The dynamic gospel music ensemble known as J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise has leaped onto Billboard Magazine’s Top 30 Gospel Airplay chart with a powerful and inspiring new song of joy entitled “Bless Me.” The rousing musical conversation with God lands at #28 with a bullet and features a vocal assist from platinum-selling recording artist Donnie McClurkin of “Stand” and “We Fall Down” fame. The digital track is currently available for download at the iTunes Store and it anchors the Soul Train Award nominated group’s forthcoming live album “I See Victory” (Light Records) that releases everywhere October 28, 2014. A few weeks later, the choir performs “Bless Me” on BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel” cable TV program on November 23, 2014 @ 9 AM EST.
The 17-track set was recorded before an enthusiastic audience of worshippers at J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise’s home church, The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT. The ambitious collection of songs range from rock-edged tunes such as “Nothing Compares” to traditional, handclapping church songs such as “The Blood Still Works.” Aside from McClurkin; Karen Clark Sheard, Vashawn Mitchell, Jason Nelson and Deon Kipping are among the gospel luminaries showcasing their talents on the brilliant project that also features the motivating track “It Pushed Me” that peaked at #12 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart over the summer.
For over a dozen years, Youthful Praise has been one of the most popular contemporary gospel choirs in the USA. Their hit songs such as “After This,” “Lord of All,” “Resting on His Promise” and “Incredible God, Incredible Praise” have served as the soundtrack to the lives of scores of Millennial-age churchgoers. The group has appeared on national television programs such as “Good Morning America,” BET’s “Celebration of Gospel,” “Conan O’Brien,” BET’s “Lift Every Voice,” “Lady Gaga & The Muppets Holliday Spectacular” and BET’s “Sunday Best.”
