Jekalyn Carr believes in well-rounded self-care, which includes caring for and enhancing our God-given beauty. With that belief in mind, the inspirational powerhouse will release JEKALYN BEAUTY SKINCARE this Friday, February 18, followed by the release of JEKALYN BEAUTY HAIRCARE by the end of the month. Products can be purchased at www.JEKALYNBEAUTY.com

Featuring natural ingredients that Carr uses herself, JEKALYN BEAUTY’s haircare and skincare lines are for women who want a streamlined system of effective products to meet their beauty needs.

“JEKALYN BEAUTY is a lifelong dream of mine,” says Carr. “We started out with fragrances, and are now releasing haircare and skincare products that complement each other and make it simple to take care of our God-given features.”

Taking deeper care of her own hair and skin was Carr’s personal “pandemic project.” She used the time away from constant travel to work on her own natural beauty – something that she was influenced to do since she was a little girl. “I grew up watching my mother and grandmother fixing themselves up before they left the house, and I became that same kind of woman. I always want to present my best self to the world when I walk out the door. Beauty begins with healthy skin and hair. During the pandemic, I discovered some products and rituals that helped me achieve glowing skin and healthier natural hair. Those recipes and discoveries are the foundation for the JEKALYN BEAUTY Hair and Skincare lines.”

JEKALYN BEAUTY HAIR CARE features four complementary products focused on moisture and conditioning to stimulate healthy growth. In addition to shampoo and conditioner, the line includes a growth serum as well as an edge control that keeps styles in place throughout the day.  “I sweat a lot when I am on stage. I need a product that can withstand heat and moisture,” says Carr. “This edge control is for people like me who are active, may sweat a lot and need their edges to stay put! I really love this product. It is effective while being gentle and healthy on the hair.” The growth serum features eucalyptus, grape seed oil and other ingredients that Carr uses to help her natural hair achieve healthy length and thickness.

JEKALYN BEAUTY SKIN CARE features five products that have an emphasis on clearing and brightening the skin. Key ingredients include turmeric, chamomile and Vitamin C – all which fight the effects of aging, clear the skin of acne and dark spots and help the skin maintain a healthy glow.  After researching the best natural ingredients for skincare, and experimenting on her own before developing, Carr used these products for four months before approving them for market. “I would never sell anything that I wouldn’t use myself,” she says.

Independently marketed and distributed, JEKALYN BEAUTY was developed with chemists who Carr worked with to perfect the formulas that she had found were effective. 

About JEKALYN BEAUTY: JEKALYN BEAUTY is the lifestyle and beauty brand created by inspirational artist and entrepreneur Jekalyn Carr. Established in 2021, its first two products were his and her fragrances that sold out within 24 hours.

Reba McEntire is announcing a special CD & DVD pairing, My Chains Are Gone, which will be available on March 25. The forthcoming releases feature Reba performing some of the most beloved hymns of all time.

The DVD offers fans a long requested recording of Reba’s 2017 first ever solo headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville,TN, now being released with Gaither Music Group. Featuring special guests Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson and The Isaacs, the special combines footage from that historic night along with newly captured 2021 performances recorded at Clementine in Nashville, TN. Hosted by Gospel music legend Bill Gaither, this DVD finds Reba lending her unmistakable voice to classic hymns and newly-written songs of hope. Fans can pre-order the DVD now by clicking here.

In addition to the DVD, fans will be able to watch a special broadcast premiere of the performance on UPtv on March 25 at 8pm EST, with an encore on April 4 at 2am EST.

On that same day, Reba will also be releasing a companion 12-track audio CD which features some of her favorite hymns, as well as special guest feature performances by Lauren Daigle, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and The Isaacs. My Chains Are Gone on CD is also available to pre-order now by clicking here.

Fans can also tune in for a special talkshoplive, the groundbreaking livestream commerce platform, with Reba on March 1 at 5pm CST, where she will share stories behind this album as well as a special sneak peek at one of the performances from the DVD. Fans can RSVP for the event and order a limited number of autographed copies of the CD here.

My Chains Are Gone: Hymns & Gospel Favorites – Official DVD Track Listing:

1. “Jesus Loves Me”
2. “I Got The Lord On My Side”
3. “Back To God”
4. “I’ll Fly Away”
5. “Softly And Tenderly” – feat. Kelly Clarkson & Trisha Yearwood
6. “God And My Girlfriends”
7. “Just Like Them Horses”
8. “The Greatest Man I Never Knew”
9. “How Great Thou Art”
10. “Because He Lives”
11. “In The Garden/Wonderful Peace” – feat. The Isaacs
12. “It Is Well With My Soul” – feat. The Isaacs
13. “The Lord’s Prayer”
14. “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”

My Chains Are Gone: Hymns & Gospel Favorites – Official CD Track Listing:

1. “Jesus Loves Me”
2. “Oh, How I Love Jesus”
3. “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder”
4. “Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone”
5. “I’ll Fly Away”
6. “Because He Lives”
7. “In The Garden/Wonderful Peace” – feat. The Isaacs
8. “How Great Thou Art”
9. “Softly & Tenderly” – feat. Kelly Clarkson & Trisha Yearwood
10. “I’d Rather Have Jesus”
11. “The Lord’s Prayer”
12. “Back To God” (Acoustic Version) – feat. Lauren Daigle

Reba McEntire is currently out on the road as part of her anticipated REBA: LIVE IN CONCERT tour. Playing to packed houses across the country, Reba invited red-hot newcomers across various dates including Caylee Hammack, Brandy Clark, Hannah Dasher, Reyna Roberts, Cailtyn Smith, Brittney Spencer and Tenille Townes. Live Nation is the official tour promoter and tickets for upcoming REBA: LIVE IN CONCERT dates are on sale now at reba.com and livenation.com.

Reba just released her three-part box set REVIVED REMIXED REVISITED at the end of last year. REVIVED includes some of Reba’s biggest hits as they’ve evolved in her live show, REMIXED puts a whole new spin on some of her most beloved tracks and on REVISITED, Reba works with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Dave Cobb to strip things back. Fans can purchase the new spin on some of Reba’s most beloved tracks here.

Curb | Word Entertainment’s We Are Messengers hits #1 on the Billboard AC, Billboard Christian Songs, Mediabase Audience and Mediabase AC Charts with “Come Way May,” which spent its 15^th week at #1 on the Mediabase Christian Audience Chart and hit #2 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart. This marks the group’s first single to hit #1 on both Mediabase and Billboard charts and the longest running #1 song on the Mediabase Christian Audience Chart for the last 52 weeks.

“In a time of so much uncertainty and loss, I am grateful for the daily reminder that we are not alone and that no matter what may come, our God is always faithful to see us through it,” shares front man Darren Mulligan. “I feel so incredibly grateful that radio has offered this song and message of Hope to the world.”

One of the most respected acts in Christian music, We Are Messengers will be hitting the road with Casting Crowns on “The Healer Tour” beginning 2/17 and departing on the first leg of their headlining “The Wholehearted Tour” with special guests ApolloLTD and Stephen Stanley on 4/17, after recently wrapping a string of dates on TobyMac’s “Hits Deep Tour” and Newsboys’ “Step Into The Light Tour” at the end of last year. Find tickets and more information about We Are Messengers HERE.

The Dove-nominated collective has charted 12 singles at Christian radio and debuted its third full-length studio album, Wholehearted, which features the #1 single, “Come What May,” in October 2021– listen to the 12-song collection HERE.

The All-Star Gospel Celebration (ASGC) will kick off NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio with an unforgettable commemoration celebrating its 15th year during the 75th NBA All-Star Weekend! The celebration is slated to take place on Thursday, February 17th at Mt. Zion in Oakwood Village at 8 P.M. EST. ASGC will be hosted by 3x NBA All-Star host Jacinda Jacobs and NBA Veteran & former National Basketball Players Association Vice-President Maurice “Mo” Evans. There will also be special appearances and performances by Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Mali Music, Maverick City Music, DOE, saxophonist Angella Christie, Keyla Richardson, and Anthony Hall.

The commemoration will honor doers and game-changers in the sports industry. Honorees include co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks, Valerie Daniels Carter, with the Slam Dunk “Game Changer” award, former Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association, Billy Hunter, with the “Faith & Endurance” award, as well as father and son duo Pastor Larry Macon Jr. and Pastor Larry Macon Sr. with the “Living Legend” award.

For 15 years, a Female-Black-Owned Production Company has produced All-Star Gospel Celebration during a male-dominated sports weekend. Executive Producer Tomeka B. Holyfield takes pride in producing such an epic and celebratory event. ASGC, whose theme this year is “Faith and Philanthropy,” has been exceptionally successful during NBA All-Star weekend paying tribute to NBA players, wives, coaches, high-profile individuals, and community leaders who effect change in the lives of others while portraying an inspiring and motivating image. The 15th Annual All-Star Gospel Celebration will celebrate faith and philanthropy during NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND in Cleveland by bringing together unity, diversity, peace, love, and power!

National Attention has been brought to the Christian Community in each city NBA All-Star Weekend has traveled, leaving a lasting impression on individuals who’ve attended these events. Some of the Hottest Gospel/Christian Artists have graced the stage as everyone enjoys three hours of Crazy Praise year after year! This year, ASGC will once again honor some extraordinary individuals as our Slam Dunk Honorees and Celebrate the Faith during NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND! Please find event details below.

All-Star Gospel Celebration

Mt. Zion Oakwood Village – 1 Mount Zion Cir, Bedford, OH 4416

Red-Carpet: 6:30pm ET

Doors Open: 7:00pm ET

Concert/Awards Show: 8:00–10:00pm

VIP Post Reception: 11:00-12MIDNIGHT

Tomeka B. Holyfield was selected by the NBA All-Star Entertainment Division in 2006, to produce an Inspiration component in conjunction with NBA All-Star Weekend. For 15 years, her “All-Star Gospel Celebration” (ASGC) has kicked off the weekend of festivities. ASGC has become the flagship production within the RCM Media Productions portfolio, which provides a one of a kind platform bringing together; Gospel Artists, the NBA Chaplains Association, NBA Wives Association, NBA Players, their families, and their fans locally and from around the globe – in one arena for one night, to kick-off NBA All-Star Weekend, An evening full of inspirational praise and philanthropy. “A Party with/a Purpose”

@AllStarGospel

ABOUT ALL-STAR GOSPEL CELEBRATION

In 2019, ASGC captured the attention of the NBA Chaplains Association and in 2020 Maurice “MO” Evans-former VP of NBPA-National Basketball Players Association joined as ASGC official CO-HOST. While their support and that of the NBA players have been instrumental, capital funds are vital in propelling ASGC to new heights in 2022! The ASGC team realize it requires the support and engagement of businesses and communities to ensure ASGC success in every market, partnerships are formed to ensure NBA All-Star Weekend is never void of an inspirational presence. With ease ASGC has historically sold out venues averaging 3,500 seats – from the beautiful Fox Theater in Atlanta, to the Joy Theater in the French Quarters of New Orleans, to the Historic Apollo Theater in New York, where she celebrated ASGC 10th anniversary. We pray ASGC 2022 is not only our most spectacular event yet, but that the evening is impactful leaving a long-lasting impression as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary! Each year we allow businesses the opportunity to participate in All-Star Gospel Celebration by sponsoring this highly anticipated event. As a Sponsor, you have the opportunity to CO-BRAND your Name, Company, Foundation with this awesome All-Star event that honors NBA Players, NBA Legends, NBA Coaches, NBA Family, Sports Figures & Community Leaders! And, at the same time contributing to a deserving charitable organization along with The HELPPPPing Hands Foundation. This 501(c)3 non-profit organization meets the needs of breast cancer, domestic violence victims and underprivileged children……Along with other beneficiaries WE TEAM UP WITH!

Award-winning gospel and worship singer-songwriter Maranda Curtis lends her voice to promote the prevention of liver cancer in the African American community. The acclaimed music artist has partnered with Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association to create a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign and live cast with medical doctors and experts on Saturday, February 19 at 1:00 pm ET in partnership with the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) for faith-based communities titled “Love Your Liver.” The campaign and live cast aims to educate about the importance of liver cancer screenings, which can help at-risk populations catch and treat cancer in its early stages.

Within the African American community, liver cancer is far more lethal than it is for the U.S. population. In fact, in 2019, chronic liver disease was the eighth leading cause of death for non-Hispanic black people ages 45-64. Often, liver cancer develops due to Hepatitis C, which is twice as prevalent in the Black community compared to the general population. Hepatitis C is the leading risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer in U.S. adults. However, in recent years, researchers have discovered that earlier interventions can make all the difference in saving lives.

“I’m proud to lend my voice to the ‘Love Your Liver’ campaign to encourage African Americans to remain diligent when it comes to liver cancer screenings,” said Curtis. “I am thankful to the Blue Faery:  The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association for the opportunity to promote a cause that is critical to the wellbeing of the African American community.”

Since launching 20 years ago, Blue Faery’s mission has been to prevent, treat and cure primary liver cancer, specifically HCC, through research, education, and advocacy. Andrea Wilson Woods, founder and president of the nonprofit established the organization in memory of her sister, Adrienne, who died from stage IV liver cancer at age 15. One of the organization’s core goals is to help educate people about liver cancer risk factors and encourage early detection.

“Over the past several years, scientific research has shown how important early detection is for those suffering from liver disease or cancer. With liver cancer targeting the African American community more aggressively, it’s even more critical that this community receive regular screenings,” said Woods. “We are so grateful to Maranda for her partnership on the ‘Love Your Liver’ campaign and are confident that her help with this effort will save lives.”

Maranda released her first single in 2012 and has continued to grow her fan base over the past decade with her faith-based hits. Her powerful new album DIE TO LIVE will be released on February 18, 2022.

For more information about the Love Your Liver campaign, go to https://loveyourliver.us . To learn about Maranda Curtis’ life and music, visit https://www.iammaranda.com/.

The Love Your Liver Campaign is supported by Eisai, Exelixis, Merck, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Genentech.

During critical times in human history, great art and artists emerge! Rapper, pastor, and founding member of the 116 Movement, TRIP LEE, is back and this time it’s for good! In 2021, he surprised 116 fans with a new song, “You Got It,” a single released on Reach Records’ Summer ’21 Playlist. He followed quickly behind with “Supernatural,” a warm-up song for a forthcoming album.

Now, he officially announces his return with a creative video which also reveals the album title, The End. Check out his official video announcement below. Every ending is a new beginning. 3.4.22. #THEEND

GRAMMY Award-winning country singer/songwriter, John Berry, has recorded a new album, Find My Joy, featuring heartfelt renditions of Gospel classics that have inspired him offstage and grounded his lauded musical journey. 

Best recognized for his hit song “Your Love Amazes Me” and his incredible rendition of the Christmas classic “Oh Holy Night,” Berry seamlessly delivers timeless standards “How Great Thou Art,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” “I Surrender All” and several new songs, sharing the hope he has found personally with listeners everywhere.  Berry’s rendition of the classic “I Surrender All” is available now wherever music is streamed. A second track, “How Great Thou Art,” will be available on March 4. The pre-sale link is available here.

Arranged and produced by multi-award-winning producer Steve Dorff, the project was recorded at Dorffmeister Studio, Sound Stage and Masterfonics.  It was engineered by Craig White with assistance from David Bates and Joel McKenney; and it features keyboards by Jimmy Nichols, guitars by B. James Lowry and Justin Ostrander and background vocals by Tania Hancheroff, Kim Keyes, Joe Chemay and Robert Bailey.  The album was programmed by Gene Miller with additional keyboards played by Dorff. Caelan Berry played drums on “Live Like You” and “How Great Thou Art.”

“I loved the idea of putting my musical spin on some of these incredible pieces of musical art,” added Steve Dorff.  “John was so very collaborative in letting me be inventive in my approach to the overall sound and the production of the project.”

Dorff had not grown up listening to the traditional (Christian) versions of some of these songs and had not heard a few of them before, but he was drawn to the beautiful melodies.  This allowed him to bring a unique sound and fresh ear to the production of these standards, adding his creative elements to the production, including an impressive string orchestra and choir.

The performance of “Something Bigger Than Me” included the 60-piece Utah Symphony Orchestra, arranged by Larry Herbstritt and conducted by Dorff, with piano from award-winning studio musician and recording artist Gordon Mote.

The title track was written in September 2020 by Dorff and Jack Cassidy. When Dorff played the song for Berry and his wife, Robin, while planning the new recording, Berry immediately connected with the message. He had been through a hard season physically, emotionally and mentally–battling throat cancer and carrying the burdens felt worldwide as he navigated the touring impacts of the pandemic. Diving into the new album and hearing and recording this song was part of his journey to find joy again. 

“I love the opportunity I have had to create new music, and it is awesome to look back here at the beginning of a new year and see that for 10, 20, 25 years I have had new music to share. Amazing!” exclaimed Berry.

Showcasing Berry’s unmistakable voice that has garnered Platinum records and 20 hit singles, Find My Joy, available on Gaither Music Group’s Gaither Gospel Series, is distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.  The recording will be available to download and stream on all digital music platforms and at Christian retailers on March 25, 2022.  Pre-orders can be placed now on Gaither.com and Amazon.com.

“Gaither Music Group is honored to partner with John and his team for this special recording,” stated Paul Sizelove, president of Gaither Music Group.  “John has impacted countless people with his songwriting, performances and radio hits.  He has developed a brand of faith and family that brings uplifting entertainment as well as encouragement to listeners, and we are excited to introduce his renditions of these timeless songs on the Gaither platforms.”

There is a backstory to this project. John was deep in the middle of his throat cancer treatment during Spring 2019 and as one can imagine, he was not in a good place as it was very hard for him physically, emotionally and mentally. Fast forward to 2020 and the world was navigating Covid and touring artists were faced with dealing with the issues of canceling tours and the unknown future as much of the world as we know it was shut down. John found himself looking for ways to keep productive and he was ready to dive into recording a new project. The single, “Find My Joy,” was written in September 2020 by Steve Dorff and Jack Cassidy. Jump ahead to January 2021, Steve Dorff played the song for John and his wife, Robin while meeting to discuss Steve arranging the songs for John’s new project. John immediately knew he wanted to record this song for his new faith-based album. It was shortly thereafter they discussed Steve producing the whole project. Hailing from New York City, Steve had not grown up listening to the traditional (Christian) versions of some of these songs and hadn’t even heard a few of them before but was drawn to the beautiful melodies, which allowed for him to bring a unique sound to the production of these standards. When John arrived at the studio to record vocals, Steve had added his creative elements to the production, including an impressive string orchestra and choir, to bring this incredible music to life. End result – this music is incredible!

Tracklist – Find My Joy

1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry 
2. I Surrender All – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
3. Find My Joy – Steve Dorff / Jack Cassidy
4. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
5. It Is Well With My Soul – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry 
6. Something Bigger Than Me – Steve Dorff / Marty Panzer
7. How Great Thou Art – Stuart K. Hine
8. Blessings – Laura Story
9. Blessed Assurance – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry 
10. Live Like You – Steve Dorff / Jack Cassidy

Brent Cobb joins Country Faith Radio with Hillary Scott to chat about his new country gospel album ‘And Now, Let’s Turn to Page…’ He discusses the life-changing moment he realized he needed to create this album, writing with his wife for the project, and more. Plus, Hillary curates a mini-playlist of songs that she finds gratitude in. Listen to the episode in-full anytime on-demand at apple.co/_CountryFaith

All quotes and images courtesy of Country Faith Radio with Hillary Scott on Apple Music Country. 

Brent Cobb on the Life-Changing Experience That Made Him Record a Gospel Album
I’ve always wanted to record a gospel album, because historically in country music history, as a country singer, that’s what you do. There wouldn’t be no country music if there was no such thing as gospel music first. And that’s where it all comes from. So I always knew that someday I would do that. In July of 2020, my son and I got in a pretty serious car accident. We got T-boned, it could have been a lot worse. My son was totally fine and he was one at the time. I only broke my collarbone. It could have been much worse. You start seeing like, everything that leads up to a moment like that. Like that morning, I had to turn around and go get something that I had forgotten from the house. And then I took a different route to go through this rural four way stop that I’ve been going through my whole life. And it all happened, I just thought, well, maybe I should go ahead and make this gospel album. Because may not get the chance, you know?

Brent Cobb on Writing “When It’s My Time” with His Wife
So [my wife and I] moved back to Georgia in 2018. I stopped touring for a while when my daughter was born. And then when I really started getting busy again, we decided to move back to Georgia so she could have some help while I was on the road. And that’s where all of our family lives. When that happened, as you know, the whole game in Nashville for writing is co-writing, that’s what you do. And I really enjoy the camaraderie of it all and the experience. And since we’re down there, I can’t just go write with whoever, we write together. She’s way more intelligent than I am, she’s actually a pharmacist. And she has great taste in music and just really good instincts and writing. And so in the evenings, when we get the kids down and we got that three hour window to hang out, a lot of the time, we’ll go out on the back porch and we’ll write songs together. We wrote a couple together on my last album and then [“When It’s My Time”]. Usually albums that I do are all written by me, except for one, it might be one that I do written by someone else, but this album [‘And Now, Let’s Turn to Page…’] is the opposite. It’s all traditional gospel except for [“When It’s My Time.”] And we sat out there on the back porch and went to town on it.

Premier Productions and Compassion International announce the worship event of the spring as Casting Crowns, Hillsong Worship and We The Kingdom all share the stage for a powerful worship experience that will inspire and encourage all who attend. 

Casting Crowns will be fresh off their The Healer Tour, ready to perform some of their biggest hits, including new songs,“Scars in Heaven” and “The Power of the Cross.” Hillsong Worship joins the tour after the success of their latest album “These Same Skies” with hits like, “That’s the Power” and “Resurrender.” The tour also features the 2021 Dove Awards “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” We The Kingdom. 

“We are so excited to be heading out with Hillsong again,” said Casting Crowns’ lead vocalist Mark Hall. “Our prayer is that God would use this tour to unite us all and point us to the Healer!”

Premier Productions and Compassion International announce the worship event of the spring as Casting Crowns, Hillsong Worship and We The Kingdom all share the stage for a powerful worship experience that will inspire and encourage all who attend. 

Casting Crowns will be fresh off their The Healer Tour, ready to perform some of their biggest hits, including new songs,“Scars in Heaven” and “The Power of the Cross.” Hillsong Worship joins the tour after the success of their latest album “These Same Skies” with hits like, “That’s the Power” and “Resurrender.” The tour also features the 2021 Dove Awards “Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” We The Kingdom. 

“We are so excited to be heading out with Hillsong again,” said Casting Crowns’ lead vocalist Mark Hall. “Our prayer is that God would use this tour to unite us all and point us to the Healer!”

Audiences can sign up for the exclusive pre-sale now at PremierProductions.com. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, February 18th at 10:00 a.m. local time. 

“For this tour we’re believing that God will be magnified, people will be set free, supernatural healing will be experienced, lives will be changed, what’s broken will be restored, God will be encountered and the name of Jesus will be lifted by thousands of people in one room,” said Hillsong Worship. “We’ve seen God do this before, and we can’t wait to see Him do it again.”

The 18-city arena tour will kick-off on April 22 in Tupelo, Miss., and will stop in Birmingham, Ala., Oklahoma City, Okla., Louisville, Ky., Albany, N.Y. and Raleigh, N.C. before the final show on May 18 in Greenville, S.C. For a full list of dates and cities, see below. 

“We could not be more thrilled and honored to join Hillsong Worship and Casting Crowns on tour,” said We The Kingdom. “We’ve always admired how both artists have served the Kingdom of God through their music, and we can’t wait to be on the road with them!”

Globally-acclaimed label Motown Gospel (a division of Capitol CMG/Capitol and Universal Music Group) is honored to announce the signing of legendary 4-time GRAMMY-winning singer, musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, and First Lady of COGIC (Church of God in Christ) Karen Clark Sheard, in partnership with Karew Records, with plans to release her first new album in over half a decade later this year. It will follow Clark Sheard’s 2015 live album Destined To Win, her highest-charting album in her solo career and her 2010 studio album All In One, which earned GRAMMY, Stellar, Dove and BET Award nominations and remains the largest selling release of her solo career to date.

“No other female vocalist in gospel music has had as broad an influence as the legendary Karen Clark Sheard,” say Monica Coates and EJ Gaines, Co-Executive Directors of Motown Gospel. “She uniquely brings generations of gospel and R&B music-lovers together with the power of her voice and the purity of her spirit. We are so honored to work with her and the Karew team.”

“I am honored and excited to partner with Motown Gospel,” shares Karen Clark Sheard. “I’m passionate about encouraging, inspiring and uplifting people through my music, and I can’t wait to share it with my long-time supporters and with the world.”

Karen Clark Sheard first rose to prominence as the youngest sibling in The Clark Sisters, the group credited with bringing gospel music to the mainstream. Formed by their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark, when Clark Sheard was a teenager, the five sisters released their national crossover hit “You Brought The Sunshine” in 1981. The song reached churches and dancefloors alike, and climbed to the upper reaches of several Billboard charts in the process.

Karen Clark Sheard has proven to be a prolific solo force as well, releasing five studio albums, and two live albums, garnering multiple Grammy, Dove, NAACP Image, Soul Train and Stellar Awards and nominations along the way. Clark Sheard is renowned for her signature, multi-octave vocal range and has been cited as an influence by a variety of artists, including Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, and many more.

In 2020, Lifetime released a biopic on the lives and musical journey of The Clark Sisters entitled The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel. Produced by Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, and Mary J. Blige, the film was the network’s highest-rated original movie in years. Also in 2020, the Clark Sisters appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, performing an unprecedented 17-minute mini-concert medley of their songs – including “You Brought The Sunshine” – for the program.

Currently, Clark Sheard serves as First Lady of the Church of God in Christ, not only a global Christian denomination consisting of over 8.8-million members, but also ​​the largest Black organization in the world. She is married to Bishop J. Drew Sheard – who was elected Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ denomination last year – and together, they have two children, Kierra Sheard and John Drew “J. Drew” Sheard II, both of whom have followed in their mother’s musical footsteps and collaborated with her on previous recordings.

Motown Gospel is a leader in the Christian and Gospel music industry, representing over twenty years of iconic and genre-defining sounds. A division of Capitol CMG/Universal Music Group, the world’s leading Christian music company and market leader in recorded music, distribution, and music publishing, the Motown Gospel has included  Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Brian Courtney Wilson, Kierra Sheard, The Clark Sisters and more.

Stay tuned for new music and more from Karen Clark Sheard later this year.