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JAWN’S JUICE #29 –VOL III / JANUARY 18, 2005: Stellar Awards, Mario vs. Usher, Terry Lewis, J. Moss, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, Jamie Foxx and so much more ...
A Stellar Weekend: This past weekend in Houston, the gospel music industry celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Stellar Awards, the genre’s premiere award show. The who’s who gathering of gospel entertainers, celebrities and entertainment professionals began last Thursday, and I’d be willing to bet that someone was somewhere in Houston still shouting and praising God.
My excursion to Houston began in fine style as General Motors loaned me one of its luxury 2005 Cadillac STS sedans to drive for the weekend. I was chauffeuring everyone from Veda Brown of BlackGospelPromo.com to gospel artist Brent Jones around in the beautiful fully loaded vehicle.
The annual kickoff reception on Thursday night was pretty disappointing, to say the least. The long, drawn-out pre-awards reception was sponsored by Word Records and Integrity Gospel and save for exceptional performances by Ted & Sheri and American Idol’s George Huff, the show was pretty much a waste of time. My small entourage of people and I bolted the George R. Brown Convention Center in hopes of catching just a portion of a musical gospel wonder Kim Burrell was having across town.
We arrived just in time for the let-out, but I quickly realized anyone who was anyone had skipped the Stellar kick-off and had opted to be at this concert, where Burrell, Vickie Winans, Ty Tribbett & G.A., the incomparable Nicci Ross and my favorite male gospel singer J. Moss (of the production team PAJAM) all sang. Folks like Fred Hammond, Candy West of God’s Property fame, newcomer Gary Mayes, Rodnie Jerkins and his Darkchild team, Shawn McLemore and Micah Stampley were among those spotted.
There were several record company showcases and private functions set up on Friday. Verity and Gospo Centric Records held a combined listening session where they introduced upcoming albums by heavyweights Kurt Carr and Donnie McClurkin. McClurkin paid special recognition to his publicist Erma Byrd, who has been with him since his early days as an artist on Warner Bros. “Even when people got mad at me for going to sing for the President and said they were going to march at my church, called with death threats and said they’d burn the place down, she never backed down from the fight,” shared McClurkin. Byrd is certainly been one of the best public relations practitioners in the gospel and jazz genres.
EMI Gospel, and their wonderful staff including Karen Scott and Eboni Funderburk, hosted a showcase at the Magnolia Hotel later that day. The shindig was hosted by producer Kevin Bond and featured performances by Kierra “KiKi” Sheard, the phenomenal Micah Stampley, Smokie Norful and newcomer Darrel Petties and his choir. I learned during the showcase that EMI recently signed Myron Butler (formerly of God’s Property and Kirk Franklin’s 1Nation Crew) and his choir to the label.
New EMI artist LaShun Pace was supposed to showcase her new material, but was unable to make it to Houston due to illness. Also missing from the Stellar Awards for being sick were Dottie Peoples and four-time nominee Natalie Wilson. Peoples won a 2005 Stellar for Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year—her AIR Gospel labelmate Maurette Brown-Clark accepted for her. Wilson’s absence meant she was unable to wear the Vera Wang gown her manager Sean Pennington got her for the show.
At the nominees’ dinner, Ted & Sheri impressed again with another solid performance. Former Gospo Centric artists Trin-I-Tee 5:7, who were foolishly introduced as the Destiny’s Child of gospel music, performed a new single from their upcoming return on Matthew Knowles’ Sanctuary Records. I have to applaud these girls for their confidence. Their once diva-like attitudes and aloof persona has caused many to turn a cold shoulder to the trio. Nonetheless, they still get up and sing despite the chilly reception they often receive. Group member Chanelle Hayes sported an oversized afro for the occasion in Houston, and let’s just say it looked as though she had a fight with her comb and the comb did not win! One last thing about Trin-I-tee 5:7 is that most don’t realize that original member Terry Britton—the happily married singer who was controversially ousted from the group for having a baby—now sings with Bishop Paul S. Morton. I’m told Britton also owns a hair salon. Now that I think about it, she should slip her former group member her business card.
At Sony Gospel’s midnight showcase, the line was nearly down the hall with people trying to get in to see Kim Burrell, Ty Tribbett, Mary Mary and others. Dr. Bobby Jones hosted the event, organized by Sony Gospel’s Tara Griggs-McGee, and the room at the Hilton Hotel was standing room only. Tribbett and his energetic collective opened the showcase, but should have probably closed the session instead. This group is superb live—they have one of the hottest bands ever and some of the best choreography you’ll ever experience. However, as impressive as they are, they’re just not good with time management and instead of performing one or two songs like everyone else on the showcase, they delivered a more than 30-minute set.
BeBe Winans, Anointed, Lisa McClendon, Israel Houghton, Mary Mary and Burrell also performed. Burrell is gospel’s Ella Fitzgerald, and during her dynamic delivery of new material, full of vocal acrobatics and unduplicated riffs, a man in a wheelchair became so overwhelmed by her singing that he spun around and then popped a wheelie. I nearly ran out of the room! Mary Mary closed the showcase with two hot new songs from their upcoming summer release.
I won’t divulge too many details about the awards show (to find out when it airs in your city, go to www.stellarawards.com), but I will tell you about some of the highlights. I don’t know if you’d call this a highlight—I thought it was as funny as any Dave Chappelle skit—but gospel singer Beau Williams and boxing great Evander Holyfield really had a problem reading the teleprompter. Holyfield said “Leave in New York” instead of “Live in New York” when announcing Rev. Timothy Wright’s nomination. Williams couldn’t even get the names of fellow gospel artists like Tonex and Natalie Wilson & SOP correctly. The latter he referred to as Natalie Wilson & Stop. It was a mess, and the audience laughed loudly and began to hiss in frustration as the blunders continued. For Williams, who is supposed to be a gospel artist, it was insulting that he didn’t even know the name of Tonex, who not only swept all six of his Stellar categories including Artist of the Year, but was co-hosting the show.
In addition to Tonex, the show was also hosted by Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams. Performers at the Stellar Awards included Ruben Studdard, Bishop Morton, The Hawkins (including Tramaine, Walter, Edwin and Lynette), Israel Houghton, Ricky Dillard & New G, Kirk Franklin, Martha Munizzi, CeCe Winans, Marvin Sapp, The Williams Brothers, Ty Tribbett and a brief a capella song by The Caravans, including “Queen” Albertina Walker, Inez Andrews, Dorothy Norwood and Shirley Caesar. Among the presenters were Shemar Moore (The Young & The Restless), Kimberly Elise (Set It Off), Dule Hill (West Wing), soul legend Roberta Flack, singer Lalah Hathaway and Bishop T.D. Jakes. Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child was backstage doing interviews for Access Hollywood.
At the post show, Gospel Dream winner Benita Washington killed the house with her rousing hit “Thank You.” Even Tramaine Hawkins—definitely no easy customer—looked impressed. Among the others in the mix of the awards broadcast and weekend festivities were radio icon Tom Joyner, Donna Richardson-Joyner, Karen Clark-Sheard, Stephen Hurd, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Angela Spivey, Ray Bady, Lucinda Moore, Percy Bady, Nicole C. Mullen, Lil’ iROCC, Damita Haddon, Donald Lawrence, Vickie Winans, JJ Hairston of Youthful Praise, Men of Standard, 7 Sons of Soul, Marilyn White of Precious Times, Neily Dickerson, Cheryl Jackson, Desmond Pringle, Tammy Taylor, Lisa Collins, Calvin Terrell, Fatiyah Douglas, Tracy Morgan, Jerome Bell, Wayne Waller, Veryl Howard, Cheryl Moore, Telisa Stinson, Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Vicki Mack Lataillade, Wardell Malloy, Gwendolyn Quinn, LaTonya Pegues, Andre Gates, Al Wash, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Clifton Davis, DeAndre Patterson, Clyde Duffie, Ron Grant, Bro. Steve, Chris Graham, Ronald Allen, Jonathan and Chrissy Nelson, Damon Williams, Lin Woods, Bro. Gerard Henry, and a chockablock of other boldface names. There were way too many to remember (though I’m sure they’ll all e-mail to remind me that I did forget them).
Special thanks to Veda Brown of BlackGospelPromo.com, the industry’s premiere promotional web site and service, for providing my tickets for the event. Special thanks to General Motors for providing ground transportation during the awards show weekend. Acknowledgements also go out to publicist Jalila Larsuel and her staff for running the smoothest press room that I’ve ever experienced at an awards show.
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Brunch On Us: The Gospel Music Channel, the first 24-hour all music entertainment network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is gospel, made a significant impact on the gospel music industry not only by hosting several national journalists for the Stellar Awards, but for giving a spectacular lunch at Houston’s The Breakfast Klub. Talk about some great grub. GMC’s Alvin Williams coordinated the gathering that was themed, “Food for the Mind, Body & Soul.” The brunch showcased new artists Blase and Patrice Wilson, and also featured a book signing by Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell. The Gospel Music Channel has excited the gospel music industry, and this brunch just added to the impact that GMC has already made. To find out where the network is airs in your area, visit them online at: www.gospelmusicchannel.com.
By the way, be sure to check out Alvin Williams’ book The Business of Music for the Christian and Gospel Industry, written with Jay King. The very informative book explains and helps to understand the dynamics of creating a record label, understanding artist royalties, publishing, manufacturing and distribution, product development, contract formatting, and much more. The book was released in November. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit www.indiepen.com.
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Mario Makes Moves: Don’t compare Mario to Usher. The J Records artist, whose sophomore set The Turning Point is already certified gold after four weeks of release, has a track on the CD that clearly sends a message to the reigning King of R&B. "Before you try to compare me/ Remember, I just turned 18/ Got seven years to catch up," Mario sings on the single “18.”
Mario faced a lot of comparisons to Usher when his debut self-titled album dropped in 2002. There were allegedly even some snide remarks made by some in Usher’s camp because Mario’s first single, “Just A Friend 2002,” was originally slated to be on Usher’s All About U album. That Usher record was ultimately shelved by then Arista president L.A. Reid due to the lackluster response to the single “Pop Your Collar” and Usher’s gypsy-looking imaging. Nonetheless, “Just A Friend 2002” was a smash for Mario.
Now Mario’s “Let Me Love You” is proving to be a bigger hit. The song has topped the charts on Urban, Crossover, Rhythm, Top 40 and Hot 100 radio formats, establishing an all-time BDS audience record this week. That’s an astonishing 16.1 million audience jump to 185 million, which surpasses Usher’s previous record last year of 172.8 million for “Yeah!” at its peak.
Just think, like Mario sang, he still has seven years to catch up. At this rate, he won’t need that long!
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Viewer’s Choice: While most folks were watching Star Jones Reynolds, Joan & Melissa Rivers and Lisa Ling battle for red carpet supremacy at the Golden Globes, I have to admit that a much more interesting show was on the Style Network. Live from the Red Carpet: 2005 Golden Globes aired on Style and was hosted by maven Finola Hughes (How Do I Look?) and featured a bevy of guests including Robert Verdi (Fashion Police), Mystro Clark (Pulled Over), designer Lisa Kline, Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth (The Apprentice), Niecy Nash (Reno 911!), Robert Rey (Dr. 90210) and former MTV veejay Kennedy.
In an interesting turn of events during the show, Kennedy, who now hosts a show called Friend or Foe for the Game Show Network, started being really catty with Omarosa. While talking about celebrities on the red carpet, The Apprentice wannabe jokingly said she was going to start a show called Friend or Ho. Kennedy replied, “Well we know which one of those you’d be now don’t we?” Omarosa shot back, “It’s definitely a friend, cause I know you aren’t trying to call me a ho. If so, it’s really about to be on in here.” Kennedy immediately backed down.
I caught up with Omarosa who laughed the incident off. “People think they can become famous because they attack me. It’s so unnecessary,” she pointed out.
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JUICY Picks: I got such a great response from the Holiday Picks section that I’m going to act like the male Oprah and regularly incorporate the section into the column. Enjoy!
Chevrolet SSR: You want to feel like a star? Well one drive in the 2005 Chevrolet SSR will fulfill that wish. I drove the sporty Chevrolet SSR during a recent trip to Los Angeles, and it stopped traffic—literally. People flagged me down at stop signs, traffic lights, on the highway. They attempted to communicate with me by any other means possible, only to inquire about my satisfaction with the sexy convertible truck. It seemed like a week-long episode of The Simple Life, as everyone who passed gazed at the truck and uttered that Paris Hilton catchphrase, “That’s hot!” Starting at $43,180, the two-seat SSR is equipped with a hydroformed steel frame and a V8 engine. It’s great on gas in both the city and on the highway. And if it’s attention you’re seeking for pushing a “hot” ride, then this hip truck will suffice your needs. The only thing the SSR lacks is inside space. There’s a huge covered flatbed on the back, but if it’s backseat space you desire, this isn’t the ride for you. For more info on the SSR, visit www.chevrolet.com/ssr.
The J. Moss Progect: In case you haven’t heard, singer J. Moss has the hottest gospel release out right now. This guy epitomizes what a singer is supposed to be. His debut release is full of intricate and complex vocal arrangements. R&B singer Lil’ Mo has declared for years he was her favorite vocalist, and now I can see and hear why. As one third of the dynamic production team PAJAM (consisting of Paul D. “PDA” Allen, Walter Kearney and James Moss), the group is responsible for making hits for such acts as Kelly Price, N’Sync, Karen Clark-Sheard and Jennifer Lopez. But now it’s J. Moss who shines on dynamic songs like “Don’t Pray & Worry” and “We Must Pray.” Even on churchier numbers like “Don’t Let,” Moss is still able to use his jazz-fused vocals to deliver a Sunday morning foot stomper. Trust me when I say this CD, The J. Moss Progect, is a must-have. For more information, visit his website at www.jmossmusic.com.
Delfina Hotel in Santa Monica, CA: On your next voyage to Hollywood, if you’re looking for an alternative to the often hectic pace of Hollywood and its surrounding areas, opt instead to stay in cozy, sunny Santa Monica, Calif. I had the privilege of spending several days at the splendid Delfina Hotel (formerly Four Points by Sheraton) and was able to experience its comfort firsthand. The Delfina has stylish, contemporary décor—it’s decorated in hues of blues, blacks, browns and creams—with state-of-the-art amenities and services. Knowledgeable and attentive staff always makes one’s stay pleasant, and the Delfina passes that test with flying colors. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the hotel is conveniently located just minutes from the beach. Also nearby is the popular 3rd Street Promenade shopping district, with stores for all of your shopping needs. For more on the Delfina Hotel, visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
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Quickies:
~ Everyone who showed up at the NBC/Universal Golden Globes party wanted Shaun Robinson from Access Hollywood to tell them the location of Jamie Foxx’s after party. Foxx jokingly mentioned that Sean “P. Diddy” Combs was throwing a post Globes after party and Prince would be performing while accepting his Best Actor award for Ray. “They all thought he was being serious. His agent assured us there was no official after party and that Jamie was just kidding,” laughed Robinson.
~ One half of the famed production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis got married this past Saturday in Beverly Hills, Calif. Terry Lewis wed his longtime girlfriend in an intimate ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The service included 130 of their friends and family, which included Usher, Deborah Cox and one-time BET personality Donnie Simpson. The couple’s wedding colors were rose and beige.
~ They have dressed Chingy, Free (106 & Park), Ruff Ryder's deejay Swizz Beatz, Jaheim, actor Lamman Rucker (As The World Turns), Kindred The Family Soul and always keep me dapper. A special thanks to Aja Imani for keeping me “GQ.” Aja Imani is located at 9244 East Hampton Drive, Suite #62, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. Contact them at 301-324-8300 or at ajaimani@aol.com.
Well I’m Jawn and that’s your Juice! See you next week!
E-mail me directly at GarekNews@hotmail.com because I never read the message board!
© 2002-2006 Jawn’s Juice. All rights reserved worldwide. All information provided by Jawn’s Juice on this Internet site is for personal use only. No commercial exploitation of anything contained herein may take place without prior written permission from the column’s author, Jawn Murray. Material contained herein may not be re-sold, loaned, hired, exchanged, bartered, or in any other way re-distributed in any other manner whatsoever.
* Kendra Story, contributing editor of Upscale magazine, edited this column. You may contact her directly at KendraStory@aol.com to inquire about writing and editing services only.
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