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THE MERGE SUMMIT LA LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY! FOUNDER DR. HOLLY CARTER EXPLAINS WHY YOU CAN’T MISS THIS YEAR!

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If there is one conference you should mark on your calendar as a “must attend” event this year, The Merge Summit LA is it! The second annual conference based out of Los Angeles, CA begins on August 26th-28th, 2010. www.themergesummit.com

After seeing some of the biggest names from Hollywood and the Gospel community on the same bill, I knew I NEEDED to sit down with the Founder/Chairperson, Dr. Holly Carter, to find out how she managed to put together such a dynamic and innovative three-day event.

Tell me how The Merge Summit LA came about?

The Merge Summit LA was birthed while I was writing my thesis for my doctoral program. I was writing on merging the sacred and the secular, Christianity and Hollywood. During the length of time it took me to write that paper, I was also working in the entertainment business. It was an interesting dynamic being a Christian and seeing the different nuances and different happenings in Hollywood and the impact it had on the community of believers. So I felt it was necessary to create an opportunity that would bring a body of believers, those in the world of Hollywood and the Gospel community, where they could effect, impact, and hopefully change some of the influences that are portrayed in the entertainment community. I think that, at the end of the day, with me traveling, promoting my artists and different movies that I need to expose and platform the body of believers that have creative art, creative gifts that can cross over into the mainstream marketplace with the hope that they would make an impact for the Kingdom of God.

What type of company do you run?

My company, Releve’ Entertainment, is a family and faith- based management and production company. We manage artists and produce family, faith-based films and television. My clients include Mary Mary, Detrick Haddon, Kierra Sheard, Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin as well as other well known names.

Why is it so hard for mainstream media and gospel to co-exist?

They are two different ideologies. The gospel market comes with strong positions of faith and the mainstream market comes with what it represents. It requires a gentle handling to merge. That is what the summit is about. It’s about gently connecting communities together in a way where they both benefit. One of the features of the conference is the Saturday morning leadership panel. That panel is comprised of three entities; entertainment, corporate America and the church. I’ve got 5 pastors, 5 corporate leaders and entertainment leaders. The purpose of it is to foster a discussion on how the three industries can engage to create relationships and opportunities amongst each of the audiences. I did that because each industry needs each other. The religious community needs branding, entertainment needs the church to go see their movies and corporate brands need both industries.

Who are some of the people that will be participating this year?

Denzel Washington’s wife, Pauletta Washington, will be opening the summit in what we call “Midnight at the Merge.” That’s where our local pastors, our celebrity VIP panelist, and our attendees can come and do red carpet photos and rub elbows. There’s music and an address to open the night and get everyone excited for what’s to come.

There’s an artist showcase Hezekiah Walker is hosting for the second year in a row. Kirk Franklin will host and perform at the Merge concert, which is a benefit concert for my father who passed this year. Along with Kirk, J. Moss The Soul Seekers and Isaac Carree will be performing. Hezekiah Walker and Chrisette Michele will teach a class on expanding your ministry to the mainstream audience. Kirk Franklin will be leading a class based on his brand new book of the same name, ”The Blueprint.” Neicy Nash will do a class on sharing the journey and living the dream. Wendy Raquel and Tia Mowery from “The Game” will be participating in an actor’s panel and workshop along with Terry Lennox. Obviously we’ve got talent agents, managers, producers, directors, writers who have worked on hit shows such as “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Friends” and “Gossip Girl.” We also have the Senior VP of Programming for Showtime Networks and ABC’s casting director. We’ve got a lot high profile industry executives and talent to give a person that’s coming up an opportunity to interface, partner with and be inspired to go back and get themselves in gear.

Who are some of the sponsors that helped you put The Merge Summit LA together?

Johnson Products, Upscale Magazine, Verity Gospel, Columbia Records, BMI Publishing, Kaiser Permanente, Wellness Interactive and Bronner Bros. Those are my partners in this, they came to the table last year, they came stronger this year and my hope is that they’ll stay with me. They have really made this possible in terms of really being able to lay this out and provide a great summit for the attendees. So I really want to say thank you.

For more information on how to register and attend go to www.themergesummit.com

For more information on Releve Enterainment go to http://www.releve-ent.com/

ISAAC CARREE

ISAAC CARREE

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Isaac Carree is best known as one of the front vocalists for one of the most popular contemporary Gospel quartets, Men of Standard. 5 albums in and a greatest hits CD, MOS decided to take an indefinite hiatus and individually pursue outside endeavors.

As Isaac prepares to release his first debut CD “Uncommon Me,” coming this September, I sat down with him to find out exactly why Men of Standard actually took a break, why he and Lowell released CD’s at the same time and what we can expect from “Uncommon Me.”

How did Men of Standard come together?

Well, after singing with John P. Kee, Lowell and I were just trying to find our way from a musical standpoint. I started doing stage plays with Michael Matthews from ’94-’96. In ’96, Lowell and I decided to start Men of Standard. The crazy part was it was only the two of us, so we had to find two more members. I knew Bryan from one of the plays. I knew he had a dope voice, a great personality and he was a preacher.  So we recruited Bryan and another friend introduced us to Michael, so that’s how the group started.

Why do you think male groups tend to stay together longer than female groups?

Guys don’t hold on to stuff. Guys aren’t emotional like that. We have issues, we talk about it, we fuss, we may fight, but when it’s over with, it’s over. We are able to separate business from everything else. So with that being said, Men of Standard was able to gel and have a chemistry that allowed us to always be honest and trustworthy. We never let anybody divide the group. We knew people were trying to get Lowell to do a solo album and others were trying to get me to do a solo album outside the group. But we didn’t let those things infiltrate the group. We showed loyalty to each other.

Why did Mike leave the group?

Mike wanted to do some other things. Mike is a writer and he really wanted to do some mainstream stuff. He felt like his time with the group was up. It was funny because we had just gotten out of our deal with Malaco Records and we were about to sign with Sony. We were like, “Are you sure you want to walk away now?” He said he was burned out, so we totally understood. But all of us still talk either everyday or at least once a week.

The money was being split four ways. Were you financially ok?

Interestingly enough, we were making money all those years, and that’s all we did. If you think about it, praise and worship gigs weren’t the jumpoff back then. These days everyone has a church gig now. If you were trying to do music, you didn’t have another outlet if you weren’t doing shows or concerts or if you weren’t writing or producing. God stayed with us!  We would record a CD almost every 2 years and after that we would do shows. We would do so many shows in between that money was always coming in. On top of that, back then there was only one of us in the group that was married, which was Bryan. So we didn’t have the large overhead of families. But don’t get it twisted, in the beginning we could take care of our bills, but that was about it!!

How did you guys agree on taking a break from Men of Standard? Was everyone in favor of it?

About two and half years ago we were doing a show in Milwaukee at Bishop Hines’ church. Some things had been tugging on us individually and we hadn’t communicated it to each other because we didn’t want anyone to feel abandoned. Wanting to go in a different direction could take money out of someone else’s mouth. So we all sat down after the conference and laid it all out. Bryan expressed that as a pastor he needed to be at his church on a consistent basis and Lowell and I wanted to do some different things. When you’re doing things collectively God can bless you, but He also has things for you individually. And what happens is you get so comfortable being in a collective situation that you miss out on all of your individual blessings.

So was it your plan to do a solo album?

I never wanted to do a solo album. I was always cool singing background. So we sat down as a group and put together a five to seven year plan. I wanted Low and I to do a duet album, like Dawkins&Dawkins or Mary Mary. But Lowell felt it was our time to do separate projects. So he was really instrumental in pushing me out there!

Why is it that your CD and Lowell’s are being released so close to each other? It could appear to be a little competitive.

The reason we’ve done albums at the same time is because we don’t think it will affect one another. Lowell’s style of singing and music is totally different than mine. He is more of a quartet church dude, who can do contemporary. I am more of a contemporary, urban dude, who can do church. It’s like if J. Moss and Smokie Norful put out an album at the same time, they pretty much wont affect each other in a negative way. So ultimately, if I win, he wins and if he wins, I win, because we’re a team. I know people are going to come out and say well I like Lowell’s better than Ike’s or vice versa, but it’s all to our benefit.

What is your biggest fear as a solo artist?

It’s funny that you asked me that because I know the bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind.” But I really struggle with fear in my life: fear of dying, fear of not accomplishing goals, fear of people not liking my music, etc.  I read books about it, I talk to Kirk, talk to different people, different artists and pastors who I trust spiritually to help me through this process. To know it’s me, myself and I when I step on stage puts me in a place where I have to totally lean and depend on God and that’s scary, man. It’s more mental than anything else. The spiritual side of it is that I don’t want to ever walk on stage so confident where I don’t have to lean and depend on God.

When is the album “Uncommon Me” going to be released?

Well, the single, “Redeemed” is on iTunes now. But the full album is coming in September! I worked with some really great producers. I worked with Adonis (Beyoncé, Alicia Keys), Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary), Harold Lilly (Fantasia, Angie Stone) and others! I have a duet with Eric Dawkins from Dawkins and Dawkins that is incredible. And I went back to where I started and did a song with John P. Kee.  I’m just excited about the whole album! This album was designed and originated to show people who Isaac Caree really is because you never really get the true essence of a person as long as they’re behind someone else.

What’s behind the title “Uncommon Me?”

I entitled this project “Uncommon Me” because in this journey I found things about myself that I didn’t realize from a musical and personality stand point.  I had to see my fears, my insecurities and my shortcomings. I had people fooled like I had it all together, but I didn’t.  I grew up in a home without a father, which devastated me. Then I got married at a young age, had two kids and then divorced because I never had a father to show me how to be a good man.  Then I got remarried six years ago and I have a wonderful family, but even still, having to blindly walk this road alone, just God and me, is scary. God said,” I don’t want you to be common. I don’t want you to be regular. I don’t want you to just be ordinary, be extraordinary. Get back to who I made you to be and who I made you is the good, the bad, and the ugly”. What we try to do is cover up the bad with the good and make people think that we got it all together, and God’s like, “No, I want to use your ugly too. Your ugly is going to help somebody else come out.” So I entitled the record “Uncommon Me.”

How do you feel about Gospel artists being called “celebrities?”

How can you be a Gospel artist, but be a celebrity? That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m not saying you can’t be successful, but success doesn’t equal celebrity. I don’t think the gospel was intended for people to be celebrities and stars. Bill Gates is not a celebrity. He’s successful and rich, but that doesn’t make him a celebrity. Beyoncé is a celebrity. Usher is a celebrity. The genre of music and the lifestyle they’re in can put them in that platform. But we don’t sing about ourselves, we sing about a Higher Power, we sing about Jesus. So they can sing about their cars, their houses, their cribs, their jewelry, their wives, and whatever else. Everything that we sing is about Jesus, so how does that make me a celebrity? I’m glorifying somebody else. So I just don’t get that whole thing. I said that to say, I’m a regular person.

ISAAC’S 10 RANDOM TRUTHS

  1. 1. Favorite Kirk Franklin song? “Hosanna.”
  2. 2. Least favorite Men of Standard song? “MOS Praise Party.”
  3. 3. Smokie Norful or Deitrick Haddon? Deitrick Haddon.
  4. 4. Bungee jump or skydive? Skydive.
  5. 5. Favorite R&B female singer? Brandy.
  6. 6. Most underrated female Gospel singer? Crystal Aikin.
  7. 7. 112, Dru Hill, Jagged Edge or Boyz II Men? 112.
  8. 8. Favorite ice cream flavor? Breyers butter pecan
  9. 9. A song you wish you would have recorded? “Let Go” by DeWayne Woods.
  10. Take 6, Commissioned, The Winans or Men Standard? Of course Commissioned.

NEW ARTIST BRITTNEY WRIGHT PREPARES TO WIN!!

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Brittney Wright has virtually burst on the scene out of nowhere. Her new single “I Win” has been gaining spins and fans alike as August 24th inches closer when Brittney’s solo CD “The Beginning” hits music outlets everywhere!

I knew NOTHING about Brittney Wright when I got wind of her single. So you know me, I had to find out who she was and where she appeared from!?!?

How did you get your record deal?

Well the ironic thing is I wasn’t actually looking for a record deal. I knew that God had placed an assignment on my life and so I prayed and God started to give me the songs that he wanted for the album. I continued to minister and eventually caught the ear of a local radio DJ in Baltimore, who is now the head of YSC Music Group/Emtro. From there God began to align things and here we are.

How old are you and where are you from?

I am 27, single and I was born in Mobile, Alabama, but raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I currently reside in Baltimore, Maryland.

What are you most nervous about being a new artist?

I think the thing I am most nervous about is not making an impact. My prayer is that God will get the glory and people will be compelled to come unto him through the gift he has given me. We were given an assignment in Luke 14 and I want to make sure that I fulfill what God says 100%.

What artists inspire you?

Wow, I am inspired by so many wonderful artists for so many different reasons but, Ella Fitzgerald, The Clarks, Mary Mary, Beyonce, Kim Burrell, Tye Tribbet, Maurette Brown Clark, Dixie Chicks, Mahalia Jackson, Chrisette Michelle, etc… the list goes on and on and on, lol… I listen to so many different artists.

Do you have a regular 9 to 5?

Yes, I am a Leads Operation Specialist at Bank of America. I have been there for 3 years.

What is your favorite song on the album?

It is sooo hard to make a choice, but I would have to say that my favorite song is “I Win”. I chose this song because it makes a simple two-word declaration that you can make in the face of adversity in the midst of whatever you are going through. It’s an encouraging song for anybody, any age group, man, woman, boy, girl, black or white. The bridge says it all, “ In every adversity you can stand strong and claim victory’s on the way, because out of your obstacles God’s growing miracles and you will gain confidence in every experience.” If you just declare that you have already won!

What big things are coming up after the album is released?

Well prayerfully we will definitely be visiting a city near you!!! Right now there are a lot of things up in the air so I hope to be checking back with Da Gospel Truth throughout my journey to keep you guys posted with everything!!!!

BRITTNEY’S 5 RANDOM TRUTHS

  1. Favorite TV show? “Golden Girls.”
  2. Favorite R&B female singer? Jill Scott.
  3. Favorite Bible verse? Philippians 1:6
  4. Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, J. Moss or Tye Tribbett? Fred Hammond.
  5. Favorite restaurant? Anything Japanese!! Kobe’s Japanese Steak House.

GONE SOLO…WERE YOU THINKING THIS TOO??

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  1. Was it the plan for Lowell Pye and Isaac Carree of Men of Standard to release solo albums around the same time? I wonder who will get more play??
  2. When Joann Rosario went solo after singing with Fred Hammond that turned out to be a good look! But why didn’t it work for Shea Norman??
  3. Remember when Keith Staten left Commissioned to do his solo thing?? It worked for a split second, but nothing like it did for Fred or Marvin!!
  4. Who knew Monique Walker, Hezekiah Walker’s ex and former lead vocalist of the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir would get CRICKETS??
  5. It looks like Kirk Franklin’s former singers have done pretty well for themselves on their own; Tamela Mann, David Mann, Anthony Evans and Myron Butler. Will it work for Nikki Ross??
  6. When CeCe Winans recorded her first solo project that was the best decision, as far as her career is concerned!!
  7. I give Zacardi Cortez of James Fortune & Fiya maybe one more album with them before he goes solol!
  8. One of the girls from J. Moss’ group Ramiyah is supposedly working on a solo album. Does anyone care?
  9. Aren’t you ready for Lisa Page Brooks to get back to Witness?!?
  10. So which member of 21:03 do you think is going to put out a solo album first?

WINNERS OF THE 52ND ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS ANNOUNCED IN THE GOSPEL CATEGORIES

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As I’m typing this, the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards still haven’t aired here in Los Angeles yet. But, I know I have enthusiasts of Da Gospel Truth all over the country, so being the kind gentleman that my mother raised me to be, I decided to post the winners in the Gospel categories.

I didn’t make any predictions because the CD you think should win never does. So why even waste my breath! (lol) Congratulations to ALL the winners who will now be able to put in front of their name “Grammy Award winner.” And to those who didn’t win, well you know how the saying goes, “It was just great being nominated!” (LOL)

Best Gospel Performance

“Free To Be Me” by Francesca Battistelli
Track from: Free To Be Me

“Jesus Is Love” by Heather Headley feat. Smokie Norful
Track from: Audience Of One

“I Believe” by Jonny Lang w/ Fisk Jubilee Singers
Track from: Oh Happy Day

WINNER “Wait On The Lord” by Donnie McClurkin feat. Karen Clark Sheard
Track from: We All Are One

“Born Again” by Third Day
Track from: Revelation

Best Gospel Song

“Born Again” - Tai Anderson, David Carr, Mark Lee & Mac Powell, songwriters (Third Day)

“City On Our Knees” – Cary Barlowe, Toby McKeehan & Jaime Moore, songwriters (TobyMac)

“Every Prayer” – Dayna Caddell, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey & Ricardo Sanchez, songwriters (Israel Houghton & Mary Mary)

WINNER “God In Me” – Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell & Warryn Campbell, songwriters (Mary Mary)

“The Motions” – Jason Houser, Sam Mizell & Matthew West, songwriters (Matthew West)

Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album

The Big Picture – Da’ T.R.U.T.H.

Crash - Decyfer Down

Innocence & Instinct – Red

WINNER Live Revelations – Third Day

The Dash – John Wells-The Tonic

Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album

Speaking Louder Than Before - Jeremy Camp

WINNER The Power Of One - Israel Houghton

The Long Fall Back To Earth - Jars Of Clay

Love Is On The Move - Leeland

Freedom - Mandisa

Best Southern, Country, Or Bluegrass Gospel Album

WINNER Jason Crabb - Jason Crabb

Dream On - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

The Rock - Tracy Lawrence

In God’s Time - Barry Scott & Second Wind

Everyday - Triumphant Quest

Best Traditional Gospel Album

God Don’t Never Change - Ashley Cleveland

The Law Of Confession, Pt. 1 - Donald Lawrence & Co.

WINNER Oh Happy Day - Various Artists

The Journey Continues - The Williams Brothers

How I Got Over – Vickie Winans

Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album

WINNER Audience Of One - Heather Headley

Renewed - Sheri Jones-Moffett

Just James - J Moss

Smokie Norful LIVE - Smokie Norful

Bold Right Life - Kierra Sheard

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

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

Friday, January 15th,  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 16th, 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 16th, 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 25th 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)

THE STELLAR AWARDS WEEKEND RECAP PT. 1

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Well everybody I’m back from my first official Stellar Awards Weekend EVER and I must say it was worth all the build up and hoopla and it exceeded my expectations! Now that I am back in Los Angeles I can say that I’m 100% exhausted. You don’t come to the Stellars to sleep that’s for sure! But, I’m back with a renewed sense of energy and I’m ready to hit the ground running with a vengeance. There was a lot going on the whole weekend. So much so that I can’t recap EVERYTHING, but I’m going to give you some of my favorite highlights from the weekend. So let’s go…I’m going to start from my flight.

Thursday January 14th, 2009 leaving LA

Unbeknownst to me there were a couple of familiar faces on my flight starting off with Erica & Tina best known as Mary Mary, Neily Dickerson big time executive in the Gospel industry and Phil Thornton Jessica Reedy’s manager and a major power player in the entertainment business! Momma Campbell was on the flight too, but I don’t know her name so we’ll just call her the Mary’s mom! There were some other black people on the flight that I know were headed to Nashville also, but I don’t know who they were so there it is! LOL

Later on that night…Urban Soul Café Access Granted

After I met my roomie for the weekend, up and coming Gospel artist Titus Jackson (remember the name yall plus he’s an absolute fool) we dropped our stuff off at the room, hooked up with the Bonnerfide Radio crew and got some grub! THANK YOU JESUS FOR PROTEIN! (LOL)

Then we made our way to the Urban Soul Café Access Granted show. We got there really late so to be honest I don’t know who we missed. But by the looks of the flyer, 98% of the artists I had never heard of. So I was giving it CRICKETS even before I got there. (I know that wasn’t right, but I’m just being honest lol) J. Moss was on the flyer and I don’t think he performed. 21:03 entered the building via video screen because they were in London. CRICKETS to that video message they showed. I didn’t see the purpose!

The highlights of the evening for me came from Melinda Watts, Adrianne Archie and Johnny B Williams. Melinda Watts sang “Say Yes,” which is probably one my least favorite songs on the album, but I thought it went over well live! Then she sang “Purpose Driven Life.” GOOD LAWWWDD does she minister with that song! Melinda performs like a seasoned artist and every time I see her sing live she is in perfect voice! She has really become one of my favorites lately.

I had never seen Adrianne Archie perform or even heard any of her music, but she obviously has a following. She made me a believer! She definitely got the crowd up and her energy on stage was infectious. I really enjoyed her set.

And THEN some dude hit the stage by the name of Johnny B. Williams. HEAR ME WHEN I SAY he is THE TRUTH!!! He was phenomenal. It was just him, his red/burgundy guitar and flawless vocals! Think Stevie Wonder meets Jonathan Butler and that’s what he sounds like! He captivated the whole room and had everyone worshipping. It was an awesome experience! It’s imperative that I get more information on him! STAY TUNED!

An artist named Petula performed and she was cool, but I felt sorry for her because she had a table set up with a lot of CD’s and I didn’t see anybody go by her table. But Michelle Lang’s table was right beside hers and I didn’t see anyone at her table either. The crowd was giving the tables CRICKETS! I almost went over to their tables so it would look like someone was over there, (lol) but I was too tired to get up. The men of G.I. did a cool two song set too. The one with the braids…he can really sing. They need to let him do most of the leads! Oh yeah James Fortune & Fiya performed and of course everyone was just waiting to hear Zacardi Cortez rip the vocals to shreds. I don’t even know anyone else in that group. I don’t think anybody else does either? Well do you??

BMI LUNCHEON Friday January 15th

So this was the exclusive invitation only luncheon that I’ve heard in the past is usually better than the actual Stellar Awards. This year at the 2010 BMI event, Andrae Crouch and Donnie McClurkin were honored. In the back of my mind, I was like I hope I don’t get to the front to give my name and they give me CRICKETS. (lol) Thank God that didn’t happen. Before the show started everyone was mulling around doing that kissy, kissy, so happy to see you spiel. You know what I mean…the formalities! (lol)

Let me tell you what we ate before I go any further. They started us off with a salad. Then the main course came which was a roll, some type of breaded crusted chicken breast, macaroni and cheese and a vegetable. There was some type of pastry on the table too. I never ate it, but it was there. Overall the food was good. Except that macaroni and cheese that me and Karen Jackson of EMI had to doctor up because it tasted like cardboard at first! (lol) Before I move on can I say there is a spirit of hmmmm…how do I say this…HUNGRINESS more so among the men in Gospel. Some of them with their bellies hanging over their belts should practice portion control. There was someone at my table, who will remain nameless, because everyone will know who it is, wiped his plate CLEAN. And he’s somebody that probably should have left a little something on his plate. LOL ok I’m done moving on.

The afternoon started off honoring Donnie McClurkin. DeWayne Woods served as the musical director. With him were 6 of the baddest sangin women background singers and the house band that consisted of a whose who of musicians. Hosted by Byron Cage the afternoon went something like this…

  • Dorinda Clark Cole opened the show with her hit “Take it Back” which won the BMI song of the year award written by Derrick Starks.
  • Jessica Reedy performed her trademark song “God Has Smiled on Me” and she sounded amazing as usual. But what stood out the most was her stage presence. She looked relaxed, comfortable and you could see her growth as an artist.
  • After those two performances, the official honoring of Donnie McClurkin began with the background singers performing a snippet of “That’s What I Believe.”
  • Latice Crawford sang “I Call You Holy” and it just wasn’t good. It sounded like she was yelling through the whole song and I don’t think it went over well with the crowd either. Basically she got CRICKETS!
  • Micah Stampley performed “Speak to My Heart” and woke the audience up!
  • Before Marvin L. Winans even sang a note everyone was on their feet. He sang “Stand” and brought the house down. He also brought his brother Bebe up to bring it on home!
  • Yolanda Adams performed the classic sinner’s redemption song “We Fall Down.”

All in all I felt Donnie McClurkin’s tribute was nice. But as me and some my friends were talking about everything over brunch on Sunday, a few of us felt that the tribute wasn’t personal enough. Meaning, the organizers of the event could have done a better job personalizing the performances with artists that were close friends or even family members of Donnie. (i.e. The McClurkins) It didn’t take away from anything, but it was just a side note.

After Donnie’s tribute concluded they went right into the legend Andrae Crouch hosted by Yolanda Adams.

  • The incredible, incomparable Donald Lawrence did a short medley of some of Andrae’s timeless classics. Donald relieved Blanche McAllister-Dykes of her background duties for a brief moment and brought her to the front to sing “Right Now” from my favorite Andrae Crouch album “No Time to Lose.” Then closed it out with “Quiet Times” and “Soon and Very Soon.”

  • The distinctive voice of Tata Vega set the atmosphere on fire when she sang “Speak Lord” from the movie “The Color Purple” and “Oh it is Jesus.” After she took the stage, the whole place changed into a straight up church service! That’s when Yolanda Adams WENT IN! She started jumping and shouting so hard I was afraid she was going to jump a hole through the stage and fall through. (lol) But hey when the spirit moves!

  • Give BeBe & CeCe a classic and they will light the place on fire and that’s exactly what they did with “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.”

  • Our favorite sisters Mary Mary performed “We Are Not Ashamed.” Can I just say that lately every time Erica opens her mouth she sounds INCREDIBLE! Not that she didn’t sound good before, but her vocals have been on another level lately! Maybe it’s the baby. If that’s what it is…Erica can you stay pregnant please?!!? (LOL)
  • After Marvin Winans shared more than a brief history (lol) of The Winans and Andrae Crouch he finally started singing the classic “Jesus is Lord” and brought the singer of all singers Karen Clark Sheard up on stage. She wrecked the place with her runs in less than a minute!
  • Mr. Crouch closed out the evening with a touching speech and briefly mentioned the many health problems he had been dealing with recently. He started telling a story about a hole in his toe. While it was moving testimony, I was so happy that I had stopped eating because it got a little graphic for me and I felt a little of my food come up in my throat! (LOL, LOL)
  • At the very end Marvin Winans brought up all the SINGERS in the house (Vanessa Bell Armstrong, J. Moss, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe & CeCe, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, etc.) for an impromptu Andrae Crouch medley.

I think Andrae’s portion was a little better than Donnie’s, but overall it was an absolutely great event. If you weren’t in the building, I hope this recap makes you feel like you were there or at least in the lobby peeking in trying to see what was going on! J I was truly honored to be there. God is so good!

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF THE DAGOSPELTRUTH STELLAR AWARDS WEEKEND RECAP!

RAE ELLIS

RAE ELLIS

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A dummy, she’s not! But extremely talented, she is! This 30 year old is not only a rising diva on the music front, but she is right on track to graduate with a Masters degree in Business Marketing after receiving her undergrad at Clark Atlanta. If nothing else, Rae Ellis is a survivor and exudes a resilience that is hard to ignore when you talk to her. She has a story to tell and anyone who is willing to listen, she tells with a no holds barred approach! I have nothing but love, admiration and respect for how far she’s come and how far I know she is going to go!

How did you end up singing with the group Uneek?

I jumped at the chance to sing with a national recording group. I was only 17 at the time. One of the members left the group for reasons I’m not completely sure about. I happened to be friends with the group’s drummer and he told me they were looking for another member. So that’s how it sort of all happened. I sang with them from time to time after the second album. The girls were great. I still talk to a few of them all the time. I learned a lot as far as artistry and music business 101.

So tell me what you learned in “Music Business 101?”

Well I remember our management being a little questionable. One New Year’s Eve we did three services, sweating our dresses out and at the end of the night I was given a check for $50.00. I couldn’t believe it. I later found out the girls had no idea I had got short changed like that. I didn’t really make anything when I was in the group because I never signed a contract. I wasn’t even in the group a full year. Ultimately after my dad saw how that situation turned out, he made me leave the group. I realize now that it was a blessing. I’m definitely not disappointed about the experience because I learned so much.

What’s a downside to this industry that you’ve had to learn?

Something I’ve learned is that just because it’s Gospel and you are spreading the good news, doesn’t mean everyone carries the same sentiments. Everyone in this business does not have a relationship with God just because they are in the Gospel industry. I’ve had other artists, who will remain nameless, watch my MySpace page and contact promoters trying to get on the same show in an attempt to upstage me. It’s crazy the things people will do. At the end of the day it seems as if this whole thing seems jaded. I came up being taught that this thing is about holiness, righteousness, and being sanctified or set apart. Everything just seems to blend now days and so many are self absorbed and forget about GOD. We are conduits or literally a mouthpiece for God. I really thank God for people like Cedric and LeJuene Thompson. They are real God-fearing people. LeJuene is just a class act.  Pastor John P. Kee has been very instrumental in my ministry also. He actually called me one night out of the blue to encourage me. Above all my mamma who’s not in the industry, keeps me holding on to my truth which is “he that begun a good work in me WILL perform it!” She’s amazing!  These are the people who keep you going.

I know you were involved in an abusive relationship. Tell me what happened.

I ended up getting involved with this guy who I thought was my dream guy. We met through a mutual friend when we were 20. We started off as friends, but I really took to him right off the bat. It’s interesting because I saw signs in the beginning, but they were so subtle. He was very manipulative. I was dating another guy at the time who was a very successful lawyer, but I didn’t feel like I was good enough for him, so I went for the blue collar guy. I think I also felt comfortable with him because he accepted me at the weight I was at. I lived in Atlanta at the time and it was like home of the big girls. I loved it. He started wanting to spend every moment together and wanting all my attention. He was very aggressive and controlling.

When was the first time he hit you?

I don’t remember what we were arguing about, but I got real “flip” with him and told him what I wasn’t going to do. I had no idea he was going to hit me. All of a sudden out of the blue he backhanded me. He wouldn’t just hit me though, he would pinch me under my arms and I would be black and blue all over. He would criticize my weight and when I would go walking, he would trail me in a car laughing and talking about my jiggle.  The abuse went on for about a year.

Did anyone know what was going on?

Well not really. I was at home visiting my parents and I was putting on my pajamas and my mom walked into the room and she saw the bruises on my body. This was close to the end of our relationship. I begged her not to tell my father. She said she would give me time to talk to my boyfriend about everything, but that she was going to tell my father what was going on. I didn’t want to move back home because I didn’t want “church folks” to know what was going on and going home to me would seem as if I failed in this area of my life. That’s why I didn’t want her to say anything.

How did the relationship end?

We were arguing because I told him I wanted out of the relationship and of course he didn’t want to let me go. This time when the argument escalated and he hit me, I fought back like a man!(throwing blows the whole nine yards) Strangely, when I told him to leave, I was miserable without him. I was so down and depressed I actually tried to kill myself. I took a whole bottle of muscle relaxers and tried to end it all. But God had a different plan. I waited to fall asleep and go peacefully, but nothing happened. So I drove myself to the ER and the traffic was bumper to bumper. God’s grace and mercy was with me. It was nothing but God that I didn’t fall asleep at the wheel. When I finally got to the hospital they tried to pump my stomach and I threw up. The muscle relaxers were still in pill form! My body never digested them. I knew God had saved my life.

Did you ever go back to him again after everything was over?

He still tried to come by, but by that time my parents had got involved. I haven’t seen him since. He reached out to me 3 years ago via email and I put him on my spam list and kept it moving!

Why do you think you ended up in this type of relationship?

I think it has to do with how I viewed myself. I was always the life of the party and the class clown, but never had a boyfriend. I was the talented girl that didn’t have anybody. I had low self-esteem. I exuded confidence, but predators can see right through that and they prey on your insecurities.

Is your weight an issue for you that you struggle with?

I definitely battle with my weight. I love to cook and I can throw down in the kitchen! I am the Patti Labelle of Gospel. I’m a size 18 (on a good day). I don’t exercise as much as I should because I don’t like to sweat. (lol) I only like to sweat when I’m singing. I think being overweight is in my genes. (and in my shirts and shoes lol) We call it the “fat gene.” I can’t say I’m big because of the way that I eat. I don’t eat fried chicken and bonbons all the time. I don’t eat a whole lot. But I do admit that I don’t have the best eating habits, like eating late at night. But I have lost weight before. I lost 80lbs on the Atkins diet.

Your dad died of cancer in ’06. How hard was that to deal with?

It was very hard. He died of cancer at 52 in May of ’06 and it changed my life. My father, Bishop Nathan Halton, was a preaching machine. He was the founder of Greater Faith Bible Tabernacle Church in Buffalo, NY. We grew up in a Pentecostal Apostolic environment. My dad was an educated entrepreneur, like me. (I have a real estate firm and working on a boutique) I prayed God would extend my father’s life and he saidNO! I mean three times in my prayer I heard God say NO! But, I rebuked it thinking it was my flesh, my faith, failing me. God, that experience taught me so much. You can want something so bad that we will rebuke GOD himself when he says no! When my dad lost his ability to walk he continued to come in on a walker or in a wheelchair preaching and teaching the word of God. My biggest lesson was taught to me was in those moments. I learned I don’t have a right to give up nor do I have a right to use excuses for not doing what I’m called to do

Are you working on an album?

Yes, I am. Hopefully the album will be released sometime early next year. I am going for a major label deal, if they can do for me what I envision for my ministry. Staying independent would be cool too. And I’m not specifically seeking a deal with a Gospel label. Whoever I sign with, I want them to respect my most sacred values. I REPRESENT GOD! I have such eclectic tastes that I want to be with a label that will really get behind me. My sound embodies everything that is in my brain. I love Ella, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Mattie Moss Clark, Donny Hathaway and Andrae Crouch just to name a few. I listen to a lot of old stuff and instrumental music. I love music and lyrics that tell a story. I grew up on CCM music too, though, like Morris Chapman, Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty.

Is there anyone in particular that you would love to work with?

I would LOVE to work with J. Moss, Darkchild, Jill Scott and PJ Morton, among others.

What are some of your other passions?

I want to do it all. I love to act. I am waiting on Tyler Perry to call me. I know it’s going to happen one day. With everything I’ve been through in my past, I know it’s great training and preparation for the stage. When you limit your dreams and aspirations it limits the power of God and what He can do for you.

RAE’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS

  1. Favorite perfume? “COCO MADEMOISELLE” by Chanel. I smell delicious in it!
  2. Favorite season? Fall.
  3. Least favorite fruit? Bananas.
  4. Biggest insecurity? My stomach.
  5. On time or late for church? Depends on who is preaching!
  6. Favorite R&B male group? Levert. They will squall at you!
  7. Favorite TV show? “The Cosby Show.”
  8. Would you rather be hot or cold? Cold.
  9. Favorite city to visit? Nashville.
  10. Guilty pleasure? Chubby Hubby Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
  11. How many kids do you want? Two and an oops.
  12. Biggest misconception about you? That I’m not a sensitive person.
  13. Take 6, Commissioned, The Winans or Men of Standard? The Winans.
  14. Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Rihanna or Ciara? Beyonce
  15. The Anointed Pace Sisters, The Clark Sisters, The McClurkins? The Clark Sisters.
  16. Favorite reality show? “Real House Wives of ATL!”
  17. Would you skydive? I sure would!
  18. Tomboy or a girly girl? A mix of both.
  19. Favorite dessert? Carrot cake and Breyers ice cream.
  20. Favorite CCM artist? Mercy Me
LISA PAGE BROOKS

LISA PAGE BROOKS

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I think it’s safe to say that Lisa Page Brooks has made her mark in the Gospel industry that is undeniably unforgettable.  I would even go as far to say that she’s a legend. (Am I making it sound like she’s dead?? SHE’S NOT! Lol) Nervous, excited, anxious and a few butterflies was everything I was feeling as I prepared for this interview. Lisa’s highly anticipated, long over due, new solo release “Stronger,” hits stores everywhere October 20, 2009. Once I heard the new album was on the way, I made it a top priority to sit down with the woman I grew up listening to and have admired from her days with the pioneering Contemporary Gospel group Witness.

Let’s go back to the days of Witness…how old were you when you joined the group?

We started in 1986 and I was only 23 years old. My husband Michael Brooks actually started Witness for his sister Tina. He had the idea of putting together a female version of Commissioned. One day I got a phone call from a friend and he wanted me to come and sit in on one of the group’s rehearsals. I showed up and the rest is history.

Did the group always plan to go after a record deal?

Knowing my husband, I think he knew Commissioned would open the door for us. I’m sure he wanted to take us to the next level. We got our first record deal over the phone and everything happened very quickly.

The album “We Can Make a Difference” really put the group on the map. Was that the group’s first album?

“We Can Make a Difference” was actually our third project. “Keep Lookin Up” was our first CD and the second was “I’ve Come Too Far.” When “We Can Make a Difference” came out we were signed to“Polygram,” which was a major label at the time and they put a lot of dollars behind us. We did quite a few things and the press was even greater.

Were you still working a regular job at this time?

Yes, I was working in a grocery store. It was funny because one day as I was scanning groceries and a phone call came in for me. It was our management and they said, “You guys are flying to New York to shoot a video.” That was literally my last day of scanning groceries.

How was it being in a group with women that you really didn’t know that well?

It was not all good all the time. I’d be lying if I said it was. I knew Tina, who is now my sister-in-law, but I didn’t know the other two girls. We had to learn one another, but you spend so much time on the road together you are kind of forced to get to know each other. You have different personalities coming together, but we knew we had a purpose and we wanted to act Christian towards each other. We always had prayer once a week, so we could come together and just communicate with each other. It wasn’t always easy, but we had to make sure we kept everything in line of what God wanted us to do. It’s been twenty plus years, so there were definitely times when Michael had to be the referee.

Was it hard dealing with the different member changes?

Yeah, it could be difficult at times. Our first two members left because they wanted to go on and pursue their solo ministries. I think they thought they may have been better on their own. But you have to understand that this is a business. I don’t suggest you the play the game, but you have to understand what everything is all about. There were times when some felt like they were entitled to something that they really weren’t. If you’re promoting a new project you will be away from your family and traveling a lot. Now, you may not be bringing home a check all the time and if you don’t understand that, then you will feel cheated. But, when you understand the business and realize you have to do some things to advance your career, then you’re better equipped to know why things are happening the way they are. I know I was put on this earth to sing. That is God’s purpose for me. When you know that, everything else is secondary. Of course you’ll be concerned, but you won’t worry about trivial things because you know God will open the door.

How did Michael Brooks go from being your boss to being your husband?

We were always friends. I can’t really tell you when it blossomed. We will celebrate 13 years in January. What really stood out to me is that he really loves God and is just a nice person. I needed that at that time and it just came together. Now we are pastoring and impacting people’s lives together and I’m just so thankful to God for Michael. If you are ever in Detroit, come by “Restoration Fellowship Church International.”

Did that cause any jealousy and dissension in the group after you and Michael got together?

I wanted to make the girls understand that I was still Lisa and nothing had changed. I felt it was my responsibility to make them feel comfortable.

Do you ever feel like Witness ever got the recognition they really deserved?

On the natural side, there are some places and things that Witness should have done that the label didn’t do to market us. But God has shown us so much favor too! On the spiritual side, I still receive calls and letters from people telling me how much our music has encouraged them and brought them through difficult struggles. My take is, you never arrive or plateau, because it’s not about us. As long as we continue to touch lives, our purpose never stops. Sure, some of the labels could have done more to benefit us, but we were nominated for a Grammy twice, so that’s nothing to look down on.

How come Witness never worked with any different producers?

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Everybody has their camp. I also think some people are intimidated by my husband’s success. They say they will send music to submit for the projects, but then it never comes! It was never the plan to just work with Michael, but that’s how it has worked out.

What made you go solo?

I was pushed into my first solo project. The company kept bugging my husband and me about doing a solo CD. I was like, “who wants to listen me for 12 songs??”  I didn’t think I was ready either. I loved singing with Witness and I was comfortable with that. Gradually as time went on I began to embrace the idea and now I’m grateful for my solo projects.

Tell me about your new project “Stronger.”

I am so excited about my new project. It will be released October 20th, so I encourage everyone to go out and get it! If I had to describe this CD, I would say it’s very versatile and traditional. We experimented with a lot of different sounds and I just can’t wait for everyone to hear what I’ve been working on. It’s still Lisa Page Brooks. You’re always going to get that. But I think there is something on the CD for everyone.

Do you ever go back and listen to your older music?

Every blue moon I’ll go back and listen to one of my CD’s or I’ll be with someone and they’ll put some of my music on. My husband is an amazing songwriter, so sometimes I’ll go back to listen to the lyrics because they really minister to me. Sometimes I tease my husband and say, “Am I really married to Michael Brooks of Commissioned.”

Is there going to be another Witness album?

Yes there is. We are going to do a live album, so that should be fun. I’m also writing a book about my life that I am very excited about. Hopefully that will be out sometime next year.

What is the most difficult part about the Gospel industry?

The most difficult part is a toss up between going out and pouring into people and walking in integrity. We have a responsibility to be examples of what we sing about. We just have to stay in God’s favor. As artists, when God opens doors for us we have a responsibility to be a living example. Something about us should be different as we minister to people. I’m all about shopping and looking good and showmanship, but at the same time there has to be some red lights. I’m a minister. I have to try not to conform to your lifestyle, but come to you and expose who I am and whose I am.

Lisa Page Brooks’ 20 Random Truths

  1. Favorite Movie? “The Untouchables.”
  2. Favorite restaurant? “J. Alexander’s.”
  3. Last book you’ve read? “Understand the Purpose and Power of Prayer” by Myles Monroe.
  4. Who’s a better driver you or your husband? I am!
  5. Where did Michael propose to you? A jewelry store.
  6. What kind of toothpaste do you use? Colgate with mint strips.
  7. Dog or cats? Dog.
  8. Favorite candy bar? Hershey w/ almonds.
  9. Favorite Witness album? “Love is an Action Word.”
  10. Favorite cartoon? “The Jetsons.”
  11. Cosby Show, Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Good Times or The Jeffersons? “The Cosby Show.”
  12. J. Moss, Marvin Sapp, Daryl Coley or John P. Kee? Daryl Coley.
  13. Favorite Christmas song? “The Christmas Song.”
  14. Can you change a tire? No, I don’t think so.
  15. Which one of your kids is most like you? Tia. My middle child.
  16. One artist you want to do a duet with? Phil Collins.
  17. Dorinda Clark Cole, CeCe Winans, Vickie Winans or Vanessa Bell Armstrong? CeCe Winans.
  18. Guilty pleasure? Shopping for shoes.
  19. The View, Oprah or Dr. Phil? “The View.”
  20. Favorite Bible verse? 2 Corinthians 2:14.
DARLENE MCCOY

DARLENE MCCOY

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One word comes to mind when I think about this interview with newcomer Darlene McCoy and that’s “LAUGH.” I don’t think I’ve laughed with any artist more than I did with Darlene McCoy. I don’t know if this is how she is all the time, but she had me laughing non- stop and to be honest I don’t really know what we were laughing about.  I was so excited to interview the mother of 3 because her debut CD is on my list of favorite CD’s. If you missed my review on her album go back and check it out. But just to reiterate, I LOVE IT!!!

How did you get hooked up with mega producer Dallas Austin?

My husband grew up with Dallas. We have been friends with Dallas for years and never even thought about having him help us with a project because our relationship wasn’t about business. Now Dallas and my husband have a production company together called “Darp Inspiration.” So one day we were just all sitting around and Dallas was like, “So when are we going to work on some music together?” My husband was the driving force getting me to seriously consider it. It was crazy because when we went in the studio and laid down a couple of songs as a little demo, I really wasn’t thinking much of it. I especially wasn’t thinking about a record deal or anything serious at that point. I had been working in corporate America for 12 years and was very successful, so my head wasn’t even in the entertainment business at all. My music career is truly a testament of the Lord working His hand in my life and the direction He had for me.

How did you get signed to EMI?

To make a long story short, I was singing background for Darwin Hobbs and he was signed to EMI at the time and he eventually walked my demo into the label. They liked what they heard and there you have it.

You had one of the most sought after producers in the industry working on your album. How was that?

It was wonderful. I had a blast. But it took a while to record my album because Dallas was so busy. Like you said everyone in the industry wants to work with him, so I had to wait my turn.

What was it like recording your first solo debut?

It was fun, stressful, hard and easy. It was a little bit of everything. It really just depended on what I was working on or who I was working with. The easiest song was probably “Simply Because.” I had a writing session with Antonio Neal and we were sitting around for 2 hours and we couldn’t come up with anything. He stepped out for a minute and came back singing a melody. We ended up doing that song in 15 minutes. The hardest song to record was “Finally. Darwin Hobbs started off singing background vocals on it and then that changed by the time the final mix of the song was done. “Finally” just went through so many phases lyrically and musically before it was eventually completed. I loved working with “Darkchild.” I went and recorded at Rodney Jerkins’ house and that alone is a sight to see. I almost flipped out when the gates opened for me! They worked me in the booth though! They had me singing in the rafters. (lol) The song I did with PAJAM “If There Were No You” was actually supposed to go on J. Moss’ CD “V2,” but it ended up on my album. I would say Tommy Simms was one of the producers that pushed me the hardest. He got things out of me that I didn’t think were possible.

Do you prefer being in the studio or singing live?

I like singing live much better. I hate recording in the studio because I have to be perfect and I don’t like hearing myself in my own ears.

How difficult is it to balance the ministry side, but still handle the business at the same time?

When I first started it was all about ministry. That’s all I knew. A lot of times you realize you can’t operate freely in what you do because of the business. It’s a hard thing to balance when you are totally about ministry, but there are so many other people involved who have a say and a stake in your career. Even though it’s your name and your record, there are other people attached to it. You kind of have to get prepared for that.

Do you read critiques?

I do read them. The very first critique I read was not a good one and it was on the day my album came out. They were comparing me with Dallas Austin and the situation that he was dealing with over in Dubai. I have read a couple of reviews that literally brought me to tears before. My goal is that people are blessed. I don’t want them just dancing and saying she has a good sound. When someone tells me my project affected their life or I didn’t know Christ until I heard your song, that’s why I do what I do. It’s about getting people to have an encounter with God.

How well did your album sell?

I was very pleased with how it did. Now as far as my record company is concerned they may have had bigger goals for my project. My objective was never to be a big superstar. I was able to record a CD that will be around for the ages! A lot of people never get that opportunity, so I’m grateful.

Are you still signed to EMI?

I’m not signed to EMI anymore because they just couldn’t afford to keep me on the roster. It was contractual. In my contract it stated that if I sold a certain amount of albums that I would get an even bigger budget for my next project. The recession has affected every industry. But, there is absolutely no bad blood between me and EMI. They are so supportive of my music. You may see our relationship continue in a different capacity in the future.

How did you end up on the soundtrack “Diary of a Mad Black Woman?”

Dallas Austin was the executive producer of that soundtrack. I had actually submitted 7 songs that went along with the movie and none of them made it. Then one night Dallas came to see me at a watch night service and I sang “Fallen In Love” and he fell in love with that song! The rest is history.

Are you working on another CD?

There is a track listing in the works. I just have to record the songs. I’m definitely working with Dallas and Tommy Simms again. I’m looking for a particular sound for this new project. A lot of people don’t know me as a worshipper, but I am. I want them to know the depth of my ministry. I would love to work with Prince! I want him to do a nice God song with me. (lol) I think it would be great to work with Donald Lawrence also.

How did you become a radio personality?

I’m on the number one gospel station in the country, “Praise 102.5.” And to be quite frank, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing. But I love it. It’s crazy how it all came about. My song “Already Got Joy” started charting on Urban AC. The program director had me do a guest spot on his secular show. I was actually the Praise & Worship leader on CoCo Brother’s show and I would have a morning each week to minister to ladies on his show. Then I did a radio show with Canton Jones called “Judah Jams” on Saturday night. Two months later the programming director approached me about being a midday host. I was not excited at all about having to be somewhere every single day. But, we have worked it out now and everyone is happy. This radio show has been a wonderful experience and it’s allowed me to come out of artist/minister mode, and just be Darlene.

I hear you have a show in your living room?

I actually do. It’s an online chat show that I do from my living room and it’s called “In My Living Room.” It’s a live webcam setup and I sit and chat live with people all over the world. We talk about topics that nobody likes to talk about in the church. Some of the topics can be risqué, but they are topics that need to be talked about. I come up with all of the topics on my own. But, everyone is more than welcome to bring up topics they would like to discuss. It’s been a very effective tool for ministry. About 3 weeks ago, 3 young ladies gave their life to Christ in my living room. I can’t even remember what the topic was, but it was powerful. I’m chatting live once a week every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. @ darlenemccoytv.com. I encourage everyone to join us! I guarantee you will get a blessing and stimulating conversation with people all over the world.

DARLENE MCCOY’S 20 RANDOM TRUTHS

  1. Favorite movie? “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” with Jim Carrey.
  2. Favorite song on your album? “Finally.”
  3. Favorite restaurant? “Magianos.”
  4. Favorite comedian? D.L. Hughley.
  5. One snack you can’t say no to? Brownies.
  6. Favorite R&B solo artist? Maxwell.
  7. Favorite TV show? “Hawthorne.”
  8. Would you ever scuba dive? Absolutely.
  9. What’s on your iPod? 4th Avenue Jones, Nicole Nordemann, Kevin Levar
  10. Mac or PC? Mac.
  11. Favorite color? Orange.
  12. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving.
  13. Favorite bible verse? “Philippians 4:13″
  14. Where did you meet your husband? “IHOP.”
  15. One dream for your children? That they know the Lord is real and not a myth and not a religion.
  16. Favorite American Idol? Chris Daughtry.
  17. Dream Car? “BMW 725i.”
  18. Karen Clark Sheard, Sheri Jones Moffett, Coko, Joann Rosario? Karen Clark Sheard.
  19. Micah Stampley, Marvin Sapp, Tonex, J. Moss? J. Moss.
  20. TLC, Jodeci, Boyz II Men or SWV? Jodeci.