Greater Bradley Choir will hold their 50th celebration

The 50th celebration of the Greater Bradley District Choir will feature one of the biggest names in gospel music with a performance taking place July 10 at 3 p.m. at the Greater New Calvary Church of God in Christ, 3150 Highway 7 South, in Camden.

Earnest Pugh, a nationally acclaimed, award-winning gospel artist, will join the choir for their golden celebration with a gospel musical.

Presented by the Greater Bradley District Association, the event is free and the public is welcome to attend.

Pugh is a top Billboard artist who has released 12 gospel music CDs and is known for his hit singles such as “Rain on Us”, https://www.camdenarknews.com/news/2022/jul/06 /greater-bradley -choir-to-hold-50th-celebration/ “I Need Your Glory” and “God Wants to Heal You”, the first single from his 12th album, “The Outpour Experience Live”, released in 2021.

The Memphis native burst onto the gospel music scene in 2006 with his debut album, “Earnest Pugh Live: A Worshipper’s Perspective.”

The album won Best Gospel Album at the sixth annual Independent Music Awards in 2007.

Pugh went on to win a BMI award for his radio broadcast and he was nominated for the Dove and Stellar awards, the two major gospel music awards given out each year.

In 2017, Pugh added the Emmy Award winner to his list of accolades, after performing at the 34th Annual Black Music and The Civil Rights Movement concert in Dallas.

Local CBS TV affiliate KTXA won a Lone Star EMMY Award — a regional award that is part of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences — for special event coverage.

Pugh said one of the highlights of his career was performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, with former President Barack Obama and the First Family.

He describes himself as a “PK” (child of the preacher), saying he started leading songs in the church choir at age 8.

While serving in the United States Army, he was invited to sing at weddings, funerals, and special events.

After his 20-year military career, which ended in the mid-2000s, Pugh started a non-profit organization, Veterans Emergency Relief (VER), which is based in Houston and helps veterans with the necessities of life. basic life – food, clothing and shelter.

VER also organizes annual food and toy drives for veterans.

For more information on the gospel musical, call Diann Epps at 870-807-1925 or visit www.explorecamden.com.