Artist

MYRON BUTLER & LEVI

As one of modern gospel’s acclaimed guiding lights, Myron Butler & Levi is the dynamic force behind such timeless hits as “Set Me Free” and “Stronger.” Now the popular group is back with its latest—and most compelling—album to date, On Purpose. Already sparking attention is the single “Best Praise,” featuring powerhouse singers Candy West and Amber Bullock.

“Sometimes our praise to God can become a little routine,” says Butler of the album’s bold, high-energy opener that pulls no punches.  “In an upbeat way this song reminds and encourages people to not offer praise to God half-heartedly. We must give God our best because He gave us His best.”

Never settling for the status quo remains at the heart of Butler’s artistry. And On Purpose is no exception. The album’s theme began taking shape when the melody for another track, the moving ballad “Live on Purpose,” flowed into consciousness during a composing session on the piano.

“Sometimes I’ll use the melody line right then or pack it away to revisit at a later date,” says Butler, a Grammy and Stellar Award winner. “‘Purpose’ fell into the latter case. Going into this record, I thought about the issue of purpose: what we’re here to accomplish as individuals. I’ve always believed that what we do is not who we are. Purpose is internal and God-given, not affected by external circumstances.”

Among the other winning tracks fueling On Purpose is “Unconditional.” Its message—that God loves every person, flaws and all— is delivered via a vocoder-revved track that Butler unabashedly describes as a “skate party vibe that you can bob to in the car with the top and windows down.” Then there’s the vibrant hope extolled in “Heaven’s Rain,” a sparkling duet with Jonathan Butler. The digital deluxe edition of On Purpose features three additional tracks, including the sonorous ballad “You Call Me.” Helping Butler sharpen his On Purpose vision were two longtime collaborators: co-producer Robert Searight and Levi, the award-winning choir of singers and musicians formerly known as God’s Property.

All told, On Purpose further solidifies Butler & Levi’s reputation as fearless visionaries dedicated to evolving their unbridled, versatile style. There’s only one constant: the message. “Hip-hop, folk, pop, R&B, jazz, whatever … just as long as we’re talking about the good news of Jesus Christ, hope, love and faith,” declares Butler. “That’s non-negotiable for me.”

Butler first met the members of Levi in 1990 while fellow students at Booker T. Washington High School for the Visual and Performing Arts in Dallas—whose alumni roster boasts such Grammy Award winners as Erykah Badu, Norah Jones and jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove. Teaming up musically via a hypnotic fusion of tribal rhythms and a pulsating beat, Butler & Levi notched their first smash single with 2005’s “Set Me Free.” The title track from the act’s debut album not only netted a Grammy Award nomination but ultimately four Stellar Awards. The group released two additional albums: 2007’s Stronger, propelled by the title track radio hit, and 2010’s Revealed—Live in Dallas, which won Butler his fifth Stellar Award. A fourth album, Butler’s solo outing Worship, was released in 2012.

Also shaping the multi-talent’s creative evolution was a childhood steeped in music. Born in Bradenton, FL, Butler began playing piano at eight years old. Moving to Dallas with his family at 12, he placed his first song at 17, “Lift Him Up,” with the Dallas-Ft. Worth Mass Choir. Working with the choir’s director Kirk Franklin, Butler later became vocal coach for God’s Property. The group’s 1997 self-titled debut, featuring the crossover hit “Stomp,” garnered the Grammy for Best Gospel Choir Album.

In addition to gospel, Butler grew up listening to R&B/hip-hop, classical, jazz and pop. That wide range is behind a growing list of production credits. Having helmed projects by Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Donald Lawrence and Marvin Sapp, Butler has also earned Dove Awards for his production work on Smokie Norful’s Limited Edition EP and Tamela Mann’s Masterplan and Best Days albums.

“I like to get people’s attention,” he says, citing such influences as Stevie Wonder, Oscar Peterson, Leontyne Price, Thomas Whitfield and Singers Unlimited. “Once I have that, I pull them into the song.”

He’s courting fans’ attention in other ways as well. In tandem with On Purpose, Butler will release his first book in 2016. Titled Born Identity, the self-published tome underscores the album’s theme and the singer’s goal “to help people wherever they are in their walk of life.” And that includes the next generation of gospel songwriters and producers. Inspired by popular mini-sessions held at The Potter’s House, Butler staged the inaugural Score Songwriters Conference in October 2015. Among the gospel stars sharing their expertise during the two-day confab were Kirk Franklin and Travis Greene. This year Score Songwriters Conference returns for another exciting year of impactful insight.

With the release of On Purpose, Myron Butler & Levi are celebrating the group’s 10th anniversary.  Reflecting on their musical journey thus far, Butler promises there’s more to come. “I was full of zeal and lacking in wisdom starting out,” he says with a laugh. “Now moving forward, zeal and wisdom have equal footing.”

Faith Leader, Social Engineer, Entrepreneur, Idea Maker, Communicator, and Friend are just some of the words that describe Charles Jenkins who is a leader widely respected and revered for his generous heart, innovative thinking, contemporary leadership, diverse influence, business savvy and holistic approach to social change and large-scale community development. Jenkins lives a lifestyle of giving.

For the past 13 years Jenkins has been widely known as the Senior Pastor of the historic Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago, a rapidly growing multi-location congregation founded by civil rights pioneer Reverend Clay Evans. Under Jenkins’ leadership at Fellowship, each year thousands of individuals in need are fed, clothed and impacted through various outreach efforts.

Jenkins is also Founding President of Fellowship Educational and Economic Development Corporation (FEED), a 501c3 that focuses on education, community development, job creation, public safety, and urban renewal in Chicago inner-city neighborhoods. FEED is currently leading a $26 million effort known as The Legacy Project estimated to produce 400 new jobs creating a socioeconomic oasis to enhance Chicago’s Southside.  Under the FEED umbrella, Jenkins also founded Gladiators, a mentoring program that focuses on teaching young African-American men how to fight to win in life.  Additionally among many efforts to curb Chicago’s violence, Jenkins convened street gang founders to broker strategies for intervention and peace.

Jenkins’ service to others spans beyond his local context to global efforts. He has traveled internationally serving the poor alongside leaders of Charity Water, who build clean water wells around the world and with World Vision who feed and educate millions globally. In 2010, he convened recording artists such as Common, Lalah Hathaway, Donald Lawrence, Marvin Sapp and others along with national leaders for a benefit known as Chicago’s Hope for Haiti which raised over $150,000 for victims of the devastation.

He is also a GRAMMY® award-winning songwriter, multi Stellar award-winning recording artist, music producer, author and connector. Jenkins is the founding CEO of Inspired People LLC, a music company conglomerate committed to globally inspiring people through music, fashion, resources, and enriching events. In 2012, under his indie label, Jenkins spun the company’s first project “The Best of Both Worlds,” which debuted the #1 Christian Album in America on iTunes and Amazon, while also becoming the #1 gospel album on Billboard for 3 weeks. Additionally, from this highly acclaimed album came the global mega hit “Awesome” penned by Jenkins which remained #1 on the Billboard Gospel charts for over 5 amazing months becoming an international anthem for music lovers.

Jenkins’ leadership further extends to the public sector where he serves on a number of community, corporate, educational and governmental boards. Jenkins is a sought after voice who has been a featured speaker on widely respected stages including the International Business Dinner during 2011’s National Prayer Breakfast Week at The White House and The Inaugural Prayer Service of President Barack Obama in 2013.

A graduate of Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Jenkins has also received countless awards and citations for his service including being inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers and Scholars at Morehouse College, being selected as one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s Urban Business Game Changers under 40. Jenkins is also a recipient of The Gift of Hope’s highest honor, The Lifesaving Partner Award for leading thousands to become organ donors in Illinois saving countless lives.

A man of balance, Jenkins is married to Dr. Tara Rawls Jenkins and has 3 beautiful children Princess, Paris, and Charles III.  Jenkins loves Jesus, loves his family, loves serving and helping others and enjoys a good cup of decaf coffee. Charles Jenkins lives by his own personal mantra “Don’t Box Me In!”

Vashawn Mitchell returns with a personal invitation for all to go on a musical journey to his 

Secret Place. Over the course of his 18 year career, punctuated with much critical and commercial acclaim, Mitchell has solidified himself as a creative musical force in Contemporary Praise & Worship. He’s responsible for fan favorites like “My Worship Is For Real” (Believe In Your Dreams), “Turning Around For Me” (Created 4 This), “God My God” (Unstoppable), “Don’t Last“ (Promises) and the mega-hit “Nobody Greater” (Triumphant). Additionally, Vashawn’s continued contributions to gospel music go well beyond his own recording career as a singer/songwriter and extend to producer and visionary, having played a key role in the major label debut and sophomore releases of new gospel stars Anthony Brown and Tasha Cobbs. Mitchell is also a sought after musical director and teacher with a heart for equipping the next generation of worshippers.

It is with this passion to pay it forward that Vashawn developed and hosted “The Call ZA” in Johannesburg South Africa in February 2016. Mitchell described “The Call ZA” as “a conference for worshippers to come together and receive information, inspiration and impartation to fortify their God-given assignment.” Attendees from all over Africa flocked to South Africa to be a part of this inaugural event.

Mitchell hasn’t abandoned his gifts as a recording artist and worship leader. To close out the conference, on February 27, 2016 in a packed Mosaiek Teatro, Vashawn recorded what would become Secret Place: Live In South Africa.  Why South Africa? After numerous trips to the region, Mitchell became overwhelmed by the worship experiences he encountered there.  “When God gave me the vision for Secret Place, it was clear there was no other place for this sound to be recorded,” Vashawn recounts of his decision to record in South Africa.

In order to capture the authenticity of the South African worship experience, Mitchell enlisted the help of some of the region’s worship leaders and artists to join him in the recording of the project.  For Vashawn, “It was important to not just go and record but to make the recording a collaboration among BOTH American and South African artists.” South Africa’s own Mahalia Buchanan and Shaun P not only opened up the recording with their award winning songs but they also joined Mitchell’s American musicians to contribute background vocals for the entire recording.

Secret Place: Live in South Africa isn’t your usual Gospel or Praise & Worship offering where an assortment of songs are compiled for their individual strengths. This project is an effective capture of a live worship experience that can be enjoyed as a complete body of work or as individual songs.

The album opens with the ethereal “Give All I Have,” followed by a heart-warming rendition of “Jesus Loves Me” by Vashawn’s 11 year old nephew Tyler Mitchell. In keeping with Mitchell’s desire for the project to be a collaborative exchange of worship and sounds, the “Chant” literally transports you to South Africa with it’s haunting use of South African harmony and melody.  Secret Place: Live in South Africa then begins to pick up speed with the fun “Oh The Love.”

Next, the aptly titled first single “Joy” is one of the project’s finest moments. Originally recorded by Atlanta’s Grace Midtown Church house band Housefires, Mitchell masterfully adds that special touch that truly makes it his own while maintaining its mass appeal and ecumenical sound. Vashawn describes the tune’s sentiment best; “Happiness is external and temporary because it depends on outer circumstances that change. Joy on the other hand is internal and experiencing it brings you to a place of strength and power.“ The song’s fitting reprise will have its infectious hook ringing down deep in your soul.

Vashawn and team then breathe new life into one of his favorite worship songs, a cover of Kari Jobe’s “Holy Spirit” that gives the popular tune an unexpected freshness. While “Son of God” stands out as an anthem of sorts, the next track is one you won’t soon forget. Tasha Cobbs lends her voice to “Jesus Reigns.” As evidenced by the song’s reprise, audiences everywhere are sure to love it as much as those who were in attendance at the recording.

“Brand New” is destined to be a favorite with it’s catchy R&B meets modern worship groove. It’s a perfect set up for the album’s title track “Secret Place.” Although much of Vashawn Mitchell’s success can be attributed to his ability to craft songs with a universal appeal, he is able to effectively fuse traditional and multi-cultural sounds in a unique way. “Good God,” with it’s heavy Afro-Carribean flavor is a perfect example of this fusion.

It is said of artists that when you have a hit, you have to sing it everywhere you go. There was no way for Vashawn not to bless the crowd with the song that catapulted him and his ministry to the world stage. Joined by gospel music royalty BeBe Winans, “Nobody Greater” is given brand new life. Winans sings with a passion and grit that is both refreshing and unique.

Mitchell then returns to his gospel roots with “God Will Take Care of Me” which is perfectly suited for your “recovery” after you’ve danced to the revamped “Nobody Greater” and it’s subsequent “Bump.” To close out the album, Vashawn recruited Rev. Benjamin Dube, one of South Africa’s top selling artists, to lend his voice to the super fun Zulu worship song “Siyakudumisa.” You are guaranteed to be singing this gem long after the song has ended.

Each of Mitchell’s recordings have had a theme or overarching message intended for the listener and Secret Place: Live in South Africa is no exception. When asked what he wanted listeners to take away from this recording, Vashawn responded  “There’s no take away but a stay! I want this particular body of music to serve as a tool for those who listen to develop and maintain their personal relationship with God and pursue greater depth in their growing relationship with Him!  I pray listeners to this music will allow it to empower, inspire and encourage them through their lives.”

Secret Place: Live in South Africa does just that.

Since the inception of the genre, Gospel Music has become synonymous with many things;

Keith\”Wonderboy\”Johnson echoes the spirit of timeless favorites founded by Phil Johnson, Johnson\’s father who started his singing career at the age of 6. Keith \”WB\”Johnson adds a new flavor that has, without debate, transformed the quartet music genre forever.

From the release of his first project with then World-Wide Records in 1998 entitled, \”Through The Storm\”, he has bridged the gap in the family of music listeners, gaining notoriety among the young and the seasoned people. In 1999, with the release of his sophmore project \”Live and Alive\”, came the gospel anthem, \”I Just Want To Be Right\”. That same year KWBJ released his first Christmas project \”Our Gift To You\” that gave us the timeless favorite \”12 Days Of Christmas\”.

Five more projects were released with World-Wide/BlackSmoke Records, which all these projects charted on the Billboard Charts, and produced BDS chart topping singles. In 2005, KWBJ signed with Verity Records, releasing \”New Season\”, which charted up to #4 on the billboard charts. In which the single,\”Let Go,Let God\” won BMI Most Played Song Of The Year Award in 2005. KWBJ has been nominated for 1 Grammy Award,1 GMA Dove Award, 12 Stellar Awards, winning 3 Stellar Awards, 2 Soul Train Awards, and many other awards. His non-stop touring schedule has proven

time and time again that he is one of the hardest working artists in gospel music, averaging 45 weeks/a year on tour. This quartet prodigy has sold over 500,000 units since the dawn of his career.

Keith\”Wonderboy\”Johnson is back and has started a record label, \”WonderSpirit Productions\”, his first release titled \”Timeless Music Movement\” Volume 1, is a collection of music from his career, featuring the hit single \”Chilly Winds\” which is a modern version of his 1st hit single \”Hide Behind the Mountain\”. Traditional/Quartet music is \”Timeless Music\”, it was loved by many music lovers in our past era\’s, and is still loved with this generation today. Join the \”Timeless Music Movement\” with Keith\”Wonderboy\”Johnson!

JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise (affectionately know as YP) continue to make waves in the Gospel Music Industry while garnering national and international recognition. Founded in 1991, the once 35-member church choir from Bridgeport, CT has transformed into a Billboard chart topping national gospel artists. 

Recently, the Stellar Award winning JJ Hairston and YP have garnered success with the release of “You Deserve It,” an infectious worship song that is taking the nation by storm. Currently, “You Deserve It” is trending in the Top 20 on the daily Nielsen BDS Gospel Airplay Chart and debuted number 8 on the Billboard Gospel Digital Sales chart.

This accomplishment adds to the list of Youthful Praise’s seven best-selling albums that feature Top Ten radio hits, many of which have been written or co-written by JJ including, ”You’re Mighty,” “Resting on His Promise,” “Lord you’re Mighty,” and the ground-breaking praise song “Incredible God – Incredible Praise.”

In 2016, JJ Hairston launched Jamestown Music. This new label is exclusively distributed by Nashville-based Entertainment One. The first release “The Celebration” by J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise is set for 2017.

Youthful Praise will continue to set a new standard for the “church choir” and show that it has no signs of slowing down or going anywhere. JJ’s ultimate desire is that young people would not only see him as an active young man, but also a servant of the Lord.

      The Reverend Luther Barnes comes from a notable gospel background. His father, Bishop F.C. Barnes, wrote and scored a hit with the gospel standard “Rough Side Of The Mountain.”  Raised in the church from a young age, Rev. Barnes felt called to music ministry and embarked on a hit-making career as lead singer, producer, songwriter and director of the “quartet” gospel group Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires. He also founded The Red Budd Gospel Choir which also scored a string of hits, including the Stellar Award-nominated “Somehow Some Way.”  Now Rev. Barnes steps forward with a brand new choir, the Restoration Worship Center Choir, and a stunning set of new compositions. The Favor Of God, his first choir project in a decade, is to be released by Shanachie Entertainment/SRT Entertainment on Sept. 9, 2016. Produced by Rev. Barnes and Derrick Adams, the album is a beautifully arranged and performed work featuring live strings and horns on several tracks, a work of extraordinary quality that re-asserts the relevance of traditional gospel. The lead single, “God’s Grace,” hit the gospel radio Top 20 in record time and seems destined to be another major landmark in Rev. Barnes’ magnificent gospel career.

        Given the quality of Rev. Barnes’ work and his commitment to his ministry, one wonders why it took so long for him to step forward with this new project.

        “Although it has taken a minute for me to bring forth another musical project,” Luther says, “ I believe the delayed process was nothing less than God’s perfect will. The birthing of our church, Restoration Worship Center, has brought with it new life and purpose, which is extremely evident in these songs. The Restoration Worship Center Choir and musicians are awesome. We have truly been blessed by the Favor of God.”

       Indeed the diversity and all-around quality of the music on “The Favor Of God,” makes it well worth the wait. Ranging from rousing hand-clapping, foot-stomping tracks such as “One More Time” to the heartfelt, lush, orchestrated “God’s Grace,” The Favor Of God is truly a tour-de-force.

      “Luther Barnes is the ultimate musical trifecta,” says SRT Entertainment’s D.A. Johnson. “He is a phenomenal producer, prolific songwriter and consummate artist; his smooth velvet voice is one of the most distinctive, recognizable voices in the history of record music, ranking him amongst the greatest balladeers of all time.”

       Luther Barnes was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1954, the son of the late Bishop F. C. Barnes and the late Willie Mae Barnes, who instilled in him a desire to trust and obey God’s word.  At the age of nine he felt the call of music ministry, feeling he had been given a special gift from the Lord. On graduating from high school he became the lead singer of the successful gospel quartet The Sunset Jubiliares, who went on to score a string of gospel hits. Luther’s style was notable for its refinement and dignity; he did not employ the flamboyant style of many other gospel vocalists. He pursued and attained a degree in Music Education from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina and in 1985 formed the Red Budd Gospel Choir, who broke through with such hits as “I’m Still Holding On,” (which features a lead vocal from his wife Deborah Barnes), “So Satisfied, “ Spirit, Fall Fresh,” “That Other Shore,” “Somehow Someway” and “No Matter How High I Get” (written by Bobby Womack).  In 2006 he accepted a call into the preaching ministry, following the leadership of his father. But he continued his music ministry, which took him all over the country, garnering a multitude of awards and honors including a Vision Award, Stellar Award, and a GWMA Excellence Award. He also received a Grammy nomination and a Gospel Heritage Award. Having produced over twenty-eight CDs, he found time to perform or record with such gospel greats as Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, John P. Kee, and The Mighty Clouds Of Joy. He established the Restoration Worship Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 2014 and serves as its Senior Pastor.

       Even though Rev. Barnes is steeped in the gospel tradition and in many ways is continuing that tradition, he sees himself as an innovator. As he told journalist Bill Carpenter in Carpenter’s Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia:  “At an early age, I would always listen to the difference between the sound of gospel music and the sound of popular music. The Temptations and all those artists sounded so much better. I said, ‘Goodness, why can’t gospel music come up and be just as right musically as the other forms of music?  I thank God for people such as Kirk Franklin and James Cleveland who have helped us get our act together and upgrade our music.”

        Always, modest, the Rev. Barnes did not mention himself as one of those who is elevating gospel music. But, as The Favor Of God shows, he definitely is!

An international motivational speaker, author, wife and mother, Dr. Brenda Jefferson has served in ministry for over 30 years.

Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Dr. Jefferson has a compelling message of faith, perseverance and hope, which she uses to encourage and empower audiences around the world. 

At the age of 25, she began her full-time ministry by teaching a growing weekly bible study at her home. From these weekly services, she met her husband, Bishop M.B. Jefferson. It was through this marriage that she and Bishop Jefferson founded Deeper Life Christian Church, a recognized and leading worship center in Tampa with numerous community outreach endeavors.

As a passionate worshipper with a heart for biblically based music, Dr. Jefferson is also an accomplished songwriter and the CEO of Scripture Music Group. Dr. Jefferson’s focus lies in creating “scripture songs,” messages founded and guided by biblical principles. In 2007, she released her debut album, Time of Refreshing, which was followed by other successful music releases featuring some of gospel music’s most award-winning artists.

In addition to being the executive producer of four albums, Dr. Jefferson directs the Pure & True Praise Choir, housed in the Deeper Life Christian Church. Under the leadership of Dr. Jefferson, the choir has been featured on projects and been mentored by gospel music greats such as Kurt Carr, V. Michael McKay and Myron Butler. 

With Dr. Jefferson’s remarkable compilation of songs, artist and producer Myron Butler has defined her artistry as “prolific and gifted.” Her songs, which Gerald Haddon believes are “beautiful, brilliant and bold,” further set her apart as a unique voice in gospel music. Dr. Jefferson’s ability to collaborate with renowned singers has led Lowell Pye to be “grateful to sing one of her songs.”

Preparing for the release of her latest album, INVOCATION, scheduled for release in the summer of 2016, Dr. Jefferson continues her transparent and encouraging message of faith with songs that inspire listeners to ask God for guidance and clarity in every situation.

While Dr. Jefferson travels extensively alongside her husband with a unique ability to make the Word of God engaging and relevant to all audiences, reaching the Tampa area and serving at Deeper Life Christian Church remains her primary passion and focus. 

Josiah Martin is a testament of talent, passion, and a pure gift. Affectionately known as “\”JoJo\”,” he was born on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. JoJo, the youngest of five boys, began singing at the age of four. It was during this time that JoJo began singing in choirs and absorbing music. 

Growing up the son of a pastor, he began to do more with his musical gifts as he grew older. By the age of seven, he was traveling around California singing at musicals and performing sermonic selections before his father ministered. At 13, JoJo, along with his four older brothers formed the group, “The Martin Boys” which allowed them to travel the country performing together. With his mother being a trained vocal instructor, JoJo began to develop more as an artist which ultimately led to him being a finalist for the NAACP ACT-SO Competition in Houston, Texas. By 16, he recorded a song titled, \”Just Praise Him”, with Joe Pace and The Colorado Mass Choir, which also featured Jerrard Woods, Lashaun Pace, and Jonathan Dubose Jr. This later led to the recording of, “\”So Good”, with Joe Pace as well. It was during this time that JoJo discovered he wanted to make music his primary focus.

JoJo traveled the country with a musical stage play called, “The Rock and The Rabbi”, and has also had the opportunity to share the stage with; Tyrese, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Maroon 5, PJ Morton, Bishop Paul S. Morton Sr., Mary Mary, Frank McComb, Tweet, Dave Hollister and many others. 

JoJo’s first single, “Run On” will be available mid May 2016. His first full length project will be released on Morton Records, the brainchild of PJ Morton, late Summer 2016. The project was produced by Morton. JoJo utilized his writing abilities to contribute to what is sure to be an instant classic record.

A gospel artist with a powerful voice and a passionate vocal style, Lowell Pye was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 28, 1970. Pye was only four years old when he began singing at services at the First Fellowship church in Detroit, and as a boy he was a member of a gospel vocal group, the Junior Echos. In 1990, Pye\’s talents moved to the national stage when he was discovered by John P. Kee and became part of Kee\’s New Life Community Choir. After establishing himself as one of the New Life Choir\’s strongest voices, Pye joined a new group in 1996, Men of Standard, with Michael Bacon, Isaac Carree, and Bryan Pierce. The group became popular on the gospel circuit, releasing a steady stream of albums that fared well on the gospel charts, even after Bacon left the group in 2005. After Men of Standard went on hiatus, Pye made his debut as a solo artist in 2010 with the album Finally, released by the Universal-distributed Miralex label. The album peaked at number 10 on the gospel charts, and Pye dropped a second solo album in 2014. Transformed was issued by Entertainment One Records, and rose to 22 on the Gospel charts. The title Transformed referred not only to Pye\’s spiritual growth but a dramatic physical change. At his heaviest, Pye claims to have weighed over 400 pounds, but in 2012 he went on a weight loss regimen in the interest of his health. Pye later became part of an informal movement in which gospel artists challenged one another, as well as their fans, to face obesity and its attendant health problems head on. 

Reuben Lael is unique talent with a heart for God, music, and people. Reuben\’s music delivers a power-packed message to the soul encouraging listeners to believe and never to give up on their dreams. Behind every lyric, rhythmic beat, and soulful melody is the victorious sound of Reuben’s step-by-step journey in the pursuit of life to its full potential. 

Reuben is a proud native of Garland, TX born to Rev. Dr. Roosevelt & Linda Reed-Griffin. Growing up as \”the son of a preacher man\”, Reuben naturally gravitated to music and its ability to change and impact the world around him. A product of the Garland ISD Fine Arts Program, Reuben was involved in extracurricular activities including athletics, band, choir, and step-team in addition to participating in student activities and community service. But most all Reuben remained faithful to church; realizing that his faith was the greatest key to his future. 

While in college at Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA) Reuben was active in student government, greek life, and many service organizations. He also began pursuing various career opportunities in the industry by recording independent demo projects, hosting a weekly jam session with the Juke Joint Band, and opening for various recording artist (Mint Condition, Dwele, Raheem DeVaughn, Eric Roberson, and Chrisette Michelle). In 2009, he release a contemporary gospel project called “Introducing… Reuben Lael” which is available on iTunes. 

After receiving his Bachelors in Political Science with a minor in Music Vocal Performance & his Masters in Public Administration (SUBR); Reuben returned to his hometown educated, exposed, and explosive! Both ready & willing to touch hearts – shinning his light for the world to see. Reuben is expected to release his sophomore album \”Heart of the Matter\” in 2013. A project which he feels will combine his love for music and his passion to share the Gospel outside the four walls of the church.

Music is the doorway, Ministry is the key!

Julius Pearson, born in the small town of Gibsland, Louisiana, has planted gospel roots all over the US.  From San Diego to Maine, Julius has formed, mentored, and influenced music departments, gospel choirs and musicians in achieving their highest potential.  His anointing and raw talent has helped reshape the musical landscape for gospel music.

Born to a bassist from a North Louisiana Quarter group (the Soul Stirrers), Julius has been traveling around and singing gospel since a very early age.  He began in the music ministry at the age of eleven serving as the pianist for the Friendship Baptist Church in Arcadia, LA.  

Even though Julius was born elsewhere, he considers Baton Rouge, Louisiana home.  Julius studied Psychology and received his Juris Doctorate from Southern University in Baton Rouge.   While in Baton Rouge, Julius served as Min. of Music for the Louisiana Interdenominational Mass Choir, founded the Judah Ensemble and served as Min. of Music for various churches in the Baton Rouge and surrounding areas.

From radio to television, Julius’ unique ability to minister through music has earned him the name “Dr. J- the Gospel Guru”.   Julius has received many awards including Gospel Radio Announcer of the Year, co-hosted the “Prestigious Inspirational Gospel Hour” and the “Living for Jesus” television broadcasts.