2010 STELLAR AWARD FASHIONS…WERE YOU THINKING THIS TOO??

• Hmmm...
• February 8th

1. I don’t think I’ve seen Vanessa Bell Armstrong look so stunning in YEARRSSS!! But I didn’t like those white deaconess stockings she had on! Was it just me??
2. Didn’t you feel like Crystal Aikin was reintroducing herself again?!!? The new hair and a few less pounds did her GOOOOOD!! I took a couple of double takes!! I think I have a crush…shhhhhh!
3. I’m not sure if you could see this on TV but at the taping it was very apparent why Bebe Winans stood in one spot during their performance of “Grace.”
4. Didn’t Tramaine Hawkins look so age appropriate!??!
5. Didn’t you want Vickie Winans to give those wedding dresses in different colors back to the bridal shop?!? I mean that’s why Donnie McClurkin felt compelled to propose during the taping! You had to be there! LOL
6. Sexy seniors were in the building!! Shirley Caesar in leather, Dottie Peoples showing a little skin and Albertina Walker in her diamond studded glasses and silver boots!! DO IT!!
7. What did you think of Tina from Mary Mary in her tuxedo bow tie shirt thing?? I didn’t really like it…but her newborn baby boy was a great accessory!!
8. They didn’t show this on TV, but I saw it while I was there. I don’t think I like men in long fur coats! What about you??
9. Ricky Dillard & New Generation looked so RIGHT in that pink and black!!
10. I hold Donnie McClurkin in such high esteem, but I still want to see him in some color. The brown suit wasn’t bad, I just wanted something that popped a little more.

THE STELLAR AWARDS WEEKEND RECAP PT. 2 & THE LIST OF ALL THE WINNERS!

• News
• January 26th

I’m going to pick up right where I left off…so let’s go

Friday, January 15^th,  around 9pm Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party

I would say one of the most talked about, eagerly anticipated events during the weekend was definitely Gerard Bonners’ “Bonnerfide Radio Launch Party” hosted by my boy Jawn Murray. Gerard just recently started an interactive internet radio show that has become relatively successful in a short amount of time. So much so, that his radio show was nominated for a 2010 Stellar Award for Internet Radio Station of the Year. He did not win, but I know he was excited that he was even recognized. Gerard is a good guy that has embraced me and I wish him nothing but the best. Now that I’m done with those pleasantries, let’s get to the stuff I like.

I knew I had to be on point because it was going to be a GANG of “celebs” in the house and it lived up to the talk! By the way I think I looked rather dapper, if I do say so myself! (lol and I do) Check Da Gospel Truth Facebook fan page for all the pictures!

The line-up was rather long which indicated to me that the show was going to be long and I was right! With that said, the list of performers definitely made me want to stay around. Half of the artists I had heard of before, the other half were all brand new to me. Here’s who was performing so you can get an idea; Sheri Jones Moffett, George Huff, CMO, Melinda Watts, Karima, Candy & Peaches West, PJ Morton, Lisa Page Brooks, Jonathan & Jason Nelson, San Franklin, Adrianne Archie, Rae Ellis, Claude Deuce, JJ Hairston, Tre Thomas, Dominique Side and more and more! You get the idea right…it was a lot of singing! (lol) Overall I enjoyed most of the performances that I can remember. It’s all a bit of a blur now. It was also good to see my man Torrence Glenn of BET getting his direct on with the BRC Choir! There were a couple artists that got CRICKETS from the audience who will remain nameless. But I will say this, the Gospel audience is a HARDDDDDDDDDD crowd to move. To get a reaction you basically need to do a back flip, while holding the mic, singing on key, juggling fire, with no pants on and you MAY get a handclap!! LOL I’m dead serious! But almost 5 hours later the show came to a successful end with nothing but smiles and kudos!

The turnout was absolutely great! Beyonce’s daddy Matthew Knowles was in the building!! Ok I’m going to say that again, BEYONCE’S DADDY MATTHEW KNOWLES was in the building!! THAT’S MAJOR!

One of the funniest moments that no one knew about but me, was when Jawn Murray came up to me and asked what is the name of this artist new CD and what’s her single that’s out?!?! They really didn’t give him much information to go off of about the artists. But Jawn basically gave this artist CRICKETS because he didn’t know anything about her! AAAAAWWWW I felt kind of bad but if I said the name you would ALL know who it was!!

Make sure you check out Bonnerfide Radio everyday from 9am-12pm EST at www.getbonnerfide.com

Saturday, January 16^th, 11:00am Radio Station of the Year Awards Ceremony

I was still tired from the night before, so I really wasn’t pressed to get to this event. But I needed to meet someone at this event to pickup my ticket for the Stellar Awards so I had to go and I’m glad I did.

We got there a little late, but I really didn’t care about the awards they were passing out. I just wanted to see the performances. So I’ll tell you about those and keep this portion of my day pushing!

Wife of R&B/Neo-Soul singer Anthony Hamilton, Tarsha Hamilton performed two songs which I thoroughly enjoyed. She looked beautiful and she sounded even better. I definitely need to get my hands on her CD! And thanks to my lovely friend Veda Brown, I had a front row seat!

Next up was everyone’s favorite comedic actress/Gospel singer Mrs. Tamela Mann. All I know is that lately every time I see Tamela perform, whether it be on TV or at an event, she looks like MONEY!! I’ve worked in TV for many years, so I know the Mann’s are making some nice change! Tamela sang the title track to her new album “The Master Plan” and wore us out! Enough said!

Lastly there was a group of ladies that I just had to stay and hear. I told my friends we could not leave until I heard them because previously many months ago I gave them CRICKETS! The Nevels Sisters were up! I can admit when I’m wrong and I will be writing a retraction on what I said VERY soon! I’ll just say hair and vocals. Hair and vocals! Oh yeah hair, vocals and energy in that order!! (lol) They were outstanding! LITERALLY they were the highlight of the whole show. They were so good, after they walked offstage, they brought them back out for an encore!! So CRICKETS to me!

Saturday January 16^th, 5pm The Stellar Awards

The purpose of the whole weekend was actually here, The Stellar Awards! I worked the red carpet, but almost missed it because I accidentally set my ticket down to the actual award show and didn’t notice until we were half way back to the hotel to change. So we had to turn around and go back. Luckily I found it and the crisis was averted!

The red carpet was cool. Nothing all that exciting to talk about, so I’ll keep it moving.

It was the Stellar Awards 25^th Anniversary and the theme of the show was “Collaborations.” It was a nice idea. Since I really don’t feel like typing out EVERY detail of the taping, I’m going to give you quick hits! Watch the show to get the full effect! Am I being lazy?? LOL

• Show was hosted by Donnie, Vickie and Kirk. Vickie was hilarious!
• The show opened with Ricky Dillard & New Generation and Hezekiah Walker & LFC. GREAT way to open the show with two of the top choirs in the industry sharing the stage.
• Vanessa Bell Armstrong came out and the audience gasped at how AMAZING she looked! I don’t even know if anyone paid attention to her singing her single “Good News” because she looked that good!
• Tramaine Hawkins, Dottie Peoples and Shirley Caesar on stage together! Nothing else needs to be said…except that Tramaine sounded like she was still in her teens. She sounded incredible! She’s my all time favorite!
• Richard Smallwood and Smokie Norful created a beautiful and classy moment grand piano to grand piano.
• Crystal Aikin gave my favorite performance of the night! I was taken aback at how beautiful she looked and sounded.
• Bebe & Cece sang “Grace.” Thank God it didn’t slow the shows momentum down. It was cool.
• Kirk Franklin and some of the Family and some of his new singers did a medley that was too short! He just has too many timeless hits!
• James Fortune & Fiya performed his hit “I Trust You.” Everybody just loves that song.
• Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Byron Cage sent that room into a praise frenzy! It was definitely the highlight of the evening! THEY SANG!
• Kirk Franklin came out and gave us a sermonette.
• Israel Houghton did a creative video performance with Mary Mary of their duet “Every Prayer.” My favorite song on the CD.
• Donald Lawrence & Co. and the winning choir of “Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound Choir” contest Atlanta West Pentecostal Church Choir closed the evening out with the infectious “Back II Eden.” P.S. There was a member of that choir that was going INNNNNN!! LOL Hit up Neily Dickerson to see the footage! LOL

Well folks that’s it! There you have it! My first Stellar weekend ever! I had a great time. Let me know what you think of Pt. 1 and Pt. 2 of my recap?!? Did you feel like you were there with me??? I hope so!

For Part 1. go to www.dagospeltruth.com/?p=1655

Artist Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Song Of The Year – “God In Me” by Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

Male Vocalist Of The Year – Smokie Norful, Smokie Norful Live (EMI Gospel)

Female Vocalist Of The Year – Vickie Winans, How I Got Over (Destiny Joy)

Group/Duo Of The Year – Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

New Artist Of The Year – Crystal Aikin, Crystal Aikin (Verity)

CD Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Choir Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Producer Of The Year – Donald Lawrence & Daniel Weatherspoon, The Law Of Confession Pt. 1 (Quietwater/Verity)

Contemporary Group/Duo Of The Year – Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

Traditional Group/Duo Of The Year – Lee Williams & The Spiritual QCs, Fall On Me (MCG)

Contemporary Male Vocalist Of The Year – Smokie Norful, Smokie Norful Live (EMI Gospel)

Contemporary Female Vocalist Of The Year – Crystal Aikin, Crystal Aikin (Verity)

Traditional Male Vocalist Of The Year – Donnie McClurkin, We All Are One (Verity)

Traditional Female Vocalist Of The Year – Dottie Peoples, Do It! (DP Muzik Group)

Contemporary CD Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Traditional CD Of The Year – Shari Addison, Shari Addison (Verity)

Urban/Inspirational Single Of The Year – “God In Me” by Mary Mary, The Sound (Columbia)

Music Video Of The Year – “How I Got Over” by Vickie Winans, How I Got Over (Destiny Joy)

Contemporary Choir Of The Year – Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Souled Out (Verity)

Traditional Choir Of The Year – Bishop Paul S. Morton & The FGBCF Mass Choir, Cry Your Last Year (Light)

Special Event CD Of The Year – The Clark Sisters, J. Moss & Kierra Sheard, Silky Soul Music – A Tribute To Maze (Barantera Music Group)

Instrumental CD Of The Year – Ben Tankard, Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Verity)

Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD Of The Year – Da’ T.R.U.T.H., The Big Picture (Cross Movement)

Children’s Performance Of The Year – Rev. Dr. Emory Andrews & Oxon Hill High School Choir, Amazing (Yrome)

Quartet Of The Year – Lee Williams & The Spiritual QCs, Fall On Me (MCG)

Praise & Worship CD Of The Year – Stephen Hurd, Times Of Refreshing (Integrity)

Recorded Music Package Of The Year – Denise Trotman for Donald Lawrence’s The Law Of Confession Pt. 1 (Quietwater/Verity)

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?? DA GOSPEL TRUTH READER REVIEWS BYRON CAGE’S NEW RELEASE “FAITHFUL TO BELIEVE”

• CD Reviews
• November 12th

Sometimes I feel the “media” or “music critics” are scrutinized a little harsher because our opinions are out there for all of the public to read, which is part of the job! I’m not trying to run from that at all. But I also think it is very important for artists to hear directly from the people who are purchasing their music and get their honest viewpoint. If I were an artist I would want to know if the majority of people who bought my album felt they got their money’s worth. So instead of me doing this review, I reached out to one of my readers, Brian Sings. (yeah I’m going to research that last name lol) I asked him if he’d be interested in doing this review since I knew he had purchased this CD. He obliged and this is what he had to say about Byron’s latest offering.

BRIAN SINGS’ BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• 27 years of age from the Washington, DC Metropolitan area (born & raised)
• Favorite types of music: Gospel, Neo-Soul, Alternative, etc. (im kinda an eclectic soul, but it MUST be of substance)
• I play the alto sax, drums & play the keyboards a little by ear, but my main focus has been my vocal (both lead & background vocals)
• Raised Baptist, but now I am in that good ole’ Church of God in Christ & have been for the past 5 years
• I am a director of our Youth & Young Adult Choir as well as an active member on the Praise & Worship Team

Given the history of Byron Cage, I expect nothing but greatness from him. I mean, he has been involved in a lot from a behind the scenes standpoint from directing the choir on numerous projects for Dottie Peoples, New Birth in Atlanta and his home church of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, MD to breaking out with his own material. The new CD from Byron Cage “Faithful To Believe” is a well put together effort to spread the Gospel across the nations. With Stellar Award winner DeWayne Woods assisting as musical director, I had high expectations prior to listening to this CD, especially knowing that Woods is from Donald Lawrence’s camp.

Some components definitely stick out more than others in comparison to Cage’s previous CD’s. The sound of the background vocals are totally different in some places, a bit pitchy in parts and not blended well in my opinion. Musically, I was left a little confused with the direction and the arrangements on certain tracks. But there were some tracks that caught my attention like “In The Midst” featuring Tye Tribbett. I mean who wouldn’t know Tye from his distinctive high pitch screams and infectious energy. The song, “I Can’t Hold It” took me to church with the hand clapping and foot stomping. However, the song that stood out the most is, “You’re My Everything”, featuring Pastor Marvin Winans & Karen Clark-Sheard. You have two musical giants that lent their unique style and sound to this track. Pastor Marvin Winans is smooth with his delivery, yet you still hear the sincerity in his voice, while Karen sings with her signature “Clark” growl and riffs. All in all I say this CD is okay, but not Byron’s best.

Aside from the tracks previously mentioned, the majority of the content seems a bit underwhelming.

http://www.myspace.com/byroncagemusic

Ann Nesby

• Interviews
• May 16th

I should have known when Ann Nesby belted out “I need relief” at the beginning of Sounds of Blackness’ hit, “The Pressure”, that we would be hearing from this soulful DIVA for years to come! And the hits haven’t stopped! I still have “Optimistic,” “I’m Still Wearing Your Name,” “A Place In My Heart,” and “Put It on Paper” in heavy rotation! I could go on, but I have to get to the interview!

Some people are lucky enough to have one amazing mother in their lifetime and it’s icing on the cake when she exemplifies what a true woman of God is. But, when you can say you have TWO, you’re blessed beyond belief. After this interview, I felt like I had one more woman of God looking out for my well-being and my spiritual walk, along with my INCREDIBLE mother!  Anyone who can do that from an hour and a half phone interview,  is truly  in a league of her, not only because  she’s one of the music industries most coveted vocalists, but because she’s one of heaven’s earthly angels!

So let’s start back at the beginning. How did you end up singing with Sounds of Blackness?

I had just finished Donald Lawrence’s off Broadway play, “Sing Hallelujah”. I was friends with Gary Hines, the director of Sounds of Blackness, and my sister was a member of the church where Gary Hines was the minister of music. My sister, Marie, had been with the group for about ten years as the lead soloist when I relocated to Minneapolis. Sounds of Blackness was a very well known choir in the Minneapolis community. Any major events like the NAACP Banquet or an Urban League event, Sounds of Blackness was the choir that did all the music. So, that’s how I started with Sounds of Blackness.

How did you end up being the lead vocalist for Sounds of Blackness?

Well, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (Janet Jackson, Deobrah Cox, Heather Headley, Yolanda Adams) were starting their own label Flyte Tyme and I was going to be signed to their label. But, Jam & Lewis made a promise to God that when they started their own label, the first project they released would be Gospel. When Sounds of Blackness started recording, I wasn’t an official member yet. I didn’t sign with the group until I signed as a solo artist with Jam & Lewis. Jam & Lewis actually had me record a demo called “Your Wish is My Command”, which they were submitting for another artist’s album. That song ended up on Sounds of Blackness’ debut CD. That’s really how I ended up being one of the primary lead vocalists for Sounds of Blackness. And the rest as they say is history. It was really just obeying God and being at the right place at the right time.

How long did you record with Sounds of Blackness?

I sang with Sounds of Blackness from ‘88 until ‘96. Sounds of Blackness was a great platform for me as my solo CD was about to be released. On tour, Sounds of Blackness would do their hits and then I would come on after and do a set of my own. It was such a blessing to have that type of exposure. Sounds of Blackness was a wonderful platform for other solo artists in the group too, like my daughter Jamecia. That was always the plan to promote everyone’s strengths and goals to be solo artists.

Were you surprised at the massive success of “Optimistic”?

I was just so excited and so happy!! When “Optimistic” took off the way it did, I just knew it was the hand of God. It was all about timing. It was a time of self-awareness and establishing who we were in the music industry. We were an African American group displaying our wealth and beauty through our image, what we sang about and what we stood for. For so many years there were secular artists claiming to be the King of this and the Queen of that, but you can’t reign over anything when you haven’t given the proper acknowledgment of where it really started. Sounds of Blackness came from an unapologetic standpoint that we were reclaiming our music that others genres had stolen! Sounds of Blackness featured West African polyrhythms, Negro spirituals and authentic musical sounds from the Motherland. That is one of the things that people loved about our music. It was honest, it respected God and it showed a side of African American music that people had been afraid to deal with for years.

You’ve been in this business for awhile now. What is the biggest downside of the music business?

I think one of the biggest downsides of the music industry, is when you first come into this business you really don’t have any creative control. Consequently, people don’t get to find out who you are as an artist or even as a person. The music industry is like Las Vegas. It’s a gamble! They put you out there and put some money into you and everybody’s waiting to see if it works! They don’t build careers anymore like they did in the Motown era. Nowadays, if you don’t have a hit right out the gate, you don’t get a second chance. It’s sad because there are a lot of great singers that just don’t make it because of that.

You look like a new woman now! Why did you decide to have the gastric bypass surgery?

It was life or death for me. I had congestive heart failure, diabetes and arthritis all stemming from me being overweight. I tried all the diets, but with my schedule it was so hard to maintain. I wasn’t exercising regularly, I would eat late at night and lay right down afterwards. I was constantly on the go! I could barely make it through the airports. My doctor at the time really encouraged me to have the surgery. She said I was young enough where I would fully recover! I was scared, but I knew it was what I needed to do to save my life. I encourage anyone who is dealing with their weight and it’s majorly affecting their health and their doctor is recommending it, I say go for it! But, you have to follow the rules and do your homework. Get a good surgeon and do your research. Don’t just jump in and have them cut on you because it is major surgery. I have a whole new lifestyle now. I still eat what I like, but in moderation. I am now walking 4 miles a day!!! God is good! I share my story because I want to be a blessing to someone else. It is nothing to be ashamed about!

So you’re a great grandmother now!! How did you find out?

Paris and I are very close and I was one of the first people she told. We are always very open and honest with each other.  She is our first granddaughter, so we spoil her rotten! But, this is something that she wanted. Paris is a grown woman. I would have preferred that she had got married first, but we don’t all follow the same path in life. I just love the little baby. Paris created the 5^th generation, so it’s a blessing! We are actually working on a tour called “Generations” with myself, Jamecia and Paris.

The new album is “The Lula Lee Project”. How is different from your last release “This Love”?

Well, “This is Love” was an inspirational R&B CD. I appreciate that God has blessed me to be able to go between both genres. If it wasn’t for Sounds of Blackness, I don’t think the transition would be so easy. My new project is vastly different from anything I’ve done, simply because of the music and the production. But, the inspirational message is still the same. The first single, “I Found A Place”, produced by the genius Tonex, is taken straight from Psalms 91. If we abide in him, he will protect us!  Tonex is so futuristic and prolific. It’s amazing to work with someone so amazingly talented. You have to be on your “A” game with him because he accepts nothing less. I worked with a lot of young, up and coming producers who love the Lord like; Herb Middleton (Mary J. Blige, Kelly Price, SWV), J. Isaac, Paul Jones and Darnell Davis.   I wanted an edgy urban sound and they gave me just what I wanted. I love every song on the album, but a few that come to my mind right off the top is “Sky is The Limit”. This song talks about teen mothers and how we as adult women don’t take the time to help them through a difficult situation. Another song I think many Ann Nesby fans will love is, “So Much Joy”. It’s a club hit. I had to remain true to who I am and the song simply says that the only real joy is Jesus! There honestly is a song on the album for everyone!

What singers do you like that are out now?

I just love good singers! I like Canton Jones, Donnie McClurkin, Dottie Peoples, Mary Mary, The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Kelly Price, Fantasia, Yolanda Adams, LaShun Pace, Donald Lawrence, Jennifer Hudson, Kierra Sheard and on and on.

What is one thing you want people to know about you?

I want people to know that I love the Lord and I’m a kingdom builder!

Ann Nesby’s 20 Random Truths

1. Choose one: Pedicure or Manicure? Pedicure
2. One makeup product you can’t live without? Foundation
3. What is your favorite movie? “Imitation of Life”: The story of Mahalia Jackson
4. Did you buy Girl Scout cookies this year? Yes! The Samoas!
5. What is your favorite TV show? Law & Order
6. What is your favorite Bible verse? Psalms 91
7. Who is your favorite past season’s American Idol? Paris Bennett of course!
8. Excluding your new project, which is your favorite Ann Nesby CD? The first one. “I’m Here For You”.
9. What kind of toothpaste do you use? Sensodyne
10. Favorite meal of the day? Breakfast
11. Producer that pushes you the hardest in the studio? Jam & Lewis and Tonex!
12. Have you ever told another singer they sounded great, when they really didn’t? No
13. Would you ever run a marathon? I would walk it (lol)! Don’t know if I would run it!
14. Favorite male vocalist? Donny Hathaway.
15. If you could go on any TV show, which one would it be? The one w/ Wayne Brady, “Don’t Forget the Lyrics”.
16. Favorite Tyler Perry film? “The Family That Preys”
17. Last book you read? “Divine Order” by Deborah L. Harris
18. Least favorite song you’ve recorded? “Unity” w/ Sounds of Blackness
19. What’s on your iPod? Donald Lawrence, Coko, Karen, Yolanda Adams, Dewayne Woods, Ann Nesby, etc.
20. If you could do a duet with any singer male or female, who would it be? Aretha Franklin