“All Is Well” Troy Sneed feat. Trey Sneed Emtro Gospel (release date: May 17, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich Similar to Natalie Cole’s “unforgettable” recorded duet with her late father Nat, Trey Sneed collaborates with his late father, gospel artist and record company owner Troy Sneed, on “All Is Well.” This heartwarming remastering and overdubbing of Troy’s 2012 gospel ballad opens with the original verse and chorus: Troy shaking his head over financial problems and disappearing friends. Just as he is ready to throw in the towel, he gives his problems over to Jesus and “all is well.” The second ..read more

“Share the Load” Eric Lee Brumley From the Old Bear Records album Electric Chair (single release date: March 1, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich Muscle Shoals-style country rock meets gospel soul in Eric Lee Brumley’s “Share the Load.” With a refrain and sentiment that echo the Band’s “The Weight,” “Share the Load” is a reminder to let go and let God or, as Brumley sings it, when the road gets rough and rocky, let Jesus share the load. The song is based on a letter of encouragement to Brumley’s father while he was in the hospital following a suicide attempt. The song has plenty of Americana spice ..read more

“I Know a Man” Charles Jones Estone Music (release date: April 27, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich “I Know a Man” by Macon, Georgia, singer-songwriter Charles Jones contains lyrical echoes of Brother Joe May’s 1950 hit “Do You Know Him,” but the melody is wholly different. As for the arrangement, instead of oozing with May’s carefree buoyance, is as dramatic and emotional as the conversion experience. Jones sings his personal testimony with passion as a team of treble singers answers his calls. Engineer Zach Berry’s stinging guitar licks flash like lightning. Since his first solo single for the lo ..read more

“The Blood” Paul Porter & Melvin Williams From the Marxan-Blackberry Records album The Kings of Quartet Vol. 1 By Robert M. Marovich Two of the Magnolia State’s top quartet lead singers, Paul Porter of the Christianaires and Melvin Williams of the Williams Brothers, join forces on a “blood” song. Written by Williams, “The Blood” makes reference to the chestnut “I Know It Was the Blood” in its lyrics but that’s where the similarity stops. An unmistakable quartet bounce serves as the funky backdrop as the two leads have a musical conversation on the meaning of the crucifixion of Jesus. While ..read more

Lawrence Hancock See Me Through Independent (release date: April 19, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich Christian hip hop artist Bishop Lawrence Hancock’s tenth studio album, See Me Through, is a litany of spiritual emotion channeled through a moody atmosphere reminiscent of Phil Collins’s debut solo hit “In the Air Tonight.” Even Hancock’s spontaneous pleading evoke Collins’s own on the iconic song. Consistent with his prior albums, Hancock’s musical ethos is stream-of-consciousness prayer closet lyricism set to repetitive and hypnotic but subdued electronica, the totality of which borders on perfor ..read more

Dr. Mark A. Williams One Touch: The Reconciled Series (EP) Independent (release date: March 29, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich As an otolaryngologist and founder of the Voice Care Center of Nashville, Dr. Mark Williams knows a thing or two about the voice. A singer, he lends his own vocals in service of the Lord. His first post-pandemic release, One Touch, is a three-track EP and the first issue of a planned three-volume succession of releases called The Reconciled Series. Williams’ voice is a pleasant and full-bodied baritone that is equal parts gospel and R&B. Each of the EP’s selections ..read more

Chicago, IL – April 16, 2024: The Chicago Music Industry Professionals is hosting a CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC HISTORY TOUR. The tour is happening on Friday, May 31, 2024. The ANNUAL CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL is happening the very next day. Date: The festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 2024. Location: It will take place at Millennium Park in Chicago. Admission: The festival is free to attend. Event Entrances: You can access the festival at the entrances located on Randolph Street and Monroe Street within Millennium Park. If you’re in town, you may very well want to take advantage of this ..read more

“Father in Heaven (Right Now)” BeBe Winans feat. Gerald Albright Regimen Records (release date: April 12, 2024) By Robert M. Marovich Possessing one of the sultriest male voices in gospel music today, BeBe Winans enters the prayer room for his latest single, “Father in Heaven (Right Now).” Winans lofts praises to the Lord for being a constant presence in his life and soulful saxophonist Gerald Albright puts a fine point on the sentiment with a short but simmering solo. It’s a sacred moment amidst a quiet storm ..read more

Singers El DeBarge, Donnie McClurkin, David & Nicole Binion, Bebe Winans, and Erica and Tina Campbell (Mary Mary) Will Sing at Musical Tribute… Pastor Marvin Winans and Bebe Winans Will Attend Homegoing Service, Eulogy To Be Delivered By Crouch’s Spiritual Son and Assistant Church Pastor, Kenneth J. Cook… Services Moved to Faithful Central Bible Church, April 16-17, in Inglewood, CA Los Angeles, CA: The previously announced Celebration of Life services for Grammy® Award winning gospel singer and pastor, SANDRA CROUCH, have changed. The April 16-17 proceedings will relocate from Crouch’s Ne ..read more

Director Paul Wenske informed JGM that his documentary, I’m So Glad: Kansas City and the Roots of Black Gospel Music, is part of this year’s Kansas City FilmFest. It screens this Sunday, April 14, 1:30 PM at Ward Parkway Theatre 2. I’m So Glad Synopsis: Kansas City is known for its jazz and blues. But the same forces that shaped those American art forms also led to the development of Black Gospel music. Our region’s gospel blues have a rich but largely overlooked history. In fact, historians say gospel music may be the best window through which to view the development of the Black community ..read more