January 29, 2004, Press Release
For Immediate Release
A Leap of Faith: Detroit Gospel.com Takes Gospel Music From The Pew To The Web
Detroit, MI, January 29, 2004 — Gospel music is no longer confined to the church, it has become one of the fastest growing segments of the overall entertainment industry, and as such has become increasingly high tech. Music steeped in tradition has given way to Holy Hip Hop, and the pipe organ to the mixing and sampling board. Vickie Winans isn't just a gospel name, it's a domain name.
Detroit has been called the gospel music capital of the world. It's no wonder when you recognize that Detroit has been a breeding ground for such nationally known artists as Fred Hammond, Commissioned, The Winans, Vickie Winans, The Clark Sisters, and so many more. One would be hard pressed to find another city better positioned to make such a claim.
A new website, Detroit Gospel.com (www.detroitgospel.com), is picking up on gospel's high tech lead and Detroit's gospel music status by becoming the first and only website to recognize and celebrate Detroit as a gospel music powerhouse. It not only provides comprehensive coverage of the Metropolitan Detroit gospel music and entertainment scene, it also chronicles Detroit's gospel music heritage. "We decided to launch the site on the first day of Black History month, to pay homage to Detroit's gospel music pioneers," says Detroit Gospel.com Editor, Mary Lynne R. Crosby. According to Crosby, "So much of gospel music today owes itself to the trailblazers of the past." One of the website's many features is a profile list of past and present gospel music artists either born or raised in Detroit.
While acknowledging the past, the website does not neglect the younger gospel enthusiast. Features on Holy Hip Hop and other trends are provided monthly.
Surprisingly, before Detroit Gospel.com's launch, there was no online resource chronicling Detroit's gospel entertainment presence. While there are several great websites that focus on the national gospel scene, they simply cannot provide the local coverage of Detroit Gospel.com. There are also several well-done local Christian-oriented websites, but none of these focus on the gospel music and entertainment scene in Detroit. Detroit Gospel.com’s local coverage includes an events calendar, local industry information, a comprehensive (and growing) profile list of Detroit gospel artists, and a history of Detroit gospel. Each month the site will feature interviews with, and the music of, local gospel entertainment artists. Those visitors who subscribe online will receive a monthly e-mail newsletter. Anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes can read the DG Blog - the editor's daily thoughts on producing the website.
Detroit Gospel.com also provides content that addresses the lifestyle needs of gospel enthusiasts. The site includes parenting tips, health and fitness, answers to spiritual questions, a Chat Room, Discussion Board, and more. Persons in the gospel music industry will benefit from site resources such as lists of Detroit area gospel music record labels, producers, booking agencies, and recording studios.
While designed specifically with Detroiters in mind, Detroit Gospel.com will appeal to gospel entertainment enthusiasts and professionals around the globe. To find out more, go to www.detroitgospel.com.
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Contact Info:
Mary Crosby, Editor, Detroit Gospel.com • email: , Phone: 313-833-3555, Mailing Address: 18701 Grand River #134, Detroit, MI, 48223