POLITICAL | URBAN | ENTERTAINMENT | GOSPEL | HISTORY & CULTURE

  BLACK MUSIC MONTH SPECIAL--GOSPEL ARTISTS PRAISE GOD WITH THE PRESIDENT: Spensha Baker, Kurt Carr and The Hawkins perform at the White House. By Mona Austin       Gospel artists “painted the White House black with praise” June 17 in the East Room. The occasion was the Salute to Gospel Music in observance of Black Music Month.        Gospel newcomer Spensha Baker, Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers and Edwin and Walter Hawkins - all African Americans - were bestowed with the auspicious honor of entertaining President George W. Bush during his final term in office.       In a room filled with music executives and Washington luminaries, it was a “history” lesson and superior entertainment rolled into almost 2 inspiring hours.        President Bush began by remembering the recently fallen father of Rock and Roll, Bo Diddly.       “We mourn his loss, ...

buzzz worthy. . . By Mona Austin Since it's Black Music Month, I've pulled out a previously published exclusive interview that shows a singer's rare, total  transition from R&B to Gospel. Dave Hollister, an ex- R&B singer is now  a gospel artist who vows there is no turning back to the music of his past.  Currently Hollister sings with the United Tenors, a group made up of Fred Hammond, Brian Courtney Wilson and Eric Roberson. The interview is 100% uncut as the artist bears all the details about a brush with death that re-directed his life's path. The twists and turns in his testimony awe-inspiring.   Two weeks in advance of "The Book of David: Vol. 1 The  Transition," his first gospel recording, former Blackstreet member Dave  Hollister talks about the transition to gospel.          After years of dodging his calling and encountering one negative  experience after the other, Dave...