Legendary Send-Off for Andrae Crouch at Memorial Service

Gospel legend Andrae Crouch's life was celebrated over two days. Thousands from all over the world paid their respects on January 20 and 21st at West Angeles Church of God In Christ, Los Angeles. Music legends gave a historic send-off to the man who revolutionized Gospel music and referred to as "the father of modern gospel music" by contemporary Christian and Gospel music professionals.

The celebrations included appearances and performances by Stevie Wonder, Tyler Perry, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Edwin Hawkins, Fred Hammond, Erica Campbell, Dr. Bobby Jones, Kurt Carr, Donald Lawrence, Karen Clark-Sheard, Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Smokey Norful, Richard Smallwood, Israel Houghton, Tommy Sims, and many more. Bishop Kenneth Ulmer officiated the funeral and Pastor Marvin Winans gave the eulogy, as well as performed. A message from Barack Obama was included in the program.

BET Network streamed both services 'live' and video tributes were shown by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Kenneth Copeland and Michael W. Smith.

Andraé’s accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for "The Color Purple," induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he worked as a producer and arranger with many of music’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson's hit singles "Man in the Mirror," "Keep the Faith,” "Will You Be There" and “Earth Song.”

Jonny Lang Set to Release First Studio CD in 7 Years

It's been seven years since Jonny Lang released a new studio album but the wait ends on September 17 as Lang releases Fight For My Soul as the follow up to his 2006 Grammy Award-winning album Turn Around.

Fans can preview the entire album beginning today via The Wall Street Journal!


"This particular record has taken quite a long time to finish for a lot of different reasons," Lang remarked. "Most of all, I started a family a few years back. Between family time and being out on the road, I really had to pick my spots to fit in recording."

Over a period of three years, Lang collaborated with producer/songwriter Tommy Sims (who co-wrote Eric Clapton's GRAMMY-winning "Change the World") crafting the album's elegant rock 'n' soul tracks from the ground up.

"This album is something I've been wanting to do for a long time," offers Lang. "Some of these songs may surprise people, but that's what it's all about. It keeps it fresh, and it keeps me growing. Creatively, I think there is a lot more going on inside of me than I've been sharing on record so far. Much of what I've experienced through music and life in general is in these songs."

Since the release of his 1997 major label debut "Lie To Me", the then 16 year-old Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation. Jonny Lang will be on the road leading up to and beyond the release date of Fight For My Soul. In addition to a full North American tour schedule, in October Lang will embark on his first extended European tour in over a decade.

White Heart Announces Reunion Tour

White Heart, one of the seminal and most popular Christian bands in the 80s has announced a reunion tour beginning in October 2013 with details forthcoming. 

According to their Facebook page, band members on this tour include: Rick Florian, Mark Gersmehl, Billy Smiley, Jon Knox, Anthony Sallee and Gordon Kennedy. 

Kennedy’s name became nationally recognized when he won Song of the Year at the 1997 Grammys for Eric Clapton’s No. 1 hit, “Change the World,” which he co-wrote with Wayne Kirkpatrick and Tommy Sims, another White Heart alum.

Eric Clapton's "Change the World" Wins Grammy for Song of the Year

Eric Clapton's "Change the World"written by Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy and Wayne Kirkpatrick has won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year (for the songwriters), as well as Best Male Pop Vocal performance. The song was chosen by the RIAA as one of the Songs of the Century, ranked at #270.

Gordon Kennedy and Tommy Simms were previously best known for being in the band White Heart.