Discover the secrets to success with Up Close and In Focus, a weekly podcast hosted by Kerry Douglas, a Billboard #1 Gospel CEO, Grammy Award-nominated producer of the 3-year #1 Gospel music label, and acclaimed music and film producer. Each episode features candid conversations with trailblazers from the music, film, and animation industries, revealing the stories and strategies behind their triumphs. Through these inspiring interviews, Kerry uncovers the mindset shifts and life-changing decisions that propelled his guests to follow their dreams and achieve greatness. Empower yourself to transform your own mindset and pursue your passions, no matter where they lead you, drawing valuable lessons from the journey of these industry icons.
Hip Hop Boobly: The Educational Revolution Your Kids Need
Marzetta Douglas discusses her 3D animated series, Hip Hop Boobly, which uses music to teach children various subjects, while co-host Christin Oliver shares how it helps her autistic son, in this interview.
24 Jul 2025
Gospel Trivia, Hot Wings & 5x Number One Artist
Gospel artist Earnest Pugh discusses his career, including the stories behind his hit songs and the influence of his great-grandmother's prophecy, while answering trivia and eating hot wings in an interview with Cedric Ballard.
19 Jul 2025
Hot Wings, Gospel Trivia, and the Evolution of Gospel Music
Gospel artist Jokia and host Cedric Ballard sample hot wings while discussing Jokia's music career, the evolution of gospel music platforms, and her focus on ministry impact in this interview.
10 Jul 2025
A Gospel Moment So Powerful, It’ll Touch Your Soul
Host Kerry Douglas presents Earnest Pugh, Cedric Ballard, Kisha Brandy, and Meta Washington in a gospel music celebration featuring powerful renditions and heartfelt reflections, concluding with a prayer for vision and unity in this interview episode.
3 Jul 2025
Second Chances, Prison Ministry Through Music, and New Beginnings at 40 with Mia Stokes
Singer-songwriter Mia Stokes discusses her personal transformation through prison ministry and music, revealing how incarceration led to rediscovering her musical gifts and embracing new beginnings at 40 in this interview.
19 Jun 2025
Faith, Music, and a Sparkly Saxophone, Theresa Grayson
Saxophonist Theresa Grayson discusses her musical journey from magnet schools to gospel music, shares performances, and announces her second album in an interview with Kerry Douglas.
6 Jun 2025
From Addiction to Anointing: A Journey of Redemption with Wess Morgan
Gospel artist Wess Morgan discusses his past struggles with addiction and how he turned to faith and music to find redemption and purpose in an interview with Kerry Douglas.
22 May 2025
Full Circle: How a Saxophone Lesson Became a 30-Year Reunion with Horace Alexander Young
Kerry Douglas opens his door expecting a saxophone teacher for his 12-year-old daughter - instead, he finds Horace Alexander Young, the same musician who played on his breakthrough gospel hit "I Believe" three decades ago. What starts as a coincidental reunion becomes something deeper as the 70-year-old saxophonist reflects on a lifetime in music, from surviving a devastating car crash that nearly ended everything to teaching the next generation that "some people practice a lot to get it right, others practice so they can't get it wrong." The episode captures lightning in a bottle as Horace plays both the original "I Believe" and improvises on the newly reimagined version, proving that true artistry never fades. Between stories of Luther Vandross, career wisdom for aspiring musicians, and the emotional weight of music that travels through generations, this spontaneous conversation reveals how the universe sometimes aligns to bring artists back together exactly when they need each other most. Kerry and Horace discover that their musical DNA runs deeper than memory - it's written in the very soul of the songs they created together.
Connect with Horace Alexander Young:
Email: HoraceAlexanderYoung@gmail.com
15 May 2025
Cedric Ballard on Music Ministry, The Heal Movement, and Industry Perseverance
In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, host Kerry Douglas reunites with gospel artist Cedric Ballard, revealing their 25+ year journey from selling CDs out of car trunks to national success. Ballard shares the inspiration behind his hit single "Blessing Me," written during his lowest moment when God challenged him to find gratitude despite circumstances. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Ballard details The Heal Movement, a non-profit he founded with his wife that serves Houston's homeless population with home-cooked meals, toiletries, and genuine human connection. Douglas and Ballard reflect on their shared history in the music industry, including Ballard's early days with the group Damascus and how their paths diverged before reconnecting years later. This genuine conversation between old friends offers listeners an authentic look at music industry relationships, faith through challenges, and the truth behind Ballard's motto that "the race isn't given to the swift but to those who endure."
Connect with Cedric Ballard:
Website: www.cedricballard.com
Instagram: @cedricballard
The Heal Movement: www.healusnow.org
8 May 2025
The Chosen Voice: Zacardi Cortez's Unstoppable Gospel Journey
In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas chats with Zacardi Cortez about his rise from Houston's Acres Homes to becoming a gospel music force with nine Billboard #1 singles. Cortez shares stories about growing up with five siblings in a small apartment and how his musical talent became his sole source of income, allowing him to support his family without ever working a conventional job. The conversation highlights his hit "Lord Do It For Me" which emerged during his time in Louisiana jail, plus details about his new album "Ibhar" featuring collaborations with Jekalyn Carr, Crystal Rucker, and the Nelson twins. Douglas and Cortez discuss how younger vocalists, including American Idol contestants, have adopted his distinctive vocal style. The interview wraps up with news about Cortez's Hip Hop Boobly children's music project, which will create youth choirs nationwide while featuring an animated character based on the singer himself.
Connect with Zacardi Cortez:
Facebook: @zacardicortez
Instagram: @cardikeev_
YouTube: @cardikee
For booking:
(914)297-8CCA
Zacardi@creativeclassic.com
17 Apr 2025
Lasha' Knox on Faith, Family & Finding Her Moment
Gospel recording artist Lasha' Knox joins Kerry Douglas on Up Close and In Focus to discuss her musical journey alongside industry giants James Fortune and Ernest Pugh. Lasha' shares stories behind her "God of Miracles" EP and the unexpected global impact of her remake of "Surrounded." The conversation takes an authentic turn as she opens up about balancing her music career while being a caretaker for her husband's health challenges. Lasha' explains her unique perspective on divine timing and why she believes her season of waiting has purpose. She discusses her family's rich musical heritage tracing back to gospel pioneer Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and reveals the emotional process of transitioning between ministries while maintaining important relationships. This episode offers listeners insight into the gospel music industry and shows how faith sustains artists through personal and professional challenges.
11 Apr 2025
The Glory Returns: Earnest Pugh on Music, Mentorship, and Unexpected Comebacks
A single American Idol performance launched Earnest Pugh’s 14-year-old hit "I Need Your Glory" to #1 on iTunes overnight! In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas reconnects with gospel star Earnest Pugh as they celebrate his hit going viral again after an American Idol contestant performed it on national television last week. The pair reflect on their 25-year relationship in the music industry and discuss the advantages of what Douglas calls "The New Deal" - independent record deals that give artists more control in today's digital landscape. Pugh shares the story of first meeting Douglas and how that chance encounter transformed his career from church worship leader to chart-topping artist. They explore the concept of "artist scores" and how collaborations can bridge generational gaps while announcing Pugh's upcoming EP "We Want to See You." This conversation offers listeners an inside look at music industry relationships, artist development, and the surprising ways songs can find new life years after their release.
21 Mar 2025
The Family Returns: 30 Years of Gospel Legacy
While their soul-soothing harmonies filled radio waves across America for three decades, The Family mysteriously stepped away from gospel's center stage - until now. In this episode of Up Close and In Focus, Kerry Douglas sits with the legendary group as they share the untold story behind their extended absence, even as their music shaped generations of gospel listeners. Around the table, Pastor Darrell Blair and Dalon Collins unveil life's harsh detours - from Collins battling a year without walking or singing to Blair balancing church leadership with his musical calling. The episode takes an unexpected turn when producer Ernest J. Lee shares how divine orchestration brought him full circle, from playing the organ at their early shows to now crafting their comeback single "Jesus Jesus" for the Love Mountain soundtrack. The conversation flows through themes of timing and tenacity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how one of gospel's most influential groups is stepping back into their purpose to complete what they started 30 years ago.
20 Jan 2025
Breaking Through: Journey of Music, Miracles, and Motherhood with Jokia
Step into an emotional episode of Up Close and In Focus as host Kerry Douglas sits down with Billboard-charting artist Jokia. She talks about her transformation in the Iraqi desert to dominating both gospel and R&B charts, Jokia's story is one of remarkable faith and determination. She courageously shares her 15-year fertility journey and the profound connection to her role in the “Love Mountain” film, culminating in an emotional pregnancy announcement that embodies the message of her inspirational hit "Rise." Discover how this Compton native is building a legacy through children's entertainment with Hip Hop Boobly while breaking genre barriers with her music. This episode is a reminder that through life's most challenging seasons, we can rise above it all - offering hope, healing, and a testament to the enduring power of love and perseverance.
13 Jan 2025
Beyond the Charts: Percy Bady on Music, Faith, and Resilience
Join host Kerry Douglas for an intimate conversation with legendary songwriter Percy Bady on Up Close and In Focus. Discover the stories behind chart-topping hits like I Believe I Can Fly and Percy's journey from industry newcomer to music icon. Percy shares his battle with prostate cancer and how it inspired new creations, offering a powerful testament to music's healing force. Get insider insights on the evolving music business and invaluable advice for aspiring artists. This episode is a masterclass in perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of meaningful lyrics that will inspire listeners to believe in the transformative potential of love and song.
6 Jan 2025
Climbing Higher with Earnest Pugh
Get ready for a soul-stirring journey with gospel music titan Ernest Pugh and industry icon Kerry Douglas. These longtime collaborators dive deep, serving up raw truths about their musical odyssey and the unbreakable bond that's weathered every storm. Pugh's impromptu performances will give you chills, while behind-the-scenes stories reveal the heart behind the hits. While honoring their history, Pugh and Douglas offer a glimpse into their next creative frontier “Love Mountain”- a project that promises to redefine expectations and inspire a new generation. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and the power of authentic connection. Tune in for laughs, tears, and a whole lot of soul.
Who has been a guest on Up Close and In Focus
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Marzetta Douglas
Earnest Pugh
Jokia
Kisha Brandy
Meta Washington
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
50,417,433
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
36
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
0
Contact Up Close and In Focus
Guest appearances
Books guests
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