This week, I AM THEY took to social media to announce that after 14 years of ministry, the band will be parting ways. The announcement followed news earlier in the month that Abbie Parker was leaving the band. I AM THEY is set to head out on their final tour this weekend. The In Between Tour runs through November 12 with a final stop in Michigan. See the full announcement below.

So much to say…but for starters – our hearts are full. Full of love for all of you. Full of thanks for all God has done and continues to do. It has been an incredible journey together. One that has marked our lives forever. We never ever could have seen it coming or known that God would take a single night of worship back in 2008 and call us forward into this full-time ministry. But God’s dreams for us are always greater than our own and we trust that now more than ever. Our story has never been conventional, but our prayer is that it will continue to be devotional. That the banner over our lives and the identity that we each carry forward – whether on or off a stage – would be “They.” That our pursuit would continue to be Him and Him alone.

While we certainly wish we could have made it to see each of y’all out in your own neck of the woods, we really hope to see as many of you as possible out on the stops of this final tour!!

We love you dearly and again are so incredibly thankful for your prayers, kindness, support, love, and grace as we step into what God has next!

– IAT

This week, Grammy, Billboard Music, Stellar, and Dove Award-winning musician and songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard made a network TV appearance. Leonard appeared on the ‘Tamron Hall Show’ for an interview and performance of “The Church I Grew Up In.” This single is featured on her forthcoming album, HYMNS, out October 7.

The new LP finds Cobbs Leonard going bigger and bolder than ever before, reimagining classic hymns of love and grace with a series of sweeping, ambitious arrangements that draw on everything from worship and gospel to country, pop, and R&B. HYMNS was captured in front of a live audience of more than 3,000 at The Greenwood Oasis on the campus of New Life Southeast in Chicago and features a number of guests, including Jennifer Hudson, Kierra Sheard, Mary Mary, The Walls Group, and more.

Nashville-based music, publishing and media brand Gaither Music Group announces its new imprint, Gaither Latino, in partnership with Rudy Peréz. The first release from the new endeavor is from Samuel Adrián, youth leader from Monterrey, Mexico, whose debut single “No Hay Otro Nombre Igual” launches today.

“Gaither Music Group is excited to launch this imprint in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month,” stated Paul Sizelove, president of the label. “For decades we have seen the impacts of Gospel music around the world. Whether through television, touring or today’s online streaming portals, we have experienced the power of music to transcend cultures. We are happy to partner with award-winning producer Rudy Peréz and to come alongside talented artists to record and promote their life-changing messages for the Latino communities in the United States and abroad.“

“It’s a lifelong dream for me to produce faith-based music. My venture with Gaither Music Group to form Gaither Latino is a very special season in my life. Music can heal the wounds that medicine can’t touch. That’s exactly what Samuel Adrián does when audiences listen to him sing! This talented, young youth pastor from Mexico is the first artist on our Gaither Latino label. I’m so excited about the release of his first single, ‘No Hay Otro Nombre Igual’ featuring Jesús Molina, because I know that this song will touch the hearts and will be embraced by people in need of hope all over the world!” says Peréz.

“The name of Jesus is hope and light for the world. The lost find their way; the wounded are healed; the guilty are forgiven; and the orphan finds his home in Christ’s name,” says Adrián. “This song means a lot to me, being one of Gaither Music’s hits; it’s an honor to be able to sing it now in Spanish for the Latin world. I hope you can enjoy my new single ‘No Hay Otro Nombre Igual’ (‘There Is Something About That Name’) that I performed alongside my good friend, the pianist and singer Jesús Molina.”

Stream/download/purchase “No Hay Otro Nombre Igual” here.

More music is forthcoming on the Gaither Latino imprint in 2023.

Acclaimed singer/songwriter and best-selling author Ellie Holcomb will release her new Christmas EP, Sing: Christmas Songs, on November 1st to accompany her latest children’s book, Sounding Joy, which was released earlier this month. Celebrating the recent release of her holiday book and the forthcoming album, Holcomb debuted the original song “Sounding Joy” today. Watch the live acoustic performance.

“My book and album were inspired by the song ‘Joy to the World,’ and it’s an invitation to sing about the hope we have because God put skin on and moved into the neighborhood,” shares Ellie Holcomb. “I hope these songs will invoke dancing in the kitchen while you bake Christmas cookies and storytelling of the very best kind. I hope it will help kids ponder what joy sounds like and the reason we can have joy no matter what we’re facing.”

The Christmas book explores the question of what joy sounds like as the reader travels through beautiful Christmastime scenes in the board book, which is illustrated by Laura Ramos. Likewise Sing: Christmas Songs is an invitation to sing about the hope of the season and features classic and original Christmas songs. Holcomb’s sweet and lovely celebration of Christmas encourages each reader and listener, young and old, to lift up their voice and repeat the sounding joy!

Holcomb continues, “Joy sounds like the voices of my friends and family in my home while I’m preparing a meal. It sounds like my kids singing happily in their room together or like carols and bells and laughter and water running. It sounds like It’s A Wonderful Life playing in the background and Charlie Brown Christmas and Linus reading the most wonderful of stories that came true in real life… the magic of knowing we are never alone, and of hearing that message ring true over and over again in all the songs we sing at Christmas. We have a reason to sing, a reason to hope. Love gets the final word. Glad tidings of GREAT JOY!”

Click here to get the book and pre-order the upcoming Sing: Christmas Songs.

Minister Toluwanimee set to release highly anticipated sophomore Album ‘Good & More’ scheduled for release this October 2022.

Following the release of her debut album ‘Deeper’ in 2019, with viral songs like Lord Today, Walking on Waters, and others. Toluwanimee has continued to bless the body of Christ and the world with her songs like Mercy, My God, The answer. The forthcoming album has appearances from powerhouse music group Mr M & Revelation in Thank You, and a special feature on the cover of her popular song ‘Mercy’ with Victor Thompson. 

The album ‘Good & More’ is packed with *13*spiritual songs and psalms that will not just stir up the hunger to worship but build a strong intimacy and fellowship with the Father. Every song points back to a heart filled with gratitude. 

Good & More is a diverse body of work cutting across different languages and genre. Toluwanimee brings in diversity, vocal prowess and unmatched creativity evident in this body of work. Every song is Holy Spirit inspired. 

We believe that as you listen to every song in the album, it will experience the Good and More side of the Father. 

Sixteen-time GRAMMY-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Kirk Franklin and Sony Music Entertainment today announced the launch of its second season of Good Words With Kirk Franklin. Through intimate discussions exploring faith, redemption, and the realities of today’s world, Franklin invites listeners into shared moments with some of the biggest names across entertainment. Premiering today, the first episode includes a candid conversation with Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Tamar Braxton.

Throughout this season, Franklin will lead thought-provoking conversations with some of today’s most impactful leaders and artists, including Dr. Bernice A. King, Iyanla Vanzant, John Boyega, Jenifer Lewis, Karamo Brown, Omarion, Tamron Hall, Tobe and Fat Nwigwe, W. Kamau Bell and more. Together, they engage and explore their thoughts around race, religion, politics, music and self-expression. The conversations will make space for laughter, joy and lighter moments.

“Good Words is a podcast where culture meets faith and a place where my guests can be real and open like you have never heard before,” said Franklin. “I’m excited to return for a second season and share more enlightening conversations with some of my favorite artists and thought leaders.”

Good Words with Kirk Franklin is produced by Janicia Francis and Danielle Jones-Wesley at Somethin’ Else, a Sony Music Entertainment company.

Subscribers on Apple Podcasts can access weekly episodes ad-free. Listeners can subscribe to Good Words with Kirk Franklin on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on other Sony podcasts, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.

Chart-topper DOE has garnered another #1 hit, as her latest single “When I Pray” is #1 on two Gospel radio charts, two weeks in a row. At #1 for the second consecutive week on both Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart and the MediaBase Gospel Chart, “When I Pray” is the second #1 single from the three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist’s solo album CLARITY, following her album’s first #1 single “Brighter.”

An uplifting ballad, DOE’s “When I Pray” brings a powerful reminder of finding God’s love through struggles and connecting in prayer. Her debut full-length album CLARITY, is an 11-track inspirational album, with DOE writing on all songs, released earlier this year by Jonathan McReynolds’ Life Room Label in partnership with RCA Inspiration.

Garnering praise for her introspective songwriting and stirring performances, DOE also recently taped an appearance for TBN’s Praise, alongside artists Newsboys, Tasha Layton, and Ruth La’Ontra, was an inductee into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame, which has also honored Naomi Judd, Valerie Simpson, Dawnn Lewis, Jody Watley, Jekalyn Carr, Siedah Garrett among others, and has multiple nominations at the upcoming Dove Awards, taking place in Nashville on October 18th. DOE’s nominations include the Dove Award categories of New Artist of the Year, Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for CLARITY, and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year for “When I Pray.” Separately she also has a fourth nomination, in the category Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year, on the track “Breathe” released by Maverick City Music (feat. Chandler Moore, Jonathan McReynolds, DOE), that she was a co-writer on.

Starting her music career as a teenager, performing with her family in their group Forever Jones, DOE received two GRAMMY Award nominations with their recordings, and as a solo artist DOE was nominated a third time for her featured appearance on Jonathan McReynolds’ hit song “Cycles.” Besides “When I Pray” and “Brighter” marking DOE’s two #1s on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart from her album as a solo artist, “When I Pray” also marks her fourth #1 on Gospel Airplay, having scored two previous #1 hits (Forever Jones’ single “He Wants It All,” and Travis Greene’s single “Good and Loved” feat. DOE). DOE continues to find success with her solo album CLARITY and sharing ministry in worship and performances across the country.

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner and multi-platinum selling artist Lauren Daigle took the crowd completely by surprise last night at the second of her two-night stint at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, when she called up former ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestant Ava Swiss. The two performed Daigle’s 2018 track “Remember,” a palpable moment that holds special meaning to Swiss, also an Oxford High School shooting survivor.

“Ava has something so potent to sing for,” explained Daigle. “I was so moved by her story… by her bravery, I went backstage earlier and just started bawling (because) I’m so proud of her, and she is so loved. I hope that our donation (to “42 Strong”) will make a difference.”

Ava’s story is well known thanks to her appearance on AGT, on which she revealed that Daigle’s “Remember,” helped guide her through her experience. Daigle also took the moment, to present Ava with a $25,000 check (donated through Daigle’s Price Fund) to benefit “42 Strong,” a non-profit organization started by one of the victim’s families whose mission it is to “create a better future by helping students develop a greater sense of purpose, community, and resilience.” Additionally, Daigle’s Price Fund will match that donation, sending another $25,000 to Colorado’s Healing Fund – an organization whose mission is to “provide immediate and long-term support to victim’s families and survivors” in the aftermath of mass violence. There was not a dry eye in the house, nor on stage when Ava and Lauren embraced.

For more information on Lauren Daigle’s Price Fund, click HERE.

This December, Lauren will return with her annual “Behold: A Christmas Tour” celebrating the most magical time of the year. Daigle will play three nights at the famed Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and two nights at the Saenger Theatre in her home city of New Orleans, LA. For tickets and more information, visit www.laurendaigle.com.

BEHOLD: A CHRISTMAS TOUR 2022

• December 6 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
• December 7 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
• December 8 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, TN
• December 10 – Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA
• December 11 – Saenger Theatre – New Orleans, LA

Gaither Music Group has announced the release of the debut Christmas recording from acclaimed vocalists and Gaither Homecoming favorites Reggie & Ladye Love Smith. Featuring a mix of new arrangements and medleys of traditional Christmas songs, That Special Time of Year is available now for pre-sale. A performance video of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is available on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel and on the Gaither Facebook page.

Combining the title cut — a holiday original — with nostalgic classics, the recording, produced by Reggie, includes the duo’s renditions of “What Child Is This?,” “O Come Emmanuel,” and “Away in a Manger,” as well as standards such as “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Let it Snow,” and “Home for the Holidays.”

“These songs are some of our all-time favorites,” says Ladye. “Though the arrangements are unique, the timeless lyrics have been ringing in the Christmas season for many decades. We hope we have given these special songs new life so that the next generation can enjoy them as we have.”

The husband-and-wife team will ring in this season on tour with the legendary Gaither Vocal Band, of which Reggie has been a member since 2017. They have been part of the Gaither Homecoming tours and recordings since 1997. Reggie co-wrote the title song that he says takes him back to some of his favorite childhood memories.

“Our families are very central to both Ladye and me,” says Smith. “She and I grew up with Christmas traditions that we still enjoy like cooking favorite family recipes and reminiscing about family and friends who are no longer with us. When Ladye whips up one of her mom’s special dishes or we hang an ornament, those things spark precious memories. And that’s what the song ‘That Special Time of Year’ is all about.”

As a duo, the Smiths have performed in over 30 countries and at some of the most prestigious venues in the world including the Super Bowl, New York’s famed Carnegie Hall, and the Kremlin in Moscow. They have shared the stage with some of the most iconic artists in pop, country, and gospel music including Dolly Parton, George Jones, Lee Greenwood, Brenda Lee, Ricky Skaggs, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, and Patti LaBelle, and many more. They have been part of the famous Opry Singers at the Grand Ole Opry, featured as vocalists at Billy Graham Crusades, and sung on movie soundtracks of award-winning films.

That Special Time of Year is available today for pre-sale/pre-save at online accounts, retail stores and at Gaither.com; individual music videos from the release will be available at all digital streaming accounts. Visit this link: Reggie and Ladye Love Smith or Amazon, Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and other streaming platforms. The new release is distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music Group.

GRAMMY award-winning collective Maverick City Music recently announced on social media they have decided to “put a pause” on their professional relationship with Dante Bowe. The collective cited “behavior that is inconsistent with our core values and beliefs” without elaborating on specifics. In their full statement, which you can read below, Maverick City asks for continued support for Dante as a brother in Christ.

Due to behavior that is inconsistent with our core values and beliefs, we have decided to put a pause on our professional relationship with Dante Bowe. Decisions like these are not easy because of the level of nuance, both professionally and personally, but we felt it necessary to address.”

Maverick City Music is a collective of various artists from many different backgrounds and life experiences; as such no one artist’s actions or behavior can always be attributed as a reflection of our core beliefs and values.

Dante is a brother in Christ and as such he has our full commitment and unwavering support as he continues to navigate his path forward. Each of us need God’s grace, and our hope is that we all pray and give him the same opportunity to grow in Christ as we give ourselves.

Coinciding with the statement from Maverick City, Dante Bowe announced plans for a social media hiatus. You can read Dante’s full post below.

In light of recent events and opinions, I’ve talked to some of the wisest leaders and brothers around me. I’ll be taking time off social media to rest mentally and physically.

Years ago, when I dreamt of all I would accomplish one day, I didn’t account for the pressure and opinions that would come with it. It’s important for everyone to know when to step back and refocus. Hope y’all understand and support. I’ll hit you up when I’m back.

Love you guys! This is for the best.

Please join us in praying for Dante and Maverick City Music during this difficult time.