Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold

• Dwayne Lightsey, Jr. is a Gospel Music Lover where on his Facebook Page “Rowoches Keeping Traditional Gospel Alive!”  He is an avid Gospel music collector which includes, but not limited to Albums, Cassettes, Sheet music, Books and more.  • Dwyane is originally from Baltimore, MD and currently resides in Columbus, GA. At an early age, he developed an interest in traditional Gospel with...

•Eric Maurice Clark is a passionate Gospel Music Historian who in 2020 launched his own publication “Inside a Gospel Music Historian’s World Magazine.” Using this tool in spreading more of our History through this Gold of richness. •Eric has shared his passion with his voice through radio, working at Gospel radio stores throughout Chicago which is where he built relationships with many artists. &n...

Rev. James Cleveland was known to some as the Crown Prince of Gospel Music.  He was a minister, singer, composer and philanthropist.  James Cleveland was born in Chicago, IL December of 1931.  His influence on Gospel Music spanned over 40 years.  He began composing songs in his youth, and at the encouragement of Roberta Martin (founder of "The Roberta Martin Singers) began publ...

•Sherre “Sistah Willie Ruth Johnson” Bishop is a Christian Comedienne who brings light to the audiences she speaks before and presents her testimony as a cancer survivor.  She fills the audience with laughter and delight as she intertwines funny anecdotes about things going on in the world today.  •She is a native of Nashville, TN with a 40 year career in broadcasting which includes radi...

Sr. Rosetta Tharpe best known for growing in the Church with her singing and her exceptional skills on the guitar Ms. Albertina Walker founder of The Caravans in 1950's.  In 1970's she eventually branched off into her own successful solo career What ties them together is they brought flare to the genre not imitating anyone, but making their own path to Great Gospel Music Any questions or comm...

•Rev. Dr. Issac Whittmon began his singing career at an early age. By 17 he had organized his own group Clefts of Faith. With the group he got recognized by other Gospel artists and eventually became a member of Jessy Dixon All Stars who toured all over the country. •Rev. Whittmon was the first Gospel Artist in Chicago nominated for a Grammy Award for “The Lord Is My Light.” He also went on to be...

•Pastor Steven “Music Man” Turner is a native of Baltimore, son of Min. of Music A.M. Turner, founder of the Radio Chorus. •He took part in a student led TV show called: ” Street Scenes” on WBFF Fox 45 in the Baltimore area. Has a Podcast of his own Elevation Radio1. •Pastor Turner has a Praise Gospel Talent Agency with premium services of “On Call” Organist, Praise Christian Jazz Band and On Call...

•Pastor Mack Mason of Greater Prayer Carden COGIC on the southside of Chicago. For years, his voice was heard on the radio as the first to program Gospel Music over WGCI FM 107.5. He was heard across the United States and Canada on the nightly Midnight Gospel Broadcast with the late Pastor Maceo Woods. •Pastor Mason was heard around the world on the BBC Radio documentary, Shout Sister Shout. He ha...

The late James C. Chambers started a community choir which evolved into a Recording Choir who traveled across the country in churches, concert halls and outdoor festivals.  James C. Chambers and the Ecclesiastes Community Choir not only traveled and ministered through song they were also shared stages with Gospel greats, R&B artists such as Patti LaBelle, Earth Wind & Fire and other a...

Tribute show of "OH HAPPY DAY"! This song was a written hymn in the 18th century Words: Phillip Doddridge and Music by: Edward F. Rimbault. In the 19th century it was revived with a "Gospel" Vibe which hit the secular charts; by accident.  Edwin Hawkins gave this song a boast that (I'm sure) he had no idea it would take off as it did, and also cause controversy in the church. Listen as differ...

•Chrysann Moore is an anointed singer, musician and thought-provoking song writer. Her recent solo debut album “Cover Us” is hitting charts with power. The song is noted as a “new age hymn with a timeless sentiment.” As noted by Black Gospel Radio •Chrysann is serving as Music Director of Redeem Enrichment Ministries in Joliet IL •Participated in “The Seven Last Words of Christ” presented by Inspi...

•A bit about today’s guest Dr. C. Charles Clency, a Gospel musician, music educator and author. He is a native of Chicago and grew up in the mainstream of Gospel music activity. •Dr. Clency has a Bachelor of Arts in Music received at Northeastern Illinois University of Chicago and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Indiana University in Bloomington IN. •He shared his expertise and...

•Gina L. Thurston has been sharing her gift of singing since she was three years of age. She is one of Gospel music’s best kept secrets around. •After being discovered by Michael Houston of Tyscot Records; the world got their first introduction of Gina in 1994 with her Freshman release “God’s Been Good”. •Gina has shared stages with such artists as Edwin & Walter Hawkins, Fred Hammond, Rev. Cl...

• Fran Allen-Leake as the principal owner of Ljet Productions which specializes in Live recorded Music Production, Concerts as well as Tour Direction, Public Relations & Special Events.  She specializes in live and recorded music production, concerts as well as Tour Direction, Public Relations & Special Events.  She has worked both in the United States and abroad.  She serve...

•Gregory Pearson is a multi-talented musician, producer, arranger and songwriter. He is a principal owner of The Inner Court Music Group est. 1997. •Gregory has served as Minister of Music and musician for many noted ministries throughout the Detroit and across the country. He is musician / music director for NAACP National Convention. And presently serves at Greater New Mt. Moriah BC & Calvar...

•Reginald “Reggie “ Ayers is the CEO of Ayers Management Co. which is an emerging management company based in Chicago. He is not only a manager of artists he also sings/sang/sung. •Reginald currently serves on The Year of Chicago Music Steering Committee with the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. He also serves as Assistant Pastor of 2nd Paradise M.B. Church This show closes wit...

•Chris Anderson affectionately called “A Bassist with Finesse” who took the Gospel music industry by storm in the late ‘80’s. He excelled beyond a session player to writer, producer and musical arranger.  •Chris has a strong foundation in Gospel becoming one of the most sought after touring and session players. He has performed with many artists in Japan, Europe, South America and the Caribbe...

•Rev. Dr. Falicia Campbell who is a vocal force in the world of Gospel Music. She has held positions as Public Service Director/Announcer for WYCA; Secretary and Promotions for I AM Records, WWHN Radio , WGRB AM and many others. Falicia graced stages/pulpits across Chicago as the Mistress of Ceremonies extraordinaire rousing audiences across the states with her voice. •Founder of the “Come As You...

The Ecclesiastes Community Choir was organized April 2, 1971 at the request of James C. Chambers in the home of Mrs. Gladys C. Swiney, music instructor of the Chicago Vocational High School.  James C. Chambers, a student of Mrs. Swiney and choir director at Haven of Rest M.B. Church asked if they could rehearse in Mrs. Swiney's home.   It was placed on Mrs. Swiney's daughter's heart...

•Earl Michael Thomas plays an easily recognizable style of contemporary Christian music. He gave his life to Christ in the late ‘70s and left the secular music industry. Earl was born in Birmingham , AL but raised in Detroit, MI. He played for artists such as Brooks Benton, Marlena Shaw and others until 1976. •Earl was music director, lead guitarist, vocal arranger and composer for “Creative Sourc...

•Apostle Joseph E. Davis, although known mostly for his Sermonic Ministry as the Senior pastor of Word for the World Ministries International in Chicago. He is a man of many talents which include producer, manager of Gospel Artists and has appeared on several Gospel projects.  He is a Grammy nominated songwriter with one of his first songs written  "I Won't Complain" was recorded by Chic...

•A. Jeffery LaValley a native of Milwaukee Wisconsin is a writer, musician, director, producer, musical director and concertmaster to name a few. Jeffery has appeared on over 275 projects; has been nominated for Stellar, Soul Train and Grammy Awards. •Jeffery studied journalism at Penn State and later enrolled in a music studies program. His work has been recognized since 1986 and has had a curren...

Ernest Allen, Jr. has played with Gospel greats such as The Winans, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters and so many more. He is known as the “Preacher’s musician” by playing for and traveling with the late Bishop Willie James Campbell through conventions, revivals, concerts, etc. Ernest is also a song writer, vocalist, music arranger, producer and musical director. He has gleaned some musical skills f...

•Rev. Dr. Stanley Keeble is a lifelong lover of Gospel Music. He has been involved with music since early childhood. He started his journey by taking music lessons at an early age. •Dr. Keeble has formed groups, played for multiple Gospel artists such as Inez Andrews and more. He has directed choirs and shared his gifts throughout Chicago and across the country. •Dr. Keeble founded the Chicago Gos...

Mark Hubbard has been sharing his love for music since he was a young child. At 18 he organized and formed The United Voices for Christ, now known as "The Voices".  Mark and The Voices began recording in 1995 they recorded four (4) projects with Tyscot Records.  One of the first songs released "No, I Won't Turn Back". Mark and his choir garnered their first Stellar Award for Traditional...