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America America is an uplifting new collection of patriotic songs and a celebration of the heritage and history that we all share. In addition to nine songs that honor our nation and are works in the public domain, Winans has penned three new original songs- the first single “America America,” “We’re the United States of America,” and the poignant “Ultimate Sacrifice.” The latter is a moving tribute to our troops, acknowledging and thanking them for the personal sacrifices they make each day to protect our freedoms.  A video for the single, shot in New York City and Washington D.C., will be released in the coming weeks.

“The inspiration for AMERICA AMERICA is the time we are living in,” Winans explains.  “Sometimes, we forget that we are all Americans.  At sporting events, when the national anthem is sung, everyone stands – black, white, rich, poor – everyone.” –BeBe Winans

Best known as one-half of the celebrated gospel duo BeBe & CeCe Winans, siblings who are part of the Winans gospel music family royalty, BeBe Winans is also renown as a solo artist, who has worked with innumerable stars of the recording industry.  He is the winner of six Grammy Awards, Ten Dove awards, six Stellar Awards, and Three NAACP Awards, among his many accomplishments.  In addition to launching his own radio show-The BeBe Experience- in 2010, in the fall of 2011, Winans, along with sister CeCe, was honored with the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.  The duo’s 2010 album, Still, their first album as a duo in 15 years, is approaching Gold.  The album and singles together appeared on eight charts in total including #2 on the Gospel Album Artists chart; #3 on the Best Gospel Album chart, as well as Top 25 honors on both the Independent Albums chart and Adult R&B Songs chart. Still won two Grammy Awards in 2011. America America is BeBe Winans’ seventh solo release.  It is inspired by the challenges millions of Americans now face on a daily basis.  Throughout the album, Winans pours heart and soul into all-American classics including, “America the Beautiful,” “Lift Every Voice,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” “I have seen the power of music,” says Winans.  “If we all come together, we all win.  When our country is united, we find the path to success.”

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“The View” announced on Wednesday that Jones will appear on the daytime talk show on Feb. 22 to promote an awareness campaign about heart disease among women.

Congratulations to Yolanda Adams on her nomination for an Elev8 Digital Gospel Music Award! See who she’s up against, and submit your vote right here!

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No stranger to work  she embraces a full schedule. Our friends at Essence had a  chance to ask her some interesting questions.

You spend so much of your time working on television; do you ever miss the movie set?
SHERRI SHEPHERD: I miss it a lot; which is why I’m so appreciative when I book a part. It’s hard being in New York when they cast out of LA, and I can’t just fly out there when I have to work. I love the entire process of being on the set and being able to create a character. It’s so much fun. In “Think Like a Man,” I have a very small part. They told me it wasn’t a big budget, but I don’t care about any of that.  I’ll do it for free simply because I love being on the set with other creative people.

Landing the role of Lula in “One for the Money” has been one of your dreams. What about this character drew you to her?
SHEPHERD: I read the book over seven years ago and I loved it! I always thought if they ever make this into a movie, I want the role of Lula. What I loved about her is that she has depth to her. Janet Evanovich writes about women who are strong. This is a woman who starts off as a hooker but through subsequent books she becomes a bounty hunter. One of my fans tweeted me that they were casting for Lula. I was at “The View” and after the show  I ran into wardrobe got a mini-skirt, an electric blue tube top, 5 1/2 inch heels, one of my long wigs and I ran across town to this audition. An electric blue tube top and me don’t go together, but I wore the heck out of it. I told the casting director that I know and love this character. It’s hard to describe how I felt when I got the call that I booked it. It’s a thrill and an honor.

Lula is one of the most loved and popular character in the series. Do you feel a lot of pressure to deliver a Lula that die-hard fans will fall in love with?
SHEPHERD: I will feel pressure up until the movie comes out. [Lula] is a favorite of the fans. There are blogs devoted to who the fans think should play the main characters. I hope people can see the love that I gave to this role.