Earnest Pugh Set To Release New Single“Gotta Have” September 11. Pre-save and Pre-order Available Now! ||
4 min read
Earnest Pugh received the BMI Trailblazer Award at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards in July. He is also nominated for a 2026 Stellar Award for Traditional Artist Of The Year. On September 11, the Emmy Award-winning gospel artist will release his new single, "Gotta Have," across all digital music outlets. Pre-orders and pre-saves are available now through Blacksmoke Music Worldwide.
The BMI Trailblazer honor follows the success of "Don't Give Up," Pugh's fifth No. 1 Billboard single. He previously received a BMI Award in 2013 for "I Need Your Glory," co-written with James Fortune. That song held the No. 1 spot on Billboard for thirteen weeks. Pugh also won a Stellar Award in 2025 and has received multiple Dove Award nominations across a career spanning more than two decades.
"Gotta Have" marks a shift in Pugh's approach. His signature sound leans on powerful worship ballads and dramatic key changes. This single does not. It leans on participation, with Pugh encouraging audiences to join the worship experience rather than watch it.
"This single is a bit different for me," Pugh said. "I'm known for big worship ballads or a song that changes keys seven or eight times. But this song was kind of something that was started by the people."
Pugh described the song as a response to what he believes God is telling him to put out. He wants to stimulate what he calls corporate worship.
"And what I've learned is that you have just to put out the message that you think God is telling you to put out and stimulate what's called corporate worship," he said. "Let your audience sing along with you and incorporate their participation more so than just having them spectate. Because I found out that when people do their part, they fill a part of the moment."
The single pairs that spirit of collective worship with an urban-inspired production flair. Pugh continues to use his voice, songwriting, and ministry to deliver music meant to be experienced, not just heard.
Pugh's recent awards add to a long list of career milestones. His 2025 Stellar Award win came after years of consistent releases and radio success. The BMI Trailblazer Award places him among gospel artists recognized for their broader influence on the genre. His 2013 BMI Award for "I Need Your Glory" remains one of his most commercially successful moments, with the song's thirteen-week run at No. 1 standing as a benchmark in gospel radio.
The new single arrives during a busy stretch for Pugh. The 2026 Stellar Awards nomination for Traditional Artist Of The Year keeps him in contention for one of gospel music's top honors. The BMI Trailblazer Award, given just months before the single's release, adds momentum to the rollout.
Blacksmoke Music Worldwide is handling the release. The label has distributed the single for pre-order and pre-save ahead of the September 11 drop. Fans who pre-save the track will have it added to their libraries automatically when it goes live.
Pugh's decision to change his sound with "Gotta Have" reflects a deliberate move away from the formula that built his reputation. The worship ballads and key changes that defined his earlier work are not abandoned, but they are not the focus here. The song is built around congregation-style singing, with space for listeners to take part.
The single's urban production influence also separates it from Pugh's previous releases. The blend of contemporary gospel and urban elements gives "Gotta Have" a different texture while keeping the worship theme central.
Pugh has not announced a full project attached to the single. The focus remains on "Gotta Have" and its September 11 release date. Pre-orders are live now.
According to Gospel Centric.
