In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with host Cedric Ballard, Gospel legend Earnest Pugh faces the ultimate test as he tackles increasingly spicy wings while answering trivia questions about his 19-year journey with Blacksmoke Music. Between bites of fiery sauce, Pugh shares the story behind his five number one hits, starting with his breakthrough single "Rain On Us" that launched his record deal in 2007. The Blacksmoke veteran reveals his driving mantra that has sustained him through nearly two decades in gospel music: "In bad times, people need Good News." The heat intensifies during the 'Never Have I Ever' segment, where Pugh confesses to forgotten lyrics during worship and shares how his great-grandmother's prophecy shaped his global ministry vision. A Stellar Award Trivia and Grammy history questions, this game show edition tests both his gospel knowledge and spice tolerance. Pugh also discusses his latest album, available on all streaming platforms.

Connect with Earnest Pugh:

Website: earnestpugh.com

Instagram: @earnestpugh

Facebook: facebook.com/earnestpugh

Twitter/X: @earnestpugh

Gospel artist Jokia brings her baby Rain as backup while facing off against host Cedric Ballard in the spiciest game show edition of Black Smoke Table Talk yet. Between bites of increasingly fiery wings, Jokia shares her journey since entering the music industry in 2017, watching platforms evolve from Vine to TikTok and witnessing how streaming has transformed artist revenue. She explains why partnering with Black Smoke Records felt like the right move after years of independent hustle, and how she defines her music as inspirational love that speaks to both saved and unsaved audiences. The conversation heats up as both host and guest tackle gospel trivia questions about Black Smoke artists, stellar award records, and Hip Hop Boobly (where Jokia voices a character). Through laughs, tears from hot sauce, and "Never Have I Ever" confessions about forgotten lyrics and church mic dodging, Jokia reveals her moment of doubt about continuing music and how God redirected her from chasing industry accolades to focusing on ministry impact.

Connect with Jokia: 

Instagram: @jokiamusic

YouTube: @jokiavevo2278 

Facebook: Jokia

In this special edition of Up Close & In Focus, host Kerry Douglas brings together an extraordinary lineup of voices for a dynamic, uplifting experience rooted in music, purpose, and shared connection.

Featuring powerful moments with Earnest Pugh, Cedric Ballard, Kisha Brandy (formerly of Kirk Franklin & The Family), and Meta Washington, this episode is a celebration of expression, freedom, and the undeniable power of unity through sound and spirit.

🎶 From soul-stirring renditions of "Silver and Gold" and "Let It Rain" to spontaneous praise and heartfelt reflection, the energy is raw, honest, and deeply moving.

✨ The episode closes with a powerful prayer led by Meta Washington, offering thanks for the vision, the voices, and the moment.

📍 Whether you're in need of encouragement, clarity, or inspiration, this episode will leave you renewed and re-centered.

Singer-songwriter Mia Stokes opens up about her transformation during 25 months of incarceration, where she wrote 60 songs in six months and discovered her gift for prison ministry through music. Fresh out seven months ago, Stokes is pregnant at 40, engaged to the man who waited for her entire sentence, and ready to relaunch her music career with a new perspective on life's timing. She shares the story behind writing her country song 14 years ago that nearly landed with Carrie Underwood, and how she learned to let songs find their own destiny rather than boxing herself into one genre. The conversation weaves between Stokes' early days interning at Interscope Records, her natural talent for rewriting songs in her head, and her current search for a new production team as she prepares to re-release music under her own publishing company. This episode proves that sometimes the most beautiful comebacks happen when you're willing to embrace new beginnings at any age.

Connect with Mia Stokes:

Instagram: @miastokeshtha1
Facebook: Mia Stokes
Twitter/X: Mia Stokes

In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with Kerry Douglas, get ready to experience the extraordinary talent of Theresa Grayson, a phenomenal saxophonist whose musical journey started in fourth grade and continues to inspire audiences today. In this episode, Theresa shares her path through Houston's magnet school programs to becoming a school counselor who never abandoned her musical dreams. Listen as she delivers breathtaking performances of "Let It Rain" featuring special guest Wess Morgan, showcasing her stunning soprano and tenor saxophones adorned with Swarovski crystals. Theresa discusses her transition back to gospel music after exploring R&B and announces her second album "It's All About You, Chapter 2." Host Kerry Douglas reveals his plans to partner with Theresa to bring her music to national and international audiences, recognizing her unique gift for connecting with listeners through live performance. This episode combines inspiring music, personal testimony, and exciting industry announcements that will keep you engaged throughout.

Connect with Theresa Grayson:

Website: theresagrayson.com

YouTube.com: @theresagraysononsax

Instagram: @theresagrayson

Twitter/X: @theresaonsax

Kerry Douglas opens his door expecting a saxophone teacher for his 12-year-old daughter - instead, he finds Horace Alexander Young, the same musician who played on his breakthrough gospel hit "I Believe" three decades ago. What starts as a coincidental reunion becomes something deeper as the 70-year-old saxophonist reflects on a lifetime in music, from surviving a devastating car crash that nearly ended everything to teaching the next generation that "some people practice a lot to get it right, others practice so they can't get it wrong." The episode captures lightning in a bottle as Horace plays both the original "I Believe" and improvises on the newly reimagined version, proving that true artistry never fades. Between stories of Luther Vandross, career wisdom for aspiring musicians, and the emotional weight of music that travels through generations, this spontaneous conversation reveals how the universe sometimes aligns to bring artists back together exactly when they need each other most. Kerry and Horace discover that their musical DNA runs deeper than memory - it's written in the very soul of the songs they created together.

Connect with Horace Alexander Young:

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, host Kerry Douglas reunites with gospel artist Cedric Ballard, revealing their 25+ year journey from selling CDs out of car trunks to national success. Ballard shares the inspiration behind his hit single "Blessing Me," written during his lowest moment when God challenged him to find gratitude despite circumstances. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Ballard details The Heal Movement, a non-profit he founded with his wife that serves Houston's homeless population with home-cooked meals, toiletries, and genuine human connection. Douglas and Ballard reflect on their shared history in the music industry, including Ballard's early days with the group Damascus and how their paths diverged before reconnecting years later. This genuine conversation between old friends offers listeners an authentic look at music industry relationships, faith through challenges, and the truth behind Ballard's motto that "the race isn't given to the swift but to those who endure."

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas chats with Zacardi Cortez about his rise from Houston's Acres Homes to becoming a gospel music force with nine Billboard #1 singles. Cortez shares stories about growing up with five siblings in a small apartment and how his musical talent became his sole source of income, allowing him to support his family without ever working a conventional job. The conversation highlights his hit "Lord Do It For Me" which emerged during his time in Louisiana jail, plus details about his new album "Ibhar" featuring collaborations with Jekalyn Carr, Crystal Rucker, and the Nelson twins. Douglas and Cortez discuss how younger vocalists, including American Idol contestants, have adopted his distinctive vocal style. The interview wraps up with news about Cortez's Hip Hop Boobly children's music project, which will create youth choirs nationwide while featuring an animated character based on the singer himself.

Connect with Zacardi Cortez:
Facebook: @zacardicortez
Instagram: @cardikeev_
YouTube: @cardikee

For booking:
(914)297-8CCA
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