Atlantic Recording artist COLTON DIXON is closing out 2024 on a festive note!  Dixon has been tapped as the co-Grand Marshal for The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade along with Emily Ann Roberts.  They will usher in the holiday season on December 6, ringing in 49 years of family-friendly festive tradition. The holiday cavalcade was recently nationally nominated by USA Today’s 10 Best as the “Best Holiday Parade” in the nation.

With his current hit track “UP+UP” hitting Top 10 this week (No. 8 on BillboardChristian Airplay, No. 9 on Billboard Christian AC, and #8 and #9 on Mediabase Christian AC and Christian Audience charts respectively), it was also recently announced that Dixon will be joining SKILLET, Anne Wilson and more for WINTER JAM 2025.

Dixon just wrapped his fall 2024 UP+UP Tour with Austin French and Jeremy Rosado.  Sponsored by Compassion International, the tour hit 25 cities across the country.

Known for his boundary-pushing creativity and powerful messages, Stellar Award and Dove Award Winning hip-hop artist 1K Phew is expanding his creative boundaries with his new EP, Let Go Let God: The EP. This unique collection features seven reimagined versions of his hit single “Let Go Let God” from his latest album, Pray For Atlanta, released in January of 2024.

Throughout this EP, 1K Phew explores the single across a wide range of genres along with several featured artists, reinterpreting it to connect with diverse audiences around the world.

On Let Go Let God: The EP, 1K Phew is joined by an incredible lineup of collaborators, including Christian rap heavyweights KB and Anike, genre-blurring artist Hulvey, the pioneer of Afrogospel, Limoblaze, rising R&B sensation Lee Vasi, and gospel icon Erica Campbell alongside many more. Each track brings a fresh twist, with 1K Phew exploring what the song would sound like in different styles, from gospel and R&B to Afrobeat and EDM, celebrating the universal appeal and timeless message of “Let Go Let God.”

For 1K Phew, this EP was an opportunity to amplify his message to more people: “’Let Go and Let God’ is a guiding principle I’ve embraced throughout my life,” says 1K. “I want to share this message with the world in a way that resonates across all cultures. To bring this to life, I’ve teamed up with some friends, and I’m excited to share it with everyone—just in time for the holidays.”

Building on the spiritual and sonic foundation of “Let Go Let God,” each track on the EP showcases 1K Phew’s versatility and celebrates collaboration, featuring contributions from artists who bring their own unique voices and styles to the project. Whether through gospel melodies, introspective lyrics, or energetic rap verses, each interpretation draws listeners deeper into the empowering message of trusting in God’s guidance.

As he expands on his Atlanta roots and musical influences, Let Go Let God: The EP reinforces 1K Phew’s commitment to connecting with a broad audience and inspiring listeners to embrace faith over fear

Pam Ross’s latest single, “Kansas,” from her upcoming album “Outside the Box,” is a poignant and beautifully crafted track that beckons listeners into a deep, introspective journey. Released on November 15th through MTS Records and Virgin Music/Universal, “Kansas” is a testament to Ross’s evolving artistry and her ability to convey raw emotion through music.

The track opens with the haunting line, “I spent the night alone on the Strand,” immediately setting the tone for a narrative of heartbreak and personal reflection. The imagery of crumbled words being taken away by the waves not only paints a vivid picture but also symbolizes the ephemeral nature of relationships and the lingering pain they can leave behind.

Musically, “Kansas” is draped in an atmospheric blend that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyrics. Ross’s distinct vocal delivery is both powerful and delicate, drawing the listener into her personal saga of heartache and the desire for escape. The chorus, with its repeated lines, “Maybe I should go to Kansas,” resonates as a powerful anthem for anyone yearning to break free from the shackles of
painful memories.

Music Review: Pam Ross – “Kansas”

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Lyrically, Ross excels at storytelling, using the metaphor of escaping to the desolate landscapes of Kansas to explore themes of solitude and healing. The pre-chorus, “I’ll leave this place down here by the sea / She can have you and your memory,” underscores the decision to leave the past behind, further enhancing the song’s theme of moving on.

“Kansas” also showcases Ross’s ability to blend genres, incorporating elements of country, Americana, and indie music, which creates a unique sound that is both modern and timeless. The production is polished,
allowing the song’s emotional depth to shine through without overshadowing the artist’s raw vocal power.

Overall, “Kansas” is a compelling preview of what to expect from Pam Ross’s forthcoming album “Outside the Box.” The single is not only a showcase of Ross’s lyrical prowess and musical versatility but also a deeply relatable piece that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss and the subsequent journey toward healing. As Ross continues to push the boundaries of her music, her audience is eagerly
waiting for the full narrative that “Outside the Box” promises to unfold.

Disciple and their worship project Honor & Glory are celebrating their first career Grammy nomination for “Firm Foundation (He Won’t).” The track is nominated for Best Contemporary/Christian Performance Song of the Year.

“Honestly, we’re speechless,” the band says. “This is a recognition we never saw coming. It’s particularly meaningful that the nominated song is one that recognizes and reveres God’s revolutionary love, which has truly been the foundation of everything Disciple has accomplished.”

The song is Honor & Glory’s exhilarating take on a Cody Carnes track popularized by Maverick City. “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” lays down a rock-solid foundation of faith in Jesus that can withstand the worst storms of the world.

Disciple And Honor & Glory Celebrate First Career Grammy Nomination For “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)”

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“Almost everything about being a Christian is unnatural,” Kevin Young, who fronts both bands, explains. “To trust when you don’t have the answers. To love someone who would hurt you. To have joy in chaos. Why would you do that? But when you experience Jesus and you walk with Him, you realize that He has this way of taking chaos, taking tragedy, taking storms, and somehow growing you through that. You come out the other side thankful for the storm.

The story that is planted deep inside of you because of that storm, the story of redemption and the story of victory and the story of triumph over tragedy, doesn’t come without a storm.”

This Grammy nomination is a career first for Disciple, who has been a mainstay in the heavy Christian music genre for 30 years. The distinction adds to a list of accolades that includes 15 Dove Award nominations and 18 career #1 singles.

The band’s most recent release, “If You Say So,” has also been rapidly climbing the charts. The Grammy nod pays homage to the duality Disciple has always reconciled in their music: a high-adrenaline rock sound with a worshipful, gospel-first heart.

Disciple is comprised of Kevin Young (vocals), Josiah Prince (guitar), Andrew Stanton (guitar) and Joey West (drums). Honor & Glory draws on additional guitar and vocal talents from Dane Allen. Both bands are currently partnered with BEC Recordings.

The Gospel According to Mark, a thematically-inspired song and spoken word collection from acclaimed singer/songwriter Mark D. Conklin, has earned a 2025 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album. Joining releases from such diverse artists as The Nelons, Authentic Unlimited, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, and Cory Henry in the category, Conklin’s expansive 24-track StowTown Records set features a who’s who of Gospel, soul and country music luminaries.

Writing or co-penning all 12 of the album’s musical selections, Conklin produced The Gospel According to Mark along with GRAMMY winner Mark Prentice. Offering fresh perspective on the New Testament book of Mark, the project realizes Conklin’s long-held desire to convey the account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection through music and spoken word.

Featuring his collaborations with such names as renowned actress and singer Rita Wilson; internationally revered collegiate ensemble The Fisk Jubilee Singers; Gospel trailblazers The Fairfield Four; the “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent; Southern Gospel leaders Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; and GRAMMY-winning recording artist John Berry, among many others, The Gospel According to Mark also showcases 12 Scripture vignettes voiced by iconic songstress Gloria Gaynor.

“It’s the honor of a lifetime to be recognized by the Recording Academy with this GRAMMY nomination,” says Conklin. “I’m deeply grateful for everyone who contributed to the making of this album and proud to stand alongside such a distinguished group of fellow nominees.”

Award-winning actress and singer/songwriter Rita Wilson says, “Mark Conklin made a unique, powerful and authentic album. People find good music and The Gospel According to Mark has risen to the top with this GRAMMY nomination. I am truly honored to be part of this project. Congratulations to all involved!”

“Congratulations to The Gospel According to Mark on the Best Roots Gospel Album GRAMMY nomination,” adds legendary hitmaker Gloria Gaynor. “Mark Conklin has assembled an incredible team of artists for this joyful project, and it is such an honor for me to be a part of it.”

“Our team is thrilled that the Recording Academy has recognized the immense efforts of Mark Conklin with a nomination in the Best Roots Gospel Album category,” states StowTown Records president Landon Beene. “His dedication to the creation of this project has been unwavering, and it has been a joy for us to play a role in launching it into the world.”

Adds StowTown director of A&R and creative services Mary Alice Lovelace, “The Gospel According to Mark has been in the works since 2020 and was inspired by the great Gloria Gaynor, whose testimony and faith walk sparked Mark Conklin to create this beloved project.

It has been an honor for the team at StowTown to walk alongside him as he assembled a host of music industry icons to bring his vision to fruition. Congratulations, Mark, on a well-deserved GRAMMY nomination!”

The 67th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 2. The show will be broadcast live on CBS Television and streamed live and on demand on Paramount+.

Joseph Habedank is gearing up for the autobiography Christmas Tour 2024.  This special portion of the tour will include a blend of festive Christmas classics, along with selections from the 2024 Inspirational Album of the Year, autobiography. Kicking off in Bartlett, TN on December 4th, the tour will make stops in ten cities including Searcy, AR, Willow Park, TX, Columbia, MO and Miami, OK, and more.

The autobiography Christmas Tour 2024 will be the culmination of an incredible year of growth and new opportunities for the 2024 Singing News Soloist of the Year, including the addition of a live band, as well as the introduction of special guests at live events across the nation.  Keeping that momentum alive into the new year is a focus for Habedank, as he strives to create new, inspired music to encourage believers, show grace to the searching and point audiences of all walks of life to Christ.

Gather family and friends and make plans to join the autobiography Christmas tour this year to celebrate the holiday season!

Joseph Habedank’s autobiography Christmas Tour 2024
December 4th – Barlett, TN
December 5th – Searcy, AR
December 6th – Rison, AR
December 7th – Gilmer, TX
December 8th – Willow Park, TX
December 11th – Columbia, MO
December 12th – Chillicothe, MO
December 13th – Nevada, MO
December 14th – Miami, OK
December 15th – Hughes Springs, TX

For more information about tour dates, venues, and tickets, please visit josephhabedank.com.

Globally-acclaimed TRIBL Records and Maverick City Music Publishing celebrate five 67th GRAMMY Awards nominations across multiple Christian and Gospel categories. TRIBL’s nominations mark the most for an inspirational independent label this year, including JWLKRS Worship – TRIBL’s first external partner to receive a GRAMMY nomination.

MAVERICK CITY MUSIC CEO, Jonathan Jay, and Insignia Co-Founder and CEO Norman Gyamfi share: “With today’s multiple GRAMMY nominations, we continue to be blown away by the global impact of our recorded music and publishing divisions. This year, our nominations expand beyond the brand of Maverick City to JWLRKS Worship and collaborative releases like ‘One Hallelujah’, demonstrating the strength of our creative partners and expansion of our music group.”

Currently, TRIBL collective Maverick City Music is in the middle of its 33-city ‘Good News’ tour through November 26th, with appearances from Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, JWLKRS, Nick Day, Todd Galberth, Mara Justine, Brunes Charles, and Genavieve. Special guest performers include Tim Godfrey, Stephen McWhirter, and Sam Rivera. Tickets are available now at: good-news-tour.com.

The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun, Feb. 2, 2025, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the Telecast, the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

TRIBL Records and Maverick City Music Publishing 67th GRAMMY Awards nominations are showcased below.

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“One Hallelujah,” Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Erica Campbell & Israel Houghton Featuring Jonathan McReynolds & Jekalyn Carr; G. Morris Coleman, Israel Houghton, Kenneth Leonard, Jr.,

Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“Praise,” Elevation Worship feat. Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore; Pat Barrett, Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Chandler Moore, songwriters

“In the Name of Jesus,” JWLKRS Worship & Maverick City Music feat. Chandler Moore; Austin Armstrong, Ran Jackson, Chandler Moore, Sajan Nauriyal, Ella Schnacky, Noah Schnacky &

Ilya Toshinskiy, songwriters

“In the Room,” Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore feat. Tasha Cobbs Leonard; G. Morris Coleman, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Naomi Raine, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

The Maverick Way Complete, Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore

South African gospel music artist,  Kingdmusic, has secured four nominations at the prestigious 17th SABC Crown Gospel Music  Awards. As the second most nominated artist this year, he will also grace the Crown Gospel  Awards stage for the first time on November 24, 2024, at Gallagher Convention Centre in  Johannesburg, performing in front of millions of viewers across South Africa and neighbouring  countries who will get to watch the broadcast on SABC 1. 

The nominations highlight Kingdmusic’s versatility and impact, encompassing a wide range of  categories: 

1. Best Gospel Rap – Provider featuring IMRSQD 
2. Best Gospel Album – Hold On album 
3. Best Contemporary Song – Jesus 
4. Best Gospel Music Video – Protect Me featuring Camidoh 

This recognition reflects Kingdmusic’s pioneering efforts in Urban Gospel and Contemporary  Christian Music (CCM) within South Africa, genres he has championed since the early days of  his career. “I received a lot of pushbacks at the beginning of my career because South Africa is  a traditional gospel country. If you want to be successful as a gospel singer here, people say  you must follow that path.

But I kept making music that was authentic to me and reflect my  alone time with Jesus,” he shared. His perseverance has not only paid off, but it has also helped  pave the way for other gospel artists exploring contemporary styles. 

These nominations come on the heels of recent wins at the Independent National Gospel Music  Awards, where he was honored as Best Songwriter and received the award for Best  Contemporary Gospel Album for Hold On. Additionally, he holds a total of 10 awards to date,  including the prestigious South African Music Award he won in 2022 for Best Contemporary Faith Music Album for his self-titled album Denga.

Kingdmusic’s journey has been one of resilience and authenticity, and his rise continues to  inspire fans across the continent. His upcoming performance at the Crown Gospel Music  Awards will undoubtedly be a career-defining moment, a celebration of the artist’s dedication to  creating music that resonates with both local and international audiences.

Midnight Sky, led by the ever-poetic Tim Tye, has once again tapped into the deep wells of Americana and country music with their latest offering, “A Few Good Years (Remix).” This track is a departure from their previously upbeat singles, presenting instead a reflective and profoundly introspective rendition of their earlier work.

The remix is a soothing, acoustic listening experience that invites the audience to pause and find solace in life’s simpler moments.

The original charm of “A Few Good Years” lies in its lyrical richness, a quality that Tim Tye carries over into this remix with grace. Lyrically, the song is a profound meditation on the essence of a well-lived life—a theme that resonates universally. The imagery of a cozy fireside, the companionship of a loyal dog, and the comfort of having love and laughter paints a picture of contentment that is both idyllic and desirable. The chorus, “May your lifetime be blessed / With a few good years,” acts as both a blessing and a gentle reminder of life’s fleeting nature. http://www.midnightskymusic.com/

Musically, the remix strips back some of the production layers found in the original to allow a more raw and natural sound to emerge. The gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar paired with a soft, melodic piano accompaniment sets a tranquil soundscape. The female vocals in this version are particularly poignant, adding a layer of depth with their gentle delivery that complements the song’s reflective tone perfectly.

Review: Midnight Sky’s “A Few Good Years (Remix)”

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Perhaps what makes this remix stand out is its ability to slow everything down. In a world where music often seeks to energize, “A Few Good Years (Remix)” provides a counterbalance. It allows listeners to step back, reflect, and absorb each lyric’s weight fully. This track does not just aim to entertain; it provides a space for contemplation and appreciation for life’s quieter moments.

In conclusion, Midnight Sky’s “A Few Good Years (Remix)” is more than just a song; it’s a reflective journey that resonates with anyone who takes the time to listen deeply. It holds a mirror to the small, often overlooked joys of life, reminding us to cherish them.

Tim Tye has indeed crafted a piece that will resonate well with listeners who appreciate music that stirs the soul and provokes thought. This remix is not just a good addition to their discography but a necessary one, enriching their already diverse range of songs.

–Pete Robinson

On Saturday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m., Carnegie Hall presents A Night of Inspiration, a celebratory evening of music and dance from diverse traditions in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage. Under the direction of acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew, and co-produced with his wife and business partner, Vivian Scott Chew, the exciting, uplifting program returns to the Hall for the fifth time.

The night highlights a star-studded roster of artists including Regina Belle, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Erica Campbell featuring Krista Campbell, Tina Campbell, Isaac Carree, Olen Cesari, Melvin Crispell, Doug E. Fresh, Cory Henry, Dave Hollister, Rahsaan Patterson, Kierra Sheard-Kelly, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Brian Courtney Wilson and Juan Winans.

The stellar lineup will be accompanied by a 64-piece orchestra and a 150-voice multicultural choir for a special evening paying tribute to the pioneering gospel quartet The Winans.

“We are beyond excited to be producing our 5th “Night of Inspiration”.  It has been our honor to be given the opportunity to present unique programming at the iconic Carnegie Hall for the past 15 years.” – Ray and Vivian Chew

Carnegie Hall’s rewarding collaboration with Ray and Vivian Chew began fifteen years ago in 2009, when Ray served as musical director for two concerts during Carnegie Hall’s festival, Honor!, celebrating the African American cultural legacy with artists spanning blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, and beyond.

The duo has since presented four sold-out A Night of Inspiration productions in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage to packed audiences featuring a large-scale orchestra joined by high profile artists from the gospel and secular communities.

The Chews have been involved in a number of other notable Carnegie Hall performances throughout the years including A Tribute to Motown, paying homage to the distinctive soul sound of the legendary record label’s over 50-year legacy; a one-of-a kind participatory concert featuring gospel music’s biggest stars.

Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell; The Music of Stevie Wonder, a sing-a-long performance honoring the iconic performer’s beloved songbook and featuring R&B stars Leela James and BeBe Winans; and Sounds of Change, featuring a stellar cast of artists performing folk songs and R&B classics that defined a generation, as part of Carnegie Hall’s citywide festival The ‘60s: The Years that Changed America.

In summer 2019, as part of the free Carnegie Hall Citywide concert series, Ray and Vivian brought A Night of Inspiration to Bryant Park for an uplifting evening under the stars; they presented Ray Chew Live!, another lively outdoor celebration, in Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park and the Robert F. Smith Center for the Performing Arts in the fall 2021.