Words from Sonni Day

Detroit Entertainers & Musicians News - (Vol. IV, No. 4, p. 17)

Have you ever had a fork in the road decision to make and found yourself saying these words: “I should have followed my first mind or something told me, or I had a gut feeling?” Well, you are not the only one that ended up sometimes regretting the choices made. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans I have for you, say’s the Lord, they are plans to prosper you and give you a hope and future.”

Because you are still breathing, indicates to me that God has a plan for your life. Your destiny and purpose remains on the mind of God. The world anticipates what you have to offer, because it was destined from your birthing. But, it is up to you to learn your purpose assignment and complete the task. Too many are doing things that don’t contribute to the betterment of our world. He has given us His Spirit to guide, comfort, and teach us.

There are so many times that the Spirit directs us or gives us answers to some of life’s toughest struggles. However, we ignore the guidance and the lessons to be learned. As humans, we opt to take things into our own hands; it often backfires and does not give the end results expected.

Consequently, you become disappointed and frustrated. Remember, the Spirit is always waiting for an invitation to lead. So, when situations arise in your life seek the Spirit for direction, it is always a better outcome!

Vickie Winans

DETROIT BASED INDEPENDENT LABEL HITS #1

Detroit Entertainers & Musicians News - (Vol 4, No. 5, p, 17)

She is known as one of the hardest working women in the Gospel Industry. Detroit’s own Vickie Winans new album “How I Got Over” is released under her own label Destiny Joy Records. In its first week of release it hit #3 on the Gospel Billboard Charts and its second week made it to number one. I had the pleasure of meeting Vickie several years ago while working with BET for a show called “Lift Every Voice”. Vickie Winans is a woman of integrity and has encouraged so many young people to follow their dreams. You will never find her idle without doing something to enhance her career and touch the heart of souls. Her work ethics are inspiring to so many and her tenacity for getting the job done with excellence is in her fiber. She held two free release parties for this album for her supporters, one at Seldom Blues, where I was in attendance to standing room only. The next day at her store in Southfield, Michigan “Accents by Vickie” where ice cream, clowns, face-painting, etc. was the theme.

At Seldom Blues, Vickie wanted everyone to feel at home, so she entertained guests inside the restaurant as well as the lobby. Vickie performed with an anointing that was engaging and refreshing, singing songs from her new and old albums; along with comedy. Detroit has been called the home of Gospel music because of its range of talent that’s evolved from this great city. Pick up your copy and we’re sure you’ll agree Vickie is #1. Available at God’s World, Pearl’s Music and music stores everywhere. By: Sonni Day

Bridge the Gap (Wayne State University students)

Detroit Entertainers & Musicians News - (Vol 4, No. 5, p. 16)

At Wayne State University there are students devoted to unity, service, and most importantly, the gospel. They are Bridge the Gap and they’re just beginning a semester of impacting an entire campus. The name has everything to do with bringing ethnicities and denominations together while aiding midtown Detroit. Throughout the duration of the summer, the group has combined exciting outings with the Seed of the Word. And with donations from the community, they will be able to continue to inspire young people to excel.

Under the leadership of Pastor Dollicia Floyd, Bridge the Gap hopes to operate in a way that helps meet the needs of students naturally and spiritually. The organization just began yet they are believing God for big things. Their goals include conducting programs and events for the betterment of students gaining education, building character and instilling morals for the wholeness within life before and after graduation. Be sure to become a partner with Bridge the Gap at: www.btgwsu.webs.com, where you’ll find more information and a calendar of events. BY: J. Williamson

Integrity Music Launches –

First Ever Christian Artist iPhone™ APPLICATION

Israel Houghton: Multiple GRAMMY, Stellar, Dove Award Winner -

Joins a select group of artists

with iPhone Apps Houghton Releases,

“The Power of One”

Nashville, Tenn., March 13, 2009 – Integrity Music launches the first ever Christian artist iPhone Application in support of multiple GRAMMY, Stellar and Dove Award winner, Soul Train Award winner and double RIAA certified Gold-selling artist Israel Houghton and his critically acclaimed album, “The Power Of One”, releasing March 24 on Integrity Music/Columbia Records. Launching this week and available for FREE at the iPhone App Store. Israel’s app is on a short list of recording artists that have their own apps, including Akon, David Cook, Pink, Fall Out Boy and only a few others.

Israel Houghton is currently on a national major market, 37-city tour with Chris Tomlin that began January 22 and has already logged 10 sellouts at Houston’s Berry Center, San Antonio’s Municipal Auditorium and Los Angeles’s Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk. Active as worship leader in his local church, songwriter and artist, Israel also ministers through concerts in the U.S. and around the world; including accompanying Alicia Keys at the “2007 MTV Video Music Awards” for, and as, a performer at the “50th Annual GRAMMY Awards.” With other venues across the country, at or near capacity, the latest tour information can be found at http://www.myspace.com/israelhoughtonmusic. Source: Ebyrd.com.

THE MCCLURKIN FAMILY MOURNS

THE LOSS OF THEIR BELOVED SISTER, OLIVIA MCCLURKIN

Los Angeles, CA - One of gospel music's most powerful singers, Donnie McClurkin and his family mourns the loss of their sister, Olivia McClurkin. The second oldest sibling of seven children succumbed to a nine year battle with cancer on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Not only will this day be recorded in the history books for the nomination of America's first African American President, but it will be recorded in the hearts of McClurkin's family and friends as the day she made her transition.

McClurkin was a dynamic vocalist who recorded with her siblings on two McClurkin Family Projects (Zomba Records) ,along with singing background for such artists as pop star, Whitney Houston, gospel artists Pastor Andrae Crouch, Ron Kenoly and others. McClurkin leaves behind a grandmother, mother, father, two brothers, fours sisters, two daughters, three grandchildren and a host of friends. No funeral arrangements have been made at this time, but all calls, cards, donations and well wishes can be directed to Perfecting Faith Church (516) 223-8300. NO FLOWERS PLEASE