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.

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

A host of family, friends, and fans were treated to an exclusive sneak -preview of Bishop Larry D. Trotter’s June 2nd CD and DVD release, I Still Believe, on Tyscot Records.

Bishop Trotter’s newest project wasn’t the only thing that received raved reviews. He personally prepared a number of his signature dishes on the special occasion.

Guests in attendance included fellow Tyscot recording artist VaShawn Mitchell, LeAnne Faine and Ricky Dillard.

“I Still Believe” is Bishop Trotter’s most personal record to date. Similar to the story of JOB, he faced a two-year period of faith-testing hardships that affected nearly every aspect of his life.

“I never thought that people in this day and age could lose so much in a short span of time and it hit me. Here I was: lost my health, went through a divorce, went down financially, had a few struggles at the church… so everything was hitting me at one time,” said Trotter.

Remarkably, it was during this time that he recorded this powerful testament to God’s mercy and grace. “I Still Believe” is Bishop Trotter’s testimony; his personal story of enduring faith in tumultuous times. The lead radio singles, “Made a Way” and the title track “I Still Believe” are already touching listeners all across this nation.

In these times of uncertainty, Bishop Trotter believes that this record delivers a timely a message that will change listeners’ lives and also serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

“You have to trust God,” said Trotter, “you have to trust him even when you can’t trace him. And he proves Himself to us. Things come together when people trust God and I’m a living witness.”

The “I Still Believe” 2-Disc CD set and DVD will be available in stores and online everywhere on June 2nd. (via press release.)

Photos/Source: www.myspace.com/bishoplarrydtrotter

In stores now, the 11-track CD is a musical expedition that speaks to the hearts and minds of both the “churched” and the “un-churched” alike featuring extraordinary voices handpicked by Ultimate Entertainment CEO, James E. Jones, who helmed production of the CD.

Having worked with artists as Mary J. Blige and Heavy D, executive producing Montell Jordan, and the Nutty Professor and Rush Hour sound tracks, Jones is the recipe for success and says that in his twenty plus years, in the industry, every experience is different.

“Working with Bishop Long was extraordinary,” says Jones. “He is so humble and talented. I have executive produced many artists and believe me when I say he brings a different anointing to the table.”

The first single “Righteous Forsaken,” a testimony of strength and incentive, speaks words of encouragement and faith to listener’s hearts by stating, “Whatever it is you’re taking me through/ this time I won’t be moved/can’t give up now you got a plan/ even if I don’t understand.”

According to Bishop Long, “the overall meaning of ‘Righteous Forsaken’ is that “God will never leave or forsake us in spite of what we are going through at this time.”

The endlessly hum-able “Give God Something,” featuring Mary Mary, is a cool urban mid-tempo groove that rides over a snare and simply states, “I’m not telling you to dance/I’m not telling you to clap your hands/but you gotta do something”’

Things get moving with “Down With The King,” a signature Tye Tribbett hit enhanced with a reminiscent vibe of old school hi-hop. An indication of the direction of this song is displayed in the lyrics, “They might not play this on the radio/but we gone’ keep it bangin’ out your stereo.”

SOURCE: GospelCity.com

Recorded live in front of a standing room audience at The Cannon Center in Memphis, the 10-track CD was produced by Norful and Jason Tyson, and includes guest performances by Tony Award winning artist, Heather Headley and Stellar Award winner Tye Tribbett.

“Smokie’s hard work, talent and commitment to the ministry shine through on his new album,” states Ken Pennell, President of EMI Gospel. “We could not have asked for a better project to launch our new joint venture with him.”

In a recent “Critics’ Choice” review of “Smokie Norful Live” New York Time music critic Ben Ratliff writes: “Gospel may be the last remaining pop genre in which live albums make sense and mean something, because it operates on a built-in context of real time. Even a slick concert recording like this one refers to the tension-and-release patterns of a church service, and the vamps, transitions and intermittent sermons are part of its strength…The ballad “Dear God,” with Mr. Norful singing and playing piano, accompanied at first only by strings and chorus, moves into flyaway magic.”

Cory “Coco Brother” Condrey, host of “The Coco Brother Show,” who recently interviewed Norful on his Atlanta-based, nationally-syndicated radio program offered his well wishes, “Congratulations to Pastor Smokie Norful on his debut at #1 and powerful single, ‘Justified!’ We had Pastor help us launch our new syndicated show ‘Coco Brother Live,’ now syndicated in (16) national markets daily. I always enjoy interviewing people who have content and great things to say. Smokie’s interview was powerful and captured people. He’s not just an artist…He’s a man of GOD!”

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/smokienorful and http://smokienorful.emigospel.com/.

SOURCE: EURWEB.com

Just a week away, you will witness the Profound ministering sounds of ‘Holy Boy’. You may have seen him on BET, The Word Network or Jeff Majors.

Holy Boy’s “Church Tonight” is just one lead single from his debut CD, “Out of Time” from Next Era/Universal Music Christian Group. Songs such as Hold On or God Chaser, inspire you to keep the faith and push to be closer to God but with a clean cut feel of meekness and serenity.

The name is HB (which stands for Holy Boy). As a child prodigy in his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, he was dubbed “The Boy Wonder”. Something about him is exceptional. Something makes him stand out in a crowd. Is it his strong voice touched by God’s anointing? Or, is it his baby face and trendy style? Whatever it is, HB is making his way to the top. Holy Boy’s music is an astounding store of hope, praise, laughter, understanding, happiness, unity, redemption, faith, and most of all, everything working together for the greater good. The inspiration he receives from icons Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook, Luther Vandross to name a few, drives Holy Boy to make whatever sacrifices it takes to become such an artist.

In Holy Boy’s own words, “It’s not so much that the icons that inspire me just happen to be key people in R&B, but throughout most of my childhood, any music made me feel complete.” Holy Boy shares the same management with some of Gospel’s Top artists around the country.

Holy Boy is a featured songwriter and artist in the New Sing-A-Long Series powered by the Shot caller of music Vicki Mack Lataillade. He also entered into a Publishing Deal last year with EMI Christian Publishing/Lilly Mack and to top it all off, the City of Mobile AL honored their own with a day specifically for Holy Boy called ‘Holy Boy’ Day set every September.

RKD Music Management whose clients consist of Platinum Artist Dave Hollister, Psalmist & Writer Carnell Murrell, Minister & Recording Christian Artist Javen Campbell, Talented Lilly Mack Singers just to name a few. The company is on the rise in the Gospel Community sharing One Vision for all. You can purchase your album online at www.myspace.com/hbmonline or visit www.rkdmusic.com for more information.

Grammy-nominated recording artist Coko Clemons is back in the studio recording her second gospel album, slated for release on June 9, 2009. The untitled release is the follow up to her gospel debut album, Grateful, released in 2006 and A Coko Christmas released during the 2008 holiday season.

In addition to her recording schedule, Coko is staying busy as the wife of Mike Clemons, drummer for Israel Houghton, mom, to sons Master Jazz and Sir Jalen, and entrepreneur, with her own candle line, Candles by Coko.

To get more updates about Coko and her latest project visit www.cokosplace.com.

Click on photo to listen:

Merriam-Webster defines prophecy as an inspired utterance of a prophet. Time and time again it has been prophesied that the voice of Kathy Taylor would bring spiritual, emotional, mental and physical healing to the sick. In her quest to walk out her divine destiny, Kathy is presently the Minister of Music at Windsor Village, the largest United Methodist Church in America, under the leadership of Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell. Kathy facilitates many gospel music workshops nationally, in addition to being a much sought after praise and worship leader. Her musical talents are limitless. She is an anointed singer, songwriter and teacher.

She is also the founder of Kathy Taylor and Favor, a singing ensemble known for their meticulous harmonies and great anointing. They have graced the stage with many of today’s renowned artists. To their acclaim, they have released three projects to date. The first two albums Kathy produced were entitled, “He’s Worthy” and “What Would It Profit Me to Gain the Whole World and Lose My Soul?”, and were both well received. The most recently released of the three CD’s “Taylormade”, was featured on the independent label, Aleho Records, under the leadership of Gospel Music Executive, Al ‘The Bishop’ Hobbs, and produced by legendary gospel music producer, Sanchez Harley. Kathy is featured on several of the James Cleveland Gospel Music of America’s projects. She is the featured vocalist on songs such as, “Anticipation, “It’s Your Decision”, “He Did It” and “I Got My Joy Back”. These projects, along with her captivating and soul stirring live performances have catapulted Kathy to being a well-received psalmist at conferences across America.

Kathy was asked to sing for Queen Elizabeth of England during the Queen’s tour of Houston. The media reported that ‘Kathy’s performance was outstanding and caused the Queen to tap her toe in enjoyment’. Most recently, she shared billing with Dr. Maya Angelou.

In an effort to give back to her community, this Stellar Award nominee founded Katco Arts Academy, a summer youth program that works to empower socially and economically challenged youth. This program has given youth the opportunity to experience mentorship and to tap into their unknown gifts and talents. Recently, Kathy was asked to serve on the YMCA’s Board of Directors in southwest Houston where she feels empowered to make a difference and serve in the community.

Kathy’s purpose is tri-fold. For today, she allows herself to be a vessel God can use to pour out His spirit upon all flesh, for tomorrow she desires to make the music relevant to the next generation. For yesterday, she stands humbly on the shoulders of her mother and grandmother to carry the gospel in song to the utter most parts of the world.

WEBSITE: http://www.kathytaylorlive.com/

MYSPACE: http://www.myspace.com/kathytaylor1

Inspired directly by scripture and the teachings of Jesus, Meditation is at once both soulful and uplifting, with Sista ‘O’ and supporting players D’Vine Praize pouring their spiritual devotion into every track. Claiming a majority of the songwriting credit, Sista ‘O’ explains her inspiration: “Without the power of God’s anointing, given by his Holy Spirit, I am nothing.” She then goes about proving her faith – from the urban, choral claps of “Rescue Me,” to the energetic praise of “Givin It Up” and the slowed-down traditional verse of “To God Be The Glory,” Meditation demonstrates the sincerity and dedication of the Lord’s more musically-talented servants. Not content to rest on their laurels, Sista ‘O’ and D’Vine Praize continue to change up the dynamics on every track, embracing modern-day R&B sounds on turns such as the title track and “Take Me Away.” Truly, Meditation is both a blessing and a joy for faithful listeners everywhere.

Sista ‘O’ was born in Sacramento, CA, and demonstrated both her musical gifts and religious dedication at a very young age, when she sang in the choir at St. Paul Baptist Church. She is well-versed in several instruments, including piano and violin – not to mention her angelic voice. D’Vine Praize was formed in 2006, and together, they and Sista ‘O’ strive to spread God’s message with the power of music; Meditation is their debut album.

Visit Sista O’s website at http://www.sistao.com for more information, touring dates, and song samples.