Tuesday night, the City of Houston came out to celebrate Dr. Earnest Pugh for a historical chart achievement. Pugh recently scored his seventh career No. 1 radio single on the Billboard Gospel Airplay and Mediabase charts with his hit radio single, “Your Glory 2 C U.” While monumental on its own, this unprecedented milestone in gospel radio history cements his enduring legacy, officially tying him with legendary gospel mainstay Tamela Mann as the only two gospel artists in history to achieve three No. 1 singles on the Billboard and Mediabase charts in the same year (2026).
“I am incredibly humbled and grateful to God for this moment,” Pugh said. “Seven is the number of completion, and to reach this milestone and make gospel radio history after two decades in music is a testament to God’s faithfulness. I want to thank every program director, on-air personality, radio station, radio promoter and listener who has supported this record. We went into the live recording in San Antonio sensing something special, and now to see it come full circle is a true blessing.”
A Memphis native who has called Houston home for 14 years, Pugh continues to make significant contributions to the city’s rich culture and musical landscape and on gospel stages worldwide. City and state officials were on hand to formally recognize his achievements with a proclamation and resolution. City Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, District D, on behalf of Mayor John Whitmire, proclaimed September 29, 2026, as Dr. Earnest Pugh Day in the COH. Mary Fontenot, District Director for State Representative Harold V. Dutton, Jr. District 142 also commended Pugh for earning his place in the pantheon of gospel artists and for contributions to the Texas music industry.
The event took place at Wesley AME Church led by John F. White II, Senior Pastor. Syndicated radio personality Larry W. Robinson and KTSU 90.9 FM on-air personality Amber Shaw shared hosting duties. While the event’s theme centered around celebration, praise, and music it was important to Pugh to not merely focus the celebration on himself. But also share the spotlight with the people he calls his “winning circle” and “village.”
Musical guests included Lady Kimberly Jackson, Zai Lamb, Tiffany Andrews, Compassion Anderson, and Joel Jackson. Fallbrook Church Minister of Music, George Powell, also made a special appearance. A lineup Pugh calls Houston’s rising stars.
“Your Glory 2 C U“ is Pugh’s 17th career radio single, showcasing the worship-centered sound that has become a defining part of his artistry. With its stirring worship atmosphere, it has been touted as Pugh’s “Rain On Us” 2.0, echoing the breakthrough 2009 anthem that helped establish him as one of gospel music’s premier worship balladeers.
Pugh’s extraordinary career is defined by passionate worship, compelling songwriting and his signature ability to connect listeners through music that speaks directly to the heart. This historic seventh No. 1 builds upon an already explosive time in his career. He was celebrated earlier this year with honors at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. Hot on the heels of his first Stellar Gospel Music Award win in 2025 for Traditional Male Artist of the Year. Pugh earned an 11th Stellar Gospel Music Award nomination.
He released his second book, A Song for Every Season: Guidance, Inspiration, and Hope for Life Challenges, celebrated 20 years since the release of his first live recording, and last month released a brand new single, “Gotta Have.” He will also celebrate a milestone 60th birthday next month. Entering into his jubilee era, he is excited about this next chapter and career trajectory with no immediate signs of slowing down.