Multi-Award Winning Recording Artist John P. Kee, Pastor and Founder of New Life Church, Charlotte, NC- mega super GI producer ( the list could go on for days) has now another title to add to his long repertoire of achievements. On June 4, 2009 Pastor Kee became Dr. John P. Kee, joining the ranks of several of his Pastoral and Musical colleagues. He received the honorary Doctorate Degree of Sacred Music from the accredited Christian Bible Institution an Seminary located in Houston, TX. Dr. Tony V.. Lewis is president and Dr. C. Edward Moten is the Dean of Administration.

The Degree was presented by Pastor (yes Pastor- she is Assistant Pastor at Jericho City COGIC-Bishop Brian Nelson. Check her out preaching at a women’s service below!!!) and Powerhouse Vocalist Dr. Kim Burrell, who is a member of the board of Regents.

Kee was humble in speech but exemplify more than 25 years of musical experience coining him a maven in the music faction. His continuous activities in music reflect why he was selected for such a high honor. He founded New Life Christian Academy School of the Performing Arts- an inner-city school where he provides education in music, orchestra, piano, dance and vocal performance. He and wife, Felice Kee, award numerous amounts of scholarships for under privileged children in the community, so that they can have the opportunity to excel in the arts. The OC wishes to congratulate Dr. John P. Kee on this wonderful honor!

We’ve been looking at unsettling news and keeping up with our colleagues on updates of Michael Jackson’s recent death. We wanted to ensure that we provided you with the most accurate and up to date news that we know you will most certainly be interested in. Michael Jackson is by all means one of Music’s most iconic figures. His musical influences can be heard when listening to some of the GI’s hottest artists, ranging from Kirk Franklin to Deitrick Haddon to Mary Mary to Coko Clemons. Without a doubt, his music has touched the fabric of our industry. But is that his only connection to Gospel Music???

(In an Exclusive interview with Ebony Mag MJ talks God, fatherhood, and music)

Shockingly no!!! The King of Pop had famous ties to Gospel Music Living Legends Andrae and Sandra Crouch, whose music Jackson is said to have admired for years. According to several GI insiders MJ visited with the Crouch’s needing fresh perspective and spiritual guidance for his upcoming tour. Several media outfits reported that the circulation of this meeting came from the website/facebook.com page of Erica Campbell, one half of the Grammy- award winning Super Duo Mary Mary. The headline banner/status read:

“Good-News RIP- Michael Jackson” Campbell writes- “Last night we received some good news from Terri McFaddin-Solomon who is good friends with Sandra Crouch. Three weeks ago Sandra and Andrae spent some time with their close friend, Michael Jackson. Michael asked Andrae to play, ‘It Won’t Be Long And We’ll Be Leaving Here’. Michael then prayed with Sandra and Andrae and accepted Christ into his heart. Now he’s singing in the heavenly choir! Our hearts rejoice!”

(Gospel Music Living Legends Andrae Crouch)

However according to Sandra Crouch, Terri McFaddin-Solomon might’ve gotten the story a little wrong. Sandra Crouch says via her facebook:

” Not sure where that came from. We loved and respected Michael and will continue to pray for his family. All the extra is not from us.”

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Singers Erica Campbell (L) and Tina Campbell(R) of gospel group Mary Mary attended the 2009 BET Awards on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. While on the red carpet Tina Campbell made an announcement!!!! She’s pregnant with her fourth child. In all, Tina and her husband, drummer Teddy Campbell, are parents to girls Laiah,5, Meela,1, and Cierra,15. Tina expressed her excitement, in her and Teddy having their first son due later this year.

(M&M pictured with their 2009 BET Award for Best Gospel Artist)

This was the GI’s first year to represent at the BET Awards. Seeing as though Debra Lee (whom we Love) and the crew over at BET gave the Industry this huge chance they handpicked our girls Tina and Erica aka the Mary’s to do “our” part. They were introduced befittingly as the rising ‘Queens’ of gospel. Their performance was a little slow to start, but gained momentum when entering from stage left was none other than Queen Latifah aka Dana Owens.

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Singer Kelly Price arrives at the 22nd annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Friday, June 26th in Beverly Hills, California.

As we have previously reported the star has recently been in the studio with My Block producer Warren Campbell working on her third studio album. This is what Warren Campbell, husband to Erica Campbell of M&M had to say on his twitter page concerning Kelly being in his studio:

“Kelly Price is in my studio killing everything moving!!!!!”11:38 PM Apr 22nd from TwitterBerry.

Her last album “This is Who I Am” was great, but we think Warren Campbell would give KP that extra Ump that she needs? Can the Church say Amen! What do u think???

In addition she has also written a book entitled “The Contemporary Christian’s Guide to Enjoying The God Kind of Life Without The Rules of Religion” This is the cover of her New Book- we haven’t read it so we’ll reserve commentary until we do…. the title is loaded and thought evoking… things that make u go hummmmm… We’ll keep u posted!