Gospel Mainstays RICKY DILLARD, Sunday Best ‘Sweetheart’ JESSICA REEDY, Premiere Vocalist DORINDA CLARK COLE & Legendary Duo DAWKINS & DAWKINS
Soon after it’s acquisition by Entertainment One, Light Records, Sr. VP/General Manager, James Robinson locked in several new signings over the last few months adding to the already powerhouse roster of artists and poising the label for a huge year of great Gospel releases in 2011.
First in early August, Robinson inked a deal with Gospel’s ultimate showman and choir director, Ricky Dillard. It has been three years since Dillard and New G’s last CD, 7th EPISODE LIVE IN TORONTO, and Dillard just wrapped up a live recording in Detroit. The live recording, dubbed the RED PARTY was an awesome worship event highlighted with Dillard’s signature excitement and choir dynamism.
Light Records added Dorinda Clark-Cole, the soaring soprano from the legendary Clark Sisters family and phenom newcomer Jessica Reedy in early Fall to the roster. Clark-Cole immediately went to work in the studio in preparation for her 2011 release. Clark-Cole’s spirited vocals set her apart and it is her signature delivery that has been called ‘one part Gospel, one part Jazz and all Holy Ghost. Reedy, who is best known as the stand out Season 2 Finalist of SUNDAY BEST on BET, is considered the next great female vocalist in Gospel. She wowed audiences with incredible range and presence; both are display on the current radio single “Troubled World,” along with Faith Evans and Kelly Price.
This week, Robinson announced the signing of much-speculated duo Dawkins & Dawkins. The group was instrumental in the late 90’s in revolutionizing the sound of contemporary Gospel by blending gospel with relevant R&B sounds. After an 11-year hiatus, Dawkins & Dawkins are ready for their highly anticipated return.
Robinson and Team Light are also continuing to prep their two linchpin artists for 2011 releases. Bishop Paul Morton will have an all-new live CD and has tapped prolific producer Donald Lawrence to work on the project, and Gospel’s favorite Shirley Caesar will also offer a new album next year produced by Kurt Carr.
For over 40 years Light Records has provided life-changing, restorative and inspiring Gospel music. From their prolific Gospel catalogue with Walter Hawkins; The Winans; Andrae Crouch to Today’s modern favorites – Shirley Caesar; Youthful Praise, Ricky Dillard and Dorinda Clark-Cole Light Records continually strives to keep Gospel music innovative and fresh while keeping the traditions alive.
About Light Records and Entertainment One
Light Records is a wholly owned division of Entertainment One. Entertainment One (LSE: ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company’s comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Benelux, France, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, kids programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 20,000 film and television titles, 2,400 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.