Fab Five!-The Strength to Go On
Earlier this week on The Yolanda Adams Morning Show a woman became very emotional after she won a gift card for being a certain number caller. She tearfully told Yolanda Adams and her crew that they just didn’t know how much that card meant to her and her family.
This year has been a tough one for many families, and if you listen to the news its just more doom and gloom. Gospel music is our voice of faith, hope, and strength during these times. You can’t help but be encouraged when you listen to it. Gospel music reminds us to never stop believing that things will work out for our good and that "Jesus Will Work It Out".
The Fab Five this week will give you the strength to push through whatever obstacles you are facing.
1. My Name is Victory-Jonathan Nelson -I love this song because as you sing it you are affirming to yourself that you’re destined to triumph in every area of your life. Nelson’s "My Name is Victory" was nominated for the 2009 Stellar Award Song of the Year and is on the Right Now Praise CD.
2. A Move of God is On The Way-Norman Hutchins -I find myself singing the lyrics to this song while walking around the house: "I feel a breakthrough coming your way/it’s a mighty move of God/it’s gonna change your day/With signs and wonders, miracles to perform/God is gonna bless you for just holding on."
While a member at the West Angeles Church of God In Christ Dr. Hutchins served as the “Executive Minister of Music” for more than 250 churches. He is currently Pastor and Founder of Frontline Ministries, a church located in located in Dover, Delaware.
3. Be Encouraged-Donald Lawrence -What do you do when no one seems to understand what you are going through or if everybody is tangled up with their own problems? You have to encourage yourself. Sheri Jones-Moffett, of the gospel duo Ted & Sheri, does a wonderful job on this song. Her beautiful voice along with the lyrics gives the listener the strength to push on with God’s help. Visit youtube to hear this Gospel music hit.
2009 BMI Trailblazer Honorees Announced
NASHVILLE, December 8, 2008 - BMI will honor gospel greats Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence and CeCe Winans at its 10th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 16, 2009. The invitation-only ceremony will take place at Rocketown (401 6th Avenue South) in Nashville, and will host gospel music’s premier songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives, as well as the genre’s legends.
Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark has enthralled listeners for decades, both through her acclaimed solo work and leadership of gospel’s royal family, The Clark Sisters. A skilled musician dubbed “Queen of the B3 Hammond Organ,” Clark also wields aerobatic vocals only matched by her sublime knack for composition. Clark boasts two Grammys, and in addition to penning staples for The Clark Sisters, she has composed songs for artists including Rev. James Cleveland, Al Green, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, Esther Smith, James Moss, Dave Hollister, Xscape, and Mary J. Blige. Legendary BMI gospel songwriter Twinkie Clark was recently recognized alongside her sisters at the 2007 Stellar Awards, where the influential group received the award for Most Noted Achievement.
Fab Five!-Gospel Christmas Music To Warm Your Holidays
On the way to taking the little ones to school this morning The Yolanda Adams Morning Show was playing Donny Hathaway’s "This Christmas" which my youngest son absolutely loves. I love this time of year because I get to listen to my collection of great Gospel Christmas music.
There are so many great ones to choose from! I love to pull out Kelly Price’s One Family to listen to "Mary’s Song", "Silent Night" by The Temptations gets constant play, and Ben Tankard’s Christmas Love is a favorite of everyone in the family.
My Fab Five Gospel Christmas albums are listed below. I would love to hear yours. I will send the first two commentors a copy of Happy Holidays from Vickie Winans.
1. Kirk Franklin and The Family Christmas -This has to be the all-time popular Gospel Christmas album! My favorites are "Now Behold The Lamb" and "Silver and Gold". The album sold over 500,000 copies in the first 14 weeks after it was released and it’s a radio favorite. Why not purchase this one as a Christmas gift for someone? They will thank you for it.
2. Yolanda Adams-Christmas with Yolanda Adams -Yolanda’s golden voice makes songs such as "Silent Night", "The First Noel" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" absolutely soar. Doesn’t she look gorgeous on the cover in her long flowing gown?
3. Bishop T.D. Jakes Presents the Gift That Remains is a new one for this year. America’s favorite Pastor & Bishop offers up a dozen soulful and smooth yuletide selections ranging from Brian McKnight’s charming rendition of ‘The First Noel,’ to Debbie Winans’ cheerful ‘Grown Up Christmas List,’ and gospel duo Mary Mary’s cozy ‘The Gift Of Love.’ There is also a reading of ‘The Gift Remains’ by Sheri Jones-Moffet and a performance by Angel Chisholm, daughter of the Clark Sisters Jacky Clark Chisholm.
4. A Coko Christmas is also new Gospel Christmas music for this year. Appearances by Coko’s SWV sisters and American Idol’s George Huff makes this album a pleasure to listen to. My favorite on the album is "Grateful" because that is what I am for this holiday season. Grateful for all that was and all that is to come. Coko’s mother, Lady Tibba, and son Jalen make an appearance on "Silent Night".
5. Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers-Hello Christmas -When you hear the smooth vibe of "Love’s Holiday" you will fall in love with this album. This is one of my favorites along with the classic "The Little Drummer Boy". Lawrence has produced many great hits this year and his Christmas album is no exception.
There you have it-my Fab Five for Gospel Christmas music. Don’t forget to post your favorites and forward this post to other Gospel music lovers. Let’s continue to support our Gospel artists by purchasing the albums, DVDs, and sheet music. Visit the Gospel Christmas Music store to purchase your favorites for yourself or others!
Sunday Gospel!-Donald Lawrence-Encourage Yourself
These are some great videos of people singing Donald Lawrence’s, “Encourage Yourself”. The little girl is too cute. There’s a lot of untapped gospel music talent out there!
View the version featuring Sheri Jones-Moffet here. Have a great Sunday!
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