The Scoop
Starfield cleans up at Canada's Covenants; Patti LaBelle goes gospel; Johnny still making lots of Cash; RJ says he's gay; WoW has a wow moment; and more.
by Andree Farias | posted 10/30/2006
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Starfield
and Ali Matthews picked up four awards each as GMA Canada presented the 28th Annual Covenant Awards last Friday in Calgary. Starfield won trophies for Album of the Year (Beauty in the Broken) Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Group of the Year, Matthews earned awards for Folk/Roots Song of the Year, Country/Bluegrass Song of the Year, Seasonal Song of the Year and Folk/Roots Album of the Year. Other multiple winners included Brian Doerksen and downhere with three awards each. For a complete list of winners, click here
Soul diva Patti LaBelle will release her first gospel album, The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle, on November 21. LaBelle will promote the album on a 14-city mega-church tour, which will hit major markets including New York, Philadelphia, and Detroit, and will feature special guest appearances and the support of local church choirs.
According to a list from Forbes.com, country legend Johnny Cash is one of the top-earning dead celebrities of the moment. The tally—compiled by adding up posthumous income from licensing related to their work, their name, and likeness—also included iconic figures such as Nirvana's Kurt Cobain, Elvis Presley, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dr. Seuss, and others.
Former American Idol finalist RJ Helton announced he's gay during an interview on SIRIUS Satellite Radio's "OutQ in the Morning," a gay and lesbian talk show. "I can have a faith but can't be who I want to be," said Helton of his short-lived career in Christian music. "So a lot of it was just personal things I needed to overcome and just be proud of who I was … Just because I am gay does not mean I can't love God." Helton's gospel music debut, Real Life, released in 2004.
Three WoW albums recently achieve RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. WoW Worship (Aqua) and WoW Christmas (Green) both went gold, while WoW Christmas (Red) hit platinum. The franchise has amassed over 15 million units in sales and four double-platinum, 18 platinum, and ten gold albums.
In January, renowned guitarist Phil Keaggy will release Dream Again, his first vocal project since 2000's Inseparable (he's also done several instrumental albums, including this year's JAMMED! and Roundabout). Keaggy says the new disc is "a relationship album—about our relationship with God and with those who are near in our lives. I think it's an album that states what's important, what's on my mind here and now in my life."
Former Sixpence None the Richer vocalist Leigh Nash has finished work on Wishing for This, a seasonal EP to be made available as a digital-only release beginning November 14. The set will include the original title track, plus yuletide favorites "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Maybe This Christmas," "Last Christmas," "O Holy Night," "Hard Candy Christmas," and "Eternal Gifts."
Releasing on November 1, How Do You Know He's Real? God Unplugged, a book for teens, relates the spiritual journey of some noted musicians and athletes. Musicians include blues guitarist Jonny Lang, sister trio BarlowGirl, American Idol finalist George Huff, rocker John Cooper (Skillet), and sisters Tricia and Melissa Brock (Superchick), among many others.
Integrity Media is entering the mobile phone market with the launch of MWorship, a service that provides mobile phone users with a wide array of inspirational content, including devotions, ring tones, text messages, and much more.
© Andree Farias, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information. 1 of 1
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