Chicagoan Mark Hubbard’s name is synonymous with Gospel choir excellence. The highly respected, celebrated and decorated choir director has created unforgettable performances with musical legends including Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Hezekiah Walker, Melba Moore, Tramaine Hawkins, Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Carr, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Beverly Crawford, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark-Sheard and the late Aretha Franklin, among others. If a majestic constellation of voices is required, Mark Hubbard is the person called to bring them together.

In fact, it was Mark Hubbard who was enlisted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s DCASE (Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events) Team to assemble the first Gospel choir to perform on the Lollapalooza stage. The 40-person choir he put together – dubbed “Music in the Key of Chicago” – will provide a dose of uplifting sounds at the popular Grant Park event.

Hubbard also has a new single out: “Now Cry Holy,” is a stunning showcase of his ability to weave many voices into one ethereal sound. Featuring his signature ensemble “The Voices,” the song sublimely mesmerizes with every note.

“Now Cry Holy is so special to me for a few reasons,” says Hubbard. “I fell in love with it at my church, New Life Covenant Southeast. The writer of the song was our worship leader and she used to sing it all the time. I loved how it was arranged and how it just arrests all of the senses so that you don’t want to do anything but soak in every moment of it.”

When Hubbard was preparing for an album recording, he asked the songwriter, Valencia Lacy, if he could record it. She agreed. The song was written to have a lead singer on it, but the singer wasn’t available at the last minute. “I had to rearrange the song to accommodate not having a lead singer, and it ended up being perfect,” says Hubbard. “Not having the lead took nothing away and the song really ministers to people the way that we recorded it.”

That was in 2009. “For 12 years, the song has just been sitting,” says Hubbard. “Every time we went to release it there were roadblocks.”

In March of this year, Hubbard was determined to release the song and reached out to his friend Hezekiah Walker for radio support. Hubbard says, “I was confident that this was a song the world needed to hear. With all that we were and still are going through, we need the reminder that God is still holy no matter our conditions. I planned to call on everyone I knew to get support for the record. I was hoping that Hezekiah Walker would play it on his radio show.” Instead, Walker offered him a record deal.

Within hours of that phone call, Hubbard had received and signed a recording contract: “I had no intention or motivation beyond getting my song played on the radio, but this is how God works…he gives you exceedingly, abundantly above what we can ask or think. I am literally brought to tears every time I think about how all of this happened.”

“Mark has been out for quite some time and he has been consistent and dedicated. Even though he has had label deals before, Mark has been working independently for so long that I wanted to help him get his music out since I am in the position to do so. Mark is faithful to the Gospel genre and to the Gospel community, I felt like this was a moment to help him shine,” says Hezekiah Walker.

“’Now Cry Holy’ is the perfect song for this season. It was refreshing for me to hear because we have gotten away from singing about the holiness of God. There are so many catchy slogans and anthems in lyrics now, it felt good to just hear ‘holy is the lamb’ sung so beautifully. It reminded me of the Gospel music I heard growing up,” Walker says.

“Now Cry Holy” is available now everywhere digital music is sold.

GRAMMY® Award nominated singer, songwriter, and producer, VaShawn Mitchell, has marked a new milestone in his career. He claims the top spot on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart for the week ending July 31, 2021, with the joyous, self-penned, “Lifted Up” (VMan Entertainment / Tyscot / Fair Trade Services).

Ironically, the song displaced last week’s No. 1 hit, “I’m Not Ashamed” by Monica Lisa Stevenson and Paul Porter, which was also written by Mitchell.  “I’ve always prayed to God that He would allow me to write, produce, and sing songs that can live a long time and reach the heart and soul of the listeners, so I’m really humbled that both of these songs are resonating with the gospel audience,” he says. 

Mitchell’s recent chart successes are just a couple reminders of his rich cache of compositions.  Many of his fans, may not realize that he wrote the big radio smashes “One More Chance” for Ricky Dillard & New G and Bishop Larry Trotter’s “It’s Only A Test.” Aside from composing many of his own big hit recordings such as “He Got Up” and “Turning Around for Me,” he’s also written songs that have been recorded by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, The  Rance Allen Group, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Smokie Norful, and Maverick City, among others. In the meantime, Mitchell is currently composing  new music and plans to record a live concert album in the fall.

“Lifted Up” is Mitchell’s third No. 1 Billboard Gospel Airplay chart hit as a recording artist. He previously reached  the top with  “Nobody Greater” in 2010 and “Joy”  in  2017.

Watch “Lifted Up” (Official Video) below;

UHSM Health Share, a faith-based health care nonprofit founded on Christian beliefs and values and Brittney Moses, a Los Angeles-based content creator and mental health enthusiast, today announced the full lineup of speakers at The Reset 2021.

“We’re elated to share the full list of speakers for The Reset 2021,” said Christopher Jin, President of UHSM. “The event is set to disrupt the norm of traditional health and get serious about faith, mental health and wellness—which are undoubtedly intertwined. With the help of our partner, Brittney Moses, we’re excited to invite you to The Reset 2021 and announce our inspirational speakers.”

The event sponsored by WeShare from UHSM on July 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. PDT, will host the following esteemed presenters to explore important topics at the intersection of faith, holistic mental health and wellness.

• Ashley Abercrombie: author of Rise of the Truth Teller, and the forthcoming Love is the Resistance: Learn to Disagree, Resolve the Conflicts You’ve Been Avoiding, and Create Real Change.
• Anne Beiler: overcame years of defeat, despair, and depression that kept her stuck in a place of darkness. It was through her pain, however, Anne began twisting pretzel in 1987 and grew a single farmers’ market stand into Auntie Anne’s Inc., the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise.
• Tony Collier: the founder of an international women’s ministry called Broken Crayons Still Color, which helps women process through brokenness and get to hope.
• Dr. Alison Cook: a psychologist, speaker, and co-author of Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies.
• Ben Courson: a bestselling author, a TV and radio personality, an international speaker, founder of Hope Generation, and the senior pastor at Applegate Christian Fellowship.
• Jamie Grace: a two-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD, and anxiety at a young age, Jamie actively advocates for joy, wellness, and mental health through the lens of music, film, and faith.
• Christopher Jin: the president of UHSM Health Share. In his role, he leads the organization’s mission to unite a community of believers to help promote Christian standards in healthy living and assists its members in sharing each other’s medical expenses and caring for their emotional, financial, and spiritual needs.
• Lolo Jones: a highly accomplished athlete in American hurdling and bobsledding, competing in the Olympics three times and securing the title of World Champion three times.
• Pastor David Kim: a Los Angeles native, Pastor David Kim is the operations pastor at Newstory Church based in downtown Los Angeles. Pastor David serves as the spiritual leader for the UHSM board and serves as the head pastor for the UHSM members.
• Alex Labson: holds a master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and is the creator of @AlmondMilkisNuts on Instagram. She is dedicated to helping people ditch diet culture and find food freedom.
• Natalie Lawrence: a former college athlete, aims to pursue God both in her everyday life and in her sport as well as encourage others to do the same.
• Dr. Caroline Leaf: a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist with a Masters and PhD in Communication Pathology and a BSc Logopaedics from the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria in South Africa, specializing in cognitive and metacognitive neuropsychology.
• John Lombardo: a Vocalist/MC who has fronted bands of all genres on three continents for nearly 30 years and has hosted events for Fortune 500 companies, including Dish Network, Ray-Ban, Google, Salesforce and Microsoft.
• Grant Lottering: a Springbok Cyclist and Laureus Sport for Good Ambassador, Lottering’s remarkable comeback from death on July 21, 2013, to conquering the French Alps, Pyrenees and now South Africa continues to astonish the medical profession and audiences alike.
• Brittney Moses: a mental health advocate in the study and research of psychology at UCLA, with a focus on therapy, prevention, education and treatment for individuals struggling with emotional problems.
• Dr. Uma Naidoo: a Clinical Scientist, Dr. Naidoo founded and directs the first hospital-based clinical service in Nutritional Psychiatry in the USA.
• Morgan Harper Nichols: a artist and poet whose work is inspired by real life interactions and stories. Morgan spent the first couple of years of her professional life as a college admission counselor, and then, as a full-time touring singer-songwriter and musician.
• Dr. Holly Oxhandler: the Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and an Associate Professor at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work.
• Anthony Pierri: the pastor of dotChurch Online, a fully online church community that helps people process through deconstruction and move towards reconstruction. Anthony holds a MA in Biblical & Theological Studies from Denver Seminary.
• Brooke Schasteen-Smith: the Director of Brand, Marketing and Partnerships for Abide the #1 Christian Meditation app. Her experience spans from counseling to church plants to media corporations to now leading 3 business pillars in the tech industry.
• Dr. Matthew Stanford: the CEO of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in Houston, TX and adjunct professor of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine and the Houston Methodist Hospital’s Institute for Academic Medicine.
• Jason Stoll: a Southern Californian pianist, Jason, has been heard all around the country and abroad in solo recitals, as soloist with orchestra, and as collaborative artist.
• Alexandra Thompson: the founder of Cumberland Counseling Centers, a nonprofit which partners with churches to provide clinical counseling from within the walls of the Church, located in Atlanta, GA.
• Michelle Williams: a Grammy Award–winning recording artist who rose to stardom as a member of the R&B mega-group Destiny’s Child, considered one of the best female music groups of all time. Her four successful solo albums include Heart to Yours; Do You Know; Unexpected, which spawned the internationally charted single, “We Break the Dawn”; and Journey to Freedom, which featured groupmates Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland on the single, “Say Yes.” Also a talented actress, she debuted on Broadway in Aida then went on to star in productions of The Color Purple, Chicago, What My Husband Doesn’t Know, and Fela! Today, Michelle is passionate about raising awareness around mental health.

In addition to sponsoring The Reset 2021 with Brittney, UHSM established its dedication to mental illness services through its recent announcement of access to behavioral health benefits for all programs except fundamental. Now, members can lean on and utilize non-psychiatric individual, family, and marriage counseling services to help guide them through life’s challenges.

Earlier this year, UHSM also announced its collaboration with Abide, the world’s most popular Christian meditation app. Through Abide, UHSM provided its members with access to unlimited and uninterrupted meditations, topics and guides. Additionally, UHSM partnered with Relevant Magazine, a faith-based publication whose purpose is to share real-life stories that are at the intersection of a Christ-centered life, to spread the word of faith in goodness sake.

Seven-time GRAMMY Award winner and three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood has just released her first-ever gospel LIVE performance DVD, My Savior: LIVE From The Ryman. The DVD was released internationally by Gaither Music Group in partnership with Capitol Records Nashville with distribution by Capitol Christian Music Group/Universal.

Filmed at the celebrated Ryman Auditorium, known worldwide as “The Mother Church of Country Music,” the performance brings Underwood’s best-selling, critically-acclaimed studio album My Savior (Capitol Records Nashville) to life on that legendary stage with powerful performances of traditional gospel hymns she grew up singing, including “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.”

“This is an album I have always wanted to record and I’m thrilled to be able to bring these uplifting, inspirational songs to life in this special way,” says Underwood of My Savior.

Other highlights of the Ryman concert include a duet with CeCe Winans, the best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, on the classic hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Singer/songwriter Bear Rinehart, frontman of the rock band, NEEDTOBREATHE, also makes a special appearance, joining Underwood to sing on another traditional hymn, “Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus.” Southern gospel and harmonica legend Buddy Greene and 10-time CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally, both of whom played on the album, also appear with Underwood. The DVD also features Underwood’s renditions of the time-honored classics “Because He Lives,” “Just As I Am,” “Victory In Jesus,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” and “Softly And Tenderly.”

In addition, Underwood’s performance video for the gospel classic “Because He Lives” released today across digital video platforms. The country music superstar’s powerful rendition of the song coincides with this year’s celebration of the song’s 50th anniversary.

The My Savior: Live From The Ryman TV special will air tonight on UPtv at 9:30pm ET, and again on Sunday, July 25, at 9:00am ET. The special will air over the weekend on networks including DIRECTV, DISH TV, TBN, RFD-TV and more; and it will air in Canada on The Miracle Channel, Vision TV, Hope TV and CTS (Crossroads). The special is also available now on GAITHERTV (Roku/Apple/Amazon) and on the Gaither TV YouTube Channel for a limited time.

The My Savior: LIVE From The Ryman DVD is available for purchase at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Gaither.com, and other national retailers.

Multiple award-winning Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader, Joseph Oscar Mettle popularly known as Joe Mettle is set to unveil another power-packed album after serving us with “Wind of Revival”,  “God of Miracle”, “The Encounter”, “Sound of Praise” and “Gratitude” albums.

The Experience is the title of Joe Mettle’s new album. It was recorded live in Accra, Ghana at his annual Praiz Reloaded event on June 27th,2021.

This is the singer’s 6th album and there’s already a redolence of an ecumenical preponderance around its release.

The international gospel minister has already served the populace with 2 songs off the album namely; Yesu Mo and Ye Obua Mi. Ye Obua Mi which is Joe Mettle’s latest release has abruptly become one of the biggest songs in Ghana and is apparently blessing lives across the globe.

The Experience album will obviously augment your love for God upon giving a listening ear. Anticipate!

Watch “Ye Obua Mi” Video below;

Every child, whether learning to walk or applying to college, longs for a parent’s love and the promise of security, no matter what may come in the future. Yet parents often find it difficult to fully articulate the extent of their unconditional love.

Billboard-charting singer-songwriter, podcaster, and mother of two JJ Heller gives language to everything a parent feels, hopes, and dreams for their child in her heartwarming read-aloud picture book HAND TO HOLD (7/20/21, WaterBrook). Illustrated by Alyssa Petersen and expanding on the lyrics of Heller’s beloved lullaby “Hand to Hold” (10 million streams and 875k YouTube views), this tender and memorable story is an opportunity for parents to bless their children and reassure them of their boundless love and God’s faithful presence.

Fans of Heller’s contemporary lullabies and other young families will delight in snuggling up together with this sweet bedtime read. As they close out their nighttime routines, little hearts will be anchored in the promise that their parents’ love will hold steady through every season of life.

Heller writes, “If you’re anything like me, you might have a hard time telling your children exactly how you feel about them, and that’s why I wrote this book. It gives language to our love.”

Heller is available for interviews and can speak about:

• the inspiration behind the song “Hand to Hold” and turning it into a book
• tips for loving and supporting your kids well (e.g., prayer, empathy, listening, guidance)
• the tension of parenting—equipping and letting go as little ones grow into adults
• how writers can give language to thoughts and emotions that are often hard to express
• embracing and finding inspiration in your child’s sense of wonder
• her musical journey; how the road blocks helped her find her voice
• the millions of listeners who have resonated with her songwriting, including foster and adoptive families and families who have children with disabilities
• how a reality show contestant catapulted her into the public eye

For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JJ Heller is known for crafting hopeful and contemplative songs of peace for the child inside all of us. Her songs and lullabies are heard by millions of listeners every month, and she’s donated over 100,000 copies of her album I Dream of You to hospitals and families of young children. Heller lives in the Nashville area with her husband and two daughters. For more information, visit www.jjheller.com.

@jjhellermusic (48.3k)    facebook.com/jjhellermusic (195k)  @jjheller (12.5k)

Alyssa Petersen has worked in both the animation and illustration industries. She currently enjoys being a full-time mom and working as a freelance illustrator during naptime and after the kids go to bed. She lives in Texas with her husband and two children.

ADDITIONAL PRAISE FOR HAND TO HOLD

“JJ Heller’s words and songs are a big part of our family’s bedtime routines with our children. Now JJ brings her soothing words and rhythmic experience to this beautiful, special children’s book. My children and I love Hand to Hold so very much. The promise of constant support and a soft place to land is just the message they need.”

—Emily Ley, founder and CEO at Simplified

“This dream of a book will enchant and encourage every reader young and old. It’s a beautiful reminder of how comforting and encouraging it can be to have a hand to hold.” 

—Brad Montague, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, creator of Kid President 

“JJ Heller has used her gift of words to create a gift for all of us. This is the kind of book I search the shelves for because it is full of the messages I have tucked away in my heart for my children. A book to read night after night!”

—Heather Avis, narrative shifter and author of Different—A Great Thing to Be!

“So warm and lovely! With her characteristic profound simplicity, JJ Heller has written both a delightful read-along and a memorable blessing from mother to child.”

—Randall Goodgame, creator of Slugs & Bugs music, books, and TV show

“JJ Heller’s ethereal songwriting translates beautifully to the page in this lovely little book. It’s sure to become a bedtime favorite.”

—Amanda Bible Williams, cofounder of She Reads Truth

Lionsgate has officially announced The Jesus Music documentary, which is set to premiere on October 5. A first look trailer for The Jesus Music can be viewed below.

With stirring songs of faith, love, and hope, Jesus music rose from America’s 1960s counterculture movement to become a worldwide phenomenon. This fascinating documentary reveals the music’s uplifting and untold story — from its humble beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California through its transformation into the multibillion-dollar industry of Christian Contemporary Music today.

Directed by the Erwin Brothers (“I Can Only Imagine,” “I Still Believe”, “American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story”), The Jesus Music is the definitive love letter to CCM fans that features intimate interviews with the genre’s biggest stars including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, and Lauren Daigle. With stories of trials and triumphs, the universal power of music from these artists shine through from their messages of passion, sacrifice, and redemption that inspire millions of devoted listeners.

Written by Marshall Terrill, the 4-color, visual companion to the documentary film of the same name, The Jesus Music brings the history of a movement to life. Featuring Contemporary Christian Music artists across five decades, readers will experience the story that has united and changed the lives of people around the world.

Pinnacle Peak Pictures, formerly Pure Flix Entertainment, a leading independent faith and family film studio announces the release date and trailer debut for God’s Not Dead: We the People premiering in theaters nationwide Fall 2021. The trailer is now available at www.GodsNotDead.com. God’s Not Dead: We the People is the next chapter in the popular franchise that started with God’s Not Dead in 2014. That film became one of the most profitable faith films with a $1.5MM budget and grossed over $65MM at the box office.

The inspirational drama centers around a riveting fight for freedom that starts in the heart of the country, and runs to the corridors of our nation’s Capital Washington, DC. It prompts audiences to ask the compelling question: if your individual liberties are threatened . What Would You Do? The plot parallels current news headlines regarding the challenge against the freedom of speech and religious liberties as the fundamental right to educate children.

The cast includes: Isaiah Washington (Grey‘s Anatomy), David A.R. White (GOD’S NOT DEAD, Evening Shade), William Forsythe (DICK TRACY), Antonio Sabato. Jr, (General Hospital, THE BIG HIT), Jeanine Pirro (FOX News Justice with Judge Jeanine), and GRAMMY Award-winning CCM artist Francesca Battistelli.

“We feel honored to provide our faithful audience another installment in the God’s Not Dead franchise that provides a compelling, timely, and convicting message,” says Pinnacle Peak Pictures founding partner Michael Scott. “The themes in this film reflect news headlines and encourage believers to remain strong in their fight to protect their spiritual rights and God-given freedoms.”

God’s Not Dead: We the People is directed by Vance Null and written by Tommy Blaze, Cary Solomon, and Chuck Konzelman. Brent Ryan Green is the producer with executive producers David A.R. White, Michael Scott, and Jim Ameduri.

FILM SYNOPSIS: The God’s Not Dead franchise continues in God’s Not Dead: We the People as Reverend Dave (White) is called to defend a group of Christian homeschooling families. He finds himself taken aback by the interference of the government, and believing that their right to educate their own children is a freedom worth fighting for. Reverend Dave is called to Washington DC to testify in a landmark congressional hearing that will determine the future of religious freedom in our country for years to come.

CAST:
Congressman Daryl Smith: Isaiah Washington (Grey‘s Anatomy)
Reverend Dave Hill: David A.R. White (GOD’S NOT DEAD, Evening Shade)
Mike McKinnon: Antonio Sabato. Jr, (General Hospital, Melrose Place, THE BIG HIT)
Rebecca McKinnon: Francesca Battistelli (GRAMMY Award-winning CCM artist, SOUL SURFER)
Robert Benson: William Forsythe (DICK TRACY)
Judge Neely: Jeanine Pirro (FOX News Justice with Judge Jeanine)
Jude: Benjamin Onyango (GOD’S NOT DEAD, TEARS OF THE SUN)

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrated its 36th year honoring excellence in Gospel music, featuring soul-stirring performances that will awe audiences who love sounds of inspiration. Hosted by Gospel chart-toppers Jekalyn Carr and Tye Tribbett, this year’s ceremony showcased an eclectic mix of Gospel legends and industry standard-bearers along with the unstoppable force of young, contemporary artists who are spreading the good news in new ways. The annual celebration, set to premiere Sunday, August 1st at 8PM ET/PT on BET, underscored the power of artists who boldly proclaim a Christ-centered identity, represent the unique sounds of their region, and display the rich diversity filling Gospel music with a healing and uplifting energy that reaches the masses.

A new generation of Gospel artists showed up and showed out during the celebration as a testament to the genre’s staying power. Among them, Pastor Mike Jr., nominated for multiple Stellar Awards this year, performed “Big,” and host Jekalyn Carr belted her songs, “Change Your Story” and “Jehovah Jireh.” Maverick City Music treated audiences to the harmonious sound of “Jireh,” and various emerging artists such as Jokia, Terrian, and Nia Allen were spotlighted as up-and-coming Gospel talent.

Big winners at the 36th Stellar Gospel Music Awards include Pastor Mike Jr., who was named Artist of the Year and won Rap/Hip Hop Gospel Album of the Year and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year. Kierra Sheard was feted during the ceremony with Song of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year, and Maverick City Music won both New Artist of the Year and Album of the Year. Other multiple Stellar Awards winners include Jonathan McReynolds, who was named Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, and as part of a group that won Producer of the Year; and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, whose wins included Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year.

Select categories and winners are featured on Instagram @TheStellars. Social media lit up during the event, generating more than two million impressions with posts featuring performances, winners, and other notable moments. The audience and performers were pleased to return to an in-person ceremony after the Stellar Awards went virtual last year due to pandemic lockdowns. COVID-19 safety protocols were enacted as part of the in-person event.

Among many highlights from “The Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” Yolanda Adams, Tamela Mann, and Avery*Sunshine joined together to deliver a powerful tribute to Lady Tramaine Hawkins, who was honored with the Aretha Franklin Icon Award presented by Toyota. The trio performed a medley including widely-known Hawkins’ songs such as “Holy One,” “Changed,” and “Going Up Yonder.” The Clark Sisters, who received the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by AT&T, also performed rousing renditions of “Is My Living In Vain,” “Blessed & Highly Favored,” “You Brought The Sunshine,” and “His Love.” The legendary group received three nominations for this year’s Stellar Awards.

Kierra Sheard gave a spirited offering of “Something Has To Break,” and Sheléa and Christina Bell sang The Clark Sisters’ classic hit “You Brought The Sunshine.” Leading nominee Jonathan McReynolds lifted his voice to the sounds of “Grace” and “Movin’ On,” joined by Mali Music, and CeCe Winans burst into song with “Never Lost” and “Believe For It.”

Viewers worldwide can expect to witness these dynamic performances and find out who won across all categories when the Stellar Awards airs Sunday, August 1, on BET, BET Her, and BET Gospel at 8 p.m. ET / PT. The show will also air August 2 on BET International. The ceremony, held at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, July 10, will also be carried in various markets for national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 5.

VISIT:  WWW.STELLARAWARDS.COM

Congratulations to Maverick City Music, who took home New Artist Of The Year and Album Of The Year at the 2021 Stellar Awards for the 2020 release of Maverick City Vol. 3 Part 1. Between Maverick City Music and all of its artists, the Billboard No.1 collective garnered 11 Stellar Award nominations. The gospel event of the year, the 36th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, will air on BET on Sunday, August 1st, at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT. Gospel legend Tye Tribbett and multiple Stellar Award winner Jekalyn Carr will host the highly-anticipated event, which will feature inspirational performances from the genre’s most celebrated artists.

In celebration of Juneteenth last month, Maverick City Music released their newest project, Jubilee: Juneteenth Edition. The new album is a dual-side feature consisting of a live gospel produced A-Side and a Rap/R&B/Pop produced B-Side. Jubilee features a wide range of guest artists, including heavy-hitters from gospel, R&B, Pop and Rap: Ciara, Rapsody, Tamar Braxton, Jonathan McReynolds, Israel Houghton, Jekalyn Carr, and more. As with other Maverick City Music releases, the collective continues to impress as the new album peaked at #1 on Apple iTunes.

Maverick City Music recently made headlines with their newest release Old Church Basement, a collab album with Elevation Worship, which broke streaming records at both Apple Music and Spotify. On Apple Music, the group set a new worldwide record for the most first-day streams for a Christian and Gospel album, and on Spotify, the album broke the U.S. record for the most streams in a day for an album by a Christian group and was No. 4 out of all U.S. albums its first weekend of release. Old Church Basement was released April 30 and is a powerful collection that aims to bring listeners back to a pure place of worship and features vocals from Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Naomi Raine, Chris Brown, Dante Bowe, Tiffany Hudson, Joe L Barnes, and Amanda Lindsey Cook.

This upcoming fall, Maverick City Music will embark on its first-ever tour and the shows will feature electrifying performances with collective members Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Joe L. Barnes, Aaron Moses and special guests, including Lecrae, on certain dates. The group recently added 13 more tour dates after selling out their original 11. The new dates are set in even larger venues, including the Barclays Center in NYC and TD Garden in Boston. Learn more about the tour and tickets: https://tourlink.to/maverickcitytour