Thoroughbred Records, a division of Daywind Music Group, proudly announces the signing of The Chuck Wagon Gang, who for nearly 90 years has influenced Gospel music with an instantly identifiable sound that seamlessly blends Southern, Country, and Bluegrass Gospel and has captivated generations throughout their incredible history. With this partnership, they will continue to honor their legacy while working towards future projects and collaborations with fresh perspective.

“With a rich history of nearly 90 years, it is a sincere honor to have the opportunity to work with and represent The Chuck Wagon Gang, as they continue to keep the unique sound and legacy of this legendary group alive for future generations to enjoy and appreciate,” said Jerry Salley, Creative Director and A&R at Thoroughbred Records.

Throughout their incredible career, The Chuck Wagon Gang has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the great honor of being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, performing in the White House, and having albums become part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent music collection.

They have received multiple awards throughout their tenure, solidifying their place as one of the most influential groups in the genre. They have also sold millions of records and songbooks. Now consisting of members Shaye Smith (alto and granddaughter of the group’s original alto. Anna Carter), Melissa Kemper (soprano), Josh Garner (lead), Nick Poe (banjo) and Cody Shaneyfelt (upright bass), the group continues to carry forward its remarkable legacy.

“For decades, the question has been asked, ‘How do you categorize The Chuck Wagon Gang?’ The truth is, you can’t,” said Shaye Smith. “We have a foothold in Southern, Country, and Bluegrass Gospel. Thoroughbred Records recognizes this and has given us a tremendous platform to expand upon our rich history, exploring new territory while keeping the traditional Chuck Wagon Gang sound.”

Drew & Ellie Holcomb are counting down until the January 24th release of their new full-length studio album Memory Bank. Today (Jan 10), the duo performed the title track on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

The couple, who have pursued their separate and equally successful career paths over the last decade-plus, dedicated time to writing together last year when out on one of their annual You & Me tours. The result is an album that finds these creative partners sharing the spotlight equally.

In addition, Drew & Ellie are announcing their biggest US headline tour to date kicking off on February 5th at the Saenger Theatre in Mobile, AL, and culminating in Nashville, TN at the Ryman Auditoriumon May 3rd.

Tamela Mann and TillyMann Music received two nominations for the 56^thNAACP Image Awards including Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album for her latest collection of songs Live Breathe Fight and Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song for her No. 1, multi-week, chart-topping hit “Working For Me.”

“It’s an honor to be nominated by the NAACP Image Awards,” said Tamela. “To bring recognition to the producers and songwriters on Live Breathe Fight is amazing. Thank you for sharing my music. My hope is that people will hear the songs and realize we have to do the will of Him who sent us, who made us, who created us.”

Produced by Tamela, David Mann, Phillip Bryant, and Jevon Hill, Live Breathe Fight is a collection of many of the most compelling and deeply vulnerable songs of her decorated career. Penned by Tamela, Bryant and Tameka Mintze aka “Tia Sharee,” the debut single “Working for Me” dominated gospel radio as her fastest climbing single to date and earned Tamela a place in Billboard history with her 11^th No. 1 hit, more than any other gospel artist.

The winners of the 56^th NAACP Image Awards will be announced on February 22 during the two-hour live broadcast from the Pasadena Civic Center, airing on BET and CBS.

This week the NAACP Image Awards announced  Karen Clark Sheard’s Still Karen as a nominee for “Best Gospel Album” while her hit song ‘Send it Down’ has now maintained its #1 Billboard status for the second week in a row!  This is Sheard’s first solo #1 song as a solo artist in the lead role and a further affirmation of her legacy in music history.

“Send it Down” is the first single from her latest body of work entitled, Still Karen, and was co-written by Kierra Sheard, Marc J., and J. Drew Sheard II,  who also produced it.  The full album, executive produced by Pharrell Williams and Sheard II is currently nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Gospel Album” category at the upcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony.

When asked about this incredible victory, Clark Sheard says, “What what an honor this is to be receive so much love from the radio DJs and the fans that have supported this song.  It was birthed during a Watch Night Service under the leadership of my husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard.

Now to see how far it’s gone and hear how many lives it’s touch is nothing short of amazing.” She continues, “I would also like to send a special thank you to my Radio Promotions Director Tracey Artis with I Hear Music, who has worked especially hard to make this Billboard victory possible. Thank you Tracey!”

When asked about the single’s success, Karew Records CEO J. Drew Sheard II says, “I’m really proud to see how people have responded to this song. When we went into the studio I knew we wanted to give the fans a bit of the churchy sound that could only be delivered by the First Lady of The Church of God in Christ.  We are ecstatic to see how well it’s done and can’t wait to show the world all of the other things we have in store!”

HeIsTheArtist’s latest single, “Out My Mind, Just in Time,” from his upcoming EP “Confessions of a Fallen Angel,” is a deeply emotive exploration of recovery and self-awareness. The track, an alternative cover of Erykah Badu’s original, reimagines the soulful essence of the song through a raw and introspective lens. The lyrics speak to the struggle of breaking free from toxic cycles, be they romantic or addictive in nature, and HeIsTheArtist masterfully connects the narrative to the final stage of addiction recovery—”Maintenance.”

The production is minimalist yet effective, allowing the emotion in the lyrics to take center stage. The vocal delivery is vulnerable and heartfelt, capturing the pain and perseverance of someone emerging from the shadows of their past. The rhythmic shifts in the song mirror the emotional turbulence of recovery, creating a journey-like experience for listeners.

Musically, the track blends elements of alternative soul with hints of jazz and gospel, paying homage to its roots while carving out its own identity. The arrangement is thoughtful, with each note and pause feeling purposeful. There’s a cathartic quality to the chorus, particularly in lines like “I’d lie for you, I’d cry for you,” which convey the complex emotions tied to love and addiction.

Overall, “Out My Mind, Just in Time” is a powerful testament to growth, resilience, and the ongoing process of healing. It’s a song that resonates on a deeply human level, making it a standout track in HeIsTheArtist’s evolving catalog.

–Steve Raybon

On Thurs, Jan. 30, 2025, GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer Kirk Franklin will be celebrated at the fourth annual Recording Academy Honors Presented by the Black Music Collective at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Franklin will receive the Black Music Icon Award, which celebrates Black music creators whose commitment to their craft has profoundly shaped the industry and whose legacy of service inspires countless people around the world.

“Kirk has not only revolutionized gospel music but has also bridged the gap between genres, redefining the possibilities of musical expression and inspiring generations with his message of hope and faith,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “His unwavering dedication to his craft and his legacy of service embody the very essence of the Black Music Icon Award. We look forward to honoring Kirk for his profound influence on the industry and the countless lives he continues to touch worldwide.”

Franklin, a 20-time GRAMMY Award-winning gospel artist, has revolutionized the gospel music genre by blending gospel, R&B and hip-hop. A Fort Worth, Texas native, Franklin began playing piano at age four and directing choirs at 11. His debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family, was the first gospel album to sell more than a million copies, spending 100 weeks on the Billboard Gospel charts.

Known for hits like “Stomp,” “Revolution” and “Brighter Day,” Franklin’s music has achieved widespread crossover success and transformed the genre. Through the joint-venture partnership between RCA Records and his company, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Franklin has fostered diverse, Christ-centered content while mentoring urban youth. His 13 albums, all certified gold or platinum, have earned him nine Dove Awards, 33 Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award.

Collaborating with artists like Kanye West, Mary J. Blige and Chance the Rapper, Franklin has consistently bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream music, reaching broader audiences. In 2011, he also authored The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms , which focuses on a transparent approach to addressing issues ranging from marriage and politics to sex and religion.

Through his foundation, he leads community outreach initiatives focused on education and mentorship, empowering future generations and promoting personal growth through faith and music. Franklin’s renowned leadership of urban contemporary gospel choirs—including The Family, God’s Property and One Nation Crew (1NC)—continues to dominate the Billboard Gospel chart while achieving mainstream success. A trailblazer in music, Franklin’s legacy resonates globally, uniting audiences through the power of faith.

Returning for the fourth consecutive year to produce the Recording Academy Honors event is MVD Inc, with Adam Blackstone also returning as music supervisor for the evening.

Globally-acclaimed TRIBL Records celebrates earning four nominations in the 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards. The commendations came across various categories, including Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) and Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album.

MAVERICK CITY MUSIC CEO, Jonathan Jay, and Insignia Co-Founder and CEO Norman Gyamfi share: “We are honored to be nominated for the 56th annual NAACP Image Awards, we look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence and uplifting values through gospel music, while highlighting artists committed to that purpose.

Under the theme, “Our Stories, Our Culture, Our Excellence,” the TRIBL Records Celebrates 4 NAACP Image Award Nominations
Image Awards is globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows celebrating Black excellence.

The winners will be revealed Friday, February 21, 2025 at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors Ceremonies on naacpimageawards.net and during the two-hour LIVE TV special, airing Saturday, February 22, 2025 from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, at 8 PM ET/ 8 PM PT on BET and CBS.

For more information on TRIBL follow @TriblRecords on social media and visit tribl.com. TRIBL Records 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards nominations are showcased below.

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album

“The Maverick Way Reimagined” — Maverick City Music (Tribl Records)

Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song

“God Problems (Not By Power)” — (Tribl Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)

Maverick City Music feat. Miles Minnick — “God Problems (Not By Power)” (Tribl Records)

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)

GloRilla feat. Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, Chandler Moore —

“RAIN DOWN ON ME” (Collective Music Group/Interscope Records)

Preeminent worship leaders Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, Chris Brown, Leeland Mooring, and Pat Barrett are set to partner with Pastor Steven Furtick in an epic collaboration coming in 2025. The collective is poised to release music in the new year under the name Sons Of Sunday.

The group is set to debut two brand new songs, “God Did!” and “Runnin With Angels,” on January 17. Stay tuned for more information coming soon and watch a trailer from the group’s YouTube below. Sons of Sunday is slated to release music through Elevation Records / Provident Label Group.

Drew & Ellie Holcomb are counting down until the January 24th release of their new full-length studio album Memory Bank. The duo has been booked to perform on ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ this Friday (January 10). Check your local listings for tune in information.

The couple, who have pursued their separate and equally successful career paths over the last decade-plus, dedicated time to writing together last year when out on one of their annual You & Me tours. The result is an album that finds these creative partners sharing the spotlight equally. In addition, Drew & Ellie are announcing their biggest US headline tour to date kicking off on February 5th at the Saenger Theatre in Mobile, AL, and culminating in Nashville, TN at the Ryman Auditoriumon May 3rd.

Capturing a fresh new spirit of worship that spans genres and unites generations, StowTown Worship Live From Praisefest Branson, Volume 1 arrives January 17. The impassioned collection features 11 timeless hymns and congregational favorites showcasing some of Christian music’s most esteemed worship leaders.

Recorded live at Branson, Missouri’s Praisefest—a beloved annual gathering drawing attendees from around the country—the project is imbued with joyful authenticity as Dove Award-winning powerhouse vocalist TaRanda Greene; Gospel icon Alvin Slaughter; Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter and worship leader Travis Cottrell; and multi-faceted vocalist and pastor Charles Billingsley join forces to steward the heartfelt worship set.

The Greene-led album opener, an infectious new arrangement of the ever-potent hymn “There Is Power In The Blood,” sets a jubilant tone for the recording. StowTown Worship Live From Praisefest Branson, Volume 1 is also highlighted by Billingsley’s moving rendition of the Bill & Gloria Gaither classic “Because He Lives”; a compelling, reverent take on “Blessed Assurance” from Slaughter; and Cottrell’s signature delivery of the modern worship favorite “Holy Is The Lord,” among numerous other selections.

“We hail from multiple genres and backgrounds and have all had incredible journeys as artists, but what a gift that Jesus brought us together for this,” shares TaRanda Greene. “A Kingdom picture is painted in this project. The things that label us like age, race and background—they don’t have a place here. Together, we are singing these gorgeous songs that celebrate Jesus.”

“There were some beautiful, atmosphere-changing moments in the presence of God and the Holy Spirit blessed us so much,” Greene adds of the recording. “One of those moments for me is ‘Blessed Assurance.’ When Alvin Slaughter, who is not only extraordinarily gifted as a musician but also an articulate communicator, begins leading this song, the room shifts. You can feel it when you listen to the recording, and that’s pretty special.”

“Giving new life to these songs brings generations together and we hope this collection will be a great tool for churches as well,” explains Landon Beene, president, StowTown Records/StowTown Worship. “With print music and soundtracks available for each song via PraiseCharts and MultiTracks, our goal is to create and develop resources for churches that have a broad generational reach. We want to include the whole family of God, embracing cultural and demographic differences in an effort to glorify Him and create an atmosphere of the Holy Spirit.”