Tekoa Gospel News March 2012 issue 3

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March 2012

Forward Issue

Tekoa Gospel News

Kierra Sheard is "Free" Hear about Kierra's latest endeavors and her journey forward in ministry

An Interview with Andrea Helms on her new CD "Moving forward"

An Interview with Lejuene Thompson on "The Evolution of Me"

Lowell Pye's Journey to Healthy Living and Spiritual Transformation


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Table of Contents Editorial "Change" ... Page 6-7 Danielle Harris' Column... Page 8 Leandria Johnson... Page 10-11 Kierra Sheard Interview.... Page 12-17 Lowell Pye's Story.... Page 18-19 Andrea Helms Interview... Page 20-23 New Music.... Page 24-25 Terrance Thomas Interview... Page 27 The Poetry Corner with Tunisia.... Page 28 Play Review.... Page 29 Lejuene Thompson Interview.... Page 30-33

BRIAN C IN CONCERT A CHURCH O DO

More New Music.... Page 34-35 Mary Mary Reality TV.... Page 36 More New Music.... Page 38-39

CD Reviews Do you have an opinion on a gospel CD or DVD you just purchased? We’d love to hear from you! Independent Artists Are you an indie artist looking for exposure or need some press coverage? Email your EPK to bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com. Businesses and Churches Would you like your business or church information listed in TGMN? Contact us for reasonable rates.

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Contact us at bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

Opinions Welcome Do you have an opinion or want to rant/rave about your favorite gospel artist? We want to hear from you so write us and let us know your opinion! Church News Is you church planning an event, conference, or concert? Let us know, we’d love to help you get the word out!! Please submit all pertinent information at least 30 days in advance. Contributors Danielle Harris (Columnist) Tunisia Williams (Special Contributor) Crystal James (Columnist)

COURTNEY WILSON AT TABERNACLE BAPTIST ON MARCH 17TH, 2012 ON'T MISS IT!

Bianca Woodard (Editor/Writer)

Visit TGMN on the WEB Tekoa Gospel Music News www.tekoagospelmusicnews.com Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

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A Message from the Editor March is known as the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I believe that March is traditionally a month where the wind blows and the debris of winter is cleared out. The entire southeast is under a severe weather advisory and as of the time that I am writing this piece, at least 41 people have died in tornadoes. Tornadoes are strong storms that cause us to take cover and sometimes cost us some of our possessions. I’ve seen pictures of people walking through the wreckage of their homes and at times in despair because they have to begin again. They have to deal with the insurance companies, rebuilding, searching for a new home, or even moving to another state. Nevertheless, storms cause us to change. This issue is dedicated to just that- CHANGE. I recall watching Remember the Titans and hearing Coach Boone tell the players the following: “We’re gonna change the way we act... We’re gonna change the way we catch... We’re gonna change the way we run”. Most didn’t like the way he was handling the team because he was asking them to change the way they were used to doing things. Black and white had to become irrelevant. The players had to learn to play together as one unit. Did I say that I absolutely love that movie? Well how much more does God require change from us? Romans 12:1-2 tells us the following: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is”. 1 John 3:2

What a wonderful life and a wonderful God! He doesn’t force us. He simply tells us the right way to go. It’s up to you. Anything that isn’t changing is dead and no one likes to hang around dead things. Anything that isn’t changing isn’t growing. Think about the leaves and the flowers. They have to change with the seasons. A scripture could have meant one thing to you when you were a babe in Christ, but when you mature, the scripture will take on a whole new meaning. All living things grow and change. Think about a child. If a child wasn’t growing, you’d take that child to the doctor to see what’s wrong with him. The same thing applies in the spiritual world. We must grow up in all things in Christ. God plants you where he knows you will flourish and in a place that will challenge you to change. You won’t be able to grow up if you are not under good leadership and God has given us all that we need to grow and change in him when he gave us the five fold ministry. Ephesians 4:11-14 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the And be not conformed to this world: but be ye ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the will of God. knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

God requires us to be transformed or to change our lives. He won’t do it for you. He told you to do it. How can we do it? We change when we renew our minds in the word. We have been changed, are being changed and will be changed at Christ’s appearing. Page 6

14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

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A Message from the Editor 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

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This issue is dedicated to moving forward and changing your life. Some people in the gospel industry have made life choices that are allowing them to push forward in the things of God, but it started with a self check and a decision to CHANGE and then move forward. My Pastor says that when you make a decision, you cut off all other options. Please check out the interview with Kierra Sheard. She’s on the move with her CD “FREE”. Check out the interview with Andrea Helms. She has new CD coming out entitled “Moving Forward”. Lowell Pye is making an impact in many arenas with his “Team Transformed” and his weight loss. Lejuene Thompson tells us about “The Evolution of Me” in her interview on her new CD and her battle to finally become comfortable in her own skin.

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In closing, I'd like all of the readers to take stock of their life and begin to do something different. CHANGE the way you relate to God's word. No matter how many storms life may blow your way, know that if God brought you to it, he can bring you through it. He is a God that made you with the "STORM IN MIND"- I love that song by Brian Courtney WIlson. He knows how much you can handle and he allows some things to happen to get us back on track. Remember Romans 8. So as you walk through the aftermath of a storm in your life, re-evaluate some things. Some items aren't fit to even take to your new location. You might rebuild something bigger and better in the same spot or you might choose to change locations. Whatever your decision, realize that change is necessary. Change is a part of life. Make a quality decision to change according to the word of God. One good place to start is to let the Lord in those areas of your life that you like to keep hidden. God sees you anyway... I excited about what God is doing in the lives of his people. Let’s keep moving forward and watch what God MOVE!! Bianca Woodard

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Holy Dating and Whole Relationships Picture goes here

Just because someone is beautiful or talented, that doesn’t mean they are marriage material... Marriage is a sacred bond or vow between a man and a woman that shouldn’t be built on a superficial foundation. Beauty and talent are not enough to keep you in times of trouble and confusion. That’s why you must be with someone who has a true relationship with Christ and can give you Godly counsel in times of distress. Who you are connected to will have a direct affect on your life as well as the lives of your children. That’s why you must seek God’s will for your life and be led by the Holy Ghost when choosing a spouse.

Danielle is the host of "Danielle's Playlist", a bimonthly television show dedicated to gospel music, and co-host of Life with Gina. The shows can be found on Comcast Channel 4 on Sunday afternoon at 6:30. She is also the host and founder of the Sanctified Diva Conference in Augusta Georgia. She is a public relations professional and gospel artist/songwriter with three solo CD projects available. Most of all, Danielle is a prolific woman of God. Danielle's unique style of ministry has made her a sought after speaker. She values her relationship with God and is dedicated to making sure the world knows that the word can work in our lives if we apply it.

Before you agree to be in a relationship with someone, pay close attention to not only their relationship with Christ, but watch who they allow to be close to them. Remember, the people in their inner circle tell a lot about their character and future. You deserve God’s best and you deserve to be loved appropriately. So always remember, anyone can change their outward appearance, but only God can change who they really are. Wait on God…and you’ll get the best out of life. -Danielle Harris

Email Danielle at deh1984@aol.com, follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Brian Courtney Wilson Concert at Tabernacle Baptist Church

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Le'Andria Johnson is securing her place in gospel music history with an outstanding year in music capped with a Grammy Win for Best Contemporary Gospel/ Christian Performance for "Jesus". Le’Andria Johnson has been on a mission since she released her freshman CD “The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson”. In a short period of time, Le’Andria has released 4 CDs- “The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson”, “Christmas Best”, “The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson” and “The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson - The Deluxe Edition”. Her debut CD, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, entered at #1 on multiple music charts, including both the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The CD also debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Current Gospel Overall chart. It spent eight weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, and remained in the Top 5 for over 15 weeks. She has performed around the country. Le’Andria won Best Female Gospel Artist of 2011 for the First Annual Digital Gospel Music Awards, (produced by Interactive One/Elev8.com) beating Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, Maurette Brown-Clark, Martha Munizzi, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Beverly Crawford, Lisa Page Brooks. She performed at the Stellar Awards along side Kim Burrell, Jessica Reedy, and Martha Munizzi. She wowed audiences at the BMI Trailblazer Awards during the tribute to Kirk Franklin with her rendition of “Silver and Gold”. She also performed at the Grammy Pre-Telecast in the “Ladies of Gospel” segment with Kelly Price, Kim Burrell, and label mates Trin-I-Tee 5:7. She went on later to a win a Grammy Award for the Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for “Jesus”. The bottom line is Le’Andria is here to stay! Her latest CD project, “The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson” is a collection of 7 songs that teeter between traditional and contemporary. Here is an excerpt from her Biography that describes the new CD:

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Le'Andria Johnson

“The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, includes her new single, “It’s Gonna Be Alright,” a high energy urban contemporary song, written and produced by Stanley Brown, in which she assures the listener that even when things seem difficult, God is standing by and things are going to be alright; and “He Was There,” a song that reminds us that God is there waiting for us to come to Him, written by Gary Paxton and Andrea Martin and produced by Stanley Brown. In the soulful “Let it Go,” written and produced by Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson and Sara Devine, Le’Andria encourages people to let go of their burdens and let God handle them. She goes back to her traditional gospel roots in “Sooner or Later,” an uplifting song about God turning your life around,

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written by Hubert Powell III and produced by Brandon “B.A.M.” Alexander and H. Doobie Powell for Chip Off the Block Productions. “He First Loved Me,” an R&B style song of praise, was written by Le’Andria and her brother, Michael Johnson, who is a featured singer on this track. Le’Andria also recorded a full-length version of the popular song, “I Shall Leap Into My Destiny,” which she wrote with her brother Terrance Johnson. Le’Andria performed this inspirational song after being crowned the winner of Sunday Best. “Overtaken” rounds out the seven new offerings on the deluxe CD and the EP. Written and produced by Eric Dawkins, it is an upbeat song of praise for the way her life has changed since God took it over.”

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An interview with Kier by Bianca Woodard Kierra Sheard grew up right in front of my eyes. She first won most of our hearts when she sang on her mother, Karen Clark Sheard's CD and others discovered her when she released her first solo project. Kierra is a young lady now! She's touring with her first live recording and she can definitely hold her own. She carries in her the legacy of a musical family as well as a legacy of ministry. Kierra, a lover of Disney soundtracks and quite a comedian in her own right, is humble and bold in her stance for the Lord and his music. She holds the anointing of God in high regard and it is her endeavor to minister when she sings. We sat down with Kierra to find out the latest and greatest in her life and her journey. The interview Bianca: Free is a live album and you normally have studio albums. What are some of the ups and downs of a live recording versus a studio album and will you do live from now on? Surprising there weren’t many downs for the live recording. We just have to go back in and kind of edit some things and kind of take out somethings because at the live recording we’re kind of free with time, so we have to take just a little bit away from the experience. With this record and me being on my family owned label, I was able to leave a lot of that good stuff on the record. It was really exciting. I would say the only down is having to do the overdubs. It kind of makes the singer feel like you aren’t that good of Page 12

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rra Sheard on "Free" a singer, so it keeps me humble. I’ll probably be doing that. I was just a high energy thing and I was really just excited about it. I will probably be doing studio and live now. Bianca: What’s your favorite track or tracks on the CD? My favorite tracks are “Lane”, “You Are”,... I love the whole record. I don’t even know how to minimize it and say “this is my favorite song” because I just really feel like this is my best record just overall out of all of them. Of course I will say, on the other records we had great songs but I was just so surprised and shocked to see how God had given me these songs. With all of the record being produced by my brother and written by myself and my cousin... it was just an amazing thing. It was just a lot of fun. I would definitely say that “Lane” is one of my favorites and when we do “Victory” live, I have so much fun with that song. We added the Diana Ross to it... (I’m coming out- she sings) and you can already hear the Chaka Khan vibe to it, so it’s a lot of fun and it makes it appealing to the seasoned ear. Then we take it to church at the end. I have a lot of fun performing these songs. We were in Ithaca NY and they were singing all the lyrics. It almost brought tears to my eyes because yes people sing my songs here and there but people were singing every word.. =every verse. It was just so amazing so I didn’t even have to do that much work and that was a dream come true for me. So those are the two or three songs I like on the record and “Back to Earth”. I forgot about that one. That’s one of my favorites. Bianca: You said your cousin helped write. Which cousin was this? Kierra: Aunt Jackie’s daughter, Angel Chisholm.

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Bianca: Oh Angel! Okay. I’m familiar with Angel from AIMS and the Youth Choir and how she has the youth choir going!. Kierra: She’s always involved in all that stuff. She’s a phenomenal writer and she’s just gifted. She does the whole opera thing so you guys have heard he sing gospel music but you have to hear her sing opera. It’s just amazing. Angel’s just talented all the way around. She’s a smart young lady. She bossy too like Aunt Jackie, but she’s awesome. I just love being in the studio with my family. Bianca: I was there for your performance at the Stellar Awards Pre-show and I wanted you to keep going but I know time didn’t permit. Why do you think “You Are” resonates so well with audiences and listeners? Kierra: We have gotten feedback and we’re praying that the radio will play it more than they are playing it because we get such good feedback. I have to say it’s a blessing and I’m humbled and honored, because the way we put that song together... a lot of people wouldn’t even believe it. We pieced it together. My mom and I were in the kitchen beat boxing, singing and banging on the table so it was just an amazing thing. I brought it to my brother and he just immediately grasped what I was trying to do. It was just amazing. I would definitely say it probably resonates with the audience because it’s a high energy song. I don’t know if you hear it but it was kind of inspired by Michael Jackson so it has a praise and worship sound and it lets you get there. It’s a simply and easy song to catch on to. I’ve learned... one of the gospel greats, Donald Lawrence, he’s always told me people love when songs are easy to learn. When he told me that and I’m sure you can hear it on this record, I was like I wanted to go for that. I wanted to have those songs that everybody can sing. I think that’s why it goes Page 13


An interview with Kie and me seeing how God reveals himself to me daily even when he doesn’t have to. Tomorrow’s not promised to any of us here on earth and it can just be cut off, but God lets me wake up every morning. It’s the simple things to me that matter. And then Bianca: So you hear that radio people. Play the with me being an overweight young lady, I have my song more. I went to the Bonnerfide Radio party insecurities here and there... just to see how God and I walked in right when you were getting on has chosen me. Of course gospel music is the stage and I was like “Yes I get to hear it twice”. industry or the genre the has the most plus sized people. It’s just amazing to see how God is using Bianca: What is your anointing to do what you do me to talk to young people. It’s not an older crowd. born out of? It’s my peers. My anointing comes from a lot of places. You get me to Kierra: We all talking... I invest that struggle with things. personal time. I kinda I have some have to give myself a struggles here and pep talk the other day. there. I’m always In order for you to asking God “Lord usher someone into a please make me worship experience or into what you want into the presence of me to be”. I like to God, worship has to feel like.. not like I become a lifestyle for deserve to be up that person that’s there but I like to trying to usher them make God proud in in. It’s just like a every area or part of regular usher. You my life so with that can’t greet people if being said... My you’re a mean person. It has to come naturally. anointing definitely comes from.. Paul talked about Having that said that, I make sure that personal this thorn in my flesh it is there to buffet me. It’s a time is in there. I make sure I’m talking to God reminder to keep yourself humble and at the same time, know that you’re human. Don’t get to excited. every day. A lot of people say you know you’re The bible also says that “Humble yourself therefore crazy if you talk to yourself but my daddy says “no up under the might hand of God and he’ll exalt you you aint too crazy if you talk to yourself sometimes”. So, I have to talk to myself and tell in due time”. I would definitely say, if it’s not my struggle, it’s my weight. I want to get this weight off myself let’s get it together and give God that time and it keeps me humble. If it’s not that, then it’s the that he deserves. I make sure that I’m under my little knuckle head guys that I’ve probably dealt with Pastor and under leadership. There’s a lot of stuff that comes into play with having the anointing and or fell in love with. Some of the crying may come from emotion but it most of all comes from how God I’m honored that you acknowledge that I have an anointing and I’m always afraid of losing that. I has been with me through it all and how he loves want God to use me and when he comes back, I me even when it hurts. I would definitely say the want to go home with him. I don’t want it to just be anointing comes from my personal time with God well with the audience and with my listeners because it’s an easy song and it takes you straight there. You can sing it in your church service. You can blast it in your car. It’s a well rounded record.

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erra Sheard on "Free"! something here on earth and then for eternity, I’m somewhere burning up. I want to live with him and all that so I’m always reminding myself of the importance that this lifetime here is just a dress rehearsal. It won’t last too long. Bianca: I asked this at the Stellar Awards but I wanted to touch it again. Is it possible that you and your mother will ever do a CD together at some point? Kierra: Yes it is. We’ve talked about it numerous times, however my mom has been in it for 30-40 years and she’s had her time to go on and do her thing and ride it out.. she has a strong fan base. I want to be able to carry out that legacy with my solo career and say hey momma trained me up well. I want to make her proud. I want her to see that she didn’t do anything in vain. I know that I kind of have to walk alone without mommy because I started out walking with mommy and of course she still walks with me now. I want her to see that she didn’t do all of this for nothing. I want both of my parents to see that they raised up good children good adults. Yes, we’re going to make dumb decisions that may disappoint you here and there, but overall you’ll see that God is our number one priority. Sooner or later down the line you will have something from me and my mom, but I want to make her proud right now and I want to do my thing so very soon. Bianca: Preaching has to be in your blood. Are you finding yourself ministering on that platform with your growth spiritually and with age? I did watch a couple of clips of you on youtube. Kierra: It’s funny that you ask me that because just a few minutes ago, I was looking at my email and people are asking me to speak more than they are asking me to sing. I do believe that God has called me to speak and it kind of scares me and I actually get more nervous when it comes time for me to speak than when I do when it comes time for me to sing... I just say Lord please don’t let me disappoint bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

the folks. It’s definitely in the bloodline and I do believe that God is calling me to do that. I’m accepting the call slowly but surely. Bianca: What is the greatest advice you received from your family about the music industry? I get advice from them everyday. If I’m on the road, I’m always asking my mom if something didn’t go too smooth I’m always calling asking my mom “mom what do you think about this or how could I have handled this”. It’s hard to answer because they always give me good advice. They always tell me to make sure that I have some word in me and David said I hide thy word in my heart that I might no sin against thee. With that being said, they always tell me, make sure you aren’t going out there with yeah yeah and oh oh... make sure you have something to say.They always told me that when you throw out those scriptures there’s something else that will take place in the atmosphere especially when it comes from the heart, but you’ll be able to get those seasoned folks. They like to see that you have knowledge of the word of God. That’s one piece of advice that they shared with me and I take that to heart and it wasn’t just for the platform that God is blessing me with as it pertains to me displaying the ministry or the skill that I have but it challenged me to know the word for myself and don’t just repeat scriptures that everybody else says. Have something where even the Pastors can respond to you because believe it or not, the Pastors are really who is letting you come to their church. So if you come with some nonsense they’re not going to have you back. There’s a lot of stuff that I learned from my aunts and my mom. They always told us that no matter how tired or sick you get of your single... the first one that put you on the map...you have to do that song, so I’ve been doing “You Don’t Know” on every show. I tried to get away from it but when I do “You Don’t Know” those people still jump up... I’m like “y'all not sick Page 15


An interview with Kier of this song?”. Bianca: Tell us about the Bold Right Life Conference for 2012. Who do you have coming? Kierra: We’re getting ready. We just had a meeting yesterday and I’m excited about it. I got a little uninspired but thank God that I have my family. My cousin Kimberly Sheard is on my staff and a lot of other individuals. They challenge me and that’s so important to have that on your staff and people who are behind you because people won’t admit it but you have moments when you have birthed something and God has caused you to birth out a vision, but there are times when you just get uninspired...when you just feel like it’s the same thing over and over again and you don’t really have those creative juices flowing. Even when you’re writing a song, you get writer’s block. I’m really excited about this year’s conference because they challenged me and inspired me all over again. It will be the second week in August and I can’t give the names out just yet because we are still in the process of confirming them. We have a website www.boldrightlife.com and you should be able to get all the information you need. We’re keeping it affordable so that people can travel from different cities and states and still be able to have what’s in the registration packet. Bianca: I know you were also talking about writing more and I’ve read where you’re turning KSquared Mag into a blogsite for March 2012. How is that going and what other projects do you have on the horizon? ‘ Kierra: It’s going really good. Right now we’re in the transition from it being an e-magazine to a blog. I don’t have a blog right now and that’s what K-squared is going to be... my blog with other christian young adults who are into their field. They may be into media or they may have gone to school for fashion or arts and culture and healthy and hair and all of that. It’ll cater to our audience... Page 16

the young adult audience and at the same time it’ll have that Christian base behind it and as a foundation. So I’m excited about that transition and it will give people who have businesses that not many people know about... we’ll make those Christian believers’ businesses hot spots on the Ksquared blog. If you have travelers that may visit K-Square Blog you’ll have the hot spots where the Christian woman who owns the boutique with hot fashion... hot shoes... or the same for a guy. So I’m really excited about that venture. We’re still working on it because I want to put it out there, but I want it to be the best. K-Squared was inspired by my mom ... I’m really excited about it and I think that it will really pour into young adults and help them to believe that they don’t have to compromise with what society is throwing in their faces. They can still be fly, have fun, live their lives and still be a strong bold believer. Outside of that I want to eventually start my clothing line and I really really really really really really really want to do that... I just need some more money so I’m working on that and I’m excited about that as well. There’s another conference that I want to launch very soon but I need some more money for that too. I’m excited Bianca: What’s going on with your engagement? Kierra: We’re no longer engaged. I’m only 24. He’s young and he’s a preacher...a pastor so we have a lot of time so we’re just living our lives and taking things slow. Bianca: What do you want to say to your fans and listeners? Kierra: I Love you guys so much and I really and sincerely appreciate you guys supporting me. When you buy a record that just shows that you believe in what God has given me. Believe it or not, you're not just helping me make money. You are even challenging me in my personal walk because I feel like I can't let you down. So thank www.tekoagospelmusicnews.com


rra Sheard on "Free"!

Karen Clark Sheard and Kierra Sheard at the 2012 Stellar Awards - Photo Courtesy of Zimbio

you. Thank you. Thank you. Know that the couple of dollars that you invest in my ministry or my career doesn't' go to waste. You're like angels to me so thank you so much. I love you guys. I'll keep working to do the best and share the gospel with the world and do most of all what God has called me to do. If you haven't picked up the new live recording from Kierra Sheard, "Free", they are available everywhere CDs are sold! Follow Kierra on all of the social networks for the latest in all things Kierra!

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Lowell Pye is on his Journey to Transformation in mind, body and spirit! life and set him on a course of emotional healing, physical fitness, and renewed spiritual focus. The consultant was determined to get to the root cause of the weight gain and lack of drive to continue on a healthy path. During the session, Lowell opened up describing how he “battled with depression”, felt like he didnʼt like himself and how he didnʼt think anyone else liked him. He described how he received satisfaction from singing but he was “singing in pain and hurt”. He experienced a gambit of emotions during the session, from crying to being upset because he felt like his friends “set him up”. Although he remained upset, he opened up further by shared things from his past that he had never shared with anyone.

Fans of the gospel music genre remember Lowell Pye as one of the energetic front men of John P. Keeʼs New Life Community Choir and a co-founder of the male quartet “Men of Standard”. In 2010, Lowell released a solo CD entitled “Finally” to rave reviews. Over the years, Lowellʼs voice never lost its potency but he experienced substantial weight gain. He started diets that he didnʼt follow through with, exercised very little, and continued to eat late at night. After 15 years of struggling with health issues related to obesity and a bout with depression, Lowell lost 65 pounds and is on journey for total health in mind, body, and spirit thanks to a group of caring friends and a personal commitment to change. Lowellʼs journey to transformation began on September 11th, 2011 when he thought he was going to visit with a consultant associated with the hit NBC TV series, “The Biggest Looser” for a nutritional plan. He was unaware that this seemingly routine consultation would change his

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The following day, Lowell made a decision to consult God about it by asking him to “show me what they were talking about”. He realized during his private time with God that he was lacked drive and wanted things to happen without a consistent effort on his part. He read Romans 12:1-2 in the Bible. This scripture states that Christians should “be transformed by the renewing” of their minds. These verses, although he heard them preached several times before, were like a “bomb that went off” inside of him and he realized that change begins when a person makes up their mind to change. From that moment on, Lowell has been focused on “moving forward and living a healthy life”. He isnʼt just focused on the health side, but he is also making strides towards spiritual, financial and emotion health as well. Heʼs made a life change. Lowellʼs regimen consists of 6 small meals a day (3 meals and 3 snacks). He eats baked chicken, tilapia, salmon, broccoli, spinach, brown rice, almonds, watermelon, and protein shakes to name a few items. He drinks unsweetened tea with Equal and hydrates by drinking at least a gallon of water per day. He actually cooked the meals for 21 days to establish healthy eating choices but now is able to go enjoy restaurants. He stays within the same healthy choices when he goes out to eat. Lowell exercises at least 1.25 hours in the gym at varied frequencies. He didnʼt hire a trainer, but he found an exercise regimen that works for him. He started out by doing a lot cardio and has added weights for strength training. He walks the track and has started to play basketball to ensure movement. He also added the elliptical machine to his workout. He

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Lowell Pye's NEW CD "Transformed" is expected Summer 2012 started at a comfortable pace and worked his way up to where he is now able to sustain at least 30-35 minutes on the elliptical machine. Lowellʼs story resounds with the population because many struggle with weight loss and weight gain for various reasons so naturally, when he began posting his progress on Facebook and Twitter, he received tremendous feedback. He formed “Team Transformed” where he posts his progress and those on the journey inform him of their progress as well. Lowell recalled a time when he posted a comment about his struggle with depression and how “amazing” the response was and he even received a comment from a person who was in the hospital because of diabetes. The man wanted to know what Lowell did to overcome and Lowell was able to assist because of his personal fight with weight. Team Transformed is centered on the whole person and not just the physical aspect, although it plays a great part.

He acknowledges that having people to hold you accountable is very important. His support system consists of members of the gym he attends, his friends, and his family. His sisters are now on their journey to a healthier lifestyle because of his influence. He says heʼs learned that “you canʼt have people around you that like what you like or like to eat as much as you do”. Heʼs motivated by the fact that he feels good, walks pain free, and motivates other people to start their individual journey to health. He is also motivated by his desire see his son graduate from high school and go on to college one day. Lowellʼs journey is continuing to evolve. He no longer has to take medication for high blood pressure. His vocal range has improved and he can breathe better. He is now walking without a limp and no longer has lower back pain. He recalled a time where he would be embarrassed to go out because he couldnʼt fit in the seats or chair and people would laugh. He admitted that “you have to be honest with yourself” because it does hurt when people laugh, but heʼs now more focused than ever and heʼs determined to move forward. His attitude, will and drive are all different as well. He is very proactive in his career and he wants to be successful. Heʼs emphasized that being proactive applies to more than just his career related activities. He is more proactive in his finances, housekeeping, and other areas. He stated that heʼs “thinking more freely” and although you cannot see these attributes they are an important part of his journey. bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

Lowell is an inspiration and he reminded us that sometimes friends and family members can see what you canʼt or are not willing to address. He now appreciates how his friends helped him on September 11th, the day his journey began. He made a decision not to have a surgery to lose weight and in dealing with the whole man, has showed and continues to show those struggling with their health that it can be done. It takes a made up mind, focus, and determination. Lowellʼs new CD, appropriately entitled “Transformed”, is due for release in the summer of 2012.

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She showed up on the scene and wowed us all with her voice on BET Sunday's Best. She's a worship leader at heart and we have an exclusive interview with the incomparable...

Andrea Helms was a contestant on BET Sunday Best and most thought that she would not last until the end. She proved people wrong when she sang heaven down and lasted until the final round. There was the voting glitch that we all were upset about. She didn't win the competition but we were all excited about the fact that we know she would still get a record deal. She signed with Music World and is putting out her first project, "Moving Forward", which is a collection of songs from Sunday Best. We've wanted to interview her forever, so when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at the chance to find out more about Andrea Helms and her musical journey. The Interview Bianca: How has life changed for you, your family, and church family post BET Sunday’s Best? Andrea: Once the show finished of course my phone blew up and people want me to come and sing so there is a lot of traveling. It takes me away a lot, but everyone has been so supportive. They know that this is the door that God has opened, so they are more than willing to let me do what God has called me to do. We’ve actually hired someone to take my place so everybody’s kind of moving forward now. Her husband is the pastor of Friendship Church. Bianca: How do you balance the needs of your church with traveling and singing?

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Andrea: Fortunately we have a good staff. When I’m here, of course I’m working and I’m a part of everything. When I’m not here, we have developed our people to carry on. Balancing... we’re learning to balance. My husband and I because that’s where the balance comes in is I think family more than anything. We’re learning how to make everything work. Everybody chips in and does what they need to do Bianca: Tell us about your new CD- Moving Forward. Andrea: It will be out March the 6th. I’m excited about that! It’s a compilation of Sunday Best songs. That’s how people know me. That’s how they have related to me. That’s how they connect to me so the first album is just Sunday Best songs. I will come out with original songs later on. Bianca: What are you most excited about in regards to your new CD? Andrea: Just the whole aspect of this was always my dream. The first time I held my CD in my hand and it was for real. It was legit. There was a label on the back of it. This is something that I always wanted. I’m anxious to see the doors that God opens because of this. I have dreams and aspirations of other things within the ministry and I think that this is another door in a way for me to accomplish that as far as ministering to women and women’s conferences. All of that is now attainable.

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My husband is amazing. He is an amazing pastor and I want the world to hear him as well. I would love to travel with him. Not just him tagging along with me, but him ministering as well so that’s something else I would like to do. Bianca: Encourage yourself- has a different feel to it- who arranged it? Did you have a hand in the creative process? Andrea: Doobie is so great. He doesn’t really need any help and so I trusted him with all of that. He brought that choir in. I love everything that he has done. He always make sure “Do you like this” and I was like YES!. If I was going to do it, Yes that is what I would have chosen. It’s like he already knew what I wanted. Bianca How have you been challenged vocally with the new CD and your live performances? Do you feel like you’ve grown Andrea: I have grown actually. I’m always in a learning process. I think we should always be. I think that even from Sunday Best.. the information that I got from there, I still carry with me. I’m learning how to preserve my voice and still be able to give 100%. There’s a fine line there and so I’m still learning. I’m learning about all of that. Vocally, I feel like being around great singers makes me stretch myself. Of course, I’m on a label with Le’Andria Johnson and Amber. They challenge me and I appreciate that about them.

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

Bianca What are you favorite tracks on the CD so far? Andrea: My very favorite one is “Changed” because I share my testimony on it so I really connect with that song. It’s all about who I am and it means probably the most to me. I love “Because of Who You Are”. I love the feel that Doobie has put on that. That’s going to be great when people hear it. They’re going to love it. Bianca: I heard that one too and it’s good. It has a different feel to it. Andrea: It is good. I don’t think anyone has redone that song that I know of until now. So hopefully that will have my stamp on it too. Bianca: How was it working with Doobie Powell on the new CD? He is so easy going. He is not uptight and I am all about not being uptight. You’re not intimidated by him. He’s really encouraging. It’s funny because he won’t tell you that didn’t sound good. He’ll just say hey let’s try that one more time. I love that about him. He just makes you feel comfortable in the studio. Bianca: Should we expect more music from you later this year following after the pattern of your label mate Leandria Johnson. If so, when? Andrea: I’m hoping to start on that this year. Of course the album will be out March 6th and I

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An interview with Andrea Helms

would hope within the next four to five months that I would start on the next one. Bianca: What message would you like them to take away from the CD when they listen to it. Andrea: I’m hoping that they realize that I’m no different from they are. I’m a person just like them. That I am real and God took something that was imperfect and he made something wonderful out of it. He used a mess I was in and made it a message. So if God can do that for me, God will do that for them Bianca: What genre within gospel would you place your style in? Andrea: I’m open. Of course when I sing, you probably hear more of a worship leader come out of me. That’s really where my niche is and that’s different than just singing. I’ve learned that the style of leading worship is not the same as just getting up and performing. That’s what my call is and I

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think that is what I need to stay with. I do love classical music as well. I had a background in that and I was able to use some of that in the play that I did “Perilous Times”. I was able to use the classical side of my voice. Maybe I’ll use that on the next album, but still love that genre of music. Bianca: How was your experience of being in TJ Hemphill’s Perilous Times play? Will we see more acting from you? Andrea: I hope so. He really helped me. He’s so great. He said you’ve got the singing down....we’re just going to help you with your acting now. He really gave me some good pointers. He took my number and he said he would like to use me again. Le’Andria Johnson was in the play. William Murphy was in that play. I think I would like to do theater more and more. Why not? Bianca: I know right! Diversify. Bianca: If people wanted to find out more about you and your ministry where would they go? @Helmsandrea

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An interview with Andrea Helms Andrea Helms on Facebook Music World Website Closing Message to your fans Andrea: To the ones that have supported me, I’d say thank you. There would be no reason to put CDs out if there were not fans to buy them and appreciate that music so I would say thank you. I love you so much. If you’re thinking about buying it, I would definitely encourage you to because I think that the ministry on there is for anybody. I prayed over that album and I believe that people will be blessed when they buy it and hear it. Bianca: Your cover art is nice to. Andrea: It’s amazing what someone can make you look like

Bianca: I know on Sunday Best they were always talking about your shoes and you always looked well put together. Do you work with a stylist or do you just go out and shop for yourself? Andrea: I do need a stylist. I just said to someone the other day and she is a stylist... look I need help in some areas. When I go out I don’t know what to look for. Fortunately towards the end of the show Sunday Best they dressed us so the shoes and the clothes. They knew what to put us in. So if you know a good stylist, let me know. Bianca: Who does your hair. On your PR photo your hair was brown and it looked like you had highlights. Andrea: I have someone who does my hair. I do my hair from day to day. I have someone. My hair was pretty dark on the show. That’s usually not how dark I am. It’s a little bit lighter than that probably like you saw it with the highlights. You never know what I’m going to have.

Don't forget to pick up Andrea's CD and follow her on the social networks for the latest and greatest Andrea Helms news!!

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise "After This" On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise will release the highly-anticipated album After This (Light Records/ eOne). One of gospel’s most highly-acclaimed choirs, led by longtime songwriter, arranger and producer JJ Hairston, Youthful Praise marks their sixth live recording, the first since the highly celebrated Resting On His Promise, with the release of After This. Recorded live in July 2011 at The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT, After This showcases Hairston’s captivating gift in mixing traditional gospel with urban, contemporary and mainstream influences to create the distinctive sounds that have elevated JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise into one of gospel’s preeminent choirs. Featuring the title track as the first single, “After This” has been climbing the singles chart in gospel radio, vaulting into the Top 15 as listeners hail its high-energy rhythms and uplifting lyrics encouraging faith and joy through troubled times. Setting the stage for the rest of the 13-track album, other dynamic songs include “The Victor,” “Lord of All” featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker, “Love Lifted Me” featuring Tye Tribbett, and “My King.” After This Track Listing: 1.Intro 2.Lord of All (Ft. Bishop Hezekiah Walker) 3.My King 4.Love Lifted Me (Ft. Tye Tribbett) 5.You 6.The Victor 7.Grateful (Ft. Minon Bolton) 8.After This (Ft. Bishop Eric McDaniels) 9.Now (Ft. James Fortune) 10.Working Out for Me (Ft. Pastor John P. Kee & Lisa Knowles) 11.I Am 12.The Blood (Ft. LaShun Pace) 13.Reap To learn more about JJ HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE, please visit: Official Website: http://www.youthfulpraise.org Light Records: http://www.lightrecords.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/JJ_Hairston Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Youthful.Praise

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Marvin Sapp's "I Win" release date postponed

Marvin Sapp "I WIN" Marvin Sapp's new CD "I Win" will be in stores on April 3, 2012 along with a DVD of the live recording. The video for My Testimony will premiere on Radio One on Monday February 13th. For now you can Pre-Order Marvin Sapp's "I Win" today on Amazon or purchase the single "My Testimony" TODAY! Preview the single on TGMN by clicking on this link: http:// tekoagospelmusicnews.com/?p=6545 "I Win" Track Listing: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Intro. Teach My Hands To War I Belong To You Never I Win Glory The Hymns Medley Deeper My Testimony Do Me Like You

11.

Keep It Movin'

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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Terrance Thomas and Passion for Christ- CD Release Concert

Pastor Terrance Thomas is no stranger to gospel music. He started his musical career in church playing and singing but it was just a “hobby”. He stated the he “communicated through music” because he was kind of shy. He's always been a part of music. He was in the band and particpated in numerous events in school. He was incarcerated for year and thatʼs where he started writing songs. His original music helped people inside of the prison in their different situations. He has been married to the “wonderful” Shalonda Thomas for 11 years. He has a clothing line called “Crosswear” and is a co-host of the “Talking it Up” show on WAAW Shout 94.7 FM out of Aiken SC. Heʼs a newly installed Pastor at Nazerene Missionary Baptist Church in Fairfax South Carolina. Pastor Thomas has a new CD “Iʼm Still Here” due to be released on March 31st. The entire project was written by Terrance Thomas. The production was completed by Nigel Lawrence, Marlon Stokes, and Dave Geter. Heʼs hosting an all day long CD release celebration that begins at 2:00pm at the Kroc Center. The first concert is dedicated to the youth Page 26

through a yearly concert called “Operation P.U.S.H.”. That concert is dedicated to the hiphop genre and draws more and more young people every year. At 6:00, the CD release concert for “Iʼm Still Here” will begin and is dedicated to the new project. Bianca: Why the Single Iʼm still Here? What experience was that based on? Pastor Thomasd: Itʼs my personal testimony of just going through many trials. For one, going to prison. I was never a trouble maker. I was liked in school and in church, but I went to the military and one bad decision caused me to be in a place that I never thought Iʼd be in. So immediately I was down on myself. After that I was concerned that people werenʼt going to love me anymore. I preached a sermon one day from the three Hebrew boys where it talks about when the three Hebrew boys came out of the fire, not a hair on their body was burned. It talks about Nebecanezzarʼs perspective but not theirs... knowing that they were in the fire but man weʼre not burning - Iʼm Still Here. My relationship is like no matter what we go through, no matter what weʼve been through... the fact that you wake up in the morning... God has given you a concrete sign that thereʼs victory waiting ahead so thatʼs where www.tekoagospelmusicnews.com


Terrance Thomas and Passion for Christ- "I'm Still Here" Iʼm still here comes from.

affect someone everyday.

Bianca: Tell us about the activities for March 31st: The Operation P.U.S.H. Concert and the CD Release Concert.

Pastor Terrance Thomas and Passion for Christ are on the move for Christ. Keep your eye out for their new project.

Pastor Thomas: On March 26th, weʼre having a pre-cd release consecration service. Weʼre inviting all pastors, evangelists and spiritual leaders to come out on that night and we want to sow into them. Passion for Christ is like a heavy prophetic worship group. God gave me a song called “Heaven” and it is a worship song. A lot of time when we go into worship, we worship him for right now and even for tomorrow, but when Nigel and I were together, the Lord spoke to me and said when you worship me this time... I want you to worship me like itʼs the first time and like youʼve made it to heaven. Not you made it to church on Sunday. Worship like you donʼt have to worry.. like you donʼt have to make deadlines or disappointing anybody... you have made it and image worship right there. This is a song for all leaders... when you put this music in, God will replenish you, love on you, chastise you, and all the heaviness will lift. Weʼre going to sow that into the leaders. Itʼs at the Kroc Center at 6:30.

Follow Pastor Terrance Thomas and PFC on Facebook and Twitter @pfcthomas for the latest updates!

Weʼre having two because some places we go, we only do praise and worship and other places we go, we only minister to the youth so we wanted to be able to share with everyone. So “Operation P.U.S.H” is at 2:00. Weʼve been doing that event for 3 years. We can minister to the youth on their level. Jubba, the Lively Stones and the Puppet Joy will be the host of the event. The release concert will be at 6:00 and will be hosted by Danielle Harris. Special guests have not been solidified but there will be two sets that night. Bianca: Tell us a little known fact about you. Pastor Thomas: I like to fish. The first thing I ask people when I meet them in a new place is do they know a good place to fish. I feel like one of those people on T.V. when it comes to fishing. I like bowling a lot and I really love people. I want to

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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The Poetry Corner The Guide

By Tunisia Williams

Tunisia Wil l ia ms is a writ er a nd poet ,a nd sheha s recent l yent ered t heworl d of Spoken Word poet ry. Her l ovefor God a nd His word is refl ect ed in her writ ings. She is current l yworking on her firstnovel‒ excerpt sa l ong wit h poet rya nd shortst ories ma ybefound on her bl og sit e,www.t l wpoet ry.com.

Would you like to see your poetry here? Email your poetry submission to lyric1973@gmail.com for consideration!

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The Paraclete whose Godly wisdom pours like blood from Calvary cleansing the inner man; Divinity robed in spirit speaking to spirit, occasionally offering a sip of conviction when flesh becomes sick with sin while transforming carnal minds when the soul wants to give in. Passion’s eternal flame burning on sanctified lips uttering words of languages unknown to this natural realm as it constructs a tower of faith providing a place of safety for us to dwell. A member of the trinity, He walks with you and me A lamp before us lighting The pathway to righteousness. He is a conductor orchestrating Every day of our life Keeping us in tune With the will of God.

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The Haves and Have-Nots Play Review

by Bianca Woodard

I had the pleasure of seeing Tyler Perry’s new play entitled “The Haves and the Havenots” in Augusta on February 12th, 2012. The production was fabulous! The story touches family issues, financial issues, infidelity, reconciliation, father-son relationships, communication in marriage, trust and a host of other lessons. The is based around a family that is in financial trouble that is headed by the matriarch Grandma Hattie Mae, played by Patrice Lovely. Hattie Mae is a riot. Her daughter, son in law and grandchild live with her but their home is up for foreclosure. Her daughter Rose, played by Kislyck Halsey, works for a rich man who offers her husband Franco, played by Tony Hightower, a job as a gardener and electrician. Franco gets into trouble when he ignores the advances of his boss’ wife and listens to her venom causing him to loose trust in his own wife. The play is peppered with great musical numbers that will have you on the edge of bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

your seat but what would you expect from a Tyler Perry Production. Patrice Lovely has an amazing voice and it really shines through on “Jesus I Call Upon Your Name” when she is trying to get her life right. Halsey also has vocal chops and they are on display throughout the entire play. Her voice is sweet and soothing. Tony Hightower’s (Franco) voice is reminiscent of that good ole 90’s R&B. Jeffery Lewis (Wally) has vocal range that is ridiculous for a young man! He was awesome as well. Palmer Williams plays Floyd, a butler with a comedic streak that will have you crying laughing. He also does a musical number, “Watch Your Man” that is absolutely hilarious. The play was divided into two acts and kept my attention the entire time. Hats off to the pit and musicians. I thought it was a track because the music sounded so good. Great job to Elvin Ross, the composer for the play and Mark E. Swinton, the assistant director. You’ll enjoy this show so support it when it comes out on DVD! 5 Stars

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An Interview with Lejuene Thom Lejuene Thompson influenced a generation of singers seemingly without even knowing it. Most people are familiar with her work with Donald Lawrence and Tri-City Singers and others with her work as a solo artist. Others know her from her days with John P. Kee or even in the group, "The Promise" (we still sing "Praise Ye the Lord" at the church from that CD). However you know Lejuene, we all know that her vocal skill is beyond comparison. She's wowed listeners and kept us coming back for more. If you don't' believe me, watch clips of her on YouTube. You'll be amazed with her control and that signature growl riff! ' Lejuene has a new CD project on the horizon that is due in June 2012 entitled "The Evolution of Me". We caught up with Lejuene recently. Enjoy what she has to say!

"Then I was a little bit scared and then I was coming out of a group, Donald Lawrence and I sang with Tri-City and I sang with Pastor John P Kee so I was just a little scared. I'm not scared anymore. That's what this album is all about."- Lejuene Thompson Except from an interview at the Stellar Awards with Tekoa Gospel Music News

Bianca: Your new CD is called “The Evolution of Me”. Explain to our readers how you have evolved as an artists over the years and when will the CD be out? Lejuene: Wow. This is my third solo record and my second on a major label. Iʼve been with different groups- Donald Lawrence, John P. Kee and back in the 90ʼs a group called The Promise. On “The Evolution of Me”, I just tell people in a nutshell- I aint scared no more. Being a group, youʼre able to rely on whoeverʼs out front or whoever is to the left of you or the right of you. When youʼre alone, a lot of times everything is on you. All eyes are on you as well as everything else. I think for the most part of my musical journey, Iʼve been afraid. So now with enough trials and tribulations, hitting and missing, getting it right, getting it wrong, and getting it somewhere in between, right now Iʼm finally comfortable with who I am and who God has ordained me to be. Iʼm not afraid to say what he told me to say. Iʼm not afraid to sing it how he told me to sing it. Thatʼs how Iʼve evolved. When you finally find yourself when the dust settles and clears.. you find whatʼs left and thatʼs who you really are and thatʼs what “The Evolution of Me” is all about.

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mpson "The Evolution of Me"

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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An Interview with Lejuene Thom Bianca: When will the CD be out? Lejuene: In June Bianca: I heard in another interview that you wanted to minister to women who are unsure of themselves or unsure of who they are so can you elaborate on why you are so passionate about that? Lejuene: For me, itʼs been a life long battle dealing with fear and insecurity... not feeling like youʼre good enough and I was really touched by the remarks that Kevin Costner gave at Whitney Houstonʼs funeral when he said she always felt that way as well. I was like wow... so Iʼm not the only one. A lot of times we are unsure of ourselves and for me Iʼve battled with fear, depression, and all of that and a lot of times itʼs really a trick of the enemy to get you not to do what God has called you to do and a lot of women face that. Iʼve seen it in a lot of young girls. Iʼm currently working on a foundation for young girls and young women called Butterfly Girls. Itʼs to empower women... donʼt be afraid of who you are. A lot of times we will forfeit our destiny because we donʼt act upon what God has placed in us because weʼre afraid or we feel unsure or deal with the insecurity. Iʼm just glad I finally feel comfortable and can say God Iʼm going to do it like you said do it. Iʼm going to conquer this fear because God has not given us the spirit of fear and I know thatʼa trick of the enemy. So Iʼm passionate about that at this point because I know that what Iʼve had to battle. Bianca Your lead single is “Let God Do it”. What kind of feedback have you received from the single? Lejuene: It has been tremendous. I like talking to people so like in the grocery store or on my Facebook page Iʼve been getting a lot of inboxes with people saying “Iʼm been going through this and I was trying to figure it out or trying to do this on my own, but you know what Iʼm gonna let God do it”. Thatʼs exactly how the song was birthed. Itʼs a testimony of what my husband Cedric Thompson and I were going through. It was a cry of distress. I lost my father and he lost his grandmother who raised him and we were both Page 32

going through. It felt like a series of traumatic experiences so in him writing the song, we just had to realize that there was no amount of money that could fix what we were going through. Nothing could fix it but God and when you get to that point then nothing else can do it but God. You lift your hands and say God I have to turn this over to you and youʼre gonna have to do this for me. Bianca: The song is contemporary but it still has a traditional feel to it and OF COURSE, youʼre killin! So what are some of your favorite tracks that will be on the CD? You sang a piece of “I Donʼt Know How Heʼs Gone Do It” at the Stellar Awards, but do you have any others? Lejuene: Ultimately “Let God Do It” is my ultimate favorite because it summarizes where I am in my walk with him. I canʼt do anything in and of myself. Right now, Iʼm feeling a little piece.. Itʼs called “Rejoice” and you know what when you wake up every morning you have to forget about what happened on yesterday and focus on the brand new day that God has given you and start it with praise. This is the day the Lord has made so” “Rejoice” is my favorite for this week. Bianca: So you wrote on this CD. I read that was relatively new for you to do so how is it to hear what you were carrying around on the inside actually coming out on a CD? Lejuene: You know what...It was amazing. I have two mentors- Donald Lawrence being one of them and heʼs an amazing and phenomenal songwriter. He and Cedric both encourage me to write it... just tell the story. Thatʼs his motto- Tell the story. So to hear my story put to music and on radio or on CD... Iʼm like wow. Thatʼs my story. So to live through all of that and to be able to put pen to paper and get it out and then sing it out is absolutely phenomenal to me. Bianca: What do you want listeners to take away from the CD when they hear it? Lejuene: Hope. Faith. My whole journey is about faith. Faith is everything right now within the Christian walk. I often wonder how can I trust somebody Iʼve never seen yet I know heʼs there. I www.tekoagospelmusicnews.com


mpson "The Evolution of Me" know Heʼs able to do anything that I need him to do. Encouragement. Victory. You can overcome. A whole lot of stuff. I could go on. You can conquer fear. Be encouraged and those who donʼt know Him... Sheʼs so passionate about this, I might need to give Jesus Christ a try Bianca: So you work with your husband Cedric Thompson on the CD. How do you all vibe together in the studio when youʼre working on your music or whatʼs it like in the studio with you two? Lejuene: That is so funny because most people, when they work with us, wind up laughing because he makes me angry. We are what I call a real couple. Weʼve been married for 22 years. We have three sons and he does stuff that will make me so mad you know, but he knows which button to push to get what he needs out of me in the studio. So the bond is just incredible. Iʼm grateful to God that he placed us together not only as husband and wife but as a musical team. So he knows what to do to get a certain sound heʼs looking for out of me. A lot of times I wind up walking out of the studio slamming the door because heʼs getting on my nerves. Itʼs kinda funny. If the cameras were in there it would really be funny. Itʼs an amazing experience and Iʼm grateful. Heʼs taught me a whole lot and Iʼm grateful that heʼs lending his talents and putting his all into what iʼm trying to do as well.

and does not think of singing background beneath her or that it makes her less of an artist. She says that she is "grateful for the opportunity". She plans on touring to promote the CD and she will continue with her foundation. She also says that she loves eyelashes so she wants to start a line called Butterfly Lashes. Lejuene can be found at online in the following locations: www.lejuenethompson.com The official Lejuene Thompson on Facebook A message to the fans and listeners from Lejuene: Donʼt doubt what God has placed in you. A lot of times when God tells us something, everything thatʼs opposite of what he said will happen and thatʼs only to deter us from our promise, but just know that everything that God has spoken - He will perform it. When the opposition comes, youʼre closer to your promise. Donʼt doubt what God has promised you. Move towards that promise and do everything heʼs spoken in your life. Enjoy this video of Lejuene singing with John P. Kee: http://youtu.be/KzLXIcGlcO8

Bianca: So you son played the drums on one of your songs. Are there anymore singers or musicians in the family? Lejuene: Yes. My son Christopher is featured on a track “I Donʼt Know How” - Itʼs with Pastor John P. Kee and I. Christopher is featured on the background vocals. He is an amazing vocalist. I mean amazing.. Iʼm like wow- you just did that? And Iʼm hearing him walk around doing riffs and things and Iʼm like wait a minute... go back... do it again... let me hear it again. So heʼs amazing. Iʼm just proud of my sons Lejuene, in spite of the fact that she is a notable solo artist, still tours with Pastor John P. Kee. She regards every experience as a learning moment bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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New Gospel Music

Free Download saw Freddy Washington for the first time at the Bonnerfide Radio Anniversary party. He was putting his heart and soul into his ministry while singing in front of a crowd of people who weren't necessarily feeling what he was offering. His songs are heart felt and he is now offering a project "The Jesus Project" as a free download. I

Follow this link to download this special CD for FREE!

http://WWW.FREDDYWASHINGTON.COM/

Chicago is home to many gospel greats and gospel sounds from Vashawn Mitchell to Ricky Dillard & NG. The torch has been passed to a young man and young choir that is determined to continue the tradition of good gospel music. Pastor Charles Jenkins presents the Fellowship Chicago Live Choir, “The Best of Both Worlds”. This choir came out in full strength during the Stellar Awards Pre-Show and introduced the world to a new song entitled “Awesome”. To purchase the single and hear other songs from the project, click on this link:

http://fellowshipchicagomusic.com Page 34

www.tekoagospelmusicnews.com


New Gospel Music Tamela Mann has definitely been busy with a new cooking show, acting on “Meet the Browns” and just being a mother and wife. She was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in 2011 and won a Dove Award in 2011 for the Best Traditional Gospel Album. Tamela Mann has a new CD “Best Days” due out on June 5th, 2012

Chrystal Rucker, gospel artist and power soprano lead on Rickey Dillard's song "Keep Living", recently signed with Earnest Pugh's EPM label. She has a single that is due to hit radio in the next 3 weeks. Stay tuned as we find out more about the deal and her CD.

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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Mary Mary's Reality TV and New CD Mary Mary's Erica and TIna Campbell are giving their fans a window into their lives as gospel artists and real people with their reality show on WeTV on March 29th, 2012 at 10:00pm. The tag for the show is "Fame, Family, and Chaos... Can they get an Amen"? We recently found out that Tina Campbell is pregnant. Erica just had her baby. This is a recipe for a little business and family drama. Many ask if Mary Mary, as gospel artists, should even do a reality show. We'll find out soon enough. On March 12th, 2012, fans can enter a contest where they sing one of Mary Mary's songs "God In Me", "Shackles", or "Yesterday". The Video should be between 60-90 seconds and you'll need to log onto www.WeTV.com to enter. The WeTV viewers will vote and the winners will be selected by Mary Mary. There is a special grand prize. Fans can also view exclusive content and chat with Mary Mary by logging on to WeTV Synch during the show. The duo has also released their single, "Go Get It" in conjunction with their reality show. The CD is one of remixed and remastered Mary Mary tunes and will be available in May of 2012. Are they following the Music World Gospel method? We'll find out soon enough. Follow Mary Mary on any of the following social network sites to receive the latest updates and news on the duo : www.mary-mary.com www.ilovemarymary.com www.facebook.com/marymary www.twitter.com/therealmarymary www.ColumbiaRecords.com If you missed the show preview, click on this link or enter it in your computer's URL address bar: http:// tekoagospelmusicnews.com/?p=7015

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www.tekoagospelmusicnews.com


Don't miss the sold out concert event with Mandisa!

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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More New Gospel Music Bishop Iona Locke is the presiding prelate of Christ Centered Ministries. Her new CD was produced by Damien Sneed and double disc is available on I-tunes, Amazon, or CD Baby. To preview the CD follow this link: http:// tekoagospelmusicnews.com/?p=6946

Forever Jones is set to release a new CD. We fell in love with the Family Band when they released "He Wants It All". They won our hearts. Please stay tuned for more information on release dates.

Simply A Vessel Vol 3: Surrender All is Sean C. Johnson’s new project that also contains a dash of 70’s soul while continuing to capture the heart of worship! Simply A Vessel Vol 3: Surrender All will release this summer ... To read or to download a free single, more click on this link: http://tekoagospelmusicnews.com/? p=6779

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More New Gospel Music “One More Time” is one of the songs anchoring the solo CD debut, “Zacardi Cortez: The Introduction” (Black Smoke Media Worldwide), scheduled for release on May 22, 2012. To read more and to enjoy the single, click on this link: http://tekoagospelmusicnews.com/? p=6995

J Moss', gospel artist, songwriter, and part of the producing duo "PAJAM" is back with a new single entitled " Good &Bad". It is a beautifully classic J Moss ballad that speaks of God loving us through it all. To Preview and purchase the single as well as watch the making of the single, click on this link: http://tekoagospelmusicnews.com/?p=7025

The contemporary gospel quartet known as The Brown Boyz is back on the scene with their first new CD in three years, “Evolution”. The third album of their two-decade career is in stores now and the inspiring new single, “Better Dayz,” is currently #33 on the national gospel radio airplay charts and climbing. To read more Click on this link: http://tekoagospelmusicnews.com/?p=6954

bwoodard@tekoagospelmusicnews.com

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