In February, BV Buzz reported that Gospel Today, America's top African-American Christian publication had decided to "suspend printing immediately."Now we can report that the magazine is returning in print form just in time for Father's Day, with a new issue featuring President Barack Obama and his daughter Malia on the cover being shipped to subscribers this week.
"Thank you for your prayers and support. This hasn't been an easy season for any of us," said Dr. Teresa Hairston, the magazine's founder.
Hairston is making reference to the number of magazines in the last six months that have either shuttered completely or transitioned into a digital-only content operation including Blender, Men's Vogue, King, Best Life, Trump and Today's Christian Woman.
Consumer demand and outcry, among other things, made it possible for Gospel Today to return to print after only a three-month hiatus.
While Hairston is happy that the 20-year-old magazine is back in print, Gospel Today's quick to point out that this is only just the first step.
Top-Selling Gospel Artists
CeCe Winans
The eighth of 10 siblings in the gospel-singing Winans family, CeCe recorded music with brother BeBe. The dynamic duo scored two No. 1 R&B singles, 'Addictive Love' and 'I'll Take You There.' As a soloist, CeCe has won six Grammys and her collection of R&B hits includes 'Count on Me,' her duet with Whitney Houston from the 'Waiting to Exhale' soundtrack.
(Photo: Getty)
BeBe Winans
After years as a duet with sister CeCe, BeBe Winans went solo and released a self-titled album in 1997. Featuring singles 'In Harms' Way,' 'Thank You,' and 'I Wanna Be The Only One,' the album did well on gospel and secular charts. BeBe is a two-time Grammy winner, one as co-producer of the 'Bodyguard' soundtrack.
(Photo: Pieter M. van Hattem, AOL)
Kierra "KiKi" Sheard
KiKi Sheard is a third-generation gospel artist. Her mother is Karen Clark Sheard of the famed Clark Sisters and her grandmother is gospel pioneer Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Shortly after graduating high school, Sheard released her second album 'This Is Me,' which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel charts in 2006.
(Photo: John Shearer, WireImage.com)
Mahalia Jackson
Regarded as the "world's greatest gospel singer," Jackson's spirit-filled force produced gospel classics such as 'Move On Up a Little Higher,' 'He's Got the Whole World in His Hands' (a Top 100 pop single) and 'How I Got Over.' She sang for Presidents Eisenhower & Kennedy, and for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. immediately before his "I Have a Dream" speech.
(Photo: Getty Images)
James Cleveland
A pianist, singer, composer and producer, Cleveland was revered by the music world as the King of Gospel and even taught a Queen (of soul), Aretha Franklin a few things about gospel. Cleveland is credited with writing and arranging more than 400 gospel songs, including 'Everything Will Be All Right,' 'The Love of God' and 'Peace Be Still.'
(Photo: Time Life/Getty)
Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin came up in the church, but often reworks his church messages into a hip-hop mix. Franklin's 1998 hit 'Stomp' propelled him to the best-selling gospel artist of the modern era. Moving beyond music, Franklin has hosted 'Sunday Best,' a music competition on BET, in addition to working the speaker circuit.
(Photo: Jesse Grant, Getty Images)
The Winans
The Winans, comprised of five-time Grammy-winning brothers Marvin, Carvin, Michael and Ronald, put out 10 albums from 1982 to 1995, spawning hits such as 'Let My People Go' and 'It's Time and a Friend.' Their own sons went on to form the third-generation group Winans Phase 2.
(Photo: AOL)
Yolanda Adams
Though initially criticized in the Christian community for embracing R&B and jazz rhythms and "immodest" fashion to accompany her holy music, Adams scored quickly with gospel audiences. Her 1999 album, 'Mountain High...Valley Low' earned Adams her first Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel.
(Photo: Lester Cohen, WireImage.com)
Mary Mary
Sisters Erica and Tina Atkins formed gospel duo Mary Mary, named after biblical Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of Jesus. Their debut album, 'Thankful,' boasting smash single 'Shackles (Praise You),' was a crossover hit earning the duo Grammy and American Music Awards. The single received rotation on mainstream radio and MTV.
(Photo: WireImage.com)
Andraé Crouch
After founding the Disciples in 1965, André Crouch garnered mainstream success, appearing on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' and at Carnegie Hall. The Disciples contemporary gospel sound, complete with soothing melodies of pop rather than traditional hymns, helped the group develop a racially diverse audience.
(Photo: Rick Diamond, WireImage.com)
"God is still good! Although this is a step out of the 'black hole,' it's not the end of the journey," she explained, "It's only the beginning! To say that I need you and I realize how much we need each other is an understatement."
In addition to being available to its subscriber base, Gospel Today will be sold only to independent bookstores now.
In the past, the glossy has featured a who's who of ministers, gospel luminaries and celebrities like Star Jones, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Denzel Washington and Rev. Run on its covers.
Gospel Today made national headlines in Sept. 2008 for their controversial cover story 'Female Pastors: Breaking the Glass Ceiling.'
Celebrity Look Alikes Vol. 5
Karrine Steffans
This 30-year-old New York Times best-selling author made a name for herself in the music industry as a music video model. After intimate relations with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Jay-Z, Ja Rule and Method Man, Steffans became known as "Superhead." The former adult-film star is currently working on her third book 'The Vixen Manuel: How To Find, Seduce & Keep The Man You Want.' You wouldn't believe which high-ranking officer of the court we think Steffans resembles.
Judge Glenda Hatchett
Judge Glenda Hatchett has starred on her own court television show for the past eight years. The Emory University School of Law grad also released a book 'Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say.' Before heading to television, Hatchett was a senior attorney at Delta Air Lines and the highest-ranking African American woman at the company. She also has the distinction of being Georgia's first African American chief presiding judge of a state court.
Karrine Steffans / Judge Glenda Hatchett
True, Judge Hatchett is a bit mature to pass for Steffan's sister, but they surely could be mistaken for mother and daughter. With their fair complexions, dark-brown hair, wide smiles and noses, they definitely resemble each other.
Ciara
These days, 23-year-old Ciara Princess Harris simply goes by Ciara. Raised in Atlanta, this R&B chart-topper, who once dated pint-size rapper Bow Wow, burst on the music scene in 2004 with 'Goodies.' Both her debut single and its follow-up 'Ciara: The Evolution' were platinum hits. She's currently wrapping up her new album 'Fantasy Ride' and will star in the upcoming film 'Mama, I Want to Sing.' But many have said she looks like a popular comedienne. Guess who?
Wanda Sykes
Comedienne and actress Wanda Sykes got her start as a writer for 'The Chris Rock Show.' And, though her two short-lived shows 'Wanda at Large' and 'Wanda Does It' haven't made her a television star, her more recent stint on the CBS sitcom 'The New Adventures of Old Christine' has been steady. In 2008, the stand-up comic "came out" as at a pro-gay marriage rally in Las Vegas.
Ciara / Wanda Sykes
They're not identical by any means, but Ciara and Wanda Sykes definitely favor one another. We aren't holding our breaths to see Wanda sport a dolled-up look like Ci-Ci, but with their similar noses and big brown eyes, the two ladies remind us of each other.
Iman Crosson
This 26-year-old Ohio native received a great deal of attention with his parody of President Barack Obama doing Beyonce's 'Single Ladies.' The YouTube clip 'If You Voted for Me' has scored nearly 2 million hits and landed Crosson an appearance on Entertainment Tonight. There's a certain banker who looks like the Dancing Obama. Can you take a guess?
Al Reynolds
Virginia native Al Reynolds is mostly known as the ex-husband of former plus-size talk show personality Star Jones. Their nuptials are rumored to have cost upward of $1 million dollars and became a public relations nightmare for 'The View.' Sadly, their union didn't last long. Jones filed for divorce in 2008. The former investment banker is currently finishing up his doctorate in organizational leadership and teaching at Florida Memorial University.
Iman Crosson / Al Reynolds
Talk about splitting image. It's easy to see how Iman Crosson might be mistaken for Al Reynolds over our President Barack Obama. The two light-skinned, handsome brothers both know how to hang a suit. And with such distinguished looks, if they can't pass for each other, they can pass for brothers.
Kathie Lee Gifford
Kathie Lee Gifford is best known for co-hosting the talk show 'Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,' alongside Regis Philbin for 15 years. In 2008, she returned to the small screen to host the fourth hour of NBC's 'Today' show.
Comments: (24)
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By: ooiobaae on 6/01/2009 9:49PM
So how did the mag come out from debt? ALong w outcry did its readers send $?
Great the they're prinint a June editon but what is the guarantee that they wont go bankrupt again?
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By: Paul Hunter#19 of 21 on 6/02/2009 12:43PM
My name is Paul Hunter, and I am the 19th child out of 21 natural children. Yes! My mother is Mrs. Louise Hunter, and she is the mother of 21 natural children, (18 living today) 61 grandchildren, and 55 great-grandchildren. www.hunterfamily21.com
I am happy to see Gospel Today magazine back becasue they profiled my family story in 2007. Happy Happy to see you back!! info@hunterfamily21.com
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By: Scott on 6/02/2009 3:09PM
Why is it politically correct and OK to have a "Black" magazine or university or prom or ANYTHING. Heaven help if there is a "White" (which - by the way - I would NOT BE IN SUPPORT OF) prom or university - the politically STUPID outcry would be enormous. Time to move on, grow up and quite the crap. If those that condone this behavior(on either side) can't see their own racism - they truly are STUPID.
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By: km on 6/02/2009 3:06PM
How can they call themselves a Christian magazine when they made such a love fest with Obama who did everything he could to stop any restrictions on late term abortions, ie infant murder. Didnt Jesus say its better for one to have a mill stone tied about their necks and thrown into the depths of the sea than to harm a little one. Christ condemned the harming of children in such strong language, this magazines self inflated ego is disgusting, they are not true to word of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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By: km on 6/02/2009 3:12PM
Oh, one addtional note, I know the article is supposedly written about what a great father he is, that doesnt hold any water, Hitler was said to have love dogs and children, and you see how evil he turned out to be. As Martin Luther King said, a man should be judge by the content of his character(his whole character not just one small aspect of it.) As Christian Brothers we are to pray for him that he forsakes his sins and walks the Christian walk not go along with him because we want to feel like we are part of his celebrity. By going that route you are falling for the sins of the flesh, and in your hearts you know Im right.
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By: DeLon on 6/05/2009 3:47PM
Sigh!!! Another pissed off person that can't face the fact the a black man is in office!! Have I agreed with all the white presidents ever in office? No! Do I agree with Obama's support of gay and lesbians, NO! but geez, let the man lead!! Ya'll allowed all the others lead, good or bad!!! GEEZ LOUISE!
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By: David on 6/02/2009 3:37PM
As a black most of us don't read nothing any ways, so who cares what rag gets it in the dumper.
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By: LovelyHoney on 6/02/2009 4:21PM
DUMB SCOTT SAID : "Why is it politically correct and OK to have a "Black" magazine....blah, blah, blah
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OH GO AWAY WITH YOUR WHINNING. If you don't want to read or participate in anything that is labeled black or African-American THEN DON'T you RACIST TWIT. No one is buying your dumb, racist rhetoric. YOU'RE THE ONE THAT NEEDS TO GROW UP and learn that these entities are coming from a CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE not a racist one.
Given the racist history of this country, African-Americans(or blacks)have always been left out of mainstream America and YOU KNOW THIS--you're trying to make a mountain out of mole hill. African-Americans (blacks) historically speaking, have always had to create vehicles of self-expression and venues representing their "prospective."
Instead of reading these magazines and "learning" something about the people, whites like yourself always start whinning about them being racist because they use the word "black" or "African" and because they're geared towards African-Americans--now how RACIST are you for believing that? You don't hear African-Americans complaining about your YANKEE-this-and-that and your CONFEDERATE-this-and-that or your Italian-American, German-American, this and that
Magazines geared toward African-Americans is no different than those geared towards the special interests of Latinos, Asians, Germans, Italians, etc. ALL CULTURES DO IT YOU MORON.
And if a SCHOOL-SPONSORED PROM is black because the students who attend the school are BLACK--what's the problem twit? It's not their fault you hateful white folks have segregated yourselves AGAIN in the suburbs. WHAT--the black students aren't supposed to have a prom because no whites attend their school? I DON'T THINK SO. BUT--it sounds as if you're confusing these proms with the WHITE STUDENTS OF GREENWOOD MISSISSIPPI whose parents hold a SEPERATE PROM FOR THEM because they don't want their children attending a SCHOOL-SPONSORED prom with African-Americans.
Get your facts right TWIT! You're trying to make a BIG-TO-DO about nothing.
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By: mlk on 6/02/2009 4:59PM
I have to agree. If we want an equal society we need to get rid of Black Magazines and Affermative Action. There should be no distinction because of a skin tone. There are very few African Americans. Almost all were born in America and thus are American! If people are so proud of the country they claim to come from, then please do us a favor and go back there!This goes for all people and not just picking on Black Folks. The Mexican American thing has gotten out of hand. This is America, we are one...love it or please leave it.
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By: jjessi on 6/02/2009 4:40PM
ALL THESE FAKE HOLIER THAN THOU PEOPLE PREACHING BS AND RAKING IN BIG BUCKS..JOEL OSTEEN SAID GOD WANTED HIM TO BE RICH AND WHATS REALLY SAD SOME IDIOTS BELIEVE IT..HOW CAN SOME BE SOOOO STUPID DUHHH
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