As a vocalist, Tonya Baker is a much sought after psalmist who ministers the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ across the country. As President of her own independent production company Bakehouse Music Group, LLC, Tonya has previously released two recordings – “Life in Him” and “Since He Came In”. She has appeared on tapings of The Bobby Jones Show, local broadcasts of TBN, The Gospel SuperFest, The Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Conference Women’s Choir; numerous gospel music showcases such as The Stellar Awards Music Showcase, I Hear Music in the Air Conference, The Gospel Music Workshop of America and the Gospel Heritage Foundation New Artist Showcase.

As a songwriter, Tonya Baker has written songs that have been recorded by such national recording artists as the phenomenal Tonex, and the legendary Helen Baylor with others yet to be released. As a background vocalist, she has traveled with Byron Cage, Percy Bady and Lisa McClendon among others. She has shared the stage and opened for such artists as Shirley Caesar, CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Isreal Houghton, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Mary Mary and Tye Tribbett to name a few.

Event will also feature guest Psalmist & Minister Carnell Murrell. Tickets go on sale Feb. 15, 2011 at www.itickets.com and local bookstores. Tickets are $ 25 VIP (Reserved seating, Tonya Baker’s New CD, and entrance into the After Party) General Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. This extraordinary performing, producing, composing and arranging artist will be an artist that you don’t want to miss in person.

More… Tonya Baker is available for phone or media interviews. Please contact RKD Music Management at (818) 571-0998 to set up a time that is convenient.

More.. For more information you can call (916) 44-CREST or visit: www.thecrest.com & www.theofficialtonex.com

All cards and condolences may be sent to Truth Apostolic Community Church, 8318 Jamacha Rd Spring Valley, CA 91977. Please do not send any flowers.

More… For more information, please contact Judy Groover at 202.361.3939 or email at tonex@sweetfinesse.com or visit www.theofficialtonex.com. visit www.theofficialtonex.com

TONEX, indeed a prolific artist; having released three albums on Verity Records over the years, while producing for both gospel, secular and mainstream artists alike, he has also amassed several awards including eight Stellar Awards and two GMA Awards. He also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Soul Gospel Album for his 2004 critically acclaimed album, Out The Box.

TONEX is excited for the shift from the Verity Records to Battery Records. On Battery Records he’ll be given the freedom to showcase his true talent as a music-maker. His brand new LP Unspoken features hard-hitting R&B, dance and even a smattering of alternative with its lead single “Blend”. The timely song addresses the need to stay true to oneself. “I knew that ?Blend? was going to be the lead single from the start,”TONEX stresses. “It represents who I’ve been all along by bringing that artist to the masses for the first time.”

For TONEX, “Unspoken” is a transitional album that heads in a more mainstream direction yet still targets his longstanding gospel segment. Says TONEX, “I didn’t want to alienate the fan base generated from the Out the Box phenomenon. Even though I appreciate that album’s success, I felt that there were so many people from different demographics I still had yet to reach. I made the transition from Verity Records to Battery Records to facilitate that career evolution.”

Unspoken conveys TONEX’s variety, musical prowess and adaptability. A dreamer, TONEX’s dream of showcasing his rare spectrum of talents to an R&B audience is coming true. The project will be marketed to not only gospel music lovers but also mainstream R&B music lovers. Battery Records stands wholly behind TONEX and his ambitious project. Neil Levine adds “It is important that TONEX keeps his credibility within the gospel community while Battery Records helps him expand to a more mainstream audience.”

Battery Records was formed to develop young urban talent, in an age where such development is sorely lacking. Neil Levine, Battery Records‘ Senior Vice President and General Manager, aims to uncover and cultivate young talent and thereby create an indispensable niche in the marketplace.

Check out the single “Blend“:

http://release.theplatform.com/content.select?pid=NMr0pPgjdYrGZwpvHOcGfO3dOmSkTdIC&UserName=Unknown

Although appearing in other projects with his songs, such as the film “Gigli” starring Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, This is Tonex’s first role on stage in his hometown of San Diego.

Tonex is a Grammy nominated, Stellar and Dove-Award winning recording artist and performer with multi gold and platinum recordings to his credit.

Excitement is looming as Tonex anticipates the release of his upcoming album “Bapostogic“, which promises to exude his signature style of “Gospop.” “Bapostogic,” will be available on iTunes.com and at your local music retailer soon.

“Dreamgirls” returns to the stage at the San Diego Musical Theatre, following its recent smash hit premiere on the silver screen. The musical will run from September 12- September 28, 2008 at the Lyceum Theatre in downtown San Diego. Ron Kellum, who will serve as the Director of this production has director/choreographic credits, including Broadway national tours: Fosse, Chicago, Joseph, “Dreamgirls“, and Smokey Joe’s Café.

Along with Tonex playing James “Thunder” Early, co-stars include Stacy Francis as Effie White (Broadway’s Smokey Joe); Sabrina Sloan as Lorrell Robinson (Broadway’s Hairspray; Charl Brown a Curtis Taylor, Jr.; Thomas Hobson as C.C. White, and Natalie Wachen as Deena Jones.

More… For more information or to purchase tickets call 858-560-5740 or log onto www.sdmt.org.

The CD and DVD combo premiere rare classics from the gospel diva in the 1970’s. Hits such as “Faded Rose ”, “How Many Will Be Remembered?”, and a medley of “Peter Don’t Be Afraid ”, "Nobody But You, Lord " and "Teach Me, Master ”, are featured with 1980s hits "Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name ", "He’ll Do It Again ", "Peace in the Midst of the Storm ", and "Never ".

Shirley Caesar first burst on the national music scene when she joined the legendary Caravans gospel group in 1958 . For almost a decade, she was a fan favorite and led hits such as “Sweeping Through the City. ” She went solo in 1966 and released her first solo LP “I’ll Go ” the next year. After that project produced her first solo hit with “Choose Ye This Day, ” there was no stopping the hits which have included “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name, ” “Hold My Mule, ” “Don’t Drive Your Mama Away ” and the recent “I Know the Truth ” featuring Tonex .

The CD/DVD , celebrating Shirley Caesar’s 40 year solo career, was recorded last July at the 300-member Mt. Calvary Holy Church where Shirley Caesar co-pastors in Raleigh, NC.

For more information about Pastor Shirley Caesar please visit, www.shirleycaesar.com . For review copies or interviews please contact Kia Jarmon , 615.277.1855 or kjarmon@lightrecords.com .

Back again for the eighth groundbreaking year in a row is BET’s “Celebration of Gospel.” If you thought the 2007 telecast was amazing, you don’t want to miss this year’s offering of the world’s best gospel talent, as well as secular artists who welcome the chance to showcase their spiritual roots.

The 2008 “Celebration of Gospel” kicks off on BET on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT). This year’s theme is “Spirit and Song,” and there’s plenty of both this year.

Host Steve Harvey returns as the show’s MC, giving COG its comedic balance but not straying too far from its gospel roots.

This year’s lineup includes the always fabulous Patti Labelle along with gospel stalwarts like Kirk Franklin, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Pastor Shirley Caesar, J Moss, Israel Houghton and Yolanda Adams. Chicago-born singer/songwriter John Legend allowed fans to see a new side of him in his stirring performance. New this year, is a special appearance by the “Sunday Best” top five finalists, including winner Crystal Aiken. For those of you who watched and voted while Crystal Aiken competed, you’ll enjoy seeing the top contenders together again doing what they do best – praising the Lord in song.

Like last year, “Celebration of Gospel 2008” has its share of celebrity attendees, including Tyrese and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. It will also have its share of memorable performances. The 2007 Celebration of Gospel broke records to become the No. 1-watched religious show in television history, with more than 2.5 million viewers, so you know this year’s will be even better.

More… Make sure to watch on Sunday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), only on BET!

Even More.. Below are some pictures from the Celebration of Gospel Red Carpet.

Fred Hammond and Guest

Israel and New Breed

J Moss and Paul Allen – PAJAM

John Legend

Sunday Best Finalist Tasha Collins, Shari Addison, Crystal Aikin, Emily Gomez and Jermaine Sellers are reunited

Bobby Jones and Yolanda Adams

Marvin and MaLinda Sapp

Judge Mabelin

TONEX and Guest

Trin-i-ty 5:7

I heard this interview on BlogTalkRadio, the show i heard it on was G-Talk with Gerard Henry. This interview is with Yvette Williams (formerly known as Ms. Tonex) where she will talk about “life after divorce”, “the need to fight for the institution of marriage”, her “upcoming project”, and much more.

This interview will truly open your eye and at the same time bless your life. Please take this time to listen the other side of the story from Yvette Williams.

Please leave a comment and let us know what you think. Click here to hear the interview

Gospel music fans have moved on from the chaos surrounding Tonex’s “The Naked Truth” video. And so has he. The controversial singer says he’s moving on to acting and book writing.

Tonex said “I just filmed “The Hustle” with Charlie Murphy, David Alan Grier and Kym Whitley,” he told us. “And I’m working with Janet Jackson her new album and a couple of songs with Michael Jackson.”

Does this mean his gospel music career is over? Tonex says [fans] will hear from him internationally (London). He may release an album in fall 2008. Domestically, he’s sticking with acting.

Tonex says “Less is more,”. “If you pull back, you get launched forward. Always keep them guessing. A lot of the gospel artists, you see them all of the time. Sometimes you have to pull back to launch forward.”

Gospel Music Bites wish Tonex every success and pray that he holds on to God , so that everything he does, will be blessed and directed by God.

God Bless

Check it out and don’t forget to leave us your thoughts and comments, on the video clip.

It has been an extra hot summer for gospel artist TONEX (Toe-nay) after Website MediaTakeOut.com made gay innuendos about him in june. TONEX, who pastors a San Diego church, responded with a lively, expletive-laden YouTube video titled “The Naked Truth.“

Word about the video spread online quickly and drama followed. TONEX and his record label, Zomba, soon parted ways for the second time in two years. He originally split from the imprint in 2006, allegedly over lack of payment.

“…Because at that time, that’s what needed to come out,” he explained. “It was because [of] a lot of hurts, resentments and things that went on in that area [but] I don’t usually discuss vomit, you know. I just kind of moved on from there; the next day everything was fine but I needed to make sure that everybody heard my voice and what I had to say and moved on from there.” said TONEX.

TONEX released an Open Letter earlier this month, expressing “deepest regret for any shame that this may have caused my Bishops and or Body Members.”

When TONEX was asked if he had any regrets, he said, “You can’t change it. It’s all about the now — and the future is so groovy.”

The clip below is the first on two clips of the interview between TONEX and PATH MEGAzine. Check it out and let us know what you think:

Hi guys i saw this article about Tonex and thought i should share it with you. This hopefully will answer some of the questions, many of you have been asking and discussing on Gospel Music Bites.

Article

In June EUR Gospel posted an article saying that gospel singer Tonex (Tone-ay) decided to respond to a gossip Website’s gay innuendos about him with an expletive-laden YouTube video called “The Naked Truth.”

We wrote: “…Why are we telling you this? No, not because Tonex distributed a news release or wrote an Open Letter to squash the rumor. We’re telling you because Tonex uploaded a video on YouTube.com to respond to MediaTakeOut’s innuendo.”

Well, this time we can say it. We’re telling you this because Tonex has penned an Open Letter:

“Greetings & Salutations in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To our Presiding Bishop, Horace D. Smith To my own Bishop in California Henry Johnson and in the the Loving memory and honor of the Late Great Bishop R.W. Mc Murray, Bishop Charles L. Taylor and My Father District Elder A.C. Williams Sr. I would like to say Praise the Lord.

I am writing on this Myspace Page of my organization to say that due to the high volume of controversy around the world concerning my recent but distant decisions, I would like to submit my deepest regret for any shame that this may have caused my Bishops and or Body Members.

This was not meant to bring a reproach, but it was meant to bring closure to one of the darkest chapters of my life from whence I came out alive, thank God.

I would like to publically (sic) apologize for any action deed or word that may have caused breach, embarrassment, or shame to the legacy of our great organization P.A.W. and to any other Denominations that have done their best to support me even if they didn’t understand me.

I justify nothing, but I repent for anything that may have caused some to stumble. Indeed, I did tell the “Naked” truth but the bible also does state that “all things are lawful but not expedient.”

The world experienced my purging, my therapy session and the release of puss, vomit, anger, and rage that all humans have the propensity to demonstrate — I do not ask a pardon for the Sin, only for the anger and discouragement and resentment that came from years of misappropriated slander toward myself and my family. In other words, things just honestly came to a head and busted.

To every Youth Pastor, to every parent and young person that I hurt or let down , I am truly and deeply remorsed (sic) if I caused you pain or embarrassment, please forgive me and restore me. My issue was public, so therefore I needed to publically (sic) ask for forgiveness. From your understanding of your own private struggles I ask that you at least understand. I’m not asking any of you to agree, just forgive me….I’m truly sorry. However, I’m glad to report that since that song released in June of 2007 I have become a new creature. I have never been so relieved and freed from my past and the future looks very bright ahead.

I’m am currently under the care and counsel of Bishop Norman Wagoner, and locally I’m covered by District Elder Dwayne Shepherd of Greater Apostolic Faith Temple Church which is my Home church where I came from.

All of these things I submit humbly and respectfully and pray restoration with meekness. If a public rebuke is necessary I’m willing to receive it, but please know in my heart that I know Who Jesus really is. I still teach and preach the apostles’ doctrine according to Acts 2:38 and I’m a TOTALLY on fire for Jesus. My mission is clear; unify the body for the edification of the Kingdom. To reach the masses through mainstream media with creativity and a real flow of the unadulterated anointing.

Am I perfect ? no . Will I still make mistakes, most likely. But I am completely and totally striving for excellence through Jesus Christ Our Savior. Anyone that needs to respond feel free to hit me up at www.myspace.com/theofficialtonex.

Thank you all for reading this lengthy but imperative open apology.

Sincerely
Anthony C. Williams II“

Shervonne Wells of the Kurt Carr Singers, will be having a CD release concert on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at 7:00PM at the 16th S.D.A.Church, San Bernardino,Ca. Tickets are $20.00 VIP or $15.00 General. There will also be performances by Corey, Sherron, Nysa, Jackie, Kesha (formerly of the Kurt Carr Singers) , DeJaye, 16th St. Cathedral Choir and hosted by Comedian Ron G (TV-ONE, you’ve got jokes) and other surprise guest. For more info. call 909-885-5683 or www.myspace/ShervonneWells.com.

Shervonne Wells, a faithful member of the Kurt Carr Singers for nearly 14 years, has released the industry’s most highly anticipated project entitled “Here I Am” Her freshman project is produced by newcomer Michael Bereal and displays all styles of inspiriational sounds: Praise, Traditional, Rock, R&B, Latin, Jazz, Choir, and a smashing hit from the artist Tonex. You will hear her like you’ve never heard her before.

Shervonne Wells, an original member of The Kurt Carr Singers has been a commanding presence in the group, but has begun production on a solo CD. The sanctified soprano of the Kurt Carr singers with the golden tresses possesses a powerful stand alone voice that clinches the spirit. When you hear a voice come from out of the blue to encroach your spirit, like a straight jacket, that’s power. And when you don’t want to be released from its grip, that’s God’s Anointing.

Shervonne Wells, backed by Myson Entertainment Group, exhibited her strength as a soloist performing three of the songs from her upcoming album at the Churchy Church DVD recording recently in Los Angeles. She is supported by a vocal team whose harmonies are tight and sometimes complex as one would expect from a Carr protégé. Churchy Church features Shervonne Wells along with other notable gospel artists such as Norman Hutchins and Denetria Champ (both of JDI records) and others. Her voice can also be heard in a duet with Norman Hutchins on his newest project.

Her CD release party will be held at 16th Street SDA Church on July 21, 2007 at 7:00 pm

More… For more info and to listen to Shervonne Wells “Here I Am”

For the last two years Dallas-based beauty magazine, SHEREESE, has been running a Most Beautiful Gospel Artist Poll and has announced the results of its second annual Top 20 Most Beautiful Gospel Artists Poll in their July 2007 issue.

The editors polled over 1000 gospel music lovers and asked the following question: “Who is the most beautiful gospel artist to you?”

Last year, CeCe Winans came out on top but this year, the readers have chosen Yolanda Adams.

Here are the results:

1. Yolanda Adams
2. Donnie McClurkin
3. CeCe Winans
4. Shirley Caesar
5. Smokie Norful
6. John P. Kee
7. Kirk Franklin
8. Mary Mary
9. Vickie Winans
10. Tye Tribbett
11. Hezekiah Walker
12. Juanita Bynum
13. Kelly Price
14. Dottie Peoples
15. Fred Hammond
16. KiKi Sheard
17. Richard Smallwood
18. Donald Lawrence
19. Albertina Walker
20. Shirley Murdock

Tye Tribbett, KiKi Sheard, Richard Smallwood, Donald Lawrence, Albertina Walker, Shirley Murdock, Mary Mary, Hezekiah Walker, Kelly Price all make their debut on the artists poll.

Meanwhile, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Martha Munizzi, Tonex, Joann Rosario, Tamela Mann, Tramaine Hawkins and Helen Baylor fell off of this year’s list.

The magazine SHEREESE is published by Antonio Johnson, who is program director at KHVN 97 AM, a Dallas gospel music radio station. SHEREESE Magazine also listed the sexiest chests lists.

Actor Mario Lopez topped that list. However, no gospel artists made that list. Log on at www.shereese.com for more information.

Please leave a comment:

More… To listen to Tonex “The Naked Truth” Click here. Once again we must warn you about the language in this clip, as it is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

Tonex has once again split from his label Zomba Music Group. It has been a very controversial month for Tonex and hearing this news today, really doesn’t help Tonex.

Nearly 3 months after re-signing with Zomba Gospel Group, the label has released controversial gospel artist Tonex from their roster of artists.

In a statement given this Monday, the label cites the reason for the split as “Tonex’s decision to move in an artistic direction outside the scope of gospel music.”

Tonex left the label last year allegedly over lack of payment, but returned this Spring after issues were resolved.

This dismissal interrupted the anticipated release of the CD Stereotype: Steel & Velvet.

A dark cloud has been looming over the artist lately as reports from various sources claim he is not a good representation of the Body of Christ, speculation about his sexuality and general malaise toward his persona as an entertainer.

A video response to his critics was posted on Youtube.com last week In it, Tonex, who also pastors at a San Diego Church, used several curse words and the “n” word. In light of these comments, Spread the Word a Christian radio program airing on KJLH-FM in Los Angeles addressed the subject via “From Praised to Profanity.”

On his Myspace site he goes by the moniker “Black Maverick,” one who expresses their thoughts independently. Prior to rejoining Zomba, Tonex was producing music on Nureau Ink, having full creative license. It remains to be seen if this independent thinker can make it on his own in the musical genre he prefers.

Saints we need to truly pray for Tonex and let him know that we need him to walk in his gift until the Father returns; the body of Christ needs him, and we love him. We can’t allow the devil to take one of our own and leave him out in the world wounded. So saints lets all rise up again’st the devil and let him know, if he messes with one of the body of Christ he messes with all of the body of Christ.

When you face life’s trials and tribulations, it some time feels like you under constant attack. All of us handle trials and tribulations his or her own way. That is certainly the case with award winning gospel artist Tonex.

In the song entitled “The Naked Truth“, the award-winning gospel singer raps about being “truthful” to the world. At one point during the expletive-laden song, Tonex appears to be coming clean with his sexuality – he sings, “I did it, I made it …[I'm] the genius, the faggot, the weirdo, the hobo, the homo, the magnet.“

Tonex decided to take matters into his own hands by responding – with a few expletive words – to the gay insinuations made by gossip Website, MediaTakeOut.com.

The reason why we are telling you this? is because Tonex didn’t distributed a news release or write an Open Letter to squash the rumor.

Tonex decided to uploaded a video on YouTube.com to respond to MediaTakeOut’s innuendo but the video has now been removed.

So check out the video from MediaTakeOut.com below.

More.. Please leave a comment of encouagment for Tonex, so we can forward it on to his management, to let Tonex know we’re praying for him.

After it is all said and done, let us remember to pray for Tonex and ask the Lord to help him through, what ever he is going through at this time, so Tonex can get back to what the Lord has commissioned him to do, as clearly we can see the devil is attacking him.

Tonex…. You are in Gospel Music Bites prayers, God bless.

The First Lady of Gospel and eleven-time Grammy winner, Shirley Caesar is celebrating the 40th anniversary of her solo career/ministry on July 14, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. with a CD/DVD recording at Mount Calvary Holy Church of America, the church Shirley Caesar pastors in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Shubel/Light Records artist will reach into her catalogue of songs and perform her classics such as the 1975 million-seller “No Charge,” “Choose Ye This Day” and “Teach Me Master, Teach Me.” Shirley Caesar will also perform some new songs.

Shirley Caesar first burst on the national music scene when she joined the legendary Caravans gospel group in 1958. For almost a decade, she was a fan favorite and led hits such as “Sweeping Through the City.” She went solo in 1966 and released her first solo LP “I’ll Go” the next year. After that project produced her first solo hit with “Choose Ye This Day,” there was no stopping the hits which have included “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name,” “Hold My Mule,” “Don’t Drive Your Mama Away” and the recent “I Know the Truth” featuring Tonex.

Leading up to the special concert recording, Shirley Caesar will host her 35th annual Outreach Conference. Carrying the theme “Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?” the convocation kicks off Monday, July 9th to Friday July 13th at the North Raleigh Hilton Hotel, 3415 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Special guests include Smokie Norful, Marvin Winans, Walter Hawkins, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Jamal Bryant. Registration fees range from $25 to $50. Call 919-683-1161 for more information on the conference.