WEUM DB* THE ESSENCES OF GOSPEL MUSIC

BeBe Winans shares an emotional, timely new single titled 'Black Lives Matter'

As protests across the U.S. and the world demand an end to racial injustice, gospel and R&B legend Bebe Winans shared a timely new single with a fitting declaration: "Black Lives Matter."

Winans began writing the song after the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray, who died while in police custody in Baltimore. Winans felt more inclined to finish the song after the continued deaths of Black people in America at the hands of police.

MORE: Hollywood is addressing its racist past -- but there's still more work to be done

"After witnessing the horrific tragedies of Freddie Gray, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and so many other countless lives being cut short, I started to think about the ways I could lend my voice to this movement," Winans said in a statement. "Music has always been a way to bring positivity, hope, and people together, so I wanted to create a song that could help bring a sense of peace to this world for our children, including my own. Black. Lives. Matter."

I CRY

 Usher Embraces Vulnerability on BLM-Inspired Song ‘I Cry’

Singer says he wanted to teach his sons that it’s OK for a man to “feel emotions deeply and to cry”

Usher has shared an emotional but powerful new song, “I Cry,” which was inspired by the recent wave of Black Lives Matter protests.

The song boasts a piano-led pop-soul groove that places Usher’s voice and lyrics front and center: “I cry,” he belts during the hook, “For the sons without fathers/And the pain that their mothers/Hold deep inside/So I’ll fight/For the future we’re making/It’ll change if we face it/’Cause these tears won’t dry.”

Usher shared a note on social media to accompany the song’s release, saying he wrote it in part because he wanted to teach his sons that it’s OK for a man to “feel emotions deeply and to cry.” He admitted that he was raised to keep such feelings in check, and his desire to proffer a different way forward for his kids came about while quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic and watching the deaths of George Floyd and others — and the subsequent wave of Black Lives Matter protests.

LORD I'M READY

Al​gernon/Algie E. Williams Jr. - Bio

“Lord I’m Ready” EP, released March 2015, is the latest musical manifestation and fruition from seeds planted within the heart and soul of independent gospel recording artist, music producer and songwriter Algie E. Williams Jr., (a.k.a. Algernon). His single “Lord I’m Ready”, is the recipient of two “Top 10” and 11 “Top 40” Achievement Awards on www.OurStage.com . The hit has crossed over from Christian into R&B and Jazz charts. Algernon’s fan base continues to grow and gain momentum; his music can be found at: CD Baby Music Store ( www.cdbaby.com/cd/algernon4 ), Amazon.com(Algernon/Lord I’m Ready), www.reverbnation.com/rpk/algernon2 , Spotify, and can be heard daily on Algernon Radio a promotional radio outlet 24/7 under the umbrella of JANGO.com ( www.jango.com/music/Algernon ). Algernon was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City; when as a young man, he was introduced to the music industry. Algernon’s musical debut began as a member of “The Inner Visions” a smooth R&B group where they toured in and around the New York City area. It was during that time Algernon met a man who later proved to be very influential in his life; one of gospel’s greats; Grammy-nominated gospel singer and composer, the late Rev. Timothy Wright.

 Algie has pursued many musical interest, performing with various musical groups as opportunities presented themselves as backup singer and songwriter to eventually going solo writing and singing. This desire compelled him to writing gospel music and in 1991 he wrote and published “If You Just Believe In His Love” for the Gospel Rama Gospel Expo convention in Atlanta ,Ga. Even while serving in the military; Algernon’s musical appetite developed as he worked with small labels between Seattle and New York City. Algernon’s musical background spans the smooth sounds of R&B, Jazz, and Gospel.

/
Lightbox image