By J. MATTHEW COBB
Founder, Editor-In-Chief of PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment
Posted: January 2, 2008

AS WE LOOK AHEAD into a brighter future, we reflect on the headlines of 2008 that affected the gospel music industry, the church community and those stories that barely saw the light of day. From the expolsive drama circulating around Juanita Bynum and estranged husband Bishop Thomas Weeks to the passing of great legend found in Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson, 2007 was marked with tragedy, scandal and a great list of triumphs. We uncover the good, the bad and the ugly in this thorough and well-detailed anthology of 2008's most popular events in the gospel world.

Juanita Bynum allegedly attacked in hotel parking lot by estranged husband Bishop Thomas Weeks
This situation is still very questionable. In June, Bynum claims she was beaten and reveals scars to boot. The news turns the situation into a three-ring circus and Weeks announces after his arrest that he never attacked her. Press conferences on both ends escalated, JET, Ebony and Gospel Today interviews both sides to cash in on the drama and a predictable announcement of a divorce is still pending. Who knows what will happen in the end to the two. All we know is their careers have both been affected from all of this. Truly one of the big headlines of the year.

Bishop Walter Camps, father of Beverly Crawford, passes
Remember the duet on Bevery Crawford’s “Nobody But Jesus” and “Jesus, Precious King”? Well, Bishop Camps is the featured guest on those songs. Camps was the presiding bishop of the Holy Temple of God denomination. He was 74 years of age.

MOMENTS IN TIME BeBe and CeCe Winans appeared on FOX's American Idol in a surprise reunion together with AI finalist Melinda Dolittle. The duo, with Dolittle, sung "Hold Up The Light" and ended up being one of the highlights of the evening. Featured above: BeBe & CeCe posing for a photo-op at American Idol's season finale.

Glenn Burleigh passes
The renowned composer of the GMWA classic “Order My Steps” and a popular workshop clinician in the ‘80s and ‘90s moved on up to glory. He composed songs for Dorothy Norwood, the GMWA Women of Worship and Dr. Margaret P. Douroux.

Renowned clergyman Bishop G.E. Patterson passes
Renowned across the country for his Bountiful Blessings telecast and his churchified traditional gospel albums, Patterson departed this life due to heart failure and battled prostate cancer. He was the senior pastor of Memphis’ Temple of Deliverance COGIC and was the well respected presiding bishop of the Churches of God In Christ. Bishop Charles E. Blake, pastor of West Angeles COGIC, currently serves the eight million members of the Church of God In Christ.

Curtis Hayes, Jr., of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, passes
Longtime director of the New Jerusalem Full Gospel Baptist Church who recorded a string of hits in the ‘70s and ‘80s such as “His Eye Is On The Sparrow,” “I Can’t Feel At Home” on Savoy and Sound of Gospel Records.

Vickie Winans stuns the music industry to go independent
After releasing the double-disc Songs of Life: Woman to Woman on Verity, Winans steps away from the mega label to start up her own independent label Destiny Joy Records. Her first release from the new label was the best-selling Happy Holidays From Vickie Winans.

Rev. C.L. Fairchild passes
Pastor of the Greater Faith Baptist Church in Waukegan, IL; Fairchild passed away on October 10 and left a legacy that blessed the National Baptist Convention (NBC) for years. He was also known for recording two albums on the AIR Gospel label and for spearheading the Let’s Go To Church project from the National Baptist Convention Mass Choir on the CGI label.

BeBe and CeCe Winans reunite on Idol season finale; announces plans to record another album together
After a shocking appearance with Melinda Dolittle on the season finale of American Idol, BeBe and CeCe Winans drops the news that they are planning to hit the studio to record once again as a duo and is scheduled for release in early 2008. Finally, our dreams come true for these two.

BeBe Winans and Chaka Khan join Broadway cast of The Color Purple
Chaka, on the heels of a powerful return to the music charts with Funk This, joins BeBe Winans on the Broadway smash hit Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple. The two will be playing as Harpo and Sophia. Expectations are high and ticket sales are flyring through the roof to see the new additions to the stage play.

Tyscot breaks ground with new additions to their roster
Indianapolis-based Tyscot Records wraps up another list of super gospel artists including former EMI artist Darwin Hobbs and Brent Jones & the T.B. Mobb (known for R&B/urban gospel hit “Good Time”). Is this Tyscot’s way in making the big labels nervous?

Marvin Winans’ long-awaited solo project hits shelves, skyrockets to #1
With very little marketing, PureSprings Gospel releases Alone But Not Alone, Winan’s solo debut and first recording in thirteen years, in September and later flies to the number one spot on the Billboard Gospel charts and number three on the Christian charts. Well deserved.

MOMENTS IN TIME Even with controversy looming around Donnie McClurkin's involvements on the Obama Gospel tour, who would have thought a presidential candidate like Sen. Obama would organize a gospel tour for his grassroots campaign in South Carolina. Attention gospel concert promoters: we ask that you please jot down some notes. Featured above: Mary Mary performing on the Embrace The Change tour. Photo courtesy of Barack Obama @ FlickR.

Donnie McClurkin faces controversy on Obama’s Gospel tour in South Carolina
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama decides to promote a gospel tour in South Carolina to pick up votes for his campaign. Enlisted on the tour are artists like Beverly Crawford, Mary Mary, Byron Cage, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and Donnie McClurkin. But it’s the name Donnie McClurkin that creates a big buzz across the Internet - mostly from LGBT supporters of Obama - for him to drop McClurkin all together; due to his stance on homosexuality and aggressive ministry for rehabilitation. Interesting, didn’t think they had a gay rehab. The topic was all over the press and even became a big question from Tim Russett on NBC’s Meet The Press. Obama decided to risk it all and kept McClurkin on the bill and responded that he did not agree with McClurkin’s point-of-view. In the end, McClurkin dominated the tour and preached his philosophy on the whole matter.

Paula White annouces divorce from senior pastor Randy White
Another headline shocker - successful entrepreneur and televangelist Paula White announced her divorce in August from senior pastor Randy White of the Without Walls International Church in Tampa. Randy White, who took “100 percent responsibility” for the split, continues to lead the Without Walls mega-church.

Long, White, Dollar, Copeland and Meyer investigated in Senate probe; Meyer agrees
A big investigation from Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made the news announcing probes in the assets and potential profits of mega-church ministries including Bishop Eddie Long, Dr. Creflo Dollar, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Paula & Randy White and Joyce Meyer. While the others had a hard time in responding, Meyer made us all proud by welcoming the investigations and hope that other non-profit organizations and churches will maintain “trust, accountability and transparency” to the world and the church.

Sneed acknowledged in Billboard as one of the hottest gospel producers in 2007
After releasing a number of well-received albums into the market, Troy Sneed is named by Billboard Magazine as the second hottest producer of 2007 in gospel music with five charting titles as producer. Hits singles from Sneed’s Emtro label includes the Wilmington Chester Mass Choir’s “It’s Not Over...God Is In Control,” Bruce Parham’s “Call Jesus,” Alvin Darling’s “Nobody But The Lord,” and Youth For Christ’s “The Struggle Is Over.”

DeNetria Champ appears in 'This Christmas'
JDI artist DeNetria Champ makes her acting premiere in the holiday motion picture This Christmas from Sony Pictures. Roger Ebert of Ebert & Roeper called her a “showstopper.” The film featured a cast including Loretta Devine, R&B sensation Chris Brown, Idris Elba and Mekhi Phifer.

Jonathan Nelson signs with Integrity Gospel
Integrity Gospel must got some good ears to know what’s good in the marketplace. In late 2007, they signed songwriter/worship leader Jonathan Nelson to their gospel division and announced the release of Right Now Praise - his upcoming album - on February 5, 2008. Nelson is known for penning recent hits including “Shift This Place,” “Manifest”, and “Healed.”

MOMENTS IN TIME BET's Celebration of Gospel '07 decided to pay tribute to the Clark Sisters with a soulful rendition of their classic "Endow Me." The performance, led by Fantasia, Coko, Lil Mo and Kierra KiKi Sheard, was met with mixed emotion and opinion from viewers - saying it was too much yelling and diva competition from the vocalists. It still was a sight to see. Featured above: Fantasia, Lil Mo, Coko and KiKi Sheard performing "Endow Me" together.

Bobby Jones appears in gay-related film; stirs up controversy
Dirty Laundry, an underground film starring Rockmond Dunbar, Loretta Devine and Jenifer Lewis, expect to hit theaters nationwide In January 2008. But tough critics, including the Gay Christian Movement Watch, are throwing darts at Bobby Jones for his appearance in the film as a preacher. Well, there’s more to the story...the film is being ridiculed because the lead character, played by Dunbar, is an African-American gay magazine writer facing some unexpected news from his mother down south that he’s a father. Let’s see how the movie fairs on the big critics.

Maurette Brown Clark’s long-awaited album is finally released
It took about two years for the Malaco-acquired AIR Gospel to drop Maurette Brown Clark’s The Dream into the marketplace. And even though the label’s lack of heavy-hitting promotional work and marketing lingered around the album, the lead single, “One God,” becomes a nationwide hit and remained at the top of the Billboard’s Gospel Singles chart.

The Caravans and Shirley Caesar unite once again on 2008's The Celebration of Gospel
The legendary Caravans may have recorded without Shirley Caesar on their Paved The Way (Malaco) album, but the girls united with the First Lady of Soul on BET’s Celebration of Gospel - premiering on January 28. The show even made history for becoming the number one religious/gospel program in television history. The ladies were joined with Fantasia, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Kelly Price, Coko and Kirk Franklin.

Rev. Timothy Wright celebrates 40 years of music ministry; releases Jesus Jesus Jesus
Now on the Jordan Entertainment Group label, Reverend Timothy Wright had a lot to shout about as he celebrated his forty year anniversary in the music biz with the release of Jesus Jesus Jesus. The title cut from the album ended up being one of the year’s strongest hits.

Ricky Dillard’s Atlanta home destroyed in fire; PRAYZEHYMN announces withdrawal from artist permanently
Um, enough said. If you don’t know what happened, then you missed a heck of a ride.

Atlanta’s Megafest postponed, Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship fills the void
T.D. Jakes decides to pull the plug on Atlanta’s Megafest - a popular tourist attraction held annually by Jakes’ ministry. Apparently, the successful conference put a dent in his expenses and was to heavy to orchestrate once again. Bishop Paul S. Morton announced that he would fill in the void with his Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in June.

Jonathan Slocumb announces his removal from Christian comedy
The surprising announcement from the Stellar Awards pressroom in January from clean comedian Jonathan Slocumb revealed that he was departing the Christian comedy circuit. He cited money issues and the disrespect he received from the Christian Comedy Association. He also commented on offensive comments made by Steve Harvey at Jakes’ Megafest in 2006.

Aretha Franklin announces new album to feature gospel songs and artists
Ears were lit up with the news that the Queen of Soul would be releasing a new album entitled A Woman Falling Out Of Love - featuring Faith Hill and gospel greats Shirley Caesar and the Clark Sisters. The album was slated to be released on her newly-organized label Aretha Records, but the diva has since released a duet compilation on Arista - featuring two new songs featuring Fantasia and John Legend. No word on the exact release of the project.

Pastor Jamal Bryant faces serious fire
Popular teleevangelist and pastor of Baltimore’s Empowerment Temple AME Church Rev. Jamal Bryant experienced a good bit of drama from online bloggers spreading word about his court trials regarding a child born out of wedlock, troubles with Bianca Wilson and Michelle Wedderburn and his failure to pay child support. Public information even surfaced surrounding a recent traffic violation from the famed pastor. Much of the soap-opera drama went under the rug but you best believe church folk were talking all about this in the beauty shops.

Bill Moss passes
Brother of the late Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, Bill Moss, 76, dies after a bout with emphysema. He was known for penning “Already Been To The Water,” “Everything Is Going To Be Alright,” and “Turn It Over To Jesus” and recorded with the Celestials for Savoy, Sound of Gospel and Bilmo Records.

Sunday Best debuts, Crystal Aikin wins
BET decides to cash in on the American Idol fever by creating Sunday Best; a reality TV series hosted by Kirk Franklin. The show’s judges included Mary Mary and BeBe Winans. In the end, Shari Addison and Crystal Aikin battled it out and Aikin took home the grand prize of a national recording contract, a new automobile and a $300,000 prize befitting her community.

Clash of the Choirs hits television just in time for the holidays
Airing on December 17, the reality talent contest four-episode miniseries aired on NBC and put five superstars in the ring to organize individual hometown choirs to go head-to-head for bragging rights and a charity win of $250,000. Celebrity leaders included Nick Lachey, Patti LaBelle, Blake Shelton, Michael Bolton and Kelly Rowland. Lachey took home the prize with LaBelle being the runner-up. The December 19 airing was the top rated show (8.3 million); according to Nielsen Media Research.

Idol finalist Mandisa surprises with CCM entry
Her faith was revealed on American Idol as she sang through Mary Mary’s “Shackles (Praise You)” in season five (2006), but it would also cost an elimination for her in the stiff competition. She would triumph in 2007 on Billboard’s Christian charts with the release of True Beauty - a CCM/pop album that debuted at number one. Many predicted that she would release a more R&B gospel record, but she decided to turn the tide. Oh, well.

MOMENTS IN TIME A live recording at the Apollo is very hard to pull off. But the Prince of Praise, Byron Cage, makes it look easy as 1-2-3. The red carpet arrivals remained one of the event's prominent highlights. Featured above: Byron Cage and wife with up-and-coming urban gospel artist Kevin L. Photo courtesy of Gospelflava.com.

Byron Cage holds live recording at the prestigious Apollo Theater
Who would have thought the Prince of Praise would have recorded at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem? Well, he does and even hosts a red carpert arrival and after-party featuring artists like J Moss, 21:03, Gerard Henry, Dr. Bobby Jones, Kelly Price, Dave Hollister, Kim Burrell, DeWayne Woods and Earnest Pugh.

Kayla Parker-Tolbert passes
Renowned background singer and beloved songwriter Kayla Parker-Tolbert passes on April 21 due to a bout with breast cancer. Known for penning songs like Marvin Winans’ “Now Are We” and has worked for artists like Anthony Hamilton, Vickie Winans, Ron Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond and the Anointed Pace Sisters.

Howard “Slim” Hunt passes
Slim of the Southern soul quartet Supreme Angels passed away on February 25 following a serious illness. His legacy remains with the Light/Intersound/CGI and Malaco labels. He was known for going gold in 1974 for “Shame On You” and for releasing hits later on including “Stay Under The Blood” and “Death & the Beautiful Lady.” The posthumous release of The Judgement was released a week after his homecoming celebration.

Dexterity inks distribution deal with Rhino Records
Bishop T.D. Jakes signs a distibution and marketing deal with Rhino Entertainment, a division of the Warner Music Group. The first venture from their partnership was an album release from the Potter’s House Mass Choir album (Grace - Live In Kenya). Other projects along with Dexterity reissues are surfacing.

Teddy and Tina Campbell welcome new baby to family
On June 11, Tina Campbell, one-half of the GRAMMY-winning duo Mary Mary, gave birth to Meela Jane; the second child from husband Teddy Campbell.

Donald Lawrence gives away Stellar to Tye Tribbett
At the 22nd annual Stellar Awards in Nashville, Donald Lawrence, while receiving the Artist of the Year award, decides to give it away to Stellar nominee Tye Tribbett. Why - we don’t know. Maybe it was because Lawrence swept the awards once again. Tribbett is bound to get his share of awards in the future...I guess. Call it a humble experience if you want, but this whole scenario just felt odd. It’s not like Tribbett and Lawrence are in the same musical circles or have worked together before.

Never Would Have Made It makes gospel chart history
Marvin Sapp makes history for “Never Would Have Made It” remaining at number one for the 18th consecutive week on the gospel singles’ chart. This ties the record set in 2006 by Donald Lawrence with the Tri-City Singers for “The Blessing of Abraham.”

L.A. pastor rebukes Bynum in sermon, aired across the Internet
Wow, who would have thought Apostle Brian S. Lewis would have made the headlines for his protests against Juanita Bynum, Bishop Weeks and Paula White in one sermon. EURWeb reported on the situation and even posted a link to the video featuring the sermon’s video. After hearing him yell out, “Why don't you sow $100,000 a month for the next 12 months and watch your deliverance?", it sounds and looks like Lewis was a bit angry because the money wasn’t flowing right on his end. If only favor was fair.

Jakes supports Jena 6
After giving $6,000 dollars to the Jena 6 Defense Fund and appearing on the Dr. Phil talk show, Jakes publicly asked listeners to provide the financial backing to allow us to fight the good fight.” Other stars including Michael Baisden, Tom Joyner and Tyler Perry also contributed to the fund. Rock legend David Bowie sowed an incredible $10,000 donation.

Jakes announces plans to take the next Megafest to Africa
The announced return of Megafest for 2008 surprised a few - especially since the next one will go international and will heading to South Africa. Even though this will help out with Africa’s tourism, the question was raised by one concerned blogger - “Who can actually afford in traveling to it, except for rich, wealthy Jakes supporters.”

MOMENTS IN TIME Brother Kirk continues to make music history. This time, music historians are wondering if he's the first gospel artist to appear on an album cover shirtless! Regardless of what, the album is still full of wonderful material and a creative ascension from 2005's Hero. Featured above: Close-up shot of Kirk Franklin's album cover; The Fight of My Life (GospoCentric).

Shirtless Kirk Franklin makes appearance on critically-acclaimed The Fight Of My Life
Adorning the album cover of Kirk Franklin’s latest project The Fight Of My Life is a shirtless, sweaty Franklin championing around a boxing ring wearing boxing gloves and shorts. Of course, there’s symbolism here - since the album deals with a few of issues and battles relevant to his life. It’s a first for a gospel artist, but regardless of the black and white photos of a heroic Franklin. The album rockets to #1 on the gospel chart and debuted at number 33 on the pop charts.

Clark Sisters releases last album as a group; supported by U.S. tour
The famed group - anchored by Dorinda, Karen, Twinkie and Jacky - released Live...One Last Time; their final album as a group on the EMI Gospel label. The project was supported by a fall nationwide tour. Good news later followed when the group received three Grammy nominations for Best Gospel Performance, Best Gospel Song and Best Traditional Gospel Album.

Gospel radio advertising blossoms
According to the Washington Post, an increase in advertising on gospel radio rose beyond all predictions in 2006. Monica Miller, general sales manager for Atlanta’s 97.5 Praise, stated that 95 percent of the station’s advertisers are supermarkets, apparel retailers, automotive manufacturers and other larger companies. According to the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Wealth, the buying power of black America rose from $318 billion in 1990 to $723 billion by 2004. Now that’s good news we can definitely use.

EMI and Alliant Music inks long term deal together
EMI Gospel inked a long term deal with Alliant Music Group - originally formed by Paul Wright III and is currently headed by Herb O’Neal. Joint releases will carry the EMI Gospel and Alliant imprints and will be distributed nationally through EMI Music Marketing. Projects released from Alliant this year included Isaac Simpson, Lamar Campbell and Joe Pace.

Dreamgirl wins Oscar; celebrates with gospel party
Chicago’s own Jennifer Hudson took home an Oscar at the 79th Annual Academy Awards, but following that she made the news with her decision to host an Oscar party at the Progressive Baptist Church- her family’s Chicago church. She headlined the gospel concert named in her honor , “An Evening of Praise with Jennifer Hudson” and was accompanied by the Soul Children of Chicago.

Tonex’ outrages music world with profane song; removed from Verity/Zomba permanently
After a few blog sessions and personal confessions, Tonex’ releases “The Naked Truth”; a song infused with profanity, deep revelations and an obvious dark undertone. The song would cost him his contract and an forthcoming album release from Verity/Zomba. Strangely, this is not the first time Verity departed ways from the controversial artist, but I guess they haven’t learned that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Even with an apology statement from Tonex’s headquarters, it’s hard to believe how the artist remains one of the most controversial and popular figures in gospel history.

Daryl Coley initiates drive for kidney transplant
The battle over diabetes rages the more in the life of Daryl Coley since now he stands in dire need of a kidney transplant. It was announced in early December that the singer only has 17% functionality of his kidneys. The cost of the transplant has been earmarked at $250,000. A love fund has been created to help assist the ailing singer in the surgery’s costs.

Popular director at Chicago mega church, found murdered
Donald Young, choir director at the Trinity United Church of Christ, was found mysteriously murdered in his Chicago apartment and suffered multiple shots - including one to the head. Young, 47, counducted the choir for more than two decades at the well-known church. Senator Obama, who attends the church, sent a letter of condolence. More than 2,500 people attended the funeral. No arrests have been made.

Sky Angel launches Gospel Music Channel
A partnership was forged with Sky Angel (a nathonwide Christian and family-oriented television service) and the Gospel Music Channel to premiere on their network beginning August 1. Sky Angels currently delivers over 30 television and radio channels to customers across the United Stated using direct broadcast satellite.

OTHER VALUABLE RESOURCES TO LOOK INTO:
We perish because of the lack of knowledge. Get schooled.

Essentially 2007 - PRAYZEHYMN's official list of the best gospel albums of 2007.
Summer Sizzlers - The top ten summer jams of 2007.

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