Up Close and In Focus

When Marzetta Douglas noticed her children could memorize every word of Cardi B but struggled with the seven continents, she knew something had to change. The mother of two created Hip Hop Boobly, a 3D animated series that transforms learning through music, and it's already taking the world by storm. In this episode, Marzetta reveals how her characters teach everything from math to anti-bullying t...

In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with host Cedric Ballard, Gospel legend Earnest Pugh faces the ultimate test as he tackles increasingly spicy wings while answering trivia questions about his 19-year journey with Blacksmoke Music. Between bites of fiery sauce, Pugh shares the story behind his five number one hits, starting with his breakthrough single "Rain On Us" that launched his reco...

Gospel artist Jokia brings her baby Rain as backup while facing off against host Cedric Ballard in the spiciest game show edition of Black Smoke Table Talk yet. Between bites of increasingly fiery wings, Jokia shares her journey since entering the music industry in 2017, watching platforms evolve from Vine to TikTok and witnessing how streaming has transformed artist revenue. She explains why part...

In this special edition of Up Close & In Focus, host Kerry Douglas brings together an extraordinary lineup of voices for a dynamic, uplifting experience rooted in music, purpose, and shared connection.   Featuring powerful moments with Earnest Pugh, Cedric Ballard, Kisha Brandy (formerly of Kirk Franklin & The Family), and Meta Washington, this episode is a celebration of expression,...

Singer-songwriter Mia Stokes opens up about her transformation during 25 months of incarceration, where she wrote 60 songs in six months and discovered her gift for prison ministry through music. Fresh out seven months ago, Stokes is pregnant at 40, engaged to the man who waited for her entire sentence, and ready to relaunch her music career with a new perspective on life's timing. She shares the...

In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with Kerry Douglas, get ready to experience the extraordinary talent of Theresa Grayson, a phenomenal saxophonist whose musical journey started in fourth grade and continues to inspire audiences today. In this episode, Theresa shares her path through Houston's magnet school programs to becoming a school counselor who never abandoned her musical dreams. L...

In this moving episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas welcomes gospel powerhouse Wess Morgan for an unfiltered conversation about redemption, purpose, and divine favor. Wess opens up about his journey through addiction at 14 and multiple arrests before becoming one of gospel music's most respected voices with five albums under his belt. As a pastor's kid who struggled publicly while singi...

Kerry Douglas opens his door expecting a saxophone teacher for his 12-year-old daughter - instead, he finds Horace Alexander Young, the same musician who played on his breakthrough gospel hit "I Believe" three decades ago. What starts as a coincidental reunion becomes something deeper as the 70-year-old saxophonist reflects on a lifetime in music, from surviving a devastating car crash that nearly...

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, host Kerry Douglas reunites with gospel artist Cedric Ballard, revealing their 25+ year journey from selling CDs out of car trunks to national success. Ballard shares the inspiration behind his hit single "Blessing Me," written during his lowest moment when God challenged him to find gratitude despite circumstances. The conversation takes an inspiring turn...

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas chats with Zacardi Cortez about his rise from Houston's Acres Homes to becoming a gospel music force with nine Billboard #1 singles. Cortez shares stories about growing up with five siblings in a small apartment and how his musical talent became his sole source of income, allowing him to support his family without ever working a conventional...

Gospel recording artist Lasha' Knox joins Kerry Douglas on Up Close and In Focus to discuss her musical journey alongside industry giants James Fortune and Ernest Pugh. Lasha' shares stories behind her "God of Miracles" EP and the unexpected global impact of her remake of "Surrounded." The conversation takes an authentic turn as she opens up about balancing her music career while being a caretaker...

A single American Idol performance launched Earnest Pugh's 14-year-old hit "I Need Your Glory" to #1 on iTunes overnight! In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas reconnects with gospel star Earnest Pugh as they celebrate his hit going viral again after an American Idol contestant performed it on national television last week. The pair reflect on their 25-year relationship in t...

While their soul-soothing harmonies filled radio waves across America for three decades, The Family mysteriously stepped away from gospel's center stage - until now. In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas sits with the legendary group as they share the untold story behind their extended absence, even as their music shaped generations of gospel listeners. Around the table, Pastor D...

Step into an emotional episode of Up Close and In Focus as host Kerry Douglas sits down with Billboard-charting artist Jokia. She talks about her transformation in the Iraqi desert to dominating both gospel and R&B charts, Jokia's story is one of remarkable faith and determination. She courageously shares her 15-year fertility journey and the profound connection to her role in the “Love Mountain”...

Join host Kerry Douglas for an intimate conversation with legendary songwriter Percy Bady on Up Close and In Focus. Discover the stories behind chart-topping hits like I Believe I Can Fly and Percy's journey from industry newcomer to music icon. Percy shares his battle with prostate cancer and how it inspired new creations, offering a powerful testament to music's healing force. Get insider insigh...

Get ready for a soul-stirring journey with gospel music titan Ernest Pugh and industry icon Kerry Douglas. These longtime collaborators dive deep, serving up raw truths about their musical odyssey and the unbreakable bond that's weathered every storm. Pugh's impromptu performances will give you chills, while behind-the-scenes stories reveal the heart behind the hits. While honoring their h...