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 Chonda Pierce, who got her start imitating Minnie Pearl and recently appeared on ABC's The View, has been making audiences laugh for a while now. She has a voice like no other-- imagine a cartoon character with a Southern accent saying "Isn't that precious?" and you've got an idea of what she sounds like. Interestingly, she's also a singer, and can belt out tunes with the best of singers-- she's got powerful pipes that could handle country, jazz, or Gospel music.
As a performer, she often makes audiences laugh for over an hour and then at the end, she'll sing a poignant, inspirational tune with that strong voice of hers, and it's almost like getting two shows for the price of one. On her latest DVD, "Did I Say That Out Loud," she sticks to this winning formula, and the show is very entertaining, even when she's singing at the end.
Chonda starts the new DVD off by relating to her Tennessee audience how she has an apartment in West Hollywood, and how people in California are quite different than people in the Bible Belt. She could totally make a TV series out of this material, a kind of "fish out of water" comedy where the country gal moves to the big city, and it would probably do well.
Some of you might know Chonda from her comedy special "This Ain't Prettyville," which has aired on CMT multiple times. Chonda's comedy appeals to middle-aged women who love the Lord, and in America, that's a huge market. She regularly tours, playing churches rather than bars or nightclubs, and makes a good living entertaining church crowds. She gets away with a lot, saying things you'd never normally hear in church, and that's why people love her. She manages to walk the fine line between evangelical Christianity and secular worldliness with her comedy-- while she's firmly planted in the church world, it seems she'd like to expand to Hollywood and expand her audience. This would be a good thing. She could bring to the world her unique Christian worldview, and help show non-believers that while some Christians are indeed "weird," they're human, too, and can laugh at themselves and the world around them.
If you want to laugh, "Did I Say That Out Loud" will indeed get you laughing out loud a couple times, and get you smiling. Visit chonda.org for info. |
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According to Clay Crosse, Dana Key, whom many of you remember from the duo DeGarmo & Key, passed away June 6th. Key had been serving as a pastor at a church in Tennessee.
Key was born in 1953, and became known in the Christian music world as a guitarist, singer and producer. His work with Eddie DeGarmo was highly respected, and he also released two solo albums. Over the years, Key shared stages with artists like Petra, Amy Grant, Jesse Dixon, and Resurrection Band, among others. Eventually, he headed Ardent Records, hosted a TV show, and pastored The Love of Christ Church in Cordova, Tennessee.
Be sure and follow http://www.twitter.com/christianmusik for the latest news regarding Christian music artists.
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This is a picture of a now famous Christian band frontman, when he was a young baseball player. Who is this? Send your guesses to
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Universal Music Christian Group (UMCG), a division of Universal Music Group Distribution, the award-winning sales and marketing arm of Universal Music Group, has partnered with pioneering entertainment executive Max Siegel to launch Imago Dei Music Group (iD Music Group), a division of Max Siegel Inc. The announcement was made today by Jim Urie, President Universal Music Group Distribution, Rhoda Lawrence, Vice President of UMCG, and Max Siegel, Chief Executive Officer, iD Music Group.
In the company’s first joint venture, UMCG has partnered with Mr. Siegel, an executive with years of experience in virtually every area of the entertainment industry, including sports, music, television and film. iD Music Group was brought to UMCG by Next Plateau’s president, Eddie O’Loughlin, who will play a key A & R role. The label will begin looking for new artists immediately and plans to release their first albums in 2010.
“We’re thrilled to be in business with an executive of Max’s caliber,” stated Mr. Urie. “He is a true renaissance man whose track record of accomplishments speaks for itself. We are delighted to welcome him to the UMGD family.”
Max L. Siegel is the former President of Global Operations at Dale Earnhardt Inc., one of the top motor sports franchises in NASCAR. As one of the most influential executives in the entertainment and sports industries, Siegel made history as the highest-ranking African American executive in NASCAR. Siegel oversaw the entire organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all DEI’s properties including motor sports teams, licensing, promotion, business development and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation.
An accomplished entertainment executive, attorney, author, conference organizer and television and film producer, he is one of the most sought after persons in the entertainment industry. He is a cum laude graduate from Notre Dame Law School. With more than 15 years of brokering deals and project management, Siegel is known for his sharp and savvy business expertise.
“Lifestyle entertainment has always been a passion of mine,” commented Mr. Siegel. “Aligning iD Music Group with the “best in class” was a priority for launching the label. We have done just that by partnering with Universal Music Group. This partnership will allow us to fully integrate music into the lifestyles of people around the world in a unique and positive way.”
The former Sony BMG/Zomba Label Group executive held dual positions as Senior Vice President of Zomba Label Group and President of Zomba Gospel. During his tenure at Sony BMG, Siegel helped the company score more No. 1 hits and gold and platinum records than ever before. Siegel served on the executive team that produced top gospel and pop artists including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Vikki Winans, Kelly Price and more.
Initial releases from iD Music Group will include “Champion,” from Darwin Hobbs (June 22) as well as BET “Sunday Best” winner Y’Anna Crawley’s debut album (July 13). --ChristianMusicDaily.com 4/30/2010 |
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 City of Peace Media has announced the upcoming release of singer/songwriter Jordan Elias' debut CD, Desert Cry on May 4, 2010. And ChristianMusicDaily.com thinks he looks like Jesus.
If there is such a thing as a music gene, Jordan Elias has it. A third generation music industry progeny, Elias traces his musical heritage back to his grandfather, legendary Motown producer Jerry Marcellino, who helmed projects for such superstars as Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Lionel Ritchie and The Commodores, Al Jarreau, Bobby Darin and Smokey Robinson. Jordan's father, Yochanan Marcellino, cut his teeth in the music industry and went on to found several successful record labels, including Kerygma Records, Galilee of the Nations Music and City of Peace Media. With the release of his debut project, Desert Cry, Elias proves the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Co-produced by Jerry and Yochanan Marcellino, the music of Desert Cry is a refreshingly organic combination of old soul, Gospel and thundering Jesus rock. Elias delivers a one-two musical punch of raw, bare-knuckles rock 'n' roll guitars wrapped around thick, meaty melodies followed up by moments of sweetly nuanced, intimate piano-based worship ballads. |
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The Celine Dion of Christian music--Natalie Grant--will be releasing her eighth album, Love Revolution, on Curb Records this August 24, 2010; it'll feature her recently released single, “Greatness of Our God,” which is currently at Christian radio. The song was penned by Jason Ingram ("Give Me Your Eyes,” "The Lost Get Found"), who has written numerous recent #1 singles and Reuben Morgan of Hillsong, who wrote "Mighty To Save," a breakthrough single at Christian radio and one of today’s most powerful worship songs. After finishing the “Make it Matter Tour” in July 2009 with Chris Sligh and Meredith Andrews, Natalie most recently finished up a 30 date tour with Jeremy Camp late last year and is currently headlining the nationwide "LOVE REVOLUTION" tour with Britt Nicole & Phil Stacey.
Over the past four years, Grant has gained prominence as a major contemporary Christian singer and songwriter, breaking out in a strong way with her signature song, “Held.” She was awarded the Gospel Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Since 2001, she has released four albums entitled “Stronger” (2001), “Deeper” (2003), “Awaken” (2005), and “Relentless” (2008).
In addition to her dedication to singing and song writing, Grant regularly performs at the “Women of Faith” and “Revolve” conference tours. She uses her own stories of overcoming life’s struggles to motivate young girls to make smart decision about their own life, and encourage them to see their own self-worth. Grant is also passionate about ending human trafficking and spends a great deal of her time working to support this cause. In 2005, she created The Home Foundation in order to raise awareness and financial support to help rescue women and girls out of sex slavery/human trafficking and is incredibly passionate about this effort in her personal and professional life. |
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 Legendary recording artist John Schlitt — solo artist and former lead singer for Grammy Award-winning Christian band Petra and mainstream rock band Head East — was the keynote speaker at the Russian Gospel Music Association conference (EMA). The EMA ran from May 12-15, 2010.
During the conference, Schlitt performed at various locations throughout the city of Moscow, including an open air concert in Gorky Park, the prestigious "Radio City Moscow" night club and the closing EMA ceremonies.
In addition to performing, Schlitt also conducted master classes for aspiring Russian musicians, designed to stimulate professional growth and personal development.
"I am so glad that American musicians who heard of our plight for years are lending a helping hand in bringing their expertise to Russian musicians," says EMA founder Nikolai Pankratz, formerly of the Christian band Ruscha.
With the demise of Communism, a new era of music — and Christianity — in the former Soviet Union is being ushered in. "I was very excited about being a part of EMA and sharing my knowledge and experience with the people of Russia," says Schlitt. "Nikolai, having grown up in the former Soviet Union, told me about the times the secret police would storm into a meeting, confiscate Bibles and break musical instruments. Pastors were taken to jail, and his grandfather was arrested and killed for believing in God," Schlitt continues. "It's amazing how times have changed; I feel that the Lord had major plans for the week and I'm very honored to have been a part of it all." |
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They're young, they're cool, and they're following in the footsteps of a fellow hometown band-- Kutless. They're Portland, Oregon’s modern rock band known as Sixteen Cities. The band has garnered good support for their self-titled debut project on Centricity Music. The project, which just released, is already striking a chord with media and radio.
Sixteen Cities recently completed a radio promotional tour throughout the Midwest and Southeast in support of their first single, “Sing Along.” And they've been busy touring with a winter tour in Denmark, as well as a Midwest tour this spring and a summer filled with several youth camp and solo dates. The band recently announced that they will be touring with Remedy Drive in September/October. To keep updated on the group’s tour dates, fans can visit Sixteen Cities new blog on Tumblr.com. |
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 New Haven Records in partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum just put out the much-anticipated release of Sunday in the Country: 12 Inspiring Hits From Today’s Top Country Artists. The landmark CD includes a virtual “Who’s Who” of Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music award-winning artists--underscoring that themes of “family and faith” run deep in country music, something you probably noticed by the explosion of "inspirational" hits topping the mainstream radio and sales charts.
The twelve tracks presented in Sunday in the Country are songs that have individually sold millions of units—they are songs that have become modern country-gospel classics and touched the lives of countless listeners with the message of faith.
Steve Wariner talked recently about his chart topping CMA Single and Song of the Year contribution to the album--his inspiring glimpse of eternity that moved countless millions of listeners--Holes In The Floor of Heaven. As he recalls, the song was a bit of "divine inspiration." Billy Kirsch brought the title phrase to a song writing session with Wariner and the rest, as they say, is country music history.
“Every week I still get letters and e-mails about that song and how it has touched people,” Wariner noted in a recent interview. "To this day, I don't take the impact of this song lightly."
“Holes In The Floor of Heaven” was the first song released from his critically acclaimed debut album on Capitol Records. “Hug, enjoy and love those who are dear to you,” Steve wrote in the CD liner notes. “Let them know right now what is in your heart because our journey on this earth is so very short. I dedicate ‘Holes in the Floor of Heaven’ to all our loved ones we have lost.”
In addition to Steve Wariner, other artists featured on the new collection include Trace Adkins, Alabama, Diamond Rio, Vince Gill, Tracy Lawrence, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, George Strait, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, and Lee Ann Womack.
If you end up buying Sunday In The Country, know that a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization. |
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NewWorldSon can do it all, musically. From jazz to beat-boxing, and reggae to country, this band is unlike most bands out there today. Hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, where they got their start performing Gospel songs in front of a martini bar crowd on a weekly basis, NewWorldSon is the kind of band that manages to connect the Christian message with people who normally wouldn't set foot inside a church. Over 6,000 people have viewed this excellent article on ChristianMusicDaily.com, and with the release of NewWorldSon's newest concoction of PopGospelSoul, my guess is thousands more will; and seeing that all four members share their thoughts, this is one of the few places on the web to get so in-depth with the band! --ChristianMusicDaily.com, 5/15/10 |
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 Beginning in May, Chosen Records' recording artist The Wrecking will join Manic Drive on a concert tour sponsored by Air 1 and Compassion International. The "Hearts of Compassion" tour is currently scheduled to stop in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma, with more dates being added daily.
"We're very excited about this tour," says Darren Elder, drummer for The Wrecking. "Our concert schedule has been crazy since January. We've already been coast to coast since the beginning of the year. This tour will be especially fun since we get to share the stage with Manic Drive and work with two great organizations."
Currently, The Wrecking has two radio singles climbing both Christian and mainstream charts. Their single "About to Fall" is being played on both AC and CHR stations, while the single "Fire" is playing on mainstream college radio stations across the country. Both songs are featured on the Limited Edition pre-release EP, The Catalyst, which previews several tunes to be included on their 2011 project. In addition, a separate website for the "About to Fall" single has been set up for listeners from each radio station's market to share their stories of how music has helped "pick them up after they have fallen."
The Wrecking is slated to perform at several upcoming festivals including Cornerstone, Night Vision, Lifest, Gab Fest, Soul Jam, Unity Fest, and Soulfest, among others. In June, the band will return to the studio with producer Dustin Burnett to complete another five songs for their new CD So Much for Love, set for release in early 2011.
The Wrecking's first national CD, A New Abolition, spawned two successful music videos including the song "In Your Eyes" which was nominated for Best Pop Music Video on the Gospel Music Channel. The band's single "You Remain" was a top 5 radio hit on Air 1 as well as a popular music video. While the band is serious about music, they are equally serious about making an impact on worldwide atrocities such as child sex slavery and children of war. The Wrecking has been heavily involved with Love 146, International Justice Mission, ChildVoice and other organizations dedicated to helping improve the lives of children across the globe.
The Wrecking has shared the stage with Sanctus Real, The Afters, Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Ten Shekel Shirt and EleventySeven, among others. The band's cover of U2's "Get On Your Boots" was named one of the top 50 videos on YouTube, and the band was chosen for the iTunes Essential Rising Stars-Christian collection along with artists such as Brandon Heath, DecembeRadio, and FM Static, among others. -ChristianMusicDaily.com 4/28/10 |
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