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Detroit Gospel.com is on the scene for Super Bowl XL Events in Detroit, Michigan.

Detroit was the site of Super Bowl XL, and Detroit Gospel.com was on the scene at some of the top Christian attractions during Super Bowl Week.

Super Bowl Gospel Celebration

Dateline: Friday, February 3, 2006, Masonic Temple, Detroit, Michigan

Written By: Carl B. Phillips
Photos By: Karen Hunt Barker and Keith Crosby

Melanie Few, of Results, Inc., pulled out all the stops as she lined up some of the legends of gospel music for the 7th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. On hand for a joyous Celebration at The Masonic Temple were The Winans, The Clark Sisters, Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade, Mary Mary, and our host for the evening, Ms. Patti LaBelle.

The Clark Sisters

The concert opened with the legendary Clark Sisters, adorned in red outfits, performing “My Redeemer Liveth” led by "the jazzy one," Dorinda Clark Cole. From there the sisters segued into the classic hit “You Brought The Sunshine” featuring, Twinkie Clark on lead and keyboards. “Is My Living In Vain” showcased the Clark's trend setting harmony. Before leaving the stage Karen Clark Sheard brought the audience to their feet with a rousing rendition of “Hallelujah.”

Mary Mary

Mary Mary took the stage and performed their Grammy and Stellar nominated song, "Heaven" featuring a little help from Pastor Marvin Winans. They followed with the bluesy, “Yesterday” from their latest self-titled release. Mary Mary closed their set by singing the congregational “I’m A Solider (In The Army Of The Lord).”

Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, Carlita Kilpatrick, Mr. Rice, Linda Johnson Rice, Mel Farr

Next, Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick made a special presentation to Linda Johnson Rice, the daughter of Robert Johnson, the founder of Johnson Publications, publisher of Jet and Ebony magazines.

Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade

Pastor Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade took command of the stage and reminded the audience that “Power Belongs To God” and God will make you “Clean Inside.” The highlight of the LFC performance featured the agile moves of their choir director on the selection “Do You Know Him,” followed by Pastor Walker asking the audience to encourage someone by singing along to the poignant “I Need You To Survive.” The choir then performed their Grammy Nominated song, “Lift Him Up” to finish out their performance.

The Winans

The Winans, in a rare live appearance, opened with the groove of the classic hit “It’s Time.” Pastor Marvin Winans paid tribute to the late Ron Winans before introducing his brother, Daniel Winans. According to Pastor Winans, when you have ten brothers and sisters, "you just pick one." The timeless hit, “The Question Is” came next, followed by Michael and Carvin’s rendition of “Tomorrow.” The audience did not want the Winans to leave the stage, and after several requests, they returned to the stage for an encore of “Ain’t No Need To Worry.”

Patti LaBelle and The Perfecting Church Choir

Before introducing the special guest artist of the night, Detroiter Anita Baker recalled how Patti La Belle graciously accepted her at the beginning of her music career. Following the touching story Anita brought to the stage Ms. Patti, who backed by the Perfecting Choir, opened with the Timothy Wright classic, “Who’s Side Are You Leaning On.” Patti talked about the loss of her music director who had requested before he passed that Patti complete her gospel album (soon to be released featuring Mary Mary, J Moss, and CeCe Winans). After the emotional story Patti rendered “You Are My Friend” followed by a stunning performance of “Over The Rainbow.”

Sam's Club Blings Out Patti LaBelle

After a presentation of jewelry from the event sponsor, Sam’s Club, Patti apologized for losing her voice during the performance. In spite of this, she wanted to continue to sing. In a classic Detroit moment, Patti began “The Lord’s Prayer” before having Norma Wheeler, a soloist with the Perfecting Choir, assist her on the song.

Norma Wheeler fills in for Patti LaBelle

"Super Bowl Gospel Celebration " Photo Gallery

Super Bowl Gospel Comedy Brunch

Dateline: Sunday, February 5, 2006, The Upper Room, Detroit, Michigan

Photos By: Karen Hunt Barker

Super Bowl Breakfast

Dateline: Saturday, February, 4, 2006, Marriott Renaissance Center, Detroit, Michigan

Check back soon for Keith Crosby's exclusive coverage of the Super Bowl Breakfast.