Homegoing Services Announced for Keith ‘Wonderboy’ Johnson
Homegoing services have been announced for legendary quartet singer Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, who died suddenly at the age of 50 on Sept. 30, 2022. The funeral, which will be open to the public, will take place on Friday, Oct. 15, at 9:00 a.m. ET at the Concord Baptist Church, 833 Gardner C. Taylor Blvd. (formerly Marcy Avenue) in Brooklyn, New York.
In-person attendees are instructed to enter on Madison Street through the red doors. The funeral will also be live-streamed via YouTube at @ConcordBrooklyn. There will also be a wake and musical planned for the night before at the same location at 6:00 p.m. ET. Interment will take place immediately after the Saturday service at The Evergreens Cemetery at 1629 Bush wick Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, where other entertainment luminaries such as tap dancer/television star Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and jazz musician Lester Young are also laid to rest. Johnson is survived by his parents Susan and Phillip Johnson; a sister Sonya Johnson; and two daughters, Brianna Destiny Johnson, and Elyse Victoria Johnson.
Performers Announced for the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards
The Gospel Music Association (GMA)recently announced their second round of performing artists scheduled for the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. The sold-out in-person event will be taking place at the Allen Arena at Lipscomb University in Nashville on Oct. 18. Performers for the evening will include Anne Wilson, DOE, Maverick City Music, Social Club Misfits, Steven Curtis Chapman, TobyMac, and others. The full list of performers and presenters is available at DoveAwards.com. The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and the TBN app on Friday, Oct. 21, at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., with an encore presentation on Oct. 28, at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and simulcast on SiriusXM’s The Message (all ET).
Bishop Hezekiah Walker Brings Choir Fest to the Doves
Bishop Hezekiah Walker’s Hez House Entertainment is headed to Nashville to bring Choir Fest to the upcoming pre-events for the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. The concert will take place on Oct. 16, at 7:00 p.m. CT at the Mount Gilead Baptist Missionary Baptist Church.
Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, who is among this year’s Dove nominees, will be celebrated. The 70+ member choir is signed to Bishop Hezekiah Walker’s Hez House Entertainment label in collaboration with RCA Entertainment. Choir Fest, which launched during Stellar Awards weekend in 2012, is the largest choir showcase event that features both local and national choir performers all in one evening.
“Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story” Now Premiering on Hulu
Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, starring Grammy-winning singer Ledisi, is now premiering on Hulu. The movie is a poignant look into the life story and rise of the Queen of Gospel and her fight for freedom into the spotlight, while depicting Mahalia’s personal search for love.
Set in New Orleans, Louisiana, this provocative story covers over five decades of Mahalia’s life and explores the tumultuous relationship Mahalia shared with her mother’s older sister, Aunt Duke, legally named “Mahala,” who became her legal guardian after Mahalia’s mother unexpectedly passed away. It then follows her life-changing move to Chicago, Illinois, to live with her mother’s sister, Aunt Hannah. Those broken years inspired Mahalia to lean on God and became her catalyst to inspire the world. The film also explores Mahalia’s close friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who inspired her integral role in joining the Civil Rights Movement.
Last Words…
Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Record Label Inks Deal with Roc Nation
Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Dexterity Records has a deal with Roc Nation to distribute the newly released accompaniment of “Woman Thou Art Loosed,” which was recorded live during the conference’s recent finale. The gospel album will include contributions from Timbaland, Sheila E., Tamar Braxton, Israel Houghton, Fred Jerkins, Maranda Curtis, and others. “The team at Roc Nation have been a global force in shaping the music industry and telling stories through life music,” said T.D. Jakes, CEO of T.D. Jakes Enterprises in a news release. “Finally Loosed” is an album meant to provide hope, encouragement, and inspiration to people who need to be lifted up. The distribution of our album by Roc Nation helps expand the popularity of inspirational music backed by the global reach of streaming and digital media.”