The 14th Annual McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour Returns with 20 Chart-Topping Artists for What Will Be the Biggest Concert Series in Its History

CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's USA, through its Black & Positively Golden movement, is excited to announce the virtual return of its 14^th annual Inspiration Celebration® Gospel Tour. Benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), the four-part concert series, themed "Gospel City Playlists," will begin September 27 and run weekly (every Sunday) through October 18 on BET.com and BET Network's YouTube channel at 8 p.m. EST / 7 p.m. CST.

This year's theme will come to life through the virtual showcase of the rich gospel legacies of Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Detroit, reviving the decades-long debate about which major U.S. city produces the greatest gospel music. Legendary and award-winning gospel music artists Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, Kierra Sheard, Smokie Norful, William Murphy, and many others, will sing fan favorites, while encouraging viewers to engage in friendly online banter about which city has the greatest gospel hits and artists. 

"I'm excited to join this diverse lineup of talented artists who, like me, are proud to carry on the longstanding traditions of gospel music," said Kirk Franklin, an award-winning gospel music icon, choir director, singer, songwriter and author. "McDonald's is doing amazing work by hosting this top-notch tour for the community through its Black & Positively Golden movement. My fellow artists and I are hoping fans everywhere will be inspired to continue pressing forward during these trying times and be encouraged to give back to families in need through Ronald McDonald House Charities."

Franklin will be part of the tour for the third time, while renowned singer, songwriter and producer Donald Lawrence will return as tour co-producer and music supervisor. Multiple-award winning artist and syndicated radio host Lonnie Hunter will resume hosting duties.

The full 2020 artist lineup is as follows:

• Anita Wilson
• Byron Cage
• Canton Jones
• Donald Lawrence & Company
• Fred Hammond
• Jekalyn Carr
• Jonathan McReynolds
• Karen Clark Sheard
• Kierra Sheard
• Kirk Franklin
• Le'Andria Johnson
• Marvin Sapp
• Myron Butler
• Ricky Dillard
• Smokie Norful
• Tasha Page-Lockhart
• The Clark Sisters
• Todd Dulaney
• VaShawn Mitchell
• William Murphy

"Every year, our Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is one of the most highly-anticipated community events. Recognizing its importance and rich legacy, we are excited to bring the tour to life virtually, which is also allowing us to offer it to a larger audience at a time when these inspiring messages are needed most," said McDonald's Owner/Operator Harry Smith. "As we continue navigating these difficult times, we look forward to bringing people together from across the country through this safe and uplifting virtual concert series."

In addition to delivering inspiring music to fans nationwide, the concert series will continue to raise funds to support families served by RMHC Chapters in each of the four cities. People are encouraged to visit http://www.rmhc.org/ICGT2020 now through October 18 to donate to the Charity's local Chapters.

Another first, the tour will feature a virtual pre-show red carpet lounge hosted by social media comedian, Not Karlton Banks. Fans are invited to view the virtual red carpet lounge via Karlton's Instagram Live approximately 20 minutes prior to each concert to hear from their favorite performers.

This signature concert series will represent gospel music playlists from each highlighted city on the following days:

• September 27 ? Chicago, IL
• October 4 ? Detroit, MI
• October 11 ? Atlanta, GA
• October 18 ? Dallas, TX

McDonald's Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the company's Black & Positively Golden campaign, an initiative designed to uplift communities and inspire excellence. Visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com to learn more. Follow @WeAreGolden on Instagram for tour updates and join the conversation using #blackandpositivelygolden.

About Black & Positively Golden
Launched in 2019, McDonald's Black & Positively Golden movement is designed to uplift communities and shine a brilliant light on Black excellence through empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. It highlights all things positive and focuses on stories of truth, power and pride. The campaign movement is a natural extension of the brand's longstanding commitment to the African American consumer.

About McDonald's USA
McDonald's serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the Black & Positively Golden initiative, visit www.mcdonalds.com.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC®), is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation that creates, finds, and supports programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. Through a global network of over 260 Chapters in 65 countries and regions, RMHC enables, facilitates and supports family-centered care through three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House®, the Ronald McDonald Family Room® and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile®. RMHC programs help families with ill or injured children stay together and near leading hospitals and health care services worldwide, ensuring they have access to the medical care their child needs while fully supported and actively involved in their child's care. For more information, visit rmhc.org.

Trademarks and/or registered trademarks used herein are owned by their respective companies and organizations.

© 2020 McDonald's

SOURCE McDonald's USA