In spite of the recent controversy surrounding "Duck Dynasty's" Phil Robertson, books written by four members of the Robertson family have continued to rise in sales during the holiday season.
A book poll from USA Today finds that Phil Robertson's memoir Happy Happy Happy jumped from No. 56 to No. 46 last week, making its way into the media outlet's "Top 50" bestselling titles of the week ending on Dec. 22. Additionally, "Duck Dynasty" co-star Miss Kay's cookbook, Miss Kay's Duck Commander Kitchen, jumped from No. 30 to No. 19, while Pastor Alan Robertson's The Duck Commander Devotional now sits at No. 23, up from No. 35. Lastly, Si-cology, written by the reality show's zany uncle Si Robertson, is at No. 28 from No. 33.
In addition to heightened book sales, Billboard reported last week that Robertson family's Christmas album, "Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas," was on track to sell 125,000 copies in the week ending on Dec. 22. The album, which features cameos from famous country musicians like George Strait, has sold a total of 575,000 copies since it was released in late October.
Chris Stone, founder of Faith Driven Consumer, an organization that connects Christian consumers with faith-compatible companies, told The Hollywood Reporter that the recent controversy surrounding Phil Robertson and his comments on homosexuality could actually result in a rise in sales for the "Duck Dynasty" brand.
"In this case those that like Phil or like Duck Dynasty specifically would be more inclined to engage with the brand because they identify with it," Stone told the media outlet. Faith Driven Consumer led a popular online petition, "I Stand with Phil," to show their solidarity and support for Phil Robertson.
Stone compared Robertson's current controversy to the previous controversy involving fast food chain restaurant Chick-fil-A, which was boycotted by thousands of Americans in August 2012 after the chain's President Dan Cathy answered a question posed to him on same-sex marriage by giving a biblical opinion that marriage was the union between one man and one woman.
"There was a tremendous outpouring of support for [Chick-fil-A]," Stone said, adding, "if a brand is aligned with them or compatible with them, they certainly would increase their shopping."
However, despite the backlash Robertson received from gay activist groups, that criticism was dwarfed by the immense amount of support from politicians, religious leaders, Christian leaders and free speech advocates. Hundreds of thousands signed online petitions calling for Phil to be reinstated, with many saying they would boycott A&E altogether in protest at the network's actions.
The Robertson family also issued a statement saying that although some of the comments Phil made were "coarse," they ultimately stood behind the family patriarch's comments that homosexuality was a sin, and they questioned whether the other family members could proceed with the show without Phil by their side.
"Duck Dynasty" has proven to be a major ratings booster for the A&E network, wrangling over 10 million viewers in some episodes.
Companies that carry the "Duck Dynasty" and Duck Commander brands, including WalMart, Under Armour, and Target, have remained relatively silent on the recent Robertson controversy and have continued to sell the show's merchandise. The restaurant chain Cracker Barrel temporarily pulled some "Duck Dynasty" merchandise from the shelves of its stores, only to quickly apologize and restore the goods after a mass backlash from customers at the move.
The A&E network also caved in, and just nine days after "indefinitely suspending" Phil Robertson, the network announced on Dec. 27 that it would be reinstating him to the "Duck Dynasty" reality show when filming resumes in spring. The statement read, in part: "[...] after discussions with the Robertson family, as well as consulting with numerous advocacy groups, A&E has decided to resume filming 'Duck Dynasty' later this spring with the entire Robertson family."
Read full article
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Phil Robertson Suspended From Duck Dynasty Over Christian Beliefs
Phil Robertson has lost his place at the head of the Duck Dynasty table for the forseeable future.
The Robertson family patriarch has been suspended from their hit reality show in light of remarks he made in an interview with GQ, released yesterday, in which he grouped homosexuality in with bestiality as deviant behavior.
"We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson's comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely," A+E Networks said in a statement.
"Everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong," Phil told GQ. "Sin becomes fine."
"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men," he continued, going on to paraphrase Corinthians, from the New Testament.
Phil's son Jep Robertson also told the men's mag: "We're not quite as outspoken as my dad, but I'm definitely in line. If somebody asks, I tell 'em what the Bible says."
GLAAD issued a response to the article, saying, "Phil's lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe."
Pre-suspension, but in response to the backlash over his remarks, Phil issued the following statement:
Though much of the appeal of the show — which drew a network record 11.8 million viewers for its fourth season premiere — surrounds their goofy antics, the Robertsons have been up front about using their fame as a soapbox for their religious beliefs and political conservatism.
The family hit the Christian speaking circuit over the summer. Evangelist Rick Warren's church even hosted a "Ducky Dynasty" day in July. Willie Robertson also revealed on Fox News a month later that GOP leaders had been courting him for a political run, based on the clan's emphasis on family values.
"We're Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television," Phil Robertson told GQ.
Palin came to Robertson's defense Wednesday, posting a photo of herself with the 'Duck Dynasty' crew on Facebook.
"Free speech is an endangered species," Palin captioned the picture. "Those 'intolerants' hatin’ and taking on the Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us."
Duck Dynasty's fifth season is currently set to premiere on Jan. 15.
Time has a good article.
The Robertson family patriarch has been suspended from their hit reality show in light of remarks he made in an interview with GQ, released yesterday, in which he grouped homosexuality in with bestiality as deviant behavior.
"We are extremely disappointed to have read Phil Robertson's comments in GQ, which are based on his own personal beliefs and are not reflected in the series Duck Dynasty. His personal views in no way reflect those of A+E Networks, who have always been strong supporters and champions of the LGBT community. The network has placed Phil under hiatus from filming indefinitely," A+E Networks said in a statement.
"Everything is blurred on what's right and what's wrong," Phil told GQ. "Sin becomes fine."
"Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men," he continued, going on to paraphrase Corinthians, from the New Testament.
Phil's son Jep Robertson also told the men's mag: "We're not quite as outspoken as my dad, but I'm definitely in line. If somebody asks, I tell 'em what the Bible says."
GLAAD issued a response to the article, saying, "Phil's lies about an entire community fly in the face of what true Christians believe."
Pre-suspension, but in response to the backlash over his remarks, Phil issued the following statement:
"I myself am a product of the '60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together. However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other."The Robertson clan, which includes Phil's brother, Si, and sons, Willie, Jase and Jep, has been enjoying the spotlight since the unlikely success of the A&E reality series about their duck call business.
Though much of the appeal of the show — which drew a network record 11.8 million viewers for its fourth season premiere — surrounds their goofy antics, the Robertsons have been up front about using their fame as a soapbox for their religious beliefs and political conservatism.
The family hit the Christian speaking circuit over the summer. Evangelist Rick Warren's church even hosted a "Ducky Dynasty" day in July. Willie Robertson also revealed on Fox News a month later that GOP leaders had been courting him for a political run, based on the clan's emphasis on family values.
"We're Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television," Phil Robertson told GQ.
Palin came to Robertson's defense Wednesday, posting a photo of herself with the 'Duck Dynasty' crew on Facebook.
"Free speech is an endangered species," Palin captioned the picture. "Those 'intolerants' hatin’ and taking on the Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us."
Duck Dynasty's fifth season is currently set to premiere on Jan. 15.
Time has a good article.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Natalie Grant to Host Christian Dating Show 'It Takes a Church'
Natalie Grant will be the host of new Christian themed dating show
called, "It Takes A Church," which will air on GSN. The show will revolve around the members of a church going
on a mission to find love for "one lucky, single, parishioner ...
without his or her knowledge."
"Church has always played such a vital role in my life, and I'm really excited to watch these congregations help their fellow parishioners find love!" Grant said.
Every week "It Takes a Church" will visit a new congregation from across the country to inform a single person that they will be getting help in the dating world. The pastor of the church will then inform his congregation of the task at hand, and they will go out and try to find the best possible match for the single.
At the end of the show, the contestant will pick which date they would like to accept, and the winning matchmaker will get a donation to their church.
"IT TAKES A CHURCH is truly a competition show with heart, in every sense of the word," said Amy Introcaso-Davis, GSN's EVP Programming. "With the breakout success of our original series 'The American Bible Challenge,' we have learned that audiences are clamoring to see people following their faith and creating positive change in the world-and if there's a little romance involved, what could be better than that?"
"Church has always played such a vital role in my life, and I'm really excited to watch these congregations help their fellow parishioners find love!" Grant said.
Every week "It Takes a Church" will visit a new congregation from across the country to inform a single person that they will be getting help in the dating world. The pastor of the church will then inform his congregation of the task at hand, and they will go out and try to find the best possible match for the single.
At the end of the show, the contestant will pick which date they would like to accept, and the winning matchmaker will get a donation to their church.
"IT TAKES A CHURCH is truly a competition show with heart, in every sense of the word," said Amy Introcaso-Davis, GSN's EVP Programming. "With the breakout success of our original series 'The American Bible Challenge,' we have learned that audiences are clamoring to see people following their faith and creating positive change in the world-and if there's a little romance involved, what could be better than that?"
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Timbaland Apologizes to Jay Z; Says 'God Did a Lot of Work on Me'
Famed music producer Timbaland, known for being at the top of the music world a few years ago for his collaborations with Madonna, Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado and others, recently revealed that he apologized to rapper Jay Z for their falling out, which ended after God changed him.
"I'm very religious so I'm gonna put it in this terms, God done work on me," said Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosley, reports The New York Times. "That's the best way I can put it. God did a lot of work on me, and when I looked in the mirror I saw a different person. I did some changing, and the first person I apologized to was Jay."
According to an interview with Revolt TV, Jay Z said their music and personal relationship became strained after his "Blueprint 3" album was released in 2009.
"The fall out happened after that album. A couple songs were getting leaked and that whole thing ruined the whole process," said Jay Z. "Kanye, who was the executive producer of Blueprint 3 said, 'let's bring Tim' and we were all inviting to him and he just wasn't accepting of that process."
At the time, Mosely repeatedly turned down recording sessions for the album. However, the tracks that he did work on got leaked, which Jay Z did not take well as he is known for being meticulous about his music's release.
"It was over petty stuff, disagreements. It wasn't industry related, it was personal and I was wrong," admitted Mosley to Revolt TV.
Now, he admits insecurity played a part in his actions that led to the fall out with the rap mogul and adds that he regrets that period of his life.
"I was feeling myself a little too much," said Mosley, to the Times. "When you from the streets, you just don't want to get close to people. You're in a different world that you just aren't used to. Like, 'I'm cool, get away from me.' "
As part of his apology, Mosely also recorded a song titled 'Sorry' featuring singer Keri Hilson, directed towards Jay Z in which he asks him for forgiveness. After the song's release, which came along with a new "mature and grown" Mosley, as Jay Z puts it, the two ended their feud.
Now, they are both amicable and Mosley is back collaborating with Jay Z as he recently did on the rapper's latest "Magna Carta Holy Grail" album.
For Mosley, a second wave of high profile recognition has come after staying under the radar for a few years following the sky-rocketing success of chart-topping tracks with A-list artists. For a while he went from working with everyone to no one.
"I'm very religious so I'm gonna put it in this terms, God done work on me," said Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosley, reports The New York Times. "That's the best way I can put it. God did a lot of work on me, and when I looked in the mirror I saw a different person. I did some changing, and the first person I apologized to was Jay."
According to an interview with Revolt TV, Jay Z said their music and personal relationship became strained after his "Blueprint 3" album was released in 2009.
"The fall out happened after that album. A couple songs were getting leaked and that whole thing ruined the whole process," said Jay Z. "Kanye, who was the executive producer of Blueprint 3 said, 'let's bring Tim' and we were all inviting to him and he just wasn't accepting of that process."
At the time, Mosely repeatedly turned down recording sessions for the album. However, the tracks that he did work on got leaked, which Jay Z did not take well as he is known for being meticulous about his music's release.
"It was over petty stuff, disagreements. It wasn't industry related, it was personal and I was wrong," admitted Mosley to Revolt TV.
Now, he admits insecurity played a part in his actions that led to the fall out with the rap mogul and adds that he regrets that period of his life.
"I was feeling myself a little too much," said Mosley, to the Times. "When you from the streets, you just don't want to get close to people. You're in a different world that you just aren't used to. Like, 'I'm cool, get away from me.' "
As part of his apology, Mosely also recorded a song titled 'Sorry' featuring singer Keri Hilson, directed towards Jay Z in which he asks him for forgiveness. After the song's release, which came along with a new "mature and grown" Mosley, as Jay Z puts it, the two ended their feud.
Now, they are both amicable and Mosley is back collaborating with Jay Z as he recently did on the rapper's latest "Magna Carta Holy Grail" album.
For Mosley, a second wave of high profile recognition has come after staying under the radar for a few years following the sky-rocketing success of chart-topping tracks with A-list artists. For a while he went from working with everyone to no one.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Jason Crabb In A Comic Strip
Famed illustrator and writer of the Nancy daily comic strip, Guy Gilchrist, has chosen to highlight the lauded vocalist in a story arc. The strip is syndicated internationally in 80 countries, and viewed by 57 million readers around the world. On rare occasions Gilchrist will slip his favorite music icons within the frames of his work (most often with their names emblazoned on characters’ tee-shirts or in storefront signage). Such was the case in the Tuesday, December 3 edition of Nancy when Jason Crabb was highlighted.
Gilchrist, who resides in the Nashville area, has embedded his love for music within the strip, honoring artists such as Elvis, The Beatles, Charlie Daniels, Rascal Flatts, Patti Page, George Jones, Don McLean, and many more. A collection of these music-related strips were donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. They are currently on display as part of the larger, ongoing exhibit, “Nancy Loves Nashville,” at the Nashville International Airport, which will run through 2015.
Gilchrist, who resides in the Nashville area, has embedded his love for music within the strip, honoring artists such as Elvis, The Beatles, Charlie Daniels, Rascal Flatts, Patti Page, George Jones, Don McLean, and many more. A collection of these music-related strips were donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. They are currently on display as part of the larger, ongoing exhibit, “Nancy Loves Nashville,” at the Nashville International Airport, which will run through 2015.
Oprah Winfrey Announces New Book Club Pick: Sue Monk Kidd's "The Invention of Wings"
Oprah Winfrey has chosen Sue Monk Kidd's "The Invention of Wings," coming out Jan. 7 as her next book club pick. An interview with Kidd will appear in the upcoming edition of "O: The Oprah Magazine," which arrives Dec. 17. A conversation with Kidd will air next year at a date to be determined on the talk-show host's Super Soul Sunday on OWN.
Kidd's novel, a 19th-century narrative featuring real and fictional characters, weaves together the stories of a slave girl and a slave owner's daughter. Like Kidd's million-selling "The Secret Life of Bees," the book is set in South Carolina, where the 65-year-old author lived for many years.
"The moment I finished `The Invention of Wings,' I knew this had to be the next book club selection," Winfrey said in a statement released Tuesday. "These strong female characters represent the women that have shaped our history and, through Sue's imaginative storytelling, give us a new perspective on slavery, injustice and the search for freedom."
Winfrey founded her book club in 1996 and quickly established herself as a reliable hit maker, whether choosing debut works such as Lalita Tademy's "Cane River" or old favorites such as John Steinbeck's "East of Eden."
Kidd's novel, a 19th-century narrative featuring real and fictional characters, weaves together the stories of a slave girl and a slave owner's daughter. Like Kidd's million-selling "The Secret Life of Bees," the book is set in South Carolina, where the 65-year-old author lived for many years.
"The moment I finished `The Invention of Wings,' I knew this had to be the next book club selection," Winfrey said in a statement released Tuesday. "These strong female characters represent the women that have shaped our history and, through Sue's imaginative storytelling, give us a new perspective on slavery, injustice and the search for freedom."
Winfrey founded her book club in 1996 and quickly established herself as a reliable hit maker, whether choosing debut works such as Lalita Tademy's "Cane River" or old favorites such as John Steinbeck's "East of Eden."
Monday, December 9, 2013
Switchfoot 'Fading West' Movie Releases Tomorrow and Performing on Jay Leno's Tonight Show
Switchfoot will be releasing their debut feature film, Fading West, tomorrow, Dec. 10 via video streaming platforms including iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox Video, Sony Playstation, Cinemanow, and Vudu with digital entertainment curator FilmBuff.
Fans can also request special screenings of the film in markets around the country in partnership with Gathr.
The band will be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Dec. 10 to perform "Who We Are," a single from their forthcoming ninth studio album also titled Fading West, set to be released Jan. 14.
"Fading West" follows Switchfoot as they travel the globe in search of new musical inspiration and perfect waves. The film was shot during their 2012 World Tour and as they were beginning to create the new album.
"Part rock documentary, part surf film and part travelogue, Fading West offers rare glimpses of the longtime surfers on their boards and in the waves, captures the frenetic energy of their live shows and, in the end, portrays a journey both epic and intimate," states their press release.
Switchfoot went on a 52-date tour around the country this fall and opened the shows with the movie playing. These concerts included sold out shows in Los Angeles, New York (two nights), Seattle, San Diego, Denver, Portland, Phoenix, St. Louis and Atlanta.
Fans can also request special screenings of the film in markets around the country in partnership with Gathr.
The band will be on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Dec. 10 to perform "Who We Are," a single from their forthcoming ninth studio album also titled Fading West, set to be released Jan. 14.
"Fading West" follows Switchfoot as they travel the globe in search of new musical inspiration and perfect waves. The film was shot during their 2012 World Tour and as they were beginning to create the new album.
"Part rock documentary, part surf film and part travelogue, Fading West offers rare glimpses of the longtime surfers on their boards and in the waves, captures the frenetic energy of their live shows and, in the end, portrays a journey both epic and intimate," states their press release.
Switchfoot went on a 52-date tour around the country this fall and opened the shows with the movie playing. These concerts included sold out shows in Los Angeles, New York (two nights), Seattle, San Diego, Denver, Portland, Phoenix, St. Louis and Atlanta.
Carrie Underwood Tells 'Mean' Critics They Need Jesus And Quotes Bible Verse
Carrie Underwood responded to those who criticized her for her "Sound of Music Live!" performance by telling them on Twitter that they need Jesus and encouraging them to read 1 Peter 2:1-25.
"Plain and simple: Mean people need Jesus. They will be in my prayers tonight... 1 Peter 2:1-25," read a tweet by the NBC's live-musical star the day after "The Sound of Music Live!" was broadcast.
Underwood was cast as Maria in the live performance of the "Sound of Music" for television. After her performance, Underwood tweeted with a visible excitement, saying: "Glory to God tonight...I couldn't be more proud. What a tough thing to pull off and we did it! I am so blessed!!!"
"Plain and simple: Mean people need Jesus. They will be in my prayers tonight... 1 Peter 2:1-25," read a tweet by the NBC's live-musical star the day after "The Sound of Music Live!" was broadcast.
Underwood was cast as Maria in the live performance of the "Sound of Music" for television. After her performance, Underwood tweeted with a visible excitement, saying: "Glory to God tonight...I couldn't be more proud. What a tough thing to pull off and we did it! I am so blessed!!!"
Friday, December 6, 2013
David Magee To Write the Fourth Narnia Film Silver Chair
The C.S. Lewis Company and The Mark Gordon Company announced today that two time Academy Award nominee David Magee ("Finding Neverland" and "Life of Pi") has signed on to write "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair," the fourth book published in C.S. Lewis’ famed fantasy series.
Douglas Gresham, stepson of C.S. Lewis stated, “I have a great deal of respect for Mark Gordon’s work and am confident that together we can bring the beauty and magical delight that Narnia engenders in the hearts of those who read the books to the screen in ‘The Silver Chair.’ I am very much looking forward to diving once more into Narnia, this time with Mark Gordon and his team.”
David Magee stated, “I have always loved The Chronicles of Narnia and I endlessly imagined myself finding my own passage into Narnia someday. All these years later, I'm getting to fulfill that wish just a little bit by writing the film adaptation of 'The Silver Chair' and could not be more excited about it.”
Mark Gordon previously shared, “Like many readers, both young and old, I am a huge fan of C.S. Lewis’s beautiful and allegorical world of Narnia. These fantasy stories inspire real-world passion among millions of devoted fans around the world. As we prepare to bring the next book to life, we are humbled and excited to contribute to the outstanding legacy of Narnia.”
The first three Narnia films combined have grossed over $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office.
A classic series of seven novels that have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, C.S. Lewis’ "The Chronicles of Narnia" began with the publication of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" in 1950.
Douglas Gresham, stepson of C.S. Lewis stated, “I have a great deal of respect for Mark Gordon’s work and am confident that together we can bring the beauty and magical delight that Narnia engenders in the hearts of those who read the books to the screen in ‘The Silver Chair.’ I am very much looking forward to diving once more into Narnia, this time with Mark Gordon and his team.”David Magee stated, “I have always loved The Chronicles of Narnia and I endlessly imagined myself finding my own passage into Narnia someday. All these years later, I'm getting to fulfill that wish just a little bit by writing the film adaptation of 'The Silver Chair' and could not be more excited about it.”
Mark Gordon previously shared, “Like many readers, both young and old, I am a huge fan of C.S. Lewis’s beautiful and allegorical world of Narnia. These fantasy stories inspire real-world passion among millions of devoted fans around the world. As we prepare to bring the next book to life, we are humbled and excited to contribute to the outstanding legacy of Narnia.”
The first three Narnia films combined have grossed over $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office.
A classic series of seven novels that have sold over 100 million copies worldwide, C.S. Lewis’ "The Chronicles of Narnia" began with the publication of "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" in 1950.
Music for Your Holiday Season: Don't Miss These Best Ever Albums
Amended and expanded list based on new releases and continued consumption:
25 Best Christmas CDs of All Time
25. Bryan Duncan - A Nehosoul Christmas
24. Harry Connick Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas
23. Michael McDonald - In the Spirit
22. Relient K - Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer
21. Jewel - Joy: A Holiday Collection
20. Faith Hill - Joy to the World
19. BarlowGirl - Home for Christmas
18. MercyMe - The Christmas Sessions
17. Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs
16. Amy Grant - A Christmas Album
15. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
14. Michael W. Smith - Christmas
13. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
12. Ginny Owens - Bring Us Peace
11. Elvis Presley - It's Christmas Time
10. Russ Taff - A Christmas Song
9. Avalon - Joy
8. Downhere - How Many Kings? Songs for Christmas
7. Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas
6. Steven Curtis Chapman - The Music of Christmas
5. Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas
4. Amy Grant - Home for Christmas
3. Jaci Valesquez - Christmas
2. Michael W. Smith - Christmastime
1. Bryan Duncan - Christmas is Jesus
Honorable mentions:
Various - Christmas (1988 Sparrow compilation)
Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas
25 Best Christmas CDs of All Time
25. Bryan Duncan - A Nehosoul Christmas
24. Harry Connick Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas
23. Michael McDonald - In the Spirit
22. Relient K - Let It Snow Baby... Let It Reindeer
21. Jewel - Joy: A Holiday Collection
20. Faith Hill - Joy to the World
19. BarlowGirl - Home for Christmas
18. MercyMe - The Christmas Sessions
17. Jars of Clay - Christmas Songs
16. Amy Grant - A Christmas Album
15. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song
14. Michael W. Smith - Christmas
13. Bing Crosby - White Christmas
12. Ginny Owens - Bring Us Peace
11. Elvis Presley - It's Christmas Time
10. Russ Taff - A Christmas Song
9. Avalon - Joy
8. Downhere - How Many Kings? Songs for Christmas
7. Vince Guaraldi - A Charlie Brown Christmas
6. Steven Curtis Chapman - The Music of Christmas
5. Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas
4. Amy Grant - Home for Christmas
3. Jaci Valesquez - Christmas
2. Michael W. Smith - Christmastime
1. Bryan Duncan - Christmas is Jesus
Honorable mentions:
Various - Christmas (1988 Sparrow compilation)
Matthew West - The Heart of Christmas
Thursday, December 5, 2013
UP to Host Star Studded Christmas Special on Monday with Host Cameron Cameron Bure
UP and national Christian radio powerhouse, K-LOVE, present the original Christmas special "K-LOVE Music City Christmas," hosted by Candace Cameron Bure (Finding Normal, "Full House").The hour-long special will include performances of beloved Christmas standards and original songs by leading Christian music artists, including TobyMac, Newsboys with for KING & COUNTRY, Mandisa, Colton Dixon, Kari Jobe, Matthew West, Brandon Heath, Crowder, Big Daddy Weave and Tenth Avenue North, as well as heartfelt and lively holiday memories with the stars.
The special was taped before a live audience in Nashville, TN. It will premiere on Monday, December 9 at 8 p.m. ET.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Duck Dynasty Tops Yahoo's 2013 'Obsession' Ranking
How passionate did Americans become about the Robertson family this year? If Yahoo search data is any evidence – you'd be surprised.
According to Yahoo, Americans' top obsession this year was reality show "Duck Dynasty." The A&E series beat out "Breaking Bad," "The Walking Dead/zombie apocalypse" and "Rainbow looms" in a category that adds the volume of searches with the speed that the term rose in popularity.
Females dominated Yahoo's most-searched terms of the year. Miley Cyrus headed a list that also included fellow celebrities Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton, Selena Gomez and Amanda Bynes. Justin Bieber was the list's lone male and was ranked tenth.
The search engine's most popular news stories were the Jodi Arias trial, a case about a woman accused of cheating on and murdering her husband, followed by Obamacare and the Boston Marathon bombing.
The full lists follow below.
Top Obsessions on Yahoo 2013
1. Duck Dynasty
2. Breaking Bad
3. The Walking Dead/zombie apocalypse
4. Fifty Shades of Grey casting
5. The new 100 dollar bill
6. Twerking
7. Snapchat
8. Rainbow loom
9. Selfie
10. Bitstrips
According to Yahoo, Americans' top obsession this year was reality show "Duck Dynasty." The A&E series beat out "Breaking Bad," "The Walking Dead/zombie apocalypse" and "Rainbow looms" in a category that adds the volume of searches with the speed that the term rose in popularity.
Females dominated Yahoo's most-searched terms of the year. Miley Cyrus headed a list that also included fellow celebrities Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton, Selena Gomez and Amanda Bynes. Justin Bieber was the list's lone male and was ranked tenth.
The search engine's most popular news stories were the Jodi Arias trial, a case about a woman accused of cheating on and murdering her husband, followed by Obamacare and the Boston Marathon bombing.
The full lists follow below.
Top Obsessions on Yahoo 2013
1. Duck Dynasty
2. Breaking Bad
3. The Walking Dead/zombie apocalypse
4. Fifty Shades of Grey casting
5. The new 100 dollar bill
6. Twerking
7. Snapchat
8. Rainbow loom
9. Selfie
10. Bitstrips
Brooke Burns: In Hollywood, 'if you go to church you're crazy'
Brooke Burns said she learn something new every day from her work on "The Chase," a game show she hosts on GSN, alongside British quiz genius Mark "The Beast" Labbett. Fox News spoke to the ex-"Baywatch" star about the show, raising her daughter and being a Christian in Hollywood.
Fox News: It is not cool to talk about faith in Hollywood?
Fox News: It must be hard raising your daughter in Hollywood...Religion must help with that.
Read full article
"I grew up in a Christian home. My spirituality has evolved into my own personal faith. I definitely have a Christian background. It taught me to keep a worldview perspective on a work industry and that's how I view Hollywood. It's a very tiny piece of the world. It's not what life is about. Working in this industry is an occupation which is really fun, I enjoy myself. We get paid really well, I feel very lucky to be doing what I'm doing but it's not to me what life is about. My identity has been grounded in something greater than who I am or what I'm doing in Hollywood, for sure."
Fox News: It is not cool to talk about faith in Hollywood?
Burns: I grew up in Texas. My dad is in the oil business but he also did missionary work. In Texas if you don't go to church you're strange, in L.A. if you go to church you're crazy. That was something I had to learn. It's a choice. I should be able to believe in what I want to believe in and so should you. It shouldn't be an area of tension. It's interesting, a lot of times when you bring it up, it becomes as controversial, if not more, than bringing up politics.
Fox News: It must be hard raising your daughter in Hollywood...Religion must help with that.
Burns: I've always believed in having balance in life and if you feel your physical body, you have to feed your mind. If you're going to encourage young girls with emotional development, why not spiritual development as well? I think that's about being a well-rounded person. It's another aspect of being a whole human being. It can only help. I've gone through a lot of tough things in my life and definitely my faith has carried me through those things and given me not only a sense of purpose but it's helped me get back on the horse, given me a source of strength.
Read full article
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Joe Jonas Comes Clean
Despite growing up in a Pentecostal church that his father pastored, Joe Jonas no longer sees himself as religious, crediting part of his disillusionment to a scandal that rocked the congregation.
"We eventually left our church, Assembly of God, when I was 14. A scandal had erupted involving stolen money, and it caused a big rift in the church. After that the concept of church really upset me for a long time," Jonas shared in a recent interview with Vulture. "I mean, I believe in God, and that's a personal relationship that I have, but I'm not religious in any way."
Jonas, who was formerly part of pop rock band The Jonas Brothers, also said that at an early age he felt the pressure of pleasing and conforming to others' standards.
"To some extent, I was used to growing up in public. I was a pastor's kid, so eyes were always on me, even then. I sat in the first pew of the church, and I had to wear a suit every Sunday, because my parents wanted me to be this role model that I didn't always want to be," Jonas said.
He also worried that he would let down his parents, fans, and others counting on him to uphold a particular image if he deviated from those expectations.
"But I had certain obligations at that age. If I ever didn't want to go to church on Sunday, or when I was trying to figure out what religion I wanted to be, or trying to understand spirituality, I would always have to deal with knowing that people were looking up to me," he added.
In an exceptionally raw and frank interview, Jonas also mentioned that although he had made a good-faith, preteen, commitment with Christian abstinence organization True Love Waits to keep his virginity until marriage and donned a "purity ring" as an 11-year-old, he was overwhelmed when this became the focus of media attention when the band started to blow up.
"The topic that dominated news coverage of us for a long time was the whole promise-ring thing. We couldn't escape it," said Jonas.
"I remember this interview with this guy whose entire agenda was to focus on the rings. He kept pushing the subject, and when we insisted that we didn't want to talk about it, he told us, 'I can write whatever I want,' which terrified us," he added. "That's the thing: We didn't know any better, and we just wanted to make people happy. Now I know that I don't have to answer any questions I don't want to. Like, why do you even care about my 15-year-old brother's sex life?"
Jonas was increasingly frustrated when he felt that something that he did not want to be an issue, became something that fans were emulating.
"People were coming up to us, saying, "Thank you so much, I'm waiting because you guys are, too!" And we just thought, No! That's not what we're about," said Jonas, who noted that he lost his virginity when he was 20.
He also added that the band's recent breakup "was going on for a lot longer than a lot of people thought."
"We hit a place where we just weren't jelling on the same things, and we didn't want to become a band that was worried about the fact that people didn't understand how cool we were," he said.
Read full article
"We eventually left our church, Assembly of God, when I was 14. A scandal had erupted involving stolen money, and it caused a big rift in the church. After that the concept of church really upset me for a long time," Jonas shared in a recent interview with Vulture. "I mean, I believe in God, and that's a personal relationship that I have, but I'm not religious in any way."
Jonas, who was formerly part of pop rock band The Jonas Brothers, also said that at an early age he felt the pressure of pleasing and conforming to others' standards.
"To some extent, I was used to growing up in public. I was a pastor's kid, so eyes were always on me, even then. I sat in the first pew of the church, and I had to wear a suit every Sunday, because my parents wanted me to be this role model that I didn't always want to be," Jonas said.
He also worried that he would let down his parents, fans, and others counting on him to uphold a particular image if he deviated from those expectations.
"But I had certain obligations at that age. If I ever didn't want to go to church on Sunday, or when I was trying to figure out what religion I wanted to be, or trying to understand spirituality, I would always have to deal with knowing that people were looking up to me," he added.
In an exceptionally raw and frank interview, Jonas also mentioned that although he had made a good-faith, preteen, commitment with Christian abstinence organization True Love Waits to keep his virginity until marriage and donned a "purity ring" as an 11-year-old, he was overwhelmed when this became the focus of media attention when the band started to blow up.
"The topic that dominated news coverage of us for a long time was the whole promise-ring thing. We couldn't escape it," said Jonas.
"I remember this interview with this guy whose entire agenda was to focus on the rings. He kept pushing the subject, and when we insisted that we didn't want to talk about it, he told us, 'I can write whatever I want,' which terrified us," he added. "That's the thing: We didn't know any better, and we just wanted to make people happy. Now I know that I don't have to answer any questions I don't want to. Like, why do you even care about my 15-year-old brother's sex life?"
Jonas was increasingly frustrated when he felt that something that he did not want to be an issue, became something that fans were emulating.
"People were coming up to us, saying, "Thank you so much, I'm waiting because you guys are, too!" And we just thought, No! That's not what we're about," said Jonas, who noted that he lost his virginity when he was 20.
He also added that the band's recent breakup "was going on for a lot longer than a lot of people thought."
"We hit a place where we just weren't jelling on the same things, and we didn't want to become a band that was worried about the fact that people didn't understand how cool we were," he said.
Read full article
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Paul Walker on Faith
Paul Walker, 40, will best be remembered by fans as the blond-haired, speed-loving character in the successful "Fast & Furious" movie franchise. But less known is that Walker, who died in a tragic and fiery car crash on Saturday, was a Christian.
Walker was raised up in the Mormon church, but he graduated from Village Christian School in Sun Valley, Calif.
"I'm a Christian now. The things that drove me crazy growing up was how everyone works at fault-finding with different religions. The people I don't understand are atheists. I go surfing and snow boarding and I'm always around nature. I look at everything and think, 'Who couldn't believe there's a God? Is all this a mistake?' It just blows me away," Walker was quoted as saying by IMDb.
The late actor was a non-denominational Christian who in a GQ UK magazine interview talked about how his Christian education and Mormon background influenced his thinking about family.
"Thing is, I went to a born-again Christian high school, was brought up in a traditional Mormon family where these ideas about parenting are of structure and sacrifice. To think outside of that idea of family and parenting that I've grown up with is tough, but also very freeing."
In the same interview, the journalist asked Walker what he hoped to achieve before he died. And Walker responded by talking about his previous experience being part of the National Geographic Channel series "Expedition Great White" where he was part of a crew that caught and tagged great white sharks off the coast of Mexico. Walker majored in marine biology in college and was a great enthusiast of all things related to the ocean, including surfing.
"To now be going on an expedition with National Geographic? Are you kidding me?! Where are we going? It's just one of those opportunities I had to seize," Walker had exclaimed to GQ.
Walker died in a car crash in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. PT, while riding as a passenger in his friend's Porsche. His friend who was driving also died. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.
A statement on Walker's official Twitter account said that he was attending a charity event Saturday afternoon for his non-profit, Reach Out Worldwide, that would benefit Filipino victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Universal Pictures, which is behind the "Fast & Furious" franchise, released the following statement: "All of us at Universal are heartbroken. Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the 'Fast and Furious' films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family."
Walker was scheduled to star in the seventh installation of the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which was slated for release in July 2014. It is unclear how the seventh "Fast & Furious" movie will manage after losing one of its biggest stars that has been in six of the seven films.
Walker was raised up in the Mormon church, but he graduated from Village Christian School in Sun Valley, Calif.
"I'm a Christian now. The things that drove me crazy growing up was how everyone works at fault-finding with different religions. The people I don't understand are atheists. I go surfing and snow boarding and I'm always around nature. I look at everything and think, 'Who couldn't believe there's a God? Is all this a mistake?' It just blows me away," Walker was quoted as saying by IMDb.
The late actor was a non-denominational Christian who in a GQ UK magazine interview talked about how his Christian education and Mormon background influenced his thinking about family.
"Thing is, I went to a born-again Christian high school, was brought up in a traditional Mormon family where these ideas about parenting are of structure and sacrifice. To think outside of that idea of family and parenting that I've grown up with is tough, but also very freeing."
In the same interview, the journalist asked Walker what he hoped to achieve before he died. And Walker responded by talking about his previous experience being part of the National Geographic Channel series "Expedition Great White" where he was part of a crew that caught and tagged great white sharks off the coast of Mexico. Walker majored in marine biology in college and was a great enthusiast of all things related to the ocean, including surfing.
"To now be going on an expedition with National Geographic? Are you kidding me?! Where are we going? It's just one of those opportunities I had to seize," Walker had exclaimed to GQ.
Walker died in a car crash in Santa Clarita, Calif., on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. PT, while riding as a passenger in his friend's Porsche. His friend who was driving also died. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident.
A statement on Walker's official Twitter account said that he was attending a charity event Saturday afternoon for his non-profit, Reach Out Worldwide, that would benefit Filipino victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Universal Pictures, which is behind the "Fast & Furious" franchise, released the following statement: "All of us at Universal are heartbroken. Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the 'Fast and Furious' films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul's family."
Walker was scheduled to star in the seventh installation of the "Fast & Furious" franchise, which was slated for release in July 2014. It is unclear how the seventh "Fast & Furious" movie will manage after losing one of its biggest stars that has been in six of the seven films.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Amy Grant Appears on Katie Tomorrow
Amy Grant will appear on the talk show Katie tomorrow. Hosted by veteran TV personality Katie Couric, Grant will discuss the holiday season, her family and her new album How Mercy Looks From Here which released earlier this year. Grant will also perform her cherished holiday classic, "Tennessee Christmas."
Monday, November 25, 2013
Group 1 Crew's Blanca Exits Duo To Pursue Solo Career
Today, Blanca Callahan, one-half of Group 1 Crew, has announced that she is leaving the hip hop/pop group to pursue her own solo career. Manwell will be continuing Group 1 Crew without Blanca, while she prepares for her first solo project. I first learned of this at the Dove Awards, but agreed to not share until she was ready to go public.
On Group1Crew.com, Blanca made the following announcement, and shared an announcement video:
Dear Group 1 Crew Family,
As many of you know, in July of this year, my husband and I welcomed a new member to our family - our baby boy London. I never thought someone so small could affect my life so much, but he has done just that. Our whole world has changed in so many ways. Prior to him arriving, I felt a transition coming in my life. It was as if the Lord had been preparing me not only for the birth of my child, but also for the birth of a brand new season. As I’ve wholeheartedly welcomed my son, I welcome this new season. No matter how scary it all may feel, I've never been more excited to trust the Lord with whatever he has in store for my life. Since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamt of the moment when I’d get to fully share my heart and voice with the world, and I’m humbled that moment has finally arrived. So with that said, this letter is to announce that I will be stepping down from Group 1 Crew.
This decision did not come easy, but after months of prayer, we knew that it was the right one. It will be sad for me to leave the Group 1 Crew family, but I am confidant God is in this transition. Looking back, Group 1 Crew has been ten of the most amazing years of my life. When I first started with the group, I was a 17 year old new believer in Christ who was terrified of the stage. I will forever be grateful to the Lord for placing Manny and Pablo in my life at that time. They taught me so much about my identity in Christ and encouraged me to be confident in the voice that He has given me. We have so many great memories of everything God has done over this last decade. Having been given the privilege of making music, touring all over the world, and changing lives for Christ, was more than I could have ever dreamed of! I am SO THANKFUL for Group 1 Crew and all of you who have loved and supported us since the very beginning!
Though I am leaving the group, a beautiful part in all of this is that Group 1 Crew will be continuing on. Manwell will be leading the group into their new season, and will keep giving you that great music that we all love so much. The vision that we carried together for years, remains the same today, and I know Manwell is going to give his all in keeping that vision alive. I too will be making new music of my own, and cannot wait to share it with you. So many of you have been a part of my journey thus far. Whether it's been me, as the "new girl" in Christian Music, the death of my Father, marrying my best friend, or the birth of my son, you all have been there to walk through it with me. This new season will just be the next chapter in our book together. I pray that you will continue to support Manwell and I in our new endeavors.
As I reflect on my time in Group 1 Crew, I’m at peace knowing that if I’ve ever touched a life, brought someone hope, or turned someone to Jesus, I’ve done my part. I have given you the best that I have, and can promise that I will continue to do the same in this next chapter. If I've learned anything in this process, it's that life is all about walking out of what’s comfortable and into the unknown. When God has called you to something you can't be afraid to step out. It's in those moments that you are challenged the most, God can use you the most and you truly understand the meaning of trusting Him. I love you all so very much, and want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continual love, prayers and support!
Love,
Blanca E. Callahan
Friday, November 22, 2013
TobyMac's Nirva Ready to Release Project
I Need You, the debut from leading background vocalists Seth & Nirva, is set to bow on iTunes December 17. The album is highlighted by “All Praise” (featuring TobyMac); the piano-driven title cut (feat. Shonlock); and the hip-hop based “Praise Him” (feat. GabeReal), among other songs.
“I think we are more dynamic together,” says Seth Ready of the couple’s debut. “Nirva has an incredible range and a powerful voice that brings a lot of energy to a song.” Nirva adds: “I have always enjoyed being part of a team rather than being on my own, and who better to be teammates with than your best friend and husband.”
Nirva Ready is featured as a singer and dancer in TobyMac’s Diverse City band, touring with the iconic artist’s ensemble for more than a decade. A graduate of Nashville’s historic Fisk University, she was a member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers and has also been a background vocalist for such artists as Mandisa, Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen, among many others.
Beginning his career as a background singer with multi-platinum urban-gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin, Seth Ready has shared the stage with Chris Tomlin, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, among others, as a supporting vocalist. Ready currently serves as pastor of young adult ministry at The Crossing Church in Tampa, Florida.
“I think we are more dynamic together,” says Seth Ready of the couple’s debut. “Nirva has an incredible range and a powerful voice that brings a lot of energy to a song.” Nirva adds: “I have always enjoyed being part of a team rather than being on my own, and who better to be teammates with than your best friend and husband.”
Nirva Ready is featured as a singer and dancer in TobyMac’s Diverse City band, touring with the iconic artist’s ensemble for more than a decade. A graduate of Nashville’s historic Fisk University, she was a member of the renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers and has also been a background vocalist for such artists as Mandisa, Natalie Grant and Nicole C. Mullen, among many others.
Beginning his career as a background singer with multi-platinum urban-gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin, Seth Ready has shared the stage with Chris Tomlin, Donnie McClurkin and CeCe Winans, among others, as a supporting vocalist. Ready currently serves as pastor of young adult ministry at The Crossing Church in Tampa, Florida.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Jars of Clay Giving Away Song to Help the Philippines
Jars of Clay is giving away the song, "Fall Asleep," from its album, Inland, through a special NoiseTrade offering to raise money for relief efforts in the Philippines. All of the proceeds from the single will be used to support The Red Cross in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, claimed to be the strongest tropical cyclone to make landfall in recorded history.
The official music video for "Fall Asleep," which premiered on USAToday.com and is now being promoted in various video channels, was created in Manila and stars Filipino supermodel/actress, Rhian Ramos.
"The video was done for us entirely for free, as a gift," says Jars of Clay lead vocalist, Dan Haseltine. "We are so grateful for the gift of such a stunningly beautiful music video. By using the video and the song as a means to raise funds to help in the clean up and restoration efforts currently taking place in the Philippines, we felt it would be a wonderful way to respond in kind."
People are encouraged to watch the video and download "Fall Asleep," leaving a tip for the relief efforts.
"I incorporated the sun and stars from the Filipino flag, as well as the skyline of Manila," says Haseltine of the artwork created for the single. "We are hoping to raise $50,000 to help serve the amazing people of the Philippines and will be working with The Red Cross to insure the funds are used properly and efficiently."
The official music video for "Fall Asleep," which premiered on USAToday.com and is now being promoted in various video channels, was created in Manila and stars Filipino supermodel/actress, Rhian Ramos.
"The video was done for us entirely for free, as a gift," says Jars of Clay lead vocalist, Dan Haseltine. "We are so grateful for the gift of such a stunningly beautiful music video. By using the video and the song as a means to raise funds to help in the clean up and restoration efforts currently taking place in the Philippines, we felt it would be a wonderful way to respond in kind."
People are encouraged to watch the video and download "Fall Asleep," leaving a tip for the relief efforts.
"I incorporated the sun and stars from the Filipino flag, as well as the skyline of Manila," says Haseltine of the artwork created for the single. "We are hoping to raise $50,000 to help serve the amazing people of the Philippines and will be working with The Red Cross to insure the funds are used properly and efficiently."
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Frontrunner Thanks Christ for Help on 'The Voice'
One one of the frontrunners on NBC's "The Voice", Matthew Schuler, is giving credit to Jesus and says that his faith has helped bring him this far.
"It has been a wild ride," Schuler told Hollywood Life. "My relationship with Jesus Christ has helped me out the most. I am not doing this for me, I am doing this for the love of God and people. To share my passion of music is what keeps me being me. The weak will inherit the earth, so I want to be humble and bless others."
Schuler is part of Team Christina and grew up singing in church and musicals, according to his site. His Twitter feed is full of thanks for prayers and a list of blessings that Schuler has experienced in his life and during his time on "The Voice."
"I am so grateful for everyone who voted for me and helped make me #1 on iTunes this week. I pray you were blessed as much as I was," Schuler tweeted earlier this month. "I am such a blessed kid… Is this really my life right now? This show has been such an amazing platform for me. I am beyond blessed by all your support."
Schuler has reportedly performed a variety of songs, from Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" to Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" and managed to amaze "Voice" judges and fans alike. After performing "Wrecking Ball," Schuler said he respected Cyrus' art.
"She is doing some groundbreaking stuff right now," Schuler told "Extra." "She is pursuing her own freedoms… I can't say I agree with everything she is doing, but it is her art. I respect her art and respect her as an artist. She's done some amazing things in the music industry and acting and everything. She has my respect.
"It has been a wild ride," Schuler told Hollywood Life. "My relationship with Jesus Christ has helped me out the most. I am not doing this for me, I am doing this for the love of God and people. To share my passion of music is what keeps me being me. The weak will inherit the earth, so I want to be humble and bless others."
Schuler is part of Team Christina and grew up singing in church and musicals, according to his site. His Twitter feed is full of thanks for prayers and a list of blessings that Schuler has experienced in his life and during his time on "The Voice."
"I am so grateful for everyone who voted for me and helped make me #1 on iTunes this week. I pray you were blessed as much as I was," Schuler tweeted earlier this month. "I am such a blessed kid… Is this really my life right now? This show has been such an amazing platform for me. I am beyond blessed by all your support."
Schuler has reportedly performed a variety of songs, from Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah" to Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball" and managed to amaze "Voice" judges and fans alike. After performing "Wrecking Ball," Schuler said he respected Cyrus' art.
"She is doing some groundbreaking stuff right now," Schuler told "Extra." "She is pursuing her own freedoms… I can't say I agree with everything she is doing, but it is her art. I respect her art and respect her as an artist. She's done some amazing things in the music industry and acting and everything. She has my respect.
Friday, November 15, 2013
UP Lists the 25 Best Christmas Albums... and Gets It Mostly Right
UP has published their list of the 25 best Christmas albums and gets it mostly right. Here's a better list.
Gary Chapman's Wife to Star in new TNT reality series
The wife of Gary Chapman, the Christian and country singer, will star as one of the wives in TNT's upcoming Private Lives of Nashville Wives. In the sneak peek video, Cassie Piersol, reveals she was also a former Hooters girl.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Stryper's 'No More Hell To Pay' Cracks Billboad Top 40
"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from rockers Stryper, sold around 9,600 copies
in its first week of release to debut at No. 35 on The Billboard 200
chart.
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions
of Stryper's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to
land at No. 117.
Stryper's covers album, 2011's "The Covering",
registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No.
175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's
"Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks
our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh
studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black
Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date."
"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER,
sold around 9,600 copies in the United States in its first week of
release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99
"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER,
sold around 9,600 copies in the United States in its first week of
release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99
"No More Hell To Pay", the new album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER,
sold around 9,600 copies in the United States in its first week of
release to debut at position No. 35 on The Billboard 200 chart.
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99
"Second Coming", a collection of re-recorded versions of STRYPER's classic songs, opened with around 4,400 units back in April to land at No. 117.
STRYPER's covers album, 2011's "The Covering", registered a first-week tally of around 4,600 copies to enter the chart at No. 175.
The band's previous collection of new material, 2009's "Murder By Pride", premiered with 5,900 copies to debut at No. 73.
"No More Hell To Pay" was released on November 5 in North America via Frontiers Records. The effort was made available in two formats — standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content. Produced by STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of STRYPER's strongest and heaviest material ever.
Commented Michael Sweet, "'No More Hell To Pay' marks our 30-year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It's our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 ('The Yellow & The Black Attack') and it's quite possibly our best record to date.
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/strypers-no-more-hell-to-pay-cracks-u-s-top-40/#FX1gHe4zrZbuGbEP.99
Thursday, November 7, 2013
'Duck Dynasty' Christmas Album Tops Billboard Country Music Chart
The new Christmas album from the "Duck Dynasty" clan debuted at the top of Billboard's Top Country Albums chart this week.
"Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas" took over the top spot and also ranked second on the publication's list of Top Holiday Albums behind Kelly Clarkson's "Wrapped in Red."
"Duck the Halls" is currently fourth on the Billboard 200, which ranks top-selling albums for the week across all genres. The Christmas record is situated behind new albums from Arcade Fire, Katy Perry and Clarkson.
The Robertsons are joined on the album by country music stars like Luke Bryan, Alison Krauss, Josh Turner and George Strait.
The Robertsons also share their Christian faith through the album by singing songs like "Away in a Manger," which features a reading from the Gospel of Luke, and "Silent Night." The album concludes with a prayer from Phil Robertson, the family patriarch, and a closing message from Willie Robertson, Phil's son and the president of Duck Commander.
The album was released on Oct. 29, and sold 69,000 copies in a week's time.
"Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas" took over the top spot and also ranked second on the publication's list of Top Holiday Albums behind Kelly Clarkson's "Wrapped in Red."
"Duck the Halls" is currently fourth on the Billboard 200, which ranks top-selling albums for the week across all genres. The Christmas record is situated behind new albums from Arcade Fire, Katy Perry and Clarkson.
The Robertsons are joined on the album by country music stars like Luke Bryan, Alison Krauss, Josh Turner and George Strait.
The Robertsons also share their Christian faith through the album by singing songs like "Away in a Manger," which features a reading from the Gospel of Luke, and "Silent Night." The album concludes with a prayer from Phil Robertson, the family patriarch, and a closing message from Willie Robertson, Phil's son and the president of Duck Commander.
The album was released on Oct. 29, and sold 69,000 copies in a week's time.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
'Duck Dynasty' Family to Appear in 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Robertson family of A&E's hit reality television show "Duck Dynasty" will make an appearance at the 87th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade later this month.
The Robertsons will be joined at the parade by a host of other celebrities, including Jimmy Fallon, Kristin Chenoweth, Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri and many more.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, whose motto is "A Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere," was first held in 1924 and was made up of only about a dozen different attractions. This year's spectacle will include, among other things, 30 floats, 11 marching bands, 1,600 dancers and cheerleaders, 15 character balloons and, of course, Santa Clause.
The parrade is expected to be watched by more than 3.5 million people in person and by more than 50 million people nationwide.
The parade doesn't commence until Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. ET, though the Robertsons have already been busy preparing for the holiday season.
Last week the family's Christmas album, "Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas," was released. In addition to performances by members of the Robertson clan, country stars like Alison Krauss, Josh Turner and Luke Bryan also performed on the record.
Willie Robertson, president of Duck Commander, told Reuters last week that his family is proud of the album.
"It is definitely from our perspective of a down-home middle-America Christmas," Robertson told the news wire. "There is some funny stuff and then there is some serious stuff."
Between 55,000 and 60,000 copies of the Christmas album may have been sold in its first week, according to Billboard, and it may land in the top five of the Billboard 200 chart this week. The Billboard 200's top 10 list will be released on Wednesday.
The Robertsons will be joined at the parade by a host of other celebrities, including Jimmy Fallon, Kristin Chenoweth, Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri and many more.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, whose motto is "A Holiday Treat for Children Everywhere," was first held in 1924 and was made up of only about a dozen different attractions. This year's spectacle will include, among other things, 30 floats, 11 marching bands, 1,600 dancers and cheerleaders, 15 character balloons and, of course, Santa Clause.
The parrade is expected to be watched by more than 3.5 million people in person and by more than 50 million people nationwide.
The parade doesn't commence until Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. ET, though the Robertsons have already been busy preparing for the holiday season.
Last week the family's Christmas album, "Duck the Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas," was released. In addition to performances by members of the Robertson clan, country stars like Alison Krauss, Josh Turner and Luke Bryan also performed on the record.
Willie Robertson, president of Duck Commander, told Reuters last week that his family is proud of the album.
"It is definitely from our perspective of a down-home middle-America Christmas," Robertson told the news wire. "There is some funny stuff and then there is some serious stuff."
Between 55,000 and 60,000 copies of the Christmas album may have been sold in its first week, according to Billboard, and it may land in the top five of the Billboard 200 chart this week. The Billboard 200's top 10 list will be released on Wednesday.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Britney Spears' Favorite Author is Pastor Max Lucado
Pop singer Britney Spears was asked by one of her fans in a recent Twitter Q&A what her favorite book is. Spears replied, “Anything by Max Lucado,” the New York Daily News reported.
Lucado is a bestselling and prolific author of Christian books and minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Some of his titles include “Fearless,” “Facing Your Giants,” and “God Came Near,” among many others.
The media is artificially generating controversy because Lucado wrote an article against gay marriage in 2004, noted the Daily Mail, while she claims her latest single is a tribute to her gay fans
While Lucado’s views are hardly surprising given his conservative evangelical theology, some might be surprised by Spears naming his books as her favorites — for many reasons, although one pointed out by the Daily News is that Spears has been an advocate of gay marriage.
In 2009, the singer responded to a query from gossip blogger Perez Hilton on the topic by quoting herself: “Love is love! People should be able to do whatever makes them happy! – Britney”
Then again, with the Spears family’s Christian background, the singer’s appreciation for Lucado may not be so surprising in the end.
Lucado is a bestselling and prolific author of Christian books and minister at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. Some of his titles include “Fearless,” “Facing Your Giants,” and “God Came Near,” among many others.
The media is artificially generating controversy because Lucado wrote an article against gay marriage in 2004, noted the Daily Mail, while she claims her latest single is a tribute to her gay fans
While Lucado’s views are hardly surprising given his conservative evangelical theology, some might be surprised by Spears naming his books as her favorites — for many reasons, although one pointed out by the Daily News is that Spears has been an advocate of gay marriage.
In 2009, the singer responded to a query from gossip blogger Perez Hilton on the topic by quoting herself: “Love is love! People should be able to do whatever makes them happy! – Britney”
Then again, with the Spears family’s Christian background, the singer’s appreciation for Lucado may not be so surprising in the end.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Susan Boyle's First Solo Performance in US to be at Joel Osteen's Church
Susan Boyle, the U.K. singer who in wowed judges on "Britain's Got Talent" and eventually the world with her powerful rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream," is set to put on her biggest U.S. performance yet with a show this month at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.
"Victoria and I, like all of America, fell in love with Susan Boyle the first time we saw her," Pastor Osteen said, according to Broadwayworld.com. "We are delighted and honored that she chose Lakewood Church for her first solo performance in this country."
Boyle, who will be singing tracks from her new holiday-themed album, Home for Christmas, said she was looking forward to performing at Lakewood Church.
One of the singles Boyle will perform is her newly-released cover of the Christmas classic "O Come, All Ye Faithful," as a duet with the late Elvis Presley. Boyle, an ambassador for the charity Save The Children, has said proceeds from sales of the holiday single will benefit the U.K. organization.
Lakewood is reportedly Boyle's first stop on her U.S. tour, a promotional effort for Home for Christmas, her fifth studio album. The former church worker will also be making her film debut in "The Christmas Candle" motion picture, based on author Max Lucado's book of the same name.
It was her rendition of the Les Misérables track "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent" four years ago that catapulted Boyle onto the world stage. That same year, in November, Boyle released her debut album, titled I Dreamed a Dream, which topped charts all over the world
"Victoria and I, like all of America, fell in love with Susan Boyle the first time we saw her," Pastor Osteen said, according to Broadwayworld.com. "We are delighted and honored that she chose Lakewood Church for her first solo performance in this country."
Boyle, who will be singing tracks from her new holiday-themed album, Home for Christmas, said she was looking forward to performing at Lakewood Church.
One of the singles Boyle will perform is her newly-released cover of the Christmas classic "O Come, All Ye Faithful," as a duet with the late Elvis Presley. Boyle, an ambassador for the charity Save The Children, has said proceeds from sales of the holiday single will benefit the U.K. organization.
Lakewood is reportedly Boyle's first stop on her U.S. tour, a promotional effort for Home for Christmas, her fifth studio album. The former church worker will also be making her film debut in "The Christmas Candle" motion picture, based on author Max Lucado's book of the same name.
It was her rendition of the Les Misérables track "I Dreamed a Dream" on "Britain's Got Talent" four years ago that catapulted Boyle onto the world stage. That same year, in November, Boyle released her debut album, titled I Dreamed a Dream, which topped charts all over the world
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Adrienne Bailon Hopes Movie Will Get People to Begin Relationship With God
Adrienne Bailon says playing the character of Vanessa Leon, a devout Christian in the faith-based film "I'm in Love with a Church Girl," was similar to her own life and hopes the film will spark interest in moviegoers to pursue a relationship with God.
"I think I have a really similar experience to her, because yes I am a church girl, I grew up in the church," says Bailon in an interview with Latina Magazine. "But at the same time, even with my current boyfriend, we had a lot of conversations that we have in this movie."
Playing Leon entailed Bailon preaching to her on-screen boyfriend, lecturing him on the value of chastity, all while trying to get him to attend church. Bailon says the film is about redemption and God's work in a person's life who may be seeking a second chance.
"If you want to change your life tomorrow, it absolutely can happen. You can become anything you want to become. If you decide you want to change your life around, it doesn't matter where you came from, what you did, if you were incarcerated or you are from the projects, if you are an uppity kid who came from a really wealthy family and all of them do drugs and are into that life, it doesn't matter, come as you are and God does His work," said Bailon.
She added, "I hope they get the message of faith in the sense that believing in something greater than yourself really helps you get through life so much easier. So for me it's really not about religion, but a relationship with God is the message we want to get across."
"I think I have a really similar experience to her, because yes I am a church girl, I grew up in the church," says Bailon in an interview with Latina Magazine. "But at the same time, even with my current boyfriend, we had a lot of conversations that we have in this movie."
Playing Leon entailed Bailon preaching to her on-screen boyfriend, lecturing him on the value of chastity, all while trying to get him to attend church. Bailon says the film is about redemption and God's work in a person's life who may be seeking a second chance.
"If you want to change your life tomorrow, it absolutely can happen. You can become anything you want to become. If you decide you want to change your life around, it doesn't matter where you came from, what you did, if you were incarcerated or you are from the projects, if you are an uppity kid who came from a really wealthy family and all of them do drugs and are into that life, it doesn't matter, come as you are and God does His work," said Bailon.
She added, "I hope they get the message of faith in the sense that believing in something greater than yourself really helps you get through life so much easier. So for me it's really not about religion, but a relationship with God is the message we want to get across."
Friday, October 25, 2013
I'm In Love With a Church Girl #1 Indie Film In the Country
The new movie "I'm In Love With A Church Girl" was called the "surprise opening of the weekend" by top film blogs after a solid opening weekend at #15.
The faith-based romantic drama is the #1 independent movie in theaters, leading Rolling Stone to call the film "the biggest indie debut this week," with a per screen average of $2300 on more than 450 screens
Inspired by true events, the movie has impacted audiences of all backgrounds and beliefs - with sell-outs in Manhattan to Miami, San Francisco to Detroit from church groups and urban moviegoers.
The film stars Jeff "Ja Rule" Atkins who, as a successful entrepreneur haunted by a criminal past and surrounded by old friends still "in the life," finds faith, redemption and inspiration when God puts a woman of faith (Adrienne Bailon) in his life. Rounding out the cast are Stephen Baldwin, Vincent Pastore, Michael Madsen, T-Bone, Martin Kove and TobyMac.
The Washington Times said it was a "heart-felt and riveting drama ... poised to be the best film of the year." Many critics hailed Ja Rule's performance, Variety said "Ja Rule offers a performance that is borderline miraculous. He is never less than credible, and often surprisingly compelling."
The faith-based romantic drama is the #1 independent movie in theaters, leading Rolling Stone to call the film "the biggest indie debut this week," with a per screen average of $2300 on more than 450 screens
Inspired by true events, the movie has impacted audiences of all backgrounds and beliefs - with sell-outs in Manhattan to Miami, San Francisco to Detroit from church groups and urban moviegoers.
The film stars Jeff "Ja Rule" Atkins who, as a successful entrepreneur haunted by a criminal past and surrounded by old friends still "in the life," finds faith, redemption and inspiration when God puts a woman of faith (Adrienne Bailon) in his life. Rounding out the cast are Stephen Baldwin, Vincent Pastore, Michael Madsen, T-Bone, Martin Kove and TobyMac.
The Washington Times said it was a "heart-felt and riveting drama ... poised to be the best film of the year." Many critics hailed Ja Rule's performance, Variety said "Ja Rule offers a performance that is borderline miraculous. He is never less than credible, and often surprisingly compelling."
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Superchick Releases Final Album On October 29; Includes Five Brand New Songs
On October 29, Grammy nominated Superchick will celebrate its legacy with the release of Recollection, a CD/DVD that combines five brand-new songs with 11 of the band's best-loved hits. The first single will be "Sunshine" on November 1, while "This Is The Time" is set to be featured in the upcoming film "God's Not Dead."
The new songs found on Recollection showcase a fresh sound for Superchick. And it's not just the production flourishes that stand out - the lyrics run deeper than typical pop bumper sticker sloganeering. The past year has been one of tragedy and loss for the band, marking the passing of Superchick's drummer, Chase Lovelace, after a battle with cancer. While many of the lyrics were written in hospital waiting rooms, the songs are still a celebration of life and hope.
"When he first started chemo, Chase called me to say, 'Don't finish the record without me; I'm coming back in the fall,'" Superchick's founder and band member Max Hsu recalls. "Some of Chase's rhythmic creativity lives on in these songs. These new songs are dedicated to his fighting optimism and I hope they honor his memory."
In addition to the new songs, Recollection takes listeners on a journey from the very first Superchick song ever written right through to the present day. What started in a basement in a Chicago suburb grew into a musical journey that lasted over a decade. From movies and TV shows to video games to radio charts, Superchick's brand of girl-power pop snuck its way into living rooms and headphones all over the world. Eleven of those hits were chosen personally by the band for Recollection, and most Superchick fans will find their favorites among them.
The new songs found on Recollection showcase a fresh sound for Superchick. And it's not just the production flourishes that stand out - the lyrics run deeper than typical pop bumper sticker sloganeering. The past year has been one of tragedy and loss for the band, marking the passing of Superchick's drummer, Chase Lovelace, after a battle with cancer. While many of the lyrics were written in hospital waiting rooms, the songs are still a celebration of life and hope.
"When he first started chemo, Chase called me to say, 'Don't finish the record without me; I'm coming back in the fall,'" Superchick's founder and band member Max Hsu recalls. "Some of Chase's rhythmic creativity lives on in these songs. These new songs are dedicated to his fighting optimism and I hope they honor his memory."
In addition to the new songs, Recollection takes listeners on a journey from the very first Superchick song ever written right through to the present day. What started in a basement in a Chicago suburb grew into a musical journey that lasted over a decade. From movies and TV shows to video games to radio charts, Superchick's brand of girl-power pop snuck its way into living rooms and headphones all over the world. Eleven of those hits were chosen personally by the band for Recollection, and most Superchick fans will find their favorites among them.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Natalie Grant's New Release Blows into Top 20
Natalie Grant announced on her Facebook that her new release, Hurricane, has debuted in the Top 20:
My record company called to tell me that HURRICANE has debuted at #1 on Billboard Top Christian albums chart and top 20 on Billboard OVERALL. Wow. Blown away, humbled & grateful. The real thrill is hearing from so many of you about how this new music is encouraging your life, your faith and your walk with God. Thank you.
Michael W. Smith Announces Christmas Tour with American Idol's Angie Miller
Multi-platinum recording artist Michael W. Smith has announced the dates for his annual holiday tour. Titled "Celebrate Christmas," the festive tour will run for ten dates, kicking off Dec. 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and wrapping up Dec. 15 in Detroit, Michigan.
Each stop on the tour will also feature American Idol finalist Angie Miller, whom this past spring placed top three on the popular show. "I have looked up to Michael forever and have been singing his songs in church my whole life," Miller shares about the tour. "I am incredibly honored to be on this tour with him now!"
In addition to Miller on the tour, for the Dec 5, 6 and 7 shows Smith will be sharing the stage with his good friends Third Day.
Each stop on the tour will also feature American Idol finalist Angie Miller, whom this past spring placed top three on the popular show. "I have looked up to Michael forever and have been singing his songs in church my whole life," Miller shares about the tour. "I am incredibly honored to be on this tour with him now!"
In addition to Miller on the tour, for the Dec 5, 6 and 7 shows Smith will be sharing the stage with his good friends Third Day.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
‘Duck Dynasty’ Stars: ‘It Ain’t Gun Control We Need, It’s Sin Control’
One “Duck Dynasty” star made his stance on gun control known in an interview with Men’s Journal.
“It ain’t gun control we need, it’s sin control,” Si Robertson said.
In a wide-ranging interview with Men’s Journal, the man known as Uncle Si described how he used to be a “sinner” during his younger days when he was drafted into the Army and heading off to Vietnam.
Robertson said he was worried about the pedestal the family has been put on since the reality show took off.
“Look, I worry that people put us on a pedestal now,” he told Men’s Journal. “We’re human beings. We make mistakes just like everybody else.”
The article also features Phil Robertson, Si's brother and the patriarch, who adds, "We're trying to infuse a little good into a culture in which gentleness, patience, kindness, self-control, love, joy, and peace have become abnormal."
Si is sitting next to him, sipping tea from the blue Tupperware cup his mother sent him while he was serving in Vietnam and that has since become nearly as famous as he has. "Sad," he says, shaking his head.
"Very sad," says Phil. "I go out into America and I am literally navigating a minefield. Godliness has become abnormal. I just left California, where I spoke to 40,000 altogether. I told them I was a Bible man. I told them I believe that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth. 'What's he trying to say? That I can't sleep with anybody I want? Is this guy crazy?' Then they see a little family structure on TV – us – and the show goes ballistic. Thousands and thousands of people have thanked us. Isn't that right, Si?"
“It ain’t gun control we need, it’s sin control,” Si Robertson said.
In a wide-ranging interview with Men’s Journal, the man known as Uncle Si described how he used to be a “sinner” during his younger days when he was drafted into the Army and heading off to Vietnam.
Robertson said he was worried about the pedestal the family has been put on since the reality show took off.
“Look, I worry that people put us on a pedestal now,” he told Men’s Journal. “We’re human beings. We make mistakes just like everybody else.”
The article also features Phil Robertson, Si's brother and the patriarch, who adds, "We're trying to infuse a little good into a culture in which gentleness, patience, kindness, self-control, love, joy, and peace have become abnormal."
Si is sitting next to him, sipping tea from the blue Tupperware cup his mother sent him while he was serving in Vietnam and that has since become nearly as famous as he has. "Sad," he says, shaking his head.
"Very sad," says Phil. "I go out into America and I am literally navigating a minefield. Godliness has become abnormal. I just left California, where I spoke to 40,000 altogether. I told them I was a Bible man. I told them I believe that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth. 'What's he trying to say? That I can't sleep with anybody I want? Is this guy crazy?' Then they see a little family structure on TV – us – and the show goes ballistic. Thousands and thousands of people have thanked us. Isn't that right, Si?"
Gary Chapman Returns with New Album
Award-winning singer-songwriter Gary Chapman returns on November 5th with The Truth - his first studio album since 2002.
The Truth features sixteen new studio recordings, with special vocal appearances from some of Chapman's friends and family including Allison Krauss, John Rich, Tanya Tucker and Rebecca Lynn Howard, On a more personal level, Chapman's daughter Sarah sings on "Put it in His Hands," and his wife Cassie duets on the Christmas-themed, "All About a Baby."
For well over three decades, Chapman has racked up an impressive list of Dove Awards, Grammy nominations and writing credits for legendary artists such as Kenny Rogers, Alabama and Wynonna. Chapman is also widely remembered as the host of TNN's popular "Prime Time Country" television series and the "Sam's Place" concert series and radio program.
While it's been a decade since Chapman's last studio album, he has hardly sat idle. Chapman wrote, produced and directed the documentary "The 8th of November" for country duo Big & Rich, successfully helmed the content assets of professional football's "School of the Legends," and launched the popular "A Hymn A Week" online song and stories series, which was inspired by singing many of gospel music's timeless standards at his ailing father's bedside during his final days.
"Singing those hymns I grew up with helped me remember what music is for," recalls Chapman. "This project has nothing to do with money, but everything to do with genuinely touching someone's heart and offering healing. I have no delusions of grandeur at this point in my life and I am pleasantly embracing a place where it really doesn't matter a whole lot to me what anybody thinks, and I say that with zero arrogance or perceived distance."
"My family is my life, they're everything to me really, and my local church is also a primary focus where I serve as an elder," says Chapman. "I'm excited for people to hear what I have to say about it all and I'm also very anxious to get back on the road, not only to play, but also to connect with everyone again after all this time. I just want to keep singing. It's one of the things I was born to do."
The Truth features sixteen new studio recordings, with special vocal appearances from some of Chapman's friends and family including Allison Krauss, John Rich, Tanya Tucker and Rebecca Lynn Howard, On a more personal level, Chapman's daughter Sarah sings on "Put it in His Hands," and his wife Cassie duets on the Christmas-themed, "All About a Baby."
For well over three decades, Chapman has racked up an impressive list of Dove Awards, Grammy nominations and writing credits for legendary artists such as Kenny Rogers, Alabama and Wynonna. Chapman is also widely remembered as the host of TNN's popular "Prime Time Country" television series and the "Sam's Place" concert series and radio program.
While it's been a decade since Chapman's last studio album, he has hardly sat idle. Chapman wrote, produced and directed the documentary "The 8th of November" for country duo Big & Rich, successfully helmed the content assets of professional football's "School of the Legends," and launched the popular "A Hymn A Week" online song and stories series, which was inspired by singing many of gospel music's timeless standards at his ailing father's bedside during his final days.
"Singing those hymns I grew up with helped me remember what music is for," recalls Chapman. "This project has nothing to do with money, but everything to do with genuinely touching someone's heart and offering healing. I have no delusions of grandeur at this point in my life and I am pleasantly embracing a place where it really doesn't matter a whole lot to me what anybody thinks, and I say that with zero arrogance or perceived distance."
"My family is my life, they're everything to me really, and my local church is also a primary focus where I serve as an elder," says Chapman. "I'm excited for people to hear what I have to say about it all and I'm also very anxious to get back on the road, not only to play, but also to connect with everyone again after all this time. I just want to keep singing. It's one of the things I was born to do."
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