Marvin Sapp In 'Single Dad' Reality Show

Marvin Sapp, 45-year-old pastor and gospel singer, is reportedly getting ready to add reality television star to his job description.

Sapp and his three children will reportedly showcase the gospel singer being a full time single father, two years after his wife died from cancer, in the docu-series "Marvin Sapp: Single Dad."

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Matthew West Nominated for Primetime Emmy Award

Matthew West has beens nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Original Music and Lyrics for his song “The Heart of Christmas” from the film The Heart of Christmas.
 
The 64th Primetime Emmy® Awards
 program will air on September 23rd, live on ABC at 8e|5p. 
 
“I am honored to have had the chance to be a part of the movie The Heart of Christmas,” says West. “When I wrote the song, I never even imagined being recognized in this way, but I am thankful and hope this Emmy® nomination will shine a greater light on this little movie with a big heart.”
 
THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS movie inspired by GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter Matthew West’s viral holiday hit, "One Last Christmas," debuted on gmc (Gospel Music Channel) on Dec. 4, 2011, and was the highest-rated gmc world-premiere movie in the history of the cable channel

Israel Houghton Featured on ABC's The View

Four-time GRAMMY Award winner Israel Houghton appeared on ABC’s “The View” live yesterday as part of a The King’s Men tour group interview and performance.  In a television first, Israel, along with friends Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin and Marvin Sapp, performed a medley of their best-known songs on the same stage for the “The View” audience.  The appearance was in support of the national The King's Men tour launching Sept. 16 and produced by Live Nation Entertainment. The tour marks the first time these four GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar award-winning artists have toured together.

During the show, co-host Sherri Shepherd asks, “Israel, you have released 11 Christian music albums over 15 years - we sing a lot of your worship songs in church - and for the very first time you got a chance to record with your daughter Mariah.  How was that?”

Israel affirms that it was a special moment, recalling the recording of the song for his first live recording in five years with New Breed, Jesus At The Center, releasing Aug. 14.  “One of the songs we did was an old Bob Dylan song, ‘To Make You Feel My Love,’” says Israel.  “My daughter sang it with this purity – she’s 15-years-old, almost 16 – and it was amazing to look out and see 16,000 people all crying.”

To watch the whole interview and performances of ABC’s “The View” featuring “The King’s Men” and Jamie Grace, go to abc.com.

Girl Power! Five Women in Five Fields That Are Positive Role Models

GMC has a nice article highlighting five positive role models for modern girls.  The article features two musicians, a TV chef, an author and a model.

Aarti Sequeira of "Food Network Star" fame is showcased and the article notes she quoted scripture during the cooking competition.

Full article here.

Downhere No Longer

In a letter to their fans, Downhere shares:

It is with many memories and deep feelings that we relay to you the decision we have made over the course of the last year. January 1st 2013 will mark the end of our traveling ministry for the foreseeable future.

It has become very clear to us that this chapter of our journey, initiated by God, is drawing to a close. While we mourn the end of this season we also celebrate over a decade of ministry. It has been hard work and our families have paid a big price. The friends, songs, experiences, and lives changed as a result of hearing the truth of God's love have sustained us through many years and miles.

For those of you who know us well, you know that this is not a band break up. In fact, we are open to playing a select few shows or events in the future. After many years and miles spent together we have become a band of brothers who love each other dearly. There is not one single variable that has initiated this change; rather it would seem the same sovereign hand that has guided us together for this season is now leading us in different directions. We are grateful for the role you have played in our lives. Your encouragement and support over the years has carried us through thick and thin.

Despite their note that one factor hasn't led to this decision, one has to wonder if Marc's involvement with the Queen Extravaganza was a factor.  Regardless, it's a sad development.

Needtobreathe's Drummer Departs

Yesterday, Joe Stillwell, Needtobreathe's drummer for 13 years announced his decision to leave the band. A replacement drummer has yet to be announced. Stillwell wrote on the group's site:

To the NEEDTOBREATHE fans and family,

To begin, I want to offer my sincere thanks to all of you who have supported our band through the years. I’ve been bandmates and brothers with Bear, Bo and Seth for the last 13 years, and those years have provided some of the most special memories of my life.

I’ve always known that this band was my calling, but now I feel God calling me to make a change. I’m writing this to let all of you know that after much prayer and consideration, I’ve decided to leave the band. As you can imagine, this was the most difficult decision I’ve ever made, but I know 100% in my spirit that it is the right one. I will truly miss being a part of NEEDTOBREATHE, and am honored to have created great music with my friends for so long. I type these words with great appreciation for all that has come before this and great anticipation for what’s ahead.

Bear, Bo and Seth… I love you guys. You’re my brothers. I know that NEEDTOBREATHE will continue to make incredible music, and I will be eternally thankful for my part in this story.

With Love and Peace,
Joe Stillwell