Tyscot Records enjoyed a big year in sales, streams and radio airplay as Billboard magazine tabulated the year’s hottest songs and artists in its annual “Year in Music 2016” Issue. The Indianapolis, IN-based firm also celebrated its 40th anniversary as the oldest, still-operating, black gospel recording label in the world and ranked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Labels chart, up from No. 5 on last year’s survey.
Tyscot Music, Tyscot’s ASCAP-affiliated publishing company, was the No. 2 “Hot Gospel Songs Publisher” of the year with a catalogue of classic gospel hits ranging from “Right Now Praise” by the New Life Community Choir ft. John P. Kee to “Not About Us” by Bishop Noel Jones & The City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir.
Tyscot’s resident hit makers, Anthony Brown & group therAPy, the dynamic group based in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., continued to make their hometown proud as their signature song “Worth” was No 1. on the “Gospel Digital Songs” sales chart for the year. They appear on several other “Year in Music 2016” charts, including the “Top Gospel Artists – Duo/Group” of the year chart where they remained in the No. 1 slot for the second consecutive year. Even the group’s latest hit, “Bless the Lord,” had a nice showing. It was No. 16 on the “Gospel Airplay” chart and No. 28 on the “Hot Gospel Songs” chart for the year. Their sophomore album, Everyday Jesus, was the No. 2 most popular set on the “Top Gospel Albums” of the year chart.
Tyscot’s resident flower child, Casey J, had another banner year after making a big splash with her No. 1 cover of Christian Pop artist Will Reagan’s “Fill Me Up” in 2015. The engaging worship song is still racking up streams two years after its debut, coming in at No. 13 most streamed gospel songs of the year. She also scored with her own composition entitled, “I’m Yours.” Aside from spending five weeks at No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart during the year, it came in at No. 4 on the same listing for the full year. This high position also earned the former schoolteacher the No. 7 spot on the “Hot Gospel Songwriters” of the year chart.
Cajun crooner Bri (Briana Babineaux) made a respectable debut on the charts this year. Her premiere radio single, “I’ll Be the One,” peaked at No. 25 on the “Gospel Airplay” and No. 32 on the “Hot Gospel Songs” charts for the year. Bri’s first album, Keys To My Heart, was No. 18 on Top Gospel Albums for the year. Lastly, powerhouse choir director, Lonnie Hunter & Structure, reached No. 44 on the “Gospel Airplay” year-end chart with their rousing track, “He’s Worthy.”
