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TRACK LIST
5. The Intro 7. Scripture Reading 9 - 13. In The Spotlight: Benjamin Harrell Damion Murrill Maranda Forney Jonathan Valencia City Bridge Worship 15 - 16. Fred Hammond Interview 19. Darrin Henson Interview 20-21. Kadesh Desiree Coleman- Jackson Interview 22-23. Antonio Neal Interview 25 -27. Top 20 Gospel Albums of all Time 28-29. Why I Stayed 31. The Outro
“Our vision is to create a “experience” that makes viewers excited when they turn on their TV,” says David M. Wallace, creative director and head of production and development of GETV. Television is considered as a source of entertainment rather than a source of inspiration, as the entertainment and creative value declines people are seeking to spend their free time more constructively. But know there’s a time to go back, Witness the Revolution! GETV provides empowering and uplifting programming for the whole family: movies, documentaries, Christian & Gospel music inspirational programs.
V i s i t h t t p : //w w w. g e tvn et w ork.com
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Welcome to another uplifting & empowering issue of Encore Gospel Entertainment Magazine. This issue features exclusive interviews with Gospel legend Fred Hammond, Kadesh Desiree Coleman- Jackson, Darrin Henson and Antoino Neal. Also, we have an exciting feature called, “The Gospel 20” where we rank the top 20 gospel albums of all time and a can’t miss article by Janeen Michael on domestic violence. I can never thank God enough for allowing me to complete another issue, it’s not easy, but I know it’s a calling. It is always my I hope that everyone who reads this magazine is encouraged and uplifted in some way. Life can be hard sometimes (I’m truly speaking from experience) and if this magazine can be a source that lifts someone up, then it’s all worth it. Encore is growing and gearing up for the new avenues that will open up. I thank God in advance for the opened doors. To all the supporters of Encore Gospel Entertainment Magazine, thank you and keep spreading the word. I truly feel the Encore brand is setting the standard in how to spread the gospel in a multiplatform way.
David M. Wallace
You can stay connected with me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totalprayze Twitter: @totalprayze LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/david-m-wallace/17/785/b00 Under the direction of Founder and President David M. Wallace; who is one of the nations top Graphic Artists, Total Prayze Entertainment Group is creating a new path in the Gospel entertainment world through marketing and advertising, multimedia production, event promotion, clothing, etc... This cutting edge company consists of 3 other divisions: Creative Dimension Studio - Our Multimedia & Graphic Design Studio. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/creativedimension Total Eclipse Productions - Concert/TV/Film Development & Production Studio. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/totaleclipse Kingdom Works Software - Christian Software & Application Development. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/kingdomworks
STAFF
Creator/Designer: David M. Wallace Interviewers: Sarita Smiley/David M. Wallace Transcriber: Deanna Wallace
Come Worship With Us In Our New Church Join Pastor & Mrs. Goldson at
CALVARY TABERNACLE 78 North Franklin Street For more information call 516-292-3685 or visit us online at www.cometocalvary.com
COME TO CALVARY THE WAY TO GOD
S cripture R eading The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. Proverbs 3:35
Benjamin Harrell
Born in Baltimore, MD on January 28, 1980, Benjamin Harrell was raised by his parents, James and Ivey Harrell. They raised him with the understanding that there was nothing more important than faith and family. With his mother a singer and his father a writer, Benjamin was immersed in the arts at an early age. Benjamin played the violin for a couple of years but then his focus turned to poetry. His focus turned to music from poetry and he decided to write in multiple genres. Benjamin continues to write and work on his talent with a focus on writing music for God. Take a listen to Benjamin Harrell’s new song “Open Doors” at https://soundcloud.com/benjaminharrell Performed by Travis Harper. Harrell, wrote the lyrics to the song. Stay in Touch with Benjamin Harrell: Instagram http://www.instagram.com/benharrellthesongwriter Facebook http://www.facebook.com/benjaminharrellsongwriter YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1LT1ADgEo48zNwsIX2tJAw
Some artists are sprinkled with musical talent and others seemed to have been saturated. Divinity Music Group Recording Artist Damion Murrill clearly is dripping with the oil of God when it comes to the gift of music. Blessed with the ability to play, sing, write and produce, he is a quadruple threat. As a member of the renowned Murrill family, son of Bishop & Evangelist Murrill, he was introduced to music at home. But an introduction to GRAMMY Award Winner Donald Lawrence and the subsequent release of his family’s CD, Family Prayer, catapulted this North Carolina-based family to the stratosphere with Billboard charting hits, GRAMMY and Stellar Award Nominations and national notoriety. Now continuing the family legacy, Damion Murrill steps into the role of artist, with his group Siloam, delivering a brand new, choir-friendly single called “Kingdom Come”. One listen to Damion Murrill and Gospel music fans will wonder what took this amazing artist so long to step to the lead mic. What makes him so special is his testimony of open heart surgery and how God healed him. Raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, music was ever present in the Murrill household. “My father was a pastor and my mother was the co-pastor,” Damion recounts. “There were six kids and all of us played, sang in the choir, directed; we did it all. I had brothers that played organ and bass; I played drums. Growing up was a lot of fun,” says Damion. He spent years under the music ministry tutelage of his mother, Evangelist J. R. Murrill, an amazing singer and choir director. It was his “chance” meeting with Gospel great Donald Lawrence that opened up doors for him in the Gospel music industry. After running into Lawrence at several concerts and workshops, prior to him becoming the phenomenon he’s now known as, the two connected. Lawrence took to Damion and his family and promised them that once he got to a place of prominence, he would come back and get the Murrills. True to his word, he tapped the group to join the Tri-City Singers, which Damion was a part, and later, he took the group under his wing and was an integral part of the family’s debut CD, Family Prayer. Damion along with his brother, Andre Murrill, collaborated their co-producing skills on the release which scaled the Billboard Top 20 Gospel Music Chart. The project was a major success and The Murrills received a GRAMMY Award Nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album and a Stellar Award Nomination for New Artist Of The Year. Now with Siloam, Damion Murrill is putting the finishing touches on the 2014 release of Take A Stand, the group’s debut record. The first single out of the gate is “Kingdom Come”. The song is a Sunday morning jam, but it’s much more than a hand-clapping, feel good song. There’s a message behind the music. “‘Kingdom Come’ reminds listeners that when Jesus gave His life on the Cross, He brought back the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. I believe there are some things on earth we are settling for. We should realize that the Kingdom is here right now, but we must choose to live in it. Because we are seeds of Abraham, we are heirs to the Kingdom. God’s Kingdom and the earthly realm operate with very different statutes. The earthly realm presents limitations, but in the Kingdom of God is limitless,” says Damion. For more information on Damion Murrill, log on www.DamionMurrillAndSiloam.com. Connect with Damion Murrill & Siloam on Facebook and Twitter (@DMandSiloam). “Kingdom Come” is currently available on iTunes. Listen to a snippet of “Kingdom Come” at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/kingdom-come-single/id787671599
Maranda Forney is a Christian Singer/Songwriter. Maranda was born in Camden, New Jersey to George and Charm Watkins. During her pre-teen and teenage years, Maranda attended the Merit School of Music in Chicago, Illinois where she studied voice and music theory. As a teenager she was a brief member of the Warner Bros. recording group “Teen Dream”. Maranda met her husband Michael Forney in 1990 and they married a year later in 1991. Just before their marriage, Maranda and Michael received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Shortly thereafter Maranda began to write songs that spoke of victory, triumph and praise. Maranda released her first CD entitled, “In Your Presence” in 2001 and in 2005 released her self-titled project, “Maranda”. In November of 2013, Maranda wrote an inspirational song entitled, “I Believe” and created a video to encourage her co-workers through a tough time of transition for Hewlett Packard. As a result the video went viral and even shut down a server. Maranda received an email from her Vice President stating, “Your video has gone viral and even Meg Whitman is trying to view it!” On June 1st of this year, Maranda released her new single, “No Greater Love” and her new EP, “You Give Me Life” August 1st. Maranda is the proud mother of 8 children. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from DeVry University and a Masters of Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management. Maranda is an IT Professional for a leading global technology company in Houston, Texas. Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13. For more info visit www.marandaforney.com info@marandaforney.com
Jonathan Valencia is a 13 year old Gospel Recording Artist who loves Jesus. He has won a 2014 Rhythm of Gospel Award, a Prayzefactor People Choice Award and a nominee for the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards. His debut album “Kingdom Bound” was released January 2014. He has opened for Martha Munizzi and Lisa Page Brooks. Jonathan made his national TV debut on a show called Gospel Music Presents with his songs “Flow” and “I Love You Lord”. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 3, 2001. At the early age of 3, Jonathan’s idea of play was preaching on his Karaoke machine. He has always enjoyed attending church. Jonathan has always been recognized as being deeply grounded in God’s word and bold about his walk with Jesus. He has delivered messages at several youth events in churches throughout Jacksonville, Florida. The songs on his album were all written to inspire other youth to pursue their calling in Jesus now. All of the songs on his album “Kingdom Bound” were written by his Mother and features a variety of songs for the young and old. Jonathan’s favorite sport is basketball and he enjoys playing football too. Bible studies with family is an integral part of his daily life. Jonathan’s boldness in serving Jesus is evident when he is on stage professing the name of Jesus. He is truly an anointed child of the most high God. Learn more about Jonathan Valencia ministry at www.jonathanvalenciamusic.com. Additional information about Jonathan Valencia ministry below: Website: www.JonathanValenciaMusic.com Twitter- @Margospeaks Email- Margo.speak@gmail.com Facebook- www.facebook.com/Jonathan.Valencia.75873 Instagram- JV3Music
Contemporary Christian Band from New York City, City Bridge Worship was formed in July of 2013. Their goal is to create songs that connects the human soul to the Almighty God. Some themes found in their music are revival, salvation, and spiritual resistance. Their debut single was released on September 15th of 2014. The band is currently working on their second single and writing to release their debut E.P. album in 2015. Audiences that have had the opportunity to experience City Bridge Worship have been raving about the presence of God that is ushered in by the band. The movement of God has been clearly evident at their events. Audiences are not only enjoying a wonderful night of music, but also experiencing a deeper connection to God. The band is currently on a campaign to perform in various events throughout the Northeast United States. Comprised of 7 members representing the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn, they hope to represent the Big Apple in the Christian Music Genre and present unique and original songs to bless the body of Christ and those who are afar from it. Listen to debut single “Come� from City Bridge Worship https://soundcloud.com/city-bridge-worship/come
Rich in Christ Productions is proud to present “Colossians 3:16 Volume 1� available on iTunes and Amazon
“When God sees your heart, he’ll elevate you.” Encore: Can you talk about what you went through in having operations on both of your knees and how it affected your music ministry? Fred: For a long time I was going to do one knee, when I realized I had to get both done it was around December. A lot of people were telling me how rough it was going to be with one knee, so I just had to prepare my mind for two knees, but nothing can really prepare you for it. I had a lot of people in my corner, it was a very rough experience and I’m glad that I went through it. I definitely have a testimony that you have to go through a dark place to understand what people are going through and I wanted to start the album I’m working on in the heat of the pain. So, I got my crew together and that’s what we did, I wrote from a painful place where people live. Encore: Can you tell us about how you and Donnie McClurkin came together for the Festival of Praise Tour? Fred: Donnie and I have been friends for a long time, probably 20 years or so. I was able to take him on a tour I did years ago, but we haven’t worked together in a while. It’s good for us to come together, have a time of fellowship and praise & worship. I wanted to do something with a festive atmosphere. The new people like Tye Tribbett and James Fortune are doing a great job, but you still got to have somebody hold it down for the old folk. Encore: The recording industry has changed so much over the years, any advice for aspiring recording artists? Fred: There’s so many artists that have access to recording, when we were coming out you had to have a record deal because nobody could afford studio time back in the day. You couldn’t afford for a record company to come in and pay for the studio time and there was no such thing as making a quality recording. Now people make great records in their basement, but the thing about it is there’s so many people doing it. So I would just tell people just go for it. There’s social media, use your skills to get your music out there, but be a minister first. When God sees your heart, he’ll elevate you.
Encore: You are regarded as a legend in the industry, who are some of the legends you looked up to? Fred: I watched a lot of the greats like Andraé Crouch and even though I didn’t get a chance to talk to them, God would allow me to just be in the room with the Hawkins family. Thomas Whitfield had a great influence on me musically, he would allow me to come into the studio and I would turn a garbage can upside down and sit in the corner and not make a sound, so that I could witness how this man talked when he was recording. He was a genius. The Winans had a great profound effect on me, I was able to play bass for them. I never asked them to sing or I never put myself in a position to sing with them, but because I stayed and I walked my way through it, God elevated me. My mother was a great musician, although she never wanted to be a recording artist, she was a great singer and pianist. She could take a raggedy choir and make them great. These are the people that had a huge impact in my career and a profound effect on my musicianship. Encore: You are known as a great bassist, does it seem today’s musician concentrates too much on fancy tricks and runs? Fred: I think it’s natural that young musicians are going to learn the tricks and the trills, first because that’s just what excites us the most. We want to learn the fanciest thing and then over time we learn the foundational things, but foundation is truly important. Keep your ears open, if someone is coming up to you telling you how to do something better be receptive to them. I would encourage musicians to listen to people who did it beforehand, listen to what’s working and what people are buying. Encore: Tell us about your new single “I Will Trust”? Fred: It’s based off of what I just came through when the enemy was telling me, I was done. He was saying, “I’m going get you like I got your father, you’re never going to walk straight again.” The whole album should be out when the tour is over some time in November.
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Stories Written by: David M. Wallace Brenda Wallace Bryan Wallace
Interview conducted by Sarita Smiley Encore: Can you tell us about your new book? What was the inspiration behind it? Darrin: “Ain’t That The Truth,” is a collection of quotations that inspire you to take action. The reason I wrote it was because a lot of my fans were asking me the same question about what I thought they should do in particular circumstances. I thought the book would be the perfect material to give them. Encore: We know you have some upcoming movies and one where you will be playing a pastor. Can you tell us about that role? Darrin: I grew up in the church and I have an uncle who is a pastor, so the role is very near and dear to me. I’m playing a pastor in this movie called “Bad Apple,” whose having trouble with a teenage daughter. The movie is basically about the daughter finding her young adulthood and the problems any parent goes through. Encore: You are an accomplished choreographer, how is choreography changing and what is more challenging choreography or acting? Darrin: As far as choreography, the musicality is more distinct. I think they take more chances with
choreography. Dance has gotten a lot faster with the younger people. Choreography and acting are both challenging, they both are different hats and you have to be ready to wear both. They bring their own levels of challenges, so one is not better than the other, they are just different. Choreography and acting both serve a purpose in the entertainment industry. Encore: What actors inspire you? Darrin: Denzel Washington, Lawrence Fishburne, John Travolta and I really want to work with Halle Berry. Encore: Any other projects we should be looking for and any last words for your fans? Darrin: I have a film called “The Choir Director,” where I play a choir director and “Bad Apple,” is coming out. My book, health and fitness DVD’s can be found at darrinhenson.com, they are there to help my fans become stronger, mentally and physically. For my fans, thank you for the support over the years and the continuous support into my future.
Interview conducted by Sarita Smiley
“God takes you through a test and brings you out, so you can share it.”- Kadesh Desiree Coleman- Jackson Encore: Can you tell us about the meaning behind Kadesh and where God is taking you in ministry? Kadesh: It means a place of battle, a place of victory. I think about the things I’ve been through in my life and how God brought me to a place of victory. In ministry, I’m excited to go out and spread the word of God, not just to the saints of God, but to the world. I’m just on another level, I’m getting ready to take over new territory and I’m just excited about what The Lord is doing. The message I want people to get out of my ministry is love. Yes, there’s a lot of situations going on out in the world, but how can you help people reach Jesus if they don’t even see the love in you. How can someone come to God who we say is everything, but we got a bad attitude and we don’t help one another, we don’t love one another. My new CD is called “Love,” it will be out between January and March and you can find me at kadeshlove.com Encore: Tell us about the single “Strip”? Kadesh: Well, “Strip” was brought out of a place where I was going through a situation in life and what the devil tried to do for bad, God turned around and made good. So many times we go through tests, trails and tribulations and the enemy wants us to sweep it under the rug, but the bible says, “We overcome by the words of our testimony.” God takes you through a test and brings you out, so you can share it. The problem is the saints of God are worried about being embarrassed. God is like, “No, I gave it to you because I could trust you.” It’s time for us to open up our mouth and let the living water flow out and be an example, so that’s kind of where “Strip” came out of. Encore: You are a co-pastor with your husband, Mark Jackson, talk about that transition? Kadesh: Yes, we’ve been pastoring for 5 years at True Love Worship Center International in Reseda, California. My husband has been ordained for about 17 years, I was ordained actually 6 years ago, the lives of people are being changed and God is getting the glory. We are actually talking about relocating the church to another True Worship 2, 3 or 4. I’ve got to come back home to New York eventually, but right now we are in Reseda, California. Everyone can go to trueloveworshipcenter.com for more about our ministry.
Encore: What is one of the most challenging things you feel pastors face in ministry? Kadesh: The most challenging thing is trying to be everything to the flock and forgetting about their families. What I’ve experienced is the church is a hospital, so therefore when you’re at a hospital you’re going to have people come and they’re going to get well and then leave. When they get sick again the people will run to the church and what I’ve found out while all of this is taking place, your family suffers from this. Your first ministry is your family, I think a lot of pastors today are so busy trying to grow the church when in essence God is saying, “Take care of your family first, these are my children, I’m going to handle my business.” Encore: How do you balance marriage and being in the public eye? Kadesh: We’ve been in the public eye since getting married, the enemy is going to constantly throw things into your marriage. The enemy will see that you are doing ministry, have a church, still married and try to destroy your marriage. That’s why we need people to constantly pray for us, because the enemy is busy. It’s an amazing thing to know that he’s a former coach that will coach again and he’s an ESPN analyst. We have tough times because he’s been away a lot, but he’s been home a lot. I thank God we have a good balance and He has given us a special anointing to be able to juggle it.
“The whole premise of the project is about coming back to the father, it’s about being reconciled.”
Interview conducted by David M. Wallace
Encore: “Welcome Home,” is your first project since becoming the COO of Madison Line Records, can you talk about the meaning behind project? Antonio: The project as a whole is about the prodigal son. It’s really talking about people who had a season in their life where they went out and did their own thing and realized, “I got to go back to my father’s house.” The whole premise of the project is about coming back to the father, it’s about being reconciled. Encore: You’re such an accomplished songwriter and producer, can you talk about how you cultivated your gifts and some of the artists you have worked with? Antonio: I’m really fortunate and a lot of people think it’s all them, but it’s the Lord. I didn’t know, I was just a young kid writing poems and trying to impress girls, but God gave me the gift to write songs. I’m just trying to be a good steward of what God has given me. I don’t own it, God gave the gift and he has blessed me to work with such artists as Stacie Orrico, Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, and Tyler Perry on his Diary of a Mad Black Woman soundtrack. Encore: You have exposed to many cultures, how did that impact your music? Antonio: My father’s job had him travel a lot, so I got to meet a lot of different people from so many different places. I grew up in a Pentecostal church with what you would call and I hate saying it, “black churches” with all the choirs which I love and appreciate. But, I just got exposed to more and it really impacted me when I was still a teenager. I was still developing and open-hearted, I got a chance to appreciate people who didn’t look like me, their skin color was different from mine and that really shaped my mind. When I heard people like James Taylor it just blew me away. On the gospel side, Al Green and Fred Hammond are probably my favorite artists in the world. Commissioned had a major impact, Dawkins & Dawkins probably had the deepest impact, because I was a young man looking for music that reflected who I was as a young person with a sound that I liked. I was able to listen to their music and people were like, “Man what is that?” I tried to do that with my music, I wanted to create music that
people would want to share and feel proud of it because the quality was there. That’s the one knock when it comes to urban Christian music, it’s the quality. Encore: Can you talk about the importance of Visible Music College? Antonio: Here in Memphis Tennessee, I actually work for a Christian music college. It’s crazy, you can get a degree in songwriting, production, live sound, praise and worship. Can you believe that? You can actually get a real accredited degree in praise and worship. You can find us at visible.edu. Encore: Tell us about the connection between Visible Music College and Madison Line Records? Antonio: The president of the college, Ken Steorts was one of the founding guitar players for Skillet, which is still one of the biggest Christian rock bands. He used to travel around the country and connect with young people who wanted to do music but didn’t really understand music. They didn’t understand about traveling, about production, they needed mentors. Ken started this college with the whole mindset of creating a place where people could learn and get a degree. He started Madison Line Records as a part of that to create a place where students actually get to work in real life situations. A lot of people go to music school, but don’t get to be at a label working on real projects from day one. That’s the beauty of this place and our partnership with Madison Line Records. Encore: Can you give us a little background on you and your wife’s ministry? Antonio: We’ve been married over 22 years and been through so much as a couple. We almost got divorced, we’ve been separated but God put our family back together and told us to go out and help other people do the same thing. So it really came out of our own pain. When God redeems you, it’s almost like He taps you on the shoulder and says, “Now go help somebody else that they can be reconciled back to me.” God can put your home back together again, your marriage back together again.
Encore PraiseBreak provides continuous Gospel entertainment news, covering music, rising stars, new releases, TV, movies and the faith-based industry. But this is not your ordinary blog, inside you’ll find features and stories rich with positive, inspirational and empowering messages. We are not about tradition and doing things the usual way, it’s time for a Praise Break!
Visit http://www.totalprayze.com/praisebreak
Not Your Ordinary Blog Based on our popular magazine, Encore PraiseBreak which consists of a blog and mobile engagement platform is quickly becoming the #1 source for Gospel music fans to access information and be more connected with the industry than ever. Encore recognizes the power and reach of mobile platforms. Encore PraiseBreak is dedicated to being a comprehensive source for Gospel music and entertainment. Encore PraiseBreak has expanded from desktop to mobile and is developing a full slate of features and content that Gospel music fans from all over the world will benefit from. Download the FREE iPad app at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/praisebreak/id605911774
by David M. Wallace The Gospel 20 #mygospel20, was created by the staff of Encore Gospel Entertainment Magazine. Based on an albums’ influence, originality, quality of the music and lyrics, and importance, we picked the 20 greatest Gospel albums of all time.
#mygospel20
20. “King of Glory” James Hall and Worship & Praise James Hall and Worship & Praise debuted in 1995 with an unique sound known for its heavy vibrato.
19. “Finally Karen” Karen Clark-Sheard The debut album of gospel singer Karen Clark Sheard was released on November 4, 1997. “Finally Karen” was Grammy-nominated for Best Soul Gospel Album in 1998. The hit album features the song “The Will Of God” featuring her daughter Kierra “Kiki” Sheard. 18. “Go Tell Somebody” Commissioned Released in 1996, “Go Tell Somebody” features the original members of the group: Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, Michael Brooks, and Michael Williams.
17. “So Much 2 Say” Take 6 The debut album of Take 6 captured Grammy Awards in both the jazz and gospel categories. The album is known for merging an a cappella sound with gospel and big-band jazz arrangements.
16. “Live in Charleston” Mighty Clouds of Joy A Grammy-nominated two-disc CD/DVD release performed live in Charleston, South Carolina. The album features some of their best-loved songs, like “Steal Away to Jesus,” “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired,” and “I Know I’ve Been Changed.”
15. “Live From Another Level” Israel and New Breed This 2 disc live worship album recorded in 2003 is known for its excellent arrangements, instrumental and vocal performances. The album helped further cement Israel’s popularity with black, white, and Latino congregations.
14. “Live In London” Andraé Crouch & The Disciples Live in London won the Dove Award for “Soul/Black Gospel Album” in 1978.
13. “Can’t Hold Back” LA Mass Choir This is a dark horse pick, but one can’t argue that the LA Mass Choir was one of the most popular choir groups of the early ‘90s. Known for incorporating a variety of gospel styles, this is truly evident on their release “Can’t Hold Back”. 12. “Pages of Life: Chapters 1 & 2” Fred Hammond & Radical for Christ This double-disc set features a studio recording on the first disc and a live set on the second. This album captures the innovative musician Fred Hammond at his best and displays his unique style of combining traditional & contemporary gospel. 11. “Live In Atlanta at Morehouse College” Hezekiah Walker & LFCC Live in Atlanta At Morehouse College features Hezekiah Walker & LFCC in top form. The New York East Coast gospel sound that Hezekiah Walker is known for is on full display and some would argue at its best.
10. “Tramaine Live!” Tramaine Hawkins “Tramaine Live!” won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album in 1991. What makes the recording truly unique is that it brought in musicians and singers from outside the gospel field to be part of this project, including rock guitarist Carlos Santana, jazz organist Jimmy McGriff, and jazz tenor saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. 9. “God’s Property from Kirk Franklin’s Nu Nation” This collaboration studio album by Kirk Franklin and God’s Property was released in 1997. The album was certified triple platinum and remains the best selling gospel album of all time. It became the first gospel album to top the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. 8. “Through The Storm” Yolanda Adams Some would argue if you ‘re going to put a Yolanda Adams album here it should be “Mountain High... Valley Low”. But we chose to go with “Through The Storm” which was produced by keyboardist Ben Tankard. A underrated album which features well-balanced songs. 7. “Thankful” Mary Mary Mary Mary’s debut album, was released in 2000 and went on to be certified Platinum. “Thankful” won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. Their popular song “Shackles” is considered one of the pioneering songs of urban contemporary gospel music. 6. “Stand Out” Tye Tribbett & G.A. The third and final album from Tye Tribbett & Greater Anointing. The album is known for its sound with songs featuring a eclectic blend of styles ranging from electro-pop, rap-rock, Broadway, futuristic techno-rock and ska.
5. “Heaven” BeBe and CeCe Winans “Heaven” was the second LP of the brother and sister duo of the Winans. It propelled them to become the first Gospel artists to have their album reach No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1988. The title track also reached No. 12 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. The album spawned 12 R&B hit singles including two No. 1 singles. 4. “Love Alive 1” Walter Hawkins Walter Hawkins sold well over a million copies with his “Love Alive” series of recordings. Featuring his Love Center Choir, this recording features the classics, “Changed” and “Goin’ Up Yonder.” 3. “Alive and Satisfied” Thomas Whitfield Thomas Whitfield helped shape contemporary gospel music into what it is today. The album is known for the hit songs “Precious Jesus”, “Let Everything Praise Him” and “We Remember,” a medley which featured some of Thomas Whitfield’s classics put together in one song. 2. “Tomorrow” The Winans Released in 1984, this album would elevate brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael and Ronald Winans to mainstream audiences. The album would win 2 Grammy’s and became the stepping stone for the group’s crossover success. 1. “Kirk Franklin & the Family” Released in 1993 this is Kirk Franklin’s first album. This album redefined contemporary gospel in the ‘90s. It features a engaging blend of old-fashioned gospel, contemporary, soul, and hip-hop. The album won a GMA Dove Award for Traditional Gospel Album of the Year at the 24th GMA Dove Awards in 1993. This set the stage for the trendsetter Kirk Franklin would become as he defined urban contemporary gospel in the 2000s.
Worship leader, songwriter and author Janeen Michael has penned a very personal editorial article on domestic violence. It is a subject she is all too familiar with as chronicled in her book, Journey to Love, where she shares her personal testimony of living as an abused wife of a pastor. We pray it is edifying to you and anyone dealing with this issue.
By Janeen Michael Domestic violence is a huge monster born of a tiny word: sin. With so much coarse discourse on the subject in the news today, my heart has been freshly pricked on the cold hard reality of this issue that I know first-hand. Today’s dialog consists of fangs sunk into the perpetrator (often into “him”), and accusations hurled for the apparent folly-laden decision to stay (often at “her”). The analysis and reasons for domestic violence abound and is a wall now so thick and high, that it likens to the great wall of Jericho in Joshua’s time. To discuss each brick formation and composition is as helpful as attempting to take down the wall with a nail file. But there is a Solution. Pride, fear and shame were the bars of my prison. Yes, I have lived through it and my badge of honor is not “victim,” “martyr,” or “overcomer,” it is “free” because I accepted the Solution to this cruel captor.
I had heard of You (only) by the hearing of the ear, but now my (spiritual) eye sees You. Job 42:58 (AMP) Fifteen years and God did not spare me. Yes, as His child, He allowed me to stay in a severely toxic relationship for that long. Why? Because it was my choice. More importantly, it is because He was being merciful and loving toward me. How? God was encouraging me to fly, by taking flight in Him. He is safety beyond what any commercial airline, private or militarized jet can provide. He wasn’t going to force me on board, like a hostage, I had to board myself.
“...like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions.” Deuteronomy 32:11 (NIV) After penning my book, Journey to Love, one question that I have often fielded from interviewers is, “why did you stay so long?” In truth, I was empowered to do “something” about my situation, but I kept doing the wrong “something” which resulted in my prolonged stay. Full of a strong will, I decided to deploy my methods and strategies to cure the toxicity. It was the wrong “something” because it only focused on ridding the natural symptoms to a problem that has a spiritual root cause.
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I tried to handle the monster myself, but instead, wound up inflicting a great deal of self-abuse. As an example, one method I resorted to is what I call, performing the role of “do-bot.” Simply defined, I would “do just ‘bout anything I was told,” often marring what God made me to be. Figuratively speaking, I brought a knife to a gun fight, over and over again. The right “something” was that I had to submit my will (my virtual knife) and learn from God, how to handle the mighty weapons needed and described in 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, to be freed from the prison bars of sin that I so bull-headedly allowed to imprison me. Practice makes habits, not perfection. And a strong will does not equal skill. It did not matter how much I wanted my “knife” to win, I was ill-fated at each “show down.” Though it is tough to admit now, God made the keys available that could set me free, even before I even married the senior pastor who abused me. I was culpable to the measure of my inaction and it was extremely difficult to take responsibility for my portion of the dysfunction that I toiled around in for years. Am I blaming those that have had violence perpetuated against them? No. There is enough sin to go around on this issue– the perpetrator, obviously, but also the calloused observer, who has allowed the enormity and sensationalism of the issue to knock the Godly senses out of them. They become numb to the sound of the exasperating sighs of loss, too cold to empathize with the heartbreak, blind to the brokenness violently spewing through the windows of the God-breathed living souls of those impacted by domestic violence. Domestic violence is terribly disorienting and all impacted are in desperate need of reorientation. What is the Solution? The Solution isn’t a thing, it is a Him; the person of Jesus Christ. He must be accepted as Lord and Savior, fully and completely. Because in so doing, we are fully vested through the enabling power of the Holy Spirit to resolve the matter of sin, trust all that He promised in His Word, and be set free from the clutches of the huge monster.
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. II Thessalonians 3:3 (NASB) Both abusers and those who are being abused must turn their lives completely over to God. He is the Solution to this problem. Janeen Michael is a singer/songwriter/author whose book Journey To Love chronicles her experience in an abusive marriage to a senior pastor. Her latest CD is entitled PRESS ON. Janeen serves as a worship leader for her church in Conyers, Georgia. Visit www.JaneenMichael.com.
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Creating this magazine and platform is part of my purpose and destiny. I encourage everyone to seek God and strive for a closer relationship with him. He will reveal your purpose and destiny, just trust Him. Believe me, it’s not easy, but when everything is said and done we want to hear “Well Done.” This magazine is not about me, if that was the case I would have stopped doing it a long time ago. But my desire is to do my part in spreading the Gospel. Living a Christian lifestyle and working for the Kingdom can be hard sometimes, but I thank God for strengthening me during moments of weakness. Many of Encore’s readers should be used to my honesty, I just try to keep it real and maybe some people can relate to that. Sometimes it can help to know you’re not the only one who doesn’t understand why certain things happen and have so many questions that seem unanswered. But I speak from experience, God is faithful. There are times when you will be tested and want to give up, but that’s when you pray. My prayer is that God is pleased with the work I’m doing.
David M. Wallace You can stay connected with me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totalprayze Twitter: @totalprayze LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/david-m-wallace/17/785/b00
Under the direction of Founder and President David M. Wallace who is one of the nations top Graphic Artists, Total Prayze Entertainment Group is creating a new path in the Gospel entertainment world through marketing and advertising, multimedia production, event promotion, clothing, etc... This cutting edge company consists of 3 other divisions: Creative Dimension Studio - Our Multimedia & Graphic Design Studio. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/creativedimension Total Eclipse Productions - Concert/TV/Film Development & Production Studio. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/totaleclipse Kingdom Works Software - Christian Software & Application Development. For more info visit http://www.totalprayze.com/kingdomworks