While he sat and wondered why his mother liked being controlled by a man that wasn’t his daddy, he thought it must be true because Uncle Eric would come in scream at grandma steal her money and leave. Grandma would yell back a little but for the most part she allowed Uncle Eric to have his way, besides he only saw PaPa on occasion when he’d bring grandma some fresh greens from his garden, so the physically abusive pimp Melvin, the verbally abusive Uncle Eric and the inconsistent PaPa delivering greens was the male role models he saw….
**
Margaret is married to a man in the church, she first experienced her hurt when she planned a dinner for her and Allen to attend with other church members without his knowledge and he did not want to attend, he went anyway to save face because Margaret had already voiced that she would just go with out him, but as he would always say “how would that look, image is everything” so he mustered up a smile and went. On the ride home Margaret began to voice how quiet and disconnected he was at dinner at that wasn’t his norm, she said “And don’t go blaming me when your fan club knows that you didn’t wanna be there because it was written all over your face” she sang like the old school radio hit… A short pause and she gently spake “babe” with a soft tone underlined with a faint giggle. Her next motion was her head against the passenger window… As she panted and yelled in disbelief more so shocked than in pain..she heard Allens’ frustrated baritone voice, it was calm, cold and direct,…”if you ever taunt me again in your life, it will be the last day of your life…you decide”…
Have you ever loved someone that hurt you over and over again? Share your comments below.
The Houston Mass Choir is releasing a new CD, it features music by Ronald J. Materre, Shawn Mclemore, Chester D.T. Baldwin, Mark Taylor, Dr. Theola Booker, Bruce Linscomb, Rayshod Caldwell, Dr. Wilma Bivens, Donna Gaston, Treva Jones, Vicki Bright, Dr. William Barks-Dale, Anthony McBeth, Michael Green, Richard Chance, Gwen Price, Pastor Keion Henderson, Tramaine Hawkins, Chris Murray and Patrick D. Williams!
Yes, that was a mouthful. We are featuring 3 of the lead singles from the project. It’s produced by Walking By Faith Ministries. Now, listen, enjoy and leave a Facebook comment below.
Track 1: In Times Like These, Written/Arranged by Patrick Williams
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Track 2: Great Is The Lord, Written by Chris Murray Lead: Chester D. T. Baldwin
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Track 3: Praise the Lord, Written by Anthony McBeth Lead: Shawn McClemore
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James Fortune began his music ministry in Houston, TX, the Rocket City. This may be the name of the city of his birth, but it took years to get Fortune to the place of owning his own record label and recording with gospel music’s greatest artists. His work in the music department at Fountain of Praise (South Post Oak Baptist) and Higher Dimension Church in Houston prepared him for what was to come. He left Higher D to concentrate on his music career full-time in 2010.
His single “You Survived” was released in 2004. This song is what began dominance of radio throughout the following years. It was followed in 2008 by “I’ll Trust You,” a song that won ASCAP Writers Award. In 2010, “I Believe” secured their star status in gospel music. It garnered one Soul Train Music Award nomination and three Stellar Award nominations. Stepping out on faith in 2011, he set to release “Identity” on his own label “FIYA World Music.”
All of this led to the album release at his stomping ground, Higher Dimension Church in Houston, Texas. James Fortune & FIYA has held a series of album release concerts around the country to promote “Identity,” which debuted nationally Jan. 17.
The concert in Houston began with praise & worship by Higher D’s praise team. The team led songs that everyone knew but me. LOL I was with a fellow Higher D member though. She knew every move and every word to every song. I just clapped and smiled. Following praise & worship, an offering was led by Pastor Terrence Johnson, who also looks like he should be an actor on General Hospital or something. lol
Before the concert, we were hoping to get an interview, but could not. My TV news teaching almost came out and I was about to run up to James Fortune (with mic in hand) when I saw him in a back room, but I complied. LOL The staff at the church was very nice and accommodating though.
Then, James Fortune & FIYA came forth with a concert in their home town. Everyone seemed genuinely excited. Cheryl Fortune’s voice began the concert and led the crowd into worship. The song “Never Again’s” steady groove had the audience on their feet as FIYA moved energetically during their performance. The band was astounding. As they began their different “changes” and chords, music buffs were jumping up and down, excited about the skillfulness of its members.
“Identity” had the crowd in worship as the group began exclaiming, “Lord please search me again!” “With You” continued the worship moment and spoke to the hearts of the concert’s visitors.
A high moment during the concert was when LeAndria Johnson and Zacardi Cortez took to the stage to perform “It Could Be Worse.” Her voice skyrocketed while Zacardi’s preachy voice complemented the song and led people into deeper praise. Last year’s hit song, “I Believe” was sang to take the crowd home. They left us wanting more! I guess that’s how you are suppose to leave your crowd!
Nikki Ross was spotted at the concert, as well as the Walls Group and Terence Vaughn. I was hoping that a Houston pass the mic moment would’ve taken place, but to my chagrin that took place in the VIP room following the concert. Not really, but that video is below.
The concert was packed. That meant, “please get to the nearest exit” for me. I don’t like large crowds. lol
The concert was a testament to the great talent in Houston, TX and to the persistence of one of Houston’s own, MR. JAMES FORTUNE & FIYA.
I also want to try out for FIYA, but I can’t do all of those runs and things. LOL
The Houston Mass Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America made their way to Good Hope Baptist Church on Friday night to record their album, marking a new Houston Mass sound. The event was produced by Walking By Faith Ministries.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by ushers and promotional tables that were a great compliment to the event.
After praise and worship, the choir was brought to the stage adorned in black and red.
The first selection was “So Good,” a mainstay in the choir’s repertoire. Michael Green sang and directed the next song with a free flowing, “Take Off Your Shoes” that had the spirit of Walter Hawkins’ “Right & Good.” Mark Taylor, Abundant Life Church’s Music Director led the song “Reverence.”
The most powerful point of the concert came during the performance of Dr. Theola Booker’s “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Tramaine L. Hawkins led this arrangement into a worship-filled atmosphere. The choir went into a reprise of the song and ushered the people into worship, Dr. Theola Booker was guided off the pulpit in praise.
It personally took everything in me not to jump off the balcony (I was sitting on the very top against the wall). I wanted to skydive off the balcony on the floor below.
Bruce Linscomb’s “Magnify Him” was a good tune after the praise break to get the choir back together after rearranging some of their outfits during the praise break.
Chester D.T. Baldwin, a staple in gospel music was featured on the uptempo selection, “Great is the Lord.” Baldwin’s experience in working the crowd made the song very energetic, although a more churchy tune would have likely been even better. His traditional voice is missed in gospel music and his recording is not set to be held until 2012 or later, so a traditional recording with his voice would’ve probably set radio on fire.
This song would’ve been taken to another level with Houston’s Daniel Johnson or Cedric Ballard.
The next song, “In Times Like These” was a great addition to the project’s track listing. It showed that the choir could hang with Ricky Dillard & New G and other choirs that specialize in extremely high notes and vibrato. The song is reminiscent of Wilmington-Chester during their heyday.
The song, “If God Had Not Kept Me” is a good church song, written by William Barksdale. The powerful vocalist Wilma Bivens led this Sunday morning worship song. Chester Baldwin would’ve been a great addition to this song. His hit songs during the 90s sounded just like this and are still sang to this day. Can somebody get us a studio version of this song with his voice to go? Ha.
Upon a break, a GMWA nurse was spotted in the hallway. We tried to get a photo but she ran away. LOL Shawn McLemore took the stage and led Anthony McBeth’s uptempo tune, “Praise the Lord.” On this song, the choir had an even fuller sound. McBeth’s vocals were a great addition to the song with his powerful delivery.
Then, Rayshod Caldwell directed his tune. It is the official footstomper of the recording. It will surely be on church concert song lists when the recording is released.
A standout from the recording was Richard Chance’s “He Promised,” led by Treva Jones. It had an east coast flavor to it and had the choir and audience in a groove. Jones’ voice was a perfect fit for this song.
Donna Gaston’s “Lord I Give You Praise” was another entry into worship at the event. Gwen Harris led this tune. It would’ve been a great fit on “Youth for Christ’s” album that made “The Struggle is Over” famous.
After a brief exhortation, Lecresia Campbell improvised a verse from the song and took it even higher. Her part wasn’t recorded, but a reprise featuring her would’ve complimented the song, like Kim Burrell’s reprise of “Jesus Paid it All” did on Ricky Dillard’s “Worked it Out” project.
Ron Materre’s “For All You’ve Done,” led by Eleanor Murray and Helen Wright, was a perfect ending to the recording. It will remind you of those majestic GMWA recordings of the 1990s (Live in L.A., When I Get Home). With strings added to this song, it will be one of the better recordings.
The band was tight and didn’t confuse me with random chords and tracks that conflicted with the line of the song. Kudos to the band. There was also no major sound issues. Good Hope is one of the best venues for live recordings and concerts. It’s awesome to have a church locally that invests into it’s media arts ministry.
Some stand outs were (Judging from songs that I could hear on the radio, be sold as a single, for creativity and vocal performance): In Times Like These, He Promised, For All You’ve Done.
Hopefully, the production of the recording won’t take away the live element. There were many moments caught that can not be studio produced.
Also, hopefully the live choir sound will be maintained.
Soap box: Too many times there are choir recordings but when it gets to the shelves, it sounds like a praise team singing, when there are 75-plus members in the choir. Top choirs have maintained a mass sound and still been successful, such as Potter’s House, Mississippi Mass, Chicago Mass, Georgia Mass. The sound of the mass choir is dying and needs to be maintained for our future gospel singers.
This project is a monument to the hard work that the Houston GMWA has put into the choir over the past decade. It also shows that the GMWA is still supporting and producing the next big thing in gospel music. This project is surely something to look forward to.
Nakitta Foxx talks about stepping out “on her own,” releasing debut project
An interview with: Justin Sneed
In the city of Houston, good singers come a dime a dozen. In fact, the list of people who can’t sing is probably shorter than the list of those that can. With so many talented singers in the area, you would think it would be hard for artists to stand out and make a name for themselves. For Nakitta Foxx, that has not been the case at all.
God has carefully planted each step for her to follow, from singing with The Arkansas Fellowship Mass Choir, to her days with Gary Mayes and Nu Era, to currently serving as praise and worship leader at Houston’s Fountain of Praise Church and being a member of one of the biggest groups in gospel, the Kurt Carr Singers.
Nakitta is on the move, and this time, it’s on her own. For years, fans have been patiently waiting for her to release a solo project. Well, the time has finally come. Nakitta will be releasing her debut album “Let Us Worship” on Nov. 1, 2011. With only a few days away from its release, I had the privilege to be able to interview her about the project and what God is doing in her life.
She admitted to me that she was nervous. I wondered how one could be so nervous with the kind of gift that she possesses. A gift that she first knew she had when singing as a young girl in the church choir in Prattsville, Arkansas. “I was 11 years old, and my church choir was getting ready for a big musical. The soloist who normally leads “There Is No Way” was unable to sing. I was asked to lead it, and there I was this little girl singing a big song like that, and I wasn’t singing with the kids choir either, I was singing with the adults. I remember how amazed everyone was. I didn’t really take it seriously until I became an adult, but I’d have to say I realized at about age 11 that I had a gift.”
Years later, she moved to Houston, TX to attend college. It was in Houston where things really started happening. She developed her gift of singing in the Prairie View A&M BSM Choir and in the gospel group Gary Mayes and Nu Era. For the past several years she has been the praise & worship leader at the Fountain of Praise as well as a member of the Kurt Carr Singers. From those two experiences, she learned a lot of valuable lessons; one in particular had to do with taking care of her instrument. “You know I definitely learned to take care of my voice. I mean Kurt has us singing in the rafters (she laughs). And with me being a praise and worship leader, not only do I sing three services on Sunday but also for Wednesday night bible study as well. So in serving in those roles, I learned the value of having vocal rest, what to do and what not to do so that my voice is capable of doing what it needs to do when the time comes.”
A praise and worship leader and Kurt Carr singer are just two of the roles, Nakitta holds, she is also a wife and mother (you can hear baby Aimee in the background). She says it is definitely hard to balance all of these roles. “I’m not going to lie, there are definitely times when I want to say no to everybody . But as soon as I get to that point, God renews my strength and gives me the strength to keep going.”
Nakitta is now adding on one more title to her busy life and that is a solo artist with her debut project “Let us Worship”. She felt as if she had more to share and wasn’t able to do that in her current situation. “God spoke to me that it was time I go forth with my ministry so that nations could see the works that God has done with me”. Nakitta wrote nine out of the eleven songs on the project and worked with producers Terence Vaughn (James Fortune and FIYA), Corey Washington and Chris Walker.
When asked if there was a particular song that meant the most to her, she answered “More of You.” “The song speaks the most to me because I definitely want more of Jesus. I only want to hear his voice for direction. I just truly want more. But you know what I noticed, people like all the vocal tricks and everything but the most important thing they want is the word. They want more of him. People are thirsty for the word and they want an artist to actually minister to them.”
Nakitta made it very clear to me that the recording process was not easy. “One thing that I learned during this process is how to be patient. There were times when I would be in the studio waiting all by myself (laughing). I also had to be patient because there were a lot of pushbacks for the project as well. I learned that God is faithful. God has been faithful to me with this project.”
When asked what the Houston gospel music community means to her she replied. “Wow, living in Houston has definitely been a blessing. There is so much talent here, it’s ridiculous. There are singers here that the world doesn’t even know about who are up and coming and just incredible. I’m just amazed at the incredible singers here, from the choirs, to the groups, to the solo artists. God is doing something special in Houston and I’m blessed to be a part of it.”
God is definitely doing something special with Nakitta Foxx. It’s been a long time coming for her and her fans but like Nakitta learned, patience is often a good thing, with this project being a sure testimony to that. If there is one thing that is true about Nakitta, it is that she not only accepts every new role that God places in her life, she fulfills it with a quality of excellence. “Let Us Worship” is no different, and will only serve as another stepping stone to the great path that God has placed before her.
“Let us Worship” is available Nov. 1 on Amazon.com, CDBaby, iTunes and www.nakittafoxx.com.
Gospel legend Andrae’ Crouch’s latest project, The Journey has gained a large amount of buzz the past few months. There are two Houston-based artists that contributed to the project. The song, ”Jesus Came Into My Life,” with Daniel Johnson is a standout on the masterpiece-filled project. His voice is the perfect match for the jazzy track. Also, Kim Burrell appears with Take 6 on the song “Faith.” The album is perfect for a gospel music connoisseur or someone that needs to hear fresh gospel music.
Houston’s Music World Gospel recording artist, Le’Andria Johnson, is being well received in her debut. With the release of her first album, “The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson,” the singer won over a slew of new fans, toping the Billboard Top Gospel Album chart.
“We are profoundly thankful for the initial success of Le’Andria’s debut project,” said Mathew Knowles, founder, president and CEO of Music World Entertainment. “It shows the power of partnership between music labels and TV, when it is the right brand. We look forward to working with future ‘Sunday Best’ winners and contestants.
The feedback from retail has been extremely positive. And the reaction of the music-buying public is very encouraging. Le’Andria will have a worldwide platform to bring her music and her message to audiences near and far, and we believe she will continue to grow her fan base that she developed on ‘Sunday Best.’”
After being out of the national spotlight for over a year, Le’Andria states “It feels good. To God be the glory.”
This song, released on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show by James Fortune, is a powerful tune that doesn’t stray from James Fortune & FIYA’s perfect formula for an inspirational gospel hit. “Still Able” provides inspiration for those hurt, abused, worried and depressed. Fortune is genius in penning these songs. He won an ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) award for his previous hits.
Listen to the single below & click here to purchase on ITunes.
Since turning 21 6 years ago last year, I have been a part of 10 groups/choirs. Yes, I have been in 10 groups or choirs. In every choir or group I was a part of, I was caught off guard by random songs that would’ve had me looking like scoop ball the fool had I not listened to gospel music during my personal time. I have compiled this list of must-know choir songs to prepare the novice choir member for their years of service. I tried to make this a top ten, but they aren’t necessarily ranked after #5.
Well, here are the top 10 songs a choir member should know.
1. Total Praise
This song, penned by Richard Smallwood, is the top choir song to know. It may be pulled out during any service, at any church, on any given Sunday; so be prepared. It seems as if everyone is taught the parts of the verse differently, but that “You are the source of my strength” may land in any medley of songs.
2. How Excellent (Perfect Praise)
This song, made popular by the Walt Whitman & Soul Children of Chicago and Lecresia Campbell, may have been one of the first songs you were taught in the youth choir. It will carry you all the way into adulthood. The “In all the earth” line may be a part of a random medley also. The “In all the earth” line is also a test of how powerful your tenor section is. lol
3. We Offer Praise
This song, written by Ricky Minor and made popular by Rodney Bryant and the CCMC, is a “choir out” song. “Choir out” means it is a song that can get a choir director out of a Sunday of bad music ministry. It works almost every time, usually because people think about what they did before coming to church. If you sing this song, the songs that were rehearsed may not be working during service. That last inversion may leave chairs scattered around the room and people screaming, so move out of the way.
4. Amazing Grace
This is an old standard that transcends denominational and generational lines. This can be sang as a preparation hymn or during devotion at church. When it gets to the 2nd and 3rd verses just humm along, no one will know you don’t know the words, they don’t either.
5. Order My Steps
This is a song that is mainly carried by the lead singer, but the choir also plays an important role. We all wait in anticipation for two points during this song, the first is “Bridle my tongue.” When the lead sings this you want to stand to your feet and say “Yaaaaaaaaas!” The 2nd point is during the last part of the song when the note is held, “In yooooooooooooour.” lol This song is usually led by the sister or brother that “went to school” to sing or wanted to go to school to sing but got a job at the Post Office and dropped out. lol
6. Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross
This hymn was revamped by Mississippi Mass Choir and hasn’t been sang the same ever since. It can be a bore or high spirited during communion depending on the version sang. It is usually congregational, but you should still know it to keep the legacy of congregational music going.
7. More Abundantly (The end of it)
A hyped choir director may pull the ending of this song out at any moment. Ricky Dillard set a standard in gospel music with this recording. Now choir directors will change the words to this portion of the song to fit whatever song you’re singing and bend all the way back to the ground, meanwhile you’re off-beat trying to watch his/her hands about to pass out.
8. Available to You
This song will be on another list of songs later on called “Songs choirs are most likely to mess up.” This is a must-know for a choir member. The verses are kind of confusing though. The “Ahh Ahhh Ahh” part at the end usually sounds a mess if you don’t rehearse. Lol It sounds easier than what it is.
9. All In His Hands
A song that will at least get half of the church to stand and praise is this one. Even the most anti-participating churchgoer will feel this churchy tune, but many musicians mess up the drive of the song. You have to push that thang and be in the pocket on that thang!! Lol One of the best versions of the song is by the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer.
10. Just Want to Praise You Forever
This is one of those songs you can begin almost any service with. It was made popular within the past 10 years. You can sing along and clap like you are at a non-denominational church with flags, video screens, smiling ushers, a step team and dancers, even if you are at Mt. NoNo where the pastor won’t let you cushion the pews.
Honorable mentions: (This is cheating, I know.):
Pentecostal Medley (Bless that Wonderful Name of Jesus, I Love to Praise Him, Can‘t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus)-This is an old standard used for praise and worship at more traditional churches. You may get any random song during this medley, so be prepared for call & response.
God Is-This James Cleveland classic is a must-know. A heavy-set lady named Gwen, Pam or Val usually leads this song.
Let Everything that have Breath (Psalm 150)-I believe it’s an unwritten COGIC rule that you must sing this once in a mass choir that consists of 8 year olds to 79 year olds. You know, the classic COGIC Mass Choir; little kids on the front row, elder members on the middle row, tall teenagers on the back row, no matter what part you sing. lol
The Walls Group has been getting millions of views online singing some of gospel’s greatest hits. Their cover of the Clark Sisters’ Blessed & Highly Favored now has over 300,000 views on YouTube and their other videos have tens of thousands of views.
The popular group is now taking on the music scene themselves with their single Mighty You Are. The song capitalizes on their ability to sing in perfect harmony, something that can be realized in a special way when singing with family (Ex. Clark Sisters, Winans). The song is produced by Levi “Too” King for Me Too Music and written by Alicia M. Walls.
Darrel, Rhea, Paco, and Ahjah are all young, fresh singers that need the support of the industry so we can secure a legacy for our next generation of great gospel singers.
I remember seeing them at more than one event in Houston when the sound system went haywire, they were able to sing acapella and the crowd went into praise and worship each time. They also have a supportive family, you will see parents Roger and Alicia Walls at their events making sure they are being treated fairly.
They are worth supporting and the single is worth the purchase. It will be available on Amazon Mp3, TuneCore and ITunes on August 8th. The pre-release of the single is available on their website thewallsgroup.org.
![.:Reading Party:. When Loving You Is Killing Me…. [Read now!]](http://myhoustongospel.com/wp-content/themes/gazette/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2012/04/whenlovingyouiskillingmebanner.png&w=100&h=57&zc=1&q=90)
While he sat and wondered why his mother liked being controlled by a man that wasn’t his daddy, he thought it must be true because Uncle Eric would come in scream at grandma steal her money and leave. Grandma would yell back a little but for the most part she allowed Uncle Eric to have his way, besides he only saw PaPa on occasion when he’d bring grandma some fresh greens from his garden, so the physically abusive pimp Melvin, the verbally abusive Uncle Eric and the inconsistent PaPa delivering greens was the male role models he saw….
