Tyscot Records, the oldest operating African-American gospel music recording label in the world, and LuDawn Music, a production house formed by Billboard magazine No. 1 songwriters Cheryl Fortune and Lucius B. Hoskins, today announced a business partnership. “Tyscot Records is excited to join forces with the awesome production and songwriting team of LuDawn Music,” says Tyscot Records President, Bryant S. Scott. “They are bringing to the gospel airwaves a uniquely fresh, contemporary sound that we believe will be one of the next big sounds from the church.”
The first project under this agreement is the debut album by Cheryl Fortune, tentatively set for a June 30, 2017 release. The first radio single is the invigorating anthem “Fighters” which booms with a pounding drum line and a catchy chorus. “The last two years have been extremely difficult for me and my family but we’re fighting our way through it,” she says. “This song was born out of that situation and it’s a message of hope to anyone who has a fight on their hands. Whether it’s a relationship, trouble on the job or a health crisis, you can fight it and win.”
“Cheryl and I have been writing songs together for ten years now and it only made sense that we take the existing working relationship to the next level,” Hoskins adds. “My wife and I are close friends with her and her family. Our children are all around the same age and have literally grown up together.”
As a songwriter, Cheryl Fortune has penned songs that have been recorded by gospel greats such as Shirley Caesar, Tasha Cobbs, Zacardi Cortez and James Fortune & FIYA. She’s co-written Top Ten hits such as “I Trust You,” “Hold On,” “Still Able” and “Live Through It” for the Grammy® Award nominated group, James Fortune & FIYA. For the last year, she’s toured the globe, singing with Kirk Franklin as a part of his “20 Years In One Night” concert tour.
A Grand Rapids, MI native, Lucius B. Hoskins is a seasoned guitarist who was mentored by Marvin Sapp and has played on sessions by artists ranging from Donnie McClurkin to Trin-i-tee 5:7. In addition, he tours as a member of R&B singer Tank’s band. He’s written and produced scores of songs, most notably Zacardi Cortez’s No. 1 hit “1 on 1” and his Top 2 smash, “#YDIA.” He’s also penned songs for gospel luminaries such as Shirley Caesar, Earnest Pugh and Kathy Taylor. He currently has a dozen songs in rotation at gospel radio.
