Capitol Christian ‘now in the best position’ to grow the business; RCA Inspiration sees key promotions

EMI Christian Music Group has unveiled its new name as Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG)—part of the newly launched Capitol Music Group, which includes Capitol Records, Virgin Records, Blue Note, Astralwerks, Harvest, Caroline and the Capitol Studios.

“We are very encouraged to be working alongside Steve Barnett and the amazing team he is building at the new Capitol Music Group,” said CCMG President and CEO Bill Hearn. “Being part of this team and with the strength of the Universal Music Group Distribution system, we are now in the best possible position to invest in and serve our artists and writers and grow our business.”

CCMG garnered three GRAMMYs with ForeFront Records’ TobyMac and sixstepsrecords’ Matt Redman during the 55th annual GRAMMY Awards held Feb. 10 in Los Angeles. 

EMI Christian Music Group was also recognized in the music category by CBA during its Second Annual Champions of the Faith Awards prior to the International Christian Retail Show last summer in Orlando, Fla.

Meanwhile, Verity Gospel Music Group has been renamed RCA Inspiration. Geo Bivins, who also remains senior vice president of urban promotion for RCA Records, has been named general manager to run day-to-day operations. 

In addition, Stanley Brown has been promoted to head of A&R, and Cheryl Marks to vice president of marketing. All three will remain in the company’s New York City headquarters.

“I am very excited to be working with so many great gospel artists,” Bivins said. “RCA Inspiration will continue the
tradition held by Verity Gospel Music Group as the leader in inspirational music. In addition to great music, I am equally excited to work with the best A&R, promotion and marketing team in the business.”

During his music career, Bivins, senior vice president of urban promotion for RCA Records since 2007, was responsible for the promotion of hits from many mainstream artists, including Snoop, Chingy, R. Kelly, Busta Rhymes and Notorious Big.

Brown, who had served as senior director of A&R for Verity since 2010, is an accomplished musician, producer and label executive with more than 20 years experience in the music business. Brown’s label executive experience includes vice president of A&R for Island Black Music, where he signed and oversaw projects by Karen Clark Sheard, Donald Lawrence and Bishop T.D. Jakes.

Marks previously served as senior director of marketing for Verity, spearheading award-winning campaigns for Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Hezekiah Walker and the “Wow Gospel” series. 

RCA Inspiration kicked off the year Jan. 22 with Bless This House, the eighth release from Kurt Carr. Other projects set for 2013 include Fred Hammond’s United Tenor; a debut album from BET’s Sunday Best audience favorite Latice Crawford; and the next installment from the “Wow Gospel” series. 

Thomas Nelson will publish renowned evangelist Billy Graham's next major book this fall.

To be released Oct. 15, The Reason for My Hope: Salvation "once again brings an important message of salvation to the world, with [Graham's] accessible writing style and words of truth," said Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher at Thomas Nelson.

In what could be his final book, Graham, who turns 95 in November, shares "the core message that has guided his life and calling" for more than 70 years, Nelson said. The book will be the centerpiece of a massive campaign by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that will seek to mobilize millions of Christians to invite non-Christians to hear the gospel through customized video and a new message from Graham.

Graham's previous book, Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well, published by Nelson in October 2011, was named Christian Book of the Year the 2012 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. A New York Times best-seller, Nearing Home has sold more than 700,000 copies.

Thomas Nelson Senior Vice President and Group Publisher David Moberg said Graham will again "impact the world with a timely message of hope and encouragement for these difficult times."

"What a tremendous tribute to Dr. Graham that in his 95th year, he is still shaping the culture with the Christian message [with The Reason for My Hope," he added.

Graham's publisher since 1975 through its acquisition of Word Publishing in 1992, Nelson has had numerous million-copy best-sellers of the famous preacher's books in more than 35 years, company officials said. The Reason for My Hope will be simultaneously released Oct. 15 through Nelson's Spanish division, Grupo Nelson, and internationally.

Filming is underway on a movie based on best-selling author Max Lucado's novella, The Christmas Candle (Thomas Nelson, 2006). 

The plot involves what happens when the Christmas candle goes missing in the 9th century British town of Gladbury: "the miraculous and the human collide." The film stars Samantha Barks (Les Misérables), Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), and it's the film debut of Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who shot to worldwide fame on a British TV talent show. 

"I couldn't be more pleased," Lucado wrote on his blog. "Candace Lee and Eric Newman have written a marvelous screenplay. They have added some characters and embellished others. The story is much better, thanks to their touch."

Lucado and his wife, Denalyn, even worked as extras on the set.

"When Denalyn and I visited the set in England last month, we were treated like royalty," he said. "Everyone was so kind and gracious. What an honor to be a part of capturing a slice of this golden era of British history. May the beauty of the 19th century Cotswolds inspire every viewer. And may the ever present message of Christmas encourage every seeker."

Meanwhile, Lucado will be the main speaker of the Worship Him service at the International Christian Retail Show, to be held June 23-26 in St. Louis. He will share a message from You'll Get Through This, his new book on "getting through" in times of trouble that is to be published by Nelson in September.

Click here for more information on The Christmas Candle, which does not yet have a release date.

New event to ‘bring together the biggest names in Christian music, sports, books and movies’

K-LOVE has announced the launch of the first fan-voted awards show in Christian music history. The winners will be announced at the K-LOVE Fan Awards show, which will be held June 1 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.  

The show is part of the K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience, to be held May 31-June 2—an inaugural event that will “bring together the biggest names in Christian music, sports, books and movies for its biggest night in Music City,” organizers said. 

A leading Christian radio network with a weekly audience of 14 million people, K-LOVE selected Nashville as the host city because it is “home to the faith-based entertainment industry.”

“We appreciate our relationship with both listeners and Nashville’s music community,” K-LOVE Chief Creative Officer David Pierce said. “The K-LOVE Fan Awards is an opportunity for us to appreciate and encourage those who are making music and media that impacts our world for Christ.”

The voting process will begin in May, and award categories include Female Vocalist of the Year; Male Vocalist of the Year; Duo/Group of the Year; Breakthrough Artists of the Year; Sports Impact; Movie Impact; Book of the Year; “Unsung Hero,” K-LOVE listener  award; Artists of the Year; and Song of the Year.

The new event was announced Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at the Ryman, which drew artists such as TobyMac, Amy Grant, Jeremy Camp, Brandon Heath, Francesca Battistelli, Jamie Grace and Plumb as well as Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. 

The awards mission is “to create a fan experience that celebrates and promotes artists, athletes, authors and entertainers who, with excellence, engage and impact popular culture for Jesus Christ.”

“K-LOVE is in a unique position to bring together millions of listeners, while building a very special event with the Christian music community,” said John Sanders, co-creator and producer of the event. 

The award show will be hosted by Phil and Kay Robertson and Jase and Missy Robertson, stars of  A&E TV’s popular show Duck Dynasty. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of this fan-centered event for the Christian music industry,” the Robertsons said in a joint statement. “With our own show, we know how important and vital the fans are to our success, and we understand why K-LOVE wants to host this event to give back to their listeners. As fans of Christian music, we are excited to host the awards and bring our own Duck Dynasty flare to the evening for a fun-filled, family-friendly event.” 

For more information on the K-LOVE Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience, visit www.KLOVEFanAwards.com.

Sixstepsrecords artist garners pair of awards at the 55th annual event for ‘10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)’

Matt Redman won two GRAMMYs during the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards, held Feb. 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Redman was recognized in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance categories for “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” from his sixstepsrecords album 10,000 Reasons (EMI CMG Distribution).

Israel Houghton and Micah Massey were also recognized as tied for the win with Redman in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Song category for “Your Presence Is Heaven” from Jesus at the Center (Integrity Music/RGM—New Breed Music/Provident
Distribution).

TobyMac’s Eye On It (ForeFront Records/EMI CMG) won the Best Contemporary Christian Album category, while hip-hop artist Lecrae nabbed a GRAMMY for Gravity (Reach Records/Infinity Music Distribution) in the Best Gospel Album category.

Sister duo Mary Mary won the Best Gospel Song category for “Go Get It,” the title track of Go Get It (Columbia Records/Provident Distribution).

Mary Mary also captured wins in two categories during the 44th NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) Image Awards, held Feb. 1 at the historic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. 

Go Get It edged out other Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) nominees, which included Fred Hammond, God, Love & Romance (Verity Gospel Music Group); Marvin Sapp, I Win (Verity Gospel); Le’Andria Johnson, Le’Andria Johnson The Experience (Music World Gospel); and Tamela Mann, Best Days (Tillymann Music Group). The sister duo also won in the Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration category. 

ICRS strategy aims to ‘bring more buyers’ and offer ‘cost-effective ways’ to exhibit

CBA and convention organizer Freeman have launched a new program for exhibitors to help improve return on investment (ROI) at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), to be held June 23-26 in St. Louis.

CBA’s “ICRS Cost Savings” will communicate tips, techniques and best practices to increase efficiencies, and boost sales and marketing impact. The program includes a weekly e-newsletter for suppliers and prospective vendors with links to resources and information on how to save money and increase sales.

CBA President Curtis Riskey said exhibitors often could make slight adjustments in operations and logistics to generate more leads, booth traffic and sales. 

“We are seeing a greater need for trade shows, while at the same time economic circumstances make measuring ROI more critical,” Riskey said. “Our goal with the cooperative initiative with Freeman is to make exhibiting time more productive before ICRS, during the event and post ICRS.”

A number of new ICRS initiatives will expand marketing opportunities for exhibitors and provide a forum for obtaining more qualified leads, CBA said. 

“Seeing new products, learning new ideas and improving business operations are key reasons buyers attend trade shows,” Riskey said. “We are developing a combined strategy to bring more buyers to the show, while offering new, cost-effective ways to exhibit.”

Toby Purdy, Freeman chief marketing officer, added: “This combined effort will help exhibitors significantly save time and money, while increasing tradeshow effectiveness.”

ICRS Cost Savings also features an educational paper on how to reduce material-handling costs; a first-time exhibitor video and helpful tips to improve sales; and a live webinar for exhibitors.

Charisma House expects sales of new book by famed Brownsville revivalist to rival ‘The Harbinger’

Evangelist Steve Hill narrowly missed entering heaven’s gates after years of fighting incurable melanoma. Hill—pastor emeritus of Heartland World Ministries in Dallas/Fort Worth and best-selling author known worldwide for his preaching at the Brownsville (Pensacola, Fla.) revival—had a close call with eternity, but prayed for more time so he could keep winning souls for Jesus.

Hill was given more time not only to win souls, but also to sound a warning message to the church—one that has since been released by Charisma House, which has high hopes for the book following the publisher’s ongoing success with its New York Times best-seller The Harbinger. 

After believing God told him to come off of many of the medications being used to combat his cancer, Hill said he experienced a “full-color, open vision” at a time when he couldn’t walk and was feeling useless in his service to the Lord. 

On the basis of the vision, he wrote a Charisma News article in mid-December that warned of false teachings in the church—and the article
went viral on social media outlets. With reaction that paralleled the response Charisma House received after releasing The Harbinger, the company opted to rush to print Hill’s book based on the vision. Spiritual Avalanche: The Threat of False Teachings That Could Destroy Millions hit store shelves March 12.

“The truths presented in Steve Hill’s Spiritual Avalanche are a wake-up call for Christians,” said Tessie DeVore, executive vice president, Charisma House. “In the same way that The Harbinger has sounded the alarm and created an unprecedented movement around the world, this book amplifies the true message of holiness and a return to God.”

In Hill’s vision, he saw a mountain covered in glistening snow. Skiers were enjoying their day on the slopes, unaware of impending doom as the snow accumulated, setting off an avalanche and killing those who did not heed ski patrol warnings. Hill believes that the church is being “snowed” by false teachings that are threatening unsuspecting believers who have been deceived. Spiritual Avalanche is a call to holiness, but also sounds a warning to the church against cheap grace, universal salvation, the deification of man and other teachings that Hill believes are destroying believers’ spiritual lives.

Such heretical doctrines are widespread, Hill argues, as pastors and teachers worldwide have succumbed, and they “will be held accountable for the spiritual death of millions,” he writes. 

Regarding the deification of man, Hill said: “Christian leaders are rising to the top and sheep are following them without even questioning the word that’s coming out of their mouth. They’re feeding them what they want to hear. ‘Tickle my ears.’ Paul said it was going to happen.”

Charisma House is supporting the release of Spiritual Avalanche with a major publicity effort. National media includes television appearances on Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural!, Trinity Broadcasting Network’s  Praise the Lord, Daystar’s Marcus & Joni and other major Christian television outlets. Additionally, a national television and radio advertising campaign promoted the book on FOX News, the INSP Network and Salem Radio Network.

The book was endorsed by church leaders from Jack Hayford to Mike Bickle,  features a foreword by best-selling author and international evangelist Perry Stone, and marks a definitive return for Hill in publishing and ministry.

“I’m still on fire,” he said. “I’m like a soldier. A soldier often fights in pain.”

Hill is still undergoing treatment, but using more holistic means. 

When his health was depleted by chemotherapy, his wife, Jeri, believes she heard God say to her: “Take care of the man of God.” And that’s just what she did. 

“For a full year, there was no communication,” Hill said. On his hospice bed after being given just a few days to live, the funeral was planned and the burial plots were purchased. Then Hill prayed a special, silent prayer. 

“Jesus,” he said, “they just told me that I’m going to die and to die is gain. You and I are madly in love with each other, Jesus. You’ve been my best friend for decades. Now they say it’s over.”

He went on to “make a deal” with God.

“If it’s over, that’s fine because to die is gain. But You’re hard-pressed for evangelists, Jesus. There are very few evangelists out there that do what I do and You know that. If You’ll let me live, I will win another million people to You, Lord.”

Hill is once again preaching to large crowds and working on From the Frontlines with Steve Hill, a website and TV program. From the Frontlines is translated into other languages, including Arabic, which he said is reaching members of al-Qaida. 

Along with a burden for evangelism, the holiness message continues to drive Hill, who was saved after living a rebellious life.

“When I got saved,” he said, “one of the things that attracted me to Christianity was purity.”