::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

Jackson thanks supporters before recording 25th Annual Stellar Awards on January 16; says it will be 'our best show ever' amid criticism from the gospel industry stemming from questions about the nomination process By Mona Austin On January 16, 2010, Central City Productions (CCP) will celebrate 25 years of producing The Stellar Awards, the first and only show that recognizes the contributions of African American gospel artists. But, the path to the company's silver anniversary year has been lined with controversy. Following the announcement of the 2010 nominees in October various bloggers and members of the gospel industry on social networking sites criticized the company and the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA)-- the voting body for the Stellars-- for alleged inconsistencies in the nominations process. Ultimately, the integrity and reputation of the award show was in question. Nearly a month later, on November 24 Don Jackson, Founder and Executive Produce...

Televangelsit passes away Tuesday at the age of 91 Televangelist pioneer Oral Roberts has passed away. Roberts was the Founder and Chancellor of Oklahoma-based Oral Roberts University. In the 1970's he was instrumental in crusading the message of Christ through tent revivals that were broadcast on radio and television. Online reports indicated he had broken some bones from a fall in his California home over the weekend. However, according to the announcement at www.oru.com the noted preacher died December 15 of complications from Pneumonia at the age of 91. Roberts, the son of a preacher, initially rejected his father's beliefs, but entered ministry at the age of 17 after a miraculous recovery from Tuberculosis. In an attempt to raise $8 million for a medical mission, in 1987, Roberts told his followers God would "call him home" if he did not raise the money. The goal was reached, but the ridicule that followed remains a mark on his legacy as a stalwart of the f...

Top Indie Gospel and Christian Artist set to Rip the Runway January 16 in Nashville! Notes on the Red is bringing the top Independent Gospel and Christian artists together on one stage on January 16 in Nashville, TN. Hosted by Lexi from teh Word network's Lexi Show, Notes on the Red is an episodic fashion and musical event that is set to take place at Opry Mills Mall Entertainment Stage. She’ll be joined by special co-host Pastor Vincent Windrow of Olive Branch Church Nashville. The sizzling artist line up for this ground breaking event includes Mali Music, who has been dubbed the industry’s “most dynamic new artist”, and Lisa McClendon who is undeniably the queen of gospel soul. The event will mix in the hip hop energy of Don Dodds and JRad and the urban influence of Nicole Faithful Franklin and Javen who is featured in the upcoming feature film “Preachers Kid”. Joining them are gospel’s most talented – Lisa Page Brooks, Myron Butler, Sylvester Burks, Wess Morgan, Lowell Pye...