Nashville, TN — Prolific songwriter, choir director and praise leader JJ Hairston, and his well know choir Youthful Praise claim the top spot on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart and is also the highest new release debut on the Top 200 Chart at Number 35 this week. This marks Hairston’s first number 1 album, highest chart position and best sales week.
For the last decade, Hairston & YP have been making a name for themselves creating a signature brand of modern gospel music for the church. Singable, relatable and honest, Youthful Praise makes music people love to sing. As Youthful Praise’s director, songwriter, arranger and producer, Hairston has written, produced and led the choir since its beginnings in 1992 in Bridgeport, CT. Since releasing their first album in 2001, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have garnered critical acclaim and numerous Stellar Award nominations for their blend of memorable praise and worship with traditional choir harmonies.
With themes of praise, declaration and thanksgiving, AFTER THIS is no different. Hairston offers songs that are expressions of God’s complete greatness and power. The album’s current success has been driven by the top-10 title track, “After This,” a rousing and energetic song of victory and encouragement.
Other gems include the up-tempo and instantaneous classic “Lord of All,” featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker; the original “Love Lifted Me,” with Tye Tribbett and the absolutely beautiful “Grateful.”
Additionally AFTER THIS marks Light Records’ 4th consecutive new release debut at Number 1 on the Billboard Gospel Chart. Continuing its ascent, Light Records currently has 4 of the top 10 records on both the sales and radio charts; with William McDowell at number 1 and James Fortune and Jessica Reedy in the Top 10 on the Billboard singles chart.
Courtesy of www.thebellereport.net www.twitter.com/thebellereport
