Malaco Music Group Signs Kevin Vasser

Jackson, MS (November 9, 2012) - Malaco Music Group is proud to announce its latest signing of Kevin Vasser, the Director of Worship and Arts at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago (Pastor Charles Jenkins, Pastor) to an exclusive recording agreement.

Expect a full project (Untitled) from Kevin Vasser in 2013. The lead single “Only You Can Deliver” featuring DeWayne Woods will be impacting radio soon. D.A. Johnson, Executive Director – Gospel Division, Malaco Music Group states,” From the very moment I heard Kevin’s voice singing “Only You Can Deliver,” I knew that this was a special song and it would touch the hearts of millions.”

Kevin started his singing career with the singing group Youth Edition, which was comprised of his eldest brother and two cousins. Youth Edition’s introduction to the music industry was catapulted by the hit song “Anything Is Possible” written and produced by the amazing song writer/producer Percy Bady. The group won the WGCI Radio station competition singing gospel music going up against R&B and hip hop acts. During that time Elroy Smith, was the Operations Manager of WGCI FM/AM-Chicago, now Operations Manager of WRNB/WPPZ Philadelphia and Inspiration Format Director for Radio One, and was a major reason the song had the success that it did. From there Kevin was lead to start a solo career. “It is truly an honor to be a part of the Malaco Music Family” said Kevin. “I don’t take lightly the rich tradition of the label and I look forward to a long and successful relationship with Malaco”.

With this project produced by Kevin Vasser and his Music Director Phil Feaster, of the Fred Hammond production team, it has all the ingredients to be his career defining hit but more importantly it has the music to encourage the nations.

GEORGIA MASS CHOIR & MISSISSIPPI MASS CHOIR APPEAR ON GOSPEL SINGLE CHARTS

(Jackson,MS) - The Malaco Music Group is proud to announce that both The Georgia Mass Choir’s, “I Still Have A Praise Inside Of Me” Featuring Rev. Milton Biggham & Mississippi Mass Choir’s , “Lord, You’re The Landlord” appears on the Mediabase National Gospel Chart at #21 and #28 respectfully.

The Georgia Mass Choir, ‘I Still Have A Praise’ Full CD made its “Hot Shot Debut” onto the Billboard Gospel Album Charts this past week. (Issue Date 10/12/12) (Available Online & In Stores)

Reverend Milton Biggham, Savoy / Malaco Records Executive Director, founder and director of this award-winning choir is sometimes referred to as the ‘King of Gospel Choirs’ for his invaluable and expansive contribution to the world of gospel choir music. He is credited for producing many Gospel Legends including, Rev. James Cleveland, The Caravans, Lou Rawls and many others along with discovering stand-out gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin through his direction in their work with both the Georgia Mass and The New York Restoration Choirs. Kirk Franklin enjoyed his first hit with “Joy” and Donnie McClurkin’s debut single, “Speak To My Heart” also claimed the top of the charts.

The Mississippi Mass Choir are the 2012 “Traditional Choir Of The Year” Stellar Award winners  for CD “…Then Sings My Soul.”  The single “Lord, You’re The Landlord” Featuring Lillian Lilly is taken from that release. The Mississippi Mass Choir were the recipient of the Thomas A. Dorsey Notable Achievement Award at the 25th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The award is named in honor of the “Father of Gospel Music,” Thomas A. Dorsey and recognizes individuals doing outstanding work in the Gospel music community. They are just the second recipient to receive this award.

The Malaco Music Group houses the largest and oldest Gospel music catalog in the world.

MALACO RECORDING ARTIST REV. BENJAMIN CONE JR. PASSES

Jackson, MS  (September 18, 2012) - It is with heavy hearts and treasured memories that Malaco Music Group announces the passing of beloved Minister and Gospel Recording Artist – Rev. Benjamin Cone Jr. He died peacefully at his home in Jackson, MS on Sunday, September 16, 2012 after an extended illness.

Born in Waycross, GA on September 28, 1937, Rev. Cone moved to Mississippi in 1973. As fate would have it, he would meet and develop a friendship with Frank Williams - legendary Gospel singer, songwriter, producer and Malaco Gospel Division Director. Frank would share his vision for a statewide Gospel choir and invite Rev. Cone to become one of its founding members, in 1988. He agreed to become the choir Spiritual Director with one stipulation – the choir would not just sing about the Lord, but extend an invitation of discipleship on every recording and at every the concert. Frank also agreed, and the rest is history.  He faithfully served the choir for 25 years.

Although he was known for his thunderous voice and the iconic sermonette “The Birds,” it was the sermonette “It Was Worth It All” from their recording – Not By Might - that sums up who and what he was. This art imitating life story took place in the Mississippi Baptist Hospital Medical Center, where Rev. Cone was recovering from prostate cancer surgery. While having his vitals checked by the overnight nurse, he noticed that she seemed troubled. After talking to her for a while and gaining her confidence, he discovered that she did not have a relationship with the Lord. It was there in the hospital recovery room, that he would lead her to the Lord, and prompt him to say, “It was worth my getting prostate cancer, that the nurse might get the Lord – “It Was Worth It All.”

Rev. Cone was an artist in his own rights, having released 6 CD’s with Malaco Records. His uniqueness was to simply translate God’s Good News into a thunder-voiced language that impacted the hearts and minds of those blessed to hear him. www.malaco.com

According to Malaco’s President – Tommy Couch Jr. – “He was a deeply religious man who always found God’s blessings in every situation. Upon hearing of the tornado destroying Malaco, Rev. Cone commented, “No one was hurt and you had good insurance….the Lord wanted Malaco to have a new building.” Rev. Cone was present to bless the new offices at Malaco before re-opening. He told us, “Every disappointment is an appointment with the Lord.” We will truly miss Rev. Cone and his wisdom and love for our Lord.”

He leaves to cherish his memory a dedicated wife of 53 years – Louise Dixon Cone; five children – Marjorie Cone, Brenda Raiford, Danny James Cone, Benjamin Cone III, Audrey Cone Thompson; and one grandchild – Christian Cone.

Homegoing Service will take place on Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 11:00AM at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 5708 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Lakeover Memorial Funeral Home, 1525 Beasley Road, Jackson, MS 39206, 601 362 0162. Viewing will take place on Friday, September 21, 2012, 1:00PM – 7:00PM.


Additional Information:
Malaco Music Group
PO Box 9287
Jackson, MS 39286
601 982 4522
www.malaco.com

Mississippi Mass Choir Ministries, Inc
PO Box 11279
Jackson, MS 39283
601 366 8863
www.mississippimass.com
www.facebook.com/tmmc1

PHENOMENAL… “THEY GOT IT @ WAL-MART” THE NEW ALBUM FROM LEXI DAY 1

Jackson, MS (September 5, 2012, 2012) – Day 1, music lovers and fans everywhere that were anxiously awaiting the September 4th release of inspirational recording artist Lexi’s new album Phenomenal from Malaco Records, were not disappointed.  With a distinct, inspirational sound, the CD’s first single “Burn It All Down,” resonated in the hearts of worshippers worldwide and they now have nine (9) more great selections to choose from.

The funky Urban feel-good song, “Abide” seems to be leading the way as a fan favorite along with the pounding up-tempo uplifting Dance song, “Breakthrough,” followed by the Praise & Worship enthralling, “It Is You”

Purchasers of Phenomenal that Tweet, Facebook, Blog or Email their pics of the purchase, may also have an opportunity to have their pic featured during the airing of “The Lexi Show” on The Word Network.

Check out a couple of pics from consumers that have purchased “Phenomenal;” “That Got It @ Wal-Mart”

Also check out Tekoa Gospel Music News’ review of Phenomenal!

http://tekoagospelmusicnews.com/2012/08/lexis-phenomenal-a-cd-review/

Post Your Own Review! - What’s Your Favorite Song?

For more information and the latest updates on Lexi, please visit:

Website:  www.ForeverLexi.com
Twitter: @LexiTV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lexi-Show/133927826111

PHENOMENAL THE NEW ALBUM FROM LEXI IN STORES SEPTEMBER 4TH

Jackson, MS (August 28, 2012) – Music lovers and fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting the September 4th release of inspirational recording artist Lexi’s new album Phenomenal from Malaco Records.  With a distinct, inspirational sound, the CD’s first single “Burn It All Down” is riding high on the gospel music charts and resonating in the hearts of listeners. 

With a career that spans over a decade and having worked with some of the biggest names in both gospel and secular music such as Fred Hammond, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the late Gerald Levert, Lexi is praying that her fifth recording takes listeners on a spiritual journey and brings them closer to God.  When speaking about Phenomenal, she says, “I asked the Lord to please put me in the position to bless people. That’s my passion. And I believe that God is helping me do that.”

In addition to prepping for the September release of Phenomenal, Lexi, a devoted mother of one son, stays busy running her own company, Frontline Productions, hosting her talk show, The Lexi Show, now in its sixth season on the Word Network and serving as the entertainment correspondent for the syndicated radio program, The Yolanda Adams Morning Show. 

For more information and the latest updates on Lexi, please visit:


www.malaco.com
www.ForeverLexi.com
Twitter: @LexiTV
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lexi-Show/133927826111

Select-O-Hits Declaration of Independents

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--Select-O-Hits and Average Joe's Entertainment make history this week as Colt Ford's Declaration of Independence debuts at #1 on Billboard's Country Albums, #1 on Independent Albums and #5 on the Top 200 charts.

That feat is impressive enough even without taking into account that Ford released the disc on an indie label and it was distributed via an independent distributor, neither of which have any ties to a major label. Declaration of Independence is released on Ford’s own Average Joe’s Entertainment and the distribution is run nationally through family-owned and Memphis-based Select-O-Hits.

Chart success is becoming more the norm than the exception for both companies. Ford's last two albums both reached the top 40 on the Billboard Top 200 and were top ten on the Country Albums chart (number 8 and number 3, respectively). Average Joe's entertainment has been exclusively distributed through Select-O-Hits since its inception in 2008.

Launching artists' careers and changing music history is nothing new to Select-O-Hits and the Phillips family. The company’s legacy began with Sam Phillips' discovery of Elvis Presley and his founding of Sun Studios and Sun Records. Through Sun, he also discovered such recording talent as Howlin' Wolf, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash.

Select-O-Hits was founded in 1960 by [brother] Tom Phillips and is still run by the second generation. 1979 brought the beginning of another role for the family to play in music history when the company distributed the seminal "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugar Hill Gang and Sugar Hill Records. As this new genre of music began to develop into the leading genre it is today, Select-O-Hits remained a driving force in its development with the discovery and breaking of such 80s pioneers as the visionary Easy E, N.W.A., and rapper-turned-Hollywood director, actor, and producer, Ice Cube. The 90s brought trendsetters such as Master P and the Academy-Award-winning Three Six Mafia, as well as one of the most financially successful artists and hip hop entrepreneurs, Jay Z. The early 2000s brought the groundbreaking 50 Cent.

Working with long time partners Jackson, Miss. based Malaco Records, the tradition continues into the new Millennium with the success of chart toppers such as Grammy award winning Bebe & CeCe Winans, three–time 2012 Grammy Nominee, Kelly Price, and the illustrious Janet Jackson single, “Nothing,” taken from Tyler Perry’s, “Why Did I Get Married Too?” soundtrack.

Never one to rest on their laurels, Select-O-Hits continues to be a strong force and true independent in the music industry. By marrying old-school record business with modern technology, Select-O-Hits has proven by this week's debut of Ford's Declaration of Independence that it rivals the once unbeatable systems of the major labels. It's easy to see why artists such as Jimmy Buffett, The Bellamy Brothers, Jose Feliciano, Diana Reyes are making the switch from their former major label homes to become a part of the independent Select-O-Hits family.

Georgia Mass Choir Song Appears In #1 Comedy In America “The Campaign”

New CD “I Still Have A Praise” Available Online & In Stores October 2, 2012

(August 14, 2012- Jackson MS)— Millions of movie goers poured into theatres this past weekend to see the hilarious #1 Comedy In America, “The Campaign” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. Not only did they laugh uncontrollably, but was uplifted by the spirited song “Bye & Bye” by the Georgia Mass Choir which also appeared in the film.

The Georgia Mass Choir, affectionately known as ‘America’s Choir’ is poised and ready to declare ‘I Still Have A Praise’ with the album of the same name. (Available Online & In Stores October 2, 2012) Reverend Milton Biggham, Savoy / Malaco Records Executive Director as well as founder and director of this award-winning choir, returned as the featured lead vocalist on the Billboard & Mediabase chart topping single, “I Still Have A Praise On The Inside Of Me” from their much anticipated release. (Available Online Now)

Reverend Biggham, sometimes referred to as the ‘King of Gospel Choirs’ for his invaluable and expansive contribution to the world of gospel choir music, is credited for producing many Gospel Legends including, Rev. James Cleveland, The Caravans, Lou Rawls and many others along with discovering stand-out gospel artists Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin through his direction in their work with both the Georgia Mass and The New York Restoration Choirs. Kirk Franklin enjoyed his first hit with “Joy” and Donnie McClurkin’s debut single, “Speak To My Heart” also claimed the top of the charts.

Biggham’s biography reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of gospel music, though he is most widely recognized for his work as Gospel Music Director of the Georgia Mass Choir for both the platinum-selling soundtrack and the award-winning motion picture “The Preacher’s Wife” starring the late Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington.

During the promotion of the movie, “The Preacher’s Wife,” he traveled with the Georgia Mass Choir while they performed in a ten-city concert tour with Whitney Houston. In addition, the choir made guest appearances on high-profile television programs such as: Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Ebony Awards, The Dove Awards, and The NAACP Image Awards. The choir also starred in a commercial for Volkswagen which aired throughout Europe, on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, performed during the opening ceremony of the prestigious 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia, and at the 2000 NFL Super Bowl.

These accomplishments truly makes the Georgia Mass Choir, ‘America’s Choir.’

GRETA PRINCE FREE SONG DOWNLOAD EXCLUSIVELY ON ESSENCE.COM

(August 7, 2012- New York, NY)— After being crowned the winner of ESSENCE R&B Star competition, singer Greta Prince returned to the stage a year later where her life changing journey began and made her Superlounge debut at this year’s ESSENCE Music Festival 2012 July 5-8 in New Orleans. In addition, ESSENCE announced today a promotional partnership with The Malaco Music Group who has signed an exclusive recording deal with the R&B star winner that encompasses her debut single as well as future works during the terms of the agreement under the Malaco Records label. Her first single, “You Should Know,” (Produced by Warryn Campbell) is available Now for Free to download, exclusively on Essence.com. (For a limited time) “You Should Know” is also currently in the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot Adult R&B Airplay chart.

Today’s announcement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary past year for the Atlanta, GA native and former Charlotte, NC accounts receivable specialist. After beating out hundreds of aspiring hopefuls in ESSENCE’s and platinum recording artist Perri “Pebbles” Reid’s search for America’s next R&B singing sensation, Greta impressed the panel of celebrity judges, music industry professionals and ultimately the fans who voted for Greta as the winner at the 2011 ESSENCE Music Festival and capped her victory by opening for Mary J. Blige in front of 50,000 people at last year's Festival.

Comprising of recording studios, record labels, music publishing companies, direct marketing operations, and distribution services, the Malaco Music Group takes original music from concept to consumer. Malaco has been making and marketing definitive Soul, Blues and Gospel music since 1968. Notwithstanding, Malaco's move into mainstream Urban music, Malaco’s expanded repertoire also includes Jazz, Christian, as well as Children's music. Malaco is home to many recording artists and songwriters with a catalog of thousands of original recordings and musical copyrights. Additional information is available at www.malaco.com.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.:
Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online.  The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 42 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives.  Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at www.essence.com.

CONTACTS:
D.A. Johnson, Malaco Music Group             Dana Baxter, ESSENCE                    
601-982-4522                                                  212-522-1634                                                 
dajohnson@malaco.com                               dbaxter@essence.com

MALACO RECORDS TO RELEASE PHENOMENAL THE NEW ALBUM FROM ACCLAIMED ARTIST & BELOVED TALK SHOW HOST LEXI

Today, Malaco Records announced that they will release a new album from inspirational recording artist and popular television personality Lexi entitled Phenomenal on September 4, 2012.  “Burn It All Down,” the CD’s first single has already reached #18 on the Billboard hot Gospel songs and #14 on the Mediabase Gospel music charts.  Phenomenal marks the fifth studio album for Lexi, who also hosts a hit TV program, The Lexi Show, on The Word Network.

Born Alexis Allen, Lexi grew up singing in her grandfather’s church and got her start in show business over 10 years ago as a backup singer for legendary artists such as Fred Hammond, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the late, Gerald Levert.  Her talent quickly captured the attention of champion boxer Evander Holyfield, who signed her to his record label, Real Deal Records.  Lexi released three successful projects while on Real Deal, Lexi & That’s the Way It Is, the Stellar Award nominated A Praise in the Valley and What Heaven Hears.

In 2006, Lexi partnered with The Word Network to host her own talk show where she has interviewed a bevy of world respected ministers and superstars of R&B, Gospel music, television & film.  More recently, Lexi also took on the role of entertainment correspondent for the syndicated radio broadcast, The Yolanda Adams Morning Show, which is heard across the U.S.   In addition, she has been seen acting in the Christian stage plays, A Good Man is Hard to Find and Listen to Your Woman.

Now Lexi is back with Phenomenal and prays that songs such as “Burn It All Down,” “None Like You” and It’s You” will take listeners on journey of inspiration, love and faith.  She offers, “I picked songs that applied to where I am now.  The album really gets back to the basics. The songs talk about God and about getting back to what’s important and what’s important is Him. My songs point towards Him.”

For More Information Contact:
W&W Public Relations, Inc.
Aliya Crawford / Aliya@w-wpr.com
732-469-5955

Ben Chandler Longtime Member Of The Legendary Quartet Group The Pilgrim Jubilees Passes

Ben Chandler joined The Pilgrim Jubilees in 1970.

In 1979, The Jubes signed on with gospel's venerable Savoy Records. During that era, the group recorded four albums, Keep on Climbing, Put on Your Shoes, Whensoever I Pray and Put Your Trust In Jesus. The Jubes soon became one of gospel's top quartets. From these albums came such hit songs as Rich Man, Poor Man; I'm Happy With Jesus Alone; Whensoever I Pray; Put Your Trust In Jesus; and I'm Glad You Looked My Way. In 1987, the group signed with Malaco in 1991 and released Gospel Roots, which immediately hit the Top 40 of Billboard magazine's Gospel Albums Chart. Their second Malaco project, 1988's Back to Basics, reached the top 25 on Billboard's chart.

Family Affair, released on Malaco in 1991, hit the top 20 in both on Billboard and Cashbox and was nominated for gospel's coveted Stellar Award. I'm Getting Better All the Time earned extensive nationwide airplay in 1991 and became a favorite of gospel fans. In 1994, The Jubes released In Revival, a greatest hits album which was recorded live in their hometown of Houston, Mississippi. The charted disc became one of the top-selling gospel albums of any era.

Please pray for the entire Chandler family and friends.
Funeral Arrangements will be forthcoming.
Click the link to view Ben Chandler sing I’ll Fly Away Click here: "I'll Fly Away" - Pilgrim Jubilees - YouTube

For more information on the history of The Pilgrim Jubilees, please feel free to visit www.malaco.com