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Earnest Pugh "Rain On Us" OFFICIAL VIDEO

Still shots from The "LIVE RECORDING" Friday, May 30th 2008...

Destined for his calling from the beginning of his life, Earnest was blessed with a voice and a gift to sing.

Earnest Pugh Live: Rain On Us

Webster’s defines a “worshiper” as a person who gives reverent honor and homage to God. Simply put, Earnest Pugh is a worshiper. A superior vocalist, song stylist extraordinaire, Earnest Pugh has been included in the category with gospel singers like Byron Cage, Smokie Norful and Marvin Sapp. At the same time, he’s forging his own path with an anointing and style that is all his own. The 2006 En Sound Male Vocalist of the Year and 2006 Independent Music Award Winner for Gospel Album of the Year is following the success of A Worshipper’s Perspective with his brand new EPM Music Group/Black Smoke Music Worldwide recording, Earnest Pugh Live: Rain On Us. Recorded live at Washington, D.C.’s Temple of Praise, Earnest Pugh has once again solidified his place as one of gospel music’s premiere worshipers.

Known for his riveting 5-octave range and his unmatched ability in weaving his crystal clear vocals around gospel music power ballads, Earnest Pugh returns with an amazing new project that’s been targeted specifically to the lover of God. The 17-track offering is beautiful array of gospel music and an extension of his ministry. This psalmist, musician and songwriter is primed to take the industry by storm. Although seemingly coming out of nowhere, Earnest Pugh’s love story with music starts in the South. Music has always been a part of this Memphis native’s life.

By his teens, he was in great demand and was sought after by the groundbreaking gospel pioneer, O’landa Draper. At Draper’s request, Pugh joined O’landa Draper and Associates. His tenure with the group was short-lived, deciding to join the United Army instead where he continued to use his musical gifts to edify the body, soul and spirit. Following his departure from military service, he continued to pursue his love for music. His pursuit opened doors for major appearances on such networks as the Word Network, Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and Black Entertainment Television (BET), including one of BET’s top rated shows, Bobby Jones Gospel. His career wasn’t just limited to that of singing, but he quickly found that he had a talent for acting as well.

Acting opened doors for him to make appearances in major stage plays such as “Love the One You’re with”, “Secret Lover”, (Michael Matthews);“Crazy Love”,(D’Atra Hicks); and “Real Men Pray”, Angela Barrow and Lizzie Berry. According to Pugh, “I have Lizzie Berry and Lydia Wright to thank for pushing me to stay the course (stage plays) and eventually it paid off.”

Currently, the Director of Praise & Worship at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he serves under musical leadership of Zomba Gospel Recording Artist Min. Byron Cage and the pastoral leadership of Pastors Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, Earnest Pugh is on the cusp of becoming one of the brightest stars in the genre of gospel music.

His new project is sure to secure his permanent spot as a “mover and shaker” in gospel music. The CD contains songs from noted songwriters including Kevin Davidson, Demetrius McClendon, Keith Williams and Thomas Bereal. Produced by Michael Bereal and with guest artists and gospel icons Richard Smallwood and Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Earnest Pugh Live: Rain On Us is an expression of gratitude from Earnest to his Savior.

This project is a deeply persona; one for the artist. He says, “This project is a testament of God’s sustaining power and love for me. The CD contains songs of survival that are sure to address the current reality of every listener. Earnest Pugh Live: Rain On Us captures me in a “special” place in life - amidst a great season of testing. And having endured and passed every test I am now persuaded (like never before) that without a TEST, there will be no TESTIMONY!”

With elements of traditional, contemporary, urban, reggae and other unique musical styles, he has captured the essence of praise and worship. A true highlight of the CD is the mesmerizing title tune “Rain On Us”. A gut-wrenching ballad, the track is certainly a stand-out and finds Earnest in rare form, beckoning to be drenched by God.

Songs like the bouncy “Oh, Lord We Worship You Forever”, the moving “Your Voice”, the throwback “My Rock” and the Contemporary Christian-flavored “Bless His Name” showcase brilliantly-penned songs, memorable orchestration, breathtaking background vocals and a lead singer that knows how to speak the word of God through song. Earnest Pugh Live: Rain On Us is evidence that Earnest Pugh is simply a worshiper.