MyHoustonGOSPEL.com

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

Much success!

B. McCoy

Twitter ME: @RightsChamp | Facebook ME: facebook.com/RightsChamp | Website ME: BMCCOY.ning.COM

The Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, TX has long had a reputation for having a good music ministry and legacy of fostering great artists. To celebrate this achievement, the church held a reunion concert that featured many of its past vocalists this weekend.

The night began with praise and worship led by Melanie Mitchell (Higher Dimension Church) and the praise team singing “Can’t Stop Praising His Name” and “The Latter Will Be Greater.” Mitchell’s powerhouse vocals roared across the capacity crowd. She served as praise & worship leader for the Fountain during the early 2000s.

Pastor Remus Wright took the stage and welcomed the audience with a gospelized version of the O’Jays’ “Family Reunion.”

Then,  a nameless female group took the stage. The group consisted of Liz Vaughn and Hope Luster to name a few, with a fiery rendition of the Clark Sisters’ legendary tune, “Living in Vain.” The set was so beastly (‘good,” for the slang challenged), the group went through the verses at least five times. For some reason at every concert, I sit by someone that is crazy. During this performance a woman began waving her hands so close to my face, I could smell the mayo from her roast beef sandwich.

I yet ignored it.

The Reunion Mass Choir’s set began with Rebecca Eaglin leading “Without God.” Gary Mayes joined the choir in a spirited version of Bishop Larry Trotter & Sweet Holy Spirit’s “Trouble Don’t Last Always.” Rodney Kennedy’s vocals soared on “Holy is the Lord.”

Micah Stampley joined the choir on “Lamb of God.“ James Fortune hyped the choir on “You’re Worthy to be Praised.” Stampley’s range was incredible on this song as he began a call and response with the choir on the song’s vamp. The Reunion Choir’s set completed with a well-anticipated praise break.

Kathy Taylor (Windsor Village UMC, where she serves as Min. of Music, is down the street and around the corner.) joined Pastor Wright on stage and was asked to sing, She began singing V. Michael McKay’s “Corinthian Song. “ As she was leaving the stage, she was encouraged to sing more and sang the end to “Oh How Precious.” Jesus! Jesus!

V. Michael McKay, Co-Pastor Mia Wright and Nikki Ross joined Pastor Wright on stage following the offering.

Nikki Ross offered a verse of Kirk Franklin’s “My Life is in Your Hands.”

Gary Mayes & Nu Era took the stage and sang an updated, hyped version of “Our God is an Awesome God.” They then showed their worship side with “We Worship” and ended with an upbeat/churchy “We made it!” Mayes was music director of Fountain during the early 2000s and featured the church’s young adult choir on his 2002 release, The N.E. X-perience Vol. 1.

Nakitta Clegg-Foxx took the stage following Mayes with Fountain’s “Cross” praise dancers. She is currently the church’s praise & worship director and also a member of the Grammy nominated Kurt Carr Singers. Her medley of songs showcased her jazz-inspired style. She began with Kirk Franklin’s “Love” then sent the crowd into worship blending in “Here I Am to Worship” and “More than Anything.”

People on my side of the building were waving and jumping as if they’d gotten their favorite present for Christmas during the skatting part of her performance.

Another crazy lady emerged. Someone in front of me began going in circles, showing her roll-on deodorant. lol I guess it’s okay to get crazy for Christ though. Praise him!

Micah Stampley began with his testimony of how the Wrights effected his career when he was hired as a worship leader for the church in 2001. This came after contacting former Fountain youth minister Brian Nelson (son of COGIC legend Bettye Nelson/Pastor of Jericho City COGIC) about job opportunities in Houston, during a homeless stage in his life.

Being connected to Fountain ultimately led to him taking part and winning a talent competition in 2004, held at the church that sent his career soaring and being signed a record deal with Dexterity/EMI Gospel. He has also been nominated for numerous Stellar Awards, gospel music’s highest honor. His set included “Great is thy Faithfulness” and the hit “Holiness,” which was introduced to Fountain before it was recorded and on the Billboard charts.

James Fortune took the stage with Nakitta Clegg-Foxx and sang “I Wouldn’t Know You Like I Do.”   Fortune’s wife, Cheryl offered a verse of  the hit song “You Survived,” which won a 2006 ASCAP Award for songwriting and was also produced by Fountain’s music director, Terrence Vaughn. They also sang “I’ll Trust You” and the hit “I Believe” with Shawn McLemore as guest vocalist. Fortune served as the first youth choir director for the Fountain during the late 90s.

The concert attendees included Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Ron Materre (GMWA) to name a few.

An event meant for just one church, turned into a celebration of how blessed Houston is to have such great talent.

If you missed this event; you missed a treat. YouTubers were shut down before the service began. There was an announcement to put all video devices away; but don’t be of dismay, Pastor Wright announced it will be broadcast later this year.

B. McCoy

Twitter ME: @RightsChamp | Facebook ME: facebook.com/RightsChamp | Website ME: BMCCOY.ning.COM

The Good Friday Concert featuring Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Jennifer Holiday and Beverly Crawford was held at Gethesame Baptist Church in the Pleasantville area of Houston, TX on…Good Friday. Every artist did a good job, along with Praise 92.1′s Nzinga, making sure the event flowed smoothly. Following Gethesame’s choir, Created for Purpose performed, which led into a praise break that I was unintentionally a part of. I looked up and there on the large screens was me. Hair everywhere. I hate when that happens. It’s the hair. It makes my shout look worse than it really is, so the camera goes straight to me and makes the praise break look better than it really is.  lol

I even saw Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee doing a praise jig.

A number of technical mishaps occured during the sets of Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Jennifer Holliday that didn’t hinder their performance much but allowed the live band to carry on with the music. It’s a must to have tracks as a touring artist but I believe performers know that audiences prefer a live band over tracks anyway. So, it actually added character and great improvisational moments to their performances that wouldn’t have happened had the tracks not committed suicide.

Rundown of performances:

Vanessa Bell’s “Prayer Still Works” and “Peace Be Still” were performed the best I’ve seen since attending her concerts the past few years. She was noticibly sleepy though. lol

Jennifer Holliday gave a Broadway-like performance with her classic “Heeeeeey” (I’m Telling You Im Not Going-ish) at the end of “This Day” that had the audience to their feet. She also performed “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

Beverly Crawford was very energetic despite learning of her brother in law’s death the same day. Standouts were “It’s About Time for a Miracle” and “For Who You Are (You Are Saviour You Are Lord).”

There was a VIP reception offered but the night was full of entertainment, for free (eventhough there was a freewill offering). If you missed this one, don’t miss the next one. Continue to support local gospel promoters (Michael Burns & Larry Smith) so they can continue to bring good, organized events to the city.

Some videos from the event are below, posted by WilbGr8.

  B. McCoy

Photo credit: Antoine Powell

Ringing in at just under 4 hours, the Houston Resurrection Concert was one to remember, packed full of talent. In case you missed the concert YouTube’s WilBGr8  posted videos from the concert. You may not be able to tell from the videos, but the room was at capacity and was burning with talent. An air conditioning failure had the crowd fanning but enjoying awesome music.

Ron Summers was the emcee for the event. Guests were Gail Stewart & Prayze Four, Lawrence Ingram and Ozen, Patrick D. Williams & Unity in Praise, Praire View A&M BSM Choir, Terrence Hartford & New Vision, Rhonda McLemore, Zacardi Cortez, Nakitta Clegg-Foxx and the headliner was Nikki Ross.

Check the videos out & let us know what you think in the comments.