Ever keen to broaden our musical scope, recent months have seen That Grape Juice venture into a number of new musical landscapes including, most recently, gospel.
Spearheaded by well-received interviews with gospel singers Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Israel Houghton, and more, TGJ is now offering readers ‘The Overflow’ – a collection of the top gospel-themed news stories from the week.
Tuck in below for the latest news on Kim Burrell, Hezekiah Walker, Smokie Norful, Jonathan Nelson, Mary Mary, and so much more…
Hot Shot: Kim Burrell Beams In the Studio With Hitmaker Claude Kelly
Now is an exciting time to be a Kim Burrell fan! For, like fellow gospel songstress Kierra Sheard (who booked studio time with secular hitmakers Rodney Jerkins and Babyface), the ‘Over and Over Again’ wailer was spotted in snaps over on Instagram with R&B/pop craftsman Claude Kelly.
Kelly, who has penned hits for the likes of Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera, and Burrell’s longtime friend/pop icon Whitney Houston, is rumored to be contributing to the gospel songstress’s sixth studio album aboard new label home Arrow Records.
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Hezekiah Walker Reveals New Album Artwork
Fans of Walker were pleased this week when he unveiled the Donald Lawrence-produced album’s accompanying artwork (seen above).
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Jonathan Nelson’s ‘Finish Strong’ Storms To Itunes #1
Jonathan Nelson has yet another reason to sing ‘My Name Is Victory’ as reports this week indicate the gospel crooner/craftsman’s new album ‘Finish Strong’ (in stores now) has certainly started strong with an impressive #1 debut.
Led by the album’s title track, the set features the likes of legendary songstress Karen Clark Sheard and many more. Congratulations are in order for Mr. Nelson.
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McDonald’s Taps Tamela Mann, Smokie Norful For U.S. Gospel Tour
‘Take Me To The King’ maestra Tamela Mann will soon be taking to the road along with Smokie Norful, John P. Kee, and rapper Lecrae aboard McDonald’s 7th annual “Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour” . Set to start May 9th in Washington, D.C., the coast to coast trek will be hosted by ‘Long As I Got King Jesus’ singer Vickie Winans and will come to a close at August’s end.
Look below to see if the gospel all-stars will be coming to a city near you. Tour dates and locations include:
- May 9 – Washington, D.C., Ebenezer AME Church
- May 10 – Philadelphia, Sharon Baptist Church
- May 11 – Newark, McDonald‘s Gospelfest – Prudential Center
- June 6 – Birmingham, Bill Harris Arena
- June 7 – Atlanta, Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church
- June 21 – Detroit, Second Ebenezer Baptist Church
- June 22 – Chicago, Chicago Gospel Music Festival
- July 3 – Louisville, Full Gospel Baptist Conference
- August 30 – Dallas, MegaFest
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Mary Mary Performs On ABC’s ‘The View’, Addresses Breakup Rumors
Grammy winning gospel duo Mary Mary took a break from shooting season 3 of their hit WeTV reality show to visit ‘The View’ in honor of co-host Sherri Shepherd‘s birthday.
Lifting a live performance of their most recent hit ‘Go Get It’, see below for the twosome working the stage like only they can.
The performance surfaced just a day before member Erica Campbell unveiled her first solo single ‘A Little More Jesus’. Listen to that here.
Your thoughts?
YES!!! My girls Mary Mary ALWAYS on point and look good! They killed that performance, they both slimmed down so much too! Great Job! And I’m here for miss Kim Burrell and her vocal slayage with this new album!! Thanks Sam for this!!!