BKS1 Radio Network

Special Guest: Tenin Baba Ndanani

Tenin Baba Ndanani - born in Harlem, NY (to a gospel-singing mother and Nigerian father) and raised in Plainfield, NJ - is a rising star of her generation!

With a powerful voice, talent for producing inspiring music, fierce "do it yourself" business savvy and undeniable gift for connecting with people, Tenin boldly delivers messages of hope and empowerment as a dynamic multi-generational communicator.

Tenin's music and magnetic personality have been featured on FOX, TLC, Oxygen, NBC Universal, Amazon, Itunes, The Bitter End, PNC Arts Center and Live at Best Buy.

"Love it!" are the two words fans are using to describe new music from the inspirational R&B/Pop singer and songwriter. Tenin secluded herself in a NYC studio for three days with platinum-award winning Anthony “Rocky” Gallo to record 12 songs for her debut album. Written, arranged and performed by Tenin, the debut album shines with edgy girl power ballads and fun dance hits! With a whole lot of heart and a distinct hip hop swag, Tenin serves up positive messages of self-confidence and faith to substance-starved music lovers around the world.

Showcasing a master blend of R&B, Hip Hop, Pop, Gospel and Neo-Soul, the debut album is available everywhere now and provides a delightfully refreshing listening experience. Of its success, Tenin says "I am truly grateful to all the fans who support me. This album is a dream come true and I'm excited about the sound and message of it. I don’t keep a diary or journal. I write music to entertain and encourage us all."

Now since officially launching her recording career 24 months ago with the self-produced EP (including breakout hits “I Remember” and “More & More”), Tenin has performed nationwide and  parlayed her acting and vocal talents into television appearances on FOX , TLC and Oxygen networks.

Tenin has also graced the stages of PNC Arts Center, Best Buy, the Izod Center and NYC's historic Bitter End. For an artist with only a family owned and operated production company as support, such accomplishments speak to the keen business-savvy, unbridled ambition and pure entrepreneurial spirit of the team.

Tenin Baba Ndanani is one of the hottest up and coming stars!

1/6/2013 TODAY From 7 to 8pm Est. "PASTOR B & THE HOUR OF TRUTH/STRAIGHT NO CHASER" GOSPEL SHOW. LISTEN AND GET SOME MORE GOOD WORD and INSPIRATION. TODAY'S DISCUSSION "PREPARING TO PROSPER IN 2013".PASTOR'S GUEST ELDER FRANK FORD.

MAKE SURE YOU PUT YOUR PRAYER REQUEST IN CHAT OR CALL IN 646-233-1302. " Brought To You By 'KINGDOM ABUNDANCE MINISTRIES" JOIN THE LIVE EXPERIENCE 7 to 8pm Est. on BKS1RADIO.COM

Artist Review: Marvin Sapp

Marvin Sapp was introduced to the gospel community by Fred Hammond as a six year member of the vocal group Commissioned. "I am a preacher - called by God - who happens to sing," is the way he defines his ministry - which was given its official blessing upon his receiving of the Doctor of Divinity Degree from Aenon Bible College and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Friends International Christian University. Sapp’s previous releases as a solo artist are the self-titled Marvin Sapp (his solo debut for Word Records – 1996); Grace & Mercy: Live (1997); Nothing Else Matters (1999); I Believe (his 2002 Verity debut); Diary of a Psalmist (2003); Be Exalted (2005) and Thirsty (2007).

When he isn’t spreading the word of God through over 200 preaching and speaking engagements a year, Sapp ministers at The Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Grand Rapids, where he is senior pastor. By 2012, he hopes to have built a 1,500 seat sanctuary connecting to “FLC.” His ultimate goal: to encourage Believers to elevate their level of worship and praise.

Read More Marvin Sapp at www.marvinsappmusic.com

Tonight’s Topic: Being Judgmental- A State of Superior Airs or A State of Self-hate?

Have you ever encountered a  person that can just point out everything you do wrong or are struggling with?  Often times this person could be a friend, family member or a coworker.  This individual may have a critical spirit or a genuine desire to help you improve your short comings.  Whatever the reason good or bad how do you feel when they approach you?  Are you able to receive the criticism?  Do you see their short comings and complexly reject the whole encounter as hypocrisy.  Could it be the very thing the person is trying to correct in you is the thing they despise in themselves?

Tonight the ‘Live in the Vocal Booth Team” will discusses being Judgmental and how it can effects all involved..

Special Guest: J. Kingdom (aka Pastor Michael J.T. Fisher)

J. Kingdom became the Pastor of the Greater Zion Church Family at the young age of 26! Over the years, he has become known throughout the community and abroad for his ability to reach and reform troubled youth and young adults. Mothers, fathers and the many Grandparents’s who have been left to care for their teen grand children often call upon him to help re-direct their troubled youth. Fisher has taken the once small Church in Compton from approximately 400 members to more than 4500! That’s huge in COMPTON!

The Greater Zion Church Family is located in Compton, CA and is literally nestled in between two rivalry gang territories. Fisher has experienced great success in changing/saving the lives of many of them by spending time with them, counseling, listening and providing a platform for them to express themselves through the arts. Fisher believes that there are so many young talented people who just need a platform to express their frustrations. They just want someone to hear and understand their plight and their struggles in hopes to finding a solution. And that is when Pastor Fisher does his best work, offering them the keys to a better life and a divinely intended destiny! He helps them find the “Champion” within themselves. (hence, the album title “Champion”).

In 2010, Fisher lead the Voices of Destiny, a 50+ voice choir to a highly publicized sweeping victory in the national competition of Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound Contest. People were AMAZED to find out that not only was this a group of talented young people but many of its members were reformed gang members, drug dealers, drug users, delinquent’s and high school drop outs. Many had spent time in juvenile hall or had been arrested at some point in their young lives. The win opened up doors for them that they could have never imagined and they are still riding that wave of success to date.

Some of the shows they have been featured on include: BET Celebration of Gospel, the Official Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, Pan African Film Festival, NBA All Star Gospel Brunch Children’s Mending Hearts w/Ben Affleck, DIVAS Simply Singing w/Sheryl Lee Ralph, the Today’s Show, NBC Nightly News, CNN, KTLA Black History Special, KTLA Morning News, Jet Magazine, EURweb, The Examiner.com and more.

The choir used the winnings from How Sweet the Sound to complete the first youth center in South Compton, CA and they remain extremely active in the community helping to rescue other youth’s and young adults from their toxic environments. They offer tutoring, counseling, STD testing and a place to belong with a large family that cares about every area of their lives!

Call in 646-233-1302 or chat live with our chat rebels. Let us know your opinions and Join the BKS1 Radio experience!

Artist Review: AMBER BULLOCK

Music World Gospel recording artist Amber Bullock, soared to the top of the gospel music charts after capturing the hearts of millions as she topped a talented field of singers to become the 2011, Season 4 winner of BET’s Sunday Best, the #1 rated weekly gospel music competition show. Her debut CD project, Thank You, was released in December, 2011, on Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel label. The EP entered at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart. Thank You featured the Top 10 Billboard hit, “Thank You Lord,” a rendition of Walter Hawkins’ anthem as well as other contemporary classic songs.

Bullock, the St. Louis native and single mother of three-year old Amya, is building a diverse fan base with her signature jazz-infused and neo-soul inspired style. Her unique approach to gospel and inspirational music is front and center on her sophomore CD project, So In Love, which will be available in stores and online everywhere on July 10, 2012.

So In Love is produced by PJ Morton for 2PM Music. Bullock describes their musical partnership as a “match made in heaven.” The result is ten songs of feel-good inspirational music that ranges in style from neo-soul, to jazz, to contemporary gospel, to reggae, with even a little country thrown in. The songs on the CD highlight Bullock’s incredible vocal range and her unique singing style.

“I love music, so I don’t want to just give my listeners the same type of music that’s already out there,” says Bullock. “I want to give them fresh, memorable songs that they are still humming long after the song has finished playing, the kind of songs you keep on repeat.” On her new CD, she does just that.

Bullock wrote her first single, “Lord You’ve Been So Good” with a friend, when she was in college. The song was updated for this CD project with the help of PJ Morton. The upbeat, neo-soul style song features a driving horn section and shows off Bullock’s wide range and effortless runs. “Done For Me,” was also written by Bullock, with Shaun Martin, Greg Brown and Kirk Franklin, who is featured on this song. It has a catchy tune and a powerful message about God’s unconditional love. Bullock goes reggae in “I’m So In Love with You,” which was penned by PJ Morton. “Second Chances,” is a contemporary gospel song that Bullock describes as “dramatic” with instrumentation that features strings and an organ. The song reminds the listener that God’s love and forgiveness are great gifts to us. “Changed,” written by PJ Morton and featuring Isaac Carree, has a contemporary gospel style and a memorable hook. “My daughter sings along with this song every time she hears it,” says Bullock.

The R&B style “Yes,” starts with drums and keeps on pumping energy. The song, written by PJ Morton, is one of Bullock’s favorite on the CD because of both the catch tune and the message. “Yes is a powerful word,” she says. Written by Juante Hall and Jonathan Dunn, “Nobody Else” has jazzy undertones and a message about going to a secret place to meet only with God. “Take it Back,” written by Josiah Martin, reminds us that everything we do or have comes from God. That message is delivered in a pop style song with techno-rock undertones. “Ruler” is a contemporary praise and worship song that Bullock describes as “a little bit country.” Bullock continues, “My most powerful worship experience is when I’m focused on how powerful and loving God is, and how He keeps blessing me, even when I don’t deserve it.” The last song on the CD, “Same God,” was written by Bullock and Shaun Martin. It’s a simple but powerful worship song that acknowledges the faithfulness of God.

Read More Amber Bullock Bio: www.musicworldent.com/artists/amberbullock

Tonight's Topic: Who Holds The Power in Romantic Relationships:  Men vs. Women

We live in a world where whoever has the control stands supreme.  How does the balance out in romantic relationships?  Does one sex have more power over another?  Does one sex hold the reins over another?  Tonight, we will discuss the power struggle between men and women.  Which sex has been endowed with the ability to sway a relationship in one direction or another.

We'll also break down what each sex does right or wrong when it comes to beginning, maintaining and dissolving a romantic relationship.  Will the men trump the women, or do the ladies dominate over man.  We'll be joined by the authors of Fearless:  A Bold Approach to Reinventing Your Life, Candace Kelley, Caryl Lucas and Gilda Rogers.  Let's get ready to rumble....right here, on "Live in the Vocal Booth"!

Artist Review: J MOSS

V4: THE OTHER SIDE

“Bein’ bad ain’t a place for a winner / Nothin’ good ever comes to a quitter /
I’ma be the one still movin’ / You gon’ be the one boo-hooin’ / I hope you’re not wishin’ nothin’ bad on me / ‘Cuz you’re messin’ with Anointed Pedigree!”
– J Moss (from “Imma Do It”)

Singer/Songwriter/Producer J Moss is on-fire like never before! He’s come through the storm packing an electrifying testimony about how to thrive victorious on “the other side” of adversity. His 13-song gospel soul food smorgasbord titled V4: The Other Side (Moss’ fourth CD for Verity Records) finds Moss and his PAJAM partners delivering the trailblazing techno funk praise that always sets him apart from the pack, as well as more traditional pieces that will touch the hearts of all who hear. Special guests on V4 include Kierra Sheard; Karen Clark Sheard; Hezekiah Walker; Dorinda Clark-Cole and James Fortune.

“We turned the feel-good energy up this time around…way up,” Moss declares. “I’m getting away from sad songs. I am no longer the spokesperson for trials and tribulations. This is post-storm time – taking damage into account, while looking ahead for new starts and fresh directions. This record is a clear reflection of my life and where I am at this very moment.”

The album opens with “God’s Got It,” a straight forward message stating not to worry about what he can’t control – trust God. “Caught Up in Love” mesmerizes with a heartbeat pulse and a vibration of pure rapture. Meanwhile “Keep Your Head Up” and “Shout” are easily among the most crunk of J’s praise jams to date, high celebrations of hand-clappin’ sanctified pulpit testifyin’. “In spite of setbacks and challenges like the recession, the election, crime - it’s time that we get glad about life again,” J insists. “When we take the focus off of God, he has to do stuff to reel us in. We must maintain our faith in God at all times and celebrate Him.”

The first single from J Moss’ V4: The Other Side is “Good & Bad,” a fervent ballad buoyed by subtly jazzy chord changes and building to a big-big finish. “The mindset of hopelessness that is so prevalent today was the inspiration behind this song,” J shares. “People think God and church no longer care. ‘Jesus ain’t thinkin’ about me.’ I got tired of reading that on Facebook and seeing it in faces of the people all around me. People just want to give up, and the Lord gave me that song to give people hope during stormy times.

This is a theme Moss returns to again and again on V4: The Other Side. On “Take Me,” J addresses the question ‘Does God hear me? Have I strayed too far away?’ “God doesn’t run from us, we stray from him,” J assures. “In your quiet time, think about where you are personally. Talk to your Father and restate your position. Sometimes we just get too far away from the fire…not reading the word every day. We need to get back to a more comfortable place.”

Read More J Moss Bio: www.amazon.com/J.Moss

Tonight’s Topic: Trading Hate or Malice for Forgiveness & Mercy

How do you let go of hate, anger, malice or a grudge?  How do you get to a place of forgiveness when you feel someone has hurt you or victimized you?  Is it possible for a person to forgive a murderer of a loved one or for a rape victim to forgive their rapist?  What about the hurtful things that happen between family members, co workers or friends?  Tonight Live in the Vocal Booth we discuss trading hate or malice for forgiveness and mercy can it be done?

Special Guest Host:  Comedian Chris G

Comedian Chris G grew up in the City of Plainfield NJ.  In Chris's school days he always was the class clown. Whenever there were stressful times Chris brought a sense of humor to the situation. For the past three years Chris has traveled all over the country and opened up for a lot of big names in the comedy circuit such as Hamburger, Talent, TK Kirkland and many more. You may catch Chris G performing at a club near u.

Tonight Topic: Should you tell your mate about all your past relationships and how much information is too much information for them to handle?

I often wonder if I ever expose to much of myself to soon in a relationship, by simply just being me.  Can you tell to much to soon and can that cause your new love to judge you on your past relationships with others?  Do you sometimes wish you never told them what happened with your Ex because now they have something to throw up in your face if you two have a heated argument?

Can exposure of past relationships make your new relationship a target for disaster if your new love has insecurities that may be bought out by your need to free yourself?

Let's Talk About it and Share!

Special Guest: Heather Walker

Heather Walker, called by many people, “Little Patti,” has toured the world since 2001 as a solo entertainer. She is a former member of the World famous Harlem Gospel Choir and was a soloist on tour with Andre Rieu. She has charmed audiences with her superb gospel voice and magnificent spirit in venues in New Zealand, Italy, Poland, Germany, France, Finland, and Japan. Before Pope Paul II passed away, she performed for him at the Vatican in 2003. “It was like singing for God on earth!” she exclaimed. She just Performed in a Play Called “ The Greatest Love Story Ever Told” At The Beacon Theatre With Richard Round tree, Miguel Nunez, Tommy Davidson, Ali Woodson ,Ann Maria Horse ford, Clifton Davis, Tatyana Ali, David Ramsey, Guy Tory.She Also Made an Appearance in the Movie” Notorous” With Derek Luke And Angela Basset. As just weeks ago appeared in HANCOCK With WILL SMITH . Her other stellar credits include telethons for Jerry Lewis, the American Cancer Society, and Children of India with Aids.

One has to be impressed with her other credits that include singing on videos for Kanye West (“Two Words”) and Cool G Rapp Gulley (“Onyx”). Not surprisingly, she has been a back-up singer for Yolanda Adams, Horace Brown, Fantasia, and Angie Stone. Heather has also shared the stage with big names, such as Gorillaz (“Live at the Apollo”), CP Lacey, U2 (“Live at Rockefeller Center”), Lyle Lovett, Sisters and Avril Laverne, Ali Woodson of the Temptations. When she is not on the road, this talented songstress is the Former host of “Gospel Music on Sundays.” This show is on the Internet television station called www.mycocotv.com. In addition, Heather has stretched herself to be a part of dynamic gospel choirs, such as S3 and The Truth, Danny Eason, and the Abundant Life Choir. Heather Walker’s singing for the Lord was no accident. She grew up in the heart of Brooklyn and from the age of two sang in the choir at her father’s church.

On The Next Live In The Vocal Booth Show 9/1/2012

Topic: Music Saved Me

You know when you're going through something in life and you feel as though nothing or no one can relate to your pain or give you the solution to your problems. All of a sudden you hear a song that changes your spirit and gives you hope that everything is going to be alright! That song becomes your inspiration and uplifts you every time you hear it. Tell us what song inspires you and what times has it helped pull you through.

We have performers from the Garden State Gospel Gala taking place September 9^th at Newark Symphony Hall. Joining us will be Isaac Carree, Aaron Thomas, Marcia Sapp, Carmen Brown, and “Brooklyn Mike” Mike Troy.

Call in 646-233-1302 or chat live in our interactive chat room.

Special Guest: Isaac Carree

Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Isaac Carree found his voice in the choir stand while his mother commanded the pulpit at New Beginnings Community Outreach Church. He began his career singing with John P. Kee, and in 1995 he created the gospel quartet Men of Standard with Lowell Pye, Bryan Pierce and Michael Bacon.

The group released several albums, and won two Stellar Awards for their 1998 project Feels Like Rain, which peaked at 11 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Carree's first solo album, 2011's Uncommon Me, hit #1 on the same chart.

Special Guest: Aaron Thomas

Christian/Pop Recording Artist/Producer/Songwriter/Vocal Arranger. Singing since the age of 4. You might know him from national showcases such as Showtime at the Apollo 2002 and The Word Network "Gospel F.O.C.U.S" competition commercial headliner 2005. Graced many platforms in the Philly Tri-State area such as Music Video for Macy's Thanksgiving Parade 2005. Former Mayor John Street Mayoral Ball, Penn's Landing, Warmdaddys, NorthbyNorthwest, The Arts Garage, LUX Lounge, 10 Live, Channel 6, CLC Bookstores just to name a few.

Shared the stage with some of Gospel greats Karen Clark Sheard, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Beverly Crawford, Tramaine Hawkins, Da' Truth Anointed, Vashawn Mitchell, Youthful Praise and Lonnie Hunter. He has sung background vocals for Artist in the Philly, New Jersey, Delaware Tri-State Area such as Bashir, Jameelia Drinks, Brian Pittman and Worship Unrestricted and Tiffany Brooke. Aaron has written and produced for upcoming artist from all over the U.S. Aaron Thomas is a young man wanting to go out and grab the young people and bring them to Christ.

Check out: www.aaronthomasmusic.com

Special Guest:  Rev. Marcia Sapp Salter

REV. MARCIA SAPP SALTER began her music career at the tender age of three, singing across New Jersey with her family. Since then, her ministry has taken her across the US, Europe and the Caribbean and has included partnering with such musical greats as Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, the late Reverends James Cleveland and Timothy Wright, The New Jersey Mass Choir, Lady Tramaine Hawkins and many others.

A psalmist and preacher of renown, Rev. Marcia has traveled across the globe as a psalmist, and as a preacher and facilitator at churches and conferences. Her ministry has been featured on various television outlets, including BET Gospel.

After doing undergraduate work at American University in Washington DC and receiving formal biblical training at Philadelphia Biblical University, Rev. Marcia received her ordination under Bishop Donald Hilliard, Jr., Senior Pastor of The Cathedral International in Perth Amboy, NJ  and later co-founded Christ Centre, a church in St. Michael, Barbados, West Indies, under the covering of Bishop Hilliard. While in Barbados, she reached nationwide with messages of empowerment and healing, uniting with Rev. Dr. Jacqueline McCullough in her conferences.

Rev. Marcia is the proud mother of four beautiful daughters and uses her testimony to bless and encourage others. Her songs and sermons offer healing, peace and encouragement in Christ. She now serves as the Praise and Worship Leader at St. James AME Church in Newark, NJ and CEO of His Way Music and Consulting Group, which offers musical training and consulting services to churches who need structure and new energy in their music/worship departments.

Rev. Marcia recently finished a live recording for her first solo cd and is awaiting the debut. It will feature “But He Failed”, a song that encompasses her testimony and encourages the soul, currently on iTunes and Amazon.com in the MP3 Downloads section.

Special Guest: Carmen Brown

Carmen Brown demonstrates her firm commitment to Christ and spreading the gospel through her deeply soulful songs. Her vocals are strong yet beautiful and smooth mixed with an enthralling blend of R&B/ hip hop rhythms and inspiring lyrics. Her music resonates across all age groups, especially today’s youth, offering them a route to Christ.

A native of Plainfield, N.J., she began singing in churches at a very early age. By the age of 16, Carmen entered and won several state competitions and was named vocalist of the year in “Who’s Who in Music”. This gave wings to her dreams and allowed her to embark on several European tours with various gospel and non-gospel groups and productions.

Carmen is an accomplished songwriter/performer and the consummate business artist. She was the writer and featured vocalist on the triple platinum recording artist Adeva’s “Musical Freedom” released on Crysalis/Capital Records. Two of her Atlantic dance singles (released under the name Simphonia) made Billboard’s top ten charts. She graced the dance floors in the U.S. and abroad with the underground dance tune “Can’t get over your love” released on Reprise Records. She also co-wrote and performed on the song “Cutie” with her R&B/ Hip Hop singing group Raw Stilo released on A&M / DV8 records. The video had excellent rotation on Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) and the single reached the top 20 in Billboard magazine. In addition, she also has opened for or worked with various artist/producers including: Walter Hawkins, Vicki Winans, Usher, Faith Evans, Joe, Will Downing, Nas, The Wu-Tang Clan, Teddy Riley, Rick James, Aaron Neville, Tom Jones, and Bruce Springstein. Only to name a few.

Although she had much success in R&B and dance, Carmen felt the Holy Spirit leading her in a different direction and she answered the Lord’s call to share his message with all who will receive it. Carmen spreads love, hope, encouragement and most of all God’s word through her music ministry. Her music is a beacon of light in today’s tough times - listen and enjoy.

Special Guest: “Brooklyn Mike” Mike Troy

Let me introduce you to the only American Comedian that host a comedy show abroad in Amsterdam, Holland. Born Mike Troy in Brooklyn New York, Mike is by far one of New York’s most versatile comedians, not to mention a worldwide entertainer. Mike has performed stand-up in England, Germany, Japan, Italy, Holland and the Caribbean.

In the states he’s been seen on two seasons of the Dave Chapelle Show; The Dave Attel Show; and the Jon Stewart Show on Comedy central. He’s also appeared on Showtime at the Apollo airing on NBC-TV, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, MTV Snaps, VH1’s Hard Rock Live, Fox’s Uptown Comedy Club and the Comedy Factory in Holland. Mike's recent television appearances include BET’s Comic View and Shop Talk (cast member). He has also appeared in One Life To Live (reoccurring role), on ABC and Law and Order on NBC; and several commercials, including Lugz Urban Gear, Sprite, Heineken, McDonalds and Burger King. He has shared the comedy stage with Paul Mooney, Steve Harvey, Sinbad, Kevin Hart, Wanda Sykes and the late great George Carlin.

This global comic is known to have audiences bent over in laughter. From cruise lines to New York’s Caroline’s on Broadway. His sundry styles and wide range of topics work everywhere from the pulpit to international opera houses. And wait until you hear his unique perspective on women after growing up surrounded by 14 females. Mike has opened for several R&B and Rock performers; including Chaka Kahn, Maxwell, K.D. Lang, Phil Collins, Gladys Knight, Third World, Bob Skaggs, Bare Naked Ladies, The whispers and the OJays.

A graduate of Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina, Mike is a humble comedian and a family man. His greatest joy is making people laugh. However his most important audience is his family, which includes his beloved daughters.

Check out: http://brooklynmike.blogspot.com/

Artist Review: Le'Andria Johnson

Music World Gospel recording artist Le’Andria Johnson has taken the gospel music scene by storm since being crowned the season three winner of BET’s Sunday Best in 2010. Her debut CD, The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson, entered at #1 on multiple music charts, including both the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and the Top Christian/Gospel Albums charts. The CD also debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Current Gospel Overall chart. It spent eight weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, and remains in the Top 5 for over 15 weeks. Le’Andria received her first GRAMMY® nomination for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music performance for her debut single, “Jesus.” She also released a Christmas CD, Christmas Best, which is sure to become a part of the holiday collections that are brought out year after year during the Christmas season.

Most recently, Le’Andria won Best Female Gospel Artist of 2011 for the First Annual Digital Gospel Music Awards—produced by Interactive One/Elev8.com. Le'Andria was nominated in the same category as Yolanda Adams, CeCe Winans, Maurette Brown-Clark, Martha Munizzi, Kim Burrell, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Beverly Crawford, and Lisa Page Brooks.

Now Music World Gospel is releasing two new CD projects from Le’Andria: The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition and an EP, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson. The deluxe edition contains the seven songs released on her debut CD plus seven new songs. The seven new songs are also being released as an EP, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson. Both CDs will be available in stores and online everywhere on February 14.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition, which features songs with styles that range from traditional/contemporary gospel to R&B, showcases Le’Andria’s unique combination of power, skill and reverence that makes her a popular recording artist and an inspirational performer. New songs on the CD and the EP, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, include, “It’s Gonna Be Alright,” a high energy urban contemporary song, written and produced by Stanley Brown, in which she assures the listener that even when things seem difficult, God is standing by and things are going to be alright; and “He Was There,” a song that reminds us that God is there waiting for us to come to Him, written by Gary Paxton and Andrea Martin, and produced by Stanley Brown. In the soulful “Let It Go,” written and produced by Raphael Saadiq, Taura Stinson and Sara Devine, Le’Andria encourages people to let go of their burdens and let God handle them. She goes back to her traditional gospel roots in “Sooner Or Later,” an uplifting song about God turning your life around, written by Hubert Powell III and produced by Brandon “B.A.M.” Alexander and H. Doobie Powell for Chip Off The Block Productions. “He First Loved Me,” an R&B style song of praise, was written by Le’Andria and her brother, Michael, who is a featured singer on the track. Le’Andria also recorded a full-length version of the popular song, “I Shall Leap,” which she wrote with her other brother, Terrance Johnson. Le’Andria performed this inspirational song after being crowned the winner of Sunday Best. “Overtaken” rounds out the seven new offerings on the deluxe CD and the EP. Written and produced by Eric Dawkins, it is an upbeat song of praise for the way her life has changed since God took it over.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition also features her GRAMMY-nominated single, “Jesus,” co-written by Le’Andria. An urban contemporary song, with traditional gospel roots, it offers Le’Andria’s soulful and stirring testimony about the difference Jesus has made in her life, and her impassioned plea to the listener to turn to Jesus and “call Him like you want Him, call Him like you need him.” Other songs on the CD include “Cast The First Stone,” a midtempo song with a memorable, contemporary tune and a powerfully delivered message about how wrong it is to pass judgment on each other, also co-written by Le’Andria; “Make Him Like You,” an R&B-style petition to God to lead her toward the true love that He designed for her; “New Reason,” a new millennium twist on 1960s soul, with a message about turning from bad relationships to a new and better relationship with God; and “Struggle Not,” co-written by Le’Andria and Terrance Johnson, a spiritually uplifting and compelling worship song about God’s blessings in our lives. The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition also includes two tracks with medleys of songs performed by Le’Andria on Sunday Best. The first medley combines her roof-raising rendition of Quincy Jones and Andraé Crouch’s “God Is Trying To Tell You Something,” from the Broadway musical, The Color Purple, and her fresh take on Fred Hammond’s (Commissioned) hit song, “Running Back To You.” In the second medley, Le’Andria puts her spin on Myron Butler and Levi’s pop-style hit, “Set Me Free,” and offers a heartfelt rendition of “I Shall Leap.”

Le’Andria is enjoying critical acclaim and tremendous success, but for the 29-year-old, twice divorced mother of three, it has been a long and often arduous journey to the spotlight in the gospel music industry. An accomplished singer and songwriter and an anointed praise and worship leader, Le’Andria was born in Orlando, Florida and began singing and performing for her family at two years old. When she was four, the family moved to the small town of Palatka, Florida, where she lived until she returned to Orlando in 2003. Her father, Dr. G.A. Johnson, Sr., served as presiding Bishop of the Head Quarters (HQ) Ministries. She began singing at her father’s church at the age of six and became praise and worship leader when she was 16. Throughout her childhood and teen years, Le’Andria sang in school choruses and in community talent shows. At 17, she had her first performance before a major audience when she sang for 8,000 people at a conference sponsored by gospel legend Pastor Shirley Caesar. She also sang with gospel artists Luther Barnes, Jimmy Hicks and Voices of Integrity and the Williams Brothers, as well as at churches in Southern Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.

She is now signed to Music World Gospel in a joint venture with BET’s Sunday Best brand. She has moved to Houston, Texas, and is busy ministering her music on television, radio, and live performances across the country. She recently was featured in the Jacksonville, Florida run of T.J. Hemphill’s play, Perilous Times II, with Music World label mate and Sunday Best alumna Andrea Helms.

Le’Andria is thrilled with the reception of her debut project, and she is excited about the new songs on her forthcoming projects. A licensed minister, Le’Andria believes that singing is her God-given talent, but that ministry is her calling. As she ministers through music, she hopes that her songs will continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

Bio info from: www.amazon.com/leandriajohnson

Tonight on the Live In The Vocal Booth Show we rate and review The Rance Allen Group latest release Amazing Grace. The Rance Allen Group consists of three members Bishop Rance Allen, Steve Allen and Thomas Allen.  Followed by another hot topic: Is The Modern Day Black American Angry About Slavery or Does He Even Care?

Artist Review: The Rance Allen Group

The Rance Allen Group is a gospel music group formed in Monroe, Michigan, and based in Toledo, Ohio.  The group's incorporation of rock and soul into traditional gospel music prefigures the crossover success of such artists as Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and The Winans.

The Rance Allen Group was formed by vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter Rance Allen (b. Monroe, Michigan) with his brothers Tom (drums) and Steve (bass guitar); another brother, Esau (percussionist), joined the group on an intermittent basis. During an appearance at a gospel talent contest in Detroit, Michigan, they came to the attention of one of the judges, record promoter Dave Clark, who worked for Stax Records.

The group was the first to be signed to the Stax imprint Gospel Truth, and they recorded for the Stax organization throughout the 1970s. In 1972, the group appeared in the documentary film Wattstax. Following this appearance, the group was named "Best Religious Group" by the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA). David Porter co-produced the group's 1975 album A Soulful Experience, for which he wrote an autobiographical song, "Just Found Me". In 1978, the group had a Top 30 R&B hit, "I Belong to You."

Read more The Rance Allen Group Bio: www.wikipedia.org/RanceAllenGroup or www.theranceallengroup.com

Topic: IS THE MODERN DAY BLACK AMERICAN ANGRY ABOUT SLAVERY OR DOES HE EVEN CARE?

With the holiday past,BET played a marathon of the classic mini series "Roots" Some people reflected positively, others said they didn't need to be reminded of the Afro Americans plight. Django has Black America upside down, some love it others hate the film.

Where does black America 2013 stand as far as slavery? Do we remember where we come from or does the new generation even care? Where does white America stand? Seems like more of white America was in the theaters than Black America. Every other race embraces their past whether good or bad but there is an increasing thought that modern Black America can do without seeing the tragedy and horror story of slavery, but WHY?

Join us tonight as the vocal booth team discuss this interesting topic. Call in at 646 233 1302 and tell us how you feel tonight at 10 pm est on bks1radio.com LIVE IN THE VOCAL BOOTH!