Thanks to Blacksmoke Music Worldwide and its charismatic founder, Kerry Douglas, Houston is becoming one of gospel music’s key cities. Blacksmoke has held down the #1 slot on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart for the last six weeks with Earnest Pugh’s dazzling ballad, “I Need Your Glory.” Also, it’s enjoyed #1 smashes with James Fortune & FIYA’s “I Believe” and now Zacardi Cortez’s “One More Time” is just spins away from breaking into the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs Top 10. Now, comes news that Blacksmoke has nailed 13 Stellar Award (Gospel music’s answer to the Grammy Awards) nominations for its projects – more than any other label this year. “I am amazed at the doors God has opened for our artists,” says Kerry Douglas who oversees promotion and marketing for every project the label releases. “It shows what can happen when artists make great music and are willing to work hard and make their dreams become reality.”
Blacksmoke’s latest superstar Earnest Pugh made a big splash in 2009 with the #1 smash “Rain On Us” and two other Top 40 gospel hits before “I Need Your Glory” returned him to the top spot. Pugh’s latest CD “Earnestly Yours” that debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart this past summer is nominated in the categories of Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and Praise & Worship CD of the Year.
James Fortune & FIYA continues its path to superstardom with their most recent #1 radio hit “I Believe” and the CD “I Believe Live.” They won nominations as Group/ Duo of the Year, CD of the Year and Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year. It’s also been a good year for young praise and worship leader, Preashea Hilliard (daughter of noted televangelist I.V. Hilliard), scored #3 debut with her first solo CD “Live Out Loud.” Her jubilant radio single, “Fresh Fire” has also been a Top hit. She’s won nominations as Best New Artist of the Year and Contemporary Female of the Year.
Lastly, Blacksmoke’s longest running group, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson & The Spiritual Voices, is experiencing a comeback. Their latest CD, “Back 2 Basics Chapter 2” has earned them nominations in the categories of Traditional Group/Duo of the Year, Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year and Quartet of the Year. Lonnie Hunter & Structure received a nod as Contemporary Choir of the Year for their CD, “I’m Back.” The 27th Annual Stellar Awards will take place at Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on January 14, 2012. Keep up with Blacksmoke artists online at www.mrkerrydouglas.com
