Award-winning recording artist Tasha Cobbs shocked friends, family and fans two weekends ago with a surprise wedding to longtime beau, acclaimed music director and producer Kenneth Leonard, Jr.
On Friday, March 3, 2017, the pair exchanged vows before an unsuspecting group of family and close friends who believed they were gathering for a private dinner party. News of the wedding surprised many as it saturated social media, but the nuptials had actually been in the works for quite some time.
“We’ve never kept our relationship a secret, but with both of us working publicly in the music industry, we wanted the opportunity to celebrate privately,” shares Cobbs. “After a year of pre-marital counseling and much planning, the timing was finally perfect. It was incredible to be able to surprise those closest to us!”
Kenneth Leonard, Jr. is the accomplished music director and keyboard player for several artists, including Soul singer Anthony Hamilton, R&B songstress Tamia, and Cobbs. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University, Leonard is also an active music producer. His successful HISound conference equips professional musicians in various areas, including musical skill and industry know-how.
Tasha Cobbs became one of gospel music’s top artists when her 2013 hit, “Break Every Chain,” topped charts and garnered numerous accolades, including a GRAMMY® Award. Named by Billboard Magazine as the Most Streamed Gospel Artist and Top Female Gospel Artist of 2016, Cobbs is currently working on new music, to be released on Motown Gospel later this year.
Congratulations to the new couple!
Danny Gokey shared a deeply personal message with his fans on Instagram.
Danny Posted: I got a text from my radio team this morning that my song ‘RISE’ hit #1 again!! I would’ve never thought the heavy depression I was going through 3 years ago would turn into this beautiful song and testimony that would free people’s hearts. What’s my point you may ask?? It’s simple: When you give your pain to Jesus, He takes that, the good, the bad and the ugly and works it together for your good and His Glory!! “Arise [from spiritual depression to a new life], shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the LORD ]; for your light has come, And the glory and brilliance of the LORD has risen upon you.”
ISAIAH 60:1 AMP
Passion‘s Worthy of Your Name arrived at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Christian Albums chart with 15,000 equivalent album units (14,000 in traditional sales), according to Nielsen Music. The release features 11 live songs, recorded at Passion 2017 earlier this year. The album also features additional studio versions of the songs “This We Know (Feat. Kristian Stanfill)” and “Worthy Of Your Name (Feat. Sean Curran)“, which released in advance of the album and are available now.
More than 55,000 18-25 year olds from 90 countries and all 50 states packed Atlanta’s Georgia Dome for the annual conference, bringing young adults from around the globe together to proclaim the name of Jesus. Spearheaded by Passion Founders Louie and Shelley Giglio, attendees heard from renowned speakers while joining in worship led by Passion (helmed by Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker and Melodie Malone), Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels and Hillsong UNITED.
“There are a few moments in life when you know you are catching a small glimpse of heaven, and Passion 2017 was one of those moments for us,” Stanfill said. “Fifty-five thousand college students gathering in one place to worship Jesus and stake their lives on what matters most is a world-shaping event. Seeking Jesus and singing these new songs with this generation is an experience and a sound I will never forget.”
This year, students made history by sponsoring more than 7,000 children through Compassion International, the most children to ever be sponsored at one event. Attendees fulfilled all remaining sponsorships in the countries of El Salvador, Rwanda, Tanzania and Indonesia as well as hundreds in Bolivia. Students have also continued to fight modern-day slavery through support of The END IT Movement along with gathering tens of thousands of new towels and socks for local Atlanta homeless shelters.
Worthy Of Your Name follows in the footsteps of beloved top-selling Passion releases, including last year’s Salvation’s Tide Is Rising, which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Digital Albums Chart and No. 6 on Billboard’s Top Albums Chart. The tracklisting is as follows:
1. Glorious Day (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
2. Worthy Of Your Name (feat. Sean Curran)
3. How Great Is Your Love (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
4. Build My Life (feat. Brett Younker)
5. Holy Ground (feat. Melodie Malone)
6. Heart Abandoned (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
7. Forgiven (feat. Crowder)
8. This Changes Everything (feat. Matt Redman)
9. This We Know (feat. Kristian Stanfill)
10. Rule (feat. Hillsong UNITED and Crowder)
11. God Of Calvary (feat. Chris Tomlin)
12. Worthy Of Your Name (feat. Sean Curran) (Studio)
13. This We Know (feat. Kristian Stanfill) (Studio)
14. Beacon (Official Music Video) – Jimi Cravity (Digital only)
PJ Morton will be spotlighted in the Spring 2017 “Ford Music” program. Throughout the campaign, Ford will promote new music and behind-the-scenes video footage featuring PJ Morton across FM radio, streaming audio, social media, and online video. This campaign will create a unique Ford customer experience.
The Ford Music campaign will feature an original song from PJ Morton, “Sticking To My Guns,” and a unique video highlighting the artist.“I’m very excited about this partnership with Southern Quality Ford. Ford is such an American staple and is synonymous with quality. My song ‘Sticking To My Guns’ speaks to Ford’s brand and its longevity.” expressed PJ Morton.