Now Open: Enrollment for 2014 Excellence in Christian Music Academy

The Excellence in Christian Music Academy (ECMA) has been created to equip Christian/Gospel music artists with the tools necessary to be successful in the music industry.
Each year independent Christian/Gospel artists participate in numerous award shows and programs with the hopes of winning coveted prizes and achieving industry recognition.
Though this process represents the industry standard for artist recognition, the Excellence in Christian Music Academy will encourage growth and expansion of the artists, their careers and forward progression in the Christian/Gospel music industry.
Christian Music Industry Participants will be offered the opportunity to participate in an awards process based on an objective and unbiased point system designed to identify ECMA recipients for final recognition in the ECMA national awards program.
The ECMA project represents a new era in the training, education, and development of Christian/Gospel music artists.
ECMA is shaping the future of the next generation of artists in the Christian/Gospel music industry.
REGISTER HERE

Attend This Years Gospel Heritage Conference

Calling ALL Worshippers!

It's Homecoming Time...Gospel Heritage Returns to ATLANTA!

February 14-16, 2013

Changing A Generation Full Gospel Church,

Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., host pastor

2013 Theme: "Perfected for the PROMISE!"

Dr. Teresa Hairston, Gospel Heritage President 

GHF 2013 will help release you to new levels of excellence in the ministry God has assigned you! 

Come and be refreshed, refined and reinvigorated......Return Charged and Changed!

Pastors, leaders, ministers of music, psalmists, dance ministers, mimes...GENERAL WORSHIPERS!

Register Now to receive special discount!

Register 10 Guests, Get 11th FREE

http://gospelheritage.org/ghf/

Register for the Excellence In Christian Music Academy

The Excellence in Christian Music Academy (ECMA) has been created to equip Christian/Gospel music artists with the tools necessary to be successful in the music industry. Each year independent Christian/Gospel artists participate in numerous award shows and programs with the hopes of winning coveted prizes and achieving industry recognition. Though this process represents the industry standard for artist recognition, the Excellence in Christian Music Academy will encourage growth and expansion of the artists, their careers and forward progression in the Christian/Gospel music industry. Christian Music Industry Participants will be offered the opportunity to participate in an awards process based on an objective and unbiased point system designed to identify ECMA recipients for final recognition in the ECMA national awards program. The ECMA project represents a new era in the training, education, and development of Christian/Gospel music artists. ECMA is shaping the future of the next generation of artists in the Christian/Gospel music industry. REGISTER HERE

Rapper DMX is Officially A Deacon

DMX is officially a deacon? At least that’s what he’s telling us. In a recent interview with website Global Grind the rapper revealed that he has been made deacon at his former church and is preparing for his first sermon. At least we know that he can preach.

Check out excerpts from the interview below.

"I know a few years ago that you said that you wanted to pursue preaching or that you wanted to study the bible a little more, have you taken the time to do that?

Yeah, I read the whole bible. I just been made a deacon at the church I used to go to – Morning Star. I would like my first sermon to be there or in Yonkers. The biggest step is not in the studying, reading, but the warning to change the way you live. Wanting different things for yourself, and making that change because if you still want to drink and smoke, you could read as much as you want, that doesn’t mean you’re ready.

Right!
I just find myself happy with the simple things. Appreciating the blessings God gave me. Enjoying my kids more – just changing."

Read more: Globalgrind.com

Vote Now 28th Annual Stellar Awards

Online Public Voting is now open for the 28th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. Fans are only allowed to vote for one (1) artist in each category. Voting will end on October 15. There are only four (4) votes allowed per household. Those who wish to cast their vote should visit www.thestellarawards.com. Voting for the Stellar Gospel Music Radio Station of the Year will be September 17 A press conference will be held to announce the final 2012 – 2013 Stellar Awards Nominees for each category once voting concludes. The Stellar Awards will be taped January 19, 2013, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn

BGJ Greats Recognizes Rising Recording Artists Brandon Camphor & One Way

My industry colleagues and friends,  Brandon Camphor and One Way,  a group rising to prominence in the Christian and Gospel Music Industry charts. Brandon Camphor, 2012 GMA Dove Award Nominated singer, songwriter, & producer leads OneWay, a group comprised of singers Angela Jones, Julia McMillan, and Fred Cleveland (known for hit "Bless the Lord"); and musicians Joshua Davies, Jerome Baylor, and Larry Mack. Witnessing the music ministry and impressive musicianship of Brandon and One Way and leading worship along side them was some of the greatest times! Looking forward to collaborating in the future! Purchase their newest single here

BGJ Great: The Late Mahaliah Jackson

Mahalia Jackson October 26, 1911 - January 27, 1972

Her voice and legacy lives on!

BGJ Greats Honors the late Blanche E. Trusty

"If You Abide In Me " arranged by the Late Mother Blanche E Trusty who transitioned to heaven January 10, 2012 (Performed by Sulena Olivia)

Mother Blanch E. Trusty was responsible for my first solo and encouraged me to come out of timidity and shine! ~ Sulena

The First Lady of Song, The Late Ella Fitzgerald

In mid 1936, Ella made her first recording. "Love and Kisses" released under the Decca label. Destined to wow audiences for decades to come she is remembered.

In honor of the late Ella Fitgerald April 25, 1917 - June 15, 1996

Learn Voice, Advance Your Vocal Career

Interested in voice lessons? Sulena Olivia to begin voice lessons live and via skype! Email rhemamusicinstitute@gmail.com or call 240-487-9821 for details!

New Project Release Coming Soon!

Sophmore CD Single release from indie Gospel Artist Sulena Olivia expected in late Spring 2012. Entitled 'Here I Am', this project is expected to wow the indie Gospel world and lead listeners into intense worship! Sulena Olivia is back with a more defined soulful sound of spirit, truth and worship! Pre-Order the single today http://rhemalyrics.webs.com/sulenaolivia.htm

Oscar Peterson...

...his sound ... almost flawless...

In honor of the late Oscar Peterson August 15, 1925 - December 23, 2007

Back to BGJ Greats Business!

Gone too long but not gone wrong...We're back to honor those who've paved the way for musicians & vocalists worldwide! Subscribe, come back, and or bookmark this blog for regular postings about legends of the Blues, Gospel, & Jazz artists of the past & present!

DYN (Did You Know): You Can Subscribe & View Blogger Sites From your igoogle home page, AND your mobile phone! (especially pleasant on the iphone, android, & blackberry) go to http://bgjgreats.blogspot.com on your mobile phone now!

I Need A Word' Single AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE at Various Digital Retailers; iTunes, cdbaby, emusic, Amazon, & more!!S

In a time where hearts across the globe want direction for not just the future as in a years time away but the next moment, Sulena Olivia, an artist that exudes soulful sounds of spirit, truth & worship expresses a prayer for direction from above.

'I Need A Word' single AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE at various digital retailers; iTunes, cdbaby, emusic, amazon, & more!!

http://www.myspace.com/sulenaolivia
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/SulenaOlivia

BGJ Great: CeCe Winans

Wowing audiences as a solo artist for over 15 years now, and a previous career with the famous Winans family, CeCe Winans continues with a music, ministry , and life to be reckoned with. Witnessing her live recently I have gained a new respect for her career & ministry! Visit her website now www.cecewinans.com.

BGJ Great: KiKi Sheard

The perfect fusion of Traditional Gospel Flava and New School...motivated with a heart of worship...I love it!


Praise Him Now - Kierra Sheard

'Sunday Best' Gospel Competition Names Season 2 Winner

From Christian Post

The search for America's next great gospel singer has ended - at least for this year - following an announcement Sunday heralding the winner of BET's televised talent search.
After more than ten weeks of competing in the second season of "Sunday Best," 32-year-old Y'Anna Crawley of Washington, D.C., was dubbed the winner during Sunday's one-hour season finale.
But more than the ten weeks of competition and the five weeks that passed from the time of her audition to her selection, Crawley said she felt like she had been preparing for the moment her entire life.
"Through the ups and downs and highs and lows, God has truly been faithful and I owe it all to Him," she said.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

Wayman Tisdale Dies Today

Former NBA star Wayman Tisdale, who also found success as an award-winning jazz-bass player, died in Tulsa, Okla., today at the age of 44 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Wayman, a 6-foot-9 forward, played with the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns, averaging 15.3 points during his 12-year career.

The Late Billy Preston at Gospel Celebration 1988

William Everett "Billy" Preston (September 2, 1946 – June 6, 2006) was an American soul musician from Houston, Texas, raised mostly in Los Angeles, California. In addition to his successful, Grammy-winning career as a solo artist, Preston collaborated with some of the greatest names in the music industry, including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Nat King Cole, Little Richard, Eric Burdon, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, King Curtis, Sammy Davis Jr., Sly Stone, Aretha Franklin, the Jackson 5, Quincy Jones, Mick Jagger, Richie Sambora, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. He played the Fender Rhodes electric piano and the Hammond organ on the Get Back sessions in 1969.

Preston along with Tony Sheridan are the only two non-Beatles to receive billing as an artist alongside the Beatles (as distinct from receiving credit as a session musician on album packaging) on an official Beatles record release. The label of the Get Back single credits the artists on the record as "The Beatles with Billy Preston"...

Preston had battled kidney disease in his later years, brought on by his hypertension. He received a kidney transplant in 2002, but his health continued to deteriorate. He died on June 6, 2006 in Scottsdale, Arizona, of complications of malignant hypertension that resulted in kidney failure and other complications. He had voluntarily entered a drug rehabilitation clinic in Malibu, Calif., and suffered pericarditis there, leading to respiratory failure that left him in a coma since November 21, 2005.[5] His funeral was held on June 20 at the Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, California. Preston was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery, Inglewood, California.


Sited From: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

David "Pops" Winans Takes His Rest

David "Pops" Winans, the father and patriarch to the legendary Winans family has passed away. He left this earth on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. He was 74 years old. Pop, as he was affectionately known throughout gospel and the world, had been suffering complications from several strokes that occurred in September and November of last year. Our hearts are with the Winans family, especially our good friend BeBe Winans, at this time and we throw all of our love and support behind them.

Feel free to express your condolences to the family in the comments section.

In Memory of Pop Winans