Kirk Franklin Presents Songs For The Storm, Vol. 1
Songs For The Storm, Vol. 1 from the FoYo Soul “Life Series” by Kirk Franklin, hit stores just in time for the holidays.
Keeping in mind those affected by Hurricane Katrina, the project is a collection of songs Franklin personally chose from his catalog, that speak to weathering the storms of life, as well as one brand new song, “Look At Me Now,” currently being serviced to gospel radio.
Released by FoYo Soul/Verity/Zomba Gospel, Songs For The Storm, Vol. 1 features powerful tracks including “He Will Take The Pain Away,” “Let Me Touch You,” “When I Get There,” “Conquerors,” “Blessing In The Storm,” and one of Franklin’s signature hit singles, “Melodies From Heaven.” As an added bonus for consumers, the package will also include the music video for the poignant single, “Imagine Me” (from the Hero CD).

Deitrick Haddon Pushes Musical Envelope On 7 Days
“I’m more excited about this album than anything I’ve ever done. I think it is by far my best album to date,” says multiple Stellar Award winning, Grammy nominated musical trendsetter Deitrick Haddon. Always on the cutting edge of Gospel music, Haddon has outdone himself and created a body of work that celebrates the vitality of life and speaks profoundly to the strengths and vulnerabilities of humankind. Each track on 7 Days, which features production by Deitrick Haddon, Gerald Haddon and R&B hitmakers Tim & Bob, is blazing hot, and stimulates every emotion, with songs that are party-inducing, introspective, and socially-conscious.
“I titled the album 7 Days because it really is music for seven days of the week,” says Haddon. “Each song has a message that can bring the average person into the knowledge of God’s love, mercy and grace. . . I wanted to show a God that’s reachable and touchable, not one who sings over or at people. This is what God put in my heart to do, relate to everyday people everywhere through my experiences, not just do music for people who are already in the church.”

DeWayne Woods Takes The Lead
Few artists have entered the industry with the resume of DeWayne Woods. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Woods was a protégé of famed produced Donald Lawrence. His luminous vocals have graced recordings by some of today’s biggest talents including Celine Dion. Woods has also backed some of Gospel’s finest: John P. Kee, Kurt Carr and others have sought him out for recordings and live performances.
Now Woods moves from behind the scenes to center stage with his debut project Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet. Woods’ days as a background singer may be permanently over once listeners catch an earful of “Let Go,’ the projects lead single. Penned by noted songwriter and producer P. J. Morton, the song begs the listener to “let go and let God.”
Woods’ singing aggregation, When Singers Meet features the talents of a group of 20 Kansas City singers, hand-picked by Woods himself, who have been singing together since 1998, and have been the featured background vocalists on several gospel projects.
With a multiplicity of talents and undeniable passion, DeWayne Woods is an artist who will naturally find his way to the top of the gospel music industry, which is great because he is a man with much to sing about.

Second Volume of Luther Vandross Tribute CD Is Released
Rendezvous Entertainment recently released Forever, For Always, For Luther Volume II. Vol. II boasts an all-star cast of singers and players that include Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Norman Brown, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber, Maysa, Najee, Wayman Tisdale, Kevin Whalum, and Kirk Whalum.
“Huge personality, huge talent…Luther Vandross will be forever missed,” said label founder Dave Koz. “I am thrilled and honored that Rendezvous could be part of the legacy and help keep the man and his music alive.”
On April 16, 2003, Vandross suffered a diabetes-induced stroke that left him in a coma for several weeks. Sadly, on July 1, 2005, the greatest pure American male pop vocalist since Nat King Cole passed away. The first all-star tribute to Vandross, Forever, For Always, For Luther would go on to garner several accolades including a 2005 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental.
“I am so proud to continue this series of tributes to Luther by our friends at Verve,” said label head Hyman Katz.
In keeping with tradition, Rendevous Entertainment is partnering the release with the American Heart Association’s lifesaving campaign “The Power To End Stroke.” Especially targeted to the African-American community, the program seeks to raise awareness of the warning signs of stroke.
An all-star Forever, For Always, For Luther tour is being scheduled for spring 2007.