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5. The Intro 7. Scripture Reading 9 - 13. In The Spotlight: Summer J.A.E. Deanna Ransom Dray Hill Anthony Williams 15 - 17. Lexi Interview 18-19. Got Praise: Eddie James 20-21. Jonathan Nelson Interview 22. The Gospel Experience 24 -25. Walter Hawkins Tribute 27. Sanctified 28-29. Pastor C. Regi Rodgers Interview 31. The Outro
V i s i t h t t p : / / w w w. g e t v n e t w o r k . c o m Created by Herbie Boyd Jr. (CEO) in conjunction with Gospel music entrepreneur David M.Wallace, GETV will be the premier destination for Faith Based TV that delivers high-quality Gospel music shows devoted to uplift and empower your family. We specialize in content - from new, emerging talents and established Directors/Producers alike. We’re committed to delivering an exceptional entertainment experience, and we do so by engaging and empowering our audience every step of the way. Everyone can Watch Videos on GETV. Watch favorite shows and clips over and over, for free. “It’s time we add top quality programs that are positive and are created with excellence,” says David M. Wallace. “My desire is to create programs with a powerful message that leave a lasting impact, everything I produce is for God to get the Glory out of it.” A major focus of GETV is providing a unique and engaging experience for its audience, advertisers, sponsors and investors. “We are aware of YouTube and the million of clone sites like it but we feel there is a market for us,” says David M. Wallace. “This will be more than just a video site , part of the GETV brand and experience will be a Faith Based Film Festival in NY called Genesis and also a Music Festival called Tribe of Judah.” The Genesis Film Festival and Tribe of Judah Music Conference are slated for 2011. Investors and sponsors looking to partner with GETV email us at dve@totalprayze.com
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I want to start off by thanking all of those who continue to support this ministry. It makes all the hard work and effort worthwhile. If people are encouraged and empowered by reading this publication then my mission has been accomplished and I thank God for that. In this issue we have an exclusive interview with a true pioneer in Gospel journalism, Lexi. We also feature interviews with Jonathan Nelson, Eddie James and Pastor C. Regi Rodgers. This issue could not be cpmplete without doing a tribute to Walter Hawkins. There is a new feature called Sanctified: A Celebration of Style & Virtue, we are very excited about this new addition and hope you enjoy it. As always I’m believing God for great things concerning this magazine. It’s the only way I know how to be, honestly this issue was created with a heavy heart but I know God will reward my faithfulness. Trials do make you stronger, I really believe that but sometimes your faith is put to the ultimate test. No matter what it is my desire that God get the glory out of my life and work. So I present to some and introduce to others Encore Gospel Entertainment Magazine.
David M. Wallace 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
All Graphic Design by David M. Wallace
SPECIAL THANKS We would like to give special recognition to those who contributed to this issue: Bill Carpenter - Capital Entertainment, How Sweet The Sound, Darryl D. Lassiter - Tyscot Records, Vaughn Alvarez, Andrea R. Williams - Tehillah Enterprises, LLC
Gospel Video Morning Show
COMING SOON Wake-Up to Videos from Your Favorite Gospel & Christian Artists “The main reason for creating this show is to give people a jump start during the week. After Sunday service is over, we all have to go back to our daily routines and deal with all kind of situations, as we prepare for another work week. “Now you can Arise with a song in your heart, not only will you be encouraged, you will be prepared for the day” - David M. Wallace, Creator
A clip of Arise Gospel Video Morning Show can be viewed online at GETV (Gospel Entertainment Television) - http://www.getvnetwork.com
S cripture R eading For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. - Proverbs 24:16
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
I am what I am. Someone who’s been through enough to know I have much more to go through in order to get to MY DESTINATION. If you know me, and know my background you know I am a fighter. A God fearing woman with the passion of an orchestra. My career has taken me places some only dream of; It’s also taken me thru uncertainty, heartbreaks, and unannounced changes. See there are sides to this business that are rarely shown due to the bright lights and beautiful ballads often used to keep us blinded from the truth. The truth is there isn’t much TRUTH unless you make one. You have to find out who you are. No record label, A&R, or producer can reveal this. This is something YOU must find. This is why it boggles my mind when we use the term ARTIST DEVELOPMENT. I believe you cannot develop what already exists, and if what exists inside you does not coincide with who the world thinks you should be you get a super sonic clash! So when your pendulum snaps and things look bleak just know that beyond the bright star there’s a GOD! So as I continue to find my way I only ask that he be my artist developer, and that he leads me in the direction of success far beyond where any being on the planet can take me. The person is still the same; With a slight bit of BRAND NEW mixed in. The name however has changed. Meet SUMMER J.A.E. for those wondering where the J.A.E. came from it stands for Summer Johnson an Evolver. It’s kind of like when Malcolm X found himself during his prison sentence, and became X; Or when the great Cassius Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali. It’s a move of liberation. So in closing I leave you with something more powerful than a biography filled with accolades. I GIVE YOU ME! SUMMER JAE
Deanna Ransom is one of Gospel music’s most vibrant and anointed voices. Originally from Glassboro, New Jersey, Deanna began her singing career with her family group, The Heavenly Children at the age of 5. Throughout her formative years, she continued singing with her family and being molded in ministry by her mother Evangelist Jean Johnson, Grandmother Pastor Dolcie Alston and God Mother Pastor Essie Robinson. Deanna’s first solo CD, Never Say Never, garnered her the Independent Female Artist of the Year in 2005 and featured radio play favorites “What A Friend”, “You Bring Me Joy”, “Hallelujah” and the title cut “Never Say Never”. In addition, “Rise Sister”, a duet with the incomparable Ms. Melba Moore became a woman’s anthem and the theme of a successfully touring women’s conference. Deanna’s new much anticipated sophomore solo CD release, entitled I Hear You, features the new hit single “Song Of Salvation”, praise hits “Awesome”, “Sovereign”, “Make A Way” and worship anthems “I Hear You”, “Trust In Him”, and “I Can”. In close collaboration with TOC Records, I Hear You features music composed by industry veterans Vernell “Dooder” Mincey, MontKeyz (Paul Reynolds) and Rick Williams. Deanna wrote, arranged and produced the entire album reflecting the depth and range of her talent. I Hear You delivers joy, praise, love and pure worship and is a representation of Deanna’s artistry and ministry. Ms. Ransom has also been nominated for a 2010 Female Gospel Artist Black Essence Award. The Black Essence Awards are in their 7th year and honor Gospel Artists, Ministers, Organizations, Radio and News Personalities that have demonstrated excellence and dedication to ministry. I Hear You and Deanna have also been nominated for six 2010 EnSound Music Awards. Deanna was also featured on the Christmas compilation project released during this recent holiday season entitled, Holiday Soul and did special guest appearances on the Kelly Lynn and G.O. CD Greater Force on the track “Take the Time” and Fulfilled Prophecy’s CD, For God I’ll Live, For God I’ll Die on the track entitled “I’ll Get There. In the year 2000, Deanna founded the women’s ministry Virtuous Women of Destiny, designed to expand the mind, perception, and capabilities to face life, endure challenges in a positive manner, and know that regardless of situation there is a bond of sisterhood to help. By working with area women’s shelters, churches and other organizations, Virtuous Women of Destiny provides strength, encouragement and support to mature women while providing a network to draw from. Deanna holds an MBA, and is a licensed Evangelist. Deanna has had the privilege of sharing stages with Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Allen & Allen, and Rev. Timothy Wright to name a few and counts her life as most blessed because of Christ. This anointed minister/singer/songwriter/producer and mom knows that her life is proof that God’s grace is sufficient no matter what comes.
Dray Hill & Company, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a group who strives to present a music ministry to both believers and seekers which glorify the Lord. By using their musical gifts and ability to perform, they will present the Gospel, in such a way as to encourage, strengthen believers’ faith and walk with the Lord and to draw seekers toward the way, the truth and the light, Jesus Christ. Dray Hill, DeShawn , Tramaine and Tim Evans, introduced as the “anointed singers of God,” while Nate Minor, Greg Irby, Dray Hill and Marcus Madison, Chuck Thompson are the “anointed musicians of God.” All of the members of Dray Hill & Company were born and raised in Michigan. Dray Hill & Company’s debut project, “Glory Belongs To You” (released in 2007) was nominated for the Ensound Music Awards for ‘Best New Group.’ The music videos from this project entitled ‘Real Christians’ has been spotlighted on the Gospel Music Channel’s (GMC) ‘Kitchen Sink’. It is also in rotation on the Word Network’s Video Gospel, JCTV Network, Jingle West Production, AAMEN TV in Inglewood, CA, Nu Revelations, in Oakland, CA, Glory To God TV, in Newnan, GA, Gospel Video Perspective in St. Louis, MO and also on West Coast Praise TV Show in 13 countries in Europe. With his latest single, “Rock of Ages”, from the upcoming second CD (‘Dray Hill and Company Live at Unity Temple’ To be Release on... 10.10.10) which ministering to all age groups, Dray Hill & Company, brings a very straight forward gospel message that leave audiences with a greater determination to walk with the Lord. Contact Information: Sandi Staten sstaten1@aol.com 248-242-1517. .
man who came from the streets of corruption, drugs and even gangs; he went through change and decided to become a born again Christian. Through his music and his passion for the Lord, he strives to send out the message of the Lord to the young people. Thus, whilst sending out this message, he does it through the medium of gospel music. With various radio interviews, TV interviews, an award nomination (2009 Newsome award, USA) and performances under his belt, be sure to expect bigger and greater things from this talented man of God. Watch this space and observe this talent from another one of God’s gifted people. Praistek Gospel Music Awards 2010 Winner. Artist Of The Month (February 2010) Hiphop4Real.Net (http://hiphop4real.net/2010/02/27/artist-of-the-month-anthony-williams/) Endorsement deals: Chiflen Systems, Luxury Cars and Say Cheese Click Me This year he is being backed by performing Artist/Presenter/Vocalist/Host/Actress. 1994 of CBBC’s Children’s program’s “Mud” Actress, : Rhona Nolasco. Also backed by Heat 966FM, Blaze 104FM, Roots FM. SWAMP Magazine (U.S.) Edmonton Community Times Magazine (UK). Glory Mag (UK). Anthony Williams has appeared on internet radio stations: BlessFMinternational.com (Tottenham’s Community Radio Station), PlayVybz.com (Brixton’s Community Radio Station), Interview with Jordan Kensington on Invincible Radio (which runs the Urban Music Awards), Good News on Bang Radio (Harlesden & Stonebridge, Gospel Raph Show on Radio Cardiff 98.7FM, Mel Carrol on G-Force Radio, Mlle Slone on www.Connexion.FM, Interview with Bushman on www.TheBeatFM.co.uk, Interview with General on www.UKrootsFM.com, Interview with Dj G on BBC Oxford Radio 95.2FM, Interview with Dj Joe Tech on Blaze 104FM, Interview with SilverFoxx on SFDCradio.com, Interview with Reya on Westside Radio 89.6FM -US Gospel Magazine Front Cover: SWAMP Magazine -June 2008. -Interview on Edmonton Community Times Magazine -Interview on Kix Magazine He has appeared as: A guest speaker on Phatbeats with DJ Fresh & DJ Jay-D, A Guest speaker on TV Show: Keep It Real (OBE Channel), Interview on Praisetek Gospel Show (Faith TV), Interview on Sporah Show (BEN TV), Interview on Welcome To The Factory with Dj Lanre, Interview on The White Room with Mr Lucas, Interview on Upcoming Ministers with Ethelisa Shaiso -Guest Speaker on: Road 2 Life DVD. -He is a nominee for: Newsome International Awards (USA) 2009 Praisetek Gospel Music Awards (UK) 2010 -He has ministered (performed): Westbourne Park Community Festival, Da Big Invitation (Youth Concert), Hope & Restoration (Charity Fundraiser), DTWG Album Launch ( Manchester & London), PUlSE Fundraiser in conjunction with Jamaica Heart Foundation, One Mic (1 of Tottenham’s biggest Event), House Of Praise (BBC Oxford’s DJ G’s Event), Redbridge Carnival 2008, Women Stepping Out (Cardiff, Wales), Show Us What You Got (SpiffTV.com), Blaze FM Christmas Party 2009, David Mc Clean MP Campaign Once studied radio & did placement at Virgin Radio.
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created by David M. Wallace
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. - Hebrews 13:2
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Interview conducted by Sarita Smiley
Photos supplied by Vaughn Alvarez Graphic Design by David M. Wallace
Encore: We want to congratulate you on the success of your show, who made the decision to end the show on the Word Network and tell us your plans for the future? Lexi: Every good show has its run and so the powers that be at the Word Network said your time is up and that’s okay, but I love what I do. Unbenounced to me other producers were watching me and so the Lexi show will be definitely be on a greater station. I still work with the Word Network every single day, its just that my show is no longer there. The Word Network doesn’t really do original programming so it was a real stretch for me to do the show for 4 years. So now its time to go to a network that does original programming and supports it fully. They have always supported and got behind me but that’s really not their field. Their field is more ministries and I was beginning to go in a direction of investigative journalism. Encore: Can you give us a little history on the show and how it was conceived? Lexi: Well I started out by doing correspondence work for them. I would go on the Bobby Jones retreat and interview the artists as they would come off the stage. They allowed me to go behind the scenes at the Stellar Awards and different conferences. So I started by doing correspondence work at different events and then one day I went to the Vice-President at the time who is now President and said to him I would like to do my own show, I want to interview these artists more in-depth. I’m an artist as well and I really wanted to get another side of artists that people don’t see. People began to watch and then it started evolving over the years as I started interviewing pastors and more artists, then I wanted to start talking about different things. People are dying out there, lets go to Chicago and find out what the shootings are all about and I kind of got away from interviewing pastors, that’s how we got started. Encore: Who would you say is one of the most fascinating guests you’ve had on your show. Lexi: Well my opinion and the audience’s opinion differ. To me one of my most fascinating guests was Carlton Pearson. Carlton Pearson was one of my personal favorites because I loved him so dearly from afar never knowing him. I was able to go sit with him for 2 days and get an interview with him personally and become friends even though I have my beliefs that are different from his. I saw a real man that really struggled with his belief system and what he thought over the years. My belief is that I was built for this. I don’t look at myself thinking I’m higher than anyone. I don’t point a finger to see who’s doing what, so I developed a connection with Carlton Pearson on my level and I found more things that we agree on then things we don’t agree. Encore: You’ve done a lot of controversial interviews would you say the Tonex interview was the most controversial and did you receive a lot of backlash for it? Lexi: Not a lot, I thought that I would receive more. It’s so funny, I think for the audience that interview as well as Carlton Pearson were the most controversial. Christians will watch Oprah, they’ll watch Tyra but it’s funny when we have one of our own that is Christian we’re like a secret society, we don’t want people to know what is wrong with our church. Let the world talk about their troubles and air out their laundry but we don’t want people to know about ours, so I found to be the most controversial; is us.
Encore: You broke barriers in Christian journalism do you have any advice for any who wants to start in this career? Lexi: You know just like everybody can’t sing, everybody can’t dance. I love a good beat but I can’t dance. I know my limits. Everybody can’t interview, you have to love people. There’s a balance because I’ve had some people on my show who I did not agree with but I’m not bashing them, I’m not throwing a book at them and I’m not throwing the holy word at them. I get the story and I let you make up your own mind. That’s a hard question to answer because I choose to stay neutral. Encore: What talk show hosts inspired you? Lexi: There are none in gospel, so I kind of forged ahead and did something that’s never been done before. I would have to look to secular people like Paula Zhan and Babara Walters, those kind of people inspire you. Again I fell into this, I wasn’t a journalism major I graduated with a communication degree but that’s it. Encore: What would you deem as your most challenging moment while hosting the Lexi Show? Lexi: Doing it without money. I kind of did it for myself out of my own love, it was challenging having little to no budget at all. Encore: Can you tell us about any music projects you have coming up? Lexi: You better believe it sister, I just started a new album. I haven’t recorded in a minute so I’m back in the studio now working to have something completed this year. Encore: Did your music ministry have to take a back seat to the talk show? Lexi: Yes absolutely, I was head-over-heels with the show, I still would sing but I was in love with telling stories and there were so many more stories to tell. There are so many things we can learn by what other people did or what they didn’t do, many lives can be uplifted by learning from someone elses mistakes.
“My belief is that I was built for this. I don’t look at myself thinking I’m higher than anyone”
ABOUT THE GOT PRAISE CAMPAIGN This national campaign was started by Total Prayze Entertainment Group to be an encouragement to praise and worship leaders and to give those who are new to the praise and worship experience a better understanding. We aks some of the top names in the industry to give their insight.
got praise? It’s a Lifestyle
“I’m not asking can you sing great or can you play great, but can you pray?”
I would ask a worship leader how much do you lead yourself into worship without being on a platform? How much time do you spend in the the throne room without the audience? I’m not asking can you sing great or can you play great, but can you pray? Are you in a place where you can hear Him outside the platform? - Eddie James
got praise? Eddie James, born in Phoenix, AZ, accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of 8. He entered into music ministry at the tender age of 9 and it is for this reason that Eddie recognizes the gifts of God inside of young people. God has placed a burden inside of Eddie James, to minister to those who are hurting and lost, with an extraordinary emphasis on youth and young adults. As a result of his efforts, God has established Eddie James as a leader of music and ministry in the nation and around the world. For more info visit http://www.ejworship.org
Stellar Award winner Jonathan Nelson has released his sophomore Integrity Music CD, Better Days, this 10-song CD of divinely-inspired affirmations was produced by Grammy Award winning producer Aaron Lindsey (Israel and New Breed, Martha Munizzi, and Marvin Sapp). Nelson has quickly emerged as one of the leading voices on today’s praise and worship music scene.
Interview conducted by Sarita Smiley
Encore: Can you tell us about your transition to Florida? Jonathan Nelson: I came to Florida, the Fort Lauderdale area to become a minister of music. At the Faith Center International where the pastor is Bishop Henry Fernandez. I love my ministry it’s a great house of worship. It is a very word based ministry, he has a teaching ministry and it’s a life changing experience for me. Encore: You grew up as a PK (Preacher’s Kid) tell us how that shaped you? Also some may not know you have a twin brother. Jonathan Nelson: Yes I have a twin brother, his name is Jason. He sings, pastors and preaches. All of my brothers in some way, shape or form are ministry orientated: singing, preaching, ministering, we are kind of like the Levites. The Levites were to attend to the temple, minister to the temple. Wer’e all involved in ministry and dedicated to up building the kingdom of God. My father pastored so preaching is in my bones. Encore: Some artists believe that there is more success in going into secular music, what do you feel about that? Jonathan Nelson: In some ways I can say to each his own, that is not my journey. My journey is to up build the kingdom of God to my sound of music. My call is to empower and encourage through the heritage of gospel music and through ministry of gospel music, it is a calling, it is a journey, a focus and a purpose. I want to make sure that real music is heard through my ministry, and the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is heard. Encore: Jonathan you have some great songs and CDs that a very successful, tell us about what inspires you? Jonathan Nelson: There are two things that truly inspire me. One is just hearing the word of God, that is a heavy influence on my music and my ministry. The second is just life experiences: the good, the bad, the ups and the downs. Encore: Tell us about your new CD? Jonathan Nelson: The title of CD is “Better Days”. The concept is faith declaration. It is a source of empowerment; it is a source of encouragement, praise and worship. I believe it will bless not just nation’s but generations. The single we’re pushing for is called “Expect the Great”. Encore: We hear of many marriage problems in the Gospel industry. How do you keep a balance between ministry and a productive marriage? Jonathan Nelson: One of the things I do to keep a balance is when I’m home I make sure to stay home and spend time with the family. My family is involved in my ministry, my wife is involved in my ministry. I don’t neglect my family or kingdom base because inside the kingdom there’s God, there’s family and then ministry and you must stay in that order. Encore: Now what advice would you give to up and coming artists? Jonathan Nelson: My father used to always tell me to be faithful over few things and he will make you ruler of many. Charity begins at home and then spreads abroad. Before I got discovered to do what I do, I was faithful to my local church. Also if you’re aspiring to do this get a mentor, somebody that’s already in the business of doing gospel music. There are books you can read aspiring to songwriter, books on the music business. It’s very important to be well educated in the music business Encore: What legacy would you like to leave as a gospel artist? Jonathan Nelson: To leave a legacy to encourage the people to speak, decree and declare over their life faith based declarations. I want to leave a legacy for children to fulfill their dreams and goals.
1&341&$5*7&4 Gospel music is known for it’s strong rhythms and elaborated refrains, which incorporate elements of spirituals, blues, and jazz. Even though it may be hard to find in music stores and not given enough outlets on mainstream television, Gospel Music has a very deep and rich history.
The Gospel Xperience is a documentary based on the evolution of Gospel Music and the impact it has in the World today. In undertaking this task I wanted to lay a foundation for this documentary as I began the pre-production phase. In my travels to different events in the industry we interviewed artists to get their insight. We truly want to thank Bishop Leonard Scott for his contributions. I’m believing God for great things for this production and looking forward to filming in 2010, so without further ado we are very proud to present The Gospel Xpereince: Perspectives.
BISHOP LEONARD SCOTT Gospel music of course is constantly evolving. It is very interesting that the Father of Gospel Music Thomas Dorsey back in the early 1900’s was ridiculed for his music and now today his music is basically traditional, back then it was considered very cutting edge and that’s the way that it goes. In a hundred years what Kirk Franklin is doing will probably be in your hymn books. That is just the way music is, it lines up with a certain culture, a certain era, a certain time, a certain people. I remember having a conversation with my dad years ago before I was in church, I was telling him (this was back in the 60’s) how great the Beatles were, he was telling me you know Duke Ellington was the man. So you just had two era’s here, I couldn’t relate to Duke Ellington because he was before my time and he couldn’t relate to the Beatles because they were after his time. The music that we are doing today is cutting edge. A hundred years from now they will be the hymns of that era and they will be doing something else that all of the seniors will say is blasphemy and then it will be the same cycle a hundred years from then. I have seen music go from what we consider very traditional and some of the things we are doing today that would not have been accepted years ago. I remember when I first got in church, it was only the pentecostal church that might have had a set of drums in there and now just about every church that has instruments has drums. Before I was in church I played the saxophone and when I got in church, you know the saxophone was the devil’s instrument, it was for the night club. I picked up the guitar then but it wasn’t really accepted, but today you know almost any instrument is accepted in church. I really don’t believe the devil has an instrument and I really don’t believe there is a holy instrument, a instrument is a instrument it is neither sinful or holy, it’s got to do with the person that’s playing it, what makes it sinful or holy. Of course this day we’ve seen the evolution of what we call Praise and Worship music which has added a new twist to Gospel Music. Praise and Worship is kind of something that is on both sides of the fence. On the black side you have what is called Gospel and on the white side you have what is called Christian and straight down the middle you have Praise and Worship, it is accepted by everybody, which is a good thing and where it is going from here who knows, I guess time will tell.
Not Your Ordinary Blog Created by Gospel music entrepreneur David M. Wallace and his brother Bryan Wallace, Radical Prayze is not your average Gospel Music blog. We will have breaking news and album reviews from the Gospel music industry, but the vision of this site is also to uplift, inspire and encourage with a wide range of features and articles designed for those who are radical for God. We are not about tradition and doing things the usual way, we are about living by the Word of God. “We are expanding our brand (Total Prayze Entertainment Group) by creating thought provoking, entertaining and inspiring avenues for all of God’s people,” says creator David M. Wallace
Visit http://www.totalprayze.com/radicalprayze
A Special Tribute To A Gospel Legend Me and the staff at Encore just wanted to do our part in honouring Walter Hawkins, the Grammy Award-winning gospel singer/ composer and pastor of Oakland’s Love Center Church who passed away on July 11. We hope you enjoy this feature along with thoughts of some of those in industry.
Photo Credit : Robert Shanklin/Teddi Payton.
During the 1970s, Walter Hawkins personified a new wave of gospel artists such as his brother Edwin Hawkins of “Oh Happy Day” fame, and Andrae Crouch, who brought a youthful contemporary vibe to gospel music. Hawkins cut a series of best-selling “Love Alive” LPs that remain gospel classics to this day. Hawkins’ songs have been recorded by a who’s who in music ranging from Aretha Franklin and “American Idol” champ Ruben Studdard to Vickie Winans and M.C. Hammer. “The impact that Walter Hawkins had on gospel music was so profound and far-reaching that it is now, and forever shall be, part of gospel’s DNA,” says gospel music historian, Bob Marovich, who edits The Black Gospel Blog. Hawkins was born May 18, 1949 in Oakland, CA. Reared in the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) denomination, Hawkins became a master pianist as well as a dynamic singer with an operatic vocal range. His brother, Edwin, had already made a name for himself in 1969 when “Oh Happy Day” became an international hit. While studying for his master’s of divinity degree from the University of California at Berkeley, Hawkins recorded his first LP “Do Your Best” in 1972. An October 1972 Billboard magazine reviewer wrote, “Walter Hawkins is a pianist of enviable accomplishments while his vocal prowess is in no way disputable. He’s gathered around him an exceptional crew of sidemen and vocalists and the total effect is completely invigorating.”
3&'-&$5*0/4 A pioneer has gone home, just remembering the influence he has had on my life leaves me reflecting one the impact the Hawkins family has left. - Eddie James
Bishop Walter Hawkins definitely influenced my music, the great songs he has written have truly impacted our lives. - Jonathan Nelson
A lot of times people throw around the word legend so loosely these days, they call people legend and they really have not even obtained or given back to Christendom as Walter Hawkins has. The songs that he wrote and performed will last until Christ comes back to get us. To have a testimony like that in your lifetime, to be able to change the face and the sound of music that is a major testimony to your life. We can only hope that when we go that somebody can say that we did something significant that changed somebody. - Lexi
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When a person is sanctified he or she is being set apart by God for a specific divine purpose. This is a new section of the magazine we are very excited about. The goal of this section is to feature Christians in the fashion industry (models, designers, etc...) We want to celebrate those who realize their purpose and represent God in a Holy way. Let’s show the World you don’t have to show everything you have and dress outrageous to have style. Evelyn (Evie) Zackhery came unto this world on July 19, 1987. Born in Atlantic City, NJ, but raised in Newark, NJ she was a rose grown out of concrete. Not letting her struggles or the way of life bring her down, she continued to be determined. Now pressing for her dreams in modeling and acting, she coming by full force. With not much experience, Evelyn is shining the light that God gave her, by showing boldness, confidence, and strength. Continuing to come this far by faith she’s pushing for her goals and continues to dream even bigger!
“My representation of God goes deeper than Sunday morning church service” My Style and How I represent God My personal style is a classy- sophisticated look with a spark of fire. That means I can take anything plain, put some of my add-ons to it and make it look hot! I’m the person that would take something off the rack that another person would over look. I love different clothing, oh and if I may add shoes, what can I say I’m a woman. In the way I dress I show my confidence and boldness that God gave me. Now I represent God with and through my life. Matthew 12:13 says for the tree is known by his fruit. My representation of God goes deeper than Sunday morning church service. I know people need to know who Christ really is, and that’s inside and outside the church. I know God gave me a ministry in modeling because he wants to work through me to get more people to his kingdom. God is so unique he has his people everywhere, music, modeling, law, medical, and so many more I cannot even name. We are one body, but with different jobs. I just want to let his face and light shine through me. It came to a point that I want God to have full control over my life. Can’t worry about tomorrow, so I’m just living in the Now!!! To be featured in this section email me at dve@totalprayze.com
All of us have a story to tell – but most are not quite filled with the intensity, drama, boldness and 180 degree turnaround as C. REGI RODGERS’ story. Growing up a ‘preacher’s kid’, Rodgers abandoned his father’s path to travel a highway full of lust, power, drugs, overindulgence and much more all by the time he was in HIGH SCHOOL! Pastor Rodgers exposed his lifestyle of SIN, GREED, deception and more in his ‘tell-all’ book. “Pla-ya 2 Pra-ya” available through Xulon Press. We encourage everyone to support this book, in the meantime enjoy this interview.
Interview conducted by Sarita Smiley Encore: How difficult is it being a preacher’s kid and any advice on those who struggle with it? Pastor Rodgers: Good question. I don’t think that it is any different from being a child of any parent. I just think with titles comes responsibility. I guess it would be difficult to be a doctor’s child or attorney’s child. You just can’t succumb to peer pressure and don’t let what your parents do make you want to do the opposite. I don’t think it’s so much being a preacher’s kid but just holding your ground standing with integrity no matter whose child you are. Encore: For those who don’t know about your ministry can you give them a little information about Manifest Destiny Ministry? Pastor: Well, let me first start by giving you information about who I am. I have been preaching since I was 20 and I became a senior pastor at age 26. I pastored a church in Philadelphia at the time. It was called the Love Center Full Gospel Baptist Church. We were early on in the full gospel movement when it had just begun under Bishop Paul S. Morton. I left Philadelphia in 2001 after my father died in an automobile accident because I really needed a change. My father was a pastor for 40 years so we came to Vegas and planted a new ministry. At that time it was an international church but we changed the name to Manifest Destiny because we believed it would be a place where destiny would be manifested. I came to Vegas not knowing anyone but we did well there. In 2008 I let a young minister who was also a former NFL football player take on the roll of senior pastor. This enabled me function as Overseer and afforded me the time to promote my book on the road as well as a few other things I wanted to do. Encore: What do you think are the essential requirement needed to be an effective minister? Pastor: I think it is crucial to understand the dynamics of ministry on a whole. So often when a young preacher wants to start preaching he looks at preaching as being an orator, there are other dynamics to understanding ministry because you may not have administrative skills. So if you have to pursue bible school make sure you get the full understanding of ministry. You can do extensive bible studies but when you finishing preaching you have to deal with the other aspects of ministry that we deal with in this 21 century.
Encore: What do you want your readers to get out of your book “Playa2Praya”? Pastor: “Playa2Praya” deals with the duplicity in individuals, that dual persona. We all have those two voices inside of us always fighting to get our attention. As the Apostle Paul says “every time I want to do right evil is always present”. The scripture also says we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Iniquity is defined as proclivity towards sin and evil. Nobody teaches us to do wrong it’s just something that happens. So we contend with that other person that is inside of us every day that we must put to death. We have the playing side, then we have the praying side and it’s a lot harder for us to get to the praying side. So often we only pray when we have no other choice; or when things get severe in our lives. What about praying everyday and understanding that the greater one lives within us? “Playa2Praya” discusses a transition in our position and posture that will lead us to a greater place. Encore: There are many that have a story they want to tell or a book they want to right, what advice would you give them? Pastor: Be tenacious and never be a quitter. You are going to get a lot of No’s, but you have to go through it to get that one Yes. You must remind yourself that if God is for you, he is more than anything against you. So just never stop be disciplined and stay focused. Encore: When writing your book was it similar to writing a sermon for you? Pastor: It was because each chapter was like taking a text on a Sunday morning and like a preacher we want to exegete the text. Good preaching needs to be relevant because you want people to relate, so when you read one of the first pages in the book I say “I have chosen to write in the most common language so that everybody that reads this book could grab something from it.” Encore: A lot of people don’t want to go to church because they feel they will be judged or the church has too many rules. How do you deal with these people? Pastor: Well, I think that there are issues that we contend with in Christendom to the point where we really need to take off the makeup and stop being fake and phony. People want authenticity, people want to see what is real. One of the things I chose to write about in the last chapter I know will cause people to say “why are you telling all your business, I wouldn’t have told my business.” Well we overcome from blood of the lamb and the word of the testimony. People need to hear the realness and not what they call it back in the day “testiLYING”. People want to hear and see what God is truly capable of. To see a person share their testimony and be able to look at them and not see any proof of their past is a powerful thing. We can’t be afraid to talk about what God has brought us out of. We can’t act live we have arrived; it is entirely by the grace of God that we can make it through. Encore: There are so many preachers making the news for negative things. Do you think this is a result of the tendency to get caught up in the celebrity of being a high profile preacher? Pastor: I do. I think there has been an abuse of the anointing in the highest degree. I often think what has happened to the anointing. It is being abused because we are using the anointing for our own benefit and it has now come back to be a detriment. For example, the anointing that God has placed on our life is really not for us but to help others. Often times as preachers we get up thinking we have all this anointing and it becomes all about us. The anointing is the forerunner for the glory. The anointing should point people to God so he can get the glory. It is only present to relieve burdens and destroy yokes, not for us to say “man I just wrecked the house”. So you have a lot of people that live miserable lives and still preach with the anointing only because there is someone out there that God needs to touch and it has nothing really to do with you.We build ourselves up and become so Hollywood when it’s not about us but the spreading of the gospel. Encore: What preachers inspire you? Pastor: Tony Evans. I love his teaching and his style. He has a grasp on the scripture. As a revelator I love Michael Pitts he has a lot of revelation. As a Preacher I like E. Dewey Smith. As a pastor I like a guy by the name of Paul Shepard.
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It truly is a privilege to provide this publication to the Gospel & Christian community. We hope you have enjoyed this issue and continue to keep this ministry in your prayers. Our next issue will come out in January 2011, this is going to be a very special issue. It will be coming out a little later than usual as I seek God for his direction as he takes me to another level. In closing we just want to encourage everyone who has read this magazine to keep God first in everything you do. There are times in our lives when we don’t understand everything we are going through but continue to trust God, your trial will be your greatest testimony. I’m believing God that will be the case for you and myself included. Till we meet again.
David M. Wallace
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