Billboard’s #1 independent gospel CEO Kerry Douglas (the radio promoter who put James Fortune & FIYA and Earnest Pugh on the musical map), has a hot one on his hands. The latest installment of his best-selling “Kerry Douglas Presents Gospel Mix” compilation series, “Kerry Douglas Presents Gospel Mix VI” (Worldwide Music, Inc./RED Distribution) debuts at #9 on this week’s Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The set has been fueled by the amazing success of Zacardi Cortez’ Top Ten radio smash “1 on 1” that serves as the CD’s first exclusive radio single.
“This is the best gospel mix yet,” Douglas says of the 15-track project that features dynamic performances by Tamela Mann, Ruben Studdard, James Fortune & FIYA, and others. The digital version includes five bonus songs by rising artists such as Kenny Smith and Derrick Horne. “I’m going around the country looking for new and great artists like Kenny Smith for next year’s Gospel Mix,” Douglas adds. Smith’s festive song “Heaven” is one of the most popular downloads on the album.
The collection also boasts radio singles such as Bryan Wilson’s “It Will Happen” and Ted Winn’s “You Are The Reason.” There’s an amazing mash up between Lalah Hathaway, Zacardi Cortez and Earnest Pugh on “Every Promise.” There are also rare classics such as Rev. Paul Jones’ “I Won’t Complain,” Greg O’Quin’s “I Told The Storm” and “Praises Go Up” by Jimmy Hicks featuring Le’Andria Johnson.
Kerry Douglas’ first “Gospel Mix” compilation CD was released in 2008. The series is known for branding new acts and re-establishing veteran artists. Over the last few years, it has introduced the music of James Fortune & FIYA, Earnest Pugh, Zacardi Cortez and The Brown Boyz and transformed them into household names in the gospel world. For more information, log on at www.mrkerrydouglas.com for news on this project and other Worldwide Music, Inc. releases.
