Dexterity Sounds, a joint venture with EMI Gospel, has released the latest CD from Bishop T.D. Jakes –– T.D. Jakes Presents: Follow The Star, a new collection of holiday music and reflections. The Follow The Star Holiday special is hosted by Smokie Norful and Vickie Winans, and features a stellar line-up of gospel's brightest stars.
(PRWEB)December 2 2003--Dexterity Sounds, a joint venture with EMI Gospel, has released the latest CD from Bishop T.D. Jakes –– T.D. Jakes Presents: Follow The Star, a new collection of holiday music and reflections. Now, music lovers can prepare for an exhilarating and inspiring evening of television featuring live performances of music from the album, as well as special guests. The Follow The Star Holiday special will feature a stellar line-up of gospel superstars, including Beverly Crawford, MaryMary, Angie Winans, Kirk Whalum, Paul Jackson, Jr., Darwin Hobbs, Aaron Neville, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, and Bishop T.D. Jakes' Potter's House Mass Choir. The event will be hosted by the popular gospel music sensation Smokie Norful and long-time favorite Vickie Winans.
The taping of the Follow the Star holiday special, which took place on Wednesday November 5 at The Potter's House, Bishop Jakes' 28,000+-member church in Dallas, captured some of the Gospel musics brightest lights. Beverly Crawford, joined by the Potter's House Mass Choir, started the evening on a high note with the holiday classic "Joy To The World." The Potter's House Mass Choir continued with the praise-filled "Glory to God In The Highest," and the Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama brought their one-of-a-kind sound to "Last Month of the Year." A powerful trio –– Angie Winans, Kirk Whalum and Paul Jackson, Jr. –– came together for the tender classic "Away In a Manager," while contemporary sensation MaryMary brought a melodic "Gift of Love".
The sensational Smokie Norful delivered a spine-tingling performance of "O Holy Night," and was followed by the soulful New Orleans virtuoso Aaron Neville who soared through another holiday favorite, "The First Noel." The members of the bilingual El Trio De Hoy brought the audience to a stand-still with the much-loved "Silent Night, Holy Night," and Gospel powerhouse Vickie Winans let the world know that "We Need A Word From The Lord." The show wrapped up with the amazing Darwin Hobbs' soulful entreaty "O Come All Ye Faithful," and Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers' "The Presence Of A King." From the exciting world of liturgical dance, the Born Again Faith Dancers of the Born Again Church of Nashville were featured during performances by Beverly Crawford and Donald Lawrence. The special airs on BET December 17 and 25 at 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST and on December 21 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. and special Behind The Scenes of Follow The Star will air on Sunday December 7th from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
The Follow the Star CD, comprised of traditional arrangements, contemporary interpretations and newly written material, is certain to be a holiday classic for years to come. Speaking on the importance on the project, Bishop T.D. Jakes says, I just believe that Christmas is a time when we need to draw people back to being Christ-centered and allow them to worship and experience this great music and the great anointing that God has placed on this project."
Among the many highlights on the 13-track project are a breathtaking rendition of O, Holy Night" by Stellar Award winning and best-selling Gospel sensation Smokie Norful, a roof-raising delivery of Joy To The World" from the ‘Sweetheart of Gospel, Beverly Crawford, and the funky bounce of Go Tell It" from Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. Some of the greatest artists and singers have brought together lyrics and messages that are uplifting to the soul," says Jakes.
Brentwood, Tennessee-based EMI Christian Music Group, a member of EMI Music, is the world's largest Christian music company, operating the EMI Gospel, Sparrow, Star Song and Forefront labels in addition to EMI Christian Music Publishing and Chordant Distribution Group.
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