ARTISTS
AGERMAN
ALFERN WEBB-BROWN
BJ KEMP
FRANK MORGAN
DARRYL STICKMAN
JERRY DAYCE
GAIL GOODWIN WEBB
JAMES MITCHELL
BRENDA JEFF
THE SONS OF THE SOUL REVIVERS
DERICK HUGHES
LEONARD LOTHLEN
INFINITY
THE GOSPEL CLOUDS
AGERMAN
Agerman is a gangsta-turned-gospel rapper from Oakland, California. He was initially a member of 3X Krazy along with B.A. and Keak Da Sneak and dropped numerous albums with them; "Sick-O" (1995), "Stackin' Chips" (1997), "Immortalized" (1999), "Real Talk 2000" (2000), "Best of 3X Krazy Vol. 1: 3X Krazy 4 Life" (2000), "Best of 3X Krazy Vol. 2" (2003) and "Flowamatic-9" (2003). During his time with 3X Krazy, he released one solo album entitled "Success Is The Best Revenge" (1999), and it was re-released in 2006.
Shortly after the release of "Real Talk 2000", Agerman became deep into religion and dedicated his life to Jesus. Since doing so, he has released numerous gospel albums, including "Kingdom Business" (2001), "Krazy 2 Christ" (2002), "The Truth" (2003), "Tried By The Fire" (2005), and "A New Day" (2007). Agerman then released another album, "The Prediction: The Time Is Now," in 2008, which is still on a religious/positive hype. While the songs contained on this album are not specific to religion, the contents may be considered a generally positive vibe rather than conservative gospel. He has recently released an album entitled "Mr. Curtis" that is not a gospel release. He describes his style now as "reality rap," somewhat having reverted to his previous gangsta-rap style.
ALFERN WEBB-BROWN
Alfern Webb-Brown was born into the talented Webb Family in Oakland, California. She was the sixth child born to Rev. Charles H. Webb and Alfern V. Webb, both accomplished musicians, and singers. Commonly known as "Cookie," Alfern found herself immersed in the music world at an early age. That included singing in the church, playing piano for the children's choir, and playing clarinet and violin in the school orchestras. Alfern attended Castlemont High School in Oakland, where she was a three-year member of the Internationally known Castleers. Her participation with the Castleers led her to sing at such engagements as half-time shows for the San Francisco 49ers, the Black Filmmaker's Award shows, and a 15-day tour across Europe, performing in Amsterdam, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, and Paris.
After graduating high school, her musical ability expanded to becoming the main drummer for her father's church, then migrating to Bass guitar. She continued to sing with her family, known as the Webb Sisters. They sang at various events, such as The Monterey Blues Festival, the San Jose Jazz Festival, Black History in the San Francisco Rotunda, and church conferences in multiple states.
After the death of her brother, who was their primary musician, she and her sister Gail Webb-Goodwin merged their talent with their cousin Leonard Lothlen to work on The Journey Continues. Alfern worked very closely with Leonard co-writing and arranging several songs, expanding on another gift she hadn't exercised before. Alfern is grateful to Leonard for challenging her and allowing her to spread her creative wings.
She and her Husband, Linzie Brown Jr., an accomplished organist, work together performing in local churches, at funerals, and special events. Her talents also include event decorations, floral designs, and baking. She has become an accomplished wedding and specialty cake designer and hopes to expand her baking business, her second love to music, when she retires.
BJ KEMP
The career of vocalist/producer BJ Kemp is a 40-year journey. His first experience sharing his gift publicly in the church was at age seven. From there, it led to numerous opportunities and experiences. Growing up in a musical family, he was able to cultivate his talents on several platforms to give him the confidence to want to have a life of music through his teenage years and beyond.
BJ was fortunate to attend Grambling State University, where his music gift was able to continue to shine. There, he spread his musical wings, even more, being a singer, writer, producer, arranger, bassist, bandleader as well as continuing as a drummer. At a point, singing became the front runner of the exercised gifts as he began to travel and sing professionally in the gospel field. This took him to many places and several stages around the country and parts outside the country. These experiences began to get him noticed for his voice as well as his energetic stage presence.
Years of the gospel highway got the attention of the secular world when he got an opportunity to be a featured background vocalist with well-known artist and producer Raphael Saadiq. For years BJ has been a staple and stage presence for Mr. Saadiq. The experience of singing and the overall knowledge of music grew exponentially. He has been seen on many European stages, television shows, including two stints on Dancing with the Stars, Jay Leno, Ellen, Jools Holland (London), Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, and many more, including a highlight of performing with Mick Jagger on the 53rd annual Grammy awards. He’s also made strong appearances with legends Stevie Wonder, Elton John, John Legend, Charlie Wilson, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
As the experience grew, the demand grew and gave more opportunities which includes touring with the Iconic Sheila E. as well as CeeLo Green, and also returning to his gospel roots with the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama as a drummer and bassist.
BJ has fashioned his creativity and found his voice for his own recorded projects and others. Now he’s using all of his experience and gifts to not only help others but to have his own sound and voice.
FRANK MORGAN
Frank Morgan Jr. hails from one of the most musical families in the Gospel Music arena. He is one of the most creative singers, blessed with a voice range from bass to soprano. His talent and creativeness began at Friendship Baptist in South San Francisco, singing in the choir.
Frank was inspired by his father who heard him singing as a young child listening to KDIA Radio Station. After that, his father told him to join his singing group, The Soul Revivers. He sang with his female cousins, The Gospel Cousins, for the next four years. Then, in 1982, he joined The Sons of the Soul Revivers, which launched his career to a new level keeping the family tradition alive. Frank sang with The Sons of the Soul Revivers for 22 years.
Frank's concert experiences included all of the major shows at the Oakland Auditorium, such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, and Emmett Powel's concerts frequented by the elite concert-goers of the greater Bay Area and beyond. Frank Morgan Jr. made his father and musical family incredibly proud singing with most major late, great Gospel Singers. His extensive career includes concerts in the United States and Europe, making his mark on the world in general.
Frank Morgan Jr. has collaborated with some of the all-time greatest Gospel singers hailing from the Bay Area, including, but not limited to: Roy Tyler and the New Directions, The Men of Endurance, and The Gospel Clouds, who later became Infinity.
Frank refers to the Clouds as a "match made in heaven." He attributes his career advancing to another level to the nurturing by Leonard and Charles, aka "Mic." Frank sang all the lead vocals on all of the high parts. Due to his recording of "Everlasting Life," Frank is once again making his mark on the Gospel community.
DARRYL STICKMAN
Pastor Darryl W. Stickman was born and raised in Oakland, California. He is the lead singer for The Chosen Wonders, a Gospel Quartet group based in Stockton, California. Growing up in the world of Gospel quartets, his biggest influences have been some of the greatest lead singers to touch a microphone: Reverend Wayne Stovall, Bro Lorenzo Terrell, and Pastor John P. Kee. Pastor Stickman has been described as having the stage presence of Stovall and the anointing of Terrell. Pastor Kee’s style is also apparent in “Sticks” vocal delivery. Pastor Stickman now lives in Madera, California, where he pastors The Hope of Zion Ministries. He is a faithful husband to his best friend and lifelong partner, LaTonya Stickman, and a devoted father to his children both naturally and spiritually.
JERRY DAYCE
Gerald Dayce, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, came from a musical family who taught him how to sing and harmonize as a child. He started singing with his siblings as The Dayce Trio when he was eight and The Highlights in Brooklyn as a teenager. Over the years, that early training opened doors for him to sing professionally, having a range that includes tenor, baritone, bass, and falsetto. After serving in the Army, Gerald moved to Northern California in the early 1970s, where he was introduced to The Gospel Clouds. He performed locally and traveled throughout the United States with The Gospel Clouds and recorded the "Steamin'" album with them, released in 1977. In the 1980s, he sang and recorded an album with Infinity entitled "Infinity." In 1992 Gerald performed in the "City Sidewalks " drama in Vacaville, Ca. He also sang "I Have Seen The Light" in that drama production. During the mid-1990s, Gerald joined Rosetta Mines & Company. They sang and traveled throughout California. He sang the gospel on stage in Branson, Mo. for six weeks with The James Jackson Choir in 1997. During this time, Gerald released a solo project entitled "Gerald & Friends," which showcased his songwriting skills. Gerald joined The Gospel Hummingbirds in 1995, singing at Music Festivals, County Fairs, and Colleges. In 1998 they recorded a CD, "Live in Paradise." Gerald performed in many Western States, Canada, Japan, and Australia with The Gospel Hummingbirds. The Old Time Singers of Sacramento, Ca. provided the opportunity for Gerald to complete two European Tours with them in the early 2000s. He shared the gospel through song in Switzerland, Italy, Turkey, and Germany. Today Gerald continues to use his talents as a music artist and songwriter for the glory of God.
GAIL GOODWIN WEBB
Gail Goodwin Webb is an American Gospel singer and Missionary in the COGIC organization. Webb grew up in the Bay Area and began her career as a singer in her father's church. Her mother, an accomplished singer in her own right, groomed Gail and her three sisters into 'The Webb Sisters' with their only brother on the keyboard - they were all under the age of ten. Webb recorded albums with numerous groups such as Jester Hairston & the Castleleers, NW State Youth Choir, Northern State Choir, and of course, her siblings and others. Webb has performed on stages with legendary gospel artists, such as Edwin & Walter Hawkins, Andre Crouch, Shirley Caesar, The Clark Sisters, The William Brothers, and many more. Webb was part of a group that started the first-ever Gospel Choir in a High School, which opened the doors to bring religion back to the schools. Webb has sung for many local and statewide events like the Monterey Blues Festival, Political, Religious events, and well-known leaders like Minister Louis Farrakhan & Rev Sun Myung Moon. Webb joined up with her cousin Leonard Lothlen and recorded "One Sweet Day" and hopes it blesses and ministers to every soul who hears it.
JAMES MITCHELL
James Mitchell (J Mitch), a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, established his own publishing company, "Ritchell's Music," at an early age. He is an accomplished songwriter, composer, producer, and performer. In addition, his musical film work was featured in the Paramount Pictures movie "Blue Chips," starring Nick Nolte and Shaquille O'Neal, and he performed in the Broadway theater play "Gospel at Colonus," featuring "Roscoe Lee Brown.
Mitchell's awards and achievements include a Grammy Nomination and Stellar Nomination in 2009 and an Excellence Award for Song of the year "James Cleveland" (GMWA) Gospel Music Workshop of America.
He's also written/performed with such artists as Martha Munizzi, Karen "Clark" Sheard, Edwin Hawkins Music & Arts Seminar, The Mississippi Mass Choir, Bishop Charles Blake and The West Angels Church, Yolanda Adams. In addition, James' outreach activities include The "Healing of America" Project and working with the Homeless Shelter Rescue Mission in Northern California.
Most of all, J Mitch enjoys making music to heal the soul.
BRENDA JEFF
Brenda Jeff is known in Gospel circles for singing under God's anointing with a soulful and melodic voice. Brenda grew up in Northern California with her parents, James & Gussie Jeff, and sisters Phyllis and Debra.
The Jeff sisters sang the songs their father taught them acapella. Brenda continued singing with the late Reverend Elijah Green and "The Sonic Voices." From there, she joined the New Light Baptist Church under the leadership of her father-in-law, the late great ll. Hester, a pastor who had a radio broadcast on station KDIA for over 20 years called "Voices of Hope," directed by the renowed Larry Hester. Brenda was blessed to sing at the Circle Star Theater with the fabulous Patti Labelle. In addition to performing and recording with the Leonard Lothlen Project, Brenda currently sings at Parks Chapel A.M.E Church, under the direction of the multi-talented Maverick Howard.
THE SONS OF THE SOUL REVIVERS
On July 4, 1970, The Sons of the Soul Revivers became an organized quartet group. They were following in the footsteps of their fathers, known as The Soulrevivers. When Walter Morgan Jr., Timothy Calloway, and others had decided to start the group, they would mimic the major gospel quartets as a blueprint in their earlier years. But as they grew older, they began to branch out and develop by writing and arranging their own songs. By the time the late '70s came along, The Sons had become highly recognized throughout San Francisco Bay Area. In 1980, The Sons of the Soul Revivers dreams became a reality by singing at The Calvin Simmons Theater in Oakland, California, and sharing the stage with The Gospel Keynotes. Over time, they got the chance to sing with other major groups and artists, such as The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Highway QC's, and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. They have also performed in concerts with The Fantastic Violinaires and The Canton Spirituals and have worked with Shirley Ceaser, Rance Allen, and The Winans.
In 1989, The Sons recorded their first album, "Should've Been Me," written by Fred Jackson, which became a massive hit in their ministry. Then, in 1997, they recorded their first live album, "Help Me Lift His Holy Name," which allowed them to tour Switzerland. The next live album in 2000, "I'm a New Creature," also contributed to the success of their ministry. Following this success, The Sons of The Soul Revivers were honored with several awards such as "Best Traditional Gospel Quartet" from The Bay Area Academy Awards and received other accolades throughout the years.
Over the years, the group has gained members and lost members. But the
Morgan brothers, consisting of Walter Jr., James, and Dwayne, along with Quantae Johnson on bass and Ronnie Smith on drums, continue to fulfill their mission. That mission is to lift the name of Jesus in song and spread the good news that God is still on the throne. This mission allowed them to join the Little Village Foundation Family under the guidance of Jim Pugh in 2017. Through this union, The Sons of The Soul Revivers released their third live recording, "Live at Rancho Nicasio," to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2018. This recording garnered them a Grammy nomination. Their most recent album, "Songs We'll Always Sing: A tribute to The Pilgrim Jubilees," came out in 2020. In addition, the Sons have ministered at many venues such as The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, The Waterfront Blues Festival, and The San Diego Blues Festival, to name a few. It is their passion to share what they love with others, and they will continue to carry on the tradition of gospel quartet singing while helping to bring hope and the love of Christ to all who may seek Him.
DERICK HUGHES
Derick Hughes is a singer and songwriter who currently performs as the duet and background singer for one of the greatest songstresses of our time, Ms.Roberta Flack. Ms. Flack has compared his singing abilities to the late Donny Hathaway. Derick Hughes combines a rich, five-octave voice with a captivating stage presence. One might even say Derick's vocal range could be like having Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, and Luciano Pavarotti packaged in the velvety sound of his own Blue Soul brand. Hughes' performances kindle standing ovations from audiences everywhere - his rendition of "My Funny Valentine" demonstrates his range and appeal whether he is singing R&B, Jazz, Gospel, or Classical.
Hughes' development started as a performer in the Young Musician's Program at the University of California in Berkeley. Derick Hughes' Blue Soul comes from the legacy of highly talented Bay Area vocal performer Freddie Hughes, his father.
Derick's background vocals have been heard in performances with other artists on tour and in recording projects with musicians such as Roberta Flack, Norman Connors (who produced the hugely successful" You Are My Starship" album in 1976), the one and only, Prince, New Power Generation, Tower of Power, Michael Bolton, Todd Rudgren, Narda Michael Walden, Ann Nesby, and Michael McDonald, Reverend Issac Douglas, Saundra Crouch, and Grammy Nominated The Gospel Hummingbirds.
Derick Hughes' is also an actor seen in stage plays such as" Is My Living In Vain," produced by Benny Rodgers, "God's Trying To Tell You Something," and "Somebody Ought To Tell God Thank You," both written and produced by Delilah Williams, "When A Woman Is Fed Up," written and produced by David Toliver, and" Brother Dap," written and produced by the late Fred Jackson.
Derick has released three albums, "All For Love," "Blue Soul," and "When Will My Change Come." Derick's success around the world has been driven by a sound that he has made all his own.
LEONARD LOTHLEN
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Leonard B. Lothlen was first inspired by his father, who played the guitar and preached on the streets of the city. Leonard began playing the guitar during church services at the age of 13. At age 15, he wrote his very first song entitled, “I’ll Be So Satisfied,” and formed his first quartet group at age 15. At age 16, he began playing and singing professionally. To date, he has published and written over 200 songs, recorded over 10 albums, played for various recording artists, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
At an early age, Leonard was heavily influenced by early Motown and Philadelphia sounds, with groups such as the Temptations and the Delphonics, evident in the rich harmony in the vocal arrangements. His sound can also be compared to that of groups like Earth, Wind and Fire, Lenny Williams & Tower of Power, and Chicago. In the early days of Gospel, Leonard was influenced by the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Violinaires. He loved going to the Gospel Quartet concerts whenever they visited the west coast. It’s this rich mixture of influences that creates his unique, powerful, and energetic sound, spanning many genres, including hard-hitting Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Contemporary Christian, Hip-Hop, Rock, R&B, and Urban Contemporary. Leonard firmly believes that music is universal and will speak to the hearts of people all over the world, giving people hope during these troubled times, and motivating people to enter into a new dimension of Rhythm and Praise. One of the things that also sets Leonard Lothlen’s music apart is the message in his songwriting. Performing mostly songs that he has written himself, Leonard has also written songs for various recording artists. The music he has written throughout the years has always been unique and uplifting.
Leonard has traveled throughout the United States and Canada performing Blues, Jazz, Folk, and Gospel at concerts, festivals, various venues, and performed as part of a prison ministry with his band Infinity that continued for 30 years. His early album releases include two albums with The Gospel Clouds – “Keep On Prayin’” in 1974 and “Steamin’” in 1977. He then released four albums with Infinity – beginning with a self-titled release in 1981, followed by “Spread The Word” in 1984, “Show Me The Way” in 1989, and “New Direction” in 1994.
Leonard composed a score for the musical drama written and directed by his brother, Charles D. Lothlen, entitled “The Accused.” Performed by the Kaleo Christian Fellowship Choir of Oakland, California, it is a powerful, energetic, and colorful portrayal of the life, times, and ministry of Jesus Christ from birth to crucifixion to resurrection. The 14 original songs contrast various styles including Gospel, Classical, Folk, Contemporary, R&B, and Hip-Hop, to draw its listeners into the drama and take them on an amazing musical journey. The songs were released locally as an album in 2002, but have not yet been distributed nationally.
In 2006, Leonard released an EP for Major League Baseball entitled “America Loves Baseball,” which included “The National Anthem,” the music track to the theme song, “I Love Baseball,” and two bonus songs entitled “Streets of the City” and “Another Day.”
The Leonard Lothlen Band released the singles “Back In The Day” and “Praise The Lord With Me,” in 2006. They were later included on the full album, “Incredible Journey” that was released in 2009. The album garnered major crossover appeal with a collection of 15 explosive, high-energy songs, marrying Traditional Gospel, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rap, and Urban styles.
After the death of his brother, Charles, in 2012, Leonard found it impossible to continue writing. Since they had been making music together since they were teenagers, this was a devastating loss for the family and the band. The band eventually continued to rehearse, and even prepared to go out on the road again. Then, in 2016, Leonard’s sister, Donna, who also sang with the band, passed away suddenly. That tragedy was compounded when his older sister, Carolyn, passed away in early 2017. Carolyn was the one who introduced Leonard to Gospel music by taking him to his first concert at age 10. During this very difficult time, he wasn’t sure that he could continue on making music without his family, but he soon felt a strong urge to start writing again. While working through his grief, Leonard began to hear the music and lyrics, the orchestration and arrangements. This catharsis has given birth to an entirely new inspiration… a new beginning.
Leonard Lothlen has continued on as a solo artist, a songwriter, and a composer for stage and screen. Lothlen's upcoming album, "The Journey Continues," features some of Oakland's finest hidden talent. "God is My Strength," (featuring James Mitchell) was the first of several singles released starting in October of 2020. The 21-track album release is planned for the fall of 2021.
The music of the Gospel Clouds, Infinity, and the Leonard Lothlen Band is currently distributed by Orchard / Sony Music Group. You can find all of their albums on the major music services, such as iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube.
Visit LeonardLothen.com
INFINITY
THE GOSPEL CLOUDS
