ELEV8 » mary mary

41st Annual Dove Award Nominations

Elev8 — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:07:22 +0000

Nashville, Tenn. – February 18, 2010 – Jars of Clay, Skillet, Matt Maher, and Jason Crabb led the pack with six nominations each at the 2010 Dove Award nominations press conference, an event held at Belmont University’s Curb Music Café in Nashville. Bernie Herms leads in total nominations of eight, including Producer of the Year. Producers and songwriters Jason Ingram and Wayne Haun follow with seven nominations each.

Ben Tankard, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Jason Crabb, Jeremy Camp, Kari Jobe, Lisa Kimmey-Winans and Michael W. Smith were all on hand to announce nominations in 23 of 43 official categories.

With nearly 200 industry executives, journalists and artists in attendance, the event began with Pete Wilson, local pastor of Crosspoint Community Church and author of Plan B (Thomas Nelson) who challenged the crowd that “what matters is not what you accomplish, but who you become.” Wilson (withoutwax.tv), who has more than 40,000 followers on Twitter, also thanked the gospel music industry: “I’m forever grateful for how God has used you to shape my soul.”

Gospel Music Association (GMA) chairman of the board Ed Leonard followed by highlighting a few of the ways the gospel music industry has reached out to Haiti in its hour of need, introducing the powerful music video for “Come Together Now” (Music City Unites for Haiti) which was led by Michael W. Smith (written by Smith, David Mullen and Cindy Morgan).

Teary-eyed from viewing the powerful video, Michael W. Smith spoke briefly of his trip to Haiti and how long it would take for the people to recover.

“We may be here to announce Dove nominations today, but the true awards go to the people in Haiti and the meaning of something like this comes only through what we do in times like this,” said Smith, who visited Haiti after the earthquake. “Any recognition we give to those making an impact in this industry, goes all just to God’s glory and His fame, to be able to reach out further, to communicate His message to the world.”

He made special mention of U.S. troops in Haiti: “To watch our military not only keep the peace but love on the Haitian people was an image I’ll never forget the rest of my life…”

Other gospel music artist endeavors on behalf of Haiti were highlighted at the event, including Kirk Franklin’s recording and video of “Are You Listening” (to benefit UNICEF), TobyMac’s “Get Back Up,” for which 100% of royalties will go to relief efforts, Third Day’s “Come Together Fund” which raised over 350K for relief the day after the quake and the upcoming “Help Haiti Live” concert event (Amy Grant, NEEDTOBREATHE) planned for February 27 to benefit Compassion International’s Haiti relief efforts.

There were plenty of more light-hearted moments during the event, including Jeremy Camp asking Jaci Velasquez if she wouldn’t mind “pinch hitting” for him in reading the Spanish language nominations. All joking aside, Camp was certainly touched by the recognition he received.

“I’m honored to be nominated for male vocalist and pop album of this year,” said Camp. “Gospel music is represented by so many great, talented, and purely wonderful people. I’m blessed to be a part of it, and truly grateful to God for the opportunity and privilege to get to do what I do.”

The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will be seen Sunday, April 25 at 8 pm et, only on gmc. This year’s awards will be hosted by Natalie Grant and MercyMe’s Bart Millard. Visit doveawards.com or gospelmusic.org for more information.

“As a little girl I would watch the Dove Awards on TV and be in awe of the gifted artists,” said Kari Jobe. “Now to be recognized as a New Artist nominee, it is both a humbling and joyful experience! I can’t wait to come to Nashville in April for the show.”

Jason Crabb, up for four awards this year, had a similar sentiment: “To be considered among the industry’s top choices as a whole is a shock for this small-town Kentucky boy. I’m a fan of these other artists, so I’m thrilled to be among them! All I can say right now is I’m grateful…grateful for my family, for God’s giftings, for His goodness, for so many people who make this happen and for allowing me to do what I love day in and day out.”

This year again, fans will be able to cast their votes online in two major categories, Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Voting opens the same day voting opens for GMA members, and will be available at gmclife.com.

The awards will be held Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House. Tickets are currently on sale through the Grand Ole Opry Call Center. Call 1-800-SEE-OPRY/1-800-733-6779, visit www.opry.com or purchase at the Opry Box Office located at 2804 Opryland Drive, or the Ryman Auditorium Box Office at 116 5th Ave. North in downtown Nashville. Ticket prices range from $25–$200.

Without further adieu, here are the major categories and the 2010 nominees in each. Click here for a full list of nominees.

Artist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Casting Crowns
Jason Crabb
Jars of Clay
TobyMac
Mary Mary
Skillet

New Artist of the Year
Jonny Diaz
Kari Jobe
Revive
Sidewalk Prophets
Bluetree
Crystal Aikin
Brian Courtney Wilson

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
Gaither Vocal Band
Jars of Clay
NEEDTOBREATHE
Tenth Avenue North
Hezekiah Walker & LFC
Skillet

Female Vocalist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Natalie Grant
Mandisa
Dawn Michele
Laura Story
Karen Peck Gooch
Heather Headley

Male Vocalist of the Year
Jeremy Camp
Jason Crabb
Michael English
Brandon Heath
Bebo Norman
Mark Schultz
Donnie McClurkin
Smokie Norful

Song of the Year
“Born To Climb” by Jeff & Sherri Easter, Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey
“By Your Side” by Tenth Avenue North
“Free To Be Me” by Francesca Battistelli
“God Is There” by Diamond Rio
“I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio
“Let the Waters Rise” by MIKESCHAIR
“Revelation Song” by Jennie Lee Riddle
“Somebody Like Me” by Neil Thrasher, Michael Boggs
“Two Hands” by Jars of Clay
“Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” by Karen Peck & New River

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New Releases In Gospel: End Of Winter Update

Mark Chappelle Coston — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:02:33 +0000

One of the most exciting releases coming up is the return of Myron Butler & Levi. For their third outing, this class act is finally delivering a live album on March 30th with guest appearances from Kirk Franklin and Smokie Norful. The title track and lead single was released digitally just last month. The album release will face off that week with the return of Tri-City Singer alumnus DeWayne Woods and his new release My Life’s Lyric. Woods is already getting attention from the release of the peppy praise single “Living On The Top” available now.

One release that’s sure to elbow its way to the top come release day is Marvin Sapp’s Here I Am. Both the CD and DVD will be made available on March 16. You have to have been under a rock to not know the impact Sapp’s “The Best In Me” has already had. The pre-sales alone already have the album positioned at #1 on Amazon.com’s Bestselling Gospel chart.

Right around the corner is the release of Karen Clark Sheard’s All In One. Her single “Prayed Up” is already at gospel radio and the second single “He Knows” will be getting spins soon. All In One is due April 6th. The same date will bring a new release from everlasting holy hip-hop heavyweights GRITS. Often a move from major label to independent results in a drop in quality, but the production value on 2008’s Reiterate actually went up and turned out to be one of their best yet, so my expectations are running high for Quarantine.

Although their release date is a few months off, I want to give you as much advance notice for new family band Their faces look young, but their voices are nothing to play with. Their single “He Wants It All” as well as the album track “Get Ready” are both on iTunes now!

BTW, Am I wrong for wanting to see them in a singing cage match against The Winans, The Jacksons, and DeBarge?

Also, if you’re a book lover, Mary Mary and Kirk Franklin have books coming out in April and May respectively. Mary Mary’s Be U will be on shelves April 6th, and I hear they have a bath and body products line going by the same name that should be out soon enough. Kirk’s new page turner The Blueprint: A Plan for Living above Life’s Storms releases May 18th. Yolanda Adams‘ collection of wisdom Points of Power is already available in stores. Get it now!

Independent Spotlight:

As is customary, some of the best music goes unnotice, so allow me to put in shameless plugs for some artists I believe in. If you’re into neo-soul and urban alternative, check out Adrianne Archie’s Heart Soul Mind Strength. I dare you to listen to the track “HSMS” and not rock with it. Or hear “Strong” and not nod your head and make that face that’s a substitute for words you used to say before you got saved.

You can’t go wrong with a pretty voice and a pretty face, so take a listen to the 6-song EP Beautifully Made from Leah Smith (who depending on the song can remind me of Beyonce, Mariah Carey, or Mya… the girl’s got skills).

More recently, I have NOT been able to stop playing Doobie Powell’s The Time Is Now album (true musicianship, good production, and the vocals are on point). Been specifically wearing out “Count It All Joy” and “Love of Jesus.” It’s a good project.

Also there’s only a single for it available, but “You Belong To Me” by Algernon just STAYS on my iPod. I’ll let you know what else I find! Anything good comes to me, I’m TELLIN’. Yes. I endeavor to be a “music snitch.”

Anyway, here’s the general overview for current and upcoming music releases:

January 26, 2010:

James Fortune & Fiya: Encore – (Black Smoke Music Worldwide)
Mighty Clouds of Joy: At The Revival (EMI Gospel)
Various Artists: WOW Gospel 2010 ( EMI/Verity/Word)

February 2, 2010:

Anthony Evans: Undisguised (INO)

February 16, 2010:

Youth for Christ: Thanks in Advance (Emtro Gospel)

March 2, 2010:

Bishop Paul S. Morton: Memorable Moments: The Best of Paul Morton (Light)

March 16, 2010:

Marvin Sapp: Here I Am (Verity)
Kirk Whalum: The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter III (Rendezvous)

March 30, 2010:

Myron Butler & Levi: Revealed… Live In Dallas (EMI Gospel)
DeWayne Woods: My Life’s Lyric (Verity)

April 6, 2010:

Karen Clark Sheard: All In One (EMI Gospel)
Smokie Norful presents Victory Cathedral Choir (EMI Gospel)
GRITS: Quarantine (Revolution Arts)

June 6, 2010:

Forever Jones: Get Ready (EMI Gospel)

We’ll revisit this topic again. I hear there are new releases coming later this year for Twinkie Clark, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett (as a solo artist!), Kim Burrell (finally!), Dawkins & Dawkins (finally FINALLY!) and The Soul Seekers too!

Written by Mark Chappelle Coston for Elev8.com.
Add him on MySpace or follow @MarkChappelle on Twitter.

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2010 Gospel Grammys Bring Triumphs And Upsets

Mark Chappelle Coston — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:46 +0000

This year’s ceremony for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards was touted as the most exciting ceremony in years, drawing in more than 25 millions viewers. However, unless those viewers visited Grammy.com, they probably didn’t find out about the latest pack of winners in the Gospel music field (most awards are presented in an earlier ceremony that isn’t televised). However, the honor is no less prestigious and we celebrate with these artists who are being recognized worldwide. Check out some of the highlights from this winners in this field:

Best Gospel Performance:
“Wait On The Lord” – Donnie McClurkin featuring Karen Clark Sheard

Donnie McClurkin previously won three Grammy awards. After much too long a delay, Karen Clark Sheard finally won two Grammy awards with her sisters Jacky, Dorinda, and Twinkie, plus an additional Grammy for being the writer of their song “Blessed and Highly Favored.” This should provide a nice momentum for Karen as her new album All In One is slated to be released on April 6, 2010.

Best Gospel Song:
“God In Me” – Mary Mary featuring Kierra “Kiki” Sheard

No one is surprised by the latest award netted by the ladies of Mary Mary. The Campbell sisters have a knack for penning melodies that are as loved in church as they are outside of it. This time, they struck gold with their swag-accessible anthem of praise “God In Me.” Although Clark heiress Kierra Sheard is a featured artist on the song, the Grammy award only goes to its songwriters Erica, Tina, and Warryn Campbell. Their The Sound album has already won them one Grammy for Best Gospel Performance with the lead single “Get Up.” Also, their debut album Thankful won them the Grammy for Best Contemporary Gospel Album the same year it was released.

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album:
“The Power Of One” – Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton is no stranger to the Grammy awards. He’s won twice before for his albums Alive in South Africa and A Deeper Level, both with his group New Breed. This most recent win is Israel’s first as a solo artist. I’d also like to take this opportunity to wave a good-natured “I told you so” in the face of Israel’s naysayers (of which there shouldn’t be many). I won’t repeat my reasons here, but I gushed about this release which topped my best gospel albums of 2009 list.

Best Traditional Gospel Album:
“Oh Happy Day” – Various Artists

Based on sheer star power alone, it’s no wonder Oh Happy Day: An All-Star Music Celebration beat out stiff competition from Vickie Winans and Donald Lawrence in the Traditional Gospel category. The album invited multiracial artists from varied denominational backgrounds and musical styles to perform traditional Gospel songs and Gospel-themed pop songs. Among the guests who made this collection shine were The Clark Sisters, Jon Bon Jovi, Al Green, Heather Headley, Queen Latifah, Angelique Kidjo, Michael McDonald, Joss Stone, Robert Randolph, 3 Doors Down, and many more.

Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album:
“Audience of One” – Heather Headley

The most fantastic upset of the year comes courtesy of Heather Headley’s hard fight to claim the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. Heather was this year’s “dark horse,” as Audience of One is only her first album as a gospel artist. Her pedigree as the Tony Award-winning Broadway star of The Lion King, didn’t stop her from launching a respectable career as an R&B singer against the odds. Apparently against-the-odds is Heather’s specialty, because again, even with established gospel favorites Sheri Jones-Moffett, J. Moss, Smokie Norful, and Kierra Sheard as her competition, this preacher’s daughter from Trinidad takes home top honors.

To view the complete list of winners in Gospel as well as other categories, visit Grammy.com.

Written by Mark Chappelle Coston for Elev8.com.
Add him on MySpace or follow @MarkChappelle on Twitter.

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REVIEW: “Gotta Have Gospel! Christmas”

Elev8 — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:14:45 +0000

From Gospelflava.com

Nothing quite gets you ready for the Yuletide season better than a solid Christmas album. With so many albums in the marketplace, rarely can one find a number of Christmas favorites all in one recorded package.

Gotta Have Gospel! comes to the rescue! Running seven volumes strong now, the Gotta Have Gospel! series has become one of the genres most popular compilation sets, finding a regular home on the Billboard charts. The series now submits its first Christmas offering, titled Gotta Have Gospel! Christmas. The fifteen-track compilation spans the last two decades and provides some of the genre’s most endearing holiday offerings.

The album re-introduces the public to the classic and highly endeared “Hallelujah” from the Handel’s Messiah Choir, which featured Daryl Coley, Take 6, Commissioned, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, and a bevy of additional artists. While the rendition is close to twenty years, it has not lost its timeless mystique and sounds as fresh today as it did when it originally released in 1992.

Check out the African-tinged “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” from Mary Mary, which is the album’s most recent submission. The infectious offering is sure to make you get up and take your hand at your best African dance.

Fred Hammond’s rendition of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” is another classic that immediately brings Christmas memories to mind. “Now Behold the Lamb” from Kirk Franklin & the Family adds to the heavy lineup on this album, evoking the same emotion as its 1995 release. Mandisa offers a traditional yet jazz-filled presentation of “Oh Holy Night”, while Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers presents a touching rendition of “Carol of the Bells”.

Don’t miss the Grammy award winning duet from Israel Houghton & CeCe Winans, titled “We Wish You a Timeless Christmas”. Add offerings from John P. Kee & New Life, Martha Munizza, Richard Smallwood, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, and Joe Pace & The Colorado Mass Choir and you have a Christmas release that works throughout the year.

Be certain to add this to your Christmas collection.

album release date: October, 2009
Integrity Music

— review by Gerard Bonner —

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Mary Mary Win Their Second American Music Award

Mark Chappelle Coston — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:56:27 +0000

On the Monday morning after the American Music Awards aired on ABC, people were abuzz with news of Jennifer Lopez’s apparent slip-and-fall and a performance from Adam Lambert that was much too explicit to be on TV when children could watch. That made it pretty easy to overlook the light among the darkness. Boundary-smashing gospel music darlings Mary Mary won an American Music Award for Favorite Contemporary Inspirational Artist.

They have been nominated a total of four times over their career and won twice. Their previous win came in 2005 for Favorite Inspirational/Christan Contemporary Artist. Unfortunately, their acceptance speech was not broadcast during the show, which is a shame. A word from the Campbell sisters could have interjected a much-needed bright spot into an otherwise secular affair. Whatever celebrating the girls do will have to be light though. Tina recently gave birth to a son in October and Erica announced at the same time that she is pregnant with her second child!

Mary Mary, who have become one of the biggest crossover successes in Gospel music history, topped charts again this year with the release of the single “God In Me” featuring Kierra “Kiki” Sheard from their blockbuster album The Sound. The singing siblings have never been afraid to proclaim their love for Christ outside the four walls of the church. They’ve used the success of “God In Me” as a platform to further the gospel.

The two gave an energetic live performance of the song earlier this year at the BET Awards with the help of Academy Award winner Queen Latifah giving her praises to God in a guest rap verse. The song gained so much momentum that hitmaker Ne-Yo was also invited to “testify” on a remix of the song which was serviced to R&B radio stations. Check out the remix below:

Be sure to support this artist’s ministry and request Mary Mary’s new single “Seattle” at your local radio station!

Written by Mark Chappelle for Elev8.com. Follow @MarkChappelle on Twitter.

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GALLERY: First Ladies Of Gospel

Tanangachi Mfuni — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:19:39 +0000

These days when many singers, even in gospel music, are manufactured, there are still a few platinum voices that never disappoint. Here’s a nod particularly, to the leading ladies of gospel.

These soulful divas can bring the church house down and lead us into uninhibited praise.

Whether they belt out traditional ballads like Pastor Shirley Caesar, or rock contemporary jams like Mary Mary, these gospel queens lead us straight to the throne.

GALLERY: GOSPEL’S GRAND DAMES

Did we miss anybody? Tell us who leads you to the throne.

For more on gospel music check out:

EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Israel Houghton

Top 10 Gospel Artists Of 2008

Holiday Praise 2008

Elev8 — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:07:40 +0000

Holiday Praise 2008 Concert in Philadelphia, PA.

Praise 103.9’s Holiday Praise with a truly annointed line up including Mary Mary, Deitrick Haddon and so many more!

Congratulations to our winners:

Lynette Oliver

Neicy Lewis

Sheila Terry

Thanks for entering the contest. Stay tuned for others.

Album Review: Mary Mary – The Sound

Melanie Clark, Contributing Editor — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:55:58 +0000

Reviewed by Gerard Bonner for Gospelflava.com

One would be hard pressed to argue that one of gospel’s most successful artists within this decade is Mary Mary. With four albums (including a Christmas effort) to their credit, the sisterly duo of Erica and Tina Campbell have become a household name within the music industry at large providing funky jams and user-friendly content that inspires listeners across the spiritual gamut.

After a two-year recording layoff, the sisters Campbell return with their fifth release titled The Sound -a concept album of sorts, its entirety fashioned in the sound of a radio station, complete with inter-track drops and station IDs.

The 12-track offering from Mary Mary sees the dynamic duo continue to develop musically and lyrically. They continue their career-long production partnership with Warryn Campbell who handles all production. In addition, both Erica and Tina are avid songwriters and they exercise that gift throughout the effort, as they wrote nearly every song on the effort.

Former Winans Phase 2 members Juan Winans and Marvin Winans, Jr. co-write the wildly creative cut “Seattle”.

Meanwhile, the senior Marvin Winans contributes his writing genius to “It Will All Be Worth It”, which features vocal contributions from an all-star cast which includes Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, Daryl Coley, Andrae Crouch, Rance Allen, Joe Ligon, Karen Clark Sheard, and Dorinda Clark-Cole.

Kierra Sheard lends her vocals to the ultra urban “God In Me”, a street-wise cut that reminds all that it’s God’s light that attracts attention to the life of a believer.

Perhaps the surprise collaboration of the album has the sisters partnering with David Banner on the decidedly crunk “Superfriend”. The impressively transparent nature of Banner’s message is certain to resonate with sinner and saint alike. This collaboration definitely works and is one that is deserving of a sequel.

Mary Mary has always done a fantastic job of presenting a balanced musical set to the masses. This album reaches through an eclectic array of genres to amass a product that is bound to hit everyone. The title cut visits a serious retro Motown vibe while “Get Up” goes straight to an infectious urban dance groove. While each cut displays great musical diversity, they all share the common thread of empowerment, inspiration, and motivation.

From the worship-filled “I Worship You” to the pop-induced “Dirt”, the California-based duo continue delivering Biblical truths with an element of practicality that makes their message easy to both access and digest.

Once again, Mary Mary has delivered an epic body of work. With timeless truths delivered over a fresh new sound, The Sound is slated to make a severe impact on both the gospel and secular arenas alike. Without question, chalk up another bonafide hit for the sisters Campbell. This is a worthy add to your collection.

ELEV8 » mary mary

41st Annual Dove Award Nominations

New Releases In Gospel: End Of Winter Update

2010 Gospel Grammys Bring Triumphs And Upsets

Top 10 Gospel Music Videos of 2009

REVIEW: “Gotta Have Gospel! Christmas”

Mary Mary Win Their Second American Music Award

GALLERY: First Ladies Of Gospel

Holiday Praise 2008

Album Review: Mary Mary – The Sound