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Madonna‘s “Like a Prayer” is one of the most controversial songs of all time, with some Christians finding its music video offensive. That’s especially interesting, considering that a Christian choir worked on the song. They had some interesting things to say about the song’s creation.

Madonna’s ‘Like a Prayer’ music video went farther than the Queen of Pop ever had before

Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” has one of the most inflammatory music videos of all time. It shows Madonna getting … busy … with a Catholic saint on an altar. Some could see it as a metaphor for wanting to commune with God, but a lot of Christians saw it as a licentious desecration of their faith. While Madonna had previously released risque videos for songs such as “Like a Virgin” and “Open Your Heart,” she crossed a new line with “Like a Prayer.”

During a 2019 interview with The Guardian,...

13 January 2023 – Today, “once in a generation” vocalist Samara Joy unveils a piano-vocal duo rendition of “Can’t Get Out of This Mood,” the lead single from her Grammy-nominated album Linger Awhile, out now on Verve. Featuring four-time Grammy-nominated pianist Gerald Clayton, the new track highlights Samara’s “rich, buttery vocals” (Billboard), “breathtaking technique” (Boston Globe), and “youthful exuberance” (Wrti) that have earned the 23-year-old two nominations at the upcoming 65th Annual Grammy Awards®, Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album. Adding to her breakout year, Samara Joy has also received a nomination for Outstanding Jazz Album (Vocal) at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards.

Listen to “Can’t Get Out Of This Mood (Duo Version)” featuring Gerald Clayton Here.

2022 found Samara Joy dazzling crowds at jazz clubs, festivals, and cultural institutions across the globe, including her “glowing, auspicious debut” (NPR) at the 2022 Newport Jazz Festival, and performing on NBC’s Today Show,...

Almost 57 years later, James Herndon can still remember the first time he appeared on TV. On June 9th, 1963, the singer-pianist made his television debut on Chicago’s Jubilee Showcase as a member of influential gospel group the Caravans. Many artists of that era can say the same thing: The half-hour program, hosted by civil-rights activist Sid Ordower, aired on local television in Chicago for more than 20 years and provided a staging ground for some of the most exciting gospel collaboration and artistry in the genre’s post-war history.

“It was real exciting,...

Heaven Is for Real and Unbroken took top prizes at an event Friday that rewards movies based not only on their entertainment and artistic quality but also their uplifting messaging and Bible-honoring content. Unbroken, a film about World War II prisoner Louis Zamperini that was directed by Angelina Jolie, was deemed the best film of 2014 for mature audiences while Heaven Is for Real, about a young boy who claims to have visited Heaven, was the best movie for families. Stevie Wonder appeared with several other artists in a musical tribute to gospel singer Andrae Crouch, who died in

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The awareness levels of the upcoming film "Fifty Shades of Grey" are higher than any film in recent memory, including "Twilight" and "The Hunger Games." In fact, Universal and Focus Features are expecting at least a $50 million opening next weekend. The only worry is having to figure out a way to fully translate those female-skewing awareness numbers into actual ticket sales longterm. The paperwork version of the erotic novel by E.L. James was the fastest-selling ever in the U.S. The film stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson and will release on the Friday of Valentine's weekend. The Wrap -Break- Unconfirmed rumors about Sunday's Grammy Awards say that Beyonce will be part of musical tribute to the film "Selma." Oscar nominees Common and John Legend are already announced performers, and others that will be part of this segment will be the Andrae Crouch choir and the Blind Boys of Alabama.

Reel-Important People is a monthly column that highlights those individuals in or related to the movies that have left us in recent weeks. Below you'll find names big and small and from all areas of the industry, though each was significant to the movies in his or her own way. Khan Bonfils (1972-2015) - Actor. He played Saesee Tiin in Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace and also appears in Skyfall, Batman Begins, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. He died on January 7. (THR) Andrae Crouch (1942-2015) - Gospel Singer and Songwriter. He earned an Oscar nomination for cowriting the music for The Color Purple. He also worked on the soundtrack for The Lion...

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Andrae Crouch, who won seven Grammy awards over the course of his decades-long career, died in Los Angeles Thursday, according to his publicist Brian Mayes of the Nashville Publicity Group.

The legendary gospel singer, songwriter, record producer and pastor, spent his final days being treated at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he was admitted Saturday after suffering a heart attack, Mayes said in a statement posted on the firm’s website.

Also Read: Rod Taylor, ‘The Birds’ Star, Dead at 84

In addition to his Grammys, Crouch received an Academy Award nomination for his work on the score for the 1985 film “The Color Purple.

Famed gospel singer Andrae Crouch was rushed to the hospital Sunday after falling ill in the shower at his L.A. home ... TMZ has learned. The 71-year-old Grammy winner behind "Let the Church Say Amen" tells us he was "overcome by heat" during his shower ... and shouted for his assistant and his twin sister to call for help.An ambulance arrived to the scene -- and Crouch was transported to a nearby hospital. A few hours later,...

As expected, Tate Taylor's "The Help" won big at the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards. The film won Outstanding Picture of the Year with Viola Davis winning Outstanding Actress and Octavia Spencer taking home the Outstanding Supporting Actress award. Taylor lost to "Jumping the Broom's" Salim Akil for Best Director because apparently, it's a better picture than "The Help!"

Here's the complete list of winners (highlighted) and nominees of the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards (To visit other award-giving bodies, check out our Awards Avenue coverage right here)

Motion Picture

Outstanding Motion Picture

.Jumping the Broom. (TriStar Pictures)

.Pariah. (Focus Features)

.The First Grader. (National Geographic

Entertainment)

*** .The Help. (DreamWorks Pictures/

Participant Media/Touchstone Pictures)

.Tower Heist. (Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture

Eddie Murphy . .Tower Heist.

(Universal Pictures)

Laurence Fishburne . .Contagion.

(Warner Bros. Pictures)

*** Laz Alonso . .Jumping the Broom.

(TriStar Pictures)

Oliver Litondo . .The First...

Reviewed by Bob Hill

(June 2011)

Directed by: Don McGlynn

Featuring: Smokey Robinson, Andrae Crouch, Mavis Staples, Ira Tucker, Marie Knight, Willa Ward and Ira Tucker Jr.

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” –Psalms 33:3

This is the Deep South — Memphis, Tenn. Bible Country, USA. A land of crops and cotton, sweeping fields and schoolhouse churches. It’s a region that has seen more than its fair share of racial injustice and, more recently, natural catastrophe.

But all of that seems a million miles away come Sunday morning, drowned out by the sound of a million and one evangelicals, raising their voices in song.

It’s a time-honored tradition as old as the Negro spiritual itself, driven by an a capella harmony so powerful and true it’s come to represent both the struggle and salvation of African-Americans in the Bible Belt. It is the...

Reviewed by Bob Hill

(June 2011)

Directed by: Don McGlynn

Featuring: Smokey Robinson, Andrae Crouch, Mavis Staples, Ira Tucker, Marie Knight, Willa Ward and Ira Tucker Jr.

“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” –Psalms 33:3

This is the Deep South — Memphis, Tenn. Bible Country, USA. A land of crops and cotton, sweeping fields and schoolhouse churches. It’s a region that has seen more than its fair share of racial injustice and, more recently, natural catastrophe.

But all of that seems a million miles away come Sunday morning, drowned out by the sound of a million and one evangelicals, raising their voices in song.

It’s a time-honored tradition as old as the Negro spiritual itself, driven by an a capella harmony so powerful and true it’s come to represent both the struggle and salvation of African-Americans in the Bible Belt. It is the...

Known as the "father of modern day gospel," Andrae Crouch, has been churning out hit songs for over three decades -- so many, that he's been nominated for an Oscar, won multiple Grammys and was inducted into the Gma Hall of Fame. Now the legendary singer is coming out with his 18th album called "The Journey" and hosting a choir competition. Crouch spoke with Essence.com about his stellar career, new album, and his nationwide choir competition. Here's what you had to say: Ruth commented via Facebook: "I love his music!" Jay wrote via Facebook: So many of his songs have helped me through rough times and given me great joy."...

You missed Red, White And Blue didn’t you? It’s not too late.

SXSW is an unrelenting beast of a week for film-goers in Austin. We make our schedules, we see as much as we can, but inevitably miss out on some great screenings. Or, we didn’t get a badge this year for whatever reason, and we missed out on all the great screenings. Either way, we missed out on something great. To give non-badge-holders a taste of what SXSW Film is all about or to give you run-ragged badge-holders a second chance, the Fantastic Fest programming team hand-selected four films for “Taste of SXSW.”

Below is the complete lineup for Taste of SXSW. All screenings are at the Alamo Drafthouse at the Ritz, 320 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX.

Rejoice And Shout, Sunday, March 21 at 1:30pm

Packed with evocative photos, rare audio recordings, stirring film appearances and TV performances,...

New York, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- "For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots" (www.forloveofliberty.com) - the untold saga of African Americans' courageous service to their country - will premiere on public television in February 2010, coinciding with Black History Month. (Check local listings.) Hosted by Halle Berry, narrated by Avery Brooks, and featuring an introduction by Colin Powell and choral arrangements by Andrae Crouch, the powerful four-hour, two-part HD film will also be released on DVD on February 9, 2010.

Michael Jackson's memorial service has been held on Tuesday, July 7 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. As it has been reported before, several celebrities participated in the event to celebrate the life of the late King of Pop. Mariah Carey was the first celebrity who performed at the event after Michael's casket was placed in front of the stage inside the building. In a duet with Trey Lorenz, she sang the Jackson Five's hit "I'll Be There".

Also paying tribute to Michael was pregnant Jennifer Hudson. Singing "Will You Be There", the "American Idol" alumna performed with the Mj Show Company dancers and the Andrae Crouch singers who delivered a bit attraction on stage. Also taking the stage was Usher, who broke down into emotional performance while singing Michael's song "Gone Too Soon". The Grammy-Award winner was wearing sunglasses perhaps to avoid showing tears that run down on his face.

Family, close friends and fans gathered at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday, July 7 to celebrate the life and death of Michael Jackson. Apart from speech, accolades and testimony, stars who have shared memories of him took the stage to perform in the late singer's honor.

Mariah Carey was the first to dedicate a song to him, singing her famous cover of Jackson Five's hit "I'll Be There". She was joined in the middle by Trey Lorenz, her long-time collaborator who joined her in the song back in 1992 during MTV Unplugged. Bringing it in gospel tone, Mariah slipped in Michael's name and added "Never can say goodbye".

Stevie Wonder, who was also in Motown during Michael's golden years, sat behind the piano to sing a medley of his '70s songs "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and "They Won't Go When I Go". Before starting his piece, he...

Fans, friends, family, celebrities and media crews gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning to pay homage to the King of Pop as the world watched. Smokey Robinson preceded the ceremony by reading condolence letters from Jackson's longtime friends Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela, who were not in attendance. The service began with a choir singing "Soon and Very Soon" as Michael Jackson's casket was carried out by his brothers who were all wearing a single glove, a trademark look of Michael's who was often referred to as "The Gloved One." The music icon's children (Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, 11, “Prince” Michael, 12, and Prince Michael II, 7) sat on the front row by their grandmother Katherine Jackson. Family friend Pastor Lucious Smith took the stage to offer some kind and comforting words to the congregation. Mariah Carey then performed her cover of The Jackson 5 song "I'll Be There" with Trey Lorenz,...

Michael Jackson staged one of his most amazing 'appearances' as his remains took centre stage at his memorial service in Los Angeles minutes ago.

As The Andrae Crouch Choir started singing gospel tune We Are Going To See The King, the King of Pop's coffin, covered with red roses, was carried through the Staples Center, where 18,000 people had gathered to pay tribute to the late star.

Pallbearers included members of Jackson's family and friends of the Thriller star, who died last month.

The choir performed before a simple church setting at the sports arena, with a sunset image of stained glass windows hanging behind the singers.

Following a moment's silence, Pastor Lucius Smith took to the stage to begin the live tributes to the King of Pop. He recalled that the late star had been performing at Staples Center in the days leading up to his death.

He stated, "As long as we remember him, he will be there forever to comfort us. In his very beautiful and human heart, Michael Jackson wanted nothing more than to give love to the world... and perhaps be loved back in return."

After the pastor's solemn words, Mariah Carey hit the stage to begin the celebrity performance tributes with her rendition of Jackson 5 hit I'll Be There, as images of Jackson appeared on a big screen behind her.

She was joined onstage by Trey Lorenz, who recorded a 1992 duet of the song, which became Carey's first worldwide number one.

Carey finished her tribute by stating, "We miss you."...

Welcome to the Michael Jackson memorial service live blog. Don’t forget you can watch the full event on a live stream here and you can follow on Twitter here. We’re expecting a memorable afternoon featuring Mariah Carey, Usher, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder and a host of other guests and surprises in celebration of Jackson’s life and career.

All times are Eastern.

11:32 - The family is currently unloading at the private ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery, while fans are filing into the Staples Center. Several outlets are reporting that Jackson’s body will be transported via helicopter from the cemetery to the public memorial.

11:47 - Though the crowds continue to grow outside the Staples Center, everything appears to be running smoothly and orderly.

12:01 - Sway is live outside the Staples Center. The crowd looks big but controlled. Jackson has surpassed President Obama in Facebook fans — over 7 million!

John Mayer, Jennifer Hudson, Brooke Shields, brother Jermaine, others also pay tribute to the King of Pop.

By Gil Kaufman

Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz perform at the Michael Jackson memorial service on Tuesday

Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Michael Jackson was many things: an amazing dancer, singer and performer; the greatest pop star the world has ever seen; a loving friend, brother and father; a humanitarian and a complex superstar who drew the world into his embrace and provided the soundtrack to millions of lives with music that will live on forever. Michael Jackson was remembered as all of those on Tuesday afternoon (July 7) at a public memorial for the singer who died on June 25 at the age of 50.

With stirring performances from peers such as Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie; fans Usher, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson; and touching reminiscences from his family and admirers, the King of...

The number of people demanding for a ticket to Michael Jackson's memorial on Tuesday, July 7 is increasing, so is the list of celebrities making a tribute to him. Stars like Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder will pay their final respect by attending the service and possibly performing.

A rep from the Jackson family has released some names that will participate in the monumental event but did not specify which will perform. However, Mariah is reportedly reprising her cover of Michael's song "I'll Be There" while, according to CNN, Jennifer is also expected to sing.

Those attending Michael's memorial are varied from Motown founder Berry Gordy to "Britain's Got Talent" finalist Shaheen Jafargholi. The latter impressed audience of the reality show with his cover of Jackson Five's "Who's Loving You". The guest list extends to Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, Lionel Richie, Rev. Al Sharpton,...

Jennifer Hudson and Mariah Carey are among the artists scheduled to perform at Michael Jackson's memorial service, according to reports. The Jackson family have released a list of stars intending to take to the stage in honour of the 'Thriller' singer, which also includes Brooke Shields, Usher, Stevie Wonder, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Andrae Crouch Choir and Berry Gordy, says People. Additionally, Martin Luther King III, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Rev Al Sharpton and Shaheen (more)...

Los Angeles, California (X17online) - The Jackson family has released the names of the people who will be participating in tomorrow's memorial service for Michael Jackson at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The list includes: Kobe Bryant; Mariah Carey; the Andrae Crouch Choir; Berry Gody; Jennifer Hudson; Shaheen Jafargholi, a finalist on Britian's Got Talent; Magic Johnson; Martin Luther King III; John Mayer; Lionel Richie; Smokey Robinson; Rev. Al Sharpton: Brooke Shields; Usher: and Stevie Wonder. It's not clear if each of the named celebrities will be performing separately or what role they'll play in the service. The Jackson family will hold a private service at Forest Lawn Cemetery at 8 a.m. before heading to Staples Center for the memorial. Parents Joe and Katherine, along with siblings Jackie, Tito, Marlon, Jermaine, Randy, Latoya, Rebbie and Janet are all expected to attend. Click Here to see all of X...

The Jackson family on Monday announced a preliminary list of participants for the Michael Jackson memorial on Tuesday at Staples Center:

Ron Boyd (family friend)

Kobe Bryant

Mariah Carey

Andrae Crouch Choir

Berry Gordy

Jennifer Hudson

Shaheen Jafargholi (finalist on "Britain's Got Talent")

Magic Johnson

Martin Luther King III

Bernice A. King

John Mayer

Lionel Richie

Smokey Robinson

The Rev. Al Sharpton

Brooke Shields

Pastor Lucious Smith (family friend)

Usher

Stevie Wonder...

"The Insider" has exclusive details behind the list of celebrity performers who will participate in the public memorial service for the late Michael Jackson to be held at the Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7. "The Insider" has learned that both Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy will speak at the memorial service, although Robinson will not be singing. Jennifer Hudson is set to perform with the Andrae Crouch Choir -- and "The Insider" has learned that an invitation was extended to Alicia Keys to perform, but the singer's attendance has not been confirmed. "The Insider" has confirmed that Natalie Cole will also be attending Jackson's public memorial service. A rep for the star tells Et that Cole is recovering "wonderfully" from a kidney transplant procedure she recently underwent. At the request of her doctor, the star may be wearing a mask and gloves Tuesday as a preventative measure to avoid infection.

Everyone from Mariah Carey to the surviving Jackson brothers are expected to perform in honor of the late King of Pop at his memorial Tuesday at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. On Monday, the Jackson family's publicists released a "preliminary and subject to change" list of participants, which included Carey and confirmed an earlier report from CNN that Jennifer Hudson would take the stage. Other stars set to appear include: • Brooke Shields • Usher • Stevie Wonder • Magic Johnson • Kobe Bryant • Andrae Crouch Choir• Berry Gordy• Family friends Ron Boyd and Pastor Lucious Smith • Shaheen Jafargholi of Britain's Got Talent...

Carey, Wonder, Mayer will perform at Staples Center; Memorial to be shown in 80 theaters; Rowe won't attend services ... more.

By Wrap Staff

Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer Among Stars to Perform at Memorial

Usher, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer and Mariah Carey are among the stars who have been confirmed to partake in Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Center on Tuesday. Lionel Richie, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson will also appear at the event. An official press release from the Jackson family said that also in attendance would be: Brooke Shields; Kobe Bryant; Magic Johnson; Rob Boyd (family friend); Andrae Crouch Choir; Berry Gordy; Shaheen Jafargholi (finalist on "Britain'...

Tomorrow’s memorial for Michael Jackson at Staples Center will be quite a star-studded event. As Hollyscoop previously reported, Mariah Carey and Jennifer Hudson are confirmed as two of the performers for the ceremony. And now the Jackson family has unveiled a long list of celebrities who will be contributing to the event in some form. The list is as follows: Kobe Bryant; the Andrae Crouch Choir; Berry Gordy; Shaheen Jafargholi (finalist on Britain’s Got Talent); Magic Johnson; Martin Luther King III; Bernice A. King; John Mayer; Lionel Richie; Smokey Robinson; Rev. Al Sharpton; Brooke Shields; Pastor Lucious...

Kobe Bryant, Brooke Shields, John Mayer also scheduled to appear.

By Gil Kaufman

Mariah Carey

Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images

The public memorial service for Michael Jackson at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Tuesday will feature some of the late singer's closest collaborators, friends and fans paying tribute to the King of Pop. Among the stars expected to appear (and possibly perform) at the public event — which will take place after a private memorial earlier in the morning — are Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder, Usher, John Mayer, Lionel Richie and Motown founder Berry Gordy, according to a statement from a spokesperson for the Jackson family.

The list does not specify which of the attendees will perform, but Carey is reportedly slated to reprise her famous cover of the Jackson song "I'll Be There" at the public ceremony and CNN has reported that Oscar-winning actress/singer Hudson will also sing at the event.