Portraits of Black Ministers and Messengers

MESSENGERS: PORTRAITS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MINISTERS, EVANGELISTS, GOSPEL SINGERS, AND OTHER MESSENGERS OF "THE WORD"

By David Ritz with photographs by Nicola Goode

"The selections are quite vivid - we can almost hear these saints preaching...both the words and images that Ritz has pulled together are inspiring." -- Publishers Weekly

New York, NY - In the best-selling tradition of Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats, David Ritz and Nicola Goode have created a beautifully moving book, MESSENGERS: Portraits of African American Ministers, Evangelists, Gospel Singers, and Other Messengers of "the Word" (Doubleday, March 21st, 2006; $29.95; hardcover) In the course of writing this uplifting and inspirational book, David Ritz was so moved and inspired he became a Christian. MESSENGERS is a special tribute to the evangelists, gospel singers and ministers whose lives have not only inspired his personal faith, but have touched and changed millions. The book also features a wonderful sample of photographer Nicola Goode's stunning black-and-white portraits.

Ritz brings together reflections and wisdoms of unique messengers from all walks of life - ministers and musicians, singers and teachers, local and well-known preachers, mega stars and those only known in their neighborhoods. Each portrait includes powerful text and stunning photographs that inspire readers to think about how they too can be God's messengers.

There are stories from Bishop Noel Jones, Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts, Rev. Peter Gomes to gospel stars like Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Winans, Smokie Norful, and Candi Staton. From a Director of Student Formation and Seminary Chaplain at the Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia to a pastor who also runs a window-washing business in Washington, D.C., each individual has a significant message to share. Stories like "Saturate the House with Praise" by Dr. Mable John, "Walking Epistles" by Dr. Arlene Church, and "Turn, Turn, Turn" by Pastor Reginald T. John Jr., bring to life God's grace and unending peace. Through the extraordinary voices of these mighty men and women of God, readers can see and experience the message of hope and love addressed directly to the heart.

Beautifully designed, featuring vivid and touching photographs, MESSENGERS will appeal to fans of Crowns and to Christians of all denominations and colors who seek a deeper understanding of the meaning and glories of their faith.

About The Authors:
DAVID RITZ co-author of Howling at the Moon, is the only four-time winner of the Ralph J. Gleason/Music Book Award for Best Music Book of the Year. He has written biographies of Marvin Gaye and jazz singer Jimmy Schott, and coauthored the autobiographies of Ray Charles, BB King, Aretha Franklin, and other entertainers. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

NICOLA GOODE, born and raised in Los Angeles, received her B.F.A. in photography from Yale University. She is a member of the Society of Motion Picture Still Photographers and has worked on numerous feature films. Her photographs have appeared in galleries in Los Angeles, Prague, and Havana. She lives in Los Angeles.