Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold

Ansonia Smith Gibbs

This is a podcast which will feature Gospel musicians, singers, choir masters/ directors, Gospel songwriters, Gospel music historians, Gospel music producers and recording artists from various backgrounds. We will talk with people from various decades to share their stories and experiences in Gospel Music. There will also be historical shows sharing various facts about the history of Gospel music Listen out for "Let's Talk:: Gospel Music Gold" Subscribe to be notified of the latest episodes! Email: letstalk2gmg@gmail.com

  1. 1d ago

    Let's Talk: GMG Rev. Dr. Charrise Barron

    •Rev. Dr. Charrise Barron is a scholar of African American religious and cultural history at the Department of Music at Harvard. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was pastor of The Black Church at Yale, a student-run church founded in the 1970s by Black Yale students and alumni. And she is an experienced gospel musician who performed at the Kennedy Center as part of President Barack Obama’sinauguration. •All of which comes together in her book, Platinum Age of Gospel: The Years When Crossover Music Changed Everything (Harvard Univ Press; 11/17), the story of gospel music’s mainstream success and the shifts thatcame with it. Combining music criticism, cultural history, and theological insight, Barron offers a compelling account of how gospel continually reinvents itself—and what it gained and lost in the process.•Barron identifies 1993-2013 as the Platinum Age, a time in which 26 different Black gospel recordings achieved platinum sales--that is, at least one million units. Artists in the pages include icons like Yolanda Adams, BeBe and CeCe, Kim Burrell, Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Mary Mary, to Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, Ye,and GloRilla. And praise already in from legendarygospel singer, songwriter, musician Dr. Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark•At the turn of the millennium, Dr. Barron was at the cutting-edge Holy Hip Hop promotion in Houston, Texas. Barron is a founding member of the Chorale Le Chateau, led by music phenom Damien Sneed. In 2009, she performed at theKennedy Center as part of former President Barack Obama’s first inauguration.•Dr. Barron actively writes and composes music; she is currently developing an original gospel album. She was also commissioned to write music for The Lawsons: A Civil Rights Loves Story, a play which premiered in 2022 at theHouston Ensemble Theatre, Houston’s oldest Black theatre. •"The Platinum Age of Gospel is powerful, honest, and anointed. It will make you think about what we carry in the sound and what we must never lose as we moveforward."•Her book “THE PLATINUM AGE OF GOSPEL: The Years When Crossover Music Changed Everything" is available at all book outlets••LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY 9:00 AM CST / 10:00 AM EST ON WMRM-DB INTERNET RADIO STATION  AND WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebookpage ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted as well.   •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in theWorld on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES •"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!“ •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History”••Winner of 2026 MiPA Award "Molding a Black Princess"Order Information https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs

  2. Oct 6

    Let's Talk: GMG David Daughtry

    •David Daughtry is a well-known gospel recording artist, actor, and highly sought-after psalmistwhose work exemplifies musical excellence, spiritual depth, and compelling storytelling. A fixture in the gospel music and entertainment industries formore than two decades, Daughtry’s journey into national prominence was shaped by years of preparation, mentorship, and faithful service—making his rise as a recording artist both purposeful and inevitable.•Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Daughtry was trained musically and spiritually by his mother, who served as both mentor and instructor, teaching him to read and play music by the age of six. After relocating to Los Angeles, his gifts placed him in the company ofindustry leaders and global icons. He serves as Assistant Minister of Music at West Angeles Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop Charles E.Blake, while lending his powerful vocals to performances with some of the world’smost renowned artists, including Aretha Franklin, Michael Bublé, Beyoncé Knowles, and Yolanda Adams.•Daughtry officially launched his solo recording career in 2014 with the release of his self-titled debut album, David Daughtry, on September 9, 2014. The project made an immediate impact, charting on two Billboard charts and peaking at No. 12 on the Gospel Albums chart and No. 28 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. The album remains in rotation with the congregational favorite “God Is Great/Leap,” a song embraced by gospel lovers worldwide.•A true minister at heart, David Daughtry is on a mission to sing to the glory of God so that souls may be saved and lives transformed. As he often declares, “The best is truly yet to come.”•His latest single / EP release “The Good Shepherd“ is available on all digital outlets••LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY 9:00 AM CST / 10:00 AM EST ON WMRM-DB INTERNET RADIO STATION  AND WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST/ 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebookpage ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted as well.    •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in the World on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES •"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!“ •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History” ••Winner of 2026 MiPA Award "Molding a Black Princess"Order Information https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs•RadioFormat for hashtags: • Gospel • Inspirational • Christian AC • Praise &Worship • Sunday Morning Programming

  3. Sep 22

    Let's Talk: GMG Dr. Will Harris

    •Will Harris is a renowned singer, songwriter, musician, recording artist and author. A native of Oxford, Mississippi, Harris began singing and playing piano in church at an early age. He presently serves as the Director of Music and Arts at the Historic Metropolitan Baptist Church in Largo, Maryland where he leads the music and art ministries providing meaningful experiences that enhance the worship services,and deepen connections with God through the arts. •In 2013, Harris founded his award-winning recording choir “Will Harris and Friends,” a Global Music Ministry comprised ofMusic Educators, Worship Leaders, and Psalmists from the community of Fayetteville and singers from across the United States.  •Will Harris has composed and performed his music nationally and internationally with The Gospel Music Workshop ofAmerica, The Hampton Ministers Conference, and The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. Harris is a multi-award-winning gospel recording artist and the 2022 Dunamis Gospel Award Music of Excellence Recipient.   Will Harris has also performed in several musicals, including The Color Purple, Jelly’s Last Jam, and Lillies of the Field. •Harris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Music from Rust College, a Master’s Degree in Education from The University ofPhoenix, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree from the School of the Great Commission Theological Seminary.•Dr. Harris’s latest project is the release of his autobiography titled “Taylor Made,” a narrative crafted with resilience, dedicated to dreamers everywhere who strive to make their visions a reality. Taylor Made is available for purchase by visiting www.willharrismusic.com or through Amazon or Barnes and Noble. His latest book is "Music Ministry Unplugged:Real Lessons for Those who Lead and Serve in Music Ministry"•The latest single / EP release “Celebrate Life (Feat. Alana McMillian“ is available on all digital outlets•LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY on WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST/ 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebookpage ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted .   •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in theWorld on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES •"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!“ •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History” •Winner of 2026 MiPA Award "Molding a Black Princess"Order Information https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs

  4. Sep 15

    Let's Talk: GMG Patrick Lundy

    •Patrick Lundy Founder-Director of The Ministers of Music is a native of Thomasville, Georgia, a graduate of Howard University and was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Sacred Music by the Wayland Baptist Theological Seminary in October 2019. In August 2022, Dr. Lundy was appointed Chair, Vocal Music Department and Concert Choir Director at theworld-renown Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.•Dr. Lundy is a composer, arranger and workshop clinician who is highly sought-after throughout the country. He is also Founder-Director of Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music – Georgia Connection - which debuted in February 2014. From the beginning of 2000 through July 2023, Patrick served in the Music Department of the Reid Temple A.M.E. Church, Glenn Dale, Maryland. In his last position at Reid, he was Director of Music and Worship Arts, under Senior Pastor, Rev. Mark E Whitlock, Jr., and worked alongside “Sweetheart of Gospel,” Evangelist Myrna Summers. He currently serves as Director of Music and Worship Arts at the Historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia.•For the past several years, the Choir has had the privilege of participating in the Public Broadcasting System’s (PBS)Memorial Day and “A Capitol Fourth” Productions concerts from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, accompanying such renown artists as Yolanda Adams, Gloria Estefan, Meghan Linsey, Kenny Loggins, Barry Manilow, Cassadee Pope, AlisanPorter, Amber Riley, CeCe Winans, and others. On September 30, 2022, the Choir was privileged to participate in the historic “Celebration of Investiture” honoring Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson.•The latest release “Hold On“ is available on all digital outlets•LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY 9:00 AM CST / 10:00 AM EST ON WMRM-DB INTERNET RADIO STATION  AND WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebook page ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted as well.    •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in the World on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES •"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!“ •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History” ••Winner of 2026 MiPA Award "Molding a Black Princess"Order Information https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs

  5. Sep 8

    Let's Talk: GMG Zak Williams

    •Zak Williams’ infatuation with music can be traced back to his childhood, when he began to gravitate towards musical instruments, first starting with piano. His appreciation formusic was further developed as Zak attended the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Utilizing his formal music training, Zak played with skill and precision coming to the attention of the late Reverend Ernest Davis, Jr.  Zak was offered a position as organist for Davis’ Wilmington Chester Mass Choir, which he readily accepted.  This opportunity opened the door for Zak to express his musical creativity in thecapacities of musician, songwriter and producer. Under hisproduction,  Wilmington Chester Mass Choir would release He’s Been Good and win 2 Stellar Awards. Zak’s composition, There Is No Way was recorded and released by Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.•In 2003, Zak organized 1Akord.  This stellar ensemble became the bedrock of Zak’s musical expression.  After having recorded a number of independent projects with numerousawards to their credit, Zak Williams and 1Akord released their first national release The Next Chapter in 2019, under the auspices of EMG/The Orchard/Sony. This project wasnominated for a Stellar Award in 2020. The disc features radio hits Unpredictable God, He Reigns, and Mighty God.•Zak Williams and 1/Akord is one of Gospel music's premier choirs. Zak and his singers have maintained incredible momentum with award wins, major appearances, and multiple chart-topping Billboard and Mediabase radio hits.  Their REVISITED album debuted at #2 on the iTunes Top Gospel and Christian Albums chart. It yielded the Top 20 Mediabase Gospel Radio Chart hit, "Jesus I'll Never Forget," featuring Stellar Award-winning vocalist Lowell Pye. Zak & 1/Akord with a their follow-up single and Top 30 single "Glory To Your Name." •All of His music including the release “Hosanna“ is available on all digital outlets •LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY 9:00 AM CST / 10:00 AM EST ON WMRM-DB INTERNET RADIO STATION  AND WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebookpage ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted as well.    •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in the World on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES •"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!“ •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History”••Winner of 2026 MiPA Award "Molding a Black Princess"Order Information https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs

  6. Sep 1

    Let's Talk: GMG Etholia Kent-Cooper

    •Etholia Kent-Cooper has dedicated her life to ministry, encouragement, and uplifting communities through faith. Known for her authentic voice, heartfelt worship, and passionfor serving others, she has been singing since the age of five, when she began ministering in her church choir. As a young girl, she was known for having a remarkably powerful voice that often surprised those who heard her sing. The daughter of a pastor, she traveled extensively with her father, inisteringthrough song before he preached. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong calling in both music and ministry.•Known for her heartfelt worship, powerful vocals, and authentic ministry, Etholia continues to impact audiences with a message of faith, restoration, and hope. Her debut single, "God Still Loves Me," is rooted in her personal testimony of God's faithfulness and serves as a powerful reminder that no failure, setback, or struggle can separate believers from the love of God.  Blending contemporary Gospel influences with a worship-centered message, the song is designed to encourage listeners through every season of life.•Released through Nu-Town Records, "God Still Loves Me" introduces Etholia Kent-Cooper as a compelling new voice inGospel music, bringing a message of hope, healing, and restoration to audiences around the world. The song stands as a timely reminder that God's love remains constant, unwavering, and available—even in life's most challenging moments.•Her release “God Still Loves Me“ is available on all digital outlets•LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY 9:00 AM CST / 10:00 AM EST ON WMRM-DBINTERNET RADIO STATION  AND WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebookpage ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted as well.    •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in theWorld on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES •"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!“ •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History” •Winner of 2026 MiPA Award "Molding a Black Princess" Order Information https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs

  7. Aug 25

    Let's Talk: GMG Bishop Michael Strickland

    •Bishop Michael Strickland serves faithfully and diligently in leading the congregation at Victory Tabernacle Church International to become the church with which God is pleased and smiles upon. The vision God has given him for the ministry is to: “Expose God, Explore God’s Word and Exemplify God’s character in the earth.” •He has appeared several times on Atlanta Live television channel 57. He has also ministered nationally and internationally, preaching, and serving in London, England, as well as, Andobakedash and Chennai, India.  And has authored three books: “Penetrating Thoughts: 31-Day Life Transforming Words;” “Three Ts in a New Season;” and “A Guide to Effective Worship Leading.” •As an Independent Recording Artist, he has written and released two singles: “Right There,” featuring the Voices of Victory, and “If My People,” featuring Sherri Jones-Moffett. He expects to release a full EP project in the near future.Today, Michael is inspiring others to know that the power to win lies within; find the courage to take the risks; and maximize their greatest potential. If you are ready to fulfill your God-given assignment in the earth, •Bishop Michael A. Strickland is ready to bless with you his new single "Favor Fall On Me“ which is available on all digital outlets •LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY 9:00 AM CST / 10:00 AM EST ON WMRM-DB INTERNET RADIO STATION  AND WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebookpage ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted as well.    •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in the World on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES •"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!" •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History” •"Molding a Black Princess"Order from website https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs

  8. Aug 4

    Let's Talk: GMG Kisha Grandy

    •Kisha Grandy is a celebrated recording artist, actress, and worship leader whose unmistakable, rich contralto voice firstgained national attention in the 1990s as a featured member of the groundbreaking, multi-platinum-selling Gospel group Kirk Franklin & The Family.•Grandy's vocal performances became integral components of some of the group's most cherished hit songs, including:“Silver & Gold”, “Savoir More Than Life To Me,” and many more.•Kisha delivers a performance that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The song encourages listeners tostand firm in their faith, reject fear and doubt, and confidently proclaim their trust in God's ability to sustain them through every season.•"I Believe God is a declaration for anyone facing challenges, uncertainty, disappointment, or adversity,” Kisha explains. “No matter what you're up against, don't give up, don't lose hope,and never stop believing that God is still working on your behalf.”•“I Believe God” is written and produced by acclaimed songwriter, musician, and her husband, Ernest J. Lee.  Their collaboration on "I Believe God" demonstrates the extraordinary synergy between two gifted creativeswho share a passion for excellence and ministry.•Her newest release “I Believe God,” is available on all digital outlets•LET’S TALK: GOSPEL MUSIC GOLD RADIO SHOW AIRS EVERY SATURDAY 9:00 AM CST / 10:00 AM EST ON WMRM-DB INTERNET RADIO STATION  AND WJRG RADIO INTERNET RADIO STATION 12:00 PM EST / 11:00 AM CST •There is a Let's Talk: Gospel Music Gold Facebookpage ( @LetsTalk2GMG ) where all episodes are posted as well.    •The Podcast and Radio shows are heard anywhere in the World on the Internet! •ANSONIA’S BOOK RELEASES•"If We Can Do It, You Can Too!" •“Legacy of James C. Chambers And his Contributions to Gospel Music History” •2026 MiPA Award wining "Molding a Black Princess"Order Information https://www.unsungvoicesbooks.com/asmithgibbs

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

This is a podcast which will feature Gospel musicians, singers, choir masters/ directors, Gospel songwriters, Gospel music historians, Gospel music producers and recording artists from various backgrounds. We will talk with people from various decades to share their stories and experiences in Gospel Music. There will also be historical shows sharing various facts about the history of Gospel music Listen out for "Let's Talk:: Gospel Music Gold" Subscribe to be notified of the latest episodes! Email: letstalk2gmg@gmail.com