Son of Quartet Legend Spencer Taylor Jr. Has Passed
The gospel music world was saddened over the weekend to learn of the sudden passing of Spencer Bouvier Taylor III, affectionately known as “Boo.” Taylor III was the son and namesake of the legendary quartet singer Spencer Taylor Jr. of the Highway QCs. Taylor III succumbed to a battle with cancer on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Taylor III was a member of The Highway QCs, an iconic quartet that was founded 70+ years ago by his father Spencer Taylor Jr. who is now 95 years old. Taylor III was not only a singer but a celebrated quartet drummer. Taylor III is survived by his wife Ebony and his brother and fellow group member, Lynn Taylor.
Martha Munizzi Releases New Book
Grammy-nominated, Stellar and Dove Award-winning gospel artist Martha Munizzi is an accomplished inspirational singer, songwriter, and pastor. Martha can now also add author to her list of credentials. Martha has released her long-awaited first book “Because Of Who You Are: The Stories Behind My Music,” on Amazon giving readers a personal account of the experiences that have shaped her faith, such as her childhood growing up in ministry, the blessings she has experienced in marriage and motherhood and her 20+ years in ministry as an award-winning gospel artist.
Martha’s book tells the backstories of trauma, insecurity and laughter behind the creation of beloved songs such as “Because Of Who You Are“, “Say The Name“, “Glorious“, and many others. “I’ve wanted to write this book for a long time and wanted to write a book that would make people laugh, challenge their relationship with the Lord, and inspire them to radically know God,” says Martha. These similar themes of faith and hope are also recurrent in her music.
Christian Radio’s Dave Ramsey Named in Lawsuit Citing Fraud
Popular Christian radio host Dave Ramsey is facing a $150 million lawsuit from 17 listeners who claimed he played a role in defrauding them by promoting a timeshare exit company. Ramsey, who has built his career by providing biblically based financial advice to millions, was named along with marketing company Happy Hour Media Group in the lawsuit that alleges he promoted the Timeshare Exit Team on air to the financial detriment of many, including a couple seeking help last month with $760,000 worth of debts.
Ramsey was allegedly paid a total of $30 million dollars to advertise and promote the company operated by Reed Hein & Associates who promised to get customers out of timeshare agreements, but often failed to do so and most times could not be reached. The plaintiffs all said they paid thousands to the company after hearing Ramsey promote it on his radio show.
Actor Robert De Niro Teases Possible Role in Scorsese “Jesus Movie”
79-year-old actor Robert De Niro appeared at 76th Cannes Festival recently to promote his role in director Martin Scorsese’s upcoming release “Killers of the Flower Moon,” featuring the first full-length film collaboration between Robert De Niro and fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio in more than 25 years. While in Cannes, De Niro, one of the most influential actors of our time, teased the possibility of teaming up with longtime collaborator Scorsese to appear in what is being called a “Jesus movie.”
De Niro says he’s not sure what role he would play but says he knows for Scorsese it’s always about timing and he’s open to doing the film. Some have already begun speculating that Scorsese already has the new film planned following his recent visit to meet with Pope Francis privately at the Vatican.
Last Words…
Gospel Singer Earnest Pugh Celebrates Release of Music Compilation
Indie gospel artist Earnest Pugh launched his recording career 17 years ago and scored a major hit with “Rain On Us” that went #1 on Billboard Gospel in 2009. Pugh, also had subsequent Billboard #1 hits with “I Need Your Glory,” “God Wants To Heal You” and “Thank You So Much.” Pugh, known as the “Man with the Five Octave Voice,” recently released his 13th album, “The Very Best of Earnest Pugh,” a compilation of many of his greatest hits selected by the fans themselves along with a newly released single “Keeper Of My Soul,” via Shanachie Entertainment. “The Very Best of Earnest Pugh” includes his signature hit “Rain on Us” and two new tracks featuring fellow gospel artists Zacardi Cortez and Nakitta Foxx that is already popular with old fans and new.
The post Gospel Round Up: 6/7/23 appeared first on American Urban Radio Networks.
