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Houston’s Cheryl Fortune is stepping out with her single “Running to You.”  This track can be played while in worship or winding down a long day at work. Production on the song (Terence Vaughn) has a Brandy-new age kind of sound. It is not your usual boompty boompty gospel sound, it is very refreshing and current, a style that James Fortune & FIYA has mastered.

She is set to release a project soon.

Check out the song below and tell us what you think.

Houston gospel stars James & Cheryl Fortune graces the cover of Gospel Today Magazine this month. The Love issue of the magazine discusses their relationship amongst other things. James tells couples in the mag to “Let the Bible be the final authority. We don’t always agree on everything, so we have to let the Word of God be our standard in how we operate in marriage.”

Click here to read more and purchase an issue.

The Young Adult 11th Anniversary Celebration takes place April 12, 7pm at Fountain of Praise Church 13950 Hillcroft Avenue, Houston, TX 77085 with Marcus D. Wiley and James Fortune & FIYA. There is no admission charge.

<embed flashVars=”" src=”http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/8311429/it_could_be_worse.swf” width=”440″ height=”248″ wmode=”transparent” allowFullScreen=”true” allowScriptAccess=”always” name=”Metacafe_8311429″ pluginspage=”http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash”></embed><div style=”font-size:12px;”><a href=”http://www.metacafe.com/watch/8311429/it_could_be_worse/”>It Could Be Worse</a> – <a href=”http://www.metacafe.com/”>The funniest videos are a click away</a></div>

The annual BET Celebration of Gospel television special showcases some of the best in gospel music annually.  On April 1, 2012 at 8pm CST, the show will feature some of Houston’s best gospel artists.

Yolanda Adams, Le’Andria Johnson, Zacardi Cortez and James Fortune & FIYA will all perform during the show. It will also feature Houston native Jennifer Holliday. Steve Harvey is continuing his hosting duties this year.

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

James Fortune & FIYA is #1! Fortune began his own label, FIYA World, with this new release. Identity is the #1 selling album on both Billboard’s Gospel and Christian Charts  and #7 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart this week.

James Fortune & FIYA are among performers at this year’s Stellar Awards. Other performers include: Fred Hammond, Richard Smallwood & Vision, Rickey Dillard & New G, Earnest Pugh & more.

The show is hosted this year by Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp and taped before a live audience on Jan. 14, 2012.

It is scheduled to air in national syndication from Jan. 21, 2012 to Feb. 26, 2012 on the GMC cable network and local markets around the country. For more information about the 27th Annual Stellar Awards, visit www.thestellarawards.com.

Nikki Ross’ recording has been postponed. It was scheduled for Jan. 20, but it is being pushed back to a later date.

In spite of this news, Nikki Ross is featured on James Fortune’s new release Identity (To be released Jan. 17) and also on Micah Lee’s new single Conqueror. (Promo video above)