SoulProsper Radio: On The Record

In this podcast, we're learning about the gospel music of Whitney Houston. Whitney Houston was one of the greatest singers of all time and throughout her life, she sang gospel music. It was a part of her, the gospel sound shaped her vocal identity and when she sang gospel music, people responded. "The Preacher's Wife" became the top selling gospel album of all time and each week, the album or songs from the album find their way on the charts, a real testament to the power of her voice. "I Go To the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston" releases today and a television special premieres this evening on UPtv and AspireTV. The gospel album features 15 tracks, of which six are previously unreleased and unheard by the public. Join Fred in this episode as he discusses the album with clips from Pastor Kim Burrell, Pat Houston, and BeBe Winans. 

Tim Cunningham is coming to Michael's of Las Colinas this Sunday. While he's only in the area for two shows, he has a very intriguing story that will leave a lasting impression long after his two shows on Sunday evening. Take some time and get to know Tim Cunningham, an intriguing musician and renaissance man!

Karima Trotter is best known as a member of Virtue singing alongside her sisters Ebony and Heather. Karima launched a solo career in 2009 before reuniting with her sisters for albums in 2015 and 2016. She's back on the solo trail with a new single entitled "Redeemer" written by and popularized by Nichole C. Mullen. At the time of this interview, Redeemer sits at #5 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and is climbing! During this interview, we got to learn a little more about Karima and her journey of faith that has led her to this point! Music in this episode: Virtue: In the GardenRon Rawls: Ain't Nobody Like JesusBishop T.D. Jakes: From Our House to Your HouseRenwick Duesbury- Follow That Star Karima- Redeemer

Since her self- titled debut album at 13 years old on Verity Records, Tarralyn Ramsey has been one of the most notable gospel record companies in the industry. Tarralyn was featured on VH1's BORN TO DIVA and made a global impact on listeners, everywhere. She has since returned to her gospel roots with a new song, "Jesus We Need You" and it is a prayer for our time.

Tarralyn stops by to discuss life after the deal and competitions. She is much more than a singer and has been active pursuing other interests besides music. When this song came to her on a flight home, she had an idea of the full arrangement by the time the flight landed. "Jesus We Need You" is the perfect song for this pandemic.

Songs in this episode:

Wait- Chrisette Michelle

It's Gonna Be Alright- Titus Showers & Jermaine Dolly

Joyful- Dante Bowe

Praise Him- Joe Douglass & Spirit of Praise

Jesus We Need You- Tarralyn Ramsey

The BIGGEST name in CHH is on this episode! We're talking all things "Restoration" and so much more! The Billboard Chart topping artist answered questions about faith, the controversy that comes with greatness, his stance on social justice issues and whether he considers himself a minister or not.

Last fall, Lecrae released the "Restoration" EP and a book by the same name to critical acclaim. Find out what Lecrae has to say when he goes on the record with Fred Willis!

Music in this episode:

Coming In Hot- Lecrae & Andy Mineo

Crazy Faith- Brea Miles

Sick World- Deitrick Haddon

Look At Me Now- Derek Minor

Lead the Way- 5ive

Set Me Free- Lecrae

I want to introduce you to two of the most gifted musicians I know, Jamar Jones and Quennel Gaskin. Individually, their list of accolades, album credits, discography, resume and reputation speak for themselves, but these two have joined forces to present "Sunday Morning at the Piano", a dual piano album.

In this episode, you'll learn more about each of these men and the thought process behind the completion of the album. There is true camaraderie here and the way they compliment and complement each other is inspiring for musicians and non-musicians, alike!

During these hard times Brea Miles is encouraging people not to loose their hope, faith, or fierceness. Crazy Faith is about keeping your energy up as you fight to not quit on your dream. This mix of hip hop and Gospel music is a vibe that will motivate and ignite you to stay moving your way to the dream.

In this episode, we talked with Brea about her music and book. We had so much fun that this episode is an extended cut, stick around for the whole show because you won't want to miss a moment!

Link up with Brea and learn more about her music and ministry at: www.alwaysbrea.com

Jekalyn Carr is one of the brightest young stars in gospel music. Since her first single hit radio the greater she sang about has seemingly come her way. Since her debut, Jekalyn has amassed 6 singles in the Top 10 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay chart, and ahead of her new release, she earned her FOURTH Number 1 single with her current song "Changing Your Story," (all by age 23). Her previous albums "The Life Project," (2016) and "One Nation Under God," (2018) reached Number One on the Top Gospel Albums (sales) chart. She is also a 4x Grammy Nominee, and multiple Stellar Award and Dove Award winner, and this year she is nominated for a Dove Award in the Gospel Artist of the Year Category.

Jekalyn is also an author and in lieu of hosting her "You Will Win" conference, she has released the "Winning" online course. She will also be soon entering the world of beauty and cosmetics, and she shares her excitement about all the upcoming greatness in the podcast. Have a listen!

Nashville Life Music is the soundtrack to Nashville Life Church, a local movement that started out of CeCe Winans' living room nine years ago. Grammy-winning songwriters and bandleaders Dwan Hill (Lauren Daigle, Jonny Lang) and Alvin Love (Cece Winans’ son and producer) have led their 26-member worship team to create a project of energetic and inspiring songs that lift up anthemic, fun-loving sounds of thanksgiving and praise to God for everyday life.

In this episode, Alvin Love III and Dwan Hill join Fred for a great conversation about the new album.

Music in this episode:

My God- Nashville Life Music

Dancing In the Spirit- CeCe Winans

Higher Higher- Jerard & Jovaun

Sing a Song (Part 2) feat. Aaron Cole- Nashville Life Music

Legendary Gospel singer Lady Tramaine Hawkins has re-recorded her classic hit "Goin' Up Yonder" for the GREENLEAF SEASON FIVE SOUNDTRACK. "Goin' Up Yonder" is written by Gospel icon the late Walter Hawkins and was first released with Lady Tramaine's vocals in 1975 on the LOVE ALIVE album.

Originally recorded 45 years ago, "Goin' Up Yonder" has remained relevant in current culture and Tramaine's pure tones soulfully resonate on this new version of the track. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Stellar Honors Hall of Fame inductee continues to uphold her iconic status and is set to receive the 35th Annual Stellar Awards "Aretha Franklin Icon Award" this year.

In this episode, we chat with the legendary singer who talks to us about her experience re-recording the iconic hit and even which songs are getting her through this pandemic. This is definitely a can't-miss episode!

Music in this episode:

Holy One- BMI Trailblazers

The Potter's House- Jerard & Jovaun

Changed- Patti LaBelle and Deborah Joy Winans (Greenleaf Soundtrack Season 3)

Goin' Up Yonder- Tramaine Hawkins (Greenleaf Soundtrack Season 5)