Monday, March 10, 2014

Quartet Pioneer, Father of D.A. Johnson (Malaco) Passes

Jackson, MS - Quartet Pioneer and father of D.A. Johnson (Executive Director, Gospel Division Malaco Music Group), Willie Connell Johnson passed on Thursday March 6, 2014, at his home, surrounded by family in Jamaica, NY.

Willie Connell Johnson, born in Sumter, SC, founder of The Mighty Brooklyn Skyways, a quartet that enjoyed such hits as, “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven (But Nobody Really Wants To Die),” “May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me,” and “Unbelievable Man,” all with Peacock Records. In the seventies, The Skyways recorded three albums with Savoy Records now wholly owned by the Malaco Music Group. Willie Johnson was honored when he was invited to participate in the historic recording of the 3 CD / 3 DVD Box Set of "Gospel Legends" released exclusively for television in 2005.
D.A. Johnson brought the family legacy full circle by signing with Savoy / Malaco Records in 1999.
 Please keep the entire Johnson family and friends in prayer.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Date:     Friday March 14, 2014

Viewing: 5pm-7pm

Service:  7pm

Venue:  Holy Nazarene Deliverance Ministry
              237 Ralph Ave.  Brooklyn, NY 11233

Funeral Home: James H. Willie Funeral Home Inc.
                           918 Gates Ave.  Brooklyn, NY 11221
                           (P) 718-875-1036
                           (F) 718-875-4082

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

JEKAYLN CARR "THEY SAID, BUT GOD SAID" HITS TOP 20 ON BILLBOARD GOSPEL CHARTS!!!

Jackson, MS  – Powerhouse teen singer and evangelist, Jekalyn Carr's 2nd radio single "They Said, But God Said" has hit the Top 20 this week on both the Billboard & Mediabase Top Gospel radio airplay charts and is now available on iTunes and Online Digital Outlets everywhere.
 
At such a young age, Jekalyn Carr has already gained a wide range of international attention with more than 3 million views on YouTube of her debut single, "Greater Is Coming," the recent collaboration performance on the 2014 Stellar Awards with Erica Campbell, Lexi and Latice Crawford, TBN, The Word Network, “Atlanta Live” and as a special musical guest at international televangelist Benny Hinn’s crusades.  Most recently, Jekalyn was featured on Essence.com as one of the Top 15 Gospel artists to watch in 2014 also JET Magazine as one of the “Top 10 New Faces You Need to Know.” The 16-year-old singer was the youngest and the only teen on JET’s exclusive list of “young, gifted and black” professionals at the top of their field and under 40 years old.

The album "Greater Is Coming" is available @ Walmart also Online @ Amazon, iTunes and wherever music is sold.

For more information on Jeklayn, go to myjekalyncarr.net.

 www.twitter.com/malaco_music
 www.facebook.com/malacomusic
 www.youtube.com/malacomg

Copyright © 2013* *Malaco Music Group*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
3023 W Northside Dr
Jackson, MS 39213

For booking or more info contact: 901.517.3688 or email: allundria@ymail.com

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Canton Spirituals Debut In Billboard Top 10

(Jackson, MS) – The Canton Spirituals full length album Keep Knocking makes its debut in the Top 10 at #7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart; concurrently, The single & title track, “Keep Knocking” clawed its way into the Top 30 on the Mediabase Gospel Songs chart. “Keep Knocking” continues The Canton Spirituals signature sound with its foot stomping, bass thumping, knee slapping, down home infectious groove that is resonating with Gospel music lovers from coast to coast.

“In a marketplace filled with Contemporary and Mainstream giants such as Tamela Mann, Marvin Sapp, Lecrae and blockbuster Inspirational movie soundtracks while in theaters, we are very pleased to chart The Canton Spirituals album, Keep Knocking amongst these titles and represent for the Traditional Gospel & Quartet genre of Gospel Music, states, D.A. Johnson, Executive Director – Gospel Division, Malaco Music Group.”

The Canton Spirituals has an unique sound like no other in the history of Quartet Gospel music. With their smooth but powerful harmonies, this quartet pioneered an urban sound that mixed R&B style with Traditional Gospel, Imported From Mississippi. Founded in the mid 1940’s by Harvey Watkins, Sr, this quartet, now led by Harvey Watkins, Jr is still considered the undisputed Kings of Quartet Gospel music today. Their recording career is highly decorated with two Grammy Nominations, nine Stellar Awards Nominations, four Dove Nominations, Soul Train Awards Nominations and Gold Records.

Produced by award winning songwriter / producer Stan Jones, writer of “He Has His Hands On You” for eight time Grammy nominee Marvin Sapp, writer and producer of Brian Courtney Wilson’s “All I Need”  that spent 92 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Song charts breaking the all-time record for the longest running current single ever in the history of the Billboard Gospel charts, and who was also the producer of The Canton Spirituals successful previous release on RCA Inspiration (formerly Verity), Driven, Keep Knocking promises to be their most successful release to date.

100's of Gospel & Urban radio stations that program Gospel around the country have already begun to spin the single, "Keep Knocking" and have received over 17,000 views in just 4 weeks on youtube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EknbouVhsrY)

Thursday, November 14, 2013

The Canton Spirituals Return To Malaco



(Jackson, MS) –  The Canton Spirituals mark their return to the Malaco Music Group family with the release of the new full length album Keep Knocking. (Available In Stores & Online December 3, 2013)

The debut single & title track, “Keep Knocking” continues The Canton Spirituals signature sound with its foot stomping, bass thumping, knee slapping, down home infectious groove. First listen, and your body begins to involuntary juke.

The Canton Spirituals has an unique sound like no other in the history of Quartet Gospel music. With their smooth but powerful harmonies, this quartet pioneered an urban sound that mixed R&B style with Traditional Gospel, Imported From Mississippi. Founded in the mid 1940’s by Harvey Watkins, Sr, this quartet, now led by Harvey Watkins, Jr is still considered the undisputed Kings of Quartet Gospel music today. Their recording career is highly decorated with two Grammy Nominations, nine Stellar Awards Nominations, four Dove Nominations, Soul Train Awards Nominations and Gold Records.

Produced by award winning songwriter / producer Stan Jones, writer of “He Has His Hands On You” for eight time Grammy nominee Marvin Sapp, writer and producer of Brian Courtney Wilson’s “All I Need”  that spent 92 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Song charts breaking the all-time record for the longest running current single ever in the history of the Billboard Gospel charts, and who was also the producer of The Canton Spirituals successful previous release on RCA Inspiration (formerly Verity), Driven, Keep Knocking promises to be their most successful release to date.
 
100's of Gospel & Urban radio stations that program Gospel around the country has already begun to spin the single, "Keep Knocking" and has received over 6,000 views in 1st week on YouTube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EknbouVhsrY)

Here are the early BDS / Mediabase station believers:

KMVP - Phoenix
WEUP - Huntsville
WENO - Nashville
WJNI - Charleston
WZAZ - Jacksonville
WGH - Norfolk
WXVI - Montgomery
WOAD - Jackson
KPZK - Little Rock
WEAM - Columbus
KOKA - Shreveport
WNOO - Chattanooga
WTHB - Augusta
WGRI - Cincinnati
WFMV - Columbia
WAAW - Augusta
WFMI - Norfolk
WDJL - Huntsville
WHLH - Jackson
WCAO - Baltimore
WGRB - Chicago

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Kevin Vasser Debuts In Top 5 On Billboard Charts "Only You Can Deliver" Single Makes Reentry Into Top 30!!!

(Jackson, MS) – Malaco Music Group is proud to announce that the full length album release of Kevin Vasser’s “Only You Can Deliver” debuts in the Top 5 on the Billboard Gospel Album Chart this week.

The title track, “Only You Can Deliver” featuring DeWayne Woods makes its reentry into the  Mediabase top 30, leaping 19 spaces and continues to make an impact within the Gospel community and churches around the country. From the very moment you hear Kevin’s anointed voice singing “Only You Can Deliver,” you know that this is a special song. Its powerful message will encourage and touch the hearts of millions going into this upcoming holiday season.

Kevin Vasser serves as the Director of Worship and Arts at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and is the featured lead vocalist on “Days Of Elijah” on the Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship, “Best Of Both Worlds” CD which will also be available on the “Only You Can Deliver” CD as well.

Kevin started his singing career with the singing group Youth Edition, which was comprised of his eldest brother and two cousins. Youth Edition’s introduction to the music industry was catapulted by the hit song “Anything Is Possible” written and produced by the amazing song writer/producer Percy Bady. The group won the Urban Powerhouse radio station WGCI competition singing gospel music going up against R&B and hip hop acts. During that time Elroy Smith, was the Operations Manager of WGCI FM/AM-Chicago, now Operations Manager of WRNB/WPPZ Philadelphia and Inspiration Format Director for Radio One, and was a major reason the song had the success that it did. From there Kevin was lead to start a solo career.

Kevin Vasser’s addition to the Malaco Music recording family enhances the rich tradition of the labels’ historic stable of artists. He should have a long and successful recording career with Malaco.

Produced by Kevin Vasser and his Music Director Phil Feaster, (Fred Hammond production team), “Only You Can Deliver” has all the ingredients to be a career defining hit as well as provide  the music to encourage the nations.

That sentiment seems to be shared around the industry with Gospel’s most coveted artists and industry professionals:

“Kevin Vasser has proved with his new single, Only You Can Deliver featuring DeWayne Woods, that he is one of the most promising songwriters/artists to hit the gospel scene. This song is sure to impact lives!”

Donald Lawrence

“Kevin Vasser's "Only You Can Deliver" is such a timely song. This heartfelt cry reminds us that only HE can deliver.”

 Bishop Hezekiah Walker

“Kevin Vasser’s “Only You Can Deliver” is a smoker”

Tracey Artis
I Hear Music In The Air

###

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 www.youtube.com/malacomg


Copyright © 2013* *Malaco Music Group*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
3023 W Northside Dr
Jackson, MS 39213

For booking or more info contact: email: stmg1521@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Kevin Vasser's "Only You Can Deliver" CD Available In Stores & Online October 29, 2013

 CD Release Concert Sunday, October 27, 2013.  Save The Date!!!

(Jackson, MS) – Malaco Music Group is proud to announce the Malaco debut full length album release of Kevin Vasser’s “Only You Can Deliver” on October 29, 2013. He will be celebrating his CD release with a concert on Sunday. October, 27, 2013 at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, IL @ 6 pm. (Pastor Charles Jenkins, Pastor) Save The Date!!!

Kevin Vasser serves as the Director of Worship and Arts at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church and is the featured lead vocalist on “Days Of Elijah” on the Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship, “Best Of Both Worlds” CD which will also be available on the “Only You Can Deliver” CD as well.

The lead single “Only You Can Deliver” featuring DeWayne Woods is a top 30 charting song that is making an impact within the Gospel community and churches around the country. From the very moment you hear Kevin’s anointed voice singing “Only You Can Deliver,” you know that this is a special song and it will touch the hearts of millions.”

Kevin started his singing career with the singing group Youth Edition, which was comprised of his eldest brother and two cousins. Youth Edition’s introduction to the music industry was catapulted by the hit song “Anything Is Possible” written and produced by the amazing song writer/producer Percy Bady. The group won the Urban Powerhouse radio station WGCI competition singing gospel music going up against R&B and hip hop acts. During that time Elroy Smith, was the Operations Manager of WGCI FM/AM-Chicago, now Operations Manager of WRNB/WPPZ Philadelphia and Inspiration Format Director for Radio One, and was a major reason the song had the success that it did. From there Kevin was lead to start a solo career.

Kevin Vasser’s addition to the Malaco Music recording family enhances the rich tradition of the labels’ historic stable of artists. He should have a long and successful recording career with Malaco.

Produced by Kevin Vasser and his Music Director Phil Feaster, (Fred Hammond production team), “Only You Can Deliver” has all the ingredients to be a career defining hit as well as provide  the music to encourage the nations.

That sentiment seems to be shared around the industry with Gospel’s most coveted artists and industry professionals:

“Kevin Vasser has proved with his new single, Only You Can Deliver featuring DeWayne Woods, that he is one of the most promising songwriters/artists to hit the gospel scene. This song is sure to impact lives!”

Donald Lawrence “Kevin Vasser's "Only You Can Deliver" is such a timely song. This heartfelt cry reminds us that only HE can deliver.”

 Bishop Hezekiah Walker “Kevin Vasser’s “Only You Can Deliver” is a smoker”

Tracey Artis "I Hear Music In The Air"

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Xist Music Partners With Malaco Music Group

With a new vision and a new approach, Xist Music founders T. Black and Sean Simmonds have signed a long term partnership with one of music's long standing companies Malaco Music Group.  "I'm truly excited about this opportunity; it gives us a partner that understands our vision, says T. Black, CEO of Xist Music.”  I really want to thank D.A. Johnson and Tommy (Couch) Jr. for allowing us to continue to build what God has blessed us with."  Xist Music will operate as a stand alone label with the added services of a booking component and a publishing company.  The new merger will allow for the expansion of the artist roster to reflect the ultimate goal, which is to provide Christian based hip-hip, urban and pop artists a strong label partner and also broaden the awareness and exposure behind the marketing efforts of each artist. The first release under the new partnership is the long awaited Xist Music debut of UK stand out Jahaziel entitled, "Heads Up" coming Fall 2013 and label president Sean Simmonds' highly anticipated project "The Genesis" expected first quarter 2014.

The first new artists signed to the roster are female singing sensation Adia and rising Christian contemporary artist Milton Young with several more to be named in the coming weeks.

ABOUT MALACO MUSIC GROUP
Founded by creative visionaries Tommy Couch Sr., Mitchell Malouf, and Wolf Stephenson, Independent Music Powerhouse, Malaco Music Group, has been making and marketing definitive southern soul, blues, and gospel music since 1968. The Malaco Music Group takes original music from concept to consumer.  Malaco is home to a number of notable partnerships that have included multi-platinum Grammy award-winning recording artists BeBe & CeCe Winans label, B & C Records, Grammy Award winning producer, Warryn Campbell's My Block Records that produced Grammy Nominated Recording Artist, Kelly Price ,a partnership with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Records that produced breakout artist Dondria, Gospel great Maurette Brown-Clarke, and partnership with Grammy and ASCAP Award winning NeWFAM Records recording artist Q Parker of 112 . Malaco also retains ownership of a catalog of thousands of popular original recordings and song copyrights. In addition to serving as a leading independent music label, Malaco Music Group is also comprised of recording studios, music publishing companies, direct marketing operations, and distribution services.

ABOUT XIST MUSIC
Xist Music is the recording label of Xist Worldwide, which produces innovative projects from award winning artists, who are leaders in the inspirational urban music industry. XIST Worldwide was founded by Terverius Black and Sean Simmonds to become the leading producer of inspirational urban entertainment, lifestyle and media content. With properties in music, film, publishing and other lifestyle projects, Xist Worldwide acquires, produces, markets and distributes inspirational urban content.

# # #

Press contact: josh@sohhpr.com

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL RECORDS RECORDING ARTIST REV. GERALD THOMPSON PASSES

GIFTED SINGER, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN, ARRANGER, PRODUCER FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED

The Malaco Music Group regrets to announce the passing of Atlanta International Records (AIR Gospel) recording artist Rev. Gerald Thompson.

Rev. Gerald Thompson has, without a doubt, emerged as one of America’s most premier Gospel personalities. Indeed, Rev. Gerald Thompson is not only a gifted singer/songwriter, musician, arranger and producer, he is also, and most importantly an anointed preacher and minister of the Gospel. Rev. Gerald Thompson is recognized and respected for his unique songwriting ability. His anointed songs have crossed the borders of all 50 states and abroad catapulting him to a place in Gospel music that spans decades. He has written, arranged and recorded such musical renditions as “Everybody Ought To Know Who Jesus Is,” “Your Deliverance Is In The Praise,” “Hallelujah I Found Him, ” and his Billboard charted hit “Jesus Is My Rock.” Respected for his unique style, talent and ability, Rev. Gerald Thompson has been summoned by some of Gospel music’s icons to lend his writing and producing skills on their individual projects.

A few of the artists he has had the distinct pleasure of working with include..,
•    The Legendary Swanee Quintet
•    The Lumzy Sisters
•    Tommy Ellison And The Singing Stars
•    Sister Lucille Pope And The Pearly Gates
•    Rev.Timothy Wright
•    Rev. James Moore
•    The Arkansas Fellowship Mass Choir
•    The Oklahoma Fellowship Mass Choir
•    The Tennessee Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship
•    Rev.Timothy Flemming And The Mt. Carmel Mass Choir
•    Velmer Watkins And The Angelic Community Choir
•    Rev. Jerry Black And The Greater Paradise Baptist Church
And many other national personalities too numerous to name.

Rev. Gerald Thompson has also co-produced four-time stellar award winner, Dottie Peoples on her “Live At Salem” and “On Time God” recorded project. He is also the writer and arranger of the popular hit song, “God Is A Good God” as recorded by Bishop Paul S. Morton and the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir, which is continuously receiving phenomenal success. Rev. Gerald Thompson has also experienced some personal success recording 6 releases on the Atlanta International Record label entitled..,                                    
•    Let the Church Say Amen                                                 
•    Let the Church Say Amen Again
•    Live in Chicago
•    Deliverance In The Praise
•    Everybody Ought To Know Who Jesus Is
•    I Can’t Stop Now
As exemplified through the power of his ministry,  Rev. Gerald Thompson is truly a man on a mission  dedicated to proclaiming and promoting the Kingdom of  God. He has a unique passion for serving and encouraging God’s people. He continuously uses every one of his gifts and talents to build up and strengthen the body of Christ. Rev. Gerald Thompson is the founder and president of Gerald Thompson Ministries, Inc., and  the Gee Tee Gospel music/record company. He also served as the Pastor of the Greenwood Missionary Baptist Church in Lamar, Mississippi where the motto is  “You can always experience God’s Grace at  Greenwood!” Rev. Gerald Thompson was blessed and happily married to his best friend, partner and wife Mrs. Vicki Renee Thompson.

He will be greatly missed!
The Arrangements are as follows:

Thursday, May 30th at 11.00 am at
Greater Second Baptist Church
516 Geyer Springs Road
Little Rock, AR

Flowers should be sent to:
Robinson Mortuary
1201 Dr. Martin L Kin Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202

Phone 501-371-0111

Cards should be mailed to
Family of Pastor Gerald Thompson
P.O. Box 165818
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Jekalyn Carr’s “Greater Is Coming” Single Re-enters Top 10 Billboard Album Available Today In Stores & Online!!!!!

Jackson, MS  – Powerhouse teen singer and speaker, Jekalyn Carr’s “Greater Is Coming” single as re-enterd the Top 10 on the Billbaord Gospel Hot Gospel Songs Chart this week.

"Greater Is Coming” CD is available now in stores and for digital download, (Lunjeal / Malaco)

At such a young age, Jekalyn has already gained a wide range of national attention with appearances on The WORD Network, “Atlanta Live” and as a special musical guest at international televangelist Benny Hinn’s crusades.  Most recently, Jekalyn was featured in JET Magazine as one of the “Top 10 New Faces You Need to Know.” The 15-year-old singer was the youngest and the only teen on JET’s exclusive list of “young, gifted and black” professionals at the top of their field and under 40 years old.

“Greater is Coming” is a timely anthem for Christians everywhere and speaks of the shaking, the beating and the pressing that we sometimes experience through life's trials.

The single "Greater Is Coming" is available now on Amazon and iTunes. For more information on Jeklayn, go to myjekalyncarr.net.

www.twitter.com/malaco_music 
www.facebook.com/malacomusic
www.youtube.com/malacomg


Copyright © 2013* *Malaco Music Group*, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
3023 W Northside Dr
Jackson, MS 39213

For booking or more info contact: 901.517.3688 or email: allundria@ymail.com

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Jekalyn Carr’s “Greater Is Coming” CD In Stores May 21st Available Today For Pre-Order On iTunes!!!

Jackson, MS  – Powerhouse teen singer and speaker, Jekalyn Carr’s “Greater Is Coming” CD will be available in stores on May 21, 2013. (Lunjeal / Malaco) The album is available digitally today for pre-order  on iTunes.

Jekalyn’s hit single and title track “Greater is Coming” continues to impact radio stations across the U.S. and has reached the #8 spot on Billboard’s Top Gospel radio airplay charts.
 
At such a young age, Jekalyn has already gained a wide range of national attention with appearances on The WORD Network, “Atlanta Live” and as a special musical guest at international televangelist Benny Hinn’s crusades.  Most recently, Jekalyn was featured in JET Magazine as one of the “Top 10 New Faces You Need to Know.” The 15-year-old singer was the youngest and the only teen on JET’s exclusive list of “young, gifted and black” professionals at the top of their field and under 40 years old.

“Greater is Coming” is a timely anthem for Christians everywhere and speaks of the shaking, the beating and the pressing that we sometimes experience through life's trials.

The single "Greater Is Coming" is available now on Amazon and iTunes. For more information on Jekalyn, go to myjekalyncarr.net.

www.twitter.com/malaco_music
www.facebook.com/malacomusic
www.youtube.com/malacomg

Our mailing address is:
3023 W Northside Dr
Jackson, MS 39213

For booking or more info contact: 901.517.3688 or email: allundria@ymail.com