Eva Sandiford, Shakera Story & Sharreth Naugle, Paula Pearcy, Fred & Betty Parker, Francine Stovall, Bill Townsend, Dr. Mims M. Roberts, Canie Ritchson, Sissy Ellison Davis, Linda Pattman and yours truly are on the new NACAS (National Association for Christian Artists & Songwriters) compilation CD entitled "Songs for the Heart."

NACAS' mission is to equip Christian artists and songwriters with the resources and information they need to further their music ministry; the CD

"Songs for the Heart" does just that. Recording a compilation CD affords everyone an opportunity (whether they have  one song or a completed project) to not only have their songs recorded but to share their music with the world while at the same time winning souls for the kingdom of God.

There were a few songs that caught my ear, one being "My Heart" by Eva Sandiford.  Her song speaks of how we can go astray if we don't spend time with God - It's only when we have this time with Him will we know His will for our lives.  The Latin influence in the music is very obvious; as a matter a fact Eva stated that she wrote this song after listening to a Ricky Martin song.  This first song on the CD gets the project off to a great start.

Linda Pattman's Jazzy version of "Amazing Grace" was very soothing and mellow almost like a Natalie Cole song.  The piano and bass instrument really give it an authentic jazz feel. She has an interesting jazz style in her voice that is smooth and reassures that listener that God 's amazing grace is for all who accepts it. Canie Ritchson in "Triangle of Love" sings about the how a marriage relationship should include the husband, wife and the Holy Spirit.  This is the true "Triangle of Love." The music is very pop oriented which only adds to the sweetness of her voice.

" I am Free" by Shakera Story & Sharreth Naugle this is a song for anyone who has ever doubted in his or her abilities in Christ. Nine-year-old Shakera Story shares with us that we are free to be what God wants us to be. This is a very happy, fun and energetic song with a serious message - from the mouth of babes.

The entire album consist of an ecliptic mix of everything from Gospel, to Southern Gospel, Latin to Contemporary Christian Music.  This would be nice Christmas gift for the whole family. Better yet don't take my word for it, come to NACAS' CD release party at Strings & Things at 1558 Madison in Memphis Tn on Saturday - December 14th from 3:00-5:30 pm. where several of the artists on the CD will perform their music live and pick up a copy of the CD. Radio personalities from "Victory 95.3 FM" will also be on hand to give away some great prizes and to MC the event.  You'll be sure to enjoy good food, wonderful music and great Christian Fellowship.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

Mighty Clouds Of Joy©
November 2002  

I recently got a press kit on a group that I thought had stopped singing long ago, but the legendary “Mighty Clouds of Joy” are back and stronger than ever.  I remember when I first saw them on “Soul Train” singing their disco hit Mighty High in 1972; I thought it was just a great disco song (I didn’t know that it was a gospel song until years later) However, The Mighty Clouds of Joy were the first Gospel group to make an appearance on a secular program. 

Joe Ligon one of the founding members remembers how nervous they were that the public wouldn’t accept them, nevertheless, to their surprise the kids were dancing and grooving to their song on the “Soul Train” dance floor.  In spite of the warm reception they received, they did receive flak from some traditional gospel music lovers for their disco style of music and their appearance on “Soul Train” but it opened so many other doors.

Legends are known for opening up new doors, and the Mighty Clouds of Joy were no exception.  Since they began recording in 1960 they took Gospel Music to places it had seldom gone.  They’ve sung before two U. S. Presidents and havegraced the stages of Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, The LincolnCenter, The Kennedy Center and the Astor Dome and Madison Square Garden.

They also performed with Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Gene Autry, Patti Labelle, Smoky Robinson, Luther Vandross, Ray Charles, B. B. King, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Richard Pryor, Natalie Cole, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon.

Their first new project in three years greatly impressed me.  The old cats still got it!  They do an excellent job in making their music current for the young folks, while maintaining their traditional Gospel quartet flavor.

They employed the help of some of their friends including Dottie Peoples on “He Will Do It”.  Seasoned artist Shirley Caesar used her creative touch to produce three of the songs on the album. Moreover, for the first time ever the Mighty Clouds of Joy produced half of the project themselves.

My personal favorites were Hook up, Seeking the Fire, Right Here Waiting, New Creature.  Seeking the Fire has a real hip-hop feel that I liked; in addition to strong lyrics that invites the Holy Spirit to come and reside in you so that you can go higher with the Lord.  Track number six Right Here Waiting starts out with the traditional Gospel Quartet grove and quickly goes to the chorus which repeats about twenty times but is kept fresh by the modulation it does until the end of the song.  You’ll be singing this chorus in your sleep. The last song New Creature had a funky grove that would have you moving in your seat.  This song would eventually move you right out of your seat on the floor doing a foot stumping, Soul Train hand clapping (double-time hand clap), Holy Ghost Hop.  This funkified Gospel grove (as the Mighty Clouds of Joy call it) is what keeps them current with the young folks.

After four decades of singing Gospel, The Mighty Clouds of Joy have proved with this new project “I Want To Thank You,” that they still have the power to excite and inspire.  “The spark that only the Holy Spirit can give you is still burning strong in us,” says Joe Ligon.  I can tell you that this is one of the most exciting projects I heard in a long time and I look forward to hearing more from Mighty Clouds of Joy in the future - maybe even a Grammy nomination.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission (The Resignation of Jerry Schilling)©
October 2002

Our mission is to “Develop and promote a viable, economically sound, creatively prolific music industry that build on Memphis’ rich cultural heritage”.  

I normally give updates as to what the commission is up to at the beginning of the year, being that I am on the executive board and I am one of a small percentage of commissioners that focuses on Christian music.  However, I was waiting to see if we were going to be able to work out some serious issues that we were dealing with but that didn’t happen.

It is a huge undertaking for anyone, let alone someone that has been away from the Memphis music community for over 20 years to be asked to revitalize Memphis Music.  In addition, to the high expectations various commissioners had, coupled with the fact that there are certain expectations from our funding source, city and county government -- just add these things together and your have a strenuous situation. 

When you think about all that Memphis has to offer musically with our Blues heritage, we are also known for the “Stax® sound”, even our underground rap culture that is making millions. The music of Elvis that has brought in over a billion dollars since his death and I haven’t even begun to talk about our Gospel roots.  When you look at the vastness of our musical heritage where do you start?   

Maybe this is why Memphis is one of only three music commissions in the country. The Texas and Louisiana music commission have managed to capitalize very well on their musical heritage so Memphis thought that with our music heritage it would be an cinch.  But sometimes you hire the wrong person for the right job and things just don’t work out and it’s best to go your separate ways.   

We managed to accomplish some wonderful things before Jerry resigned such as “The Expert Series” where an industry professional is brought in to speaker on different topics one of them was the president of Leiber and Stoller publishing.  We also had a town hall meeting which was very successful and brought out many musicians to voice their opinions as to what should be done to enhance Memphis music. “Musicians Healthcare” helped to provide healthcare benefits for several musicians as well as “Musicians Advisory Council” which consisted of some of the local musicians to discuss the happening in the day-to-day Memphis Music scene. 

Memphis & Shelby County Music commission is one of the vehicles that has shown the Memphis musicians how much they are valued in Memphis and Jerry was very instrumental in doing that; but now it’s time to let the nation know what great musicians we have in Memphis.

Jerry chose to resign rather than fight and have any further dissention and I applaud him for that.  Below is a copy of the official resignation:

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release

Memphis, TN  (September 4, 2002) -- Jerry Schilling, President and CEO of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission announced his resignation today to members of the Commission.  In his prepared statement, Schilling said, “I would like to thank all of Memphis for the opportunity to represent this great city's music both past and present, and most of all to the music community for their trust and support. I grew up on Memphis music and I will continue to be a part of it.”  In accepting the resignation, Onzie Horne, chairman of the Commission remarked, “The Music Commission has been very fortunate to have an extremely high standard of commitment, compassion and love of Memphis music encouraged by our first President. We will miss his enthusiasm.” During Schilling’s three-year tenure, the Commission implemented many initiatives including the Musician’s Advisory Council, the Experts Series and the Musicians Healthcare Plan.  Schilling’s resignation is effective immediately and the Commission will begin a search for a new Executive Director.

Jerry will be missed. However, Memphis is still home to world-class musicians, it still boast of authentic places where incredible music is performed and recorded, and it still possesses the most valuable possession of all -- Memphis music, our artists and our music heritage.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

Dove Awards Part IV – Final Installment©
September 2002

I first heard Take 6 on a jazz station and I thought they were the coolest group when they did a remake of “You’re the Biggest Part of Me.”  They reconfigured some of the words so that you would have no doubt that they were not talking about a woman but about the Lord.  Take 6 can rightly lay claim to having given the world contemporary music something truly lasting and uniquely its own.  And now with ten albums, millions of units sold and innumerable Grammy, Soul Train, Dove and Down Beat Magazine awards to their credit, Take 6 continues to surprise, delight and amaze at every turn with the latest release, “Beautiful World.”  

“Classic, black gospel quartet singing is really what Take 6 grew out of when we started back in the mid-‘80s,” says group member Cedric Dent, a University of Maryland PhD in music theory.  “In fact, a lot of songs on our first CD came out of that vintage quartet repertoire.” 

“We wanted to do nothing but songs that had been big and enduring hits,” Cedric says, “but that also had messages of hope and encouragement, whether spiritual or with that message clearly implied.”  It would be easy to write off the concept as recycling, as with the CD’s first cut, the Doobie Brothers’ “Takin’ It To The Streets.”   They also breathe new life into “People Get Ready” by Cutis Mayfield & The Impressions’ 60’s soul anthem.  They have no problem writing new lyrics to some of the pop songs that give them more of a Gospel message as they did to a Steely Dan’s  “ I. G. Y. What a Beautiful World.”  “Music is all we know, all we’ve done, and probably all we’ll ever do,” Cedric concludes. 

Music Without Walls is the brainchild of Deborah Robinson. In 1994, Deborah founded Robinson Studios to produce television programs and documentaries that make a difference in the lives of viewers.  As President of Robinson Studios, Deborah has overseen every aspect of producing television from concept to distribution, including securing exclusive rights to special projects, finalizing business agreements and raising finances. Her experience and expertise in the television business  has helped Robinson Studios grow tremendously. 

In 1998, she moved Robinson Studios from Little Rock to Nashville to further elevate the company's presence in the television industry, moving Robinson Studios from a full service video production company to Robinson Omnimedia, exclusive producers of Faith Declarations, Journey to Purpose, Deborah Interviews, PGI Friday, Music Showcases, Music Without Walls and More Music @ Midnight.  Deborah approaches her many responsibilities with enthusiasm, professionalism and passion, imparting a special and distinctive flair that has made her a success.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

Dove Awards Part III©
August 2002

Funny man Jeff Allen spent the first ten years of his career on a feeding frenzy of drugs and alcohol.  He worked over 46 weeks out of the year to only end up with a 1967 Volkswagen bug and an apartment furnished with a phone and a mattress on the floor for him to sleep on.

He started drinking in high school shortly after his father told him that God had nothing to do with his amazing baseball talent, but that it was hard work that got him where he was. Jeff says, "That was the first time I ever remembered denying God's existence."  Within two years of that profession he was completely out of baseball and a full-blown drunk. He went into comedy at age 21 because it was the perfect job for a drunk.  He met his wife at a club and they got married shortly after and he went form being a single drunk to a drunk with a family, caring for her two-year-old.

Later he met a guy at one of the comedy clubs he worked who disciplined him, signed him up for some Bible study tapes and sent him a Bible. It took him a year and a half to finally open the tapes and the bible after reaching yet another low point in life.  He lost control and beat his six-month-old son to the point that his wife had to pull him off. His wife had decided to call it quits and with divorce papers signed decided to give him another chance, but he had to get help.  He finally had to admit that his father was wrong and that there was a God. He came to the point where he realized that we are all in the same boat, just sinners saved by grace. Jeff says, "For the first time in my life I am at peace in my own skin."  

He then remembered a verse that he had read that said, "Whatever you empty I will fill."  Jeff then canceled all of his secular comedy dates and went to look for work in the Christian arena. He knew that God would take care of him. One date he did was at a church when Bill Gaither's right hand man happened to be in the audience.  He waited until after the show and asked him to do one of the Gaither Homecoming dates; and the rest as they say is history.

When asked about his father’s salvation, he says that he's not saved, but he has mellowed out a lot and stopped drinking a couple of years ago. We agreed to pray for each other's father.

Jeff closes with the fact that he has been a comic for twenty plus years and right now he is having the time of his life.  He adds, "It's true that life does begin at forty."

I asked Keith Perry if he had been on any famous television shows and he said yes "America's Most Wanted."  But all kidding aside, Keith has got to be one of the most down-to-earth artists I have ever talked with.  He started by being a staff writer with Zombia Enterprise for ten years before Mike Curb of Curb Records asked him to record a Gospel project.

Keith admitted being nervous about starting a Christian Country career at age 40. (Industry conventional wisdom will tells you that you shouldn't even think about a career if you are over the age of 30.) Second, he admits having the call of God on his life for a long time, but ignored it. Third, he is glad to finally be able to fulfill a promise that he made to his parents to record a gospel album (unfortunately his mother died of ovarian cancer and never lived to see that promise fulfilled).

He jokingly says that he use to be a paramedic, so if things don't work out he can go back to doing that. But I don't think he has to worried about being a paramedic for a while with songs like "Mama Was Right" and "How Great Thou Art” (which he says is his prayer to God). 

He says that he often wonders why God allows some things to happen later in life (Sometimes God saves the best for last Keith). Keith stands ready and willing to go wherever the Lord will have him to go and to sing to whomever the Lord places before him. Keith says, "No matter what direction my career takes, I'm happy as long as I'm making music and living my dream." 

There is just so much to tell you about the Dove Awards and Gospel Music Week, but I have run out of space. However, I promise we will cover Take 6 and "The Music Without Walls Showcase," in my final installment.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

Dove Awards Part II©
July 2002 

When Mary Mary sang in the local church choir along with their siblings, the sisters were often given coveted solo spots.  After singing with the popular "Bobby Jones Gospel Show" on BET, Erica and Tina were inspired to pursue musical careers.  To pay the rent and to complete college, Erica began doing background singing on the road with Brian McKnight and Brandy, while Tina sang with Eric Benet and Kenny Lattimore.  While secular music helped pay the bills, Erica and Tina wrote inspirational songs together that expressed their belief in God. 

The Thankful CD earned Mary Mary a slew of accolades including a Grammy for Best Contemporary Gospel Album, two Dove Awards, three Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award.  The CD Incredible is filled with musical standouts. In addition to a poignant reading of Stevie Wonder's "You Will Know," the original material co-written by Mary Mary with producer Campbell includes the joyful anthem "Hold On" and the heart-filled "I Try". Notes Erica, "I was driving in my car one day and this song just came to me.  I called Warryn and started singing it to him and the next day, we were recording it.  The song is a cry to God about how we all may try our best, but sometimes we don't quite cut the mustard with it." 

“There is versatility in the subject matter and the new record reflects our growth as singers and songwriters," says Tina.  "The first album was very personal," agrees Erica.  "This time, we also addressed wider issues. We're extending what we did last time."  Mary Mary closed by saying, "God is good and we are so thankful for His many blessings. We just wanted to use our music to share the good news!" 

Michael Omartian is the first producer in recording history to have number one records in three separate decades-the 70's, 80’s and 90's.  In 1980, Michael was nominated for ten Grammy Awards.  He has been nominated for producer of the year twice once in 1980 and again in 1984.  In 1991, he was nominated for country song of the year, "When Love Finds You," by Vince Gill, and for Gospel Album of the Year, "The Light Inside," with Gary Chapman.  In 1994, Michael had the honor of producing One Voice, an album for the Summer Olympic Games.  His song entitled "Atlanta Reel" was used as the theme for the swimming events. He has also worked with Michael Bolton, Cher, Christopher Cross, Steven Curtis Chapman, 4Him, Crystal Lewis, Whitney Houston, Barry Manilow, Donna Summer, Trisha Yearwood and Rod Stewart. 

Michael has recently become a principal in the new "Crowne Music Group." Crown is a diversified entertainment company based in Brentwood, Tennessee.  Its owner and corporate officers are: David Byerley, Chief Executive Officer; Rick Goodman, President; Travis Goodman, Chief Operations Officer, and Michael Omartian, Senior Vice- President of artist relations and productions.  Gary Chapman will serve as Vice-President of Television and Video Production. Crowne's recordings are being distributed by Word Distribution in the CBA. market and by Warner Brothers in the secular realm. 

"I've always had a strong desire to mentor new young artists.  Not just on a musical level.  Many times, companies look at an artist's musical talent instead of their character. Crowne Music Group is about investing in the spiritual lives and character of our artists and it's privilege to be a part of it," Omartian said. 

Stay tuned next month to hear what Take 6,funny man Jeff Allen and Christian country artist Keith Perry have to say, as well as getting a review on some of the new talent I saw at "The Music Without Walls Showcase.”

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.  

Dove Awards Part 1©
June 2002

 

After spending a week in Nashville going to seminars, workshops and showcases and after attending the Dove Awards, my assistant, Theresa Thurman and I have gathered some interesting information on some of your favorite Christian artists. I want to thank everyone for their time and support and I pray that God continues to bless your ministry.

One person in particular that has had a profound influence on my life and is responsible for taking me to a new level in my Christian walk has been Bob Carlisle.  You may have wondered what he's been doing since “Butterfly Kisses”.  He stayed at the top of the mainstream adult contemporary chart for seven weeks, achieving sales of nearly three million units.  A few things have changed since the song claimed the hearts of millions five years ago; Carlisle is now at the helm of his own music company.  He is one of three partners in a record label group called the "The Butterfly Group."  They recently signed Russ Lee, formerly with Sparrow Records, to their label.  The Butterfly Group is involved in everything from Christian music to family films for theatre and television. Bob will host their first project for CBS called "Bob Carlisle-Butterfly Kisses a Tribute to Dads." It will air on CBS this father's day. Bob has interviewed everyone from Kevin Costner to Mel Gibson, and they will share the impact their fathers had on their lives.  

Even though there has been much that has changed in Bob's career, a few things have remained the same. One is the closeness he still has with his daughter for which he wrote "Butterfly Kisses". Brooke is now 23 and his son Evan, for whom "Father's Love" was penned, is now 15. His 25-year marriage to Jacque and devotion to family is the thing that has sustained Bob's life and musical career, the very essence of what made "Butterfly Kisses" a success. “Butterfly Kisses and Other Stories” is a new project that has the best of Bob Carlisle with many of his hits and a couple of new songs such as "You're Beautiful", which  is a powerful ballad written from the eyes of a father.

Do you remember Tommy Bradford from "Eight is Enough”? Well, I talked with him as "Bibleman."  I, like many others, had the biggest crush on him during the run of that show. Years ago, at the height of his wildly successful acting career, Aames embraced the fast -paced, thrill-seeking Hollywood lifestyle and the life-threatening temptations that came with it.  Today, a thankful, clean and sober Aames faithfully uses his talents to create quality family Christian programming as Senior Executive Vice-President of Pamplin Entertainment. However, after "Eight is Enough" ended he went on to do "Charles in Charge" and went through some very difficult times with drugs and alcohol.  It was then that Tommy Bradford (Willie Aames) got saved. 

Tommy states, "There are things God does for me daily, and it throws me into brain lock, because I know in my heart I don't deserve that kind of grace." He goes on to say, “I don't deserve a break - I don't deserve His understanding - I don't deserve His forgiveness." But, he insists, "God continues to work miracles in my life.”  

Willie passionately desires for others to meet God through the runaway hit of the Bibleman Adventure series.  Aames portrays a Scripture-quoting superhero whose mission is to encourage believers and point all he meets to "the only true superhero," Jesus Christ.  "The Bibleman Adventure" is now both a widely acclaimed video series and the most popular live-action stage show on the children's ministry circuit. 

Aames admits that, if the planning were left up to him, "This is not what I would have chosen." He says that he got a call one day from these guys that asked if he was a Christian and then they said they had his next big career move and it was "Bibleman." He writes, directs, produces and edits everything the character Bibleman does. He doesn't look at it as just children's ministry, he looks at it as ministry.  He compares the way he feels about “The Bibleman Adventure” to he same way George Lucas feels about “Star Wars”. “You don't spend $200 million on just a kids show,” Aames states. Playing the character he fondly refers to as a "grape in a cape" presents a unique set of challenges, including sixteen-hour work days and long weeks spent on the road away from his wife Maylo, and daughter, Harleigh.  But as long as that's where God calls him, Aames insists that's where he'll be. "I have a heart to be obedient."  Make no mistake, however - the passion that he feels for his ministry is very real, and in no way forced.  "God gives me the children's ministry heart and patience.  This is what He wants. It's awesome.  I don't know where He's gonna take it - but God is building this thing."  

Next month I'll tell you what Mary Mary had to say about their sophomore project and what disco producer Michael Omartin is doing in Christian music.    

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

O'Landa Draper's Associates©
May2002

In spite of the rumors of O'Landa Draper's death on July 21, 1998, and the departure of several choir members due to strife and disillusionment, O'Landa Draper's Associates still continue to record, tour and praise the Lord.  I had the pleasure of attending "The University of Memphis" (then Memphis State University) with O'Landa.  We were both working our way through college at the university's music library.  He was the funniest guy I knew in college and  we both were threatened weekly with the lost of our jobs if we didn't be quiet and stop laughing so loud. So needless to say, when I heard that he got 12 people to take him seriously enough to start a part-time choir under his direction I was amazed. But this was one job that he took very seriously. After a few years, O'Landa decided to leave college and pursue his music career full-time.  He first caught the attention of Thomas Whitfield, who became his mentor and showed him the ropes in the music business.  After much hard work and prayer, O'Landa Draper & Associates went on to win a "Grammy Award," "Stellar Awards" and "Premier Player Awards.”  Furthermore, they had become one of the America's most popular and beloved Gospel choirs. 

As one of the most colorful and flamboyant figures in modern choral music, his sudden death shocked and grieved all that knew him.  When I recently spoke with his mother about the rumors surrounding his death, she stated that he simply died of kidney failure. She went on to say that she had a hard time getting O'Landa to take the time to rest, "He was totally stressed out," she added.  His schedule was overwhelming; with his choir duties, workshops and the incredible amount of travel that he did, all because of his determination to serve the Lord and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Through it all The Associates have carried on.  With the sound business guidance and strong support of O'Landa's mother, Marie Draper, and the sure musical hand of the Associates new director, Patrina Smith, O'Landa Draper's Associates have defied the odds of man.  They recently signed a record deal with MCG records. The record executive who had worked with O'Landa Draper & The Associates at Word records had now started his own record label.  He happened to be in Memphis and heard O'Landa Draper's Associates on WLOK and when he found out that they didn't have a record deal he signed immediately.

Their recent MCG release "All About Him" stands as a resounding affirmation that the mission and music of O'Landa Draper proudly goes on. With the joyous outpouring of spirit and emotion, from heartfelt praise to exuberant celebration, their new project captures all the excitement and inspiration that has always made O'Landa Draper's Associates an undeniable, on-of-a-kind presence in contemporary Gospel.  They also have website www.draperministries.org that helps to spread the ministry of the choir as well as Marie Draper's motivational speaking as part of Draper ministries. 

It's been stated that if O'Landa were here today, he would surely be the first to point out that those odds pale in the shadow of a hand much greater than that of any man.  “And from his perch in heaven, "Oh Dee," as he was affectionately known, is surely smiling down upon the beautiful sight and sounds of the choir he founded and raised so well. As O'Landa pinned in one of his songs that is on O'Landa Draper's Associates latest release, "In spite of All We've Been Through, We Still Have Joy."

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

Brothers Keeper©
April 2002
 

I first meet Brother's Keeper at a Gospel Music Association's Regional Seminar/Competition in the fall of 1996.  We were both there to learn about the Christian Music Industry.  They won for this region and were on their way to the National Competition.  We both went to Gospel Music Week where I went to the seminars and they practiced for the competition. Finally, the day of the showcase came and they were ready.  They invited everyone that they had ever known since the first grade to the Nashville showcase.  They won 3rd place; Disappointed - but they did generate lots of interest in their "Big Band" sound.

They'd been talking with Dana Key at Ardent Records about working with him on a project, and he finally said yes.  With four members and their "Big Band" sound they set off to make their mark in the world of Christian Music. Their first album was pretty cool.  It consisted of more Contemporary Christian Music and got quiet of bit of radio time; one of my personal favorites was "Heartache" even though "Rain On" got the most radio airplay. The album lead to a mini- tour with Jackie Velasquez as well as "Chick-fil-A and doing a lot of promotion work for "Chick filet."  

After the first Brother's Keeper project the group went from four to three members after David Schrodt he left to pursue other interest.  Their current project "Cover Me" has more of a rock feel to it than a pop feel.  The three members collectively agree, "Brother's Keeper" was called as a ministry before we were called as a music group - and our first responsibility is to make sure we're right for one another and the Lord before we walk out on stage."  

"All three of us have known each other through high school and college, and this album marks our continued growth as Christians, musicians and brothers, in Christ," continues Gabe. Thematically, "Cover Me" tracks address the themes of fearlessness and peace in the midst of an uncertain world.  At the same time, the project portrays the joy that Christians can experience when they understand the depth of God's love and the security of His care.  I found this CD to be a cross between Steven Curtis Chapman, D.C. Talk and Big Tent Revival.  Gone is the contemporary music sound of Plus One and in are strong driven guitar tracks that make you think of none other than Steven Curtis Chapman.  His influence was very evident in track four "Be Like You."   Moreover track seven (my personal favorite) "Out of This World" had more of a D.C. Talk rock sound that made it more fun to listen to and Jam with. 

A favorite at youth conferences and camps, Brother's Keeper will preview their upcoming release before more than 100,000 fans on "NewSong's Winter Jam 2002 Tour" featuring the Newsboys and Michelle Tumes. They'd been talking with Dana Key at Ardent Records about working with him on a project, and he finally said yes.  With four members and their "Big Band" sound they set off to make their mark in the world of Christian Music. Their first album was pretty cool.  It consisted of more Contemporary Christian Music and got quiet of bit of radio time; one of my personal favorites was "Heart attack" even though "Rain On" got the most radio airplay. The album lead to a mini-tour with Jackie Velasquez as well as them doing several promotion concerts for "Chick-fil-A" in their parking lot.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

James Blackwood©
March 2002

Have you seen anyone sing at his or her own funeral?  If not, you should have been at the James Blackwood funeral.  Their were memorable video presentations and family photo graphs that brought tears to everyone’s’ eyes. Not only that but it looked like a gospel music convention with such artist as Dean and Mary, Jake Hess, Bill Gaither and George Younce.  Mr. Blackwood helped charter the Gospel Music Association in 1964 as a matter of fact the first Dove Awards was held here in Memphis at the Orpheum Theatre.  He went on to be inducted in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame once in 1974 and again in 1998 as part of the Blackwood Brothers.  He has also won numerous Dove Awards and has been nominated 29 consecutive years for a Grammy and has won 9 times.  But the things that seemed to mean the most to him was people and family. 

 He was married for 62 years to Miriam Blackwood and he had 2 sons Jimmy and Billy. The most important thing that matter to him was the salvation of his family for which he took comfort in the fact that everyone in his immediate and extended family was saved.  His concern extended past his families salvation but also to his fans.  Jake Hess joked about how when he sang with James there was not a moment that he wasn’t trying to book concerts and sell their tapes.  James was always concerned with spreading the Gospel message and wanting to give people the opportunity to get right with God.  Bill Gaither stated that people starting out in this business ask him how do I make it in this business and he always answers them by telling them how if they are concerned with people and not awards and just keep at it as James Blackwood did they will be successful. 

Elvis requested that James Blackwood sing for him when was in town because he loved his Gospel Music.  He even sang at Elvis’ funeral in 1977.  I remember when he personally cared enough to come to a NACAS Christmas party at the old Central Church in 1998.  I still have that performance on tape; it was awesome. He sang as strong as ever and took the time to speak with everyone and didn’t mind us asking for pictures and autographs. In the back of the funeral program it states that, James would always say, “My motto and sole desire is to be used by God.”  -- It is then followed by, we can all say,  “God gave him the desire of his heart.” 

In conclusion, Heaven must have been missing an angel because at on Sunday, February 3, 2002 at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, TN age 82, God took one of His angels home to join the rest of the original Blackwood Brothers in song.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

8000 Degrees of Separation©
February 2002

Contemporary Christian and Gospel Music saw their 2001 sales increase 13.5 percent - an all time high. I'm sorry, but "Who Let the Dogs Out" just doesn't cut it in times of uncertainty like hearing "Jesus Loves Me."
What really confirmed this was when a friend of mine, Ossie Mills went to New York with Charles Stanley and a small group after the devastating terrorist attacks and described the faces he encountered as grim, taunt with anguish, and that most of the people seemed to have a damp ring around their eyes (never ending tears). He went on to talk about one guy who watched people jumping from windows to their death because the temperature got to be as high as 8000 degrees in some places. No wonder other music markets have seen a decline in sales of almost 3 percent, and there has been an increase in demand for Christian music, books and other Christian literature as people want to hear the truth. We as a nation have gone through some very trying times since September 11th, and we are looking for peace and true contentment.
Christian music is been a way for Christians to minister to people who may never step foot in a church, but who may be open to listening to inspirational music.

Frank Breeden states,"2001 was undeniably one of our nation's most difficult years - with a troubled economy and the terrorist attacks of 9-11. The substantial growth of contemporary Christian and gospel music sales in the face of declining sales in the overall music industry confirms to me that
consumers see the unique role our music plays in encouraging and inspiring hope through entertainment.”
In the year's top ten, contemporary Christian and gospel music's diversity ruled with the top selling albums representing several musical styles, including rock & pop, modern worship, gospel and urban. "After Christmas Extraordinaire" by Mannheim Steamroller is at the #1 spot. P.O.D.'s "Satellite" held the #2 spot in the top ten. The multi-format soundtrack "O Brother Where Art Thou" was at #3 followed by "Song 4 Worship" at #4.  Gospel favorite Donnie McClurkin came in at #5 with "Live in London and
More" while "Worship" by Michael W. Smith was the sixth best selling album (and the #1 best selling album at Christian retail." The hit compilations series took the #7 and #8 spots with "WOW 2001" and "WOW 2002". Rounding out the top ten were 2001 Dove Award Male Artist Steven Curtis Chapman with
"Declaration" and Point of Grace's "Free to Fly."

Christian music gives much assurance that in spite of all the pain they may be going through, God will see them through now and forever. "Live Life 200%, have an impact or go Home!" - Ossie quotes.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.

Grammy & Dove Award Winner Is Minister Of Music At Hope©
January 2002

Bruce Carroll recently moved to the Memphis area and is the minister of music at Hope Presbyterian Church. Bruce shares the vision of Craig Strickland, the pastor at Hope, of being a "Church for the unchurched". Hope feels that church starts from the time you hit the parking lot when you a greeted by a group called the "Coneheads". They tell you where to park and direct you to the areas you need to go. Hope differs from other churches by the following: a casual dress code, no formal greeting time, no altar call where you have to come forward, and the music is contemporary. Hope Presbyterian also has a record label called "On the Grove Music Farm" for which Bruce has produced a couple of projects with the Hope Presbyterian Worship Team. One is named "There's Hope Inside" and the other is "A Day Of Hope". Bruce is very
pleased with where God has placed him at this time in his life and feels he has a lot to offer as a minister of music from his vast experience in the business.

However, Bruce had a thriving Christian music career before he came to Memphis. He started singing more Christian focus music in 1984 after singing secular music for a number of years. He wanted to do more positive music after having a conversion which lead into a very successful solo career, starting in 1986 with Word Records. From there he went on to do several projects with Word and won two Grammies and six Dove Awards. One of the songs, "Sometimes Miracles Hide", won a Dove and Grammy award. He stated
that this song came out of a real life experience. A couple he knew was told that their baby would have all types of physical problems and they should terminate the pregnancy. As Christians, they knew that they could not terminate the pregnancy and trusted in God that He would work all things together for the good. Bruce was asked to sing this song at the Special Olympics and Crisis Pregnancy Center events. He also wrote a book entitled, "Sometimes Miracles Hide" which he says is doing very well.

We went on to talk about the song "I'm Still Here" and how that song talks about a couple of real life situations. One being a woman who can't get her husband to go to church with her because he thinks it's a waste of time and another where a boy shakes his fist at God because God won't stop his father from beating him day after day. Bruce states that he writes Christian songs about real life. He goes on to say, "That when you sign on to be a Christian they don't tell you on the front-end that your life is going to fall apart and that things are going to usually get worse, because you are standing for something". His songs seem to say that it's is OK to question God or to be sad, cry and even be mad at the way things are going in your Christian life - it's called being human. However, he states, "In the end He makes it clear that it all shakes out for the better eventually."  He is currently not with a major record label because he asked out of his contract with Word Records, although he had one more project to complete.  He left because he felt Word had lost their true vision for ministry and were only interested in the commercial success of his project. Then he was on the Benson label until they folded a year and a half ago. Now he states, "For the first time in 15 years I am able to do my own thing and call all the shots". This project is being done on Hope Presbyterian's "On the Grove Music Farm" which he expects to have completed by Spring 2002. One song on the project is called "Letters I Left Behind" is about a member of Hope who's father found out that he was dying the very day his wife found out she was pregnant. Since the father knew he wasn't going to live to see his child grow up, he started writing a series of letters to be open on special events in his son's life       (i.e. his first birthday, first date, etc.) Then every year the son had these wonderful gifts of the letters his father left behind.  

Bruce is still doing concerts and offering his products over the internet.  He's glad to be getting back to being more ministries-minded verses having to deal with the industries' image consciousness. He feels that he has more to say now than ever before and that he can even say it better. If his songs get any better than his earlier work we can expect more Grammies and more Dove Awards and some great heart-wrenching, life changing Christian music.

Carol Yvonne Sherrod is the President of the Memphis chapter of the National Association of Christian Artists and Songwriters and a member of the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission.