Up Close and In Focus

When Marzetta Douglas noticed her children could memorize every word of Cardi B but struggled with the seven continents, she knew something had to change. The mother of two created Hip Hop Boobly, a 3D animated series that transforms learning through music, and it's already taking the world by storm. In this episode, Marzetta reveals how her characters teach everything from math to anti-bullying through catchy songs and interactive "Boom Stars" that kids actually want to earn. She opens up about building an international production team, partnering with major influencers like the McClure Twins, and why representation in children's media matters more than ever. Co-host Christin Oliver shares her personal journey with her autistic son and how visual learning through music has changed their family dynamic. Plus, meet Boobly himself as he joins the conversation live in studio. Get ready to discover why parents everywhere are calling this the future of education.

In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with host Cedric Ballard, Gospel legend Earnest Pugh faces the ultimate test as he tackles increasingly spicy wings while answering trivia questions about his 19-year journey with Blacksmoke Music. Between bites of fiery sauce, Pugh shares the story behind his five number one hits, starting with his breakthrough single "Rain On Us" that launched his record deal in 2007. The Blacksmoke veteran reveals his driving mantra that has sustained him through nearly two decades in gospel music: "In bad times, people need Good News." The heat intensifies during the 'Never Have I Ever' segment, where Pugh confesses to forgotten lyrics during worship and shares how his great-grandmother's prophecy shaped his global ministry vision. A Stellar Award Trivia and Grammy history questions, this game show edition tests both his gospel knowledge and spice tolerance. Pugh also discusses his latest album, available on all streaming platforms.Connect with Earnest Pugh:Website: earnestpugh.comInstagram: @earnestpughFacebook: facebook.com/earnestpughTwitter/X: @earnestpugh

Gospel artist Jokia brings her baby Rain as backup while facing off against host Cedric Ballard in the spiciest game show edition of Black Smoke Table Talk yet. Between bites of increasingly fiery wings, Jokia shares her journey since entering the music industry in 2017, watching platforms evolve from Vine to TikTok and witnessing how streaming has transformed artist revenue. She explains why partnering with Black Smoke Records felt like the right move after years of independent hustle, and how she defines her music as inspirational love that speaks to both saved and unsaved audiences. The conversation heats up as both host and guest tackle gospel trivia questions about Black Smoke artists, stellar award records, and Hip Hop Boobly (where Jokia voices a character). Through laughs, tears from hot sauce, and "Never Have I Ever" confessions about forgotten lyrics and church mic dodging, Jokia reveals her moment of doubt about continuing music and how God redirected her from chasing industry accolades to focusing on ministry impact.Connect with Jokia: Instagram: @jokiamusicYouTube: @jokiavevo2278 Facebook: Jokia

In this special edition of Up Close & In Focus, host Kerry Douglas brings together an extraordinary lineup of voices for a dynamic, uplifting experience rooted in music, purpose, and shared connection.   Featuring powerful moments with Earnest Pugh, Cedric Ballard, Kisha Brandy (formerly of Kirk Franklin & The Family), and Meta Washington, this episode is a celebration of expression, freedom, and the undeniable power of unity through sound and spirit.   🎶 From soul-stirring renditions of "Silver and Gold" and "Let It Rain" to spontaneous praise and heartfelt reflection, the energy is raw, honest, and deeply moving.   ✨ The episode closes with a powerful prayer led by Meta Washington, offering thanks for the vision, the voices, and the moment.   📍 Whether you're in need of encouragement, clarity, or inspiration, this episode will leave you renewed and re-centered.   🎧 Subscribe now for more music moments, personal conversations, and creative insight on Up Close & In Focus with Kerry Douglas.

Singer-songwriter Mia Stokes opens up about her transformation during 25 months of incarceration, where she wrote 60 songs in six months and discovered her gift for prison ministry through music. Fresh out seven months ago, Stokes is pregnant at 40, engaged to the man who waited for her entire sentence, and ready to relaunch her music career with a new perspective on life's timing. She shares the story behind writing her country song 14 years ago that nearly landed with Carrie Underwood, and how she learned to let songs find their own destiny rather than boxing herself into one genre. The conversation weaves between Stokes' early days interning at Interscope Records, her natural talent for rewriting songs in her head, and her current search for a new production team as she prepares to re-release music under her own publishing company. This episode proves that sometimes the most beautiful comebacks happen when you're willing to embrace new beginnings at any age.Connect with Mia Stokes: Instagram: @miastokeshtha1Facebook: Mia StokesTwitter/X: Mia Stokes

In this episode of Up, Close & In Focus with Kerry Douglas, get ready to experience the extraordinary talent of Theresa Grayson, a phenomenal saxophonist whose musical journey started in fourth grade and continues to inspire audiences today. In this episode, Theresa shares her path through Houston's magnet school programs to becoming a school counselor who never abandoned her musical dreams. Listen as she delivers breathtaking performances of "Let It Rain" featuring special guest Wess Morgan, showcasing her stunning soprano and tenor saxophones adorned with Swarovski crystals. Theresa discusses her transition back to gospel music after exploring R&B and announces her second album "It's All About You, Chapter 2." Host Kerry Douglas reveals his plans to partner with Theresa to bring her music to national and international audiences, recognizing her unique gift for connecting with listeners through live performance. This episode combines inspiring music, personal testimony, and exciting industry announcements that will keep you engaged throughout.Connect with Theresa Grayson:Website: theresagrayson.comYouTube.com: @theresagraysononsaxInstagram: @theresagraysonTwitter/X: @theresaonsax

In this moving episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas welcomes gospel powerhouse Wess Morgan for an unfiltered conversation about redemption, purpose, and divine favor. Wess opens up about his journey through addiction at 14 and multiple arrests before becoming one of gospel music's most respected voices with five albums under his belt. As a pastor's kid who struggled publicly while singing in church, he shares how his family weathered the storm and how he discovered that "people can't tell God on you." The conversation takes a spiritual turn as Wess performs his signature worship anthem "I Choose to Worship," sharing the deeply personal story behind the song that became his lifeline during recovery. He also discusses his latest project "Churchy," blending his jazz-influenced upbringing with traditional gospel roots. This episode showcases how God uses the most unlikely vessels, proving that your past doesn't disqualify you but actually qualifies you for your divine assignment.

Kerry Douglas opens his door expecting a saxophone teacher for his 12-year-old daughter - instead, he finds Horace Alexander Young, the same musician who played on his breakthrough gospel hit "I Believe" three decades ago. What starts as a coincidental reunion becomes something deeper as the 70-year-old saxophonist reflects on a lifetime in music, from surviving a devastating car crash that nearly ended everything to teaching the next generation that "some people practice a lot to get it right, others practice so they can't get it wrong." The episode captures lightning in a bottle as Horace plays both the original "I Believe" and improvises on the newly reimagined version, proving that true artistry never fades. Between stories of Luther Vandross, career wisdom for aspiring musicians, and the emotional weight of music that travels through generations, this spontaneous conversation reveals how the universe sometimes aligns to bring artists back together exactly when they need each other most. Kerry and Horace discover that their musical DNA runs deeper than memory - it's written in the very soul of the songs they created together. Connect with Horace Alexander Young:Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, host Kerry Douglas reunites with gospel artist Cedric Ballard, revealing their 25+ year journey from selling CDs out of car trunks to national success. Ballard shares the inspiration behind his hit single "Blessing Me," written during his lowest moment when God challenged him to find gratitude despite circumstances. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Ballard details The Heal Movement, a non-profit he founded with his wife that serves Houston's homeless population with home-cooked meals, toiletries, and genuine human connection. Douglas and Ballard reflect on their shared history in the music industry, including Ballard's early days with the group Damascus and how their paths diverged before reconnecting years later. This genuine conversation between old friends offers listeners an authentic look at music industry relationships, faith through challenges, and the truth behind Ballard's motto that "the race isn't given to the swift but to those who endure." Connect with Cedric Ballard: Website: www.cedricballard.com Instagram: @cedricballard The Heal Movement: www.healusnow.org

In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas chats with Zacardi Cortez about his rise from Houston's Acres Homes to becoming a gospel music force with nine Billboard #1 singles. Cortez shares stories about growing up with five siblings in a small apartment and how his musical talent became his sole source of income, allowing him to support his family without ever working a conventional job. The conversation highlights his hit "Lord Do It For Me" which emerged during his time in Louisiana jail, plus details about his new album "Ibhar" featuring collaborations with Jekalyn Carr, Crystal Rucker, and the Nelson twins. Douglas and Cortez discuss how younger vocalists, including American Idol contestants, have adopted his distinctive vocal style. The interview wraps up with news about Cortez's Hip Hop Boobly children's music project, which will create youth choirs nationwide while featuring an animated character based on the singer himself. Connect with Zacardi Cortez:Facebook: @zacardicortezInstagram: @cardikeev_YouTube: @cardikeeFor booking:(914)[email protected]

Gospel recording artist Lasha' Knox joins Kerry Douglas on Up Close and In Focus to discuss her musical journey alongside industry giants James Fortune and Ernest Pugh. Lasha' shares stories behind her "God of Miracles" EP and the unexpected global impact of her remake of "Surrounded." The conversation takes an authentic turn as she opens up about balancing her music career while being a caretaker for her husband's health challenges. Lasha' explains her unique perspective on divine timing and why she believes her season of waiting has purpose. She discusses her family's rich musical heritage tracing back to gospel pioneer Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and reveals the emotional process of transitioning between ministries while maintaining important relationships. This episode offers listeners insight into the gospel music industry and shows how faith sustains artists through personal and professional challenges.

A single American Idol performance launched Earnest Pugh's 14-year-old hit "I Need Your Glory" to #1 on iTunes overnight! In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas reconnects with gospel star Earnest Pugh as they celebrate his hit going viral again after an American Idol contestant performed it on national television last week. The pair reflect on their 25-year relationship in the music industry and discuss the advantages of what Douglas calls "The New Deal" - independent record deals that give artists more control in today's digital landscape. Pugh shares the story of first meeting Douglas and how that chance encounter transformed his career from church worship leader to chart-topping artist. They explore the concept of "artist scores" and how collaborations can bridge generational gaps while announcing Pugh's upcoming EP "We Want to See You." This conversation offers listeners an inside look at music industry relationships, artist development, and the surprising ways songs can find new life years after their release.

While their soul-soothing harmonies filled radio waves across America for three decades, The Family mysteriously stepped away from gospel's center stage - until now. In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas sits with the legendary group as they share the untold story behind their extended absence, even as their music shaped generations of gospel listeners. Around the table, Pastor Darrell Blair and Dalon Collins unveil life's harsh detours - from Collins battling a year without walking or singing to Blair balancing church leadership with his musical calling. The episode takes an unexpected turn when producer Ernest J. Lee shares how divine orchestration brought him full circle, from playing the organ at their early shows to now crafting their comeback single "Jesus Jesus" for the Love Mountain soundtrack. The conversation flows through themes of timing and tenacity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how one of gospel's most influential groups is stepping back into their purpose to complete what they started 30 years ago.

Step into an emotional episode of Up Close and In Focus as host Kerry Douglas sits down with Billboard-charting artist Jokia. She talks about her transformation in the Iraqi desert to dominating both gospel and R&B charts, Jokia's story is one of remarkable faith and determination. She courageously shares her 15-year fertility journey and the profound connection to her role in the “Love Mountain” film, culminating in an emotional pregnancy announcement that embodies the message of her inspirational hit "Rise." Discover how this Compton native is building a legacy through children's entertainment with Hip Hop Boobly while breaking genre barriers with her music. This episode is a reminder that through life's most challenging seasons, we can rise above it all - offering hope, healing, and a testament to the enduring power of love and perseverance.

Join host Kerry Douglas for an intimate conversation with legendary songwriter Percy Bady on Up Close and In Focus. Discover the stories behind chart-topping hits like I Believe I Can Fly and Percy's journey from industry newcomer to music icon. Percy shares his battle with prostate cancer and how it inspired new creations, offering a powerful testament to music's healing force. Get insider insights on the evolving music business and invaluable advice for aspiring artists. This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of meaningful lyrics that will inspire listeners to believe in the transformative potential of love and song.

Get ready for a soul-stirring journey with gospel music titan Ernest Pugh and industry icon Kerry Douglas. These longtime collaborators dive deep, serving up raw truths about their musical odyssey and the unbreakable bond that's weathered every storm. Pugh's impromptu performances will give you chills, while behind-the-scenes stories reveal the heart behind the hits. While honoring their history, Pugh and Douglas offer a glimpse into their next creative frontier “Love Mountain”- a project that promises to redefine expectations and inspire a new generation. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and the power of authentic connection. Tune in for laughs, tears, and a whole lot of soul.