VGR Entertainment plans to attain this goal through its record label, artist management, publishing company, production and consulting services. VGR is the vision of famed preacher, industry executive and author Elder Vikki Johnson. With her two partners, prominent figures in the music industry – Gerald Scott and Russell Webster - VGR Entertainment has partnered with the Jordan Entertainment Group, headed by industry “mover-and- shaker” Jazzy Jordan and Koch Distribution, which will be distributing all the company’s releases.

VGR Entertainment is busting out of the gate with some of the brightest rising stars in the genre. IZZY, known as the “urban psalmist”, is sure to bless worshippers to their knees with his debut single In Awe Of You from the recently released CD of the same name. Hailing from Washington, D.C., and a long line of preachers, IZZY is set to deliver a musical style that’s been described as “Fred Hammond meets John Legend”.

Also joining the VGR roster is praise and worship artist, Darien Dennis. The Fredericksburg, VA native and son of Bishop Ralph and Deborah Dennis has the uncanny ability to deftly incorporate traditional and contemporary vibes while giving all honor and praise to God. His CD, New Place, recorded with his choir Living Worship, under the VGR banner was released nationally on May 23, 2006. The double CD is a worshippers’ smorgasbord complete with the live experience that true worship offers.

Derek Triplett is VGR’s most recent signing and comes to the label with noted songwriting credits to his name. Triplett is probably best known for penning the powerful cut, I’m Grateful, from the ground- breaking praise and worship CD, Bow Down & Worship Him from the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship Mass Choir. He also wrote the title cut on labelmate IZZY's recently released CD, In Awe Of You. A Bishop with the United Covenant Churches of Christ under the ministerial guidance of Bishop Larry Trotter, Triplett is Founder and Pastor of Hope Fellowship Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. Stepping into the role of artist – in addition to songwriter – he will be recording his debut CD on November 2, 2006 at his home church.

Along with its signed artists, VGR Entertainment has a roster of affiliated artists including award-winning singer/songwriter Carmen Calhoun, praise and worship recording artist Sonya Pass, and Caribbean Gospel Music Association Marlin Award nominee Lisa Kemp-Williams. With VGR’s signed and affiliated artists, the company plans to propel music ministry and change the face of gospel music.

Elder Vikki Johnson (photo: Fond Memories)
 Elder Vikki Johnson, the visionary of VGR, is known nationally for her dynamic and prophetic style of preaching. Johnson is currently the Pastor of Women at Kingdom Worship Center in Towson, MD. She’s a graduate of Howard University where she received a degree in broadcast management. Known for her daily feature “I’m Every Woman” on 2006 Stellar Award Winner Heaven 1580AM, she’s employed at a major entertainment company as Manager of Public Affairs. Johnson has preached at Bishop T.D. Jakes' MegaFest and is author of the book, Gems For The Journey, a national bestseller, filled with encouraging words of inspiration.
When asked why she decided to form VGR, Johnson says that VGR is quite different from other labels or management companies. Johnson says, “In our mission statement, we affirm that we’re a ‘power-based company’. We complement and collaborate with artists to produce and deliver ‘God’ music that impacts the world."

Johnson also believes that artists should reap financial rewards from their artistry and ministry and is not afraid to put her money where her mouth is. “We, here at VGR, form partnerships with our artists. Yes, we are in the business to make money, but we don’t offer the typical split that labels offer their artists. We offer artists much more financially than they would find elsewhere. We believe in offering a TRUE partnership.”

Johnson’s business partners are two of the most experienced individuals in the industry. Gerald Scott, known for his work with CD Enterprises, is known for breaking, managing or promoting some of urban music’s most popular artists including Parliament Funkadelic, Salt-N-Pepa, Mya and dozens of others. With decades in the music business, Scott came on board with VGR Entertainment because he believed in Johnson’s vision and was anxious to work with her. “We’ve known each other about 15 years. We’ve been waiting for a chance to work together. When IZZY came along, it was an incredible opportunity for us to do just that. What we’ve done is to put our years of experience together – mine, in the music industry and hers, in ministry – to make a huge difference in gospel music,” says Scott.

Russell Webster joins VGR Entertainment with over 15 years experience producing, merchandising, concert promoting and grassroots marketing for artists such as Jazzy Jeff, Fresh Prince, Salt-N-Pepa, R Kelly and various production companies. Webster says that he’s excited about the new company. “VGR is my first venture in the gospel music industry,” he says. “While the genre is different, the rules are the same when it comes to the business of music. Further, I now have an intimate relationship with the Lord and His favor on my side.”

With a dynamic team leading VGR, the best is yet to come.

VGREntertainment.com