prayzehymn wishlist 05
by J. Matthew Cobb
PRAYZEHYMN Editor-In-Chief

The Bible declares that you will know a tree by its fruit. I've been a very good boy this year and the fruit proves just. That's why I'm going public with my personal Christmas list - just in time for the holiday season. Well, some things are just big wishes, some may never come true, and some (I'm hoping) to find under the tree or in the mailbox nearing Christmas Day. Of course, we must remember Jesus is the reason for the season and that our focus should remain on His unconditional love towards all mankind. Never should we substitute that for personal gain. But I'm hoping to reap a harvest under the Christmas tree...let me share with you some of the things I'm seeking for.

1. Apple Ipod
Ummm....I know it's too much to ask for, especially for lil' ol' me. But the baby is so wonderful. I'm always downloading mp3s off of Apple iTunes, so why not own this wonderful companion. I perfer the white one over the black. Why? Well, Uncle Lou said the white one is betta when it comes to scuff marks. I'll take his word. And I won't settle for the nano and shuffle. I listen to too much music for those versions. But I won't be picky. A 30GB will be suffice. Actual Retail Price: $299.00

2. AIR Gospel To Leave Malaco Alone
I was mad when Malaco acquired AIR. For three reasons: 1) AIR Gospel had great sale prices on their website for their videos, CDs and cassettes 2) No more updates or news bits from their email circular 3) Sure to be less album releases and less album chartings. I'm hoping this wish will come true...before it's too late. Actual Retail Price: Inexpensive for now

3. A Copy of Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir "Give Us Peace"
Seems like everyone that has a copy of this 1988 record (not on CD) seems to be gripping this one with their life. And I can understand...I get so many e-mails from PRAYZEHYMN viewers asking if I have this album or if I know where to go to get this one. Shucks, If I knew the answer...I prolly would be rich. It's a classic and is no longer in print. You ask why it's so good? Umm, can we say Yolanda Adams, John P. Kee, Lynette Hawkins-Stephens, Walter Hawkins, and the late Thomas A. Whitfield singing the classic "With My Whole Heart". A copy of the record on CD would mean the world to me. Actual Retail Price: $2.99 for a blank CD and a lil' time and equipment to copy it.

4. Wheat Timberland Roll Top Boot - Size: 11 1/2 -12
I think they are so chic! Will look good with my urban gear.
Actual Retail Price: $130.00

5. Thompson Community Singers' (The Old Bunch) Put Out Another Album
This wish has a few prerequisites. Percy Bady, Percy Gray and Darius Brooks must be on board, Joann Brunson must release her ties of the group, and old alumni must show up including Tina Watson, Kim McFarland, Leanne Faine, Tyrone Block, Ms. Tonex', Chess Harris, Beatrice Gardner...even a good return from Southern Gospel-converted Jessy Dixon.
Actual Retail Price: Kill off some huge egos and some hateful music label compeition along with a statewide order from the State Governor of Illinois.

6. No More Rapping For Queen Shirley
I'm gonna get so much hatemail for this one. Already got told at on the BLOG regarding this. And I was just reporting a story. But Shirley Caesar needs to stick to her calling and leave the rapping alone.
Actual Retail Price: A loss at the GRAMMYs

7. Meeting Rudolph Stanfield
I have idolized this man ever since I heard him playing alongside Whitfield. Well, I always wanted to meet Whitfield, but I learned of him too late. He had passed by then. But Rudy is truly an important figure in the Thomas Whitfield History 101. He was there from the beginning, he played a mean organ when Tommy played piano (or vice-versa) and Stanfield has given the world glorious compositons such as "Stir Up The Gift", "Perfect Peace", "Down At The Cross", "Never Alone", "Praise His Name", "Just Like That", "Let The Holy Ghost Move You" and "Tell It" (the list goes on and on). Just to meet him and possibly interview him would be a dream come true.
Actual Retail Price: Probably too much money. Might have to make that trip to Detroit.

8. Liz Claiborne Variety Gift Set (Bora Bora, Spark, Mambo and Curve)
I got this one year for Christmas and I thought it was the best thnig yet. A scent for every mood and time of day. I hated it when the bottles hit "E" (for empty) so it's refill time. If they have this set floating around still, I'm hoping one will find its way to me this holiday. Oh Santa, please please please...
Actual Retail Price: $55.00 (at least)

9. My DELL Dimension 8300 Paid For
Gosh, I'm still paying on this mug. Let this end soon, Lord. I can't take another monthly bill.
Actual Retail Price: $900 left to pay

10. Working at Verity Records As An A&R
I think I got insight, a good ear, a great reputation and the right credentials to make a fine young lad at Verity Headquarters. But after reviewing a few of their recent projects and giving them below average to average remarks, I don't think they will give me the time of day. Let's just hope I'm wrong. If not, I'll be knocking on EMI's door sometime in the near future.
Actual Retail Price: Possibly a change in my reviews and a possible location move to NYC

11. Ron Winans Family & Friends V: A Celebration (DVD)
Oh how we miss Brother Ron. Yet he left us some memorable treasures with his "Family & Friends" recordings. But his last one was much more sentimental since it was also recorded to DVD. Owning a copy of this would really make my Christmas an unforgettable one.
Actual Retail Price: $19.99

12. Love Alive VI
I hope this is already in development in Hawkins Land. Just knowing another reunion featuring the Hawkins Family with Kevin Bond, Jonathan Dubose, Shirley Miller and Yvette Flunder is in the works would make 2006 so much brighter.
Actual Retail Price: Very inexpensive, especially if Walter still has a new bundle of songs ready.

13. Whitfield Company Live Recording
Lordy, this has been on my brain for the last couple of years. And with every announcement of this ever taken place, the idea gets crushed and cancelled. What is it gonna take to hear this historic instiution in gospel music once again. They still sound good, trust me. I'm very sure the Whitfield gang including Rudy, Larry, David, D. Lawrence, Daryl Coley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong or even Byron Cage will jump on this one. Please one more! It would be nice to hear Kevin Bond or Jason White play on this one (if it ever take place).
Actual Retail Price: Don't really know if it's in the 2006 budget - let's raise some money.

14. Some Real Supporters In My Region
PRAYZEHYMN is growing (thank'ya'jesus) but its been a struggle to get areas within my region to seriously support the vision of PRAYZEHYMN. ATL, Memphis, Nashville, Jackson, Miami and Orlando are not even representing a good 2% of the PRAYZEHYMN Fellowship and most of the folk in Birmingham (where I currently reside) look at me today - forget me the next. Whassup with that?
Actual Retail Price: Blow up on da heze' and watch them come runnin'

15. WAL-MART Gift Card
That always does the trick. Sure to make a brotha' smile. It never fails.
Actual Retail Price: $20.00 and up

That's enough wishes for Christmas, now I'm working on New Years' resolutions. LOL.

Be a blessing this holiday.