Ricky Dillard & New G Lead Soloist Departs on the Eve of 13th Live Recording
Lillian Lloyd, a long-time fan favorite soloist of Ricky Dillard’s New Generation Chorale (New G), took to social media shortly before midnight on September 8th and surprised fans on the eve of the award-winning group’s 13th live recording with a cryptic video announcing her departure after 18 years. Lloyd, whose powerful lead can be heard on songs like “One More Chance,” and “I’ve Got the Victory,” didn’t share details but says, “I don’t hate him [Ricky] and I hope he doesn’t hate me.”
“This train has come to a stop for this season,” which is truly sad news for many, but she ended the video by leaving the door open for a possible reconciliation in the future.
Fantasia Excites Fans with News of Debut Gospel Album
American Idol sweetheart Fantasia Barrino has been a force to reckon with ever since her 2004 win on the third season of American Idol. The 39-year-old Grammy winner has excelled on the Billboard charts and electrified audiences with her performances in multiple Broadway musicals including “The Color Purple,” and now she’s returning to her roots for a long-awaited gospel album. Although Fantasia has released several inspirational singles, a full album dedicated to gospel is considered long overdue.
Kirk Franklin’s “Father’s Day” Coming October 2023
Father’s Day will be celebrated for the second time in 2023. Gospel icon Kirk Franklin will be releasing his first solo album in three years called “Father’s Day.” The 19-time Grammy award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer began stirring up buzz on social media after posting a video of him appearing to take a paternity test. Franklin will also premiere his Father’s Day documentary on his YouTube channel on September 15, 2023. The documentary will share a deeper look into his personal story and about the new album, which will be released on October 6, 2023, with some of the current releases including “All Things,” “Try Love,” and “Needs.” Father’s Day features a total of 10 tracks with guest appearances from Le’Andria Johnson, Chandler Moore, Tori Kelly, Jonathan McReynolds, Jekalyn Carr, Kelontae Gavin, and Maranda Curtis.
Gospel SuperFest Headed to Jacksonville, FL
This year’s Gospel Superfest is headed to Florida’s Jacksonville Performing Arts Center. The show, executive produced by show founder Bobby Cartwright, Jr., is being filmed on September 23, 2023, at the venue for the first time since 2002. The recorded session will be aired during a later broadcast on BET. The show will be hosted by the former BET 106 & Park host Rocsi Diaz, with performances by Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Pastor John P. Kee, Ricky Dillard & the New Generation Chorale, Jekalyn Carr, Shirley Murdock, Crystal Aikin, Beverly Crawford, Todd Dulaney, and others.
Last Words…
McDonald’s Inspirational Gospel Tour Lineup Announced
The McDonald’s 17th annual Inspiration Celebration ® Gospel Tour (ICGT) will be getting on the road Friday during Gospel Music Heritage Month on September 15th with the first stop at the House of Hope in Chicago, IL. The highly anticipated six-city tour will also be making stops in Detroit, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Jackson, MS, with an all-star lineup including Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Bri Babineaux, DOE, Mike Teezy, Sir the Baptist, The Walls Group, Tim Bowman Jr., and DJ CANVA$. Stellar award-winning recording artist and radio personality Lonnie Hunter will serve as the tour host and Donald Lawrence will resume his role as music supervisor.
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