SoulProsper Radio: On The Record

In this podcast, we're learning about the gospel music of Whitney Houston. Whitney Houston was one of the greatest singers of all time and throughout her life, she sang gospel music. It was a part of her, the gospel sound shaped her vocal identity and when she sang gospel music, people responded. "The Preacher's Wife" became the top selling gospel album of all time and each week, the album or songs from the album find their way on the charts, a real testament to the power of her voice. "I Go To the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston" releases today and a television special premieres this evening on UPtv and AspireTV. The gospel album features 15 tracks, of which six are previously unreleased and unheard by the public. Join Fred in this episode as he discusses the album with clips from Pastor Kim Burrell, Pat Houston, and BeBe Winans. 

Tim Cunningham is coming to Michael's of Las Colinas this Sunday. While he's only in the area for two shows, he has a very intriguing story that will leave a lasting impression long after his two shows on Sunday evening. Take some time and get to know Tim Cunningham, an intriguing musician and renaissance man!

Karima Trotter is best known as a member of Virtue singing alongside her sisters Ebony and Heather. Karima launched a solo career in 2009 before reuniting with her sisters for albums in 2015 and 2016. She's back on the solo trail with a new single entitled "Redeemer" written by and popularized by Nichole C. Mullen. At the time of this interview, Redeemer sits at #5 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and is climbing! During this interview, we got to learn a little more about Karima and her journey of faith that has led her to this point! Music in this episode: Virtue: In the GardenRon Rawls: Ain't Nobody Like JesusBishop T.D. Jakes: From Our House to Your HouseRenwick Duesbury- Follow That Star Karima- Redeemer

Since her self- titled debut album at 13 years old on Verity Records, Tarralyn Ramsey has been one of the most notable gospel record companies in the industry. Tarralyn was featured on VH1's BORN TO DIVA and made a global impact on listeners, everywhere. She has since returned to her gospel roots with a new song, "Jesus We Need You" and it is a prayer for our time. Tarralyn stops by to discuss life after the deal and competitions. She is much more than a singer and has been active pursuing other interests besides music. When this song came to her on a flight home, she had an idea of the full arrangement by the time the flight landed. "Jesus We Need You" is the perfect song for this pandemic. Songs in this episode: Wait- Chrisette Michelle It's Gonna Be Alright- Titus Showers & Jermaine Dolly Joyful- Dante Bowe Praise Him- Joe Douglass & Spirit of Praise Jesus We Need You- Tarralyn Ramsey

The BIGGEST name in CHH is on this episode! We're talking all things "Restoration" and so much more! The Billboard Chart topping artist answered questions about faith, the controversy that comes with greatness, his stance on social justice issues and whether he considers himself a minister or not. Last fall, Lecrae released the "Restoration" EP and a book by the same name to critical acclaim. Find out what Lecrae has to say when he goes on the record with Fred Willis! Music in this episode: Coming In Hot- Lecrae & Andy Mineo Crazy Faith- Brea Miles Sick World- Deitrick Haddon Look At Me Now- Derek Minor Lead the Way- 5ive Set Me Free- Lecrae

I want to introduce you to two of the most gifted musicians I know, Jamar Jones and Quennel Gaskin. Individually, their list of accolades, album credits, discography, resume and reputation speak for themselves, but these two have joined forces to present "Sunday Morning at the Piano", a dual piano album. In this episode, you'll learn more about each of these men and the thought process behind the completion of the album. There is true camaraderie here and the way they compliment and complement each other is inspiring for musicians and non-musicians, alike!

During these hard times Brea Miles is encouraging people not to loose their hope, faith, or fierceness. Crazy Faith is about keeping your energy up as you fight to not quit on your dream. This mix of hip hop and Gospel music is a vibe that will motivate and ignite you to stay moving your way to the dream. In this episode, we talked with Brea about her music and book. We had so much fun that this episode is an extended cut, stick around for the whole show because you won't want to miss a moment! Link up with Brea and learn more about her music and ministry at: www.alwaysbrea.com

Jekalyn Carr is one of the brightest young stars in gospel music. Since her first single hit radio the greater she sang about has seemingly come her way. Since her debut, Jekalyn has amassed 6 singles in the Top 10 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart, and ahead of her new release, she earned her FOURTH Number 1 single with her current song "Changing Your Story," (all by age 23). Her previous albums "The Life Project," (2016) and "One Nation Under God," (2018) reached Number One on the Top Gospel Albums (sales) chart. She is also a 4x Grammy Nominee, and multiple Stellar Award and Dove Award winner, and this year she is nominated for a Dove Award in the Gospel Artist of the Year Category. Jekalyn is also an author and in lieu of hosting her "You Will Win" conference, she has released the "Winning" online course. She will also be soon entering the world of beauty and cosmetics, and she shares her excitement about all the upcoming greatness in the podcast. Have a listen!

Nashville Life Music is the soundtrack to Nashville Life Church, a local movement that started out of CeCe Winans' living room nine years ago. Grammy-winning songwriters and bandleaders Dwan Hill (Lauren Daigle, Jonny Lang) and Alvin Love (Cece Winans’ son and producer) have led their 26-member worship team to create a project of energetic and inspiring songs that lift up anthemic, fun-loving sounds of thanksgiving and praise to God for everyday life. In this episode, Alvin Love III and Dwan Hill join Fred for a great conversation about the new album. Music in this episode: My God- Nashville Life Music Dancing In the Spirit- CeCe Winans Higher Higher- Jerard & Jovaun Sing a Song (Part 2) feat. Aaron Cole- Nashville Life Music

Legendary Gospel singer Lady Tramaine Hawkins has re-recorded her classic hit "Goin' Up Yonder" for the GREENLEAF SEASON FIVE SOUNDTRACK. "Goin' Up Yonder" is written by Gospel icon the late Walter Hawkins and was first released with Lady Tramaine's vocals in 1975 on the LOVE ALIVE album. Originally recorded 45 years ago, "Goin' Up Yonder" has remained relevant in current culture and Tramaine's pure tones soulfully resonate on this new version of the track. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Stellar Honors Hall of Fame inductee continues to uphold her iconic status and is set to receive the 35th Annual Stellar Awards "Aretha Franklin Icon Award" this year. In this episode, we chat with the legendary singer who talks to us about her experience re-recording the iconic hit and even which songs are getting her through this pandemic. This is definitely a can't-miss episode! Music in this episode: Holy One- BMI Trailblazers The Potter's House- Jerard & Jovaun Changed- Patti LaBelle and Deborah Joy Winans (Greenleaf Soundtrack Season 3) Goin' Up Yonder- Tramaine Hawkins (Greenleaf Soundtrack Season 5)

ward-winning, international Gospel Artist Chevelle Franklyn has released her latest worship single and music video, “Go In Your Strength,” for streaming and download on all major digital platforms. To encourage listeners coping with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Franklyn also released a bonus track, “iPrevail” earlier this spring. The moving worship songs offer fans a preview of her highly-anticipated full-length album, South Wind Vol. 1, expected for release later in 2020. "Go In Your Strength" is an anthem for the ages, a mid-tempo inspirational song created to encourage believers and non-believers around the globe to press on through every trial. In this episode, Chevelle Franklyn talks extensively about the pandemic facing the people of the world today and offers a message of hope, encouragement and inspiration to listeners everywhere. Franklyn wants believers to go forward from this crisis in the strength of the Lord!

Gloria Gaynor's latest release, Testimony, won a GRAMMY this year for Best Roots Gospel Album. Gloria co-wrote almost all of Testimony's inspirational songs about faith and struggle. She has an amazing life story, starting her career in a very decadent era and since then, she has not only survived, but has thrived. She is an inspiration through her faith, her message and her music. Gloria lived with decades long debilitating back problems (from a stage fall before "I Will Survive") and multiple surgeries before getting "Back on Top" and making the album of her dreams. Music In This Episode: Superwoman- Jacque Green Call Me- Melba Moore feat Shirley Murdock My God Is Holy- Rev. John Lee Hooker I'm In- Yarbrough & Peoples Amazing Grace- Gloria Gaynor

Award-winning singer TASHA returns with new music, "Why Not Me?" and goes on the record to talk about her journey to this point and through some of her life's greatest challenges. Music In This Episode: Superwoman- Jacque Greene For My Good- Judah Band Why Not Me- TASHA

Edwrin Sutton is originally from Columbus County, North Carolina. He and his wife Nakia moved North in 2016 when he was appointed Pastor of Smith Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Poughkeepsie, New York. While in Poughkeepsie, Sutton also taught Gospel music as an adjunct professor at Marist College. “One day the Holy Spirit told me that rain was coming. Rain in scripture symbolizes restoration, revival and God’s favor. I felt as though what God was telling me was a word of faith that He wanted me to tell others. Subsequently, this prophetic song came into fruition.” Sutton sent the Demetrius West produced song to BlackSmoke CEO Kerry Douglas on a whim and the rest is history in the making! (initially published by Kymberlee Norsworthy of WorthInk PR) Music in this episode: Open the Floodgates- Demetrius West & the Jesus Promoters Don't You Give Up- FM2 & Intentional I Hear Rain- Edwrin Sutton

You know him from his funny videos on social media, but his new album "Finally" is available now! We had such a great time talking about his journey thus far, discover some little known facts about his life, family and some of the funniest and impactful videos and their hilarious and deep impact. Music in this episode: A Great Work- Brian Courtney Wilson Without You- TB2 All In His Plan- PJ Morton feat. Le'Andria Johnson & Mary Mary Open Heaven- Kevon Carter

Like a conversation with a life-long friend, Born For This, invites new readers and loyal fans alike to share in never-before-revealed details about his life in the crossfires between church, gospel music and the mainstream recording industry. In the book, BeBe reflects on the challenges and triumphs of maintaining his Christian faith over the course of a decades long recording career where he has sold millions of albums. In his interview, he shares even more about the book, and the experiences that comprise the overall experience of reading the book. Music in this episode: Help Is On the Way- Bebe Winans He Promised Me- Bebe Winans God Is On Our Side-Andrae Crouch The Promise- Andrae Crouch/Marvin Winans Laughter- Bebe Winans

His younger brother is an international worship leader and Stellar Award winner. On his own, he is a worship leader in Little Rock, Arkansas and has a new single he's ready to share with the world! He's a Kingdom man, a man of purpose sharing the gospel in song and word, one of God's greatest salesman and he's on the record with Fred and SP Radio!

Indie gospel artist Reggie Campbell joins the show to talk his gospel music career after losing his wife, his job and raising his three children as a single father. Campbell talks about the moment he knew God called forth the gift of music in his life, the journey and the reward of saying yes to God! Music in this episode: Jay Bratten- "Leanin'" Michael Bradley & Worship- "Mighty God" Reggie Campbell- "We Wait On You"

This film has been 47 years in the making and is now available. In this episode, Fred is speaking with Alan Elliot, producer of the film and he takes us inside the process of putting this film together and working with the family of the late, great Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Music in this episode: How I Got Over- Joseph Robinson & the Chosen Aggregation Precious Lord, Take My Hand/You've Got a Friend- Aretha Franklin Climbing Higher Mountains- Aretha Franklin

You have heard their work behind some of your favorite artists on your favorite albums and as the newest members of the Motown Gospel family, the time has come for them to put their own spin on some of your favorite worship songs. Their five song EP debuted today and is available on all digital music platforms. The Woods family spoke to OTR about their journey to this point, their hope for this project, their respective/collective careers and of course, their marriage. Songs in this episode: "Higher Higher"- Jerard & Jovaun "Good Time"- Andrae Crouch "He's Never Failed Me Yet"- Cece Winans "What a Beautiful Name"- Jerard & Jovaun

FM2 & Intentional led by its founder Freddie Moore II (affectionately known as FM2) is coming to be known as a West Coast choir with the hearty choral sound that most associate with choirs of the Midwest and East Coast. You can hear the influence of such choral trailblazers as Hezekiah Walker, Ricky Dillard, and Excelsior. FM2 talks with Fred Willis about his choir, their sound and the journey to releasing their debut project. Songs in this episode: We Made It- FM2 & Intentional What's Up Promises- Jason McGee & The Choir Joy- Adrian B. King and Reverence Don't You Give Up- FM2 & Intentional

With the release of her sophomore album, Casey J has ushered in a fresh new sound of worship. In this interview, she tells us about it all came about and her desire for all who listen! The Gathering is released as the first collaborative project from Integrity and Tyscot, two of Christian and Gospel music’s largest independent labels. Music in this episode by: Casey J: Let It Be Known William McDowell: Spirit Break Out Travis Greene: Forever Amen Casey J: Creation Testifies

On her new album Hiding Place, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Tori Kelly honors her deepest musical passion and delivers an R&B-infused, infectiously melodic take on classic gospel. “One of the things I want for this album is for people to feel uplifted and encouraged when they listen. “I want them to know that, no matter what they’re going through, there’s a God who loves them so much and so unconditionally, and there’s always a reason to feel hope. That’s what I really believe in, and I want everyone out there to hear my heart.” Music in this episode by: Tori Kelly ft. The Hamiltones- Help Us to Love Jonathan McReynolds- Make Room Tori Kelly- Never Alone

The duo from Bermuda teamed up with super-producer and composer Fred Jerkins to bring us their smash single "Victory", featured on Jerkins' "Project of Healing". In the interview, Jerkins and Last Call tell us about the process that brought them together as well as the inspiration for the project, the loss of Jerkins' 1st wife. The song "Victory" demands a response. At home, the song elicits shouts of joy and multiple reprises. Here in America, the song is gaining traction at radio and this declaration of victory is quickly becoming a church anthem! Music featured on this episode: Denita Gibbs- Keep Holding On Sherwin Gardner- Because of You Last Call- Victory

In this special episode of "On the Record", we're re-visiting a previous interview. We had the opportunity to speak with Jekalyn Carr ahead of her book and cd release last February. Her book is selling well and she has garnered another #1 on Billboard with "You Will Win", also the title of her first book. As always, our time with Evangelist Carr was soul stirring and satisfying. Be sure to share this episode with your friends, family and everyone that needs to know that THIS is their winning season! Music in this episode by: Blowin' My Mind- GRACE Kingdom- Ruth La'Ontra I Got That- Anthony Brown & Group TherApy We Will Stand-Jekalyn Carr We Win-Vincent Bohanon & SOV You Will Win- Jekalyn Carr

What began as a simple idea for a Facebook frame became the idea that shifted Rebekah Gordon and her company CopywrittIN into overdrive at the close of 2017. Two weeks into 2018, she and her company are already shattering expectations and reaping the benefits of saying YES to the leading of the Lord! Music in this episode by: Jacquie Green: Superwoman James Powell: The Heavens Are Open Judah Band: Be Alright Vashawn Mitchell: Joy Ruth La'Ontra: Kingdom Naomi Raine: Pour Me Out Anthony Brown & Group TherApy: I Got That Jekalyn Carr: You Will Win

In memoriam, we've dug into the archives to share this poignant interviews with the iconic comedian. The fight for civil rights and equality was no laughing matter to the comic who gave every part of himself to the movement in each stage and phase, even til his death on August 19,2017.

Separation is never easy and whether it's a breakup or divorce, it takes an emotional toll on both parties. Many times though, the emotions of the men involved are seldom considered. A recent divorcee herself, this realization led Dr. Hope to speak with men and women about their experiences and views of relationships. She has written her findings for all to see in this groundbreaking book. Compiling hours or research, she takes the conversations she’s had with men and shares them with the women on behalf on the men in “His Heart Her Voice".

During an interview with a local news outlet, I answered the question posed in regard to America’s proximity to Dr. King’s dream: “...we’re still working toward it.” I couldn’t stop rehearsing my answer once I got home. That got me to thinking though. This year, Dr. King will have been dead exactly 49 years and the best response to his dream is for this country to have elected a bigot who has staffed his cabinet and leadership choices that think exactly like him. Dr. King ‘s dream is not a myth as some suppose, rather it is the method by which true Americans, the real friends of America will strive to make America its greatest. In light of that, what exactly have we overcome to date?

On a very special episode of "On the Record", we're saying farewell to "The Bossman" Mr. Joe Ligon of The Mighty Clouds of Joy. This is part 1 of a 2 part show.

He's written more songs that I can keep up with, one of the most influential composers of the modern gospel era. On Facebook, you can regularly watch videos of his performances right in the sanctuary of the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Flint, Michigan. Elder LaValley has recently released new recordings of select hymns, furthering his musical legacy. Take a listen to my conversation with the Maestro, Elder A Jeffrey LaValley.