News/New Releases

FREE DOWNLOAD! Gregory Porter's "Real Good Hands" | iTunes Single of the Week /Feb. 14th, 2012

2012-02-14T16:08:34Z

GREGORY PORTER'S 'REAL GOOD HANDS' SELECTED AS iTunes SINGLE OF THE WEEK

Soulful Track from Grammy® Nominated Vocalist's Second CD on Motema Music, Released February 14, Available for Free Download

CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD!

"Real Good Hands," a track from Be Good, internationally acclaimed vocalist Gregory Porter's sophomore release on Motema Music, has been selected by iTunes as its Single of the Week for the week of February 14.

"Real Good Hands," will be available for free download on iTunes from February 14 through 20. Porter's 2010 debut release, Water, racked up a continuing stream of accolades and awards around the globe, including a 'Best Jazz Vocal ' Grammy® nomination (a rare feat for a debut recording), soaring to #1 on both iTunes and Amazon in the UK, and landing on an international array of year-end 'Best Of' lists for 2010 in several genres.

On Be Good, Porter has crafted a work that not only meets, but is likely to surpass, the heightened expectations of the jazz, blues and soul audiences eagerly awaiting his follow up to Water. Featuring Porter's winning combination of "outstanding original songs, erudite lyrics and social comment, top drawer musicianship and improvisation, and a voice to die for" (Jazz Wise), Be Good is a musical compendium of groove-driven delights, ranging from quiet ballads to up-tempo burners, from romantic charmers to powerful, blues-tinged anthems.

Be Good finds Porter surrounded by the core of his powerhouse working band, with whom he recorded his Grammy®-nominated debut, and who have performed with him for over three years: Chip Crawford on piano, Aaron James on bass, Emanuel Harrold on drums, and Yosuke Sato on alto sax. Under the sure hand of producer Brian Bacchus, Porter and the band rise to new heights on Be Good, which is further fueled by richly emotional horn arrangements by Kamau Kenyatta, who produced Water and who continues to play an important role in Porter's sound. Kenyatta also performs on one track ("Painted on Canvas") and guest instrumentalists Keyon Harrold on trumpet and Tivon Pennicott on tenor sax are also featured throughout.

Porter tapped the prodigious talents of veteran producer Brian Bacchus for Be Good. Bacchus, whose A&R successes have included Norah Jones' Grammy®-winning Come Away with Me, has produced projects for such acclaimed jazz artists as Randy Weston, Lizz Wright, Richie Havens, Ronny Jordan, and Patricia Barber.

A North American tour is currently underway, with Porter having spent the week leading up the release of Be Good with a series of shows at Pizza Express in London - which earned him a four star review in The Guardian - and in Amsterdam. He'll return to the US for shows in March and April in Boston, New York, Detroit, Chicago and Pittsburgh, with appearances scheduled for summer festivals and west coast shows in the fall. Full tour information is available at www.gregoryporter.com, and the Motema website.

Classic Soul Release: Diana Ross: Expanded Edition (2-CD Set) | Coming March 5th, 2012

2012-02-14T16:00:09Z

Diana Ross (1976): Special Edition –
March 5th

IMS / UMC

Diana Ross, originally issued in 1976, was Diana Ross's first full-length solo studio album in more than two years. It arrived on the heels of Mahogany, Diana's record-breaking second feature film that included her No. 1 hit, "Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)," and surprised audiences around the world with a whole new Diana Ross. The album included familiar sounds, from "Theme From Mahogany" to the ballad "I Thought It Took A Little Time (But Today I Fell In Love)," but took an unexpected twist with Diana's first-ever disco song, "Love Hangover," which became another No. 1 smash, and Diana's most-sampled song.

Diana Ross: Expanded Edition is a 2-CD set that features the newly re-mastered original album, single-only mixes, non-LP singles, the super-rare promotional single "Coming Home," and new alternate mixes of nearly the entire album. There's even more: three never-before-heard performances from the sessions - "Harmony," a cover of the Elton John classic; and "Go Where Your Mind Is" and "Le Lo Li," produced by Jeffrey Bowen with help Sly Stone. Rounding out the collection is an excerpt from a Diana Ross interview that hasn't been heard in 36 years.

The gorgeous package - a digi-pak like previous Diana Ross Expanded Editions - contains a deluxe 24 page booklet with detailed song annotations and the story of the album by compilation producers Andrew Skurow and George Solomon, and features spectacular photos from the renowned cover photo shoot.

Track listing:

Disc: 1

1. Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)
2. I Thought It Took A Little Time (But Today I Fell In Love)
3. Love Hangover
4. Kiss Me Now
5. You're Good My Child
6. One Love In My Lifetime
7. Ain't Nothin' But A Maybe
8. After You
9. Smile
10. Sorry Doesn't Always Make It Right (Single Version)
11. Together (Single Version)
12. I Thought It Took A Little Time (But Today I Fell In Love) (Single Version)
13. Love Hangover (Single Version)
14. One Love In My Lifetime (Single Version)
15. To Love Again (Alternate Version)
16. We're Always Saying Goodbye (Alternate Version)
17. This Christmas (Alternate Version)
18. Coming Home

Disc: 2

1. Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) (Alternate Version #1)
2. I Thought It Took A Little Time (But Today I Fell In Love) (Alternate Version)
3. Love Hangover (Alternate Version)
4. Kiss Me Now (Alternate Version)
5. You're Good My Child (Alternate Version)
6. One Love In My Lifetime (Alternate Version)
7. Ain't Nothin' But A Maybe (Alternate Version)
8. After You (Alternate Version)
9. Sorry Doesn't Always Make It Right (Alternate Version)
10. Together (Alternate Version)
11. Theme From Mahogany (Alternate Version #2)
12. Harmony
13. Le Lo Li
14. Go Where Your Mind Is
15. Diana Ross Interview (excerpted)

FREE DOWNLOAD: Gospel Artist Deanna Ransom & Single, "Never Say Never...Again" | Feb. 14th, 2012 ONLY!

2012-02-14T15:58:42Z

Gifted Gospel Vocalist, Deanna Ransom, To Celebrate Women On Valentine's Day With Free Download

Artist To Release New Record, "Never Say Never...Again", on February 14, 2012

Deanna Performing At Marvin Sapp Concert-Red.jpg (Wilmington, DE) - February 13, 2012- Gospel Songstress Deanna Ransom is known for her gut-wrenching, heart-melting vocals. The 2010 Black Essence Award Winner, 2011 Rhythm of Gospel Award Winner (and 2012 Rhythm of Gospel Nominee), and 2012 Holy Hip Hop Rhythm & Praise Award Nominee executes songs with an improvisational prowess few can match. Deanna entered the gospel music scene with the release of her CD, I Hear You. Now the artist is prepping a new release and wants the ladies to take part. Her upcoming single, "Never Say Never...Again", is destined to be an anthem for women who said they would never love again. Not only is Deanna making the single available on Valentine's Day, Tuesday, February 14, 2012, but the download - on that day only - is FREE. To download the single, log on to www.deannaransom.com. />
The free download is Deanna's way of giving God's special girls hope and inspiration. She says, "I wrote 'Never Say Never...Again' based on my real life experience. Alone, broken, hurt, fearful and crying myself to sleep every night for 3 years thinking that was how it was always going to be; I was miserable. Then I really embraced God's love, healing and rebuilding and my life was transformed. I want all of my sisters (and brothers!) who have been hurt or are hurting, to know that the pain of a battered or broken heart is not greater than the transforming love of God who will make you and your life brand new by allowing Him to love you back to wholeness. I want everyone to get their smile, their trust and their future back when they hear this song; I did!"

Deanna will be posting about love on her Facebook (www.facebook.com/deannaransom) and Twitter (@DeannaRansom - #NeverSayNever2012) pages. She's encouraging folks to join the conversation and share their "I Never..." stories, including posts on love's hurts and joys. The song's release leads up to the spring release of the CD, Never Say Never...Again produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Herb Middleton. The song also will be performed at the live concert video recording on Monday, February 20th at Warmdaddy's in Philadelphia. For more information about Deanna Ransom, log on to www.DeannaRansom.com.

Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) Pays Tribute to Whitney Houston on Feb. 16th, 2012

2012-02-13T18:30:14Z

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Remembers Whitney Houston With Two Hour Special Thursday, February 16 at 9 PM ET/PT

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In memory of Whitney Houston, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will present a special two hour "Remembering Whitney: The Oprah Interview," with the music legend's last in-depth television interview from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to air this Thursday, February 16 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.

This special television event, what is arguably Houston's most revealing and compelling interview of her career, will be rebroadcast as Winfrey reflects on her personal memories of the iconic superstar and shares with fans the magic of a musical icon who has gone too soon.

In September 2009 for the "The Oprah Winfrey Show" season 24 premiere, Winfrey sat down with Houston for a special one-on-one interview. After nearly seven years since the world heard the music icon's voice, Houston gave an intimate and poignant performance of "I Didn't Know My Own Strength." She shared only with Winfrey the private struggles she tried to hide from public view and discussed openly about her marriage to R&B star Bobby Brown, her struggles with drug abuse and why she retreated from the spotlight. Opening up to Winfrey like never before, Houston also spoke candidly of the day she left her husband, her sorrow over the death of Michael Jackson and her hopes for her future.

About OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 77 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and www.press.discovery.com/us/own.

SOURCE OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

Sirius XM Radio Launches "Whitney Houston Tribute Channel"

2012-02-13T18:21:25Z

"Whitney Houston Tribute Channel" Launches on SiriusXM

Pop music icon tribute channel to feature music from Houston's illustrious career and more

SiriusXM to present special broadcast of archival interview between Houston and Barbara Walters and coverage on additional talk channels

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirius XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it launched the "Whitney Houston Tribute Channel" to commemorate the life and music of Whitney Houston.

The "Whitney Houston Tribute Channel" airs now through Monday, February 13 at 11:59 pm ET on Heart & Soul, channel 48, and will honor the legendary career of Whitney Houston who passed away on February 11, 2012.

The channel, devoted exclusively to Whitney Houston, will feature songs from Houston's six-time Grammy®-Award winning career.

SiriusXM's Heart & Soul channel and SiriusXM OutQ, channel 108, also aired special live tributes taking calls from listeners sharing personal memories, favorite songs and more. SiriusXM OutQ hosts Larry Flick and Frank DeCaro will continue the channel's tribute to Houston's life, music and memory on Monday, February 13.

Additionally, SiriusXM Stars, channel 107, will present various specials on Monday, February 13, including a broadcast of an archival interview between Houston and Barbara Walters from 1993 which features the two discussing marriage, motherhood and health.

SiriusXM Stars will also air special related coverage on Jane Radio hosted by Jane Pratt and TMZ Live with Harvey Levin on Monday, February 13. The SiriusXM Stars tribute specials will begin at 9:00 am ET with the archival interview between Houston and Barbara Walters and will continue throughout the day.

For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com. />
About Sirius XM Radio

Sirius XM Radio is America's satellite radio company. SiriusXM broadcasts more than 135 satellite radio channels of commercial-free music, and premier sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather, and data services to over 21 million subscribers. SiriusXM offers an array of content from many of the biggest names in entertainment, as well as from professional sports leagues, major colleges, and national news and talk providers.

SiriusXM programming is available on more than 800 devices, including pre-installed and after-market radios in cars, trucks, boats and aircraft, smartphones and mobile devices, and consumer electronics products for homes and offices. SiriusXM programming is also available at siriusxm.com, and on Apple, BlackBerry and Android-powered mobile devices.

SiriusXM has arrangements with every major automaker and its radio products are available for sale at shop.siriusxm.com as well as retail locations nationwide.

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future financial and operating results, our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to future operations, products and services; and other statements identified by words such as "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimated," "intend," "plan," "projection," "outlook" or words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statement: our competitive position versus other forms of audio and video entertainment; our ability to retain subscribers and maintain our average monthly revenue per subscriber; our dependence upon automakers and other third parties; potential economic recessionary trends and uncertain economic outlook; our substantial indebtedness; and the useful life of our satellites, which, in most cases, are not insured. Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and available at the SEC's Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

Follow SiriusXM on Twitter or like the SiriusXM page on Facebook.

P-SIRI

Contact for SiriusXM Radio:
Samantha Bowman
SiriusXM Radio
212 901 6644
samantha.bowman@siriusxm.com

SOURCE Sirius XM Radio

Adele Wins 6 Grammy Awards, Including Record of the Year & More

2012-02-13T18:17:05Z

Adele Takes Home 6 Grammy Awards, Including Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year

ADELE TIES RECORD HELD FOR MOST GRAMMY AWARDS WON BY A FEMALE ARTIST IN A SINGLE YEAR

ADELE'S 21 HAS SPENT 19 WEEKS AT #1 ON THE BILLBOARD 200

NEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Tonight's Grammy Awards confirmed that 2011 truly was the year of Adele. The 23 year-old singer was honored with 6 Grammy Awards, including "Record of the Year," "Album of the Year" and "Song of the Year," tying the record held by Beyoncé for most Grammy Awards won by a female artist in a single year. This brings Adele's career Grammy total to 8. Viewers who tuned into the live ceremony, which took place from the Staples Center in Los Angeles earlier this evening, witnessed Adele deliver a breathtaking rendition of "Rolling in the Deep," her first public performance since she underwent vocal surgery in November. Adele took home honors in the following categories:

Record of the Year ("Rolling in the Deep")
Album of the Year ("21")
Song of the Year ("Rolling in the Deep")
Best Pop Solo Performance ("Someone Like You")
Best Pop Vocal Album ("21")
Best Short Form Music Video ("Rolling in the Deep")

Adele's sophomore album 21 was the biggest selling album of 2011 with over 18 million units sold worldwide. Entertainment Weekly declared it "that rarest pop commodity: timeless," and the Associated Press affirmed that Adele "created more than just an album with good songs: she's crafted a masterpiece." In addition to being named Billboard's "Artist of the Year," Adele had the best-selling US single of the year, "Rolling in the Deep," certified 6x Platinum, as well as the best-selling music DVD of the year, "Live at The Royal Albert Hall," certified 7x Platinum. She has broken countless records – including becoming the first-ever artist to lead the Billboard 200 while concurrently having 3 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles from the same parent album ("Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You," and "Set Fire to the Rain"). 21 has spent 19 nonconsecutive weeks, to date, at #1 on the Billboard Top 100, surpassing records held by Billy Ray Cyrus' "Some Gave All" and 1998's "Titanic" soundtrack.

www.Adele.tv /> www.ColumbiaRecords.com />
SOURCE Columbia Records

Gospel Group J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise to Release, "After This" on March 27th, 2012

2012-02-13T14:33:00Z

J.J. HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE TO RELEASE MUCH-ANTICIPATED SIXTH ALBUM AFTER THIS

“AFTER THIS” SINGLE CONTINUES TOP 15 ASCENT IN GOSPEL RADIO

Nashville, TN (February 13, 2012) – On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise will release the highly-anticipated album After This (Light Records/eOne). One of gospel’s most highly-acclaimed choirs, led by longtime songwriter, arranger and producer JJ Hairston, Youthful Praise marks their sixth live recording, the first since the highly celebrated Resting On His Promise, with the release of After This.

Recorded live in July 2011 at The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT, After This showcases Hairston’s captivating gift in mixing traditional gospel with urban, contemporary and mainstream influences to create the distinctive sounds that have elevated JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise into one of gospel’s preeminent choirs. Featuring the title track as the first single, “After This” has been climbing the singles chart in gospel radio, vaulting into the Top 15 as listeners hail its high-energy rhythms and uplifting lyrics encouraging faith and joy through troubled times. Setting the stage for the rest of the 13-track album, other dynamic songs include “The Victor,” “Lord of All” featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker, “Love Lifted Me” featuring Tye Tribbett, and “My King.”

As Youthful Praise’s director, songwriter, arranger and producer, Brooklyn native JJ Hairston has written, produced and led the choir since its beginnings in 1992 at its home church, Cathedral of Praise in Bridgeport, CT. Since releasing their first album in 2001, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have garnered critical acclaim and numerous Stellar Award nominations for their blend of memorable praise and worship with traditional choir harmonies. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have performed with gospel greats Dorinda Clark-Cole and Pastor Shirley Caesar, SWV, Destiny’s Child. They have performed on national stages including a smash opening performance on the 2011 Stellar Awards; on Bobby Jones Gospel, TBN, Lift Every Voice and more.

With a catalog of hits “Lord, You’re Mighty,” “Awesome God,” “Resting on His Promise,” and their 2004 worship anthem “Incredible God, Incredible Praise” JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise continue to impact the sound of contemporary gospel around the globe today. JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise deliver another smashing live performance on their latest album After This and will appear in select cities on their upcoming promotional tour.

After This Track Listing:
1.Intro
2.Lord of All (Ft. Bishop Hezekiah Walker)
3.My King
4.Love Lifted Me (Ft. Tye Tribbett)
5.You
6.The Victor
7.Grateful (Ft. Minon Bolton)
8.After This (Ft. Bishop Eric McDaniels)
9.Now (Ft. James Fortune)
10.Working Out for Me (Ft. Pastor John P. Kee & Lisa Knowles)
11.I Am
12.The Blood (Ft. LaShun Pace)
13.Reap

Pre-order available now

    To learn more about JJ HAIRSTON & YOUTHFUL PRAISE, please visit:
    Official Website: www.youthfulpraise.org
    Light Records:
    www.lightrecords.com
    Twitter:
    twitter.com/JJ_Hairston
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/Youthful.Praise

    Interact with other fans with hastag #AFTERTHIS

The Highly Anticipated Tribute Album, Celebrating Curtis Hairston, is Coming SOON!!

2012-02-10T16:53:40Z

The Highly Anticipated Tribute Album, Celebrating Curtis Hairston, is a Commemoration of His Life and Musical Legacy

New York, NY, February 10, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Reverse Spin Entertainment (RSE) will release a compilation album of music sung by the late, great Curtis Hairston. In the short span of his life, Curtis touched many with his unique voice and vocal styling.

October 10, 2011 marked what would have been Hairston’s 50th birthday. In his honor, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, owner of Pretty Pearl Records, now Reverse Spin Entertainment (RSE), has arranged a compilation of Hairston’s hits to be re-released, as a tribute to the gifted and talented artist. There are also several songs never before released to the public.

All of the songs have been re-mixed by John Morales, legendary mixer/re-mixer and co-founder of M&M Productions, renowned for their work with The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Odyssey and many more. The entire album has been re-mastered and has additional production by Mozartt and additional engineering by Blaise Davis, both of RSE.

Included are songs that were part of Curtis’ solo career as well as work he did with The BB&Q Band. You’ll hear some of his greatest hits; “I Want You All Tonight”, “Genie” and “Dreamer”, which reached #1 in the U.K. You’ll also enjoy his top 20 hit, “I Need Your Loving”, “Minutes Away” and much more.

The U.K. absolutely fell in love with Curtis, and proclaimed him “The Mr. Clean of Soul.”

The single, “Elysian Lady,” written and produced by Greg Radford, is now available on iTunes.

This album captures Curtis Hairston’s beautiful lyrics, vocals and overall musical legacy.

Jazz Band Hiroshima Releases "Departure" | Available Now

2012-02-10T15:58:00Z

HIROSHIMA RELEASES DEPARTURE

FOLLOW UP TO 2010 GRAMMY NOMINATED LEGACY CD

Hiroshima announces the release of Departure, the follow-up to their 2010 Grammy-nominated Legacy CD. Departure is available on the Hiroshima website, iTunes, Amazon.com, facebook and CDbaby.

Dan Kuramoto co-founder and leader of the band stated, “After more than 30 years in the recording industry -- and almost 4 million records sold we’ve decided to leave record companies behind and venture on our own.

“It is a new beginning for us in many ways. Departure is a journey of nine songs -- all originals with just one guest artist, the incredible harmonica player Tetsuya “Tex” Nakamura. The opening track “Have You Ever Wondered,” is a luscious, textured piece featuring Nakamura and June’s shimmering koto.

“Koto Cruise,” is the second song and features a funky groove and a burning koto solo, “Blues for Sendai,” a soulful jazz blues piece, is dedicated to the spirit of the Japanese people who are rebuilding after the tragedies of March, 2011.

The rockin’ blues in “Smiling Jack,” recalls the music of the 80’s and features the roaring B3 organ playing of Kimo Cornwell.

The sensual soul of “See You Again,” is a tribute to our friend and mentor James Moody. If you listen closely you’ll hear “Moody’s Mood for Love.”

After many years of requests, we offer our first live taiko recording, “Yamasong Duet” - - capturing the voice and the thunder of Shoji’s taiko and Danny’s fierce percussion interplay.

The power and spirit of “First Nation,” a composition by the Hawaiian Kimo Cornwell, is a song embracing many native cultures - - and some serious jazz.

Departure ends with two new visitations to our most popular songs, “Thousand Cranes,” and a soulful version of “One Wish,” done as an acoustic trio.”

“Also on our website at hiroshimamusic.com we ask you to join the Hiroshima community. By signing up and giving us your email addresses we will provide information about the band, special discounts, free music, and an interactive network of arts, culture and lifestyles.

As we actively rebuild our websites, check for stories behind the songs.

Please click on facebook and select The Band, for more info.

Departure is available for immediate digital downloads or physical CD orders at the HIROSHIMA website www.hiroshimamusic.com, iTunes, Amazon facebook and CDbaby.

On the Web:

Hiroshima website

www.hiroshimamusic.com

“Visit our Facebook pages!! . . .

facebook.com/hiroshimamusic

www.listn.to/hiroshima

www.listn.to/junekuramoto

Amazon

www.amazon.com search on “Hiroshima departure”

Gospel Artist Le'Andria Johnson to Perform @ the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Pre-Telecast Ceremony | Feb. 12th - 1pm PT/4pm ET

2012-02-10T15:19:00Z

Music World Gospel Recording Artist
Le’Andria Johnson

Performs on the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Pre-Telecast Ceremony on Sunday, February 12 Ceremony Will Be Streamed Live at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com at
1:00 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. ET

Label Releases Two New CD Projects on Valentine’s Day February 14: The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson and

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition

Le’Andria’s Stellar Gospel Music Awards Performance Airs on the
GMC on February 11, 2012

(Houston, TX – February 10, 2012) – Music World Gospel recording artist Le’Andria Johnson will perform on the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony along with label mate Trin-i-tee 5:7, Kim Burrell and Kelly Price in a segment titled “Ladies of Gospel” on Sunday, February 12 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The ceremony will be streamed live internationally at www.grammy.com/live and www.cbs.com. The live stream of the Pre-Telecast will remain on GRAMMY.com as video on demand for 30 days following the event. Le’Andria was nominated for her first GRAMMY® for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance for her single “Jesus.”

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, Mathew Knowles’ Music World Gospel will release two CD projects from Le’Andria: The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, a seven song EP, and The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe Edition, which contains the seven songs released on her debut CD plus seven new songs. This week, Le’Andria’s debut project, The Awakening Of Le’Andria Johnson lands at #5 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart and her new single, “It’s Gonna Be Alright,” is #1 Most Added on Billboard’s Gospel charts.

Le’Andria’s ensemble performance with Kim Burrell, Martha Munizzi and Jessica Reedy on the 27th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards will air on GMC, Saturday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET, with encore broadcasts at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. ET. In addition, at 6:00 p.m. ET, GMC will present “The Stellar Awards Backstage,” an exclusive one-hour behind the scenes Red Carpet preview of the 27th Annual Stellar Awards.

The Awakening of Le’Andria Johnson Deluxe, 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 her new single, “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 Powel 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 Johnson, who is a featured singer on this track. Le’Andria also recorded a full-length version of the popular song, “I Shall Leap Into My Destiny,” which she wrote with her 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 mid-tempo 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 her brother, Terrance Johnson, a spiritually uplifting and compellingly 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 into My Destiny.”

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 remained in the Top 5 for over 15 weeks. Le’Andria also 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.

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, Lisa Page Brooks.

For artist performance and branding inquiries, please call Music World at 713-772-5175.

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD GOSPEL

In 2002, Music World Entertainment President and CEO Mathew Knowles founded Spirit Rising Music, now known as Music World Gospel. Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Music World Gospel is a premiere faith-based record and management company under the umbrella of Music World Entertainment/Music World Music. Music World Gospel is the largest owned and operated African American Gospel label in the world. The company is dedicated to developing creative and innovative approaches to producing and promoting gospel, sacred, and inspirational music worldwide. Its mission is to reach, inspire and empower a diverse audience around the globe. Music World Gospel features a roster of award-winning recording artists, joint ventures and special projects including Trin-i-tee 5:7, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Brian Courtney Wilson, Micah Stampley, Juanita Bynum, Le'Andria Johnson, Amber Bullock, Elder Goldwire, Andrea Helms, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, ESSENCE Gospel, Ultimate Gospel, the Most Powerful Voices, The Gospel Superfest, Spirit Rising and The Pastor Rudy Experience brands. Music World Gospel’s joint ventures and partnerships include Universal Music Christian Group, Fontana Distribution, Integrity Africa, BET, ESSENCE Communications, Son Flower Records, Interface Entertainment, Dr. Bobby Cartwright, Jr., and James Fortune and Fiya World, LLC. The company has achieved record breaking success on the sales and radio charts, with several artists' albums and singles debuting atop Billboard and Christian Music Trade Association charts and remaining in the Top 5, 10 and 20 positions for as many as 100 weeks and counting.

ABOUT MUSIC WORLD MUSIC

Music World Music was founded by Mathew Knowles, founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment. Music World Music has had an unprecedented impact on the history of music around the globe, with record sales exceeding 300 million worldwide. Knowles established several recording imprints under Music World Music, including Music World Gospel, Music World Country/Compadre and Music World Kids. Music World Music was crowned by Billboard magazine as one of the Top Imprint Labels of the decade (2000-2009). With successes across multiple genres, including pop, R&B, gospel, dance, and country, as well as soundtracks and special themed projects, Music World Music has produced over 100 award-winning, platinum and gold albums. Music World Music was also named the #1 Dance Imprint Label in 2009 by Billboard magazine. Under Music World Music, Destiny’s Child became a global phenomenon and was named the Best Selling Female Group of All Time in popular music, selling over 100 million records and collecting nearly 200 awards, including GRAMMY® Awards, World Music Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Awards (U.S., Europe and Asia), Billboard Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and countless others. Under Knowles’ guidance, both Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé experienced spectacular success during the decade between 2000 and 2009. Destiny’s Child was named on Billboard magazine’s Top 10 Artists of the Decade (2000-2009) and, as a solo artist, Beyoncé was crowned Billboard’s number one Artist of the Decade—Female (2000-2009) and number 4 Top Artist of the Decade (2000-2009).