The CD cover art for BeBe & CeCe Winans upcoming release entitled ‘Still’ was recently reviled and it looks amazing… but that’s not all. We are very excited about ‘Grace’ being leaked on Friday.

(The siblings in the studio.Notice BeBe producing the session and directing his baby sister)

‘Grace’ is a new song from the highly anticipated 3^rd album of iconic brother/sister duo BeBe & CeCe Winans. Several months ago the OC released never seen before promotional pictures of the two and are so elated to provide our readers with this leak. Excited mainly because we love it!!!

(New Promo Pics from BeBe & CeCe Winans)

Always known for their melodic sound, ‘Grace’ is also very fresh and new. No, not ‘brand new’ at all, but a totally refreshing perspective on the classic sound that has made them so beloved by fans across the world. We are so proud of BeBe & CeCe, and can’t wait to hear the entire unreleased (for media) version (wink ;-))

(BeBe & CeCe Winans “Still”… available everywhere October 6!)

To stay updated on BeBe & CeCe visit there official MYSPACE:

http://www.myspace.com/

bebeandcecewinans

(Darwin Hobbs New promotional photo )

Guess who’s back! The one and only “Luther Vandross of Gospel” Mr. Darwin Hobbs!!! Hobbs is scheduled to have his first CD/DVD recording ever on September 18, 2009 at the Oasis Worship Center in Nashville, TN. The album has been post titled ‘Praise and Worship; Songs to Enhance the Worship Lifestyle’. How loaded is that!!! Hobbs’ will release his new project on the Tyscot label, his second release on the label since his 2005 release entitled Worshipper (EMI Gospel).His first release with Tyscot ‘Free’ is featured below.

(continue reading…)

OC readers, you may find this story very alarming. Tonéx, easily one of the most misunderstood and scrutinized gospel artists in history, has made some ground breaking confessions.

(Tonex’s latest CD a R&B release entitled UNSPOKEN)

During a recent interview on The Lexi Show ,Tonex reviled the truth about his psychiatric and medical diagnosis, the real reason behind his four year marriage to singer Yvette (Graham) Williams, as well he answers the question “Are you attracted to men?”.

For the sake of journalistic clarity we will not summarize this interview, rather we will quote him directly:

He states:

“I was eventually diagnosed with anxiety disorder. I never had that before, but as a result of all the events I developed it” He says in reference to losing several relatives including his father in the span of one month.

About his marriage to Yvette:

“I just wanted to make some clarification. The reason why me and my wife divorced had nothing to do with sexual indiscretion, or me going outside, or her going outside of the marriage, or me being gay. While I was with my wife I was very faithful, and I enjoyed having sex with her. We had a wonderful sexual relationship. And that’s why we stayed together as long as we did.”

When asked if he had struggled with homosexuality he says:

“Not struggled. It wasn’t a struggle. There’s still times when I’m like… hmm… I do want kids and I very much love women, but at the same time we have to be honest with ourselves to what it is we have affinity to at the time. And I think because of the experience I had with my first marriage I would have to say I lean more toward the same sex.”

He continues:

“I don’t believe that the sin is sex [with a man] the sin is fornication. If you are sleeping with multiple people and are not in a committed relationship before God with that person [either same or opposite sex], I believe that God is not happy with promiscuity on any front”

“I believe that there are Holy Ghost filled fire baptized gay people”

The entire Tonéx interview on The Lexi Show can be viewed below.

(continue reading…)

Dr. Judith Christie McAllister- noted writer, award winning minstrel ,composer, singer and Praise and Worship has now been appointed as the International President of the Music Department of the Church of God In Christ. She is being referred to via COGIC.net as the preeminent woman of worship (oh so true) .The Inaugural Celebration for the newly appointed President was celebrated by the international body on Friday September 4, 2009 with ‘A Night of Praise and Worship’ at West Angeles COGIC- North Campus at 7:00pm. On Saturday, September 5, 2009 the celebration continued at the Sheraton Gateway hotel. The events began with various workshops and an Inaugural Celebration Luncheon at 12:30pm (Only as COGIC can!!!). On Sunday, September 6, the celebration convened at West Angeles Cathedral for a Morning Worship Celebration where the Presiding Bishop Charles Blake will serve as the keynote speaker.

(Co-Pastor KIM Burrel presents ‘The Statement of Purpose’ to the COGIC music dept during AIM 2009 in Tampa FL and tells the lineage of the the department)

(Christina  Nelson (Johnathan’s wife affectionately called Chris),Dr. McAllister,Jonathan Nelson,and son Johnathan Andrew II at the 2009 Stellar Awards After Party)

This was an historic event where as Dr. McAllister will be filling the shoes of several gospel music pioneers such as Dr. Mattie Moss Clark who also held this position within the Church of God In Christ. Dr. McAllister is quite possibly becoming the most powerful praise and worship leader and music director in America considering that COGIC.net reports that COGIC “are now established throughout the United States, on every continent, and in many of the islands of the sea.” The membership of COGIC was 3 million in 1973!!!! The church census as of 1997 was 5.2 million members, making it the largest Pentecostal group in America!

(Dr. Judith Christie McAllister preparing for the stage)

Below is a letter from Dr. Judith Christie McAllister as she addresses the International Music Department of COGIC-We know that fellow state and local music department heads like First Lady Karen Clark-Sheard, Evangelist Dorinda Clark-Cole, Evangelist Bettye Nelson or Co-Pastor Kim Burrell are excited about this new addition!!! We’ll keep you posted, and as always will update you with the happenings! Congratulations to Dr. McAllister!

_________________________________________________________________

Welcome to the International Music Department for the Church of

God in Christ.We are so honored that you have taken pause within

your busy day, to pay us a visit. As a department we will centralize

our focus on JESUS and HIS kingdom; and this focus will be the goal

of all departmental activities. We will endeavor to remove attention

away fromman and/or tradition, realizing that the commandments

of God take precedence over the traditions of man.

Please feel free to visit our webpage again and again, as we will

frequently update to provide information and inspiration, with the

expectation that your experience while here on the IMD website will

continue to be an uplifting one.

We’re Better Together

Dr. Judith McAllister
President
International Music Department

For the second year in a row the Gospel Music Channel celebrates National Gospel Music Heritage Month.

This celebration is held during the month of September, honoring gospel music for its valuable and long-standing contributions to American Culture. A joint resolution was passed by Congress recognizing this month as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

Lawmaker Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee, say:

“The diverse influences of gospel music have deep roots in the nation.”

Another supporter Senater Blanche Lincoln says she grew up on gospel music.

During each weekend, network premieres, documentaries, concerts, and original specials are celebrated.

Among some of the noted Gospel artists who participated in the celebration were Dr. Bobby Jones, Shirley Caesar, Walter Hawkins, and Smokie Norful.

A major event during that month is Verizon-sponsored search for the best church choir in America hosted by Donald Lawrence.

Go to www.gospelmusichertitage.com for a list of other highlighted events.