"The Gospel According to Mark" Brings Scripture to Life with Help from Gloria Gaynor, Rita Wilson, Rhonda Vincent & More

Uniting a veritable who's who of Gospel, soul and country music luminaries for a uniquely inspired collection of song and spoken word, The Gospel According to Mark is set for release May 17 from StowTown Records. Created by and featuring acclaimed singer/songwriter Mark D. Conklin, the project's 12 standout musical collaborations are interwoven with 12 Scripture vignettes voiced by iconic songstress Gloria Gaynor.
Produced by Conklin-who also wrote or co-penned each musical selection-and GRAMMY winner Mark Prentice, the project offers fresh perspective on the New Testament book of Mark, chronologically conveying the account of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. With Gaynor's narrations anchoring every song, The Gospel According to Mark showcases musical contributions from renowned actress and singer Rita Wilson; internationally revered collegiate ensemble The Fisk Jubilee Singers; Gospel trailblazers The Fairfield Four; the "Queen of Bluegrass" Rhonda Vincent; Southern Gospel leaders Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; GRAMMY-winning recording artist John Berry; and '80s country hitmaker T. Graham Brown, among many others.
"While serving as the director of the GRAMMY Museum Experience at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, I had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary recording artist Gloria Gaynor in 2020," Conklin recalls. "After spending time with her album and speaking with her about her unwavering dedication to the Lord, an awakening occurred within me. It ignited a long-dormant desire to embark on my own worship project-a dream I had put off for years."
"Later, as I edited the audio of my interview with Gloria for a podcast, it hit me like a bolt of lightning," he adds. "I knew THAT voice, HER voice, was the one! To my great delight and surprise, she graciously agreed to join me on my musical journey, and I will be forever grateful."
"I'm so honored to have been asked to narrate The Gospel According to Mark and lend my voice to such an uplifting project that Mark D. Conklin has brought to life," Gaynor shares. "To be part of such an amazing gathering of talent to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is truly a blessing for me."
The Gospel According to Mark is highlighted by lead single "The Greatest is Love," which is now available on digital platforms. Featuring acclaimed recording artist Wendy Moten, a runner-up on NBC's "The Voice," the retro rock 'n soul track embodies the nostalgic sounds of Memphis and Muscle Shoals.
Additional album standouts include the Rita Wilson spotlight "Through the Storm"; "Oh, Lonely Day," a stirring Good Friday anthem with vocal contributions from John Berry and Rhonda Vincent; and the soulful "Take This Cup" with The Fairfield Four-an emotive musical rendering of Jesus' struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Conklin has also authored an exclusive devotional companion for The Gospel According to Mark. Unpacking scripturally-rooted insight behind each of the album's 12 songs, the devotions present encouragement for daily living, reflective questions and directed prayers.
Tags : Mark D. Conklin Rhonda Vincent "The Gospel According to Mark" rita wilson Gloria Gaynor Ernie Haase & Signature Sound john berry
Hot Trends
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Where Is Bebo Norman? Former Christian Music Star Finds New Purpose as a Physician Assistant
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
"A Unity of Purpose" Celebrates 100 Years of Southern Baptist Cooperative Program
-
Jerry Savelle, Televangelist & Prosperity Gospel Preacher, Dies
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Angelo & Veronica Announce New Album "Created For You"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
Most Popular
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Chuck Girard, Founding Member of Love Song, Shares Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband of Kelly Clarkson and Former Stepson of Reba McEntire, Dies at 48
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Dante Bowe Rejoins Maverick City Music After "Accidentally" Posting Nude Selfie 3 Years Ago
-
Samantha Ebert Unveils "No One knows," A Heartfelt Anthem for Those Facing Unseen Struggles
-
TAYA Leaves Hillsong Church
-
Where Is Bebo Norman? Former Christian Music Star Finds New Purpose as a Physician Assistant
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
"A Unity of Purpose" Celebrates 100 Years of Southern Baptist Cooperative Program
-
Jerry Savelle, Televangelist & Prosperity Gospel Preacher, Dies
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Angelo & Veronica Announce New Album "Created For You"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking