Malaco Gospel Radio

The Malaco Music Group is proud to introduce our newest internet radio station www.MalacoGospelRadio.com.

MalacoGospelRadio.com is a 24 hour fully interactive player that allows listeners to view the artists and songs being played as well as display the album’s cover artwork that the song is associated with while making it easy to purchase that individual song, the full album or ringtone with just a click of a button; This revolutionary player gives full functionality to the listener. If you have an iPhone and would like to take MalacoGospelRadio.com on the go with you, “There’s an app for that.” Just click on the iPhone link.

D.A. Johnson, Executive Director, Gospel Division states, “MalacoGospelRadio.com was not created to compete with our media partners that has supported The Malaco Music Group family of labels for over 40 years; In contrast, MalacoGospelRadio.com was created to assist in preserving Gospel music’s extensive rich heritage, expose it through a new medium, and make the product readily available for Gospel music appreciators who enjoy and miss hearing the sounds of the legendary Choirs, Quartets, Groups & Soloists on terrestrial radio stations. Our ultimate goal is for MalacoGospelRadio.com to develop and become a full fledged functioning internet Gospel radio station with “Live” announcers throughout all day parts and to create specialty shows as does our sister internet radio station www.southernsoulradio.com.”

The Malaco Music Group houses the largest and the oldest catalog in the world. Over 150 combined years of great Gospel music between its wholly owned subsidiaries, Malaco Records, Savoy Records, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel, Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel), and it’s newly founded 4 Winds Records along with its distributed labels. At MalacoGospelRadio.com you will have the opportunity to experience all 150 years of the best Gospel music ever recorded.
Hear artists such as The Father Of Gospel Thomas A. Dorsey, The King Of Gospel Rev. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Love Coates, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Sara Jordan Powell, Louise Candy Davis, The Caravans, The Soul Stirrers, The Jackson Southernaires, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Georgia Mass Choir, Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, Miami Mass Choir, The Godfather Of Gospel Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Charles Hayes & The Cosmopolitan Choir, Charles Fold & The Charles Fold Singers, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, Robert Blair & The Violinaires, The Williams Brothers, The Canton Spirituals, The Lumzy Sisters, The Truthettes, Slim & The Supreme Angels, Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC’s, Willie Banks & The Messengers, The Swan Silvertones, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Swanee Quintet, The Sensational Nightingales, The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Sunset Jubilaires, The Pace Sisters, Margaret “Babe” Allison & The Angelic Gospel Singers, Rev. Julius Cheeks, James Moore, Keith Pringle, O’landa Draper, Ricky Dillard & New Generation, The Mississippi Children’s Choir, Youth For Christ, The New York Restoration Choir Directed by Donnie McClurkin, The Florida Mass Choir, The Dallas / Ft Worth Choir (DFW), The Queen Of Gospel Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, Inez Andrews, LaShun Pace, Troy Sneed, Alvin Darling, James Bignon, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Luther Barnes & The Red Budd Chior, Rev. F.C. Barnes, Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Dottie Peoples, The Princess Of Praise & Worship Maurette Brown Clark, Carolyn Traylor, Men Of Standard, BeBe & CeCe Winans and many, many more.

To listen, click on the link www.MalacoGospelRadio.com

Let us know what you think. We want to hear from you! Send us an email at malaco@malaco.com

Quita Lumzy Of The Lumzy Sisters Passes

The Malaco Music Group regrets to announce the passing of Quita Lumzy of the renowned Quartet group, The Lumzy Sisters.

The funeral service will be held on Monday Nov. 2, 2009 at the First Baptist Church Of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset Street, Somerset, NJ 08873.

The viewing will take place from 9-11am with the service starting at 11am.
On Sunday Nov. 1, there will be a musical celebration in memory of Ms. Quita Lumzy at her home church, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 150 Throop Ave. New Brunswick, NJ. 08901. There will be a short viewing from 2-4 pm and the concert will start a 5 pm.

The funeral arrangements are being handled by:
Anderson Funeral Services
201 Sanford Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-545-7312

The Lumzy Sisters recorded two (2) albums on the Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel) label. If you are not familiar with their music ministry, please feel free to visit www.malaco.com to read and listen to this anointed woman of God, Ms. Quita Lumzy and her sisters.

Please hold the Lumzy family and friends in prayer.

Fontella Bass "Rescue Me" - 1965

Fontella Bass (born July 3, 1940, St. Louis, Missouri) is an American soul singer, who is best known for the 1965 R&B hit "Rescue Me", which she also co-wrote.

The daughter of gospel singer Martha Bass (a member of the Clara Ward Singers), Bass showed great musical talent at an early age -- at just 5 years old she was providing the piano accompaniment for her grandmother's singing at funeral services, she was singing in her church's choir at six years old and by the time she was 9 she was accompanying her mother on tours throughout the American South and Southwest.

Fontella continued touring with her mother until the age of 16. As a teenager, Bass was attracted by more secular music. Throughout high school she began singing R&B songs at local contests and fairs. At 17, she started her professional career working at the Showboat Club near Chain of Rocks, Missouri. In 1961, she auditioned on a dare for the Leon Claxton carnival show and was hired to play piano and sing in the chorus for two weeks, making $175 per week for the two weeks it was in town. She wanted to go on tour with Claxton but her mother refused and according to Bass "... she literally dragged me off the train". It was during this brief stint with Claxton that she was heard by vocalist Little Milton and his bandleader Oliver Sain who hired her to back Little Milton on piano for concerts and recording.

Bass originally only played piano with the band, but one night Milton didn't show up on time so Sain asked her to sing and she was soon given her own featured vocal spot in the show. Milton and Sain eventually split up and Bass went with Sain; he also recruited male singer Bobby McClure and the group became known as "The Oliver Sain Soul Revue featuring Fontella and Bobby McClure".

Watch "Rescue Me" by clicking here.

Malaco is proud to announce the launch of MalacoGospelRadio.com, an online radio station. This station contains a fully interactive player that allows the listener to view album artwork, song title, artist name and contains purchase links for the full length album, single and ringtone.

The Malaco Music Group houses the largest and the oldest catalog in the world. Over 150 years of great Gospel music between its wholly owned subsidiaries, Malaco Records, Savoy Records, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel, Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel), and its newly founded 4 Winds Records along with its distributed labels. At MalacoGospelRadio.com you will have the opportunity to experience all 150 years of the best Gospel Music ever recorded.

MalacoGospelRadio.com features Choirs, Quartets, Groups & Soloists. Hear artists such as The King Of Gospel Rev. James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Love Coates, The Caravans, The Soul Stirrers, The Jackson Southernaires, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Georgia Mass Choir, The Godfather Of Gospel Rev. Timothy Wright, Rev. Charles Hayes & The Cosmopolitan Choir, Charles Fold & The Charles Fold Singers, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, Robert Blair & The Violinaires, The Williams Brothers, The Canton Spirituals, The Lumzy Sisters, The Truthettes, Slim & The Supreme Angels, Spencer Taylor & The Highway QC’s, Willie Banks & The Messengers, The Swan Silvertones, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Swanee Quintet, The Sensational Nightingales, The Pilgrim Jubilees, Margaret “Babe” Allison & The Angelics, Rev. Julius Cheeks, James Moore, Keith Pringle, O’landa Draper, Ricky Dillard, Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, LaShun Pace, The Pace Sisters, Troy Sneed, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Luther Barnes, Rev. F.C. Barnes, Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Dottie Peoples, The Princess Of Praise & Worship Maurette Brown Clark, Carolyn Traylor, Men Of Standard, BeBe & CeCe Winans and many, many more.

To listen to MalacoGospelRadio.com, click here.

BEBE & CECE WINANS SING OPRAH WINFREY’S FAVORITE NEW SONG “GRACE” LIVE ON THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW

“Grace” Jumps to #1 on iTunes

The Dynamic Gospel Duo Also Nominated for 2009 Soul Train Music Award

(dateline – New York, NY – October 26, 2009; source: B&C Records)

On Friday, October 23, 2009, BeBe & CeCe Winans performed live on The Oprah Winfrey Show and sang Oprah’s new favorite song, “Grace,” from their chart-topping reunion album, STILL. After the studio and television audience heard the remarkable story of an alleged armed robber who ended up kneeling in prayer with his victim, the powerful lyrics and impact of “Grace” has ignited a whirlwind with the single jumping almost instantaneously to the #1 position on iTunes.

It’s not often that a lead news story can personify the lyrical content of a song, but the story of Angela Montez and Greg Smith has done just that. On October 19, 2009, what seemed like a normal day at an Indianapolis cash advance store became the true test of faith and a modern day example of grace. Montez was working when Smith entered the store, climbed over the counter and stuck a gun in her face. When she began to cry, the tide turned. Montez told Smith not to throw away his life and then began to pray. Soon after Smith also dropped to his knees and prayed with her for ten minutes. After hugging Montez, Smith then fled the store. While appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Smith stated that when he talked to Montez, he felt as though he was talking directly to “the Man upstairs.”

“As I sat in the green room listening to this real life story, it was almost unbelievable to hear about a woman who exemplifies what the song ‘Grace’ is all about,” says songwriter BeBe Winans. “Its easy to give grace to someone you know, but what Angela did was allow God’s grace to be demonstrated through her life and as the song says, ‘still love me when I’ve done wrong.’ I hope this song will resonate in people’s hearts and inspire all of us to realize the importance of grace in our everyday lives.”

STILL entered the Billboard charts as the #1 Gospel and Christian album when it was released on October 6, 2009. The success of the new album was also paralleled on the digital side as it claimed the #1 position on iTunes and Amazon’s Christian/Gospel charts. Proclaimed as “inspiring and uplifting” by the nation’s number one newspaper, USA Today, the platinum selling, Grammy-Award winning duo also received a 2009 Soul Train nomination in the Best Gospel Male, Female or Group category and will perform “Grace” live when the newly revamped award show tapes in Atlanta, GA on November 3rd. The 2009 Soul Train Awards will premiere on the new Centric Network on Sunday, November 29th.

BeBe and CeCe Video from Oprah

In case you missed the Oprah show on Friday, check out BeBe and CeCe's performance here:

Click here for Oprah performance

Enjoy!

Oprah!

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD THAT BEBE & CECE WINANS WILL BE PERFORMING “GRACE” LIVE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2009 ON THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW! (Check your local listing)

THANKS FOR YOUR OVERWHELMING SUPPORT!!!

Tina Diamond, JT Watkins Bring Back A Classic 'Tramp'

There was a time when the term "southern soul" spoke volumes about the music you might be about to hear. There was a time when those words evoked the names of empires such as those found at Stax, Atlantic, King and eventually Malaco. Southern soul was the epitome of dynamite musicians going beyond technical proficiency and reaching deep into that unnamable internal region that gave performances a grit and grease that made you want to slip and slide, dance and glide. Southern soul was the epitome of fullblown, slick, but tight rhythm and horn arrangements. And, it was the epitome of singers singing their natural born you-knowwhats off! Think Johnny Taylor, Sam & Dave, Dorothy Moore, Denise Lasalle, Jimmy Hughes? It was that ether region where blues, rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues because something else- something that I once heard a guy describe as a feel that would make your toe curl up in your boot!

But, alas, for reasons too lengthy to get into right here, those days seemed to pass and the machines took over and drove the musicians out and along with them, those killer singers who need to feel the pulse of humanity to work their best magic. I'm not going to get into a rant about all that and depress you, especially given that help seems on the way. No, it's not John Connor set to do battle with the terminators. It's phenomenal blues singer Tina Diamond and renowned R&B bandleader JT Watkins breathing new life into a classic and at the same time the current near moribund southern soul scene. This modern day dynamic duo has resurrected Lowell Fulson's seminal "Tramp" that not only was covered by a ton of folks, but provided a signature bass line that became the foundation of many a soul hit back in the day. Ironically, it was a cover by an earlier king and queen duo that actually made the song a big hit. Back in 1967-a year after Fulson put his original out there-the legendary Otis Redding and his Stax label mate Carla Thomas, daughter of the inimitable father of southern funk, Rufus Thomas, put out a smoldering version of their own giving the tune a whole different twist with the back and forth banter between the sexes. Now Diamond and Watkins have put out an updated take on the tune that stays true to what many consider the definitive Redding- Thomas version, but with their own energetic thing into it.

First of all, where Carla almost seems playfully teasing Otis about being a no good tramp in the early version, Diamond sounds like she means business-like she's telling Watkins she's already found out he can't deliver the financial goods he promised and it's time to get to steppin'! Likewise, Watkins is strong in his defense of his position, giving this version- ooooooo, and this might sound blasphemous in some quarters- even more edge than Otis and Carla. Plus, Diamond and Watkins do an equally great job in the singing sections, although their version leans a bit more toward the blues side of the R&B flavor than previous versions. (You've got to give it to Redding and Thomas for the soul version and, well, you'd be hard pressed to find a version with more lowdown, raw funk than Fulson's original!) My friend and mentor, a real soul legend, Frank-O Johnson, told me I was going to love this one and I do. This is some killer stuff!

A word about the music: Respect where respect is due. Normally, I'm death on modern R&B and southern soul productions for a number of reasons I'll let you guess about. But, I've got to say this set really moves me, thanks to the expert production of the great Harrison Calloway who has reconstructed his own lovely version of the classic Stax arrangement. (Makes sense. Calloway was one of the originals from down there-a trumpeter in the FAME Gang at Muscle Shoals!) Frankly, this has to be among the absolute best modern southern soul productions I've ever heard. And, I challenge the average listener to tell me: "Is it really or synthesized?"

Okay, now I'm waiting for Diamond and Watkins to head back into the studio with a dynamite rhythm section, horns, guitars and the like and put out that soul album folks have been waiting for over the years. Hey, Tina, JT, can you hear me now? ~ Frost Illustrated

Harrison Calloway Nominated For Mississippi Jazz Foundation Award

Malaco arranger, Harrison Calloway, will be inducted in the Mississippi Jazz Foundation on December 11, 2009, at the Alamo Theatre in Jackson, Mississippi. This induction is awarded to Mr. Calloway for his outstanding work in the field of music education.

Malaco Gospel Radio Now Online!

Malaco Records is proud to bring to you the hot new station www.malacogospelradio.com. Visit the website now and listen!

The Malaco Music Group houses the largest and the oldest catalog in the world. Over 150 years of great Gospel music between its wholly owned subsidiaries, Malaco Records, Savoy Records, Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel and its newest acquisition, Atlanta International Records (Air Gospel), newly founded 4 Winds Records along with its distributed labels and MalacoGospelRadio.com is where you will get to experience all 150 years of the best Gospel Music ever recorded.

MalacoGospelRadio.com features Choirs, Quartets, Groups & Soloists. Hear artists such as The King Of Gospel James Cleveland, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Love Coates, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Georgia Mass Choir, Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes, Robert Blair & The Violinaires, Willie Banks & The Messengers, The Sensational Nightingales, Margaret “Babe” Allison & The Angelics ,James Moore, Keith Pringle, O’landa Draper, Ricky Dillard, Donnie McClurkin, Dorothy Norwood, Shirley Caesar, LaShun Pace, , Luther Barnes, Rev. F.C. Barnes, Dottie Peoples, Maurette Brown Clark, Carolyn Traylor, Men Of Standard, Bebe & CeCe Winans and many, many more.

BeBe & CeCe Reach #1 On The Billboard Charts

Below is a special 'thank you' from BeBe and CeCe on going #1....

Dear Gospel radio family,

We would like to take this time to say thanks for all of the love and support you have shown us throughout the years.

It has been 15 years since we’ve recorded an album together. As a result, we feel extremely blessed to see our first single, “Close To You,” climb to #1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. We couldn’t have done it without you. With the recording of our recent project, it has been a humbling experience to reflect on our journey and the realization that you all have been with us from the very beginning.

We’re extremely excited about our new album, “STILL” being in stores on October 6, 2009 and pray that it touches you and your listeners in a very special way.

Thank you for all that you do and have done for us. May God continue to bless you and yours.

Blessings,

BeBe & CeCe Winans

BeBe & CeCe "Grace" Official Leak!

The response has been awesome to "Grace" that we wanted to post it online for you to enjoy. Leave us some comments below. Don't forget, October 6th is the release date for BeBe and CeCe's album "Still".

B-Hamp’s Do the Ricky Bobby Featured on MTV’s Dance Craze Challenge

Who knew the best dance routine accessory would be a fire extinguisher? B-Hamp’s hit song, “Do the Ricky Bobby” was featured this week on MTV’s Dance Craze Challenge. Seattle’s dance crew, “Massive Monkees” incorporated a master mix of the track with a trampoline, fire extinguisher and polaroid. Do the Ricky Bobby. Stop. Pose for the frame.

New Video From B-Hamp "I B Jiggin"

To purchase the B-Hamp album and for ringtones visit Malaco at www.malaco.com.

Gospel Music Singer CeCe Winans Inspires Students

Gospel singer CeCe Winans was interviewed by Belmont’s Harry Chapman Wednesday for the first “Insider’s View” of the fall semester in an appearance sponsored by the Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business and the Office of Spiritual Development. Winans--a former Belmont trustee who has won numerous Grammy, Dove and Soul Train awards, among others--discussed her successful career as a Gospel artist and offered words of wisdom to a room packed with students.

Coming from a very large family consisting of seven older brothers and two younger sisters, singing was a part of life in the Winans household. CeCe started her career singing with older brother Bebe, and the two had enormous success in the gospel music industry.

Winans accredits her success to her strong faith and says she felt the call of God early on in her life. “The foundation of my life and career has been staying faithful to the Word of God and faithful to God and his plan for my life. You know everything is going to be all right if you stay focused on him,” she said.

Winans sought to inspire the younger generation in the audience, noting that it is often easy in life to get so busy doing “good stuff” that people often leave the “great stuff” out. She discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with good people who will keep you grounded and always remembering to be true to who you are. “If it comes from the heart, it is going to touch the heart,” said Winans. “Celebrate the great things about yourself and believe in yourself.”

The idea for Winans Always Sisters Forever Brothers conference, which was held in the Curb Event Center in July, emerged from the idea of wanting to pour into the lives of the younger generation and encourage young people to include God in everyday life. She is also reuniting with her brother Bebe for the first time in 15 years for a new album that will be available Oct. 6.

--Story reported by Aileen Wark - Bellmont University Blog

BeBe and CeCe are Back with ‘Still’

B&C Records in conjunction with Malaco Records is proud to announce the upcoming release of Still, the highly anticipated and eagerly awaited new studio album from gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. Still will be available online and in stores on Tuesday, October 6.

Still is BeBe & CeCe’s first album in more than 15 years and is the reunion that has been on the lips of fans around the world since it was announced earlier this year. Since the their self-titled debut album in 1987, this chart-topping brother and sister duo topped the R&B and inspirational charts with their debut single, “I.O.U. Me,” and generated Grammy nominations, Dove and Stellar Gospel Awards. BeBe & CeCe were the first African-American artists to receive significant airplay on CCM radio stations and the second African American artists to receive the Dove Award in the Group of the Year category.

Premiering 11 new BeBe & CeCe classics, Still includes the album’s recently released lead single, “Close to You” which has received critical acclaim and success for its soul-stirring, smooth sound and pristine vocals. The video for the single was recently launched on Yahoo and can be viewed by logging onto http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos. Other tracks on Still include the heart wrenching “Grace,” “Things” (featuring brother Marvin Winans), “Let It Be” (featuring Mary Mary) and “I Found Love” (Cindy’s Song) which is destined to be the wedding song of the year.

With assistance from longtime producer and collaborator Keith Thomas, along with Warryn Campbell, Percy Bady, Peter Zizzo, Merv Warren and Mario Winans, BeBe & CeCe weave their love for God in a faith-fueled gospel sound that combines a tuneful blend of R&B, pop, soul, jazz and more.

In conjunction with the release of Still, the BeBe & CeCe Reunion Tour will criss-cross the country later this year. ~ Soul Audio

Close To You Video by BeBe and CeCe Winans

It's here! The new video from BeBe and CeCe Winans "Close To You". Share your thoughts with us about it.

BeBe & CeCe will headline a tour with Jonathan Butler and brother, Marvin Winans

BeBe & CeCe will headline a tour with Jonathan Butler
and brother, Marvin Winans

DATE CITY VENUE

Oct 30 - 31
Cincinnati, OH Aronoff Center P&G
Nov 1
Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
Nov 4
Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
Nov 5
St. Louis, MO Fox Theatre
Nov 6
Chicago, IL Arie Crown Theatre
Nov 12
Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Nov 13
Dallas, TX Nokia Theater
Nov 14
Houston, TX Verizon Theater
Nov 20
Memphis, TN Orpheum Theater
Nov 21
Baltimore, MD Lyric Theater
Nov 22
Philadelphia, PA Tower Theater
Nov 24
Washington DC DAR
Nov 25 - 27
New York, NY Beacon Theater
Nov 28
Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theater
Nov 29
Oakland, CA Paramount Theater

Flashback: Dorothy Moore "Misty Blue"

We found this old video on YouTube of Dorothy Moore singing 'Misty Blue'. This continues to be a great song for Malaco. Check it out.

The National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc. brings their Convention to the "City of Brotherly Love", Philadelphia, PA.

Join us as we celebrate 90 years of service with a weeklong celebration of fun, laughter, enriching workshops, dynamic teachings, and great music.

July 26, 2009 - Sunday Morning Prayer Breakfast $30.00

Tuesday, July 28th 2009 - Unity Luncheon $55.00
Christian Comedian and All Male fashion show

Friday July 31st 2009 - 90th Anniversary
Banquet and Installation

Malaco Recording Artist "Dorothy Norwood"
Deadline to purchase tickets are
July 17th and they're $65.00

We will be in the Philadelphia downtown area from July 27- 31st 2009
Philadelphia Marriot Downtown
1201 market St, Philadelphia PA, 19107

If you would like to learn more about the association or if you would like to join Click here
www.nationalchurchushers.org

It Ain't Over Praise Dance

Star Jones - It Ain't Over Testimony

It was brought to my attention that on this past Sunday, Star Jones posted her testimony on her http://positivelystar.blogspot.com/ how she was blessed by Maurette Brown Clark’s It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over) at a time when she needed to hear a word of encouragement.

I know a lot of programmers have been playing this song for sometime now, but God is still using this song It Ain’t Over (Until God Says It’s Over) to bless his people whether you are a hollywood star like Ms. Star Jones or work a 9 to 5 like the rest of us.

God is still healing the hearts of His people.

I just wanted to share with you all what Star Jones has written…

Sometimes God speaks to us when we least expect it...but we most need it. I had that experience today and felt like I needed to share it...actually SHOUT IT! Why I don't know...but if my epiphany blesses someone, I'm willing to step out there...

The past few days have truly been amazing in my life. I've had some good business meetings, had the privilege of hosting a fundraiser for my friend David Paterson, the Governor of NY, helped raise $200,000 for Art for Life and hosted a lunch for the family of my guy at my home...making him proud. Sound like I had it "going on" right? WRONG...

I went out to pick up some crab for dinner tonight and I found myself experiencing a low moment. Nothing in particular happened...I just had a moment where I felt overwhelmed, inadequate and sad. Instead of celebrating my blessings; I started reviewing all the stuff in my life that I WASN'T happy with and got down on myself so intensely...that I started to cry...sitting in the car all alone.

Then God spoke to me...

A song came on the satellite radio just as the tears started to flow and I truly felt the presence of the holy spirit take over. Maurette Brown-Clark was singing "It ain't over...until God says it's over"...and I had to literally pull the car over and just PRAISE HIM!

Thank you Lord for reminding me that YOU are in control of ALL THINGS! The stuff that makes me feel good about myself is your gift to me...and the stuff that I have to struggle through is also a gift; because it makes me stronger.

I didn't have a crisis of faith...because my faith is stronger than that...but I did forget that I am HIS child... and he promised to give me the DESIRES OF MY HEART! He reminded me...so I stopped and praised HIM.

I know people in the public eye don't like to share that they have moments of fear, vulnerability and doubt...but I want you to know that we do...and those of us who believe in the omnipotence of God...go to our knees.

I don't know WHAT the future holds...but I state with complete certainty that I know WHO holds my future and FAITH in his word will see me through. I have been blessed with so much...and I want to thank HIM publicly and share it with others. My heart is full tonight with praise for my gifts.

We all go through tough times at one time or another...but remember this... God brought the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt...but before they reached the promised land they had to be washed in the blood (go through the red sea), and then languish in the wilderness for 40 years.

What that says to me is that we don't get the blessing without the struggle.

That is my testimony today...and I make a promise to God that it will be my daily testimony from now on.

The official video from Malaco Records:

New Orleans street performer 'Grandpa' Elliott Small winning new fans

Street singer and blues harmonica player "Grandpa" Elliott Small is a familiar sight to any New Orleanian who has strolled the Royal Street pedestrian mall. In his red T-shirt, blue overalls and bushy white beard, the blind musician has anchored the corner of Royal and Toulouse for more than a decade -- sometimes solo, sometimes with a friend on keyboard or guitar. In the Quarter, he's an institution.

And now, thanks to the documentary project "Playing for Change: Peace Through Music," he's taking it worldwide.

The project -- a 20-track CD, available now; and a documentary film, set to air nationally on PBS throughout August -- is the result of four years of field recording by Los Angeles recording engineer Mark Johnson. And, the resulting band Playing for Change continues to tour, making a stop on Saturday night (July 18) at Tipitina's.

Johnson got the idea for the project in 2005, when he happened upon singer Roger Ridley performing Ben E. King's "Stand by Me" for tips on the Santa Monica pier. He spent the next few years traveling the world, recording and filming more than 100 musicians. He recorded South African buskers. He took his digital equipment into the Himalayas. He taped an Irish children's choir that united Catholic and Protestant singers. He got tracks in India, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Israel.

He even recorded Bono.

And of course, he waxed "Grandpa" Elliott Small on his corner in the French Quarter.

Once the field work was done, Johnson created each track, by editing together, seamlessly, dozens of recordings from separate artists taped throughout the world. The album's final version of "Stand by Me," the song that inspired the project, is an astonishing pastiche, featuring 37 artists who had not yet met one another. The result is that the "Playing for Change" record is more than just a compilation; it's cross-cultural sonic unification.

The performers did finally meet. On June 27, the Playing for Change band, featuring more than two dozen musicians whose tracks became "Stand by Me," headlined the Jazz/World stage at the United Kingdom's monstrous Glastonbury Festival. It is one of the world's largest outdoor music festivals. ("I thought the Jazz Fest was big," Small said.)

A YouTube video of the band performing "Stand by Me" got more than 20 million views earlier this year, making it the No. 1 rated clip in the site's history, and turning the project into something of a global phenomenon. The two-disc CD/DVD set released by Hear Music debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard charts at the end of April, and has already sold more than 100,000 copies.

Not bad company for a French Quarter street musician from the 6th Ward.

Before he grew into the tag "Grandpa" (and before he grew his Santa Claus beard), Small already had a long career in New Orleans music. Growing up in the Lafitte housing development, music became his refuge from an unhappy home life, Small said.

"My stepfather was a man who did not love his child," he said. "But my uncle would come to the house, and play the harmonica to me."

Small's uncle played in a band with former Ink Spot Lloyd Washington, and often let his nephew come to the Dew Drop Inn to hear them play. Small did not completely lose his sight to glaucoma until 2005, and as a young man, he made the rounds as a soul singer in local clubs. He recorded singles with legendary arranger Wardell Quezergue, some of which are available on Malaco and Tuff City Records compilations of New Orleans funk. In the early '60's, he recorded "I'm a Devil" for Bang! Records of New York, and made a splash performing it while wearing what some fans remember as a red devil's suit complete with horns and pitchfork.

"Well, it wasn't called a devil suit," he said. "It was a pretty, silk red suit, that looked good. It was a nice show." At the time, Small remembers, he was billed as "The Harmonica King."

Small was featured on out-of-town bills promoted by the day's top New Orleans booker, Joe Jones.

"I went on tour with The Temptations and I helped the Dixie Cups go up to New York," he said. "I also had the honor to meet Lieber and Stoller (in New York), although I don't think they would remember me now. I was a young kid when I was up there."

By the '80s, however, Small had had enough of the grueling schedule. Bad decisions and unfair contracts, he said, had soured him on the industry. So he took his music to the streets, where it would belong only to him and to the passersby who heard it.

Small had debuted as an entertainer on the streets of the Quarter at age 6, tap-dancing for quarters to bring home to his mother.

"I learned from watching Fred Astaire movies on television," he said. And now, Small is on television. On June 30, he performed the national anthem at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium. He and other "Playing For Change" musicians appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Conan O'Brien on Thursday.

"I have so much fun playing in the French Quarter," Small said. "And I'm still having fun."

by Alison Fensterstock, Contributing writer, The Times-Picayune
Friday July 17, 2009, 5:00 AM

The Messengers In The Studio At Malaco Records

On July 9, 2009, The Messengers were in the studio at Malaco working on their new album. We were lucky enough to get some footage.

BeBe and CeCe Winans and Heavy D on ITunes

Check out the Reggae section of ITunes to find "Vibes" by Heavy D under the What's Hot section. Also, BeBe and CeCe Winans are under the What's Hot section of the RB/Soul section.

Flashback: Johnnie Taylor "Good Love" on Malaco Records

Taken from "Live In Dallas" on Malaco Records. To purchase Johnnie Taylor music, click here. Don't forget your ring tones. Get Johnnie Taylor ring tones by clicking here!!

Ludy's New Video Appearing On MTV

The video "She Can Get It" from Malaco Records is appearing on MTV. To purchase Ludy ring tones, click here.

Malaco Records Signs The Christian Angels

BeBe And CeCe Winans' Ringtone Available Now!

The hit song "Close To You" is now available as a ring tone from Malaco Records. Don't be left out, get your ring tone now! Click here to listen and purchase.

Darrell Luster And Evelyn Turrentine-Agee In The Studio At Malaco Records

Darrell Luster and Evelyn Turrentine-Agee are in the studio at Malaco recording the new song "God's Got It".

New Video From Heavy D "No Matter What"

The new video from Heavy D is now available from Stride / Malaco Records. Check it out!

Tom Joyner Family Reunion Tickets On Sale Now for Award Winning Artists Maxwell, Vanessa Williams and BeBe and CeCe Winans

I have to admit, I have watched several 80s stars videos from the reunion several times. The Stephanie Mills performance was especially good. A lot of the 80s stars have a huge fan base and don’t get invited to tour the states often. The Family Reunion is a great place to take us back.. Looks like this year the star list is a bit more current but a good one nonetheless.
Tickets On Sale Now for Award Winning Artists Maxwell, Vanessa Williams and BeBe and CeCe Winans at the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Tom Joyner and Allstate partner for the sixth year to bring families together in Orlando on Labor Day Weekend – September 3-7, 2009
Tom Joyner, host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, along with Allstate Insurance Company, present his annual family “Party with a Purpose” to listeners, like only Tom Joyner can, with some of the best entertainment and empowering seminars offered this year to Orlando, Florida during Labor Day weekend for the 2009 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion.
“Nothing says summer like a Family Reunion and it’s that time of the year again for the Tom Joyner Family Reunion,” says Joyner. “We’re headed back to Orlando Labor Day weekend for more fun, food and family entertainment that you won’t find at just any family reunion. I’m talking about Ginuwine, Joe, Vanessa Williams, BeBe and Ce Ce Winans, and are you ready for this—an evening with Maxwell! Plus parties, empowering seminars, comedy and a chance for you to give your family a weekend they’ll never forget!”
Scheduled for September 3rd – September 7th 2009, the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion is once again inviting all of Central Florida to a jam-packed weekend of thrilling activities that will appeal to both new school and old school audiences. During the weekend they will be treated to a star-studded concert event with sultry singer Maxwell, renowned soul artist Raphael Saadiq, the beautiful and talented Vanessa Williams and the classic soul of Loose Ends. Guests will also be entertained with a late night comedy show, which will feature some of today’s funniest comedians, all hosted by the ‘Fly Jock’ Tom Joyner. The lineup of musical guests only gets better as the weekend unfolds. R&B heartthrobs Ginuwine, Joe, and Chico Debarge will charm audiences with soulful flavor. The award-winning gospel duo BeBe and CeCe Winans, and the phenomenal gospel singers Israel Houghton and Maurette Brown Clark will anoint the stage for a praised-filled gospel celebration.
To purchase tickets to the concerts go to www.Ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000. For more information on the Tom Joyner Family Reunion musical entertainment, empowering seminars and more go to www.blackamericaweb.com. Plus, the fun does not stop there! TJMS listeners will be able to join Joyner and his crew during the day on Friday and Saturday at the Allstate Family Expo. The expo will be overflowing with entertainment for all ages including outstanding vendors from across the country, exciting family games, health and business seminars and special celebrity guests.
There are less than fifty packages left for this non-stop weekend. These exclusive packages include: one (1) guest room for four nights at the Gaylord Palms Resort; Theme park tickets for each person to SeaWorld and Universal Orlando theme parks; Admission to the Family Expo and evening music events for each person; Five family meals; and complimentary transportation to and from the Family Reunion events. Additionally, guests for the entire weekend can look forward to added exclusive activities like a private Shamu Show and family barbeque at Sea World and an incredible full day of activities for “Family Day” on Sunday that includes empowering seminars and a family talent show. Book your package now by calling 407-248-9191.

Mississippi Damned

Mississippi Damned is a new movie based on a true story about three poor black children in rural Mississippi that reap the consequences of their family's abuse addiction and violence. Many of the songs in the movie are from Malaco.

Music Supervisor, Dan Wilcox, was asked a lot of the music came from a company in Mississippi can you talk to me about that decision and what do you think it adds to the film? He said, "My primary concern with approaching this movie was authenticity. My goal was for someone from a small-town in Mississippi to be watching the film and say "how the hell did they know about THAT song?". I had heard of the label Malaco Records because as a DJ I had a couple of their 12"'s in my collection, knew it was a label in Mississippi. When I mentioned the label in our first music meeting, Tina remembered commercials the label would run on local TV in her home town when she was growing up, so I felt we might be on to something. But upon doing some research I discovered Malaco is still a rather large independent label with tons of authentic blues, soul, hip-hop & gospel music from the region with big-timers like Z.Z. Hill, Dorothy Moore, Latimore & Mahalia Jackson... artists who ultimately ended up in the film."

Watch the Trailer here.

Heavy D on Billboard Charts

Malaco Records is pleased to announce that Heavy D has entered the Billboard Reggae charts at #10 for his album "Vibes".

The 31st Annual Jackson Music Awards

The 31st Mississippi Gospel Music Awards were presented Sunday evening in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. Malaco is proud of Dorothy Norwood for winning National Female Soloist of the Year. Also, congratulations to Malaco arranger Harrison Calloway Jr. for winning Musician of The Year at the Jackson Music Awards!

Malaco Announcement on NEW Heavy D Video!

Heavy D "No Matter What" has been added to MTV Jams, VH1 Soul and Music Choice!!!!!
More info to come next week.

Maurette Brown Clark Hurdles From Billboard # 3 to # 1 Once Again!!!

The inspirational single that is touching the hearts of millions, It Ain’t Over (Until God Says Its Over) by Maurette Brown Clark is a testament in of itself. After leaping from the number 3 spot to number 1 on the Billboard charts, according to BDS tabulations week ending of June 7, 2009, becoming the first number song for The Malaco Music Group family of labels since Gospel as become a monitored format. After just one week at the top, the single was tossed down to the number 3 position.

The Malaco Music group is proud to announce that “It Ain’t Over” (Until God Says Its Over) has soared once again from the number 3 position to reclaim and become the nation’s number 1 song on both the Billboard and Mediabase Gospel charts this week ending June 21, 2009.

Maurette Brown Clark says, "I am just really humbled and excited about what the Lord is doing with "It Ain't Over". I recorded that song almost 5 years ago and to see what God is doing with it now in such a time as this is all to His glory. I have received countless emails, phone calls, and personal testimonies as to how this song has encouraged people through their personal struggles, as well as the struggles this entire world is facing. I am just grateful to be one of the vessels that God is using to encourage His people. I want to thank my record company, Malaco Records, for their hard work, as well as the gospel radio programmers and announcers across this country who are helping to take this song to the masses."

D.A. Johnson of The Malaco Music Group states, “This is just a testament to the power of the song “It Ain’t Over” and the message that is so relevant to so many lives; not only pertaining to these tough economic times, but life’s challenges that each of us has to face in our individual lives every day. This type of response from the masses cannot be fabricated or manufactured. I commend radio programmers across the country for listening to their listeners and not altering “It Ain’t Over” in their rotation.”

B-Hamp To Play At Tom Joyner Family Reunion

The Tom Joyner Family Reunion, which is scheduled from September 3-7, 2009, will take place at the
Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Florida.

The event culminates with the performance of artists on two separate indoor stages at the Gaylord Resort on Saturday, September 5, 2009.

One stage will have an AAA artist line-up for the older crowd.

The second stage will be a dance show/concert for the younger crowd.

The second stage will consist of the following artists:

B-Hamp
GS Boyz
Daron Jones

There will be radio promotions in Orlando, Florida and the surrounding areas for this event. Also, the Family Reunion and the artists will be promoted on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and www.blackamericaweb.com.

B-Hamp will be able to record drops for the radio promotion.

To purchase B-Hamp ringtones and music, visit Malaco Records at www.malaco.com

B-Hamp To Play At The Fifth Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge

The Fifth Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge, which is presented by Disney, will occur on Sunday, September 6, 2009.

The game will occur at the Florida Citrus Bowl which is located in Orlando, Florida.

The football teams playing in the event are Grambling State and South Carolina State.

The football game will be broadcast nationally in high-definition on ESPN 2.

B-Hamp will be performing on the Pre-Game Stage and the Post-Game Stage.

To purchase B-Hamp ringtones and music, visit Malaco Records at www.malaco.com.

New Ringtones Available Today

Later today, we will have ringtones available from Willie Clayton, Mosie Burks, Artie White, Latimore and Billy Ray Charles. All ringtones are available at www.malaco.com.

Producer Barry Beckett dies

Thursday, June 11, 2009 – Nashville producer Barry Beckett, who worked with everyone from Bob Dylan to Kenny Chesney, died Wednesday at 65.

Beckett was one of the original 4 owners of The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama. Along with Jimmy Johnson, David Hood and Roger Hawkins they sold the studio to Malaco Records in the mid 80s. Beckett played on several early Malaco recordings that were recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.

Beckett gained fame as a keyboardist for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. He played on hits including the Staple Singers' I'll Take You There and Paul Simon's Kodachrome.

He produced as well, including Mary MacGregor's Torn Between Two Lovers, Alabama's If I Had You, Kenny Chesney's When I Close My Eyes and Bob Dylan (the LPs "Dylan," "Slow Train Coming," "Saved"), and Neal McCoy's No Doubt About It.

In 1985, Beckett left Muscle Shoals, for an A&R position with the Nashville branch of Warner. He co-produced Hank Williams Jr.'s "Mind Your Own Business" and "Born to Boogie" and won a CMA award for Williams' There's a Tear in My Beer.

Other Beckett-associated releases were Glenn Frey's Sexy Girl, the Forester Sisters' You Again, Bob Seger's We've Got Tonight and Fire Lake and the LPs "Night Moves" and "Stranger In Town" and Delbert McClinton's "Giving It Up for Your Love." He also produced Joan Baez, Dire Straits, Joe Cocker, John Prine, McGuinn - Hillman, The Staple Singers, Phoebe Snow, Etta James, T. Graham Brown, Lorrie Morgan, Eddy Raven, Frankie Miller, Jerry Jeff Walker, Confederate Railroad, Phish, Tammy Graham and Sonia Dada.

Malaco Music Group launches Pay Per-Download Ringtones with m-Wise Inc.

m-Wise Inc. is thrilled to announce its newly formed relationship with Malaco Music Group. Malaco has a long history of providing some of the best music in Gospel, Southern, Urban, Blues, R&B, Soul and many other genres. Malaco’s artists are award winning and Billboard music chart spot holders. Throughout the history and notable story of Malaco Music Group, it is clear that they have always been and continue to be dedicated to music and play a huge role in the development and representation of Southern music.

m-Wise Inc., is excited to partner with Malaco, they are the leader in Gospel, Southern, Urban, Blues, and R&B which are all new genres for us. “We pride ourselves in working with the best and there is no better partner for this genre than Malaco” says Leo Giel VP, Sales N. America. Malaco currently has an impressive 2,000 hits on their website each day, and forecasts a significant lift in this number with the launch of their ringtone offering. This feature will be promoted virtually through their website, blogspot, Twitter and on physical CD’s. On many of the new CD releases Malaco offers in 2009, a coupon code will be included for a free ringtone.

This coupon code can be redeemed online at www.malaco.com.

Burton Doss, director of IT at Malaco said "Malaco has been looking for a technology partner who can provide not only ringtones to our customers, but also full track downloads and there is no partner better than m-Wise Inc. in the US." The pay per-download ringtone feature will be done by utilizing MOMA, a proprietary software created by m-Wise Inc., which is integrated as a “one stop shop” for mobile operators, content providers, wireless ASP’s and media producers like Malaco. The MOMA platform delivers end-users with a state-of- the-art mobile experience and makes it easy to manage and deliver content like music, games, videos and other entertainment while adding real-time end user capabilities like voting, mobile marketing, advertising and access to live data. Within this package, MOMA also supports transactional billing, customer care and marketing capabilities.

Malaco will be offering the popular Do the Ricky Bobby by BHamp as a ringtone and coming soon will be ringtones by many other well known artists such as the gospel group Bebe and Cece Winans. In addition, Malaco has just signed on Queen Emily from last season’s ‘America’s Got Talent’ and intends to use songs from her upcoming album within this feature as well.

For more information about Malaco Music Group you can visit their website www.malaco.com; their Blog http://malacorecords.blogspot.com/ and you can also follow them on Twitter by going to http://twitter.com/malaco_music.

The Queen Emily Story

Malaco recording artist Queen Emily, took a break from recording her first album with us to share her story. This was recorded at the studio in Jackson.

Maurette Brown Clark "It Ain't Over"

If you haven't checked out the latest video from Maurette Brown Clark, check it out below.

Gospel Music Song “Close to You” Sung by BeBe & CeCe Winans

The Malaco Music Group has announced that gospel music superstars BeBe and CeCe Winans have signed an exclusive distribution deal for B & C Records, their first joint record label venture. With Malaco Records as their new distribution partner BeBe and CeCe have launched their new label with the release of “Close to You”which is the first single from their gospel music CD which will be in stores in September.

I love this video of them singing the new single on TBN. You can tell they love and enjoy each other very much. What a special brother/sister relationship. lol @ CeCe teasing BeBe about going to bed at 8:00. Reminds me of how much I love my brothers even though they teased me terribly when were were young. lol ~ 1800Gospel.com

Malaco Records Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal with BeBe and CeCe Winans for the Launch of B & C Records

Jackson, Miss. –June 1, 2009 – Malaco Music Group announced today the signing of Gospel/R&B music superstars BeBe and CeCe Winans to an exclusive distribution deal for B & C Records, their first joint record label venture. With Malaco Records, a legendary southern R&B and Gospel label as their new distribution partner, the brother and sister music duo has launched their new label with the release of the single, “Close to You,” currently at radio. “Close to You” is the first from BeBe and CeCe’s upcoming CD, due in stores late September.

“As a true fan of their music for many years, this is one of the most exciting signings that I have made in recent years,” said Tommy Couch, President of Malaco Music Group. “I am very honored to bring these two stellar and respected artists to the Malaco Music Group family, and see nothing but a bright and prosperous future ahead. This new partnership represents for us the first of many steps toward building the Malaco Music Group into a major independent leader in the urban music world.”

Lionel Ridenour, Head of Malaco’s Urban Music Department, added: “We are more than excited about our partnership with BeBe and CeCe Winans, we are overjoyed. BeBe and CeCe Winans are international music superstars. They are pioneers of both traditional and contemporary gospel, as well as multi-platinum award-winning R&B music stars. We are very proud that BeBe and CeCe have chosen Malaco Music Group as the home for their new venture B & C Records.”

“With the rich heritage of so many great gospel legends, such as the Reverend James Cleveland, The Caravans, The Major Mass Choirs from Savoy and Malaco, we are elated to continue the tradition with superstar artists BeBe and CeCe Winans,” added D. A. Johnson, Malaco Music Group’s Director of Gospel Music Division.

BeBe and CeCe’s 20 year career in music includes multiple platinum and gold albums in both the Gospel and R&B music genres, 5 Grammys, 8 Doves, more than 12 Stellar Awards, 2 NAACP Awards, 12+ charting R&B singles, and countless #1 Christian and Gospel radio singles.

Their debut self-titled album, released in 1987, nabbed both Grammy and Stellar noms and a Dove Award, only the second Dove Award to be awarded to an African American Group in the category “Group of the Year.” The single “For Always” from the album earned BeBe and CeCe their first Grammy. Their second album, Heaven, was the first Gospel album to reach #1 on the Billboard sales chart and gave us two hit singles, “Lost Without You,” and “Celebrate Life.”

This long-awaited reunion album is a culmination of gained experiences over the last few years and promises to please the die-hard BeBe and CeCe fans and garner new ones as well.

For more information on Malaco Music Group, contact, Burton Doss, (601) 982-4255, bdoss@malaco.com

Ringtones Available From Malaco

It's been a long journey but Malaco is now offering ringtones for your cellphone. Visit www.malaco.com and click on the Ringtones tab at the top to browse what is currently available. New songs are added daily so keep checking back. If you don't see what you want, there is a button on the ringtone page to send a request for a ringtone. When we receive the request, we will get it up as soon as possible. Check to make sure that your phone is on the list of supported devices before downloading.

We are also continuing to make improvements to the layout of the site. Enjoy!

BeBe & CeCe Winans

BeBe & CeCe Winans debut single “Close To You” Manufactured, Distributed, Marketed & Promoted by The Malaco Music Group was not only the # 1 most added song at Gospel radio and # 3 song added at Urban AC radio a week ago, in one week after “Going For Adds,” “Close To You” has debut on both the Billboard / R&R Gospel radio Chart at # 29 and the Urban AC radio chart @ # 39.

Dallas Based Record Label CKB Entertainment is Ready to Put On For It's City

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 19, 2009 -- With the release of B-Hamp's debut album 'B Dash' on May 19, 2009, CKB is quietly becoming part of the skyline for Dallas.

Strength, resilience and determination are three words that best describe CKB Entertainment. Founder Rickey Booker named his company after his beloved younger sister Cassandra Kaye Booker was tragically killed in the Oklahoma Bombing on April 19th, 1995. Overcoming adversity turned out to be Rickey's strong suit as his journey into the music industry has been a rocky one.

In early 1994, Rickey, Maurice Barber, Tony Briggs and Roy Mims would start Wino Records, an independent label in Dallas but disbanded within a year after an unsuccessful run and each partner went their separate ways. During this time Rickey was also supporting the career of his younger cousin Tony Thomson, the lead singer of the hot R&B group Hi-Five and would experience the industry from the artist's point of view as well. Wanting to continue with music, Rickey found himself gaining the responsibility of assisting his own Mother in caring for his sister Cassandra's four children and his ambitions were put on hold.

Never losing his passion for music, Rickey dedicated his time to creating another situation for himself and partner Tony Briggs and CKB Records was formed in 1995. Their artist roster included Leticia Love, Baby Boo, Aqua Mann, 40oz Clique, Michael McIntosh and T-Spoon as well as in house producers Spoonfed Musik and Sounds of Life. Unable to gain the proper funding, the decision was made to shop 40oz Clique for a deal to Jive Records, Tommy Boy and 2000 Watts in which they landed a demo deal with 2000 Watts. Unfortunately 2000 Watts stuck a deal with Elektra Records and 40oz Clique's project was dropped.

Not to be defeated Rickey Booker once again focused on building a label only to be tried with another tragedy with the passing of his Mother in 2002 and was left to care for his sister's children as well as his own three children with his wife. Overcome with the need to focus on family, Rickey would depart once again from the music scene.

Several years would pass and Rickey could not give up on his dream and he ventured out one last time to start his own independent label, this time naming it CKB Entertainment in 2008. As fate would have it a young Dallas native by the name of Brandon Hampton would change everything for Rickey Booker and CKB Entertainment. Brandon also known as B-Hamp would write the now smash hit, 'Do The Ricky Bobby', bring the single to Rickey, who signed B-Hamp within days to the label. The single and accompanying dance would catapult B-Hamp and CKB Entertainment to the top of the music industry at lightning speed. Rickey Booker also secured a distribution deal for B-Hamp's debut album and CKB with Malaco Music Group headed by industry heavyweight Lionel Ridenour.

Surrounding himself with the top talent in the industry to head up marketing, public relations and booking, Rickey Booker knows he has the dream team, finally. "It has been a struggle to get my company to where it is now, but I have learned that with every defeat comes a bigger triumph and I have been blessed with the right people at the right time in the right situation", says CEO Rickey Booker.

Now making their mark with B-Hamp's album B Dash due for release on May 19th, 2009, CKB Entertainment is gearing up for a National and European tour for B-Hamp to support the album. CKB Entertainment is also signing new acts to the label to be groomed and developed into the stars of tomorrow. ~PRWeb

True Believers
Break Through
Malaco Records 2008
www.malaco.com

Here’s another young quartet with an old soul.

Earlier in the decade, McComb, Mississippi’s True Believers recorded for the Blackberry label under the guidance of the Williams Brothers, then signed with Malaco, releasing their first project for the imprint in 2007. The group unveiled Break Through, its second Malaco project, in the winter of 2008.

While the first few songs on Break Through are fairly standard quartet fare, when the group charges into “Here Comes your Breakthrough” (track five), it’s as if someone pushed the Turbo button. From here to the end of the CD, True Believers packs punch after punch of muscular traditional gospel quartet singing with just enough contemporary flavor to broaden its appeal.

“Here Comes Your Breakthrough” is a supercharged, high-energy quartet performance and a song destined to become the group’s signature. Other “drive” songs on the CD include the kick-beat, hip-slapping “I Know (Somebody Touched Me)” and “When I Rise.” The quartet gets bluesy on a variation of a quartet favorite, “Get Right Church,” known here by the title “Jesus is Coming.”

Break Through closes with the classic hymn “At the Cross,” which features high harmonies a la the Violinaires. The lead singer embroiders the song with Sam Cooke-style yodels, which sound good but make even more sense as the group moves into Cooke’s Soul Stirrers outing, “Build a Fence Around Me.” It's an appropriate conclusion to a project that, like the Stirrers of Cooke's era, combines youthful energy with timeless male quartet harmony.

Four of Five Stars
Posted by Bob Marovich
The Black Gospel Blog

FINALLY!!! - MEN OF STANDARD “GREATEST HITS” IN STORES JUNE 2

Men of Standard, one of this generation’s undisputed leaders in urban/contemporary gospel music, was composed of four talented artists, Lowell Pye, Isaac Carree, Bryan Pierce and Michael Bacon. The dynamic Men of Standard were a keystone in launching the Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel label with their eponymously titled debut in 1996, and went on to create four hit gospel albums for the label, a subsidiary of the Malaco Music Group.

An instant smash, Men of Standard earned the group the prestigious 1997 Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Vision Award for New Artist of the Year as well as the 1997 GMWA Excellence Award for Contemporary Group of the Year. The radio single “Winter” topped Billboard’s radio gospel charts and became a mainstream urban crossover hit. Gospel Insights voted Men of Standard one of the top 10 records of 1996 and the group garnered five Stellar Award nominations their first year out: Producer of the Year, Song of the Year for “Winter”, Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, and New Artist of the Year.

Men Of Standard also headlined on the Power ’98 Tour with the legendary Williams Brothers, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker, Dottie Peoples and Vickie Winans. Following the tour their sophomore release, Feels Like Rain (1999), jumped on Billboard’s Gospel charts, staying for over thirty weeks and earning MOS two Stellar Awards: Contemporary Group of the Year and Male Group of the Year. They also won the 2000 GMWA Contemporary Group of the Year award and the 2000 Stellar Award for Group/Duo of the Year. The single “In Your Will” appeared on the platinum selling WOW gospel project for that year.

In 2002, Men Of Standard headlined with Tonex, Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Ray Bady on the Gospel Evolution Tour. They also released their third project, simply titled Volume III, which hit the #14 spot on the Billboard charts within two weeks and earned MOS another Stellar Award nomination for Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year.

In 2004, It’s A New Day, although marking the final release for Men Of Standard on the MSSG label, earned the group even more Stellar Award nominations. On their way to becoming legends in their own right, this collection of hits is long past due for these talented singers, writers, and producers who have set new standards for making gospel music.

What makes Men Of Standard Greatest Hits a collectors item is not only does it contain the biggest songs of their careers, but it also contains 2 brand new never released recorded selections penned by two of the most prolific songwriters of our time, “When your life Was Low” by Joe Sample and “Always Remember” by Andre Crouch.

Be sure to stay tuned to your favorite local radio station to be amongst the firsts to hear “When Your Life Was Low” and “When Your Life Was Low” / “Always Remember” medley; Both songs are superbly performed in the unique rich signature harmonious style that is Men Of Standard.

Performance from the Mississippi Mass Choir at Frank Melton Memorial

A steady stream of mourners - from everyday citizens to the state's top leaders - paid their respects Monday to Mayor Frank Melton, whose flag-draped casket lay in repose at City Hall for much of the afternoon.

"Today is a sad day," said former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, who paid his respects with his wife, Melody. "Frank had a heart for young people. He loved Jackson. He loved Mississippi. That just always came through. I think that his spirit of caring for and trying to help people will be what will endure."

Musgrove appointed Melton to head the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics in 2002. Melton was let go by Gov. Haley Barbour when he took over.

More memories will be shared today during a memorial service at Thalia Mara Hall. The program will feature a homily by Rep. Jim Evans, an invocation and benediction by Rev. Charles Polk and musical performances from the Mississippi Mass Choir, Jackson Southernaires, Jesse Primer III and the Williams Brothers.

Melton died Thursday at St. Dominic Hospital, having been rushed there by ambulance Tuesday just minutes after the polls closed in the Democratic primary. He had been running for a second term in office but came in third among 10 Democrats.

Melton had chronic heart problems but in recent weeks had indicated he was healthy enough to serve another term. He was 60.

In addition to Musgrove, Barbour and former Mayor Dale Danks also were at City Hall.

"I think it is very fitting for the city of Jackson and citizens to express their condolences and pay their respects," Danks said. "I sure will miss him, I'll tell you that."

Danks served as Melton's adviser and personal attorney through two criminal trials and a civil trial during Melton's tumultuous term as mayor. He said he and Melton disagreed at times, but he always considered him a friend.

Dozens of mourners lined the sidewalk outside City Hall before the doors opened.

Retired teacher Lorece Beddingfield was in line. She first met Melton in 1995, when he spoke at a career day at Yazoo City Middle School.

"He was just a nice man to admire. He was for the young folks, the senior citizens, the poor," she said. "He was just that type of man."

George Jones, owner of the private technical school Healthcare Institute, said he knew the mayor a little and admired his style.

"He was just full throttle all the way until his death," he said. "He was all in, all the time."

Inside, Melton's casket was placed under a portrait of the mayor and flanked by a Jackson Police Department honor guard.

City officials and photographers lined the twin staircases at the west end of the room as people filed by, sometimes pausing to snap a photo with their cell phone cameras.

One of the first through the doors at 11 a.m. was Marcus Wright, one of Melton's former police bodyguards.

Wright was indicted with Melton and fellow former bodyguard Michael Recio in July on federal civil rights charges related to a warrantless raid on a Ridgeway Street duplex in 2006.

Wright pleaded guilty in October to a reduced charge and testified against Melton and Recio in a February trial that ended in a mistrial when a jury failed to reach a verdict.

Wright said last week that Melton called him about a week before his death to check on him and tell him that he loved him.

Since Melton's death, City Council President Leslie Burl McLemore was chosen acting mayor.

Former Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. and Councilman Marshand Crisler will meet in a mayoral primary runoff on May 19. The winner will face five more candidates - four independents and one Republican - in the June 2 general election.

To comment on this story, call Chris Joyner at (601) 360-4619.
Clarion Ledger

B-Hamp to appear on BET Today!!!!

Tune in and watch B-Hamp "Do the Ricky Bobby" this Friday, May 8th @ 6pm on BET's 106 & Park!!!

The Supreme Angels Reloaded

When legendary quartet leader Rev. Howard "Slim" Hunt of Slim and the Supreme Angels made his transition from labor to reward in 2007, the inevitable question was: what will happen to the Supreme Angels? Hunt was the heart and soul of a group that was active for more than a half-century.

Hunt solved that problem in advance by grooming his son, Quincy King, to be his vocal successor. On the quartet's latest project, the appropriately titled Reloaded, King -- nicknamed Slim, Jr. -- is in the mix along with stalwart members Robert "Sugar" Hightower (remember him as the sassy-confident child lead of the Hightower Brothers?), Maurice Robinson and Michael Kimpson.

King gives the Supreme Angels a more youthful vocal sound, and the retro soul seventies feel the musicians cultivate throughout Reloaded is, if not timeless, still very much in vogue. The songs (save one) are new but lyrically they traverse quartet holy ground: shelter in a time of storm, thanksgiving for blessings, holding on against all odds, surviving in a tough world with lots of questionable choices, Mother, and the need for spiritual healing.

The CD opens and (almost) closes with quartet handclappers. "Wicked Land," a take on "My Lord's Gonna Move this Wicked Race;" and "What's the Matter with Jesus" are 100 percent pure Supreme Angels fare. "How Long" showcases superb lead vocals and a music riff reminiscent of English pub band Ace's opening salvo in its seventies hit of the same name, but it is not the same song. "Hold On and Never Give Up" is bouncy and bright Northern Soul. In the receeding seconds of "Your Touch is All We Need," the quartet beseeches the Lord to watch over and protect a litany of their quartet bretheren, such as the Canton Spirituals.

Listen for Sugar's biting guitar solo on "Don't Let the Devil Steal your Joy" and the Supreme Angels' performance of the reverential hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour," which closes out the project.

Slim Hunt may be gone, but his legacy lives on in the Supreme Angels.

Four of Five Stars ~ The Black Gospel Blog

In Memory Of Rev. Timothy Wright

Rev. Milton Biggham best described him during his introduction on the Grammy-nominated Been There, Done That project in 1995. It was probably the first time Rev. Timothy Wright was ever called on a publicly as the "Godfather of Gospel," but the description and momentous honor fit him perfectly. For over forty years, Rev. Wright had created a sound all together his own - chiseled into a mold designed after the Brooklyn sound along with the urban dynamics of George Clinton’s funk and the soulful, raw energies of James Cleveland’s gospel. With gospel forefathers Rev. Isaac Douglas, Bishop F.D. Washington and the legendary Institutional Radio Choir providing the soundtrack for his upbringing, Rev. Wright began his musical career by establishing the Timothy Wright Concert Choir in 1976. The move afforded Wright the opportunity to record for a host of music labels including Tomato and Atlanta International Records in the 1980s. By this time, Wright had already developed a strong following for his workshop-friendly and melodic-driven selections along with his exuberant passion during his moments of ministry.
Wright would go on to record several projects for AIR before his groundbreaking career move to Savoy in 1988. His Savoy debut, Who’s On the Lord’s Side, along with his Myrna Summers collaboration (We’re Going to Make It) exposed Wright’s craft and musical abilities to an even larger audience and also earned him his first Grammy nomination and a Stellar Award. The next set of albums felt as if Wright was on an international tour staged with mammoth live recordings. Using a footnote from the handbook of Rev. James Cleveland, Wright brought together some of the world’s best choirs and singers to join with him on his newborn compositions. From Cincinnati’s B/J Mass Choir on the Grammy-nominated Been There Done That album to the Chicago Interdenominational Mass Choir (I’m Glad About It) to the London Fellowship Choir (Live in London) who also shared the stage with gospel luminaries Bruce Parham and LaShun Pace, Rev. Wright was sure to make an impact on the world by using some of the best trained and unexposed emerging groups to hit the gospel scene. But none of his past discoveries could match the greatness of his most prized achievement: the New York Fellowship Mass Choir.

After gaining inspiration in Indianapolis, Indiana after attending the 1993 Gospel Music Workshop of America, Rev. Wright sat down with Savoy Records’ president Rev. Milton Biggham to see if he could duplicate the same spirit of unity and brotherhood exemplified in 1,000+ voice choir of the 25,000 member convention using the community and professional choirs of New York. The task was sure to be tedious, especially since the city of New York had not quite experienced a large conglomerate of singers in gospel music. But Rev. Wright made it all possible with his breathtaking 1994 Savoy recording Come Thou Almighty King. The album, recorded at featuring a stellar set of choirs and groups that included Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship (Crusade) Choir, Donnie McClurkin’s New York Restoration Choir, Albert Jamison’s Triboro Mass Choir, Robert Lowe’s Queens Community Choir, James Hall’s Worship and Praise and groups led by David Bratton, Eric McDaniel, Jae Nixon and Roger Hambrick. The spirit of unity floated like a butterfly through song selections like “Come Thou Almighty King,” the energetic “We Bless Your Name,” the heartfelt ballad “When We Reach That Wonderful Place” and David Bratton’s magnum opus “Revelations I.” What felt like a one-time event shocked the gospel community once again as the choir, larger than ever, united for a ten-year anniversary in 2004. This time, the album was flooding with superstar talent including Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, Dottie Peoples, Hezekiah Walker, Valerie Boyd, James Hall, Kervy Brown, Danny Eason and Maurette Brown-Clark. The choir was even featured on Wright’s last two recordings: Let’s Celebrate (He Is Risen) and Jesus Jesus Jesus.

The song "Who's On the Lord's Side" also remains a benchmark in Rev. Wright's forty-year music career. In 1992, it was covered by CCM rock band Petra on their Grammy-award winning and best-selling Unseen Power album. R&B/soul legend Patti LaBelle also revived the song twice: on her PBS' Going Home to Gospel special in 1991 and on her MCA live recording, Live! One Night Only in 1998.

While traveling home after a church convention in July 2008, tragedy struck when Rev. Wright was involved in a fatal car accident caused by a drunk wrong-way driver. The accident silenced the lives of his wife, Betty, and his 14-year old grandson, D.J. Wright was injured and survived the devastating wreck. Rumors of his death began to plague the message boards, but were quickly diminished when Wright began the fight of his life while going through a number of surgeries and entering rehabilitation at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Due to failing health caused by the accident’s injuries, Rev. Wright, the beloved gospel singer, pastor and songwriter, succumbed to this life on April 23, 2009. He was 61.
~ Prayzehymnonline.com

Maurette Brown Clark Video Now Online!

If you missed the world debut of Malaco / Air recording artist Maurette Brown Clark "It Ain't Over", we just posted it on YouTube. Let us know what you think. Leave a comment. Check it out by clicking here!

Three Malaco Brothers

As seen in Soul Express

Soulscape keeps on delving into Malaco’s vaults and finding solid material. Malaco Soul Brothers, vol. 1 (SSCD 7017; 25 tracks, 76 min.; liners by John Ridley) introduces us to Chuck Brooks, Joe Wilson and George Soule, and there are as many as ten previously unreleased tracks.

Chuck Brooks (9 tracks) cut a lot of funk and pop for Mercury, Chimneyville, GSF and Malaco between 1972 and 1977, but he recorded some convincing slow material, too. Loneliness (Is a Friend of Mine) is a pleading soul ballad, but the pretty A Little Bit More leans heavily on country and pop. I Believe in Love is a lush big ballad, whereas What Would We Do without Music is a perky pop mover. In the 80s and 90s Chuck became known mainly as a writer and producer and a partner of Carl Hampton.

Joe Wilson’s (13 tracks) ’71 – ’73 releases on Malaco, Dynamo and Avco were produced by Wardell Quezergue, and again among them there were some fast poppy songs, such as (Don’t Let Them) Blow Your Mind, Let a Broken Heart Come in and Sweetness. At time Joe’s voice distantly reminds you of Clyde McPhatter. When a Man Cries is an impressive Southern soul ballad, which has appeared on a few other compilations earlier. Other richly orchestrated and touching slowies include Our Love Is Strong, Sour Love, Bitter Sweet and You Need Me.

George Soule (3 tracks) is a blue-eyed musician, writer and producer, who’s still active today. Talkin’ about Love and The Easiest Thing I’ve Ever Done are both pop, but That’s Why I’m a Man (demo) is a slow and convincing testimony with a soul feel to it. Since this CD was volume one, it means that there’s still more to come.

As seen in Soul Express

It took almost five years for us to hear new music from Shirley, but finally Unleashed (MCD7535; www.malaco.com) is here. It starts with a serene and rather mellow ballad called Upside Down, which, however, vocally grows into a passionate eruption. The song was written and produced by Frederick Knight, but unfortunately his second contribution, an almost funky beater called Let Me Relax You, isn’t on a par of that opener but, on the contrary, sounds rather dull.

Vick Allen did a lot of producing for this set, and the first song is his and Omar Cunningham’s I Don’t Wanna Leave, a slow swayer with powerful singing again. The mid-tempo If You Can’t Hit It Right (co-written by Tonya Youngblood Polk) is more mediocre and ominous. Vick also wrote and produced together with Shirley two songs, a poppy mid-tempo stepper titled You Should’a Know Better and a poignant and impressive deepie named Why, which is dedicated to the ones we’ve lost.

I’m afraid that the late Charles Richard Cason’s and Zuri’s two repetitive jams (Clean House and I Wish You Didn’t Love Me So Good) leave me cold. They simply are too “hip-hop” and contemporary for Shirley’s emotive and established old-school style.

On A Sample of my Love, a mid-tempo beater with an irresistible groove, and (You Promised Me Heaven, But) You Gave Me Hell, a bluesy slowie, it says that “initial tracks and lead vocals recorded at Ecko Sound Studios in Memphis, TN.” The writers of those two songs are John Ward, Raymond Moore and Larry Chambers. Malaco’s Vice president, Wolf Stephenson: “John Ward runs the Ecko studios in Memphis, and he has written a lot of songs for us in the past. He used to be a signed writer to Malaco Music for years. He submitted five songs, and Shirley chose those two. John Ward: “I sent those songs to Shirley, because I knew she was cutting her new CD. At first they were going to record them at Malaco and I assumed they would redo the tracks. But Shirley liked the feel I had on the tracks and was afraid they would lose the feel, if they recut them, so she asked if she could use my tracks. They decided to just come here and cut the vocals, since Wolf Stephenson was coming through town anyway on his way back from Nashville to Jackson. So that’s how we ended up doing the vocals and basic tracks here. After the vocals were cut, we sent the tracks with her vocals down to Malaco for more overdubs and mixing. I was glad that Shirley did the songs and thought she did a great job on them.”

The last three tracks, produced by Wolf Stephenson, were cut at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in 2003, and they feature real instruments. Wolf: “Those three tracks were recorded at the same time as Shirley’s previous album (Woman Enough), and we did not use those songs. Since then I went back and listened to them and decided to put them on the album.”

The first of those tracks is a hurting ballad called When I Hear Your Name. Written by Rue Davis and Harrison Calloway, it’s another big-voiced performance from Shirley. “When we were getting ready to do that album, I told Rue Davis that we needed some songs for Shirley. He had a few ideas, and I asked him to finish them with her in mind. Rue Davis is the one, who comes up with the idea, lyrics and such, and Harrison Calloway wrote the music part of the song.”

Shirley is determined on Luther Lackey’s beat ballad named You Ain’t Gone Get No More of My Love and gives advice on another Luther’s tune, the softer Watch What You Tell Your Friends. Wolf: “Luther has written other songs for us. He’s a local guy, a writer and a singer, and he has a lot of ideas for songs. He writes songs all the time.”

“We released the single, the lead-off song, Upside Down, and that’s a ballad, but also some of the uptempo songs are getting action. Several radio stations are picking them up.”

Recently Wolf has spent a lot of time in the studio. “We just signed a new artist that we’re really excited about. She was, I think, a runner-up in last year’s America’s Got Talent show, Queen Emily (www.queenemily.org). We were able to sign her, and we just finished the tracks last week. Hopefully we have the product to come out in August.”

If you like Shirley’s music and if you only have time, you could read my 3-part Shirley Brown story at www.soulexpress.net/shirleybrown.htm.