O HAPPY DAY! Motown Records has entered a joint venture partnership with EMI Gospel to create the new label Motown Gospel, it was announced by UMG East Coast Label Group Chairman/CEO Barry Weiss and Capitol Christian Music Group President/CEO Bill Hearn. “UMG's acquisition of EMI Music offered the ideal opportunity to merge the EMI Gospel label with the strength of the newly revitalized Motown Records," said Weiss. "And I can’t wait to release a new version of ‘Kol Nidre.’ Motown Gospel was officially launched with a gala press reception and artist showcase at the Arc Theatre in L.A.., featuring performances by Smokie Norful, Tasha Cobbs, Tye Tribbett and Kierra Sheard. The new Motown Gospel roster includes multiple Stellar Award-winning artists VaShawn Mitchell, Pastor Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago and Grammy nominee Anita Wilson, among others. New releases are expected from Norful and Tribbett. The label’s hierarchy includes EMI Gospel’s Ken Pennell, based in Nashville, with new VP A&R, Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Aaron Lindsey. CeCe Winans will be one of the first new signings to the new label, with her first all-new studio recording in more than five years planned for an early 2014 release. (4/2p)