Christmas comes early as iconic multi-platinum, singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith releases his new full-length album Every Christmas.
Every Christmas includes 6 songs from his 2022 EP “Christmas At Home” and 6 new songs that wrap this nostalgic, family-focused project into a beautiful completion.
“I have never been shy about my love of Christmas and how many family traditions we have surrounding it. Being able to put out a full-length Christmas album featuring my family in some way on every song, is a dream come true. I hope this album is the soundtrack to many other family’s Christmas memories,” Smith says.
Michael W. Smith Releases New Holiday Album ‘Every Christmas’
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Smith co-produced Every Christmas with his son, Tyler Michael Smith. His daughters Whitney Mooring and Anna Smith are also featured throughout the project, along with his 17 grandchildren. The family focus is fitting, as the songs on this album paint a picture of all of the merriment of the holiday season and Christmas memories made with the ones we hold dear.
Fans can hear songs from the record and other Christmas classics as he embarks on his iconic Christmas tour starting Nov. 26, in Atlanta with Amy Grant.
Six-time GRAMMY-winner Amy Grant’s long-awaited, fan-anticipated project, Lead Me On Live 1989 is now available in all digital formats and as a 2-CD collection everywhere you buy or stream music. Fans can tune in to Grant’s Facebook or Instagram page at 11:30am CST today for a live Q&A.
Originally recorded during her Lead Me On World Tour in 1988-89, and mostly unreleased except for a few songs included on the 20th Anniversary Edition of the original Lead Me On album, this new collection of 18 tracks from the Ft. Worth, TX tour stop includes the full-concert experience.
Lead Me On Live 1989 – Amy Grant
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Pulled from the vault 34 years later, this project allows fans their first opportunity to experience all the songs from Grant’s biggest tour up to that point in her career. Prior to Grant’s global pop-star success with Heart In Motion, 1988-89 was a time of incredible audience growth for Grant, and found her pulling out all the stops for an unparalleled experience.
All salvageable film footage from the 1989 show is finally seeing the light of day, the first of which is the ‘music video’ for “Wait For The Healing” now available on YouTube. In all, there will be 15 full-length music videos released from the original film footage along with fun shorts, reels, behind the scenes and more.
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Says Grant, “When I first heard the recordings from 1989 from the Lead Me OnTour, the thing that bowled me over was just what a talented band I had on the road. I have loved every band configuration I’ve ever had on the road and all are so special to me, but there was something unique about that group of players and singers during the Lead Me On Tour. First of all, there were so many of us on the stage and so many types of instrumentation like harmonica solos, flute solos, saxophone, mandolins, lots of keyboards and stacks of vocals, it just felt like one big family reunion every night.
The size and scope of the production and the big experience we were trying to create also made this tour very special. The energy of the crowd felt like an infinite number 8 with energy coming from us on stage, it circling through the audience and then coming back to us and it brought back so many amazing memories. I’m so grateful we captured that moment in time.”
Grant hit the road on September 20th performing her iconic hits along with selections from the Lead Me On Live 1989 project. On November 26th, Grant and her long-time friend and collaborator Michael W. Smith will begin their 2023 Christmas Tour.
Joined by special guest Michael Tait of the Newsboys, Grant and Smith will co-headline nine holiday shows, including their first appearance together on New York City’s iconic Carnegie Hall stage (Dec. 5). Following this, will be one of Music City’s most treasured traditions with Grant and husband Vince Gill, their beloved “Christmas at the Ryman” residency. The 12-concert run is scheduled for December 13-14, 16-17, 19-20 and 22-23 and will once again feature matinee performances of the beloved show.
Today (Oct 6), multi-award-winning and platinum-selling artist Hillsong UNITED releases Zion (x), a special 10th anniversary album. Zion (x) pulls together some unseen moments from the ‘Zion’ archives paired with a few new versions. UNITED shares, “This album was created to celebrate what the songs have meant to us, and all that God has done and is continuing to do in and through them.”
“For us as a group, whether it be from recording or writing these songs to playing them in front of people and all the production that goes with it, it’s all an expression of an extraordinary God doing what only He can do through ordinary people who love Him and want to serve Him. That’s our desire, and it’s been the one constant that hasn’t changed. We hope these songs, now in their various forms are an encouragement for people everywhere,” UNITED adds.
Today, nine-time GRAMMY Award nominee and Curb | Word Entertainment artist Natalie Grant has released her highly anticipated new album, Seasons. The 10-track album features Grant’s own twist on songs that have made a lasting impression on her life as well as her illustrious career.
To create Seasons, Grant invited some of the top artists in their genres to join her including Mary Mary with their first re-recorded version of their smash hit “Shackles (Praise You),” Tasha Cobbs Leonard on Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and her mother and daughters on Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.” Seasons debuted at No. 1 on iTunes and the lead single, “You Will Be Found,” is currently in the Top 15 at mainstream A/C Radio and holds the top two positions on iTunes.
“Faith-filled music has carried me, and continues to carry me, through every stage of my life” shares Grant. “There have been many seasons – seasons full of beauty and blooming, seasons that have seemed cold and barren. This album is a collection of songs that have carried me through college, heartbreak, infertility, cancer, anxiety… the list goes on. But my Jesus, and the music that carries His message, have been my constant companions.”
Seasons – Natalie Grant
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Earlier this week, Grant was joined by husband and collaborator, Bernie Herms, in a livestream event celebrating the release of Seasons.
Later this month, Grant and her husband, GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter/producer Bernie Herms, will extend their wildly popular “An Evening with Natalie Grant featuring Bernie Herms” tour. Following those dates, Grant will embark on K-LOVE’s Celebrate Christmas Tour with Danny Gokey from November 30th – December 16th.
19-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Kirk Franklin releases Father’s Day (Fo Yo Soul/RCA) today (Oct 6). Father’s Day marks Kirk Franklin’s first new solo album since the 2019 release of his GRAMMY-winning album LONG LIVE LOVE.
Written and produced by Franklin, his Father’s Day album features a total of 10 tracks, with other tracks such as “You Still Love Us,” “Somebody’s Son,” and guest appearances from Le’Andria Johnson, Chandler Moore, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds, Jekalyn Carr, Kelontae Gavin, and Maranda Curtis.
Coming up next, Franklin will be sharing a deeper look into his personal story behind this new album, premiering his Father’s Day documentary on his YouTube channel on September 15, 2023.
Kirk Franklin Releases ‘Father’s Day Album
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Maintaining a prolific schedule from recording new music, producing on television and live performances throughout 2022-2023, Kirk Franklin co-headlined the popular Kingdom Tour with Maverick City Music in 2022, hosted the third year of his Exodus Music and Arts Festival in May 2023 in Irving, TX, and debuted the dating competition series The One, which he and his wife Tammy Franklin co-hosted and co-executive produced, which aired on TV One this summer.
Kirk Franklin will be back to performing on tour this month, kicking off The Reunion Tour with The Clark Sisters, Israel Houghton, David and Tamela Mann, and Tye Tribbett on September 28, 2023, in Bridgeport, CT. The tour will continue across the country as well as Toronto, Canada throughout October and November, ending November 24, 2023, in Fort Worth, TX.
“Between the Shadow and the Sun” unveils UK artist Lucy Grimble’s journey over the last three years from a creative, spiritual, and mental standpoint. Starting during the pandemic, the new concept album unpacks trauma, doubt, unrest, and loss with unmatched honesty.
Over 10 songs, she artistically tells the shared human story of our world and its recent events, while soaking listeners in the lightness of hoping in God. The themes of darkness and light became a framework for Lucy, reflecting where she found herself and unlocking new songs in the process.
“I found that pain and suffering cannot be divorced from the Christian walk,” Lucy says, “and in fact, the Christian walk is so often learning how to trust God in the midst of pain.” From introspective tracks such as “Shedding Skin,” “Ready for the Dawn,” and “Plans,” to uplifting tunes like “Hope (Again)” and “Spacious Place,” the new album is filled with God’s constancy, kindness, and mercy.
Through this, Lucy hopes to remind listeners of the trust one can place in God, commenting that “He is a friend in great darkness.”
Built on intricate piano parts and vocal textures, folk-infused melodies blending synth/electronic sounds, and an overall soft groove, “Between the Shadow and the Sun” has a broad appeal and speaks to those questioning faith and fighting for hope who aren’t necessarily finding it in more mainstream expressions of worship.
Lucy Grimble’s New Concept Album Unveils Fresh Expressions Of Worship
On October 6th, six-time GRAMMY-winner Amy Grantwill release a long-awaited, fan-anticipated project, Lead Me On Live 1989. Originally recorded during her Lead Me On World Tour in 1988-89, and mostly unreleased except for a few songs included on the 20th Anniversary Edition of the original “Lead Me On” album, this new collection of 18 tracks from the Ft. Worth, TX tour stop includes the full-concert experience.
Pulled from the vault 34 years later, this is the first-time fans will have the opportunity to experience all the songs from Grant’s biggest tour up to that point in her career. Prior to Grant’s global pop-star success with Heart In Motion, 1988-89 was a time of incredible audience growth for Grant and found her pulling out all the stops for an unparalleled experience.
Says Grant, “When I first heard the recordings from 1989 from the Lead Me OnTour, the thing that bowled me over was just what a talented band I had on the road. I have loved every band configuration I’ve ever had on the road, and all are so special to me, but there was something unique about that group of players and singers during the Lead Me On Tour.
First of all, there were so many of us on the stage and so many types of instrumentation like harmonica solos, flute solos, saxophones, mandolins, lots of keyboards, and stacks of vocals, it just felt like one big family reunion every night. The size and scope of the production and the big experience we were trying to create also made this tour very special.
The energy of the crowd felt like an infinite number 8 with energy coming from us on stage, circling through the audience, and then coming back to us, It brought back so many amazing memories. I’m so grateful we captured that moment in time.”
In the midst of those big-room moments, Grant still did what she does best: connect with people. Sometimes with a look, a wave, a smile, and at least one point every evening, during the song, “Everywhere I Go,” she asked her fans to join in on the connection by doing two simple things: Dip and sway.
Even three-plus decades later, these performances from Grant and this band underscore an artist coming into her own ever-changing identity (one that would morph again three years later with the worldwide success of Heart In Motion).
“What I loved with the Lead Me On Tour was that I got thrown into so many environments where people didn’t freely communicate about spiritual things,” Amy reflected in 2008. “That’s very different now because everybody communicates about all kinds of spiritual things.
Growing up somewhat of a maverick myself, I had always hated being preached to,” she continued. “I wasn’t about to do that to anybody else but rather make an experience available to somebody and kind of let them stumble into it or step into the water. And that was exhilarating.”
Lead Me On Live 1989 will be available in all digital formats plus as a 2-CD collection. iTunes will have the album for pre-sale with an instant great track, “Wait For The Healing,” starting September 15th. All-new merch, fan packs, and bundles for the project will also be available to fans at www.amygrant.com.
Additionally, the salvageable film footage from the 1989 Ft. Worth, TX, show that has been ‘in the vault’ will finally see the light of day on YouTube and social media platforms in the forms of music videos, shorts, reels, and more.
This fall, Grant will once again hit the road starting September 20th, performing her iconic hits along with selections from the Lead Me On Live 1989 project. Starting November 26th, Grant and her long-time friend and collaborator Michael W. Smith will begin their 2023 Christmas Tour.
Joined by special guest Michael Tait of the Newsboys, Grant, and Smith will co-headline nine holiday shows, including their first appearance together on New York City’s iconic Carnegie Hall stage (Dec. 5).
Following this will be one of Music City’s most treasured traditions with Grant and husband Vince Gill, their beloved “Christmas at the Ryman” residency. The 12-concert run is scheduled for December 13-14, 16-17, 19-20, and 22-23 and will once again feature matinee performances of the beloved show.
Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning music collective Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine announce the forthcoming release of ‘The Maverick Way Complete,’ arriving October 27 via TRIBL Records and available for preorder now. The 22-track project not only includes the tracks from the recently-released 6-track ‘The Maverick Way’ EP, but also features collaborations with Noah Schnacky, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Bobbi Storm, Travis Greene, Cody Carnes, Wande, and many more
Out now is the anthemic track “Good News,” which Moore & Raine performed on The Tamron Hall Show this morning (10.2). Featuring Todd Galberth, the praise-inducing song serves as a reminder of Jesus’ never-ending love.
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In 2022, Maverick City Music produced one of the biggest tours of the year, consistently ranking in the Pollstar Top 10 week after week, selling out arenas across America. On Tues., Oct. 31, they’ll take this new music on the road as they kick off a 16-date run with A-list performers, including Maverick City Music, Noah Schnacky, Travis Greene, Todd Galberth, Forward City Music, and JWLKRS.
‘The Maverick Way’ Tour
Tues., Oct. 31 | Symphony Hall | Springfield, MA
Wed., Nov. 1 | Toyota Oakdale Theatre | Wallingford, CT
Thurs., Nov. 2 | The Lyric | Baltimore, MD
Fri., Nov. 3 | Berglund Performing Arts Theatre | Roanoke, VA
Sat., Nov. 4 | Altria Theater | Richmond, VA
Sun., Nov. 5 | Columbia County Performing Arts Center | Evans, GA
Tues., Nov. 7 | Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts | Greensboro, NC
Thurs., Nov. 9 | Grand Rapids First | Grand Rapids, MI
Fri., Nov. 10 | The Sylvee | Madison, WI
Sat., Nov. 11 | Vibrant Music Hall | Des Moines, IA
Sun., Nov. 12 | Steelhouse Omaha | Omaha, NE
Tues., Nov. 14 | Armory | Minneapolis, MN
Thurs., Nov. 16 | Kansas City Music Hall | Kansas City, MO
Fri., Nov. 17 | Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts| Springfield, MO
Sat., Nov. 18 | Peoria Civic Center Theater | Peoria, IL
Sun., Nov. 19 | Grove City Church of the Nazarene | Columbus, OH
Five-time GRAMMY-winning Maverick City Music is a multi-racial, multicultural, genre-bending group bringing hope and love to all.
The collective’s music brings awareness to topics like mass incarceration, Juneteenth and even the George Floyd injustice, addressing difficult cultural topics with love and inspiration. In 2022, Maverick City Music catapulted to a record-breaking and magnificent rise, winning BET Awards, Stellar Awards, NAACP Awards and more. In just under a year, they’ve performed mainstage at the BET Awards alongside Diddy and Faith Evans, joined NPR’s Tiny Desk, The View, and NBC’s TODAY Show.
They also swept the Christian and Gospel categories with four wins, tying Beyonce for the night. In addition to mainstream television, fans swarmed to hear and see the group live across the country. Maverick City Music’s headlining ‘The Kingdom Tour’ broke box-office records and landed in the Top 10 tours on Pollstar weekly.
Renowned Gospel Music Minister and Worship leader Minister Afam is out with his debut EP titled “We Join The Elders“.
This spiritually uplifting collection of songs would resonate deeply with listeners, offering a transcendent journey through faith and devotion.
The 6 track EP opens with the rousing and inspirational “We Join The Elders,” setting the tone for a transformative musical experience.
Each subsequent track, including “Imela,” “You Are Good,” “My Pledge,” “You Are Yahweh”, “Inside Me” and the title track “We Join The Elders,” carries a unique message of Worship, alignment and total revival.
Minister Afam’s rich and soulful voice, coupled with heartfelt lyrics, promises to uplift the spirits of all who listen.
We Join The Elders is not just an EP; it’s a spiritual journey that invites listeners to connect with their faith and find solace in the presence of God.
Multi-Stellar Award-nominated Gospel group, Fresh Start Worship,has released their latest LP, He Is Here. This 12-track album is afollow up to their two EPs, He Is Excellent, released on March 17th and He Is Friend, released on August 18th.
The dynamic vocal ensemble explores themes of faith, spirituality and the support of God’s presence when facing life’s challenges. The LP also includes powerful, soul-stirring collaborations on the songs, “Savior,” with Tiphani Montgomery and “Feel You’re Here,” with Kelontae Gavin, along with singles such as “We Are the Light,” “Love Like This,” and more.
He is Here, offers a spiritual journey through worship and reflection on faith. He Is Here begins with the uplifting song “Excellent,” which praises God’s glory and celebrates the gift of life. The LP concludes with “We Are the Light,” a song that serves as a powerful reminder that it is our duty to radiate light, goodness, and positivity into the world.
Fresh Start Worship is comprised of singers and songwriters hailing from Fresh Start Church in Duluth, GA, under the leadership of the esteemed Pastor Marquis Boone.
Pastor Marquis Boone also oversees Marquis Boone Enterprises, a comprehensive entertainment production company dedicated to creating music and fostering the careers of prominent Gospel artists.
The gospel and worship group is renowned for their hit songs, such as “Have It All (feat. Sarai)” and “Mention,” as well as their albums like Fresh Start Worship and Church Service.
In 2020, Fresh Start Worship earned three nominations at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. The group remains committed to infusing creativity into the live worship experience and connecting people with God through innovative music.
