James Fortunes’ “Identity” Tops Billboard’s Top Gospel Chart at #1

The album also earned its way to the Top 10 position on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, at Number 7 all following a weeklong promotional tour in Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, New York and his hometown, Houston.

Released via Fortune’s new label deal with eOne/Light Records under the imprint, F.I.Y.A. WORLD MUSIC, IDENTITY marks the artists best first week sales to date and highest chart position. This also marks Light Records’ third number one album with previous chart toppers including William McDowelll’s ARISE and Jessica Reedy’s FROM THE HEART which are still in the Top 15.

The inspirational single “Still Able,” is currently Number 2 on Billboard Gospel singles chart. He will continue to promote the album with upcoming appearances and performances on BET.com and SiriusXM Praise. Additionally, Fortune & F.I.Y.A. performed their follow up single “Never Again,” on the 2012 Stellar Awards.The Stellar Awards are set to air in national syndication this week and will air on cable on GMC (Gospel Music Channel) on Saturday, February 11th.

IDENTITY Fortune’s third album is a powerful collection of 15 soul-stirring songs of encouragement, hope and healing that speaks into the hearts of the religious and agnostic alike. A dynamic songwriter, producer and arranger, Fortune delivered a timely message that has clearly connected with a wide audience. 

Showing a special gift for pairing the right vocalist for the right songs, Fortune collected a set of notable guest artists on IDENTITY such as famed R&B songbird Monica and Fred Hammond on “Hold On,” a beautiful rhythmic flavored groove; Nikki Ross on the upbeat “Make A Sound,” and the phenomenal “With You,” featuring the dynamic vocal aerobics of Kim Burrell. Another gem, “It Could Be Worse,” which is one of the CD’s most powerful songs, features the talents of Leandria Johnson & Zacardi Cortez.

In 2005, Fortune & F.I.Y.A. set the world ablaze with their breakthrough debut album YOU SURVIVED and lead single, of the same name, which peaked at #2 on the R&B Gospel singles chart, and garnered him the ASCAP Writer’s Award for Gospel Song of the Year in 2006. He amassed worldwide recognition in 2009 with the award winning emotionally charged song “I Trust You” off of the sophomore release THE TRANSFORMATION.  “I Trust You” held the number one slot on the Gospel National Airplay chart for an astounding 30 weeks, making history by becoming the longest running #1 single for any genre.

Fortune continued amassing accolades with subsequent success with the soaring single “I Believe,” which garnered him his second ASCAP Writer’s Award and a Soul Train nomination for “Best Gospel Performance” in 2011. Fortune has also received an impressive three Stellar Award nominations for “Contemporary CD of the Year,” “Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Group/Duo of the Year.”