2004

The Quicks - June 2004

CHANGE is inevitable.

Seasons change. In the spring, trees and flowers begin to bloom, while turning many colors in the fall as the weather grows cooler. People change - hair turns gray or even turns LOOSE! Children grow up, and adults grow OUT!

Some things change for the better, some for the worse.

Our oldest daughter Rachel graduated from high school on May 22nd. She will be going to college in the fall. From her point of view, the change is wonderful! Her dad and I have a different perspective... our baby is growing up, changing everyday.

Our youngest daughter, Rebecca, turned fifteen on May 22nd and the phone has been ringing off the wall. Some young fellow keeps calling, along with a list of her other friends. Instead of climbing into the recliner with me to watch movies in the evening, she has a telephone receiver growing out of her ear!

The world is changing everyday. I remember when I was young - staying outside for hours with nothing but me and a green bicycle with a "flower power" banana seat to keep me entertained. I wouldn't think of letting the girls take off around the neighborhood like I did at their age.

There is one constant - one thing we can depend on in the midst of all of the changes! God does not change! "I am the Lord, I change not;" Malachi 3:6. We can always count on God! He still wants to save, heal, protect, provide... He wants the best for His children! He wants the Best for YOU!

I have the next three months with the girls at home for summer vacation - we have so much fun together! We especially enjoy our weekends traveling and singing! June holds some special events - We will be with The Wilburns in Lafayette, Tennessee on June 5 at the Lafayette Jr. High School. Tim's birthday is June 13th - Father's Day is the week after. We will be singing at some new churches this month and we can't wait!

To find out more about The Quicks, visit us on the web at http://www.thequicksonline.com

To contact The Quicks, Phone: 615-459-0701
Write: The Quicks / P.O. Box 581 / Smyrna, TN 37167
E-mail:

Southern Sound Qt - Jun 2004

I don't know about you, but we're getting primed and ready for the Southern Gospel News Convention coming up in a little over a month. Deon, Amy, Susan and Chris I am sure have many wonderful things in mind for all those who attend. I personally look forward to giving Deon a hard time. But he can dish it out pretty fair too.

We are busy rehearsing with Woody Beatty and Trevor Haley, our two new members who start on the road with us in early July. It is a difficult process to learn all the timing cues and harmony parts when your walking into over five years of continual refinement of those songs you sing, but these two men are doing just great. Trevor is learning the baritone parts, and we are learning a few new songs to sing with him. And of course Woody is working on the piano and getting ready to do the emcee work. I really believe that Southern Sound will be better than ever with these two men. Trevor's wife Maranda, is also doing some rehearsing of her own, as she is about to become our house sound engineer. This is a big job, and sometimes a thankless one to boot, but I am quite sure she is up for the task. Many groups mix the house sound from the stage, but I have never been quite comfortable with that approach. Maranda graciously agreed to give the position a try, and we are very pleased that she will be a part of what we do. Maranda is very musical and I am sure she will do just great.

Speaking of the wives, maybe this would be a good time to state our position on our spouses traveling with us. I know some male groups have strict rules against family members going along on the bus, but we are quite the opposite. We encourage the wives to go along when they can, and they are always welcome. Southern Sound is very much about family, and our families sacrifice a great deal so that we might be able to do what we believe God wants us to do. It is the least we can do to ask them to go along. In fact, we really want them to travel with us when they can. Isn't that what family is all about?

We are taking much of June off as this is our time of the year for vacations and family. So please don't think we are neglecting our duty by not being out on the road so much. We do have an obligation to spend time with family and friends once in a while. Also, I have been told the fish are biting, and its time for me to find out for sure.

Take care till we see each other again,

Be sure and check out our web site:

www.southernsoundquartet.com

Ben Harris

New Ground - June 2004

Hi Everyone,

It's gonna be a short and sweet column this month - we are getting ready to leave for twelve days - that's a long, long time for us!

It's been a very busy month and lots of great singings - as usual. This month found us in Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and the Bahamas!! I told you it was a long month. But we wouldn't have it any other way.

It was good to be with Gene & Ann Young of YoungSong Productions in Virginia, SouthernGospelNews.com's own Jeremy Keifer and the Kings Messengers in Hartselle and one of the best singings we have ever experienced in our ten years as New Ground - the Midway Baptist Church located near Athens, Alabama. We had church!!!

Again I want to thank each of you for your Top 5 nomination in the Horizon Group of the Year category of the Singing News Magazine. Again, all praise and honor goes to Him - we are just blessed to carry His message.

Make sure that you come and see us when you can!! Check out our web site at http://www.newgroundministries.com

Until He Comes,

Robbie Maxwell
New Ground
http://www.newgroundministries.com

The Gabbards

The Gabbards - Coming on Strong!

The Gabbards have united together to preach the gospel of Christ to the last day generation. The Gabbards are a fifth generation family of preachers and singers carrying on the great heritage of preaching the full gospel message of the new testament church. Rev. Roy Gabbard began this ministry in 1963 under the direction of the Holy Ghost. Rev. Gabbard and his wife Catherine were led of the Lord to begin a ministry allowing their children to be equipped to minister the gospel. Today their family of 12 children are working to bring victory and deliverance to people everywhere. Eight of their 12 children are ministers who are preaching and singing to uplift the name of Jesus.

The Gabbards operate two churches in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area as well as an evangelistic team which ministers in revivals, camp meetings, and concerts. The Gabbards have recorded several recordings with the Eddie Crook Co. of Nashville, Tennessee. Most of the recorded songs have been written by The Gabbards. These songs include "On Bended Knees," written by Rev. Roy Gabbard, which reached Number 30 nationwide in the Singing News Charts. Other Top-50 releases include "He Has the Keys," "His Coming is Nigh," and "The Word."

Their most recent recording for Eddie Crook's Cross and Crown label was entitled "Shoutin On," and showcased the exciting delivery of the gospel that The Gabbards have become known for. "I Believe I"ll Run On" has become a staple of every concert for the family and always evokes an exciting response from the fans! This charting single was backed up by two ballads that also did very well nationally. "He's A Man Of His Word" and "My God Will Always Come Through" both featured the strong vocal signature of the family.

The family has just completed another recording for Mr. Crook and the label. Hundred of songs were reviewed before entering the studio to begin work on their second album for Cross and Crown Music. The still untitled album contains a strong selection of material. "It's by far their best effort ever" stated label President Eddie Crook!

The Gabbards are comprised of Gary Gabbard who has been both a Pastor and Preacher for over 20 years. Gary shares his miraculous testimony of deliverance from the hand of death in a drowning accident. His amazing experience of losing then regaining life includes a powerful heavenly visit from the Lord. Cathy Gabbard Saunders has excelled in singing and preaching under a heavy anointing. Many have commented on Cathy's freedom to sing and worship the Lord. Her uncompromising love for the Lord is evidenced when she ministers with authority. Adrian Gabbard has been preaching and singing for several years. As a pastor and minister he has dealt with many issues of the Church. His singing is a powerful witness of the Holy Ghost. In revival, Adrian joins the Gabbard team preaching the message of faith in Jesus Christ. Gary, Cathy, and Adrian are three of Rev. and Mrs. Gabbard's children. Holly Young, daughter of Gary Gabbard, is the beginning of the fifth generation of Gabbards. Through her anointed singing she is carrying on the tradition of a powerful representation of the gospel. Rounding out The Gabbards is Rob Gabbard. Rob is Gary's son, and along with his sister Holly, represents the future for the family ministry. Rob plays piano for the group, runs the sound and is an excellent bus driver as well.

The Gabbards are available for revivals, camp meetings, concerts, or any event that offers the opportunity to win souls for Christ through song and spoken word. They believe that the Church is in the Final Conflict with the enemy and the Rapture of the Church will be in our generation. Therefore, they feel a great urgency to help people be free to worship God in spirit and in truth.


[url=http://www.thegabbards.org]http://www.thegabbards.org[/url]
[url=http://www.eddiecrookco.com]http://www.eddiecrookco.com[/url]

The Browns - May 2004

The Browns are an energetic family sharing Southern Gospel music, from the heart...family style!

The Browns consist of family members Keith, Shelly and their 4 children; Jessica, Michaela, Adam, and Andrew. They love to share good old favorites as well as new originally written songs about the Savior with that famous family blend. Audiences and church congregations warm to their songs, sharing, and humor. Favorites among those who have heard them are, "Ride That Glory Train" featuring Michaela and Adam on the fiddle, and Andrew sharing his antics from stage on songs like, "Satisfied" and "I Am A Promise".

The group has currently been in the studio in Morristown, TN with Producer Roger Talley working on their 7th CD project entitled, "One Way". The family has written 6 of the 11 songs on the albumn. The title cut "One Way" will be the first release on Family Music Groups May compilation. They also will release the song "Handful Of Weeds" for Mother's Day.

The month of May will begin for the group in sunny Bradenton, FL, where they will share with the good folks at the Happy Gospel Center. From there they will head for the Twin Cities Quartet Convention. The girls love this sing because it is a mile from the Mall of America. The middle of the month the group will be taping a live video in Brason, MO at the Americana Theater. The video will contain all of their new material from the "One Way" CD. They invite you to attend the taping. Ticket information is available by contacting the theater. The end of the month will find The Browns singing for Promoter, Mr. Ed, at the Midlands Gospel Sing in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The Browns have experienced God's blessing on their ministry and look forward to a summer filled with sharing the "Good News" through Southern Gospel!

To learn more about The Browns:
web site: [url=http://www.brownfamilysings]http://www.brownfamilysings[/url]
email:
office address: 112 Central Ave, Le Mars, IA 51031
call toll free: 1.888.202.2712

Master’s Voice - May 2004

Mike sang his last time with Master's Voice on the 28th of April. For those who don't know, Mike has accepted the calling God has for him to preach. How fitting it was that the last time he sang with us, he also preached. Let me tell you, it is even more obvious now that he is right in the center of God's will. The guy can preach. It just makes it easier to swallow knowing that God is in control of all the changes in the group. For those who cannot relate to what a blow this is to the group -- this is a ministry team of best friends who were put together nine years ago. We grew up together and have seen God do amazing things inspite of how ordinary we are. Since this wasn't such an abrupt departure for Mike, some of the sadness has subsided; however, those are some awfully big shoes to fill. He not only sang bass, but he ran the sound from stage, so be in prayer for us as we adjust to that as well. There are so many buttons and knobs that I have been reminded I'm still not allowed to touch! Ha! More than anything, we are eager to hear the trio sound and to just get on with everything. Mike, you will never not be missed....we love ya man!

This month, we also had the privilege of singing, again, with The Halls and HisSong. (Gary, we are still praying for you!) These groups are great, and we would love to share the stage with them anytime. It is such a cool thing to meet other ministers and establish a friendship with them. Sometimes, it is easier for other groups to encourage us in ways other people cannot because they can relate to the sacrifices involved in this particular calling. Not that I am complaining. Oh no! It is hard over the computer to be able to recognize tone of voice and inflection, so let me reiterate: we love what we do! It is a passion, and it is obvious that unless you are called to do this, you wont do this...for very long. The other night at the Hall's Homecoming, I was fabulously overwhelmed by something a sweet lady said to me. We were tearing down the equipment and this older lady came up to me. She hugged my neck for a long time, and she told me she loved me and that her soul had been encouraged. Later, her granddaughter told me that she had not been like that in quite some time....about that time, I looked for Mark and John to tell them about this sweet saint, and I saw them huddled over a gentleman praying for him. It reminded me of just how much of an impact, and, inevitably, an influence that groups have on people. I was also reminded that God will present us with opportunities to minister in ways that we did not expect, so it is important that we are walking rightly so we can discern those instances. I think that it would be easy to get in the rut of "the platform is where we minister." Loving people is where "it" is at. A minister's approachability is so paramount. I am so thrilled that God is instilling that very important concept in my brain. Ministering is not just something you do, it is who you are. I am so blessed to be partnered with men who know this and who teach me things every single time I am with them.

Southern Sound Qt - May 2004

I have so much to tell you this month, and so little time to do so, with very limited space to accomplish the task. So where do we begin? With Deon Unthank I suppose, will sorta anyway.

Recently our baritone Keith came to the group and told us he felt the leading to return to pastoring. Keith is a fine minister and I suppose all of us knew the day would come when both a church and the Lord would call him into another work. We are sad because of his retirement from Southern Sound, but very happy for Keith. You see, he, much like all of us, will be far happier doing what God wants of him, rather than what Keith may want for himself, or what Southern Sound may wish for him. We wish Keith and Cindy well as they begin their new ministry. Of course, Keith,s retirement from Southern Sound left some mighty big shoes to fill. Keith is a fine baritone and musician. He has great ears for hearing complicated parts, and he writes wonderful Southern Gospel songs that always seem to fit us to the "T". It would be a daunting task.

But, getting back to Deon! I sent an email to Deon asking him if he knew a good baritone that we might ask to join our group. He gave me only one name, that of Trevor Haley from Nashville. Deon's comment was, "He can carry the mail." We really trust Deon's opinion and thus, I called Trevor to see if he was interested. In the interim (good southern gospel term don't you think?) we ran ads on a few of the southern gospel web sites in hopes of attracting a good baritone. A man who loved the Lord, sings great, hears parts like crazy, and is a non-smoker, born again believer. Whew! Tall order! We found the guy! Thank you Deon. You're a real pal!

We listened to countless CD's from baritones all across the nation. Some were great, and others might be great some day? When all was said and done we narrowed our search down to just a few men. Trevor was among those, and became our favorite right away. When the group met with Trevor and his adorable wife Maranda, we simply fell in love with this talented, Christian couple. He was offered the position the first night we met him as a group. So to all you guys out there who sent us tapes and Cd's to review, we're sorry. You are probably a great baritone and would have fit us well, but something was leading, no pulling us to this young man. Thank you for thinking of us, and we wish you well.

We still have that new piano player joining us in early June. Some of you think you know who he is. Others wanna take a guess? Free dinner for two at Krystal for anyone who can come up with the correct name. Big prize huh? Right now we're still keeping it under wraps for just a while longer. Now, last but not least, we have our annual homecoming at Fohs Hall in Marion, KY on September 25th at 6:30pm. Our featured guests this year are non other than Sunday Edition. We look forward to being in concert with Amy, Chris and Deon. You folks should plan on attending this event, for it will be a lot of fun. Full of pranks, laughter, sharing, and a lot of good Southern Gospel singing!


Be sure and check out our web site:

[url=http://www.southernsoundquartet.com]http://www.southernsoundquartet.com[/url]

Yours in Christ,

Ben Harris
Southern Sound Quartet
6340 Spera Pointe Crossing
Nashville, TN 37076
615-883-7375