TotalPraise.net On Hiatus

It is with great sadness that I have to report that TotalPraise.net is going on hiatus for a while. Simply put, I just don’t have the time that it takes to put into TotalPraise to keep is updated with fresh new content. There are many great new sources of daily gospel music news and information, (check them out at http://totalpraise.net/affiliateslinks), and I am always 2, 3, 4 steps behind. I have tried to do it all by myself, but between my regular job and trying to maintain my other websites, it’s just not working out.

TotalPraise.net deserves quality time and attention that I just don’t have right now. I have a regular job that I work 9+ hours a day, plus I have several other websites that I try to maintain and keep updated. I had hoped that I could add some staff here at TotalPraise.net, but nobody responded to my requests, not even for the paid positions (See the request for editors). That makes me sad, but it is what it is. So this may be the last post for a while. Hopefully one day I will be able to get back to it with some help, but for now I won’t be able to.

To all my faithful readers, thank you for all the encouragement and inspiration. Those of you who frequent my AGL forum will be able to find me there on a daily basis. Take care and God Bless.

Sheri Jones- Moffett Signed To EMI Gospel

Sheri Jones- Moffett is the voice you know and love. From The Tri-City Singers to her duo work in Ted & Sheri, Moffett has been known as the team player and the featured vocalist, yet this summer she breaks out on her own and hits the scene as the solo artist.

The powerful voice behind many hit songs including the GRAMMY nominated smash “Encourage Yourself”, Jones-Moffett recently inked a solo recording deal with top label EMI Gospel.

“We have loved working with Sheri since Donald Lawrence first introduced her to us as part of The Tri-City Singers a number of years ago – we feel she has been part of our family.” said Ken Pennell President EMI Gospel. “So to collaborate even more closely with her now in her first venture as a solo artist is especially fulfilling.”

The first effort from Jones-Moffett & EMI Gospel is the power-packed album RENEWED. A bold and brash offering that is unapologetically diverse, this vibrant body of work is unlike anything Gospel music has heard in a long while and Moffett’s versatility is evident.

The lead single and title track, “Renewed”, is Moffett’s nod to one of her favorite inspirations – Motown. From the very first guitar lick the groove draws you in, while lyrically it speaks encouragement and renewal – a message that connects with just about anyone. The album features the outstanding pop track “Free Indeed” with an undeniable energetic beat; and “Grace of God,” a gospel ballad that showcases Moffett’s soaring vocals and clear message that reminds us we never walk alone.

Sheri’s mentor, super-producer Donald Lawrence says this of Sheri Jones-Moffett, “Not only am I excited about the anticipated solo release from Sheri Jones-Moffett, I am extremely proud of her growth as a singer, songwriter, music executive, wife and mother! She’s talented and a tremendous jewel for The Kingdom. If life has drained you … get Renewed!”

RENEWED will be available August 11, 2009 at all retail outlets and itunes.

Melinda Watts Debut Release

Melinda Watts, the season three winner of Gospel Music Channel’s popular reality talent search series, Gospel Dream, will fulfill HER life long dream as she is set to release her new debut album this summer. Signed with Razor Tie Entertainment for a worldwide multi-album deal, Watt’s first project, PEOPLE GET READY, will be released nationwide on July 28th.

Born in New Jersey and hailing from Sacramento, CA, Watts began singing at the age of six. Her powerhouse vocals and warm bravado have captured the hearts of millions of fans, when she won the American Idol-esque show. Influenced by legends CeCe Winans, Natalie Grant and Shirley Caesar, Melinda shares a love of music and her church.

PEOPLE GET READY is a bright and dynamic album that showcases Watts’ vibrant vocals along with strong contemporary production. The celebratory first single, “So Good,” has already made waves at Gospel radio and is upbeat pop track that absolutely defies you to get up and dance.

Slick grooves, hopeful lyrics, and an exuberant vibe are interwoven throughout PEOPLE GET READY, which recalls other leading ladies of urban gospel like Mary Mary and Kierra Sheard. From the explosive, dance-friendly tracks of “Say Yes,” and “Happy” to intimate worship songs like “Available To You,” a duet with J. Moss, and wonderful rendition of “Faith,” there is no doubt as to why Watts won over judges and audiences alike.

Watts will be set out on a promotional tour this summer in support of the release with stops in New York, Atlanta, Chicago and Philadelphia. She’s already been chosen to tape an upcoming episode BET’s “LIFT EVERY VOICE,” and will be a part of the Gospel Music Channel’s Gospel Dream 2009 season set to start airing in June.

“I’ve always had a love of music and I have been singing in church my whole life,” Watts explains. “God’s grace brought me here. A lot of faith in God and remembering that it’s okay to dream even when you feel you can’t.”

Watts, a former high school English teacher and active member of her Sacramento community, started the nonprofit organizations Project Sunday and Heaven’s House to address the great need for mentoring and ministering to young women in her community.

SOURCE: CMCentral.com

Next Page »