Local Gospel Group's Hit Wins National Acclaim
Heraldonline.com
(July 25, 2009)
A local gospel group, Kenny Curry & NUSpirit, has won one of the most prestigious awards in the independent gospel music industry.
The group's new album, “At the Name,” was named recently as Album of the Year at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards in Pine Bluff, Ark.
“If you're doing any gospel music on a national level, this is the best award you can get,” said Curry, who lives in Rock Hill. “It's mind-blowing to be nominated, let alone to win something.”
Teraka Durham, a vocalist who joined as a backup singer more than two years ago, said the recognition NUSpirit has received “lets me know that God's favor is on the group.”
Curry's love of music dates back to his high school days at York Comprehensive.
“Everybody remembered me being a good drummer, but I wasn't playing piano or guitar or singing then,” he said. “I enjoyed playing music, but I didn't think it would be a career.” But the All-County, All-State, All-American drummer was offered a contract before he even finished high school. “I started playing then and never looked back,” he said.
NUSpirit formed in 2000, playing for local radio stations and churches. Durham, also a music lover from a family of singers, said the group was well known in the Rock Hill and Charlotte areas when she joined.
“Three albums later,” Curry said, NUSpirit achieved national recognition with its single “Running after His Grace.”
The group had performed on a national level before but had not had hits. Although local Christian radio stations played NUSpirit's music, only “Running after His Grace” “went across the nation like a storm,” Curry said.
“You can have good songs, but the hit is what got me all this exposure and recognition,” Curry said.
Mark Rogers, executive director of Rhythm of Gospel, said he was not surprised when NUSpirit won Album of the Year.
“I was actually surprised they didn't win more than that,” he said.
Rogers praised Kenny Curry & NUSpirit's stage presence and “consistent ministry.”
“I look to see them on a national level,” Rogers said.
Kenny Curry & NUSpirit has a unique sound, Curry said, which is part of why it was nominated for Traditional/Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year. “We keep the music Scripture-based and intertwine it with a rhythm and an R&B sound,” he said.
When the group formed in 2000, “it wasn't what you would normally hear,” he said.
“Some people you can reach that's never been in the church,” Curry added. “They may listen more to the secular-style music than just basic church music.” Most of the group has changed since then. “People have rotated in and rotated out,” Curry said. “The people I have with me now are definitely the ones who made this happen.”
Along with Curry, Durham and Rene Hardy, NUSpirit includes Matena Smalls, Trumond Lee and Melody Holman.
Durham, who also lives in Rock Hill, said the group has been blessed with the opportunity to minister more widely.
“Our whole purpose is to bring souls to Christ,” she said, “and it's so exciting to see how God is opening up doors for us which allow us to utilize our gifts and bring souls back to him.”
Ministers at Flint Hill Baptist Church, where Curry is the minister of music, and his home church, Freedom Temple Ministries, have shaped his work. “I watch the way they lead the church, and I try to lead my ministry that way,” he said. “People live their whole lives and never get some of the opportunities I've had already, and I'm grateful.”
Stuff in the Bluff has received the 2009 Rhythm of Gospel Award as Print, Press and Media of the Year! Arkansas' Gospel entertainment website was named the winner during the Nominee Reception Pre-Show held on July 11 in the banquet hall of the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
Kim Jones Sneed, the site's founder and publisher, literally ran to the podium in excitement to receive the award. She was praising the Lord for allowing her to win the award.
"I give honor to God, who is the head of my life. Winning this award is a complete shock to me. The nomination was a blessing in and of itself. Many of those nominated in this category have been my mentors and inspired me to create Stuff in the Bluff," she told the audience.
Other nominees included TCP Magazine, Gospel Truth Magazine, The Gospel Express, Gospel Synergy Magazine and Gospel Spectrum Magazine.
Kim acknowledged Michelle Jones, a webmaster who created and designed Stuff in the Bluff when it first launched in 2003.
"She gave me the best piece of advice. She told me to learn to build my own website," she said.
Kim revealed that Stuff in the Bluff was created during a time when the Gospel music industry in Pine Bluff was experiencing a dry season. There were no 24-hour Gospel radio stations on the air at the time and she wanted to find a way to lift up the artists and industry. She shared that God had shown her that the Internet would be the best way to bring that into fruition.
Kim honored her parents, the late Bishop Samuel Jones and Evangelist Beverly Jones, and thanked all the fans of Stuff in the Bluff for voting on line and supporting the site throughout the years.
"I know that my father is smiling down on me from Heaven," she said.
Nashville's Rejoice 880 Wins Gospel Station of the Year
The Rhythm of Gospel Awards has selected Rejoice 880 as Station of the Year.
Nashville, TN, July 23, 2009 --(PR.com)-- WMDB-AM Rejoice 880 has won Gospel Radio Station of the Year at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards..
Rejoice 880 was selected among stations in Miami, Memphis, Atlanta, Dallas as giving the most support to gospel artists.
"We are very excited that Rejoice 880 has brought this award back to Nashville and is now being recognized for supporting artists in gospel music,” said station general manager Orlando Boyd.
Formerly WSNG 1240-AM, WMDB purchased the 880 AM dial and adopted the gospel music format making in Nashville’s only gospel station. “We have always provided a platform for new and established artists from around the country to be able to minister to our audience through their music whether traditional, contemporary or urban gospel,” he said.
Hosted at the Pine Bluff Convention Center in Arkansas by The National and Independent Gospel Music Association, the Rhythm Of Gospel Awards is designed to be an evening of entertainment and recognition.
The televised award show recognizes outstanding churches, ministers, choirs and independent gospel music artists of all genres for their outstanding contributions toward the betterment and advancement of their communities.
Rejoice 880 is now rounding out the summer with their Concerts in the Park series at the Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park featuring gospel music artists from across the country. All events in the Rejoice 880 Concerts in the Park series are free and open to the public.
Plans for an 11th year station anniversary celebration with special events and concerts throughout the entire month of August are underway.
For more information, call Rejoice 880 at 615.242.1411.
Independent recording artist, EnDure, proudly announce their nominations for this year's Rhythm of Gospel Awards which will be held in Pine Bluff, Arkansas July 9th-July12th.
The Rhythm of Gospel Awards is the 3rd largest gospel awards show in the country and will be honorong and featuring a wide variety of Independent gospel artists throughout the Nation. EnDure has received four nominations which include Group of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Song of the year and Album of the Year.
A 5th nomination was given to their brother, John McKoy, for Producer of the Year on EnDure's CD. EnDure has been asked to be one of the featured artists for the show. EnDure is from Dillon, SC and is the only Artist performing from the Carolinas.
EnDure will be hosting several fundraising concerts to help support their trip. The first Concert will be on June 27th at Union AME Church in Lake View, SC.
The concert will start at 5:00PM. EnDure would like to thank the community for their prayers and support as they continue in their musical endeavors.
If you would like to know more about EnDure and the Rhythm of Gospel Awards go to www.endureforgod.com or www.rhythmofgospel.com.
