8th Annual ‘Evolution of Gospel’ To Be Held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Monday, Sept. 12!

Honoring Gospel Music Legends Edwin Hawkins, Hezekiah Walker & More...

gospel music legends

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In commemoration of the month of September as Gospel Music Heritage Month, the Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation (@gmhmonth) is proud to announce its eighth annual “Evolution of Gospel!” The celebration will present inspirational and exhilarating music performances by some of Gospel music’s biggest stars and honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the rich legacy of Gospel music in America. The “Evolution of Gospel” will be held on Monday, September 12, 2016 at 7 p.m. EDT at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The event is free.  Interested persons can obtain tickets by visiting www.365Black.com.

This year’s honorees include: composer/producer/vocalist Edwin Hawkins; Grammy® Award-winning singer/composer and choir leader Bishop Hezekiah Walker and philanthropist and Kennedy Center Board of Trustee Reginald Van Lee.  In addition, The Gospel Music Heritage Foundation will pay tribute to Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

marvin sappThe awards event will be hosted by Grammy® Award-winning gospel music singer and television host Dr. Bobby Jones and Stellar Award winning musical artist Lonnie Hunter.  Presenters include Deborah F. Rutter, president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Musical tributes will be rendered by some of the most anointed gospel vocalists and choirs, including, McDonald’s Gospel Inspirational Tour artists Donald Lawrence, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark-Sheard, Charles Jenkins, Canton Jones, Johnathan McReynolds, Doug Williams, Allen Chapel A.M.E. One Accord Choir, Stacy J & Unified Praise, and the WPAS Men and Women of the Gospel Choir. The event will be produced by Ernest Walker of Walker Entertainment Group. canton

In 2008, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) introduced historic resolution, H.J. Res. 90 which established September as Gospel Music Heritage Month across the nation.  Advocates joining Congresswoman Lee in support of the recognition were gospel music advocate Carl Davis; UP TV Founder and President Charley Humbard, and entertainment executive Alvin Williams. With additional support from Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), the bipartisan passage of the bill helped to usher in a new national focus to honor gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States.  Subsequently Congresswoman Lee led the effort with Carl Davis to create the Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation that celebrates gospel music annually and honors the music as a national treasure

Congresswoman Lee said of the event, “I am excited as we prepare to celebrate the 8th Annual Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration at the world renowned Kennedy Center. The Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration is the nation’s singular event of significance commemorating gospel music history.  This year presents one of our best celebrations as we honor four of America’s greatest advocates and beneficiaries of gospel music. Gospel music has a prominent place in the history of America and it has impacted the entire world for generations.”

Carl Davis, chairman of the Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation stated, “This year the “Evolution of Gospel” will honor two gospel icons, Edwin Hawkins, Bishop Hezekiah Walker as well as Kennedy Center Trustee & philanthropist Reginald Van Lee and Congressman G. K. Butterfield all for their contributions to the fabric of this nation. The efficacy of these individuals has impacted the genre of gospel music with historical relevance and meaning. They have indelibly written on the consciousness of the human spirit the unyielding power of the gospel through song.”

This year the Gospel Music Heritage Month’s “Evolution of Gospel” joins McDonald’s 10th Annual Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour.  The “Evolution of Gospel” is sponsored by Southwest Airlines, Reginald Van Lee, Walker Entertainment Group and Faith Based Communications.

Follow the Foundation and honorees at:

·         http://gospelmusicheritage.org

·         Edwin Hawkins on Twitter @iamEdwinHawkins

·         Bishop Hezekiah Walker on Twitter @HezekiahWalker

·         Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Twitter @JacksonLeeTX18

·         Gospel Music Advocate Carl Davis on Twitter @Carlddavis

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‘Preachers of Atlanta’ Star Canton Jones Makes Video Producer Debut With ‘Woke Up Today’

New Single Dedicated to Exonerated Jonathan Fleming...See Fleming in the Video...

canton

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DreamHouse Entertainment has released a brand new single titled “Woke Up Today” led by Canton Jones. The single was birthed from both founders of DreamHouse Entertainment, Jonathan Fleming and Candis White. White penned the single as a tribute to Fleming who was recently released from prison after 24 years, 7 months, and 20 days of false imprisonment. The single, featuring Canton Jones, Vaughn P, Kenny Blanco and Candis White, is an inspirational song that reminds the listener to be thankful for every moment.

“Woke Up Today” tells the story that no matter what we go through in life, we’re given another opportunity to overcome it every day we wake up. There’s no greater gift than the gift of life,” says White.

Vaughn P., Kenny Blanco, Jonathan Fleming, Candis White

From left to right: Vaughn P., Kenny Blanco, Jonathan Fleming & Candis White

The video, produced by multi-award winning Canton Jones of CAJO International, is an energetic reenactment of “a day in the life.” Because of its cross-genre appeal and overall relevance in African American communities across the country, both video and single are being serviced to multi-formats.

“The song’s relevance has never been more conscious to our men in particular,” says Rosalind Bishop, General Manager of DreamHouse Entertainment.

“I survived because the fire inside of me burned brighter than the fire around me,” says Fleming. “Woke Up Today” is my personal anthem and I am sure it will be the song of many.”
See the video below:

“Woke Up Today” is available for purchase on iTunes now.
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Missy Elliott is Back on a New Gospel Track!!!

Check out the song here!!!

missy join

Hello World,

Stellar Award Winning duo 21:03 teamed with music all-stars for their ‘Nobody Bigger (Remix)! The remix features Missy ElliottJ Moss, Canton Jones, CJ King, B-3, DJ PDA, and Allegró Nevella. The song is lifted from 21:03’s chart-topping gospel album Outsiders, in stores and online now.

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What y’all think?