Madea Actor Terrell Carter Caught in Media Spin

The rumor mill ran abuzz this week when Terrell Carter, a star in Tyler Perry's stage plays and featured actor in the famed Madea movie blockbusters, was outed this past weekend by an alleged ex-boyfriend who posted photos on the Internet featuring Carter and him together. Alex Cortez, the boyfriend, began posting pictures on networking web sites and on his profile pages at Twitter and MySpace while also writing about the scorn of the aforementioned relationship gone wrong. In his words, Cortez wrote "Hell yeah i’m angry!…there are fucked up ppl out there no matter how nice they seem to be & it’s their fault, ppl they harm are bitter!"

Since the outing, black gossip blogs, gay news sources and other media outlets including MediaTakeOut, Rod 2.0, Sandra Rose, Advocate and PerezHilton have been lit up with hundreds of comments from Carter's supporters and some of Perry's hardcore fans. Sandra Rose, who reported last year that Carter was suspect, didn't help much when she wrote that "99 percent of the actors in Tyler's movies are gay."

The actor is also an indie soul artist who has released three albums, according to CDBaby. Along with his background in Tyler Perry gospel plays like Meet the Browns and Madea's Class Reunion, Carter was a background singer for Fred Hammond and Yolanda Adams.

No correspondence or a press statement from Carter's camp has surfaced since the rumored allegations hit the fan. Maybe he's hoping all of this will die down until the next Madea movie announces casting calls.

J MATT'S COMMENTS:
Since I have been heavily criticized for running a rumor mill at my gospel e-zine and blog (Keish, hope you're reading this), I wanted it to go on record that this blog entry was only submitted because no other gospel web site won't touch it. I was also questioned by the media to the reaction in the faith community. I personally felt it was newsworthy because other news outlets have covered it and it also raises a lot of questions.

Could Carter press charges against Cortez for defamation of character?

When a gospel-related star is in trouble, why do the gospel web sites joke up?

And when issues of homosexuality arise, why is it he church gets louder and the gospel community goes silent?

These and other issues are bound to make you wonder if we are even being effective in our outreach for Christian evangelism. I hate that Carter is now the victim of a bitter, heartbroken drama-king, but the popular, yet paranoia-like proverb remains a careful reminder to our decision-making. It is also a title to one of Perry's stage plays in which Carter was also cast: "What's done in the dark...shall come to light."

Faith Makes Leaps at MJ Memorial Service

It was indeed a spectacular event designed for a king. Over 11,000 fans converged on Los Angeles at the Staples Center on Tuesday to bid farewell to the King of Pop - Michael Jackson and to pay tribute to his musical legacy. Amongst those who attended and participated in the super memorial service was Los Angeles Laker pros Kobe Bryant and Ervin "Magic" Johnson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Brooke Shields, Rev. Bernice King, Rev. Martin Luther King, III, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah and Motown founder Berry Gordy.

Of the services' most memorable performances, Stevie Wonder wowed the crowd with a fitting two-song medley of "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and "They Won't Go When I Go." But Wonder's words offered up a wave of inspiration and encouragement when he spoke: "I do know that God is good and I do know that as much as we may feel – and we do – that we need Michael here with us, God must have needed him far more.”

Also, pop sensation John Mayer provided an acoustic backdrop on an instrumental performance of "Human Nature," Jermaine Jackson glowed on the happy-hearted Charlie Chaplin classic "Smile" and Mariah Carey opened the star-studded show with the Jackson 5 hit "I'll Be There." But right after Queen Latifah recited the Maya Angelou poetic tribute "We Had Him," the event took on a radiant quality of spirituality that allowed Michael's star to only twinkle while God was getting all the glory.

Lionel Richie's brilliant display on "Jesus Is Love," a song he recorded with the Commodores in 1980, moved the audience to tears as Richie poignantly expressed his gratitude to God's amazing grace. The song was recently covered as a duet by gospel singer Smokie Norful and Heather Headley.

American Idol finalist and Oscar-winning Jennifer Hudson, who lost her mother, brother and nephew in a tragic domestic shooting last year, electrified the audience with her soulful gospel rendition of "Will You Be There."

R&B crooner Usher effortlessly walked through Jackson's heartfelt ballad "Gone Too Soon." Towards the end of the song after making his way to Jackson's golden casket, Usher was comforted by the Jackson family after being moved to tears.

Smokey Robinson reminded us of God's blessings and reminded listeners that Jackson was a blessing specially designed by God. Towards the end of his remarks, he repeated that "he's not really gone. He's going to live forever and ever and ever."

Shelia Jackson-Lee eclipsed the commentary of the King family with her amazing speech and her introduction of Resolution 600 officially recognizing Jackson as a musical icon, legend and humanitarian. She also reiterated the importance of faith and acknowledged while Jackson possessed a great sea of fans across all aisles of faiths and walks of life that the story of the Good Samaritan from the Holy Bible best described the heart of the late musical giant.

The closing performances showcased Jackson's strong good will ballads like "Heal the World" and "We Are the World;" which culminated with Jackson's farewell tour singers, his family and other celebrities and pop stars taking the stage as one big chorus.

But the opening moments, highlighted with the Andrae' Crouch Singers echoing "Soon and Very Soon" and the pallbearers entering the stadium with Jackson's gorgeous coffin, clearly set the angelic tone for a moving, somber tribute to the King of Pop.

Rumors in the faith community surfaced last week after gospel duo Mary Mary announced on their Twitter page that Michael Jackson accepted Jesus Christ into his life after a recent meeting with gospel legends Andrae' & Sandra Crouch. Afterwards, the Crouchs quickly responded to Charisma Magazine that the entire set of accusations were "incorrect and absolutely not true." During a recent visit with Jackson weeks before his passing, Andrae' Crouch planned to reunite with the pop icon to work on two new songs for a pending album release.

2009 marked the 50th anniversary of Berry Gordy's musical empire of Motown Records. Unfortunately, it also mourned the lost of one of pop music's greatest contributors.

Below is a clip of Lionel Richie's performance at the memorial service of his gospel ballad "Jesus Is Love."

[MORE MJ TRIBUTES]
Michael Jackson Memorial Unites Smokey Robinson, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and More [Rolling Stone]

Unforgettable moments from the Michael Jackson memorial service [Los Angeles Times]

Tributes to Michael Jackson flow in [SoulTracks]

Remembering Michael Jackson [PRAYZEHYMNOnline]

James Fortune Wins ASCAP Gospel Song of the Year Award

New York City - (June 29, 2009) - Co-written by James Fortune and Terrence Vaughn, the sensational gospel anthem "I Trust You" was named the Gospel Song of the Year at the 22nd Annual American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Awards. The ASCAP Awards honor songwriters and publishers of the most celebrated songs across all genres. "I Trust You" topped Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart for a historic 29 weeks, and claimed the title of the longest running #1 Gospel single.

The star-studded event, which was attended by leading recording artists, songwriters and music industry notable, began with a moment of silence in remembrance of Michael Jackson and his music. James Fortune & FIYA dedicated his riveting performance at the award ceremony to the late King of Pop. A short montage highlighted the illustrious career of Michael Jackson while several award recipients and presenters mourned the great loss. When Alicia Keys accepted ASCAP's Golden Note Award, she thanked Michael for his legacy and said "He went and did from his heart as a genuine and good, blessed artist."

Mary Mary Makes Big Presence at BET Awards

Besides all eyes being glued to the special dedications in memory of the late King of Pop Michael Jackson on June 28's airing of the BET Awards, gospel music lovers were treated with a special stage performance from gospel duo Mary Mary. The two were recently added to the line-up of performers for the award show held at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. They performed their latest radio hit, "God in Me," which included a cameo appearance from actress and rap diva Queen Latifah who filled in for an absent Kierra Sheard.

The L.A. Times covered the events' performances and had this to say about Mary Mary's performance:

Mary Mary: “God in Me.”Foxx introduces Mary Mary as “the new Queens of Gospel,” but they sound an awful lot like standard run-of-the-mill queens of R&B. With a skittering electronic beat, it’s mid-tempo R&B with a smattering of hip-hop. A midpoint appearance from Queen Latifah picks things up, but not by much. C

Mary Mary also took home the BET Best Gospel Artist award. The nominees in that category included Regina Belle, Shirley Caesar, Smokie Norful and Trin-i-tee 5:7.

Gospel Greats Pay Tribute to Obama

Still in celebration mode, the gospel music community proceeds in releasing A Gospel Tribute to President Barack Obama. Distributed through Central South Distribution, the compilation contains new and original material from a heavyweight assortment of artists including GRAMMY-award winner Israel Houghton, Marvin L. Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, pop/blue-eyed soul crooner Michael McDonald, Dottie Peoples, Micah Stampley, Donnie McClurkin and Kelly Price. The lead single, "This Is Your Cue" by Benita Washington, has already been serviced to gospel radio and is making strong strides on the radio charts. The album, slated for a June 9th nationwide release, is currently available for purchase via the Internet at http://www.ilovegospelmusic.com/.



The gospel tribute isn't the first of its kind that pays respect to this historical chapter in American history. Though tons of records and musical tributes have been released since the 2008 presidential campaign in support of Obama, the Hidden Beach collection Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise stands out as the strongest. The collection, which contains excerpts from Obama's landmark speeches, features performances from Maroon 5, will.i.am, James Taylor, India.Arie, BeBe Winans, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Robin Thicke, Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder with "All About Love Again" (which was performed on American Idol and Ellen). This special collection is available for purchase at: http://www.hiddenbeach.com/love.

View the cute concept video of Stevie Wonder's "All About the Love" from the Change Is Now compilation.

[HAIL TO THE CHIEF]

I Love Gospel Music [Official Site]
Hidden Beach Recordings: Change Is Now [Official Site]

Introducing J. Matt's Attic

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A new music-oriented blog, designed by PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com editor J. Matthew Cobb, was introduced this summer. J.MATT'S ATTIC is a portal into the vast music world, spanning decades of multiple music genres including R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, gospel and pop. "I felt it was time to introduce to my followers and friends another side of my music tastes," commented Cobb. "It's not all gospel for me - 24-7. There's a world of great music out there and I hope to spark curiosity in those who have never heard some of the great music I've experienced." Some of J.MATT'S ATTIC's features include easy clicks to listen to posted music mp3s which allows listeners to download songs to their computer for their listening pleasure. The blog plans to post new music - from a strong list of veterans and newcomers - and hopes to upload new content each day.

Since its debut in early June, the blog has already posted material from George Benson, Elliott Yamin, the Supremes, K.C & the Sunshine Band and jazz musician Bobbi Humphrey. This year, the blog plans to post additional coverage of Motown classics in celebration of Motown's 50th anniversary.

J. MATT'S ATTIC is just one of J. Matthew Cobb's ventures into mainstream music, since he recently joined forces with SoulTracks.com as a contributing writer. Cobb remains the chief editor of PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com and moderator of its blog, THE PRAYZE Report.

J. MATT'S ATTIC Link:
http://www.jmattsattic.blogspot.com

Oleta Adams Unplugged at PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com

In 1990, she teased us with the pop hit "Get Here." Almost twenty years later, she is still here as she launches her new album Let's Stay Here on the world. With a background of music covering jazz, R&B and even gospel (with the 1997 GRAMMY-nominated Come Walk With Me project), Oleta Adams talks with PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com exclusively about her success, her marriage, the new album and her future plans in both mainstream and gospel music.

To read the two-part interview and to hear new music from her new album, click the following links: PART 1 and PART 2

[OLETA ADAMS UNPLUGGED]
Oleta Adams [Official Website]

Oleta Adams Unplugged [PRAYZEHYMNOnline.com]