CeCe Winans

If you ask CeCe Winans what drives her, the answer will be far removed from her endless list of accolades, best-selling albums, widespread industry recognition, and vast amounts of press coverage.
She’ll make no mention of the multiple GRAMMY®, Stellar, and Dove awards she’s garnered over the years, let alone the several gold-and platinum-certified albums she’s scored-not even those she nabbed with brother BeBe as part of the hit-making duo BeBe & CeCe Winans.
She won’t tell you she’s graced the covers of high-profile publications such as Essence, Jet, CCM, and Today’s Christian Woman, among countless others, or that she’s made her rounds in the talk-show circuit, making appearances on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Oprah, Live with Regis & Kathie Lee, and more. And radio hits? Forget about it.
When all is said and done, CeCe’s heart lies someplace else. Thy Kingdom Come (PureSprings Gospel), her eighth solo album, is a reflection of where her heart resides: in the very inner court of the heavenly realms, where Christ Himself is enthroned.
“When you’re in the throne room, your focus is just God,” CeCe says. “Nothing’s more powerful than that. When you do other music-positive music, gospel, inspirational, whatever you want to name it-you’re teaching lessons to other people, which is still very important. But nothing is more powerful than when you’re face to face with God.”
Purified, CeCe’s chart-topping 2005 release, saw the singer entertaining her pop sensibilities, proving once again that she excels at interpreting buoyant, life-affirming songs that a wider audience could embrace. But Thy Kingdom Come is different: it finds the gospel veteran going back to what she does best, namely, lavishing honor and glory upon the King of Kings, while rallying His people to live like royal priesthood.
Not one to pick favorites, she says she loves both ends of the spectrum. But something about singing for God and His church strikes a cord in her that not even the most uplifting, stirring pop tune can.
“Singing for God and his people, It’s more home for me,” she says. “I’m most comfortable because I don’t even have to think hard. It’s something I love and I’ve been doing it for a long time. It comes from the heart. It touches the heart. I get lost in His will. I guess I have more fun shouting from the mountaintop.”
And shout she does. For all intents and purposes, Thy Kingdom Come is one of the most empowering, moving collections of songs CeCe has recorded thus far. To make sure she reached the summit, she wrote or co-wrote 8 of the 14 songs on the project and she enlisted a who’s-who of producers to help her get there, including Tommy Sims, Luther “Mano” Hanes, Percy Bady, new comer Christopher Capehart and his production partner Brannon Tunie, Cedric & Victor Caldwell, and even her own son, Alvin Love III.
Together, they crafted one of the most compelling and complete works in CeCe’s career, combining into one the best-known elements of her beloved repertoire, including the splendor of Alone in His Presence, the worshipful spirit of Alabaster Box, the celebratory nature of her self-titled effort, and the praise-and-worship class of Throne Room.
From the driving, congregational vibe of the project’s second track “Forever”, written by CeCe, one can sense she is once again in her home turf, doing what she loves for an audience that knows what she’s all about. The song is a rousing anthem for the church-a Sunday-morning praise session like only a Winans can deliver.
From there, Thy Kingdom Come ebbs and flows through a variety of styles and movements, spanning energetic urban gospel, beautifully orchestrated balladry, and joyful corporate worship. No matter where she stands in the musical spectrum, CeCe simply owns the lyric, cognizant that she’s simply preparing the listener for deeper intimacy with the Divine God.
“It’s great to sing songs that help us or that encourage us to live right, or to talk right, or to love each other-and those are all powerful messages, things that God smiles upon,” CeCe says. “But when you just talk about the power of the living God and His awesomeness and His holiness, nothing is more powerful than that. It penetrates the heart more than anything.”
Early on in the disc, CeCe seems intent on ushering saints to that place. “He counted us worthy, so let’s be worthy,” she declares triumphantly in the motivational, urban reggae-pop “Worthy”. The song sets the stage for first radio single “Waging War”, a glorious anthem that, once again, reassures believers that the battle is already won-that the victory is ours to take, Christ is our banner and we must be willing to fight.
Through “The Coast Is Clear”, a song written by CeCe’s son Alvin Love III, CeCe invites worshippers to the presence of the Almighty Himself, bidding them to enter into sacred ground. In addition songs like “Oh Holy Place” and “You’re the One”, two heartfelt, beautifully arranged displays of symphonic grandeur, punctuated by live instrumentation and emotive piano, portray CeCe’s unmistakable gift for worship.
That place, CeCe says, is her favorite place to be.
“Being on the corner, preaching to the lost, which is what Jesus came here for in the first place, is important,” she says. “But when you just sit in the sanctuary, you’re just surrounded by His presence. You just rest in the sanctuary, you’re just surrounded by His presence. You just rest and you flow there”.
“At the end of the day, if I’m sitting in church, I’m really happy, I’m really at home. When you’re outside of that, it becomes more about the call. But when you’re inside, you don’t have to be mindful of other things. You’re just alone in His presence.”

CeCe Winans Discography and Facts

Albums as CeCe Winans

2010 Songs of Emotional Healing

2008 Thy Kingdom Come

2005 Purified
2003 Throne Room
2001 CeCe Winans (RIAA certified Gold)
1999 Alabaster Box (RIAA certified Gold)
1998 His Gift
1998 Everlasting Love (RIAA certified Gold)
1995 Alone In His Presence (RIAA certified Platinum)
Albums as BeBe & CeCe Winans
2009 Still
1994 Relationships (RIAA certified Gold)
1993 First Christmas
1991 Different Lifestyles (RIAA certified Platinum)
1988 Heaven (RIAA certified Gold)
1987 BeBe & CeCe Winans
1985 Lord Lift Us Up (RIAA certified Platinum)
1996 Count on Me (RIAA certified Platinum)
1996 Greatest Hits
Chart Listings
“Alone in His Presence”
“Everlasting Love” (#1 Gospel Charts)
“His Gift”
“Alabaster Box” (#1 Gospel Charts)
“CeCe Winans”
Awards
Grammy Awards:
2008 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, Thy Kingdom Come
2006 Best Gospel Performance & Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album
2001 Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album, CeCe Winans
1996 Best Pop Contemporary Gospel Album, Andrae Crouch (Various Artists)
1995 Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, ”Alone In His Presence”
1991 Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, “Different Lifestyles”
1989 Best Gospel Vocal Performance/Female, ”Don’t Cry”
1987 Best Soul Gospel Performance, “For Always”
Dove Awards:
2010 Urban Recorded Song of the Year, “Close To You” (BeBe & CeCe)
2004 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year, ” Hallelujah Praise”
2004 Traditional Gospel Album of the Year, ”CeCe Winans Presents: The Born Again
Choir”
2002 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song, “Anybody Wanna Pray?”
2002 Contemporary Gospel Album, CeCe Winans
2001 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song, “Alabaster Box”
1998 Special Event Album, God With Us: A Celebration of Christmas Carols (Various Artists)
1998 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song, ”Up Where We Belong”
1997 Special Event Album, Tribute: The Songs of Andrae Crouch (Various Artists)
1997 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song, ”Take Me Back”
1997 Female Vocalist of the Year
1996 Traditional Gospel Recorded Song, ”Great is Thy Faithfulness” (CeCe & Mom Winans)
1996 Female Vocalist of the Year
1995 Praise and Worship Album, Coram Deo II (Various Artists)
1992 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song, “Addictive Love” (BeBe and CeCe)
1992 Group of the Year, BeBe and CeCe Winans
1990 Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song, ”With My Whole Heart” (BeBe and CeCe)
1990 Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song, “Heaven” (BeBe and CeCe)
1990 Pop/Contemporary Album, Heaven
1990 Group of the Year, BeBe and CeCe Winans
1988 New Artist of the Year, BeBe and CeCe
Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
1999 Best Gospel Album, His Gift
Soul Train Awards
1992 Best Gospel Album, Different Lifestyles (BeBe and CeCe)
1990 Best Gospel Album, Heaven (BeBe and CeCe)
Stellar Awards
2009 Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, “Thy Kingdom Come”
2007 Chevrolet Most Notable Achievement Award
Trumpet Awards
2007 Trumpet Honoree – Lifetime Achievement Award
TV Appearances and Performances
The Today Show
Good Morning America
CBS/ The Early Show
CNN, “Showbiz Today”
BET
Good Day New York
Oprah
Oxygen Network
Lifetime Live
Bloomberg Television
The Jenny Jones Show
Regis and Kathie Lee
Rosie O’Donnell
BET Live from L.A.
Black Biography/Journeys in Black
Motown Live
On Main Street
The 700 Club Primetime/Fox Family
Soul Train
Turning Point (Family Channel)
Vibe
Entertainment Tonight (with Patti Labelle)
Rolonda
PBS “In Performance at the White House”
Live at the Lambs Theater
Inaugural Prayer Service
“Memorial Day Concert” – PBS
A Kathie Lee Christmas Special
Amy Grant Christmas Special
“Christmas in Washington” – NBC
Live performance of “National Anthem” at Atlanta
Braves Game- TBS
Essence Awards- FOX
VH1 Honors, with Whitney Houston
Grammy Awards
Jerry Lewis Telethon
Showtime At the Apollo
The Other Half with Dick Clark
Disney Teacher’s Awards
Host of GMA’s Dove Awards – 1996 & 2003
TV Acting Roles
7th Heaven
DOC
Living Single
Martin
All My Children
Magazine Covers
Essence
Jet
Women’s World
Black Enterprise
Aspire
Los Angeles Times Magazine
BET Weekend
CCM Magazine
Charisma
Today’s Christian Woman
Planet
Tour Highlights
Broadway’s “Born To Sing” with Shirley Caesar
80-city tour with Kirk Franklin
1.5 million at World Youth Day in Rome-shared stage with Pope
25-city Winans Family Tour
Spokesperson/Advertising/Appearances
Crest
BellSouth
Kmart

Melvin Baldwin Justin Bieber - United States

 

 

 

Overview

There is definitely something to be said about “honoring the song”. This is exactly what Melvin “Melly” Baldwin does. Melly is and has always been adamant about learning an artist’s music first and then adding the live feel to it without stepping over the lines. He is truly an artist’s drummer.

 

Melly began studying the snare drum at the age of nine in his hometown of Waukegan, IL. A few years later he began playing set after relocating to Alabama with his family. Later, Melly obtained a full music scholarship to the University of North Alabama (U.N.A) where he obtained dual degrees in Management and Marketing. While at U.N.A., Melly participated in the marching band, concert band, percussion ensemble and most importantly jazz ensemble. This is when he became serious about set playing. Since graduating from U.N.A., Melly has worked nonstop to become the rocksolid time keeper that he is today.

 

Now making his home in the metro Atlanta area, Melly is currently touring with pop sensation Justin Bieber: but his resume doesn’t stop there. He has toured extensively with the following artists: New Edition, Bell Biv DeVoe, Johnny Gill, Bobby Brown, Heads of State, the S.O.S. Band, EnVogue, Dionne Farris, Keith Sweat, The Indigo Girls, as well as the rock band Three5human. 

 

Melly’s resume also includes appearances on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, as well as The Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Mo’Nique shows. He has appeared in several music videos and can be heard on a host of recording and music soundtracks.

 

 

Network Shows

• The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Justin Bieber
• The View Justin Bieber
• The X Factor – UK Justin Bieber
• The X Factor – US Justin Bieber
• The X Factor – Europe Justin Bieber
• This Is Justin Bieber Justin Bieber
• Dancing With The Stars Justin Bieber
• Essence Music Festival New Edition

Movies

• Justin Bieber - Never Say Never Paramount Pictures
• Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion Tyler Perry Studios
• Trois

Music Videos

• “I Know” Dionne Farris
• “Passion” Dionne Farris
• “New Edition Live in Columbia, SC” New Edition
• “My World Tour 3D Movie” Justin Bieber

Touring/Live Performances

• 112
• After 7
• Alexander O’Neal
• Bell Biv DeVoe (BBD)
• Bobby Brown
• Boys II Men
• Brian McKnight
• Charlie Wilson
• Cherrelle
• David Ryan Harris
• Dionne Farris
• Eric Benet
• EnVogue
• Eric Essix
• Fred Hammond
• Fantasia
• Gerald Albright
• Heads Of State
• The Indigo Girls
• Ike Stubblefield
• Jaden Smith
• Jeff Kashiwa
• Joey Summerfield
• Johnny Gill
• Justin Bieber
• Keith Sweat
• Kirk Whalum
• Lalah Hathaway
• Lil' G
• Ludacris
• Mary J. Blige
• Maysa Leak
• Melanie Fiona
• Meli'sa Morgan
• Michael Lington
• Mylie Cyrus
• New Edition
• Peabo Bryson
• Ralph Tresvant
• Ronnie Laws
• Roy Wyers
• Three5Human (Stereo Popsicle)
• SS.O.S Band
• Tamia
• Tinie Tempah
• Toni Braxton
• Usher
• Van Hunt
• Will Downing
• Stevie Wonder
• Alex Bugnon
• Tom Browne
• Carley Rae Jepsen
• Chaka Khan
• Edwin Hawkins
• Jennifer Holliday
• Melba Moore

Links

Melvin Baldwin.com

DAVE WECKL BIOGRAPHY

 

Dave Weckl is one of fusion's most acclaimed drummers, making his name during a six-year-stint with Chick Corea. Weckl was born in St. Louis and grew up listening to soul and jazz; he received his first drum set at age eight and developed his playing by listening to drummers like Buddy Rich, as well as R&B grooves. He majored in jazz at the University of Bridgeport, but left after two years to become involved in the New York jazz scene, also touring Europe with various bands. Weckl joined a fusion group called Nitesprite, where he attracted the attention of drummer Peter Erskine; Erskine helped him get a gig with French Toast, a band also featuring pianist Michel Camilo and bassist Anthony Jackson.

From French Toast, Weckl branched out into session work, playing on numerous early-'80s sessions with the likes of Bill Connors (Return to Forever), the Brecker Brothers, Tânia Maria, Paquito D'Rivera, Eliane Elias, and George Benson, as well as pop and soul albums for Diana Ross, Madonna, and Robert Plant. In 1986, Chick Corea saw Weckl performing in New York with guitarist Connors and invited the drummer to join his new Elektric Band. Weckl spent a total of seven years with Corea, performing on numerous albums and also appearing with Corea's Akoustic Band; his skills received considerable esteem, and he augmented his work with Corea by continuing his session work and appearing often with the GRP All-Star Big Band. Weckl also released a series of instructional videos, and in 1990 he led his first solo date, with Master Plan for GRP. Heads Up followed in 1992, as well as Hard-Wired in 1994.

Upon leaving Corea, Weckl's primary focus was recording and touring with guitarist Mike Stern; he also continued his work as a sideman. In 1998, Weckl led the R&B-oriented date Rhythm of the Soul, a return to his other boyhood musical love, and the like-minded Synergy followed in 1999. The Dave Weckl Band had really gelled by the time of Transition's 2000 release, but Weckl didn't leave teaching behind, either, and released another instructional recording, The Zone, in 2001. After working extensively with a quartet for the last few years, he debuted their efforts with 2002's improv-heavy Perpetual Motion. Multiplicity followed three years later.

4th Annual Six String Competition: Judges Announced

Yamaha announced an all-star judging panel for Lee Ritenour's fourth Sixth String Competition yesterday.
“We have assembled an incredible array of judges who are some of the best musicians on the planet,” said Ritenour. “When busy people with this level of talent devote their time to this endeavor, the musician community affirms its commitment to cultivating the next generation of great players.”
Guitar judges include (*denotes Yamaha Artist): *Don Alder, Joe Bonamassa, Vince Gill, Guthrie Govan, Sonny Landreth, *Steve Lukather, Pat Martino, Brent Mason, Andy McKee, Keb’ Mo’, *Lee Ritenour, John Scofield, Joe Satriani.
Rhythm judges, including keyboards, include (*denotes Yamaha Artist): Victor Bailey, *Ndugu Chancler, *Nathan East, *Sonny Emory, Dave Grusin, Daniel Jobim, Tom Kennedy, *Abraham Laboriel, Harvey Mason, *Patrice Rushen, *John Patitucci, Simon Phillips, *Oscar Seaton, *Dave Weckl.
The competition, open to guitarists, bass players, keyboardists, and drummers, asks applicants to submit two YouTube videos of themselves performing on their instrument to find the next great players of our generation.
Four grand-prize winners (one in each instrument category) will win an opportunity to perform at the 2014 Montreux Jazz Festival. In addition to being invited to record on Ritenour’s forthcoming 2014 Concord album, the Six String Theory guitar Grand Prize winner will appear with Ritenour and other guitar legends at the “Legends of Guitar” concert at Montreux, to be filmed in HD. Additional prizes include: four full scholarships to the Berklee College of Music; Yamaha instruments and endorsements; Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop scholarships; and more.
Registration is open through May 15, 2014. To submit an entry, visit www.sixstringtheory.com.

NUMBER ONE FEMALE DRUMMER IN NIGERIA

Temitope Odebiyi is the Number 1 female drummer in Nigeria, a solo performer and drum coach.
A graduate of History &Diplomatic Studies from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Masters in History &Strategic Studies from University of Lagos, Diploma in Music from MUSON School of Music &also studied percussion at d PeterKings College of Music.
Having performed for about 5years, she has carved a niche and she is popularly known as “Topsticks”. Her dexterity has awarded her platforms in major concerts /live programmes like Tejubabyface show, StarQuest Reality TV Show, Efizee Nite, MUSON festival, Drummer’s Festival &some International Music Seminar. She has also featured with several renowned artists like Victor Olaiya, Victor Uwaifo, Wole Oni, Bouqui, Wierd MC, MUSON Orchestra /Band, Mega Praise Crew, among others.
She is strongly influenced by good music &sound. Her role models includes: SheilaE, Cindy Blackman, Dave Weckle, Aaron Spears, Calvin Rodgers, Steve Smith &musicians around her.
Topsticks is the President of Wonderdrums (Music Clinic), the coordinator of Mega Praise Concert and the Director of Topsticks Band.
The band comprises Chinazor Anozie on the keyboard, Blessing Chibueze on the bass guitar, Titilola Simisola ( talking drum), Helen Ibe on th Lead Guitar, Tobi on the saxophone and Tope Odebiyi, the band leader, handles the drums.

The Richest Drummers in the World

The 30 Richest Drummers in the World

By Tom Breihan

Ringo Starr (©Retna Ltd.)

Q: What do you call someone who hangs out with musicians? A: A drummer!
If you've spent enough time hanging out with people in bands, you've heard a million jokes like this. But as it turns out, banging on things is potentially way more lucrative than anyone could've realized. Celebrity Net Worth recently published a list of the 30 richest drummers in the world. And maybe it's not surprising that Ringo Starr could buy and sell all of us several times over, or that many of the richest drummers are people who figured out ways to stop being drummers (Dave Grohl, Phil Collins). But how in the hell is Aerosmith's Joey Kramer
worth $100 million? Check out the full head-spinning list below. 1. Ringo Starr (The Beatles, $300 million)
2. Phil Collins (Solo/Genesis, $250 million)
3. Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters, $225 million)
4. Don Henley (The Eagles, $200 million)
5. Lars Ulrich (Metallica, $175 million)
6. Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones, $160 million)
7. Larry Mullen Jr. (U2, $150 million)
8. Roger Taylor (Queen, $105 million)
9. Joey Kramer (Aerosmith, $100 million)
10. Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers, $90 million)
11. Travis Barker (blink-182, $85 million)
12. Stewart Copeland (The Police, $80 million)
13. Alex Van Halen (Van Halen, $75 million)
14. Nick Mason (Pink Floyd, $75 million)
15. Tommy Lee (Motley Crue, $70 million)
16. Bill Ward (Black Sabbath, $65 million)
17. Jon Fishman (Phish, $60 million)
18. Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band, $55 million)
19. Rick Allen (Def Leppard, $50 million)
20. Tre Cool (Green Day, $45 million)
21. Danny Carey (Tool, $40 million)
22. Tico Torres (Bon Jovi, $40 million)
23. Max Weinberg (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band/"Conan O'Brien," $35 million)
24. Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead, $30 million)
25. Bill Kreutzmann (The Grateful Dead, $25 million)
26. Neil Peart (Rush, $22 million)
27. Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters, $20 million)
28. ?uestlove (The Roots, $16 million)
29. Steven Adler (Guns N' Roses, $15 million)
30. Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac, $8.5 million)
Let's just take a minute for the fact that Steven Adler played on one and a half Guns N' Roses albums, that he's been generally unfamous and making the "Celebrity Rehab" rounds for the past two decades, and that he's still

The Nigerian Talking Drum

The Nigerian Talking Drum is closely tied to the Yoruba language of South Western Nigeria.

The Yoruba language is a tonal language that speaks in proverbs where a word alone will not suffice.

The Talking Drum speaks in tones that are adjusted with leather cords that run the length of the drums body.

As it is played it's tones have the ability to mimic the spoken word, hence it is actually a Talking Drum.

Several other cultures play beautiful instruments visually resembling the Talking Drum yet the range of tones is not achieved.

A master of the Nigerian Talking Drum conveys a litany through the power of it's "spoken word."


The Talking drums have an important presence in all aspects of African life,especially the Yorubas.

The drums are used at birth, in ancestor worship, rites of passage, healing, storytelling, warrior rites and initiation, at the time of death, and as an an important means of communication over long distances

Dabi,an internationally recognised  percussionist ,singer,dancer,a true Griot ,born in Nigeria, West Africa,comes from a family of Master Drummers of the Yoruba tribe The Aare Ilu Household of Iseyin ,a town in Oyo State ,Nigeria .

From an early age dancing and drumming formed an intrinsic part of his life. He was raised in the Yoruba tribal culture, one that works, worships, lives and breathes to the beat of the drum, which has been primarily used to transmit traditional knowledge.

At home in Nigeria,he is known for his expertise in every genre from gangan to bata,akuba.gudugudu, Ogido,ashiko,bembe,kongaa sakara, agidigbo.

Between 1990 to 2002 Dabi has toured internationally performing in dozens of high-profile festivals and independent tours of USA,Germany,Italy,Spain,France, Canada,India,Austria Scadinavian,Japan, South Korea ,Poland,Jamaica,Holland and United Kingdom.
Apart from being steeped in Yoruba tradition as a ritual drummer, a flexible and experimental virtuoso of international calibre

":Debo Dabi Kanyinsola, a rare talent of his kind, an all -round master drummer and who is accomplished in an array of Yoruba traditions and drumming styles.  He has emerged over a decade as the most revered gangan drummer in Nigeria and perhaps the most famous gangan drummer in the world."-- Africa Today"
.............................................................................................................................................

"My father (May God rest his soul) was a legendary drummer,and my grandfather too. All my ancestors,ever since we can remember . dedicated to this noble work."


Scholars have deduced that while melody and harmony are
preeminent in traditional European music (and the West
generally speaking) in African music (more so in West
Africa) rhythm is king.

The drum is the greatest purveyor
of rhythm. And rhythm is arguably the most definitive of
musical style in popular contemporary music. Although we
use the drums in our music, mostly to create grooves and
stimulate dance, in traditional Yoruba music the drum
plays more diverse roles. They do much more than stimulate
dance, especially in the sacred worship of Yoruba deities.

In my band, we use the four major families of Yoruba
drums. Each family consists of drums of different sizes
playing generally slave/master, support/lead roles. In
each instance, the mother drum (iya ilu) plays the lead
role. The four families are Dundun/Gangan, Bata, Sakara,
Ogido/Gbedu. Traditionally, each family has a complete
ensemble. Oftentimes we use different drums from different
families together, and other times, we play the drums as
complete ensembles as they are used traditionally.

Although the Yorubas utilise the flute, agidigbo and goje
just as there are lots of melodic and harmonic instruments
in other African cultures- kora, marimba, mbira, oja (ibo
flute), kalimba, etc. their music is predominantly driven
by drums and other percussion instruments. Drums, drums
and more drums.




Dundun ensemble

This is the hour glass drum commonly referred to as the talking drum. Actually, most Yoruba drums mimic speech (talk)

The iya ilu leads the whole ensemble. It leads the talk, dictates the pace, determines the song etc.
The Omele genus comprises

(i) Isaju (fixed high pitched dundun) Its pitch is fixed to a high tone by tying the tension strings.
(ii) Atele (fixed low pitched dundun) By tying its tension strings, its pitch is fixed to a lower tone than the isaju.

Each of these two drums plays a different rhythm. Their combined groove is the foundation on which the bigger mum drums build their own rhythms. The isaju literarily means 鍍he one that leads in front・while atele means 鍍he one that follows the lead・

This basic 斗eader & follower・principle is common to the other Yoruba drum ensembles used in my music. The drums may bear different names but the same roles hold for each of these families. Although some omele lead while others follow, they are still all subject to the overall leadership of the iya ilu (the mother drums)

The dundun family usually includes one gudugudu which is shaped like a bowl. It is beaten with two leather beaters while all the other drums are played with one bent wooden stick while the other hand is used directly on the drum.

The Dundun Family

IYA-ILU ................................................................................................................Atele

Omele.........Isaju.........................................................Gudugudu

A more portable version of the dundun is more popularly used in urban social music. This is called the gangan. It also has a complete family of iya ilu and omele just like the dundun family. It is common to mix drums from these two size categories. The dundun has a bigger and deeper sound than the gangan.

This basic nuclear family is usually extended by multiplying the drums and players. So an extended dundun family could include 1 gudugudu, 6 isaju, 6 atele, and 6 iya ilu. There are often many more in a large ensemble.

Robert Zildjian Passes Away At 89

Robert "Bob" Zildjian, founder of the Sabian Cymbal Company and a prominent figure in the global percussion industry for six decades, died on March 27 at his home in Brunswick, Maine after a brief battle with cancer. He was 89 years old.
Endowed with a sharp intellect and a cutting wit, he applied his boundless energy to expanding the percussion industry in the years following World War II, first at The Zildjian Company, founded by ancestors in Turkey, and later at Sabian Cymbals. He often remarked, "The business is the family, and the family is the business," and the lines between his personal and commercial life were blurred. Leading percussionists and business associates were close personal friends, his children were involved in the cymbal business, and thinking about the business occupied most of his waking hours.
During Bob's 60-year career, the industry got bigger, the scope and quality of products improved, and better operating methods led to dramatic efficiency gains. However, amidst all these tangible advances, the unbridled enthusiasm and optimism that Bob and his cohorts brought to the business has been dimmed. It will be missed.

SilverFox Ridiculous Stick Tricks Contest

Sakae Rhythm Cuts Ties With Yamaha

You may not be familiar with the name "Sakae," but this Japanese drum company has been the mastermind behind all Yamaha high-end drums for 40 years. After developing percussion instruments for the Japanese school market, Sakae's success caught the attention of Yamaha, who asked company to join forces with them in the late 1960s.
Now, almost half a century later, Sakae has decided to branch off on its own, as third generation heir, Eizo Nakata steps up to the plate to take his father's place. "In these difficult and uncertain economic times I realize the decision to independently build the Sakae brand is one most would see as risk," Eizo explains. "However; Sakae is not just another drum company. My family and I are committed to the traditions of making instruments of the utmost quality and excellence. Corporatism and the desire to become the biggest drum company in the world are not our priorities. What is our priority is making musical instruments that my father, grandfather and the legendary artists I have grown up with, would all be proud of. Bringing honor to their names, hard work and music is the driving force behind each and every morning I wake."

SilverFox Ridiculous Stick Tricks Contest

Are you ready for Silverfox Percussion's Ridiculous Stick Tricks contest? Whether you’re playing a custom kit at Madison Square Garden or a gourd on the streets of Ghana, Silverfox wants everybody who's anybody to show what they've got in the stick trick department. With a grandprize of $650 worth of drumming merch, all contestants need to do is submit a video of themselves doing the most ridiculous tricks they can conjure up to wow the judges. The contest opens today and ends on April 30th. Visit the contest page for more details here!

2012 V-Drums World Championship: U.S. National Finals

2012 V-Drums World Championship: U.S. National Finals

Texan Patrick Kennedy is Named U.S. Champion

By Drew Armentrout

On a gorgeous Halloween night in Texas, Hall 5 in the Austin Convention Center was transformed into a showcase for exciting drumming and edge-of-your-seat competition. Held on the eve of the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), the U.S. finals for the 2012 V-Drums® World Championship exposed stellar drumming talent and the power and versatility of Roland drums and percussion to an audience of players, educators, students, and general drumming enthusiasts.
Co-sponsored by DRUM! magazine, Drum Workshop, Remo, and Vic Firth, the national finals was the culmination of over four months of exciting drumming competitions in the U.S. The annual V-Drums World Championship gives drummers around the globe a unique opportunity to explore the flexibility and creative options of electronic percussion by competing for Roland percussion products and other prizes.
Beginning with an 11-week online selection process that began in June, nearly 300 drummers submitted video performances that were carefully judged by Roland U.S. staff members. Of the hundreds of submissions, 48 contestants were selected to compete in eight semifinal events in front of live audiences nationwide. These events were held on two consecutive weekends in September, where judges chose the final eight drummers for the national finals.
In Austin on October 31, each of the talented finalists played an original drum performance using the TD-30KV V-Pro® Series V-Drums, OCTAPAD® SPD-30 Percussion Pad, and SPD-SX Sampling Pad. The big winner of the evening was Patrick Kennedy from the Austin suburb of Manor, Texas, who performed a well-constructed solo that combined electronica, real-time loops, and a solid display of groove and fills. Previously a runner-up in the 2011 semifinals, Patrick took it all the way this year, winning a TD-30KV V-Drums set with a set of REMO custom shell wraps, a complete set of DW hardware, dozens of Pat Kennedy signature sticks from Vic Firth, and a year’s subscription to DRUM! magazine. He’ll also represent the United States at the V-Drums World Championship 2, which will be held in April 2013 during the Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany.
“It was an honor to participate in the V-Drums national competition,” Patrick reflected on the experience afterwards. “I had an amazing time getting to hang out and talk with Thomas Lang and Johnny Rabb, as well as all of the other contestants. Also, performing for such a tremendous panel of judges in front of a hometown crowd was completely exhilarating. It's exciting to be blessed with the opportunity to bring the title of Roland V-Drums World Champion home to the United States of America!” Patrick was very gracious to acknowledge the support of teachers and professors from his high school and university years, and saluted the local school district for their support and emphasis on music education.
Runner-up was Phillip “P.J.” Hill of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who performed with an exciting blend of technique and hip musical style. The other talented competitors included Brandon Currie from Marietta, Georgia; DeCarlos Davis from Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Jeffrey Fajardo from Brooklyn, New York; Tony “T.J.” Fisher from Long Beach, California; Casey Glass from Loveland, Colorado; and Reed Hayes from Deltona, Florida.
Right before the finals, Jeffrey Fajardo’s flight from Brooklyn was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. Undaunted, he rose to the challenge and drove all the way from his home to Austin for the competition, a journey of nearly 2,000 miles! Though he didn’t win, his dedication truly reflects the passion that the annual V-Drums World Championship inspires in its participants.
The contestants performed in front of a lively onsite audience of over 250, while a large, worldwide audience of web viewers watched the live event stream as it was broadcast on the Roland U.S. website.
Johnny Rabb opened the show with his unique drumming style, fascinating the crowd with his finesse, technique, and creative use of V-Drums technology. After the eight contestants played, Thomas Lang performed an extended solo on an expanded double-bass and multi-pedal TD-30KV V-Pro Set, leaving the audience awestruck with his incredible foot technique, energy, and powerful style.
The three celebrity judges included veteran drummer and renowned author Mike Dolbear; 2010 V-Drums U.S. National Finals runner-up Robin Lopez; and the incomparable drummer and educator Johnny Rabb.
“Having the contest at this year’s PASIC event was awesome,” said Roland Percussion Product Manager Tim Root, who once again served as the evening’s emcee. “We were able to introduce Roland V-Drums to a whole new group of drummers and percussionists. We were very pleased at the turnout and our partnership with the Percussive Arts Society. By streaming the contest live, we were able to reach a global audience. Now, it’s on to the V-Drums World Championship 2 finals in Europe—go USA!”

For photos, videos, and further information on the Roland V-Drums World Championship, please visit www.RolandUS.com/VDrumsContest.

BISHOP McCLENDON BIOGRAPY

Bishop Clarence E. McClendon was born and raised in Decatur, Illinois and began preaching at age fifteen. He assumed his first pastorate position at age nineteen and today, serves as the Senior Pastor of Full Harvest International Church, a growing global, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual congregation located in the South Bay area of California. Responding to the call to take “the whole gospel to the whole world for mankind’s whole deliverance”, Bishop McClendon hosts conferences and crusades throughout the world. Regionally the Clarence E. McClendon South Bay Miracle, Prayer and Healing Crusades draw believers and non-believers alike, to share in the apostolic, prophetic, and healing ministry of Bishop McClendon.

     As the founder and president of the umbrella corporation, Clarence E. McClendon Ministries (CEMM), which sponsors the weekly international television broadcast A Miracle for You, Bishop McClendon is able to fulfill the prophetic mandate to share the word of God with people around the world. Currently more than 250 million homes have access to CEMM broadcasts throughout North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As part of CEMM, the Full Harvest Network of Churches, Ministries and Entrepreneurs offer men and women of God the opportunity to connect with Bishop McClendon’s apostolic call by formally recognizing him as their spiritual father in the ministry and in kingdom enterprise.

     Through CEMM, Bishop McClendon is also the founder and president of Siloam Bible College and the Clarence E. McClendon Leadership Institute, dedicated to empowering the leaders of today with a vision for tomorrow. In addition, under the umbrella of CEMM, PrayerForce serves as a coalition of 21,000 people who have committed themselves to pray for national protection and the manifestation of God’s will by raising a spiritual hedge of protection over our families and our cities.

     Bishop McClendon was consecrated to the bishopric in 1997. He currently serves as the Third Presiding Bishop of Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International, where he is responsible for overseeing Regional Bishops throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In addition, he has served and accepted seats with several interdenominational and ecclesiastical organizations, where he has built a reputation as a force for reconciliation and harmony across ethnic, denominational, generational, and geographical lines.

     A highly regarded musician and songwriter, Bishop McClendon has written numerous gospel songs and released Shout Hallelujah, a compilation of praise and worship songs. He is also a noted author whose work includes faith-based teachings such as The X-Blessing, And When You Pray, Firstfruits and Beyond Personal Power.

     In addition to his activities with CEMM, Bishop McClendon served as a member of the Do Something Foundation, a think-tank of America’s top young leaders, and formerly as a Regent for California Faith Based Initiatives. As a voice of authority regarding some of society’s most pressing issues, Bishop McClendon has appeared on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, Nightline on ABC, Black Entertainment Television and on G’s to Gents on MTV

Mary Mary Biograph

Mary Mary

Mary Mary
Mary Mary performing at the White House in 2005
Background information
Also known as	The Campbell Sisters
Origin	Inglewood, California, United States
Genres	Contemporary gospel, R&B
Occupations	Singers, songwriters
Instruments	Voice
Years active	1998–present
Labels	C2, Columbia
Associated acts	Warryn Campbell
Website	mary-mary.com
Members
Erica Atkins-Campbell Trecina "Tina" Atkins-Campbell

Mary Mary is an American contemporary gospel duo, consisting of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell (born April 29, 1972)^[1] and Trecina "Tina" Atkins-Campbell (born May 2, 1974).^[1] The duo are often credited along with Kirk Franklin for broadening the fan base of urban contemporary gospel in the 2000s by introducing elements of soul music, hip hop, funk and jazz. Mary Mary broke onto the music scene with their popular song "Shackles (Praise You)"—which is considered one of the pioneering songs of urban contemporary gospel music. The group's name, as stated in an interview is inspired by the two famous Mary's from the Bible; Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and Mary Magdalene. ^[2]
Their debut album Thankful (2000) was certified Platinum. In addition, the duo has released three Gold albums: Incredible (2002), Mary Mary (2005), and The Sound (2008) which have all charted No. 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums. They have also received three Grammys, among other awards. In 2011, they released their fifth studio album Something Big with the hit single "Walking".
In March 2012, they began their own television series, Mary Mary, on WeTV, which has been such a success that they are in the process of making a second season, which is due to begin in December 2012. Their most recently released album is their first compilation album, Go Get It (2012), with the hit single of the same name.

Early years

The sisters were born Erica Monique Atkins and Trecina Evette Atkins in California. The Atkins sisters grew up as part of a large family of nine children in Inglewood, California. Their parents are mother, Thomasina, an evangelist and choir director at the Evangelistic Church of God in Christ, and father, Eddie, a youth minister. Their parents were married and divorced three times and are currently separated^{[citation needed]}.
Due to their proximity in age, the two sisters grew up closer to one another than to any of their seven siblings.^[1] The Atkins children are: Darrel (born 1965; the only living boy – as the second boy had died as a child); Maliea (born 1967); Erica and Tina (born 1972 & 1974); Delisa (who was originally a third member); Thomasina (known as Goo Goo who is also their stylist) (born 1979); Alana (born 1985) and Shanta (born 1986). Thomasina and Alana sometimes sing back up for their big sisters.^[1]
The sisters quickly entered the world of church choirs, traveling gospel shows, and some television productions. All eight Atkins children were on the Bobby Jones Gospel show on BET.
The sisters had their sights set on making music a career and enrolled at El Camino College to study voice. There they ran up against the divide between academic music studies and the popular musical world. "We had to study classical and sing arias, which was fine," Erica told the Times, "but the teachers would tell us if we sang anything else it would damage our instrument".
The sisters toured with the 1995 Michael Matthews traveling gospel show Mama I'm Sorry and Sneaky. Each sister subsequently toured as a backup singer for a variety of R&B acts, including Brandy.

Music career

A meeting with producer Warryn Campbell led to their song publishing deal with the giant EMI music conglomerate and a series of songs that landed on movie soundtracks. They wrote "Dance" and performed it with Robin S. for the soundtrack to the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle; they performed "Let Go, Let God" for The Prince of Egypt. Several of their songs were recorded by 702. The sisters' profile in the gospel industry was raised when their songs "Time To Change" and "Yeah" were recorded by Yolanda Adams on Mountain High... Valley Low. At the same time, Mary Mary as a musical entity took shape. They have won multiple awards, including three Grammys. On December 23, 2010, Mary Mary along with Bebe & Cece Winans featuring the West Angeles Church of God in Christ Choir performed on The Tonight Show.^[3]

Thankful (2000)

Main article: Thankful

The duo was subsequently signed to Columbia Records/C2 Records and decided to perform under the name Mary Mary, honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. They were first gospel act to record for the industry giant Columbia Records since Tramaine Hawkins in the mid-1990s. Their first single, "Shackles (Praise You)" became a crossover hit, being popular with gospel, R&B, and pop audiences. It was a Top 5 R&B and Top 10 pop hit, and peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became the first gospel song in five years to crack the R&B top ten and gained wide exposure on the MTV video cable channel. The album was a huge success because it offered a younger, hipper version of gospel that audiences could relate to. Their debut album, Thankful was released in May 2000. It peaked at No. 1 on the Gospel album chart and at No. 59 of the overall Top 200 chart, and was certified Platinum for shipments of one million copies in the USA. It went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. The second single "I Sings" features rapper BB Jay. Both singles were also hits in the UK and Europe, and to this day remain popular with Christian youths in the US, Latin America, and Europe. Their only Top 10 UK hit to date is "Shackles (Praise You)", which reached No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart in June 2000. The follow-up "I Sings" peaked at UK No. 32.^[4]

Incredible (2002)

Main article: Incredible

With their second album Incredible, the duo was able to maintain their success. Soon after its July 2002 release it was No. 1 on the Gospel chart and was able to enter the Top 20 of the Top 200 album chart. Incredible was later on certified Gold for 500,000 copies sold in the United States. The album's singles were In The Morning and I Try. While this album charted higher than their debut, sales were lower. The duo attributed the lower sales to less aggressive promotion due to label switchovers and the advent of music piracy.

Mary Mary and A Mary Mary Christmas (2005–06)

Main article: Mary Mary

After taking time off to have children, Mary Mary released their self-titled third album, Mary Mary, in July 2005. It became the duo's first album to enter the Top 10 on Billboard and was later on certified Gold for sales of 500,000 copies. The first single "Heaven" contained a sample from seventies soul trio the Honey Cone's "Want Ads". Heaven made history and broke chart records as it had an unprecedented nine week run as the No. 1 record on Billboard's Gospel Radio chart. The second single, "The Real Party (Trevon's Birthday)" debuted at No. 43 on the Gospel Radio Chart. The third single, "Yesterday", also became a hit, especially on the Adult R&B charts where it peaked at No. 10. On the R&B/Hip Hop chart, the song became their second biggest hit since "Shackles" in 2000, reaching the No. 50. The album's final single, "Believer" indicated testimonies of being a Christian. The song hit No. 33 on the Gospel Radio chart.
On October 10, 2006, the duo released their fourth studio album, a Christmas project entitled A Mary Mary Christmas.

The Sound (2008)

On October 21, 2008, the recording group released their fifth studio album, The Sound.^[5][6] The lead single "Get Up" was released digitally via iTunes on July 15, 2008. The Sound saw Mary Mary achieve even greater success in the mainstream market; the album sold over 37,000 copies in its first week, and was their best charting album to date, debuting No. 7 on the Billboard 200, No. 2 on the US R&B chart, and topping the gospel and CCM charts. The album held the No. 1 position on the Billboard Gospel Album chart for over six months since its release.^[7] Warryn Campbell again returned to produce the album and saw collaborations with Kierra Sheard, David Banner, Marvin Winans, Daryl Coley, Andrae Crouch, Rance Allen, Dorinda Clark Cole, Joe Ligon, Walter Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, and Karen Clark Sheard. In Spring 2009 "God In Me" began achieving crossover success (as Shackles had nine years earlier), reaching No. 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and No. 1 on the Hot Dance Club Play.
The duo (along with Warryn Campbell) was nominated as songwriters at the 52nd Grammy Awards in the Best Gospel Song category for "God in Me" while the Israel Houghton song they were featured on "Every Prayer" was also nominated. They went on to win the award. After the awards, they were invited to participate in the remake of We Are The World to benefit Haiti after the earthquake. The album also won Mary Mary four Stellar Awards on January 16, 2010.

Something Big (2011)

In 2009, Mary Mary commenced recording their sixth studio album. Originally titled OMG, the project was renamed Something Big after R&B singer Usher had a hit single, "OMG" in 2010. The album was released on March 29, 2011. The duo released the lead single, "Walking," in the fall of 2010. A video was shot in January 2011 in Santa Ana, CA.^[8] Mary Mary debuted the title track "Something Big" on the BET Celebration of Gospel 2011, while "Something Bigger" served as a B-side to "Walking". The second single from the album was "Survive." The video debuted on July 27, 2011.

Go Get It (2012)

On February 13, 2012, Mary Mary debuted their new single, "Go Get It", from the greatest hits compliation album of the same name, at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, California. A music video was also made for the single and released on April 20, 2012. The performance was shown in the season finale of their reality TV series, Mary Mary (on WEtv), which began airing March 29, 2012. The album was officially released on May 8, 2012. It features one other new track, "Sunday Morning", along with eleven remixed and remastered hits from their previous albums.
In efforts to promoting "Go Get It," Mary Mary has announced a "Go Get It Tour." The tour is in 10 different cities across the U.S, beginning in Jacksonville, FL on October 25 and running through November 17 in Hampton, VA. Support acts include: Isaac Carree, VaShawn Mitchell, Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, Sunday’s Best Finalist Jessica Reedy and Anita Wilson.
On December 5, 2012, it was revealed that they scored a double Grammy nomination under the categories of Best Gospel/Contemporary Music Performance and Best Gospel Song, for "Go Get It".

Discography

Main article: Mary Mary discography

• 2000: Thankful
• 2002: Incredible
• 2005: Mary Mary
• 2006: A Mary Mary Christmas
• 2008: The Sound
• 2011: Something Big

Music videos

See Mary Mary videography

Awards

 List of awards and nominations received by Mary Mary

Personal life

Both sisters are married to men that happen to have the same last name, which is Campbell.^[9]
In 2000, Tina married Teddy Campbell, who is the drummer for The Tonight Show Band. He has a daughter, Cierra, from a previous relationship. Together they have four children. Their daughter Laiah Simone Campbell was born on Tuesday, September 9, 2003.^[10] Second daughter Meela Jane Campbell was born on June 11, 2007.^[11][12] On October 20, 2009 their son Glendon Theodore II, Tj, was born.^[13][14] Tina gave birth to a son, Santana Campbell, on August 4, 2012.^[15]
Erica married their record producer Warryn Campbell on May 26, 2001. Their wedding was documented on the TLC show, A Wedding Story. On September 13, 2004, Erica gave birth to their first child, Krista Nicole Campbell. On April 24, 2010, she gave birth to the couple's second child, Warryn Campbell III.^[16] On Tuesday July 19, 2011 Erica announced on Good Morning America that she was pregnant with the couple's third child, due February 12.^[17] She gave birth to a girl named Zaya Monique Campbell on January 24, 2012.^[18]

Literature

In November 2003, the sisters released their biography Transparent.^[19]
In April 2010, the sisters released the book, Be U via Simon & Schuster.^[20]

Controversy and criticism

Although the Campbell sisters have been in the urban Gospel industry for years, they have been criticized for their "worldly" sound, most notably in the song "God in Me", and allegations that the song promotes "prosperity gospel". ^[21] The controversy grew when they worked with T-Pain for "God in Me"^{[citation needed]}. Since then, the sister duo has said in interviews that they would like to work with more secular artists.

Marvin Sapp Biography

Pastor Marvin Louis Sapp (born on January 28, 1967) is an American Gospel music singer-songwriter who recorded with the group Commissioned during the 1990s before beginning a record-breaking solo career. Sapp is also the Founder and Senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Early years

Sapp was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and began singing in church at age four. He spent his teenage years singing with a number of Gospel groups and ensembles before being invited by Gospel singer Fred Hammond to sing with Commissioned in 1991 after Keith Staten left. Marvin Sapp appears on the group's albums Number 7, Matters of the Heart, and Irreplaceable Love. Sapp left in 1996 and was replaced by Marcus R. Cole.
'==Solo career== In 1996, Sapp decided to establish himself as a contemporary gospel solo artist and has recorded seven albums. Sapp first achieved crossover fame with the release of "Never Would Have Made It" from the album Thirsty in 2007. It peaked at #14 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, #82 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and also at #1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart. Thirsty debuted at #28 on the U.S. Billboard 200, #4 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and also #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Gospel Albums. It has been certified gold by the RIAA due to the album selling over 500,000 copies, making it Sapp's best selling album of his solo career, and has so far sold over 712,000 copies.^[1] In 2009, Sapp won all seven Gospel Stellar Awards that he was nominated for.
Sapp recorded Thirsty 's follow-up album, Here I Am, on October 16, 2009 at Resurrection Life Church in Wyoming, Michigan and released it on March 16, 2010. With its release, Sapp became the all-time highest charting gospel artist in Billboard's 54-year history of tracking album sales.^[2] By selling approximately 76,000 copies of Here I Am its first week out, the album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart, making Here I Am the highest charting album ever by a gospel artist.^[1] Here I Am's lead single, "The Best in Me," which was co-written by the album's producer, Aaron Lindsey (Israel Houghton), peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, #1 on Billboard's Gospel Songs chart^[3] and reached #20 (with a bullet) on Billboard's Urban AC chart. On January 15, 2011, Marvin Sapp topped the list of winners during the 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards ^[4]

Personal life

Sapp is the widower of MaLinda Sapp, a professor and psychologist, who served as the Administrative Pastor at Lighthouse Full Life Center Church. MaLinda Sapp died September 9, 2010, from complications of colon cancer.^[5] Sapp has three children: Marvin II, Mikaila, and Madisson. On March 21, 2009, Sapp was initiated into the Grand Rapids Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Sapp likes to appear in a church in Douglas, Georgia, called Hightower Memorial Temple. Sapp also has been awarded doctorate degrees from two non-accredited institutions, a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Aenon Bible College and the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Friends International Christian University. Sapp Released I Win In 2012.

Discography

Solo albums

Year	Album	Chart peaks [6][7]			Certifications
		U.S.	U.S. R&B	U.S. Gospel
1996	Marvin Sapp Released: March 12, 1996 Label: Sony	—	—	—
1997	Grace & Mercy Released: December 16, 1997 Label: Word	—	—	11
1999	Nothing Else Matters Released: August 31, 1999 Label: Word	—	—	6
2002	I Believe Released: June 11, 2002 Label: Verity	—	62	4
2003	Diary of a Psalmist Released: July 1, 2003 Label: Verity	—	—	6
2005	Be Exalted Released: July 26, 2005 Label: Verity	164	41	2
2007	Thirsty Released: July 3, 2007 Label: Verity	28	4	1	US: Gold[8]
2010	Here I Am Released: March 16, 2010 Label: Verity	2	1	1
2012	I Win Released: April 3, 2012 Label: Verity	9	—	1

Singles

Year	Song	Chart positions[9][10][11]			Certifications	Album
		U.S. Hot 100	U.S. R&B	U.S. Gospel
2005	"Changed"	—	—	38		Be Exalted
2006	"Perfect Peace"	—	—	15
2008	"Never Would Have Made It"	82	14	1	US: Platinum[8]	Thirsty
2009	"Praise Him in Advance"	—	100	2
2010	"The Best in Me"	—	14	1		Here I Am
	"He Has His Hand on You"	—	—	4
2011	"My Testimony"	—	23	1		I Win

Solo music awards

BET Awards

Year	Award	Result
2008	Best Gospel Artist	Won
2010	Best Gospel Artist	Won

GMA Dove Awards

Year	Award	Result
2008	Male Vocalist of the Year	Nominated
2009	Artist of the Year	Nominated
	Male Vocalist of the Year	Nominated
2011	Artist of the Year	Nominated
	Male Vocalist of the Year	Nominated
	Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year ("The Best In Me")	Won
	Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year (Here I Am)	Nominated