’Tis the holiday season! The Country Music Association is gearing up for its 14th annual holiday television special, “CMA Country Christmas.” Hosted by Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, “CMA Country Christmas” features performances by Jordan Davis, Grant, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Jon Pardi, Lindsey Stirling, The War And Treaty, Zach Williams with Lainey Wilson and Yearwood.

Filmed in Nashville in front of a live audience, the holiday special showcases one-of-a-kind musical performances of festive classics from Country Music’s biggest stars. “CMA Country Christmas” airs Thursday, Dec. 14 (8:00-9:02 PM/EST) on ABC and next day on Hulu and Disney+. Catch a sneak peek of this year’s “CMA Country Christmas”.

Entertainment executive Barry Landis has announced Pivot Music, a new label of artists, producers, and composers focused on offering production, scoring/composing, and licensing services to filmmakers and music supervisors. A 20-year veteran with Warner Music Group in Nashville (Warner Alliance, Atlantic Christian Records, and Curb/Word Label Group), Landis has merged his expertise in music with his experience marketing and distributing movies to create a full suite of music solutions for directors and music supervisors.

Landis has appointed Ben Jones as General Manager of Pivot Music’s operations. Jones comes to the label after graduating from Belmont University’s Curb College of Music Business and Entertainment and a robust schedule as both a touring and studio musician and producer. “I’m excited for this new approach to the music industry,” says Jones. “The models for business are constantly changing and being at the frontlines of these shifts is crucial.”

Landis’s thoughtful approach to blending the music business and filmmaking business stands to benefit both industries. “Our goal is to create opportunities between filmmakers and our roster of artists and producers,” says Landis. “That includes everything from providing music supervisor services to crafting custom musical cues that meet individual needs. Another benefit is the added punch of our artists having their own platforms. When it comes time to promote the movie or television series, Pivot artists want to be involved in the campaign’s release strategy using their social platforms and/or PR if the storyteller desires.”

In celebration of what has come to be known as “Galentine’s Day,” Fathom Events proudly presents “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive,” a story about the extraordinary life of two-time Grammy-winning artist and global legend Gloria Gaynor. In theaters nationwide for a one-night special event this Galentine’s Day, February 13, the film explores the challenges and triumphs that shaped Gaynor’s illustrious career. The film is also perfectly timed to celebrate Gaynor’s contributions to music in honor of Black History Month.

Gloria Gaynor, music icon and disco legend, inspired millions for decades with her words “I will survive.” But she only truly understood the profound meaning of her lyrics when she hit rock bottom at the age of 65. Facing a devastating divorce to her husband and manager of 25 years, financial ruin, and spiraling health concerns, Gaynor sought to not only survive, but thrive.

With unwavering faith and the spark of new dreams, the film follows Gaynor as she embarks on an unexpectedly difficult 8-year journey to write and record a gospel album, rising up after downfall. Going behind the mic, we discover a tale of the remarkable challenges that fueled Gaynor’s music and path to stardom, and her present-day message empowering audiences to believe it’s never too late to transform dreams into reality. “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive” celebrates reinvention, the power of faith, and a magnificent second act.

“I am finally at a place of joy and self-fulfillment, and I am ready to share my secret to not only ‘surviving but thriving’ with the world,” said Gloria Gaynor.

Beyond her iconic anthem, “I Will Survive,” Gaynor had always envisioned recording and releasing a gospel album. After 19 studio albums, her first gospel album, “Testimony,” was released in 2019. It won the Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album in early 2020 at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. Not one to rest on her laurels, Gloria is currently working on co-writes with several Grammy-winning songwriters in Nashville who have penned hit songs for Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Meghan Trainor, Dolly Parton, Maroon 5, and more. The new music will be released later in 2024.

Fathom Events, known for bringing exclusive and unique cinematic experiences to audiences nationwide, will host the theatrical release of “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive” on February 13, 2024. This one-night special event allows one to witness the untold story of a musical icon on the big screen.

“Gloria Gaynor is a music legend, but very few know her true story, which deserves to be told,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “In partnering with Gloria, we’ll be able to bring that story to theaters this February, letting fans see the story behind the woman whose personal journey fueled her powerful voice and legacy.”

Join us on February 13th as we celebrate the life, resilience, and enduring legacy of Gloria Gaynor in this extraordinary documentary. Audiences will enjoy never-before-seen Super 8 footage, capturing the beginning of Disco, and join Gloria in the studio with artists like MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Jason Crabb, Mike Farris, and Yolanda Adams. “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive” is an emotional journey that inspires and uplifts audiences.

“Having filmed Ms. Gaynor for eight years, I saw first-hand how she proves faith and resilience can turn your life around,” said director Betsy Schechter. “Through divorce, a career resurgence, completing a college degree, and battling the odds to make a Grammy Award-winning Gospel album in her 70’s, Gloria’s story today inspires people to know that despite all of life’s challenges, it is never too late to transform your dreams into reality.”

GOA Music & Speakers (Greg Oliver Agency, Inc.) continues to strengthen its team with a new staff addition and a promotion in the music division.

Tim Robinson joins GOA Music as an Artist Agent. With expertise in the development of event promotion with a focus on organizing Christian concerts and festivals, Robinson spent the past several years as an independent booking agent and manager. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, and hiking. He has been happily married to his wife Priscilla for 13 years and is the proud parent of three amazing children.

David Richt has been promoted to Artist Agent from his previous role as Booking Coordinator. After graduating from Belmont University, Richt became the Music Director at Christ Fellowship Church in Miami, Florida. He moved back to Nashville with his wife Joanna in 2021 to join the GOA Music team.

“I could not be more thrilled to be adding Tim to our team as well as elevating David to an Artist Agent,” says Greg Oliver, President & CEO of GOA Music & Speakers. “What a gift it is to work alongside these amazing team members and we look forward to what’s ahead in the new year.”

After a decade-long hiatus from national tours, the Grammy-award sensation, CeCe Winans, triumphantly concluded the highly acclaimed “Believe for It Tour,” successfully sealing her remarkable return to the national stage.

The last six dates of the tour featured special guests; Jenn Johnson and Todd Dulaney, who both received an overwhelming response from devoted fans, with most of the venues sold out. The results of the “Believe For It Tour” affirmed a fundamental truth – it was more than just a concert for fans; it was a deeply engaging experience.

Adding to the banner year Winans racked up some impressive stats on the Billboard Year-End Charts:  #1 Top Gospel Artist, Female; #1 Gospel Digital Song Sales- Artist and #1 Gospel Digital Song Sales for the single “Goodness of God,” which also received a Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Song.

Winans continues to be an unwavering beacon of light in the music industry, captivating audiences with her soulful voice while championing both her artistry and ministry.

Winans also recently announced dates for “The Goodness” Tour launching in Spring 2024, bringing good news for fans who missed the opportunity to be in the audience the first time around, or who just can’t wait to see CeCe live again. 

Everyone is invited to experience the transformative worship journey with Winans, showcasing the monumental tracks from her album ‘Belief For It,’ such as the chart-topping hits “Goodness of God,” “Never Lost,” and “Believe For It.” 

Winans will embark upon a new tour while also debuting brand new songs from her forthcoming album, More Than This (PureSpring Gospel/ Fair Trade Services) featuring soon-to-be Winans classics, “Holy Forever”, “That’s My King” and many more.

Pre-sales for The Goodness Tour tickets will be available for purchase starting Wednesday, December 13^th at 10:00 am/CT, and General Public sales begin on Friday, December 15th at 10:00 am/CT.  For more information and tour details visit http://CeCewinans.com/events .

Here’s what Winans has to say about getting back on the road, “Over the last year, my team and I have been thanking God for the blessings and opportunities that we’ve been given. 

As we toured and listened to stories of healing and restoration, we started to think about what’s next.  What more is there to say?  During “The Goodness Tour,” we’ll get to share new songs and worship where we don’t just believe in great things, but we acknowledge His goodness while having no ability to perceive how much more God has in store for us. 

We are praying with expectation of what is coming, and we hope you’ll join us.”

Teaming up with Winans once again to spread the good news of the gospel in the song are sponsors Compassion International and concert promoters Transparent Production.

THE GOODNESS TOUR DATES:

• – 2/28 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium
• – 2/29 – Mobile, AL – Cottage Hill Baptist Church
• – 3/1 –   New Orleans, LA – Franklin Avenue Baptist Church
• – 3/6 –   Fayetteville, NC – Crown Theater
• – 3/7 –   Greensboro, NC – Mt. Zion Church
• – 3/8 –   Hixson, TN (Chattanooga) – Abba’s House
• – 3/13 – Greenville, SC – Redemption Church East
• – 3/14 – Richmond, VA – Liberation Church
• – 3/20 – Liberty Township, OH (Cincinnati) – Princeton Pike Church of God
• – 3/21 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theater
• – 3/22 – Chicago, IL – House of Hope
• – 4/13 – Los Angeles, CA – Peacock Theater
• – 4/18 – Visalia, CA – Visalia First Assembly of God
• – 4/19 – San Jose, CA – Redemption Church West
• – 4/24 – Carrolton, TX (Dallas) – Bent Tree Bible Fellowship
• – 4/25 – Austin, TX – Austin Ridge Bible Bee Cave
• – 4/26 – Houston, TX – Fallbrook Church
• – 5/2 –   Miami, FL – James L. Knight Center
• – 5/3 –   Brandon, FL (Tampa) – Bell Shoals Church

GENERATIONS LIVE!  2024 Women’s Conference

• 5/10 to 5/11:  Nashville, TN – Curb Event Center

As an extension to her acclaimed 2023 calendar, Winans is set to grace the stage on the CBS Christmas Special, “A Home for The Holidays,” airing Friday, December 22, 2023, from 8:00 to 9:00 pm/ET/PT. 

This milestone event celebrates its 25^th Anniversary and features a lineup of esteemed guests, including Lauren Daigle, Gavin DeGraw, David Foster & Katherine McPhee, and Pentatonix.  The program remains dedicated to shedding light on the imperative social issue of American children in foster care, inspiring thousands of adoptions.

Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell, Israel Houghton, and Jekalyn Carr announced their 2024 tour ‘One Hallelujah’. Produced by Live Nation, the 25-city tour kicks off on March 6 at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston making stops across the U.S.

in New York, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, Houston, and more before wrapping up in San Francisco at YouTube Theater on April 21.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with Artist presales beginning Wednesday, December 13. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Friday, December 15 at 10 am local time at Ticketmaster.com.

ONE HALLELUJAH TOUR 2024 DATES:

• Wed Mar 06 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway
• Thu Mar 07 — Philadelphia, PA — The Met
• Fri Mar 08 — Brooklyn, NY — Kings Theatre
• Sat Mar 09 — Washington, D.C. — The Theater at MGM National Harbor
• Tue Mar 12 — Charlotte, NC — Ovens Auditorium
• Wed Mar 13 — Raleigh, NC — Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts
• Fri Mar 15 — Miami, FL — James L. Knight Center
• Sun Mar 17 — Jacksonville, FL — Moran Theater
• Thu Mar 21 — Indianapolis, IN — Murat Theatre at Old National Center
• Fri Mar 22 — St. Louis, MO — Stifel Theatre
• Sat Mar 23 — Memphis, TN — Orpheum Theatre
• Sun Mar 24 — Cincinnati, OH — The Andrew J Brady Music Center
• Thu Mar 28 — Evans, GA — Columbia County Performing Arts Center
• Fri Mar 29 — Atlanta, GA — Coca-Cola Roxy
• Sat Mar 30 — Birmingham, AL — BJCC Concert Hall
• Thu Apr 04 — Chicago, IL — Chicago Auditorium Theatre
• Fri Apr 05 — Detroit, MI — Fisher Theatre
• Sat Apr 06 — Columbus, OH — Mershon Auditorium
• Sun Apr 07 — Nashville, TN — Opry House
• Tue Apr 09 — New Orleans, LA — Saenger Theatre
• Wed Apr 10 — Houston, TX — Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
• Thu Apr 11 — Dallas, TX — The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
• Fri Apr 19 — Phoenix, AZ — Arizona Financial Theatre
• Sat Apr 20 — Los Angeles, CA — YouTube Theater
• Sun Apr 21 — San Francisco, CA — The Masonic

Since 1958, the Recording Industry Association of America^® (RIAA) has celebrated artists whose music captivates generations and hits significant U.S. streaming and sales thresholds as fans engage in more ways than ever before.

Today marks a special year-end moment when the top albums, singles, and first-timers are recognized for their massive achievements. #RIAAClassOf 2023 touts 57 breakout artists who earned their first Gold & Platinum certifications in 2023* with a list spanning three albums and 48 singles.

Billboard chart-topping, multi-platinum rapper/producer NF is included in this list for his gold single “Hope.” The single is the title track from his third studio album to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts. 

HOPE also topped the album charts in New Zealand, The Netherlands, and Switzerland and took the No. 2 spot on the Billboard 200 as well as the album charts in Australia, the UK, Canada, and Norway.

“This is truly one of our favorite times of the year – the chance to commemorate extraordinary firsts! This kind of certification represents the incredible connection between artists, record labels, creative partners, and fans.

We are continually amazed by the unique talents who break through and are honored to recognize the RIAA Class Of 2023 … we can’t wait to celebrate their next big milestones!” says RIAA COO Michele Ballantyne.

“Music moves culture and has the power to connect like never before. The RIAA is so proud to acknowledge the impact of incredible voices and innovative engagement that captivated fans in 2023. These albums and singles earned coveted RIAA Gold & Platinum certifications because they reflect the very best!” says RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier.

With a groundbreaking three-decade career boasting chart-topping recordings and genre-defining hit singles, GRAMMY® nominated, Dove Award-winning Christian music trailblazers Point of Grace were recently honored by fans, family and fellow artists during their annual Circle of Friends Weekend in Franklin, Tennessee.

The 30th anniversary celebration featured video tributes from Little Big Town, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith, among others, while Centricity Music senior vice president of A&R John Mays—a former Word Records executive instrumental in Point of Grace’s launch and subsequent success—presented plaques to group members Shelley Breen, Leigh Cappillino and Denise Jones commemorating major milestones in the vocal ensemble’s career to date.

Since the release of their watershed self-titled debut in 1993, Point of Grace has become one of the Top 10 best-selling artists in the history of Christian music. With 27 #1 singles—including 24 consecutive chart-topping hits, a number unmatched by any artist in any genre—Point of Grace’s 22-album discography includes two Platinum and five Gold-certified projects, as well as 8 million career album sales, among numerous other accomplishments.

Further adding to their accolades, Point of Grace’s latest set, Turn Your Eyes (Songs We Love, Songs You Know) Volume II, recently took home the Dove Award for Inspirational Album of the Year.

Debuting in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart following its release in April, the Fervent Records (Curb | Word Entertainment) project was produced by Cindy Morgan and features Point of Grace’s signature take on a range of Christian music classics and new selections, including Rich Mullins’ iconic “Awesome God” and the roots/pop original “At The Table.”

“It’s been a wonderful journey so far,” shares Point of Grace founding member Shelley Breen. “Sometimes onstage I become overwhelmed with gratefulness that God has allowed us to continue to travel and sing for 30 years. We have all matured so much—not only in age but in faith—and we’re more convinced than ever that nothing is better than singing about Jesus.”

“Although we’ve loved reflecting and celebrating, we couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come,” says Point of Grace’s Leigh Cappillino. “We’ve been writing new songs with some dear friends, and we’re eager to share those with the world soon. The next chapter for Point of Grace has begun!”

Capping a milestone year, Point of Grace is currently bringing their “Gloria: The Christmas Tour” to 11 cities across the country. Hosted by Andrew Greer with very special guest Mark Schultz, the popular holiday outing has already played to multiple sold-out crowds.

Kicking off last month in Troy, Ohio, the tour stops in Waco, Texas; Deland, Florida; and Columbia, Tennessee, among other locations, before concluding December 19 in Augusta, Georgia.

Earlier this month, Point of Grace took their signature sounds of the season to the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock, performing at an event hosted by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The trio was also recently featured as part of the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove’s “Christmas at The Cove” concert series in Asheville, North Carolina.

Soul-inspired pop singer/songwriter, worship leader, accomplished pianist, and producer Natalie Layne is named by Pandora in its 2024 Pandora Ten Artists To Watch campaign. This annual program highlights 10 of the most promising new recording artists. Previous years’ lists have featured success stories like Dua Lipa, Post Malone, The Kid LAROI, and Tate McRae.

Following this month’s announcement, Pandora is set to support the 2024 Pandora Ten Artists To Watch on socials and its platform editorially throughout the year. Additionally, this subscription-based music streaming service owned by Sirius XM Holdings is featuring Layne today (Dec. 8) on a Times Square billboard located in New York City on Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets.

“From note one, Natalie Layne grabs your attention and keeps it with bullseye lyrics, infectious melodies, and riveting performances,” declares Pandora’s Melissa Chalos, Assoc. Director of Programming, Christian/Gospel. “And the fact that she’s practically a virtuoso on the keys makes her a true unicorn and the most compelling new artist in Christian music.”

Along with her six-song Centricity Music debut EP, Amen, which features the NewReleaseToday.com-featured hit radio single and CBN “Studio 5”-premiered video “Amen,” Layne has also re-recorded new piano and vocal versions of the EP.

Her Amen (At The Piano) releases Dec. 15 and is available at digital and streaming outlets globally via https://fanlink.to/AMENatp.

Inspired by the simple kindness of a neighbor waving and smiling as they passed in her neighborhood, Layne co-wrote the title track with hit-making songwriters Benji Cowart and David Spencer.

“Amen,” as well as the whole album’s sonic direction, is meant to be as welcoming as a friend and as cohesive as that of a seasoned artist, with the messages behind the music stemming from her personal experience.

Matthew West invites you to ‘Come Home For Christmas’ with a concert special set to air on December 22 at 7 pm CT on TBN. Filmed December 2 at Belmont’s Fisher Center in Nashville, TN, West performed a slew of classic holiday hits, his original tunes “Come Home For Christmas” and “Because of Bethlehem,” and was joined by his daughter, Lulu West, for a stunning duet of “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.”

West, who is “in his ‘Michael Bublé season’” (The Tennessean), hosted his second annual Come Home For Christmas Weekend welcoming hundreds of fans from around the world to celebrate the season.

“Because of Bethlehem” was inspired by New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado’s book of the same title. Featuring West’s uplifting vocals, “Because of Bethlehem” serves as a reminder of the promise of God’s love by sending us His son, Jesus, and the bona fide reason for the season.

Wrapping up an impressive 2023, West was honored with ASCAP’s prestigious Golden Note Award, presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Prior winners include Garth Brooks, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Reba, Jay-Z, Usher and more.

Additionally, he celebrated another milestone success – he notched his 30th number-one song as an artist-songwriter combined.

Dubbed by Billboard as “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters,” he most recently released MY STORY YOUR GLORY. Composed of 22 tracks, the first part of the double album, MY STORY, embodies the countless stories fans have shared with the songwriter over the years as well as personal experiences, while the second part, YOUR GLORY, marks the first official Gospel worship album.

The 5x GRAMMY nominee is currently on his COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Tour. Just announced, that he will hit the road beginning in February for his DON’T STOP PRAYING 2024 TOUR with special guest Cochren & Co.