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January 16, 2025
In This Issue
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Christian Music & Entertainment
from The Atlanta Christian Web
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104.7 The Fish
Going Off The Air -
Frequency Will Become Air1 Worship Music
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By Don Stone
The departure of 104.7 The Fish from Atlanta's airwaves came as a shock to listeners and happened in spite of the success of the station. It marks the end of an era for a station that has been a cornerstone of the city's Christian music and faith-based radio community for 24 years. Owned by Salem Media Group, The Fish has long been celebrated for its family-friendly content, uplifting music, and community engagement. However, as of January 31, 2025, the station will cease operations under its current format following its sale to the Educational Media Foundation (EMF), which operates the K-LOVE and Air1 Christian radio networks.
We contacted Air1 and received this confirmation of what will become of the 104.7 frequency.
“Pending FCC approval, 104.7 FM will transition to Air1 on February 1, 2025,” said David Pierce, EMF Chief Media Officer. “We are excited to bring Air1’s current worship format to this strong frequency, ensuring Christian music continues to flow there. We are deeply honored to carry the legacy of The Fish forward and express our sincere gratitude for the impact they have had on the city of Atlanta.”
EMF already operates K-LOVE on 106.7 FM in Atlanta. It remains unchanged.
The Fish accomplished something that no Atlanta area Christian station had been able to do, make the CCM music format commercially successful reaching the mass market with ad agency support and large ratings.
We had done all we could in the 1980s and 1990s when I was general manager at Love 86, WAEC radio reaching as high as #17 in the market at our peak. And, for the last few years I was there, we were pretty much sold out. But, we were only on occasion able to get the attention of ad agencies representing larger clients. Our limitations were that we had an AM signal, not conducive to a music format. WAEC had been the first area station to ever play CCM. But, as soon as The Fish came on the air with a strong FM presence, the station had to drop its music format and concentrate on area ministries and teaching programs.
Since its launch in 2000, The Fish has been a trusted source of contemporary Christian music, branding itself as "Safe for the Whole Family." It provided not only entertainment but also spiritual encouragement to listeners across Metro Atlanta. The station was particularly beloved for its annual "Celebrate Freedom Atlanta" concert and its Christmas programming, which became a seasonal tradition, topping area ratings.
The morning show duo, Kevin Avery and Taylor Scott, who were there from the start, became household names through their relatable and heartfelt broadcasts. Over the years, they shared personal milestones with listeners, creating a sense of community that extended beyond the airwaves. Their farewell message expressed gratitude to their audience for decades of shared experiences and inspiration
Click Here For The Full Story
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Billboard Magazine's Current Top Contemporary Christian
Music Chart
#1 (LW1) - Brandon Lake
“That's Who I Praise"
(Single)
(7 Weeks At #1)
#2 (LW2) - Megan Woods
“The Truth"
(Single)
#3 (LW3) - Crowder
“Somebody Prayed”
(from Exile)
#4 (LW4) - Cody Carnes & Benjamin Williams Hastings
“Take You At Your Word“
(from God Is Good - Live)
#5 (LW5) - Colton Dixon
"Up + Up"
(Single)
Click Here For This Week's Top 25
Contemporary Christian Music Songs
| Christian Music Nominees For February 2 Grammy's’ | |
The 67th GRAMMY Awards are just a few weeks away. It's possible that the LA fires might affect the schedule and date. But, nothing has been mentioned yet.
Nominations went to Christian and Gospel artists Bethel Music, Brandon Lake, CeCe Winans, Chandler Moore, DOE, Erica Campbell, Forest Frank, Jenn Johnson, Maverick City Music, Melvin Crispell III, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
Nominations for best CCM album include Elevation Worship's "When Wind Meets Fire," Forrest Frank's "Child of God," Brandon Lake's "Coat of Many Colors" and Maverick City Music's "The Maverick Way Complete."
Best Gospel Album nominees include Melvin Crispell III's "Covered Vol. 1," Ricky Dillard's "Choirmaster II Live," Kirk Franklin's "Father's Day," CeCe Winans' "More Than This" and Karen Clark Sheard's "Still Karen."
The GRAMMY Awards will air live on Sunday, February 2 from Los Angeles and be broadcast on CBS and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Click Here For The Full List
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Metro Atlanta Christian Concerts & Family Events
Now - February 8
Sweetland On Ice
at Sweetland Amphitheatre,
110 Smith Street,
LaGrange, GA 30240,
During our winter season, Sweetland Amphitheatre hosts a covered 5,500 square foot open-air ice-skating rink. Bring your family & friends to enjoy the festive atmosphere, skating for all ages, a spectator section with heaters to enjoy the ice-skating action, and affordable concessions.
(706) 883-2058
www.sweetlandamp.com
Tuesday-Thursday, March 18-20
Resilience -
A Strategic Renewal Conference
At First Baptist Church of Woodstock,
11905 Hwy. 92, Woodstock, GA 30188
Shane & Shane, Vance Pitman, Jeremy Morton, Zach Meerkreebs, Mac Powell, Crawford Loritts, Thai Lam, Troy Keaton, Daniel Henderson, Nirup Alphonse. Rediscover Your Passion, Conviction, and Capacity for Ministry
This event is for all members of the Body of Christ. There will be tracks for both pastors, church, leaders, as well as church members. This will be a time of powerful plenary presentations, life-giving corporate prayer, and practical workshops to rejuvenate, inspire, and awaken your passion for Jesus Christ and His mission!
www.theresilienceconference.com
Thursday, April 3
Jenny Oaks Baker -
The Redeemer: Music on the
Life of Jesus the Christ
At Global Methodist Church
2500 Beaver Ruin Rd
Norcross, GA 30071
Celebrate Easter by experiencing this profoundly spiritual and stirring music centered around the life and redemptive mission of The Redeemer Jesus Christ. Grammy Nominated violinist Jenny Oaks Baker, narrator and tenor Dallyn Vail Bayles, soprano Lisa Zimmerman, bass Preston Yates, and cellist Sarah Noelle Baker join conductor Gregory Pritchard, Gwinnett Symphony and North Atlanta Interfaith Choir to present this inspiring multi-media concert event. The glorious music by Emmy Award-winning composer Kurt Bestor features familiar hymns,
soul-filling original compositions, and magnificent portions of Handel’s Messiah. 7:30 p.m.
www.bandsintown.com
Click Here For All Upcoming Concerts and Links For More Information
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Atlanta Christian
Radio Station Guide
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Top Contemporary Christian Stations
104.7FM, The Fish
(*Going Off The Air Feb. 1, 2025 - Transitioning To Air1)
93.3FM - The JoyFM
106.7FM, K-LOVE
91.5FM - Victory 91.5
Top Gospel Stations
102.5FM - Praise 102.5
Top Southern Gospel Stations
90.7FM & 91.7FM - NewLife Radio
Top Religious Talk Stations
970AM - Faith Talk 970
Click Here For A Complete List of
Metro Atlanta Christian Radio Stations With Links To Their Official Websites
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The Story Behind ‘Girls Gone Bible’ Podcast - Click Here
#1 - Ascension -
The Rosary in a Year -
(with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
#2 - Ascension -
The Bible in a Year
(with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
#3 - The Bible Recap
(with Tara-Leigh Cobble)
#4 - Ascension -
The Catechism in a Year
(with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
#5 - The Daily Blade
(with Joby Martin & Kyle Thompson)
#6 - Girls Gone Bible
(Angela Halili & Arielle Reitsma)
#7 - Saved Not Soft
(with Emy Moore)
#8 - Crossway - Doctrine Matters
(with Kevin DeYoung)
#9 - followHIM
(with Hank Smith & John Bytheway)
#10 - WHOA That's Good Podcast
(with Sadie Robertson Huff)
Click Here For This Week's
Top 40 Christian Podcasts
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Newcomer Megan Woods Pushes Back the Lies With ‘The Truth’ | |
Megan Woods pushes back persistent lies on her debut single, “The Truth.” The brand new artist crafted her introductory offering with songwriting aces Matthew West and Jeff Pardo. A reminder that our identity is found solely in Christ, the driving piano ballad showcases Woods’ soaring alto. It sits at #2 on this week's Billboard CCM charts.
“I wrote this song out of my deepest struggles. I believe we all go through times where we feel unworthy or unaccepted or unloved. This song is about the truth of what God says about us and how God views us. Once we know that truth, it allows us to walk in freedom,” Woods asserts. “My heartfelt prayer is that this song would drown out the lies of the enemy and that it would serve as a daily reminder of God’s truth. I hope it brings you comfort, strength and assurance that you are so deeply loved and cherished by God.”
“The Truth” was culled directly from real life as Megan readily admits she wrestled with her own sense of self-worth growing up. Although she was raised in a Christian home, it wasn’t until the Massachusetts native reached rock bottom that she discovered a personal relationship with Jesus. After she began leading worship at her church, she soon felt called to Christian music, eventually signing a record deal with a label that’s home to MercyMe, Phil Wickham and CeCe Winans, among others.
Click Here To Watch Conversation
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Author
BOB GOFF
"Catching Whimsy"
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(Best selling Christian author, Bob Goff's "Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility" entered January's Christian Booksellers'
Top 50 list at #2).
Bob Goff’s interview with Annie F. Downs on her podcast, "That Sounds Fun" (Episode 944: "Catching Whimsy, Curiosity, and Giraffes") was a lively and inspiring conversation that highlighted Bob's signature enthusiasm for life, faith, and the power of curiosity. Known as the "king of whimsy," Bob brought his unique blend of storytelling and wisdom to the discussion, leaving listeners with plenty to ponder.
Bob shared his philosophy on embracing whimsy in everyday life, explaining how it can bring joy and purpose to even the most mundane moments. He said, “Whimsy isn’t about being silly; it’s about being intentional in finding delight in life.” Annie echoed this sentiment, reflecting on how Bob’s approach has inspired her to look for opportunities to infuse fun and creativity into her own routines.
A significant portion of the episode focused on curiosity as a spiritual and personal practice. Bob emphasized that curiosity helps us connect with others and grow in our faith. He remarked, “Curiosity is what keeps us moving forward—it’s what helps us see people as they are, not just as we expect them to be.” Annie added that cultivating curiosity has helped her deepen her relationships and explore new ways to serve others.
Throughout the conversation, Bob emphasized living out faith through action rather than just words. He shared stories from his own life about stepping out in love and taking risks for others. One memorable quote was, “Love does—it doesn’t just sit around thinking about it.” This reference to his popular book, "Love Does," underscored his belief in practical expressions of faith.
This conversation left fans inspired to approach their days with more curiosity and love—a hallmark of both Bob’s teachings and Annie’s podcast mission.
Click Here To Watch Full Conversation
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Christian Booksellers'
Top Christian Books
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#1 - Sarah Young
"Jesus Calling"
Enjoying Peace In His Presence
#2 - Bob Goff
“Catching Whimsy”
365 Days of Possibility
#3 - Dr, David Jeremiah
“Walking With God Devotional”
LuxLeather Brown
#4 - Cherie Hill
“He Whispers Your Name”
#5 - Paul David Tripp
“New Morning Mercies”
A Daily Gospel Devotional
Click Here For The Full List of This January's Best Selling Christian Books
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Billboard Magazine's
Current Top
Gospel Music Chart
#1 (LW3) - Tina Campbell
"Pray For Me"
(Single)
#2 (LW5) - Jason Nelson
Feat. Melvin Crispell III
"Yahweh"
(from You Belong; Live In Durham)
#3 (LW4) - Yolanda Adams
"Church Doors"
(from Sunny Days)
#4 (LW7) - Deitrick Haddon
"Never Be The Same"
(from One Night In California)
#5 (LW1) - Karen
Clark Sheard
"Send It Down"
(from Still Karen)
Click Here For This Week's Top 25
Gospel Music Songs
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KAREN
CLARK SHEARD
"Still Karen"
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Gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard is setting out to prove that nothing about her has changed over the years. She’s still the same ol’ Karen and she sings her heart out on her hit album “Still Karen.”
Its nominated for a Grammy for Best Gospel Album with winners scheduled to be presented on February 2. "Send It Down" from the album has been #1 on Billboard's Gospel Music charts for the last two weeks before dropping a few spots this week.
Clark Sheard won’t stray from what her audience has come to know and love from her. She’s widely regarded as a trailblazer in contemporary gospel music. The Grammy-winner is best known for her work as a member of The Clark Sisters and is credited for bringing Christian music to the mainstream.
“Still Karen” is a blend of two of her most iconic albums—“Finally Karen” and “Second Chance.” Fans get a bevy of offerings including worship songs, urban contemporary music, power ballads all supported by her vocal stylings.
“I wanted to create something that the fans would really enjoy,” her son and “Still Karen” Co-Executive Producer J Drew Sheard II said. “This is by far one of the most versatile albums she’s ever had. It encompasses urban sounds, CCM, trap, ballads, worship, gospel funk and more! It really is unlike any body of work you’ve ever heard before.”
Karen called on some music industry heavy hitters to bring her vision to life. Another one of the album’s executive producers is 13-time Grammy Award-winner Pharrell Williams. Donald Lawrence provided A&R consulting for the project. She also collaborated with J Moss, Anthony Brown, Anita Wilson, Charles Jenkins and her daughter, Kierra Sheard-Kelly.
Click Here For A Talk With Karen
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SGN Scoops Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel Music Charts
#1 (LM2) - Down East Boys -
“Something To Shout About”
(from Something To Shout About)
#2 (LM8) - Collingsworth Family -
“Praise The Lord"
(from Classics & Hymns)
#3 (LM4) -
Anthem Edition -
“Graveyards”
(from Promises Kept)
#4 (LM10) -
The Guardians -
“Another Life To GIve”
(from Lift Him Up)
#5 (LM11) -
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound -
"You'll Find Him There”
(from Live In Memphis)
Click Here For This Week's Top
Southern Gospel Songs
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Understanding The Spiritual Impact
of Healthy Living
By Jim Daly,
President of Focus on the Family
Gary Thomas is pastor, speaker, and award-winning author who has written over 20 books including "Pure Pleasure," "Sacred Pathways," "Sacred Marriage" and "Sacred Parenting." Gary shares his passion for helping Christians see the enormous spiritual value of physical wellbeing. He takes discussion of fitness off the backburner - where many of us tend to leave it!
Is pursuing a healthy lifestyle a chore? Or is it something you enjoy, you plan for? Your overall wellbeing is what we’re talking about today on Focus on the Family.
It's a new year and, uh, it’s time to get back to the gym.
Today we’re covering the content in his great book, "Every Body Matters: Strengthening Your Body to Strengthen Your Soul."
Gary: We gotta think the right things, and then we focus on the heart. But we don’t focus on the body.. But Scripture talks about offering our bodies as an essential part of worship. 12, Romans 12:1, "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual worship."
So, a part of our spiritual worship is offering our bodies to God. And what I love about this, Jim, is that as soon as I do that, as soon as any of the listeners do that, our bodies become not just holy, but pleasing to God.
Click Here To Hear The Interview
Focus On The Family is heard on dozens of radio stations throughout Georgia.
Click Here To Find One Near You
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Atlanta Christian Artists
Click Here For Links To The Official Websites Of
Top Christian Artists From Metro Atlanta
National Artists
Click Here For Links To The Official Websites Of
Top Christian Artists From In And Outside Of Atlanta
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See the official music video for this week's #1 CCM song,
"That's Who I Praise," by Brandon Lake - Click Here
See a live performance of the #1 Gospel Music song,
"Send It Down," on the Tamron Hall Show
by Karen Clark Sheard - Click Here
Watch the official music video of the #2 CCM song,
by Megan Woods, "The Truth," - Click Here
See the official music video of the #2 Gospel Music song,
"Try Love" by Kirk Franklin - Click Here
See the official music video of this week's #3 CCM song
by Crowder, "Somebody Prayed" - Click Here
See a live performance of the #3 Gospel Music song,
"Pray For Me," on the Tamron Hall Show
by Tina Campbell - Click Here
See the official live music video of the #4 CCM song by
Cody Carnes with Benjamin William Hastings,
“Take You At Your Word“ - Click Here
See a live performance on The Today Show of the #4 Gospel Music song,
"Church Doors" by Yolanda Adams - Click Here
See the official music video of the #5 CCM song and
by Colton Dixon, “Up + Up“ - Click Here
See a live performance of the #1 Southern Gospel Music song,
by The Down East Boys, "Something To Shout About" - Click Here
See the official live music video of the #5 Gospel Music song, "Yahweh"
by Jason Nelson with Melvin Crispell III - Click Here
Click Here To Watch The Latest Top CCM & Gospel Music Videos
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Include your Christian business or upcoming event on AtlantaChristianWeb.com and in our E-Blast Newsletters. -
Call 770-596-6451
or email atlantachristian@comcast.net
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Radio host, best selling author
Dave Ramsey
10 Things to Do Differently With Your Money in 2025
So, you’re pumped and ready to get your finances in order. That might mean you’re hoping to hit some major goals—like paying off debt, saving for a big purchase, or getting your retirement investments in a good spot. It could also mean you’re just tired of how much inflation’s got things feeling tighter than a pair of baby shoes on Sasquatch.
Either way, if you aren’t where you want to be with your finances right now—something’s got to change. And this list of 10 things to do differently with your money in 2025 can help.
1. Get on a budget.- It all begins with a budget—a plan for your money. Budgeting can get a bad rap because people think it takes away your freedom. But budgeting is seriously so empowering. And that’s because when you budget, you are telling your money where to go so you can stop wondering where it went.
If you haven’t been doing this in the past, make a budget. Pronto. It’s the first step to taking control and being intentional with your money.
2. Budget for inflation.- When people budget, they say they feel like they got a raise. And with inflation, that “raise” is something we could all use, right?
Also, budgeting is how you create margin with your money. Because when you plan out where your money’s going, you’ll easily see the spots to cut or trim back. And if you decide you need to get a side hustle to help balance the rising costs, budgeting is how you’ll make sure that extra income gets used for what you need—instead of accidentally getting spent on checkout-line candy bars or one-click impulse buys.
Yes, inflation is tough. But you (and your budget) are tougher! So, adjust that budget for inflation, and you can stand up to those rising costs.
3. Pay off your debt! - While you’re at it—pay off all your debt! Debt keeps you stuck in the past and robs you of so many opportunities, right now and in the future.
Don’t know where to start? Use the debt snowball method to knock those payments out of your life. One. By. One. You’ll start with the smallest and work your way to the largest: building momentum and motivation with each stamp of “paid in full.”
Listen: The freedom that comes from being debt-free is like nothing else. Is it weird? Yeah. Is it worth it? Heck yeah.
Click Here To Read The Full Column
Click Here For The Full Story and More on Our Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Page Including A Complete List Of Area Radio Stations and TImes Where You Can Find The Dave Ramsey Show
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New Law Will Restrict Adult-Content Sites, Including PornHub,
in Georgia - Click Here
MUST Ministries Needs Help With Winter Shelter Program - Click Here
Georgia church gives nearly $25K to erase more than $5.7M in medical debt - Click Here
'Powerful': Ohio State Football Team Kneels to Pray on Field in College Semifinals - Play Notre Dame Monday for National Championship in Atlanta
- Click Here
Notre Dame's Christian Gray seeks to 'give God all the glory' ahead of CFP title game - Click Here
Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels notches playoff win with
'trust in the Lord God' - Click Here
Tim and Demi-Leigh Tebow Expecting First Child: ‘So Grateful’ - Click Here
Faith-based films 'I Can Only Imagine 2,' 'Unbreakable Boy' releasing from Kingdom Story Company, Lionsgate
- Click Here
'An Actual Miracle': Multiple Church Sites Burned Down in L.A. but One Remarkable Story Stands Out
- Click Here
Bette Midler shares heartbreaking clip of family singing hymn in ruins of home they lost to LA fires - Click Here
Mel Gibson talks Hollywood opposition to 'Passion of the Christ,' says Gospels are 'verifiable history' - Click Here
Nate Bargatze Thanks God for Fellow Christian Comedian’s Influence
- Click Here
Top 5 stories that defined Christian entertainment in 2024 - Click Here
Great American Family defies industry decline, sees double-digit growth with faith, family values - Click Here
'Gone to Glory': Promise Keepers Founder Bill McCartney Passes Away at 84 - Click Here
VEGGIETALES Creator’s New Show Gets February Premiere Date
- Click Here
Trump’s Defense Pick Pete Hegseth Proclaims ‘All Glory to Jesus’ during Senate Confirmation Hearing
- Click Here
Religion in Congress: Breakdown of Members’ Affiliations - Click Here
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Josiah Queen Teams Up With Brandon Lake On New Single ‘Can’t Steal My Joy’
- Click Here
Drew & Ellie Holcomb
Perform “Memory Bank” On
‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ - Click Here
Seph Schlueter Releases New Single ‘Words We’ll Sing Forever’ - Click Here
Bethel Music Releases New Album
‘We Must Respond’ - Click Here
K-LOVE - We Are Messengers Points to God’s Unchanging Character on
‘A Thousand Times’ - Click Here
TobyMac Releases ‘God Did It’ From Upcoming Album ‘Heaven On My Mind’
- Click Here
Pastor Mike Jr. Releases New Single ‘Amen’ - Click Here
Lauren Daigle To Perform At Super Bowl Show In New Orleans - Click Here
Tye Tribbett’s Daughter Austyn Ties The Knot In An Intimate Lakeside Ceremony - Click Here
Madison Cain Is A Mom - Click Here
Podcaster and Author Jackie Hill Perry’s Return to Music Is Exactly What We Need Right Now - Click Here
Fred Hammond Joins Dr. Jamal Bryant to usher in the New Year at New Birth
- Click Here
Tauren Wells Performs Halftime Show For Detroit Pistons Game - Click Here
2025 NAACP Image Awards Nominees Announced - Click Here
Faith Behind The Song: 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' Brandon Lake - Click Here
Anthem Edition Releases New Album, "Promises Kept" - Click Here
NEEDTOBREATHE Surprise Fans with New Live Album Release - Click Here
Sidewalk Prophets Finds Purpose In Pain On “Father, Let It Be” - Click Here
Christian Rights Campaigner, Singer
Anita Bryant Dies at 84 - Click Here
Soul Music Legend, Atlanta's Candi Staton, To Release 32nd Album, "Back To My Roots" On February 14th
- Click Here
Vote For Your Favorites For The The 13th Annual We Love Christian Music Awards - Click Here
Christian/Gospel Music -
This Month's New Releases
- Click Here
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