Deniece Williams hosts a new 13-part gospel series for BBC Radio 2

JULY 10TH saw the launch of a new 13-part gospel series on BBC Radio 2 hosted by American R&B and gospel star Deniece William's. The series will include highlights from Deniece's Music Live '97 concert in Manchester recorded earlier this year and interviews with stars who explain how inspirational and gospel music has, and continues to, influence them. Deniece says, "I am very excited to present my own radio series on the gospel and inspirational scene in Britain. It's a fast growing area of music and the exposure is getting bigger all the time."

In the first programme, Gladys Knight recalled meeting some of gospel's greatest stars in her childhood and remembers how the music of the Church held her family together. Deniece also delves into the precious record collection of Viv Broughton, one of the world's leading authorities on gospel music, and plays the original first recording of Aretha Franklin made when she was 14.

Producer Ruth Price said, "As a singer Deniece is steeped in both the secular and sacred traditions of black music. In this new series she invites us to experience the passion, power and joy of inspirational music through her own songs and the classic uplifting songs familiar to us all." Pictured with Deniece Williams is UCB Cross Rhythms presenter Martin Purnell.