News Item

New gospel label 'Highly Favored Music'

Jimmy Levine, president of the MoPhilly Music Group, has gone into partnership with Leon Haywood, noted US funk/soul singer since 1965. They have opened the new gospel label Highly Favored Music, and have secured a manufacturing and distribution deal with the Universal Music Group in the States. Visit the website www.highlyfavoredmusic.com

Gifted musician and composer, Jimmy Levine, also a one time Motown employee, is a recording artist in his own right. He re-introduced the traditional sounds of Nu-Soul and R&B to the world with his 'Share My Love' album in 2006. And via MoPhilly worked on the outstanding Shantel album 'Arize It’s Time To Shine'. He continues to work on his own projects and with others.

Leon Haywood first hit the US charts on the Imperial label with 'She’s With Her Other Love' in 1965 before signing with Decca and later 20th Century Fox, where he enjoyed his biggest crossover hit with 'I Want’a Do Something Freaky To You' in 1975. In 1980, Haywood revived the shuffle beat of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll with the US top forty hit 'Don’t Push It Don’t Force It', and his last R&B charting single was 'Tenderoni' on the Modern label in 1984.

Elaine Norwood is Highly Favoured Music’s first signed artist. Hailing from Prentis, Mississippi, Elaine has recorded and performed with some of the most respected secular and gospel acts including Nancy Wilson and Edwin Hawkins. She switched to television where she became an in-demand background vocalist on shows like The American Music Awards. She currently serves as a Minister of Worship at the Home Assembly Church in Los Angeles. To date she’s got four albums to her credit, namely, 'Released', 'Double Blessing', 'God Has A Way' and 'Good News'. Check out her website www.elainenorwood.com for more information.
Words SHARON DAVIS