It was an evening full of praise and worship for Dr. Earnest Pugh’s Billboard Celebration. Memphis native, Earnest Pugh, who recently moved to Houston, celebrated his eleventh Top 20 Billboard single, “I Need You to Breathe.” The event took place inside the Legacy Room at City Hall. With various hues of purple bouncing off the all white décor, the room took on an ambient glow producing a trendy, lounge vibe. It was the perfect essence for the majestic royal setting for the holy-filled talented slate of Gospel artists who performed for the evening.

Amber Shaw, of 1520 KYND and award winning gospel artist Lonnie Hunter hosted the night’s red carpet and made sure to set the tone of a successful evening and event. Gospel singer Pastor Kim Burrell and FOX 26 news anchor Jonathan Martin guided attendees through the evening’s program where a smile never left Pugh’s face. He beamed throughout the night and brought his daughter Kira along for support. Also enjoying the festivities was Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee who spoke about Houston and joined Mayor Sylvester Turner to present Pugh with a plaque proclaiming May 15, 2017, as Earnest Pugh Day in the City of Houston. Gospel singer Kathy Taylor gave a performance that brought the audience to their feet.

The energy continued to be elevated the introduction of the premiere of Pugh’s new video single by the guest of honor, himself. A hush fell over the room as everyone’s attention was focused on the large, overhead screen with a black backdrop featuring the single title “I Need You to Breathe.” The breath of attendees could almost be heard as the only audible sounds heard in the room were that of beeping heart monitors expressing the need of the God’s presence to sustain life to breathe. Tracings from an electrocardiogram began emerging on the screen next as a man was pushed on a stretcher down a hospital hallway. The video had a powerful opening for a song with an even bigger message. A vision of a grateful Pugh looking to the sky in an open field as if he was thanking the creator of life for breath itself closed the video. Following the video single debut, Pugh ended the night on a high note in a duet with singer Nikki Ross.

It was obvious that attendees were touched by Pugh’s new single and the events of the evening. Hands were raised, tears flowed and shouts for God could be heard from the voices of the audience. Some notable faces in the crowd besides that of Mayor Turner and Congresswoman Lee were Gospel artist James Fortune, former Houston Texan’s player Mister Alexander, and BET personality Miss Mykie.

Houston was the perfect setting for a night sure not to ever leave Pugh’s memory. Be blessed by his new single “I Need You to Breathe” and accompanying the album, ‘Fully Persuaded’ which will be available next month on June 2nd.