Nashville, TN – Renowned gospel group New Direction recently added an eighth Stellar Award nomination to their distinguished resume as a finalist in the Contemporary Choir of the Year category. The recognition comes on the heels of their recent single, “When All God’s Children Get Together,” a high-energy performance featuring special guest Donald Lawrence. New Haven Records’ president Ken Harding comments, “For the past decade, we’ve been honored to be New Direction’s label partner, helping tell the world about their extraordinary musical ministry. It’s a testament to God’s faithfulness—as well as their creativity and relevancy—that on their 25th anniversary, New Direction’s music is just as vibrant and relevant as ever.” Jeral Gray, Sr. recalls starting the group with his older brother, Percy Gray, Jr., in 1994: “I saw the amazing musical talent in the community around me. I saw the opportunity to help these young people devote their gifts—and lives—to Christ. I didn’t know what to expect, but I followed God’s call and have never looked back.” The youthful group they founded took its name from its purpose: to provide a New Direction for young lives through innovative, high-energy gospel music. Twenty-five years, five full-length albums, and hundreds of singers later, the group can look back on thousands of transformed lives as well as numerous Gospel Music Association Dove Award nominations, a Grammy Award Nomination, as well as a 2005 Stellar Award for Choir of the Year. New Direction’s general manager and booking agent, Manuella Clay, is honored as well: “There is no doubt that New Direction hasn’t lost its Flavor. Their music is still one of the most powerful, energetic, praise music there is. New Direction has never failed to reach all hearts, young and old. Their music makes you want to jump, shout, stomp, laugh, cry and praise Him. They cannot be boxed into one genre of music. After seeing New Direction perform: you could never leave the way you came.” The 34th Annual Stellar Awards will be presented on Friday, March 29, 2019 in the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be syndicated on satellite and cable channels in over 140 markets nationally. Go to thestellarawards.com for more information. |