Eye On Gospel

J.J. Hairston is Believing Again

J.J. Hairston. Hairston returns to the top of Billboard's Gospel charts after being named a Top Gospel Artist of the Decade, with his current single, "Reminder (feat. Deon Kipping)."

The project features stand-out collaborations with Travis Greene, Kipping, Crystal Aiken, Zebulon Ellis and more. The first volume of the project was released in September. Believe Again, Vol. II is the first fulllength project the Grammy-nominated artist has completed since being installed as the Senior Pastor of All Nations Worship Assembly in Washington D.C.

"Previously, my creative process evolved from the worship perspective. Although I am still a worshiper, as a pastor, I teach more. Now, each musical project starts with a thought or scripture. I spend a great deal of time thinking about what I want people to get from each song," shares Hairston. "Faith is a choice, and we hope the album will inspire people to choose God."

Hairston is continuing his devotion to a greater purpose alongside his wife, Trina, having recently released a book, “A Miracle Marriage”.

“The One”

TV One has reportedly signed Kirk Franklin–and his wife Tammy–up to host “The One”, an all-new competitive dating series hosted by Kirk and Tammy Franklin. The Franklins will be sharing their thoughts on what it takes to maintain a

KEKE PALMER was stunning as in this fitted white sequined Sergio Hudson gown

KERRY WASHINGTON was a showstopper in this sheer black floral lace ensemble by Michael Kors

YARA SHAHIDI shined in this gorgeous bronze two-peice from Jean Paul Gaultier healthy relationship on the dating show.

In the meantime, BET+ has renewed its popular music-driven drama series Kingdom Business for a second season. The show is produced in part by Franklin along with DeVon Franklin and Holly Carter. Kingdom Business explores the gospel music industry through the lenses of family, faith, love and the redemptive power of music.

Yolanda Adams returns to lead the series as the reigning “Queen of Gospel” Denita Jordan and Serayah as Rbel, a talented up-and-coming gospel star with a troubled past who threatens Denita’s crown.

Joining as recurring guest stars for season two are Loretta Devine and Lou Gossett as Denita Jordan’s parents. Musical guests this season include Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Chandler Moore who earned a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Returning for Season 2 are Kiandra Richardson as “C.J. Jordan-Walker,” Tamar Braxton as “Sasha”, and La’Myia Good as “Essence.”

Production on the new season is currently underway.

In other gospel news, Kirk Franklin recently made music history as the first person to reach the 100-week milestone on a songwriters chart.

“As a songwriter, there are few things more gratifying than seeing your work connect with people on a deep level,” Franklin tells Billboard. “To have my music resonate with so many for 100 weeks is truly a humbling experience. I am grateful beyond words to those that love my music for their support and to everyone who has played a part in bringing my music to life.”

Franklin has also announced the return of the Exodus Music and Arts Festival set for later this month in Dallas. The annual gospel fest will feature Yolanda

Adams, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Tamela Mann and Natalie Grant among others and is headlined by Franklin. Donald Lawrence Teams with Yolanda Adams on Single Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter, and recording artist Donald Lawrence recently dropped a new single and music video, “In Him There Is No Sorrow,” honoring Twinkie Clark’s beloved song with a newly-recorded performance by Yolanda Adams. Lawrence created the single in celebration of pioneering award-winning gospel legend Twinkie Clark.

“In Him There Is No Sorrow” marks the first single release from Donald Lawrence’s upcoming tribute album highlighting Twinkie Clark’s early solo work with reimagined covers of her songs, whose talents as part of her family’s best-selling historic gospel group The Clark Sisters - as well as her work as a solo artistremain a trailblazing influence on gospel artists today.

In the newly-released single and video from Donald Lawrence & Co., Yolanda Adams sings a powerful, modernized version spotlighting Twinkie Clark’s incredible songwriting that’s made it a classic. Keeping the message of the original song, the “In Him There Is No Sorrow” remake is an emotional tribute praising faith and God’s abilities to provide strength and lift us up throughout our lives.

An integral force in crafting the sounds of The Clark Sisters and their solo endeavors, Lawrence was the music director on the 2020 Clark Sisters TV biopic. Briefly: Multiple award-winning gospel singer and minister, CeCe Winans, is set to host and speak at the GENERATIONS LIVE! 2023 women’s conference in Nashville, TN May 12th and 13th, sponsored by Compassion International and CVS. The conference now in its second year, is quickly becoming a premier event for women across the country seeking to connect, grow spiritually and be inspired.