The Vine News

 Phone calls and online votes from the American public determined the fate of Y'Anna Crawley who was crowned the season 2 winner of BET's Sunday Best Sunday night. During the 10-week singing competition Crawley, 32, ran neck-to-neck with

the runner up, Jessica Reedy. 

The mother of 2 from Mt. Ranier, MD said, "God put me on this platform to show me who I am."

After a stunned Crawley was announced the winner, 20-year-old Reedy embraced her and whispered, "You deserve it." 

Apparently, letting millions know her voice was also in the plans for the hairdresser-turned-singer.  Crawley won a national recording contract (from an unnamed label), a Lincoln MKS and the title of Sunday Best.

Wearing a floral mermaid tailed dress, a hoarse Crawley performed "The Promise," the first single from her upcing debut project the first single from her upcoming album written and producedby Lou "Buster" Brown, Scott "Shavoni" Parker and Ryan Sims.

REJOICE MUSICAL SOULFOOD ANNOUNCES PERSONNEL CHANGES:  Veterans promoted to manage Programming, Marketing and Sales

Major personnel shifts have come along with the relocation of the Rejoice Musical Soulfood network.  The network recently moved  from Dallas, Texas to new state of the art facilities in Virginia Beach , VA.    

Long- time on air personality, Cedric Bailey, has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Programming.   Cedric Bailey was originally employed by ABC Radio Networks shortly after the format started nine years ago.  Bailey consistently captures the largest audience shares during his afternoon drive shift. 

Former Clear Channel Norfolk / Virginia Beach cluster Gospel Program Director, Doc Christian, has assumed the position as National Music Director.  Doc Christian is a 25 year Gospel Music Industry veteran w ho has programmed several radio properties.  Additionally, Doc Christian provides voiceover services for several television and radio clients across the country.  Shauneille Wilcher has been added as the midday voice of the 43 radio station affiliate net w ork.  Shauneille Wilcher has w orked for Metro Media/ Metro Traffic, Willis Broadcasting and several other radio groups. (Via Press Release)

NEW SEASON FOR MCIVER: Radio programmer pursues her vision

One of the most significant changes at Rejoice Musical Soulfood was the departure of veteran radio announcer and  former VP of Programming  Willie Mae McIver. McIver will remain in Dallas as head of her consulting company, Covenant Media (Covenant).   

Covenant is a liason for advertising agencies that develop radio promotions for companies that target African-American audiences. The company also consults gospel radio stations.

Next month, McIver will launch her syndicated two-hour weekend show, "Beyond the Praise," featuring in-depth artist interviews with gospel artists and ministers, a living-right segment with advice for teens based on bible principles and a flashback segment with historical facts on gospel artists. The faith-based soap opera "The Bold & the Sanctified" is also a highlight. (Source: R&R)

INTERVIEW: BLOGSPHERE COMMENTS INTIMIDATED SUNDAY BEST RUNNER-UP

Singer was a little nervous about her future

By Mona Austin

Just before Jessica Reedy came to Washington, DC to audition for Sunday Best, she'd lost her car and job and had to give up 2 full ride scholarships at Toogaloo College in Mississippi because she was pregnant.  Now the small-town, single mom is enjoying the ride of her life as a top two finalist on the singing competition.  She admits to feeling insecure just days before the inale, "I'm scared out of my mind!"  LISTEN to our interview to find out why the 20-year-old from Saginaw, MI was scared about the results and why she believes she is still a winner.

THE WAIT IS OVER: BEBE AND CECE WINANS REUNITE; LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC RIGHT HERE!

B&C Records & The Malaco Music Group are proud to present to you an "Internet
Audio Presentation" for the brand new single "Close To You" by the
incomparable BeBe & CeCe Winans. This marks their first recording together
in 15 years. A reunion tour is in the works. Listen to a snippett of their latest single for a sample of their vintage, yet timeless sound. 

JDI RECORDS  RELEASES HOT DANCE SINGLE

UCLA music professor James Roberson steps from behind the lecturn onto the dance floor with the debut release of "Everybody Dance" on JDI RECORDS.  The single is currently in rotation on radio, but the full project will be in stores this  August. I've gotten a preview of the diverse project and choirs, soloists and praise teams alike will be delighted with the material.  If you like this upbeat single, wait until you hear the ballads!

LISTEN TO EVERY BODY DANCE .

PASTOR'S PUTTIN' A RING ON IT!: Bishop is no longer an eligible bachelor

Bishop Joseph Walker, III of Mt. Zion Church in Nashville, considered last year by Gospel Today magazine as one of the most dynamic Christian singles in ministry has found his bride!  He popped the question to 33-year-old Harvard Professor and  neonatologist, Dr. Stephaine Hale of Boston last September 18, a day after her birthday in a lush surprise dinner party held in Nashville.  The couple will be married in a public ceremony at Mt. Zion  ("Old Hickory") on May 23 flanked by a wedding party of 12.  Groomsmen will include Bishop Eddie Long and Comedian Ricky Smiley. Bishop Walker, 40, said he loved his bride-to-be before he'd even laid eyes on her. He has her Pastor, Dr. John Borders of Morning Star Baptist Church of Boston to thank for making the divine connection. 
 

Walker's first wife of 11 years passed away in 2005.

BMI HONOR RECOGNIZES MOST POPULAR GOSPEL SONGS: Beverly Crawford, Marvin Sapp ad Clark Sisters among honorees for most performed songs

BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the Most Performed Songs on Christian Radio & Television during its annual Christian Music Awards in Nashville last month.  Riding high on the success of her #1 chart-topping single “He’s Done Enough”, Beverly Crawford’s CD “Live from Los Angeles” (JDI) has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim and has topped the Billboard charts for over 60+ weeks.

Top 5 Most Performed Songs on Christian Radio & Television:

·         NEVER WOULD HAVE MADE IT - Marvin Sapp (Zomba Gospel)
Marvin L. Sapp Music / Minstrel Melodies

·         HE'S DONE ENOUGH - Beverly Crawford (JDI Records)
J Robersongs Music / Tim Brownz Music

·         LIVIN' - The Clark Sisters (EMI Gospel)
Q W Publishing / Universal Music-Z Songs

·         RIGHT NOW PRAISE - Jonathan Nelson (Integrity Music)
Integrity's Praise Music / Jules 4 U Music / Must Hear Music

·         GIANTS - Donald Lawrence presents the Tri-City Singers  (EMI Gospel)
Q W Publishing / Universal Music-Z Songs