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New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
I Don't Know if I Believe in God, but I Believe in Gospel Music
Before I began listening to gospel music about 12 years ago, I was not the most obvious candidate to become a fan of the genre. Raised by divorced parents who were not particularly religious, I didn't give much consideration to faith. Though my father was a longtime member of the Christ Temple Baptist Church — a Black congregation in Ypsilanti, Mich. — he wasn't a regular presence at Sunday service nor did he pressure me to join him when he did go. My mother, who was a nonobservant Jewish woman, spent much of her adult life criticizing what she viewed as a patriarchal religion; we never attended synagogue, and I didn't have a bar mitzvah. My mother's iconoclasm shaped my attitude toward life, including my taste in music. As a teenager I was drawn to punk rock — loud, fast, angry music that reflected my vague and indeterminate outrage at the world. I defied authority, ranting and raving against the powers that be, including cops, politicians, security guards and my teachers at school, though my defiance usually involved little more than cutting holes in my clothes and quoting song lyrics. I was a perpetually cynical and distrustful young man who believed the world's problems could be solved by my music and clothing preferences, not by organized religion. As I matured and entered my 30s, my father and I grew closer. We bonded over Donny Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield and Aretha Franklin, artists who sang love songs distinctly informed by their respective backgrounds in the Black church. These singers were my conduit to gospel. After hearing the Swan Silvertones sing 'Mary Don't You Weep' on a compilation album of early R&B and gospel groups, I was instantly hooked, and I sought out their LPs as well as records by the Davis Sisters, Marion Williams, Brother Joe May and the Blind Boys of Alabama. I was drawn to the music not because of its religious lyrics but because its rhythms and vocal harmonies moved something deep in my core. I felt the music in my soul before I had even acknowledged the existence of a soul. Each minor chord on the piano, each impassioned cry from the singer broke through my cynicism. I was carried away — if only for a few minutes. I came to understand that the music's religious spirit was inseparable from the music: Each served the other, to help us express our connection to and yearning for the ineffable, to give form to that which is unseen. When a gospel vocalist sings of faith and love of Jesus, it sounds to my ears like a higher power is pouring out of them, using the artist as an instrument. At the top of the Staple Singers' 1965 song 'Let Jesus Lead You,' for example, the band leader, Pops Staples, launches into the opening and his three children follow, creating a simple call-and-response: 'Let Jesus lead you/Let Jesus lead you/Let Jesus lead you/All the way/All the way/All the way from Earth to glory,' before Mavis Staples takes over, her voice slowly building, from mortal earth to the heavenly realms. The sound of the Staple Singers' early records is blues-influenced, trading church organs and a large chorus for a small band, stripping the music down to its raw core. But like much gospel, the Staple Singers' music hinges on a buoyant joyfulness that invites the listener to share in their exaltation. Listening to this song, I clap my hands and stomp a foot on the backbeat. My heart swells with each repetition of the refrain, and I feel myself transported to places I've never visited but that the music conjures for me: some storefront church or a down-home revival. I'm connected to a history, to a not-so-distant past that is not a part of my personal experience but is bound up in my cultural heritage. It reached into the hidden, malnourished and underserved parts of my spirit that I so often tried to repress. To paraphrase Mahalia Jackson's memorable description of gospel, the music brought good tidings and good news to my life. In a world that increasingly fosters self-interest and social isolation, gospel points me toward something more intimate, more collective. Though I don't subscribe to any particular denomination, I aspire to lead a life of curiosity, generosity and compassion — all the best hallmarks of any faith and of great gospel music. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New York Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
The Gospel Star Tasha Cobbs Leonard Takes a New Leap: A Studio Album
'Tasha,' the new album from the gospel music star Tasha Cobbs Leonard, tucks messages of salvation, hope and encouragement into songs shaped by hip-hop, R&B and even bluegrass. Guest appearances include a gospel music icon and an EGOT winner. But fans of the singer and songwriter, 44, will be most surprised by what the LP, releasing July 25, doesn't feature: the sound of an audience. Since her major-label debut 13 years ago, Cobbs Leonard has only released live albums. As a worship leader, she is most comfortable singing in front of a gathering, whether in a church or in Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. 'I've been doing this for almost 13 years,' she said during a recent video interview. 'What keeps me relevant is stretching myself and doing the uncomfortable thing — not something completely new, but building on the foundation.' Walter Thomas, the senior vice president of Motown Gospel and TAMLA Records, said the goal was giving audiences a more three-dimensional picture of Cobbs Leonard. 'We wanted to showcase who Tasha is outside of church,' he said. 'There's a pop side, there's a fun side, there's a family-oriented side. This body of work reflects that.' Cobbs Leonard has been slowly revealing herself for years. She's a busy touring musician, a mother of a blended family of four and a pastor of the Purpose Place Church in Spartanburg, S.C., with her husband, the music producer Kenneth Leonard Jr. Chatting from her living room, wearing a baby-blue short-sleeve top that was nearly the same color as the walls behind her, a flourish of flaxen curls cascading across her forehead, Cobbs Leonard spoke candidly, smiling and laughing with the same infectious and welcoming enthusiasm she brings to her singing. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
The Herald
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Basadi in Music Awards to honour Rebecca Malope with lifetime achievement recognition
Gospel star Rebecca Malope will be honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Basadi in Music Awards on August 2 at the Joburg Theatre. 'Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award is such an honour, I'm grateful beyond words,' she told TshisaLIVE. Rebecca, whose real name is Batsogile Lovederia Malope, rose to stardom when she won the Shell Road to Fame competition with her gospel anthem Shine On in 1987 and has been making strides since. The singer, dubbed 'The queen of gospel', has had a career spanning four decades with more than 36 albums to her name and more than 10-million records sold worldwide. 'To still be seen and celebrated after so many years in this industry is a great blessing from God — one I never take for granted.' Beyond the music scene, Rebecca has earned her stripes in other avenues. She hosted the TV show It's Gospel Time for 15 years, served as a judge on Clash of the Choirs and was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2021 for her contribution to South African arts. While she is not done making music yet, Rebecca is also preparing to venture into the fashion industry by launching her first collection. 'I'm in my sewing studio creating a dress from scratch to mark this moment. It's not just a celebration of where I've been but of where I'm going. I'm stepping into a new chapter, adding fashion design to the journey, and I'm excited for what's ahead.'
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
A Nashville Tradition For More Than 40 Years – ‘Sunday Morning Country' Is Better Than Ever
Children's Choir, Country Chorale, and singer, Shannon Knight perform on "Sunday Mornin' Country" in ... More Nashville, TN - June 8, 2025 Every June, country music fans from all over the world descend upon Nashville for CMA Fest. This annual event (originally called Fan Fair when it began in 1972) brings fans and country artists together over several days for shows, meet and greets, and much more. In 1980, a small group of people, headed by singer, songwriter, and performer, Country Joe Babcock, came up with the idea of ending the week with a special show on Sunday. After days of everyone focusing on country music, this show would feature gospel music. 'Originally, this was the only show that was of the Christian faith at the end of what used to be Fan Fair,' said Jackie Ital, one of the board members of Music City Christian Fellowship, the group behind Sunday Mornin' Country. 'Joe, his late wife, Carol, and some others, felt Fan Fair needed a Christian show to bring God into the week.' Country Joe Babcock, founder of "Sunday Mornin' Country" performs with his family June 8, 2025 The show has changed locations multiple times over the years but now takes place on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. And these days it's actually moved to an afternoon time slot instead of taking place in the morning, despite the name. It's become a tradition for many who come every year, knowing the line-up will include a lot of artists they know and love, as well as new and different performers. Harmonica great Charlie McCoy has been a regular on Sunday Mornin' Country for most of the past 43 years. Multi-instrumentalist and legendary session musician, Charlie McCoy performing "Wayfaring Stranger" ... More on the harmonica. "Sunday Mornin' Country," June 8th, 2025 The Music City Quartet sings "Jesus Is A Soul Man" on "Sunday Mornin' Country" at the Grand Ole Opry ... More House in Nashville, TN John Berry sings "Find My Joy" during "Sunday Mornin' Country," June 8, 2025 Legendary artists who've made appearances on Sunday Mornin' Country in the past include Bill Monroe, Porter Wagoner, Tammy Wynette, Roy Clark, and many others. This year, Rhonda Vincent, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's John McEuen, and Charlie McCoy were among the dozens and dozens of performers who took the stage. 'I always love being part of a gospel show, it's so encouraging.' Vincent noted. 'I'm here with Lori King and we have a new song coming out called 'Wherever You Are' and this was a perfect place to perform it because it's a song of hope.' While Vincent, who is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, appears on this iconic stage on a regular basis, this was a new experience for King. 'It's so great to be here and sing with my hero,' said King. 'Rhonda and I are both from the Midwest and have known each other and been friends for more than 30 years. I recorded this song, and Rhonda was kind enough to sing with me on it.' Lori King and Rhonda Vincent perform upcoming new single "Wherever You Are" on "Sunday Mornin' ... More Country" - June 8, 2025, Nashville, TN While the crowd got an early preview to the new song, their duet won't actually be released for a few weeks. The jam-packed Sunday Mornin' Country show always spans several hours. Some artists, like Vincent and King, doing original songs, with others cover much-loved favorites that have been around for decades. John McEuen (founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) sang two songs, including 'Will the Circle Be Unbroken.' This was his second time doing Sunday Mornin' Country. McEuen missed last year due to double heart attacks. He's since recovered and was happy to make it back this year. Singer John McEuen (founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) performs June 8, 2025 - ... More Nashville, TN The success of Sunday Mornin' Country is due to a lot of dedicated people who donate tremendous amounts of time and energy to bring it all together. From the organizers to the many groups and artists to the massive choir, it's all-volunteer. Mark Thomas, a singer and performer in his own right (he's a member of Music City Quartet) has worked with the show since the 1990s. He directs Sunday Mornin's nearly 90-voice Country Chorale. 'They come from all over the country,' he explained. 'They give their time, talent, and it costs them money for planes and hotels. We gather and begin rehearsal on Wednesday, and these are very intense rehearsals. Two-and-a-half hour rehearsals are on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, then Saturday is when the band and all of the artists come in and we put it all together.' Director Mark Thomas during rehearsal with members of The Country Chorale (choir) for "Sunday ... More Mornin' Country." June 2025 This year, Thomas added a little something extra to the mega-choir mix. Country legend Ray Stevens was scheduled to sing 'Everything Is Beautiful,' a song that starts off with kids singing 'Jesus Loves the Little Children.' 'I teach at Carpe Artista Academy in Smyrna, Tennessee, and my piano studio is quite a melting pot,' Thomas said. 'So, with 'Jesus loves the little children, red and yellow, black and white,' I thought, I'm going to use my students on this song and give them a chance to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.' Stevens ended up having to cancel due to illness, but the kids did a beautiful job with singer, Shannon Knight, filling in for Stevens. Children's Choir and Shannon Knight - "Sunday Mornin' Country, June 8, 2025 Song after song, act after act, it was another spectacular year for Sunday Mornin' Country. Performers enjoyed it and the response from the crowd throughout the afternoon spoke for itself. Holly Watson sings "I Bowed On My Knees" in tribute to her mother, Margo Smith. Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass perform "The Baptism of Jesse Taylor" on "Sunday Mornin' ... More Country" - June 8, 2025 The Kody Norris Show performs "Hallelujah, I'm Ready To Go." But even as they put another amazing show in the books. there's little time for anyone to rest on their laurels. Organizers are already looking ahead to next year.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kirk Franklin Receives Ultimate Icon Award, Performs Medley of Hits to Close 2025 BET Awards
Kirk Franklin closed the 2025 BET Awards by performing a medley of hits featuring Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, Jamal Roberts and Salt from Salt-N-Pepa after he received an Ultimate Icon Award. 'I never felt the love of a mother or a father,' he said during his acceptance speech when talking about being adopted. 'The only time I felt love was when I sat behind the piano and wrote songs to Jesus. People loved my songs and the more I wrote, the more people listened. Thank you to all of you that still listen. Thank you to every group, singer, musician that's been the microphone to my pain.' More from Billboard Quincy Jones Remembered by Lucky Daye, Luke James & Miles Caton With Smooth 2025 BET Awards Tribute Jamie Foxx Honored by Stevie Wonder & Reflects on Health Scare at BET Awards: 'You Can't Go Through Something Like That & Not Testify' Lil Wayne Brings 'Tha Carter' Album Series Full-Circle With 'A Milli' Performance at 2025 BET Awards He then went on to say that even though he makes gospel music that the masses have come to enjoy, that still doesn't make him more than human. 'I am not perfect,' he told the crowd. 'I fail, I sin, I am not a perfect Christian, I'm not a perfect husband, and we all know I'm not a perfect father. I'm not even a perfect artist because I can't even sing, which makes this award even more amazing, because what I really do don't make sense and if you're listening to this that's when you know it's God when it don't make sense.' Franklin then shut things down by performing some of his popular songs like 'Stomp,' 'Silver & Gold,' and 'Melodies From Heaven,' with D.C. Young Fly serving as a pastor delivering a sermon right before Franklin and his army of performers went into an energized remix of 'Revolution.' Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey and Jamie Foxx also received Ultimate Icon Awards at Monday night's show. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
