Kevin Vasser’s “Only You Can Deliver” F/ Dewayne Woods Available Online Everywhere April 23, 2013

Jackson, MS - Malaco Music Group is proud to announce the release of Kevin Vasser’s single, “Only You Can Deliver” featuring DeWayne Woods online, Tuesday, April 23, 2013 via ITunes, Amazon and wherever digital music is sold. Expect a full project (Untitled) from Kevin Vasser Summer/Fall of 2013.  D.A. Johnson, Executive Director – Gospel Division, Malaco Music Group states,” From the very moment I heard Kevin’s anointed voice singing “Only You Can Deliver,” I knew that this was a special song and it would touch the hearts of millions.”

That sentiment seems to be shared around the industry with Gospel’s most coveted artists and industry professionals:
 
“Kevin Vasser has proved with his new single, Only You Can Deliver f/ DeWayne Woods, that he is one of the most promising songwriters/artists to hit the gospel scene. This song is sure to impact lives!”

Donald Lawrence

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

 Bishop Hezekiah Walker

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

Tracey Artis
I Hear Music In The Air

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 album, but more importantly it has the music to encourage the nations.


About Kevin Vasser

Kevin Vasser is the Director of Worship and Arts at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago (Pastor Charles Jenkins, Pastor). 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.

FAMED SONGWRITER GEORGE HENRY JACKSON MAKES FINAL TRANSITION!!!

(Jackson, MS) - Internationally acclaimed songwriter George Henry Jackson passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Born in Indianola, MS on March 12, 1945, to Otis and Letha Jackson, George moved with his family in 1950 to Greenville, MS, grew up there, and dedicated his life to Christ at an early age.

George spent his teen years listening as the radio played records by the fabulous gospel groups and soul singers who frequented the Mississippi River Delta towns.  George always had a song on his mind.  His career in music began in the early 60's as an active vocalist and songwriter in Memphis, where he made his home for the next 26 years.
          
In 1969, George’s reputation as a songwriter caught the attention of Rick Hall at Fame Records in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and he was signed as a Fame songwriter. George’s first of many Gold Records as a songwriter, “One Bad Apple” by The Osmonds, came soon after his arrival at Fame.

After five years with Fame, George moved across town to another Muscle Shoals music mecca, Muscle Shoals Sound, where he continued to turn out great hit songs at a phenomenal pace.  One of George’s MSS demo recordings actually became his biggest hit ever: Bob Seger’s 1979 rock classic, “Old Time Rock & Roll”.   Another of George’s MSS songs “Down Home Blues” by Z. Z. Hill, released by Malaco Records in 1982, became the best known blues song of the 80's and Malaco’s biggest hit. “Unlock Your Mind” recorded by the Staple Singers and “The Only Way Is Up” recorded by Otis Clay and Yazz & The Plastic Population were two of George’s other MSS songs to reach the top of the music charts.

George signed as a writer for Malaco Records in 1983 where he continued     writing hit songs for Blues and Soul icons Z. Z. Hill, Denise LaSalle, Little Milton, Latimore, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and Shirley Brown. George also enjoyed success with songs recorded by Christina Aguilera, Luther Ingram, Clarence Carter, Wilson Pickett, Joss Stone, Ike & Tina Turner, Billy Swan, Millie Jackson, Etta James, James Brown, Candy Staton and many others.

George made his home in Jackson, Mississippi since 1991.  He is survived by his son, George, Jr., grandson Alex Jackson, granddaughter, Kazia Jackson, sisters Ruby Franklin and Elzina Williams, and Uncle Appienola Anderson.  He is preceded in death by brothers Otis Jr., William Marshall, Douglas Ward, sister Emma Tyler and grandson Akeem Jackson.
          
George Jackson’s legion of fans worldwide mourn his passing and treasure his uplifting spirit and the immeasurable joy so many find in the words of his songs.   One of George’s timeless gospel songs says best what his last wish might be.... ”Lord, Remember Me”.

Services will be held Saturday, April 20.  Visitation will be at 10:00 AM and the service will follow at 11:00 AM, at Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, 3580 Robinson Road, with burial at Garden Memorial Cemetery, 8001 Highway 49N, Jackson, MS.

ALL ROADS LEADS TO M.A.R.S. PANELISTS ANNOUNCED FOR MALACO ARTISTS RETREAT & SHOWCASE (M.A.R.S) SEMINAR

(Jackson, MS) - The Malaco Music Group is proud to announce the panelists for inaugural Malaco Artists Retreat & Showcase Seminar (M.A.R.S.)

The Malaco Artists Retreat & Showcase (M.A.R.S.) is a national singing & performance competition developed to give unsigned artists an opportunity to showcase their talents, win prize money, receive a recording contract with one of the Malaco Music Group family of labels and appear on a national television show on The Word Network. The Word network is available in over 200 countries and reaches nearly 60 million homes in the U.S. alone.

In addition, there will be a Free panel discussion conducted with veteran industry professionals in the areas of Gospel Radio, Marketing, Radio Promotions, Public Relations, Distribution, Booking & Management, Concert Promotion, Studio Production, Songwriting, Publishing, Copyrights, and How To Succeed in Today’s Gospel Music Industry.

The Panelists are:

Moderator*       Benita Bellamy – The Bellamy Group
Mike Chandler – CEO & President  - Rejoice Musical Soulfood (National Syndicated Network)
Thomas Rollins – New Day Christian Distribution
Brother James Chambers – WAVN – Southhaven, MS
Torrez Harris – 95.5 Hallelujah FM – Jackson, MS
Percy Davis – WOAD – Jackson, MS
Stan Jones – Award Winning Songwriter / Producer / Recording Artists
Darrell Luster - Malaco Music Group Gospel A&R / Songwriter / Producer / Recording Artists
Rosetta Anderson – Malaco Music Group – Business Affairs – Copyrights & Royalties
D.A. Johnson – Malaco Music Group - Executive Director – Gospel Division

The Malaco Artists Retreat & Showcase (M.A.R.S.) will take place on February 16, 2013 at Stronger Hope Baptist Church located at 223 Beasley Road in Jackson, MS 39206.
 
It will be a great networking opportunity!!!

Visit www.malacoshowcase.com for more information

Malaco Inspirational Recording Artist Lexi Releases New Single, "Abide" for Her Current Album, Phenomenal

(Jackson, MS - February 4, 2013) - Malaco Inspirational recording artist Lexi releases new single, "Abide" from her current album, Phenomenal. This week, "Abide" moves on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart to #20 and #18 on Mediabase National Gospel Songs chart.

Talk show host, Lexi co-hosted the 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show with VaShawn Mitchell and presented on the live broadcast which aired on GMC. The Stellar Awards is currently airing in syndication now through March 3, 2013 on 150 stations in over 125 markets across the country. The show will re-air on GMC on Saturday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET.

An outstanding and remarkable television personality, Lexi is the host of the Word Network's The Lexi Show and makes regular appearances on the cable network's flagship show Rejoice in the Word. Lexi is also the weekly entertainment correspondent on Radio One's nationally-syndicated Yolanda Adams Morning Show.

Lexi's first single "Burn It All Down" peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart and #12 on Mediabase National Gospel Songs chart, where it spent 20 weeks on the chart. See link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watchv=aPq6viGridE.

In between television taping, Lexi will continue with a series of promotional visits in support of Phenomenal. To date, confirmed appearances include the WPZZ-FM's Transformation Expo in Richmond, VA (Saturday, March 9); WPPZ-FM's Elroy Smith's Music Seminar in Philadelphia, PA (Saturday, March 23); WHAL-FM's Anniversary Concert in Memphis, TN (Sunday, March 24); and WAAW-FM's Shout Fest in Augusta, GA (Saturday, September 14).

Lexi got her music industry start, as a young girl, singing in her grandfather's church. She was an in demand background singer both in the gospel and R&B communities. She worked with Fred Hammond, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Gerald Levert.

Phenomenal marks Lexi's fifth studio album, prior to signing with Malaco Records, the Stellar Award nominated artist was signed to Evander Holyfield's former record label, Real Deal Records, where she recorded three album projects including Lexi...And That's the Way It Is, Somewhere Different, and
A Praise in the Valley. Lexi's fourth album, What Heaven Hears was released on Molife/Universal/Fontana.

Malaco Artists Retreat & Showcase Registration

TAMMY EDWARDS & THE EDWARDS SISTERS MAKES BET'S BOBBY JONES GOSPEL DEBUT THIS SUNDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JACKSON, MS (December 7, 2012) –  The Malaco Music Group invites you to watch 4 Winds Records / Malaco recording artist Tammy Edwards & The Edwards Sisters national television debut on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel this Sunday, December 09, 2012.

Tammy Edwards & The Edwards Sisters CD entitled, “On The Right Road Now,” was 1 of 5 titles that Malaco Music Groups’ wholly owned subsidiary 4 Winds Records that charted in the same week on the Billboard Gospel Album chart. The 4 other Billboard chart topping albums are the North Carolina Community Choir, “Story To Tell,” Roy & Revelation, “Thank You,” Jewell & Converted, “For Real,” Tammy Edwards & The Edwards Sisters, “On The Right Road Now,” and The Soul Messengerz, “Grace & Mercy;” In addition, Roy & Revelation’s “Live” DVD, “Thank You” has charted on the Billboard Video chart.

Launched in 2009, 4 Winds Records is not only the fastest growing Gospel label in the country (17 Titles), but has become the Premiere Gospel Quartet Music record label featuring the hottest and youngest Quartet Gospel groups touring the country today along with the Legendary Quartet Groups Of All Time. In its short existence, the 4 Winds label has garnered a 3 time 2011 Stellar Award Nominee & Winner, The Christian Angels (Quartet Of The Year), Stellar Award Nominee, The Golden Wings (Quartet Of The Year) as well as a GMA 2011 Dove Nominee, The Original Messengers (Traditional Gospel Album Of The Year) along with national television appearances on shows such as BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel.

Malaco Music Group has always been the leader and home of Quartet music leading back to their first ever Gospel artist signing, the number one (1) group of that era, The Jackson Sothernaires. Since that time, other Quartet groups followed reaching legendary status such as The Sensational Nightingales, The Original Soul Stirrers, Willie Banks & The Messengers, Robert Blair & The Fantastic Violinaires, &Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes. In 2006, with the acquisition of Atlanta International Records (AIR Gospel) added, Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires, Rev. F.C. Barnes & Company, Tommy Ellison & The 5 Singing Stars and The Swanee Quintet to name a few.

Set Your Home Recording Device!!!

Be prepared to have a good old fashion hand clapping, foot stomping good time!!!

Have a Safe & Blessed Weekend!

Spread The Word!!!

GEORGIA MASS CHOIR REACHES TOP 20 ON BILLBOARD GOSPEL SINGLE CHARTS

(Jackson, MS) - The Malaco Music Group is proud to announce that The Georgia Mass Choir’s, “I Still Have A Praise Inside Of Me” Featuring Rev. Milton Biggham has reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Song Chart and #17 on the Mediabase National Gospel Chart. It has appeared on the Billboard charts for 17 weeks and Mediabase for 18 weeks respectfully.

The Georgia Mass Choir, ‘I Still Have A Praise’ Full CD made its “Hot Shot Debut” onto the Billboard Gospel Album Charts its opening 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.

As Gospel radio moves into Holiday music season and the music charts go on hiatus, in 2013, we will keep you abreast if “I Still Have A Praise Inside Of Me” has what it takes to reach the Top 10 and beyond.

Thank You For Your Support!!!

Have A Safe & Blessed Holiday Season!!!

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