» Chron: Running with the Praise Man (Andrew Guy, Jr.)

Interesting story about one of the newer gospel stations in town. The story focuses on the promotional efforts of Robert 'Praise Man' Washington. But they have a nice nod towards Lakewood's own Israel Houghton toward the end ...

On this day Jones also is interviewing Israel Houghton, a contemporary Christian music artist who also serves as worship leader at Lakewood Church. Houghton is the founder of New Breed Music, a group that emphasizes religious diversity and cross-denominational worship. Houghton has just released a new CD, and Jones plays a few samples for listeners. Track 2 gets Jones humming, tapping his feet and nodding his head.

"Man, that sounds like some Earth Wind & Fire, Israel," he says, referring to the legendary R&B group. "You took me way back."

Jones has a straightforward approach to his show: He does not preach. He does not sermonize. He does not lecture. And he sure as heck does not judge. What he does is praise. It's a simple concept. He plays inspirational music and occasionally tells an uplifting personal story. That's it.

"I try and be an inspiration to my listeners," Jones says one recent morning. "If someone wants to call in with a testimony about something they've been through, they're welcome to do that."