In a partnership that promises to expand his already flowering media enterprise, megawatt minster, Bishop T.D. Jakes recently signed a distribution and marketing agreement between his Dallas-based Dexterity Sounds recording label and the Universal Music Christian Group. And already, a project under the new agreement is underway: a much-anticipated follow-up to Bishop Jakes’ nearly gold-selling 1999 Sacred Love Songs (Island Records), which featured R&B diva Shirley Murdock and platinum recording artist, Pastor Marvin Sapp.
“Universal Music Christian Group has proven time and time again that they are a monumental, creative force in this industry,” said Dexterity general manager and senior music producer, Cedric Caldwell in a statement. “It is truly an honor to be in partnership with them. We believe that the musical synergy between Bishop Jakes and Universal Music Christian will be felt and heard all around the world.”
Sacred Love Songs II, an album of Biblically inspired love songs, will feature an enviable line-up of the hottest names in R&B and gospel music today, Dexterity promises.
Dexterity Sounds staff is also working on the CD soundtrack for a new ensemble comedy, Jumping The Broom, which tells the story of what happens when two families from totally different socioeconomic backgrounds meet for the first time at a weekend wedding on Martha’s Vineyard. The movie is produced by Bishop Jakes and Tracy E. Edmonds and directed by Salim Akil.
The projects are just the latest in a string of media projects birthed by Jakes and his 30,000-member Potter’s House Church. He and The Potter’s House Mass Choir have released three other hit CDs, including the Grammy-winning 2003 project, A Wing and a Prayer.
Rhoda Lawrence, vice president of Universal Music Christian Group, said these accomplishments point to the possibilities inherent in this partnership. “We are incredibly delighted to be in a partnership with a world-renowned leader of Bishop T.D. Jakes’ stature and influence,” she said. “An alignment of this enormity creates endless opportunities to impact people’s lives on a world-wide scale; fully integrating all aspects of faith-based entertainment from film and television to music.”