In its 29th week on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart (dated Aug. 12), Jovonta Patton’s first entry, “Always,” ascends to No. 1. In the tracking week ending Aug. 3, the single increased by 18% in plays, according to Luminate.
Patton, who is based in Minneapolis, solo-authored “Always.”
“As an independent artist, the internet has been a blessing to me in the music industry,” says Patton, referencing his reach on TikTok. “‘Always’ is a personal monumental milestone for me. The pandemic put the world in a state of the unknown. So, instead of using fear, I decided to use prayer. I wrote this song to trust God to heal and provide for me, and the song’s impact has overwhelmed me, how it has connected through radio.”
Previously, Patton notched two No. 1s on the Gospel Digital Song Sales chart, both of which debuted at the summit. “Way Maker” ruled in February 2018 and “Worth It,” with his daughters Ella and Zoe, led in October 2020. He also boasts two No. 1s on Top Gospel Albums: Finally Living (2016) and EP Sanctuary (2019).
Meanwhile, “Always” marks an act’s third initial entry to top Gospel Airplay in 2023. In July, Otis Kemp’s “Daily Bread” reigned for two frames, after Marcus Jordan’s “Call on the Name” led for a week in February.
Quaid’s New Act
Actor Dennis Quaid, who played a quarterback in director Oliver Stone’s 1999 hit film Any Given Sunday, then a pitcher in the 2002 baseball drama The Rookie among many other popular roles, makes his opening pitch on Top Christian Albums.
Released July 28, Quaid’s Christian and country LP Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners arrives at No. 15 with 2,000 equivalent album units earned in its first week.
The 12-song set was co-produced by Quaid, who wrote five of the songs solo. It’s not his first foray into music, as he has been performing, writing and recording for many years.
The Houston native, 69 (and younger brother of fellow actor Randy Quaid), also debuts on the Emerging Artists chart at No. 29.
