EMI Gospel's Anita Wilson who placed at #34 with "Speechless". In addition, Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton and Anita Wilson were recently honored with GRAMMY Award Nominations. The nation was shocked last week after the devastating shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The tragic event left a total of 26 people dead, 20 of them children. Among the six adults killed were Dawn Hochsprung, the school's beloved principal, and school psychologist Mary Sherlach. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Adam Lanza also killed, apparently by his own hand. He killed his mother earlier. The Gospel Spotlight send our condolences to those who lost loved ones as a result of this gruesome, tragic event. Let us all pray that they make it through this tough, devastating time. James “Jazzy” Jordan is retiring from the Verity Gospel Music Group at of the end of this year, after a total of 17 years with the company. Jazzy Jordan's leadership at Verity contributed to the success of the label, which remains the number one label in Gospel music. The Church of God in Christ has re-elected Presiding Bishop Charles Blake to serve a second four-year term as head of the nation’s largest Pentecostal denomination. COGIC delegates met in St. Louis for the church’s 105th Holy Convocation. EMI Gospel has signed an exclusive recording agreement with award-winning gospel artist Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson. EMI Gospel’s Vice President/General Manager, Larry Blackwell says “Today’s signing of Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson demonstrates EMI Gospel’s long-term commitment of recording the best of today’s contemporary and traditional gospel music. We look forward to expanding Keith’s brand and trademark sound in gospel music’s new era.” Malaco Music Group has announced the signing of Kevin Vasser, the Director of Worship and Arts at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago (Pastor Charles Jenkins, Pastor) to an exclusive recording agreement. Expect a full project from Kevin Vasser in 2013. The lead single "Only You Can Deliver" featuring DeWayne Woods will be impacting radio soon. Mary Mary has received (9) Stellar Award nominations for "Go Get It," Pastor Charles Jenkins has received eight(8) for "Awesome God," Marvin Sapp and Issac Carree (5) and Le' Andria Johnson has garned three (3) nominations for her efforts. Thomas Nelson, a world leading Christian publisher, is preparing to release a new Bible that will provide African-American women with an important and inspiring new tool to help bring their Sunday morning experience into their everyday lives "The Sisters in Faith Holy Bible" :Encouraging and Empowering African-American Women with God’s Truth. VaShawn Mitchell artist, composer, philanthropist, motivational speaker and founder of The Norman Youth Arts Foundation will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Brothers in Action to nationally recruit more African American men to become mentors and strengthen their communities. Mentoring Brothers in Action is a movement formed in collaboration Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi and Omega Psi Phi. It has been reported that Gospel pioneer Kirk Franklin is the richest man in Gospel Music. Kirk Dwayne Franklin has an estimated net worth of $8.5 million. Kingdom Records has signed Desmond Pringle . He has dropped “Can’t Even Imagine,” the first radio single from his forthcoming Kingdom Records debut CD, “Fidelity." Trin-I-Tee 5:7 has announced their decision to pursue solo careers. This has been an eventful year for Angel and Chanelle, as they recently parted ways with their long time record label, Music World Gospel. "Who knows what will happen in the future, but right now, we're gonna take this time to focus on our solo careers, says Angel Taylor. It's definitely always been my dream and Chanelle's dream to be solo artists, and you know, it's time for us to allow ourselves that experience." The Gospel veteran formerly known as the “Prince of Praise”, Byron Cage, is now the new Minister of Music for The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. Cage’s main duties as Minister of Music at the church are to oversee the worship ministry and provide leadership for all three campuses. He will still maintain his position as Senior Minister of Worship and Music at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. What many have speculated for quite some time now has finally been confirmed. Deitrick Haddon, has confirmed that he is no longer married to his wife of 15 years, Damita. Although Damita remained tight-lipped about the split, besides dropping “Haddon” from her current media promotions, Deitrick used Facebook to make the public announcement. “Many call me a man of God. I say I’m a good man trying to serve a great God the best i can..If I was that powerful of a Man Of God I would still be married 2 Damita. Televangelist Juanita Bynum revealed some shocking news while visiting a morning radio show. Her purpose of being on the show was to promote her latest production “Get Your Life Back”. However, in the midst of talking, she ended up sharing a personal testimony live on the air. Bynum’s confession was that she’s been with women in the past. “I’ve been there and I’ve done it all,” Bynum confided. “I’ve done the drugs. I’ve been with men. I’ve been with women. It’s not a line, it’s my life! That abuse that I suffered was because I attracted after my own kind. That abuse was already sitting in me.” James Fortune and his wife, Cheryl Fortune, are being sued for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving James and his stepson, who is Cheryl’s biological son. James is accused of allegedly burning the child, leaving him disfigured with second and third degree burns on a majority of his body. According to the civil lawsuit, James picked up the child from school and the teacher claimed he misbehaved in class. James took the child home, scolded and berated him, then prepared an extremely hot bath for the boy. He then told the four year old toddler to remove his clothes before whipping him and pushing him into the scalding hot water, causing the burns and disfigurement of his body. The young child was flown to a nearby hospital, however, they said the damage was too extensive and he had to be flown to another hospital that specializes in burns. He was permanently disfigured from the incident and had to undergo numerous skin grafts to most of his body. Charges were filed against James at the time of the crime and in 2003 he plead guilty to Felony Injury to a Child and received six years deferred adjudication. The child, who was four at the time, is now 15 years old, and his biological father is responsible for the lawsuit, suing the Fortunes for 5 million dollars. The money is said to be to pay for the child’s plastic surgery as a result of the incident in 2001. In regard to the current lawsuit, James had this to say, "I recently became aware of a civil suit pending against my wife, Cheryl Fortune and I, for an incident that occurred in 2001 involving my stepson. There was a criminal investigation and all matters were resolved in 2003. Since that time, my family and I, including my stepson, have continued with family traditions and always have a loving family environment. We are shocked by this lawsuit but understand people are free to use the court system to pursue claims, whether they contain merit or baseless matters. We are confident through this process, if it proceeds to a judge or jury, the ultimate decision maker will render a decision that is favorable to the circumstances and timing surrounding this situation. We believe in our American justice system and know it will work for us as it has for millions of other Americans. I love all my children, including my stepson, and I ask for your prayers as we deal with this matter privately. Thank you for your continued support for me, my family, and ministry. Pastor Winans was at a Citgo Gas Station in Detroit when four, only three were caught, young men followed him to his car and assaulted him while pumping gas. While in court he said, "At that point, all three of them began to pummel me, striking me and pulling me away from the truck and then, when they threw me to the ground they began to kick me. The attackers robbed him of his money, credit cards and Rolex, while one drove off in his deep purple 2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV. Let’s all keep Pastor Winans in our prayer at this time. It was announced this week by James Robinson, President of Light Records, the signing of former Destiny's Child member and Broadway star, Michelle Williams. Williams, who is well known as one-third of record-breaking R&B and Pop sensation Destiny's Child, is also a multiple award-winning international singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. Guided by her faith and deeply rooted in church, Williams will release an all-new gospel album set for a January 2013 release. Recently, Grammy Award-Winning Producer, Composer and Gospel Recording artist, Donald Lawrence performed “Not Making Sense, Making Faith” in Memphis after a Grizzlies game. During the performance he revealed to an unsuspecting audience that he hasn’t been in the public eye lately due to him being diagnosed with cancer. He explained that he has been receiving treatment for the diagnosis in Los Angeles. However, Donald announced that there is now no sign of cancer in his body. *********************************************************************** We Spotlight Black Scientists: Fire Extinguisher - Thomas J. Martin - Pat. No. 125,063 Rotary Engine - Andrew J. Bread - Pat. No. 478,271 Pencil Sharper - John L. Love - Pat. No.594, 114 Bridle Bit- Lincoln F. Brown - Pat. No. 484, 994 Golf Tee - George F. Grant -Pat No. 638, 920 Air Conditioning Unit - Fredrick M. Jones - Pat. No. 2,475, 841 Automatic Fishing Device - George Cook - Pat. No. 625, 829 Lawn Sprinkler-Joseph H. Smith- Pat. No. 581, 785 Guitar - Robert F. Flemmings, Jr. - Pat. No. 338,727 Elevator - Alexander Miles - Pat. No. 371,207 ______________________________________________________ Gospel-Spotlight.com is an E-Magazine with it's focus on Contemporary & Traditional Gospel music. Gospel-Spotlight.com provides vital information to the Gospel Music Industry. We are Your Source for single and album charts, album reviews, audio interviews, artists spotlights and trends that occur in Gospel Music. We are your "Inside Source." This E-Magazine is a tool for Record Companies, Artists, Retail stores, Gospel Music Lover's, Public Relations Firms, Management Companies, Advertisers and Church Choirs and more." ___________________________________ New Releases: Updated MAY 1, 2013!