EMI Finds God Again

03/11/1998 3:00 AM, Yahoo! Music
Bruce Haring

(3/11/98) - EMI Christian Music Group has announced the formation of a new label, to be called EMI Gospel. EMI CMG is already a leader in the gospel/ contemporary Christian fields with its labels Sparrow, StarSong and Forefront--home to such major names as Kirk Franklin, Steven Curtis Chapman, Carman, Twila Paris, BeBe & CeCe Winans and Newsboys, to name a few.

Ken Pennell will helm EMI Gospel from EMI CMG's corporate headquarters outside Nashville, Tennessee. Christian market distribution will be handled by Chordant Distribution Group, while EMI Music Distribution will cover the general market.

Label officials say they plan to launch close to a half-dozen albums and one video this year. The label's first signing is Indianapolis-based Lamar Campbell & Spirit Of Praise, who release their as-yet untitled debut May 19th.