WOW Gospel 2003 to release February 4

The WOW Gospel project, entering into its sixth year, has become the hallmark project that kicks off the new release year for urban Gospel music. This year is no exception as fans gear up for WOW Gospel 2003, scheduled to hit stores everywhere on February 4, 2003.

The WOW Gospel concept was introduced in 1998 by the record label partnership of Verity Records; Provident Music Group; EMI Christian Music Group and Word Entertainment, with the goal in mind to create the ultimate collection in Gospel hits. Patterned after the successful Christian WOW series, WOW Gospel features the “Top 30 songs by the Top 30 artists” and has become synomous with the biggest hits & best artists in the Gospel genre.

WOW Gospel serves as the benchmark for fans to know who and what is hot over the past year. WOW Gospel 2003 provides a glimpse of the past year in music; from the continued hit-making ability of established artists such as Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond, Richard Smallwood, Bishop TD Jakes, Vickie Winans, and Dottie Peoples to the inclusion of newer artists such as Smokie Norful, Deitrick Haddon, Tonéx, Joann Rosario, and Men of Standard.

The double CD/cassette set contains 30 tracks (plus a few bonus cuts) featuring popular artists Donnie McClurkin, Kurt Carr, Hezekiah Walker, Joe Pace, Brent Jones, John P. Kee, Shirley Murdock, and Take 6 among others.

Jam-packed with music, some of the special highlights include: the smash “O Give Thanks,” from the "First Lady of Praise & Worship," Judith Christie McAllister; the sleeper hit “Praise Is What I Do” from Shekinah Music Ministry; “People Get Ready,” from the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama; and “King of Glory,” from the Gospel event of the decade, The Commissioned Reunion. Mainstay Gospel favorites are equally represented on the album with offerings from Donald Lawrence, Marvin Sapp, Mississippi Mass Choir, Twinkie Clark, and The Canton Spirituals.

Historically, the album has also been a platform to launch the careers of new artists. Covering the new artist spotlight slots aree Verity’s dynamic young singer/musician Debra Killings, and EMI’s latest find, Antonio.

The sales history of the WOW Gospel projects have been nothing short of amazing. Since its inception in 1998, the brand has garnered phenomenal sales, selling over 3 million to date and is a perennial #1 Gospel release. Indication of the brand’s impact includes last year’s project, WOW Gospel 2002, being certified Gold in just 4 short weeks.

WOW Gospel 2003 will be available everywhere February 4, 2003.