Pop Winans Dead at Age 76

David "Pop" Winans Sr., the patriarchal gospel great, has died. He was 76. His family released a statement Wednesday that Winans had died quietly while in hospice in Nashville, Tenn., with wife Delores at his bedside.

Lovingly referred to as Mom and Pop Winans, the deeply rooted Detroit couple crafted an impressive career that later extended to their children and grandchildren. Michael, Marvin, Carvin and Ronald performed in the Grammy winning quartet The Winans while duo BeBe and CeCe Winans blazed their own path with songs such as "Addictive Love."

The family's music legacy also helped establish the city as the gospel capital of the world. "He was a person who loved Jesus through sickness and health," said gospel singer Vickie Winans, who was married to Pop Winans' son Marvin. "To see him sick was the worst thing but he kept on lifting up the name of Jesus. I loved him with all my heart."

Pop Winans' health took a turn for the worst late last year. He suffered a series of four strokes, seizures and a heart attack beginning in the fall of 2008 and was admitted to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak on Sept. 30.

"The Winans Family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and continued support, but would appreciate privacy at this time," the family said in a written statement.

Memorial services are planned for April 14 and 15 at Perfecting Church in Detroit where Marvin Winans is the senior pastor.

Malaco Music Group Set to Release Hip Hop Hit "Do the Ricky Bobby" from B-Hamp

Malaco Music Group is set to release the YouTube.com hit "Do the Ricky Bobby" from Dallas rapper B-Hamp. The song has become a Southern Hip Hop anthem since hitting airwaves, mixtapes and the Internet. At the request of his many fans, B-Hamp released a Ricky Bobby Instructional Dance Video that has become a hit on YouTube.com with more than 1.3 million views to date! Fans across the country have been logging on to youtube.com to hear "Do the Ricky Bobby" and learn B-Hamp's Ricky Bobby dance.

B-Hamps inspiration for the song came from actor/comedian Will Ferrell's portrayal of Ricky Bobby in the 2006 film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." B-Hamp wrote the song the day after seeing the comedy.

All the buzz on the Internet about "Do the Ricky Bobby" also caught the attention of the national entertainment magazine Entertainment Weekly which featured instructions on how to "Do the Ricky Bobby" in their "Music News" section. The story also highlighted the songs huge popularity with both Will Ferrell fans and fans of Hip Hop music.

"Do the Ricky Bobby" is the first single from B-Hamp's upcoming album "B Dash" due out May 5, 2009.

Brandon Hampton, a self-proclaimed class-clown, was dubbed B-Hamp for short after his first single "Two Piece" hit radio and mixtapes during his short time with the Dallas-based rap group Texxxas Made. The original version of "Do the Ricky Bobby" came from a verse on the single, "Work Your Shoulders," from the Dallas hip hop group 20 20 Clique which featured B-Hamp. After watching "Talladega Nights," B-Hamp decided to expand his one verse into an entire song inspired by the film. That song became "Do the Ricky Bobby."

When asked how he came up with the dance, B-Hamp responds: "I took the first moves that came to mind when thinking about the movie "Talladega Nights." You wave your arms in the dance like at a car race or driving a race car. The dip part in the dance is like rolling a wheel chair, like when Ricky Bobby was in a wheel chair, and I also wanted to make it easy so everyone could do it!"

B-Hamp's "Do the Ricky Bobby" will be the first Hip Hop project to be released from Malaco Music Group's through its new Urban Music Division. Malaco Music Group, a legendary maker of southern rhythm & blues and gospel hits for more than 40 years, opened its Urban Music Division earlier this year. The Division is headed up by urban music veteran Lionel Ridenour.

"Our plan is to create a new home for established independent labels as well as provide guidance to new labels," said Ridenour. "Our division is geared up and our team is ready to provide not only distribution but national urban marketing and promotion."

B-Hamp's upcoming full length CD "B Dash" will be the first Hip Hop CD to be released by Malaco in conjunction with the Dallas-based independent Hip Hop label, CKB Entertainment, to which B-Hamp is signed.

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Hype Press Update

Posted by thehypemagazine at 1:48 PM

Shirley Brown at Number 1 on the Charts

According to Blues Critic, Shirley Brown is number 1 on the charts with Willie Clayton at number 3 (up from number 7), Marvin Sease at number 7 (up from number 9) and Chuck Strong is at number 9 (down from number 2).

To view the full chart listing, click here.

Maurette Brown Clark News

Maurette Brown Clark's latest single "It Ain't Over" continues to rise on the charts. Cashbox has it at Number 5. Check it out here.

On other charts she is listed at #6

This Week's Top 10 Gospel Songs
(According to the Gospel National Airplay Chart)

1. "Souled Out" Hezekiah Walker & LFC (four weeks at no. 1)
2. "I Trust You" James Fortune & FIYA
3. "Back II Eden" Donald Lawrence & Co.
4. "Peace & Favor Rest On Us" Kurt Carr & The Kurt Carr Singers
5. "Praise Him In Advance" Marvin Sapp
6. "It Ain't Over (Until GOD Says It's Over)" Maurette Brown-Clark
7. "My Name Is Victory" Jonathan Nelson feat. Purpos
8. "Get Up" Mary Mary
9. "Cover Me" 21:03 feat. Fred Hammond
10. "Praise Me Now" Kierra Sheard

American Blues Network Top 10 Playlist April 4, 2009

Malaco is proud to announce that it has 3 songs in the Top 10 on the American Blues Network playlist as of April 4, 2009

Last This Artist Title Label
Week Week

1 1 Shirley Brown - Upside Down - Malaco

2 2 JOUS Band - What You Gonna Do - Tuskk

1 3 Barbara Carr - It’s Only You - CDS

4 4 Ricky White & Betty Padgett - Come Back Home - Brimstone

7 5 Archie Love - Help Me Get That Woman - Right Now

3 6 Black John - Holiday Inn - Electo Groove

8 7 Willie Clayton - Body Talk - Malaco

6 8 Nellie Travis - Don’t Talk to Me - CDS

9 9 The Revelations - I Don’t Want to Know - Decision

11 10 Mel Waiters - Everything Going Up - Waldoxy

What Dorothy Norwood Said………….

According to an article in the Sun News, gospel music artist Dorothy Norwood said that some record companies forbid gospel artists to use the name of God on their tracks. She said that is not the kind of company she would want to be affiliated with.

Good for her. All gospel artists should have that kind of conviction. If you are going to be called a gospel artist, you have to walk the talk.

Here is more of what the gospel music legend had to say:
Gospel has really grown by leaps and bounds,” Norwood said. “Gospel isn’t going nowhere.” Some gospel lovers believe contemporary gospel is too secular, but Norwood said she believes contemporary gospel has its place.

“I always tell people there are different strokes for different folks,” Norwood said. “I don’t have anything against contemporary gospel music, although I don’t sing it. However, there is some of it that you have to stop listening and wonder if it’s really gospel music.”

Dorothy Norwood will be in concert on Saturday along with The McDonald Sisters. It will be held February 28th at the Mason Temple Church of God in Christ in Conway, NC. There is no cost and you can contact Reggie Dyson at 340-7927 or 450-3091 for more info. ~ Dominique www.1800gospel.com

Celebrating 50 Years in the Gospel Music Biz with Dorothy Norwood

Wow, it’s been 50 years in the gospel music biz for Dorothy Norwood! She started her gospel career in 1956, singing with Mahalia Jackson, Reverend James Cleveland, and The Caravans. That’s a long time, ya’ll!

Her latest CD, Fifty Years: It’s Been Worth It All, is now available for purchase.

50 Years: It’s Been Worth It All by the Gospel living legend, The World’s Greatest Storyteller, Dorothy Norwood is finally in Stores!!! Nothing short of a living legend, Dorothy Norwood has been entertaining, preaching, uplifting, mentoring, writing, and producing for more than fifty years.

In 1960, she launched her solo career with Savoy Records, recording her first album, Johnny and Jesus in 1964. This release was quickly followed by Denied Mother in 1965, earning Norwood the title, “The World’s Greatest Storyteller.” Both projects certified gold.

In 1971, she recorded Live with the GMWA Mass Choir of Northern California; Live reached #1 on the Billboard Charts.
In 1972, she became an unlikely opening act for the Rolling Stones’ national tour with Mick Jagger.

In 2005, Norwood won the Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for Stand on the Word, and was inducted into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame twice; for her work as a solo artist as well as that with The Caravans.

The American Quartet Hall of Fame also inducted The Caravans in 2006 and Norwood reunited with the group to produce what would become a Billboard chart topping album, Paved The Way (Malaco). Paved The Way also garnered nominations in every major industry award group including the Grammies, Doves, Stellars, and Soul Train. Malaco Music Group. ~Dominique www.1800gospel.com

Malaco Music Group Set to Release Hip Hop Hit "Do the Ricky Bobby" from B-Hamp

The “Do the Ricky Bobby” Instructional Dance Video has received more than 1.3 million hits on YouTube.com to date Jackson, Miss. - March 16, 2009 – Malaco Music Group is set to release the YouTube.com hit “Do the Ricky Bobby” from Dallas rapper B-Hamp. The song has become a Southern Hip Hop anthem since hitting airwaves, mixtapes and the Internet….
~ Heist, Spanish Hip Hop

Malaco Music Group Set to Release Hip Hop Hit "Do the Ricky Bobby" from B-Hamp

The "Do the Ricky Bobby" Instructional Dance Video has received more than 1.3 million hits on YouTube.com to date

Jackson, Miss. - March 16, 2009 – Malaco Music Group is set to release the YouTube.com hit "Do the Ricky Bobby" from Dallas rapper B-Hamp. The song has become a Southern Hip Hop anthem since hitting airwaves, mixtapes and the Internet. At the request of his many fans, B-Hamp released a Ricky Bobby Instructional Dance Video that has become a hit on YouTube.com with more than 1.3 million views to date! Fans across the country have been logging on to youtube.com to hear "Do the Ricky Bobby" and learn B-Hamp's Ricky Bobby dance.

B-Hamps inspiration for the song came from actor/comedian Will Ferrell's portrayal of Ricky Bobby in the 2006 film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby." B-Hamp wrote the song the day after seeing the comedy.

All the buzz on the Internet about "Do the Ricky Bobby" also caught the attention of the national entertainment magazine Entertainment Weekly which featured instructions on how to "Do the Ricky Bobby" in their "Music News" section. The story also highlighted the songs huge popularity with both Will Ferrell fans and fans of Hip Hop music.

"Do the Ricky Bobby" is the first single from B-Hamp's upcoming album "B Dash" due out May 5, 2009.

Brandon Hampton, a self-proclaimed class-clown, was dubbed B-Hamp for short after his first single "Two Piece" hit radio and mixtapes during his short time with the Dallas-based rap group Texxxas Made. The original version of "Do the Ricky Bobby" came from a verse on the single, "Work Your Shoulders," from the Dallas hip hop group 20 20 Clique which featured B-Hamp. After watching "Talladega Nights," B-Hamp decided to expand his one verse into an entire song inspired by the film. That song became "Do the Ricky Bobby."

When asked how he came up with the dance, B-Hamp responds: "I took the first moves that came to mind when thinking about the movie "Talladega Nights." You wave your arms in the dance like at a car race or driving a race car. The dip part in the dance is like rolling a wheel chair, like when Ricky Bobby was in a wheel chair, and I also wanted to make it easy so everyone could do it!"

B-Hamp's "Do the Ricky Bobby" will be the first Hip Hop project to be released from Malaco Music Group's through its new Urban Music Division. Malaco Music Group, a legendary maker of southern rhythm & blues and gospel hits for more than 40 years, opened its Urban Music Division earlier this year. The Division is headed up by urban music veteran Lionel Ridenour.

"Our plan is to create a new home for established independent labels as well as provide guidance to new labels," said Ridenour. "Our division is geared up and our team is ready to provide not only distribution but national urban marketing and promotion."

B-Hamp's upcoming full length CD "B Dash" will be the first Hip Hop CD to be released by Malaco in conjunction with the Dallas-based independent Hip Hop label, CKB Entertainment, to which B-Hamp is signed.

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mediasavvy pr, inc
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B-Hamp's 'Ricky Bobby' Dance Goes Nationwide

Dallas rapper B-Hamp is set to take his track and dance “Do the Ricky Bobby” national via a new record deal with the CKB Entertainment/Malaco Music Group.

B-Hamp, born Brandon Hampton, recently signed with Malaco’s urban division off the strength of “Ricky Bobby.”

The dance and song is being played in numerous clubs throughout the south.

B-Hamp’s release is the first for Malaco’s new division, which is being headed up by industry veteran Lionel Ridenour, who has run the urban divisions for majors like Arista, Capitol, BMG and others.

According to Ridenour, Malaco is aggressively seeking new artists and labels to distribute.

“Our plan is to create a new home for established independent labels as well as provide guidance to new labels,” Ridenour told AllHipHop.com. “Our division is geared up and our team is ready to provide not only distribution but national urban marketing and promotion.”

Ridenour hopes to push B-Hamp’s southern hit nationwide, after the track and the dance instructions received more than 1.3 million views on YouTube.

B-Hamp created the track and accompanying dance just one day after viewing Will Ferrell portraying the character Ricky Bobby in 2006’s flick Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

“I took the first moves that came to mind when thinking about the movie Talladega Nights, B-Hamp explained. “You wave your arms in the dance like at a car race or driving a race car. The dip part in the dance is like rolling a wheel chair, like when Ricky Bobby was in a wheel chair, and I also wanted to make it easy so everyone could do it!”

“Do the Ricky Bobby” is the first single from B-Hamp’s upcoming album B Dash, which is due in stores May 5.

By Roman Wolfe ~ AllHipHop.com