For four weeks in a row now, popular Gospel crooner Earnest Pugh has reigned on the charts. The Black Smoke/EPM Music Group artist is celebrating his song, “I Need Your Glory”, as it continues to sit at the top spot on the Billboard Top Gospel Songs chart. It’s a milestone for the artist who has experienced one blessing after the other for his new release, Earnestly Yours. The riveting, gut-wrenching tune, “I Need Your Glory”, not only showcases the singer’s multi-octave range, but it’s been inspiring the saints as well.
Kudos for the single and CD are many. The project hit #1 on iTunes’ Gospel & CCM Chart. It also debuted on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums Chart the week of its release and remained there two consecutive weeks (with the project still maintaining a Top Ten position). The lead single, “I Need Your Glory”, hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs Chart and has remained there for over 30 days. In addition, Pugh recently secured nine nominations in the final round on the 27thAnnual Stellar Awards Ballot, an event where he is set to perform.
At the 27th Annual Stellar Awards taping, Earnest Pugh will minister a medley of both of his #1 hits “Rain On Us” and “I Need Your Glory“ at the telecast on Saturday, January 14, 2012. The medley was arranged by accomplished pianist and Atlanta-based Minister of Music–Keith Williams. Williams, the Senior Vice Present and Co-owner of EPM Music Group (Pugh’s record label), has been a strong force behind all three of Earnest’s recordings. Pugh owes much of the success of his ministry to Williams. “I served in ministry with Keith for close to ten years,” Pugh shares, “and it was through that experience that I learned of his incredible talent, skill, and passion for ministry.” Pugh will be accompanied at the taping by a band and aggregation of singers called the Praise Assembly from the Washington, DC area.
Prior to the Stellar Awards, Earnest will be hitting the road, part of two Gospel tours. He’s already a featured artist for GRAMMY and Stellar Award winner Yolanda Adams’ Health & Lifestyle Tour and has just been tapped as a part of the new Kerry Douglas Gospel Mix Tour with Shawn McLemore, Zacardi Cortez, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and others. His record has also been entered in the first round ballot of the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards in the following categories: Record of the Year – Earnestly Yours, Album of the Year – Earnestly Yours, Song of the Year – “I Need Your Glory”, Best Gospel/CCM Performance – “I Need Your Glory”, Best Gospel Song – “I Need Your Glory”, and Best Gospel Album – Earnestly Yours.
As if the psalmist wasn’t keeping busy enough, he also just secured a book deal. He’s in the midst of penning a book called “Abiding In The Place of Worship: Practical Instructions for Praise & Worship Teams and Leaders.” Look for the book to hit store shelves in late 2012. For more information about Earnest Pugh, log on to www.EarnestPugh.com.
