Gospel Crooner Earnest Pugh understands Jesus is the Reason for the Season.  His new CD, Christmas With Earnest Pugh & Friends, has given believers even more to celebrate during the holidays.  Drawing upon the talents of fellow artists and friends such as Lisa Knowles, Chrystal Rucker, Nikki Ross, Keith Williams, Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, Martha Buries and Charles Butler & Trinity, the brand new EPM Music project includes stunning arrangements of classics like "Do You Hear What I Hear?", "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night".  Fans of the artist have enjoyed the CD so much that they helped to catapult the new release to #2 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart; it still remains in the Top Five.

In addition to hosting a number of listening parties for Christmas With Earnest Pugh & Friends, Pugh's Christmas Tour hit the road stopping in 14 cities including Dallas, TX; Columbia, SC; New Orleans, LA; Tampa, FL and Philadelphia, PA.  Also, the Christmas With Earnest Pugh & Friends Tour made a stop at the Yolanda Adams Morning Show, participating in their Toy Drive in Largo, MD.  Largely due to the success of the new holiday release, Earnest was tapped for the "Christmas With The Condreys" Tour, presented by syndicated radio personality Cory "Coco Brother" Condrey.

Christmas has always been a special time of year for Earnest.  As one of twelve children, Pugh's home was filled with the laughter of children and excitement of the season.  The memory is also a tad bittersweet for the singer.  "This CD is near and dear to my heart because it was one of the final requests that my mother made just prior to passing away on New Year's Eve 2006 - that I make a Christmas CD," says the psalmist.  "I know she is looking down from heaven with a huge smile on her face."

The lead single from Christmas With Earnest Pugh & Friends, "Ring Dem Bells", is impacting radio now and features Earnest Pugh in a smooth and soft jazzy presentation.  The sweet arrangement showcases the exquisite background vocals of Charles Butler & Trinity.  It's one of the many fine cuts on the first holiday project from one of Gospel's supreme vocalists.

Billboard recognized the singer on their 2012 year-end charts.  Earnest Pugh was named the #9 Gospel Artist of the Year according to the Billboard Top Gospel Songs Artists Chart.  His mega-hit, "I Need Your Glory", came in at #12 on the Billboard Top Gospel Songs Chart for 2012.

During this Christmas season, Earnest Pugh is continuing to hit the road.  Catch him in your area during the holidays:

Fri., December 21, 2012 - 7:00pm

Beacon Light of Houma

4325 West Park Avenue

Gray, LA

Sat., December 22, 2012 - 7:00PM

Miss En Place

442 West Kennedy Blvd.

Tampa, FL

Sun., December 23, 2012 - 8:00AM

Silverlake Church

1865 Cullen Parkway Blvd.

Houston, Texas

Sun., December 23, 2012 - 7:00pm

City of Praise @ Roosevelt HS

7601 Hanover Pkwy.

Greenbelt, MD

Sun., December 30, 2012 - 7:00PM

New Year Celebration

First Christian Community Church

1800 Hall-Brown Rd.

Annapolis, MD

Mon., December 31, 2012 - 7:00PM & 10:00PM

New Year's Eve Services

The Fountain of New Life/The Immanuel Temple

4601 NW 167th St.

Miami Gardens, FL