New York, NY -- A vision about how Good Gospel radio should make you feel, has finally come to life at www.FeelGoodGospel.com
Radio Veteran, Reporter & Journalist, Visionary Sheilah Belle says, “The 24 hour non-stop internet radio station will give everyone something to enjoy and take the stress away.”
Music will range from Gospel Jazz to Ultra Urban Gospel, Urban Gospel, Contemporary, and Traditional Gospel and include FRESH sounds in a well thought out programmed flowing format that will have you listening to www.FeelGoodGospel.com non-stop.
Enjoy some of the alternative hit songs from some of your favorite artists here on www.FeelGoodGospel.com like Fred Hammond’s “My Love is Real,” Brian Courtney Wilson’s “Storm In Mind,” Issac Carree’s “We Are Not Ashamed”, Mali Music and the Together We Stand Community Choir “Make Me New”, Sheri Jones Moffett “Renewed,” Bethany Divine, “Trust” or Dorothy Norwood’s new single “featuring Monica Lisa Stevenson, Just that Good.”
Consider changing the tempo with artists like Marvin Winans, Angela Spivey, GI, Tim Bowman Jr., Dexter Walker & Zion Movement and J.T. Logan.
When you’re ready for the non-stop Praise Party, lock it in with www.FeelGoodGospel.com and hang out with some of our friends Chris & Kyle, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Chicago Mass Choir, Gerald Scott, Amy Rushes “Testify” and Donnie McClurkin when he sings “The Great I Am,” just to name a few.
The goal for www.FeelGoodGospel.com is truly to make you feel good and offer a serious alternative to fresh music cuts that many are missing.
So today, take a listen to www.FeelGoodGospel.com and enjoy our soft roll out of music as we prepare for our official launch on our first sponsored concert with Earnest Pugh, Minister Earl Bynum, God’s Image (GI), Eric Carrington, James Johnson, and the Voices of Vision, J. T. Logan, Ayinde Dancers and Emcee and Host Sheilah Belle, The Belle and co-host Reggie B, at the Village of Faith in Richmond, VA on Friday, March 2, 2012 at 7p.m. This concert is absolutely FREE!
Belle says, “This has simply been a labor a love, a lot of labor (laugh)… but also a lot of love. To get to this point, “I MUST thank my Heavenly Father for the vision which got me this far!” Also I could not have done this without the talented help of J. T. Logan, my partner in crime against the devil! He is extremely talented! It was with his help my vision was able to be brought to life and the end result www.FeelGoodGospel.com Thank you Jesus!”
New Hope Baptist Church prepares for Whitney Houston’s Homegoing in Newark, NJ
By Sheilah Belle
Newark, NJ – On Saturday, February 17, 2012, the world stopped and came together to celebrate and honor one of the brightest stars and talent of the music and entertainment industry, Whitney Elizabeth Houston.
Throughout the history of music there has been no one quite like Houston and there will never be another. With a voice that was as sweet as honey, yet soulful to the core, Houston was blessed with this gift that empowered the world. Houston’s career also evolved to include acting, modeling and business, which were all remembered during her Home Going ceremony at her childhood church, New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, NJ.
The touching ceremony was filled with tears, laughter and music that she loved and guests who loved her from the Music, Religious and Political world and beyond.
With Houston’s cousin, Dionne Warwick leading the ceremony, the nearly four hour tribute to the 48-year-old singer, who died just seven days earlier in her Beverly Hills hotel room, was sad but filled with lots of love.
"We are here today, hearts broken, but yet with God's strength we celebrate the life of Whitney Houston," the Rev. Joe A. Carter told about 1,500 mourners that filled the pews and stood along with aisles at the New Hope Baptist Church including luminaries Stevie Wonder, Oprah Winfrey, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson Deloris “Mom” Winans and Jordin Sparks.
One of the first speakers up was Tyler Perry who shared his heart and surprised many as his words turned into a brief yet powerful sermonette that touched everyone to the core.
March 2012 – Gospel Music Workshop of America Board Meeting – San Diego, CA
July, 7- 13, 2012 – GMWA/GAG National Convention 2012 – Gaylord Opryland Hotel - Nashville, TN
July 15, 2012 – “3rd Annual Gospel Music Fest with The Belle”, 5pm, Richmond, VA., with more than 20 local, regional and National groups. Richmond, VA. In 2011, estimated crowd 15,000. Call (804) 612-3187.
July 19 – 21, 2012 - The 3rd Independent Gospel Artist Alliance Conference follows another successful session at Mt.LebanonBaptist Church also known as "The Mount" under Sr. Pastor Bishop Kim Brown. Visionaries Philip Carter and Minister Earl Bynum. For more information, go to www.indiegospelalliance.com
NOW Impacting Radio Stations in 51 Markets and Growing!
Get the latest Gospel and Industry News on your radio station TODAY! Advertise across the country for only $50 for a :30 spot. Call 804-612-3187!
The Belle Poll
Minister Kirk Franklin and The Belle
Washington, D.C. -- Gospel recording artist and multi-award winner Kirk Franklin, took some time to hang out with The Belle in Washington D.C. during Gospel Music Heritage Month. The two have now known each other for years.
Kirk Franklin’s “HELLO FEAR” Certified Gold by RIAA;
Garners Two Grammy® Awards for “Best Gospel Album” And
“Best Gospel Song”
New York, NY --KIRK FRANKLIN and his chart-topping album HELLO FEAR was just certified Gold, as reported by the R.I.A.A. The announcement follows Franklin’s two GRAMMY® awards wins for Best Gospel Album (HELLO FEAR) and Best Gospel Song (“Hello Fear”) earlier this week at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards celebration held on February 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. With these two new trophies, Franklin – the #1 selling Gospel artist of all time – now has nine career GRAMMY® awards. Franklin will also perform at this year’s live NBC Network NAACP Image award show this Friday, February 17 at 8:00 p.m. EST -- in which he is nominated for two awards – Outstanding Song (“I Smile”) and Outstanding Gospel Album (HELLO FEAR).
Franklin’s HELLO FEAR debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel sales chart and #5 on the Billboard Top 200 when it was released last Spring, making the album the fourth highest Gospel debut in Soundscan history. In addition to his GRAMMY® wins and NAACP nominations, Franklin was recently awarded four Stellar Awards for HELLO FEAR and “I Smile” -- Song of The Year, CD of the Year, Producer of the Year and Contemporary CD of the Year. Franklin performed “I Smile” on last year’s American Idol finale, and was #1 at Gospel radio for 23 weeks, hitting Urban AC radio at #3. Currently, Franklin stars as Baylor Sykes in the feature film Joyful Noise starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. He also hosts and executive produces gospel talent show "Sunday Best," the highest-rated gospel program in BET network history, now heading into its fifth season.
For two decades, Kirk Franklin has been a pioneer in gap-bridging musicianship, uniting gospel, hip hop, pop and R&B audiences. His rhythms have resulted in albums that have consistently topped Billboard's Gospel, Christian and R&B/Hip Hop charts. He is also a New York Times best-selling author for “The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms (Gotham/Penguin). To date, Franklin has garnered nine GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award, 35 Stellar Awards, 14 Dove Awards (CCM), six NAACP Image Awards and two BET Awards.
The 2012 Dorothy Norwood Scholarship Foundation Gospel Cruise
Atlanta, GA -- The 9th Annual Dorothy Norwood Scholarship Foundation Inc. would like to extend a special invitation for you to attend its 2012 Scholarship Foundation Event. Come join us on the Royal Caribbean International “Majesty of the Seas” for 5 days of uplifting, spirit filled and gospel fun May 28, 2012 –June 1, 2012 (Sailing-Monday and Returning -Saturday morning).
The Dorothy Norwood Scholarship Foundation Inc. is a 501C-3 non-profit organization founded by the world-renowned singer Dorothy Norwood in 2001. Each year the Foundation assist minority youths in the Metropolitan Atlanta and surrounding areas through the provision of scholarships to deserving students who desire to pursue educational opportunities.
Highlights of this event will include: Evangelist Dorothy Norwood (The World’s Greatest Gospel Storyteller), Luther Barnes, Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, VaShawn Mitchell, The United Voices of United Faith Ministries, Claude Cummings & Endurance, and Many More To Come. This Inaugural Gospel Cruise will be hosted by Dorothy Norwood Music Group and the HelmsBriscoe Corporation.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Dorothy Norwood Scholarship Foundation offices at 770.777.9233or via email: ngrecords@bellsouth.net.
Houston, TX -- Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel recording artist Brian Courtney Wilson’s new CD project, So Proud, released on February 7, debuts at #1 on both Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart. So Proud also debuts at #5 on Billboard’s Independent chart and #44 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.
This week, Wilson’s title song and current single, “So Proud” lands at #21 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and #20 on the Gospel Indicator chart. “So Proud” is a feel good blend of inspiration, heart and soul. “So Proud” was produced by multiple GRAMMY®, GMA Dove and Stellar Award-winning producer Aaron W. Lindsey (Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp).
Wilson’s sophomore CD, So Proud, is receiving great reviews. “Wilson’s tone and downright in- the-pocket delivery stand out in a sea of gospel male vocalists who often substitute acrobatics for solid singing. Brian Courtney Wilson affirms the very reason we fell in love with his artistry the first go ‘round,” says GospelPundit.com. “On So Proud, Wilson’s vocals are more refined and smoother than his distinctively raspier vocals on Just Love,” says EURWEB.com.
The highly-anticipated project features 12 songs. Wilson wrote or collaborated on most of the songs, and served as co-producer for all of the tracks on the CD. Other songs on the CD were produced by GRAMMY-nominated and multiple award-winning producer and songwriter Stan Jones, including the second single, “He Still Cares,” currently impacting gospel radio. The message is that even when you’ve had a touch from the Master, you still may go through trials and tribulations. But you must believe that God still cares for you, and He will give you what you need, when you need it, to make it through.
My Block/Columbia Records Stars Mary Mary Release New Single
“Go Get It” and Announce Upcoming CD of the Same Name
The Duo Preps For WEtv Series of their New Self-Title Reality Series
New York, NY -- Erica and Tina Campbell, best known as inspirational star duo, Mary Mary, have announced the release this week of their new single “Go Get It,” the title track to their upcoming album due out in May. The phenomenal string of successes for their 2011 album, “Something Big,” which featured the smash hit, “Walking,” has secured multiple nominations and awards for a string of shows in 2011/2012 including double Grammy nominations for Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Song.
As the ladies gear up for the launch of their WE tv series, which highlights the non-stop pace of sisters Erica and Tina Campbell, they joyously anticipate giving their fans a sneak peek into the day-to-day aspects of their lives. The series rolls out as Mary Mary continues to perform, tour and record new music while running busy lives on the home front. Erica and husband, producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell, balance raising three children including a newborn baby. Meanwhile Tina and husband, Ricky Minor Band drummer Teddy Campbell, balance raising a blended family of four while Teddy plays nightly on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. In addition to their spouses and children, the ladies are part of a big extended family as two of nine siblings, and each individual family member has larger-than-life personalities. Through it all, the sisters remain devoted parents, loving spouses, and multi-Grammy winning superstars.
Mary Mary’s new album, set for release in May 2012 will feature two new songs including the just released single, “Go Get It.” The album will include classic Mary Mary songs that have been remixed and remastered featuring some of the duo’s greatest hits. The highly anticipated album will be sure to please old and new fans alike.
Mary Mary has been on an incredible run in the past year including securing the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award, a BET Award, Soul Train Award, Two Stellar Awards, double Grammy Award nominations as well as a nomination for a NAACP Image Award for Best Gospel Album. The year also saw partnerships with The American Red Cross and Pillsbury. Perhaps the biggest news of all is Erica and husband Warryn Campbell’s delivery of their new baby girl in late January.
Mary Mary will premier on WE tv Thursday, March 29th at 10pm ET/PT, in a special time slot, then continues each week at 9pm ET/PT with ten, hour-long episodes. The duo looks forward to sharing a glimpse of their lives with their fans.
Acapella Sensation Returns to their Roots with
Their Highly Anticpated CD "One"
“The baddest vocal cats on the planet!" – Quincy Jones
New York, NY -- Acapella sensation Take 6 (Alvin Chea, Khristian Dentley, Joey Kibble, Mark Kibble, Claude V. McKnight III, David Thomas) defies category. The instantly recognizable and irrepressible ten-time Grammy and Dove winners are a perfect representation of what Duke Ellington called “Beyond Category.” Take 6 who holds the distinction of being the most Grammy nominated vocal group in history, is truly unique in their sound: Six angelic and refined voices united in crystal clear harmony against a rip tide of syncopated rhythms, ornate arrangements and funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop flavor. With ten Grammy and Dove Awards, two NAACP Image Awards and one Soul Train Award under their belt, Take 6 are musician’s musicians who have won praise from such luminaries as Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Whitney Houston. They have even played the White House. The multi-platinum selling sextet will release their highly anticipated Shanachie Entertainment debut, One, on March 27, 2012.
“Take 6’s unique genius is unmatched on today's music scene, and I can't wait for the world to feel the joy and brilliance of their new album. They never sounded better,” states VP of A&R, Danny Weiss. The title track and first single from Take 6’s new recording One captures the genius behind what has made the acapella powerhouse a phenomenon for decades. The sure to be chart- topping single has an equally admirable video that features cameos from everyone from Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight to Lalah Hathaway. Stevie Wonder also joins Take 6 on One in a stirring rendition of his own beautiful composition, “Can’t Imagine Love Without You.” Other highlights on the CD include the groups own songs like “Working In You” and “Done My Best” and brilliant re-workings of such gospel stalwarts as “What A Friend We Have In Jesus,” “Farther Along” and “Take The Lord With You.”
The Take 6 story began in 1980 at Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL. It was not long before their signature sound garnered the group wide spread attention. In 1987, Take 6 signed with Warner Brothers and released their eponymously titled debut, which scored two Grammys and landed in the top ten on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz and Contemporary Christian charts. Take 6’s emergence on the music scene garnered wide spread attention and opportunities to collaborate with many of the brightest stars in the industry. In 1990, they released the Grammy winning So Much 2 Say, which found a home at number 2 spot on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart. Another Grammy followed with the group's holiday recording He Is Christmas.
Dubbed "the CNN of Gospel News", more people rely on "The Belle Report" for what's going on in the gospel industry than any other daily internet news letter in the world!
Atlanta, GA -- The 9th Annual Dorothy Norwood Scholarship Foundation Inc. would like to extend a special invitation for you to attend its 2012 Scholarship Foundation Event. Come join us on the Royal Caribbean International “Majesty of the Seas” for 5 days of uplifting, spirit filled and gospel fun May 28, 2012 –June 1, 2012 (Sailing-Monday and Returning -Saturday morning).
Houston, TX -- Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel recording artist Brian Courtney Wilson’s new CD project, So Proud, released on February 7, debuts at #1 on both Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart. So Proud also debuts at #5 on Billboard’s Independent chart and #44 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.
