Celebration Of Gospel Returns For Thirteenth Season

“CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL,” BET Network’s exciting two-hour music fest designed to pay tribute to the rich history of gospel music, returns for its 13th season. Film, TV and radio superstar Steve Harvey also returns as the affable host alongside celebrated musical director, Ray Chew.

GRAMMY®winners Israel Houghton & New Breed, Dorinda Clark Cole, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Karen Clark Sheard, and Yolanda Adams are just a few of the many award-winning performers scheduled to appear and guaranteed to supercharge the celebration.

Other chart-topping artists ready to raise the praise are R&B vocalist Tamar Braxton, gospel super starsKierra “Kiki” Sheard, Isaac Carree, Canton Jones, Da T.R.U.T.H., Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Choir, “SUNDAY BEST” finalist Jessica Reedy and “SUNDAY BEST” winners Joshua Rogers andLe’Andria Johnson.

In addition, multi-award-winning artists Dr. Bobby Jones, Kurt Carr, Donnie McClurkin and Rance Allenwill lead the way in a high-energy, all-star tribute to the undisputed “King of Gospel Music,” Reverend James Cleveland. Each gospel great scheduled to appear was inspired not only by Reverend Cleveland’s music, but also by his charity, vision and ability to mesmerize audiences with his riveting live performances.

“CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL” tapes at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday, March 16, 2013 and airs on BET on Sunday, April 7, 2013. Tickets to attend the taping are free to the public on a first-come, first-served basis by submitting a request via email to cogrsvp@bet.net. Media outlets interested in obtaining media credentials should contact mediacredentials@bet.net for further details.

“CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL” is a BET Networks production. Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Music Programming & Specials along with Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials & Music Production, and Geovanni Brewer are Executive Producers.

For more information on “CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL” visit www.bet.com/celebrationofgospel. Viewers can also find updates on Facebook by liking the fan pages at http://www.facebook.com/BETGospel or following@BET_PR on Twitter.