Can I be honest for a moment? I sometimes get tired of seeing the same faces over and over again. I get tired of the gushing that some people receive, just because their name represents something that people have grown to love. You know what I really get tired of? The fact that so many of our up and coming individuals in Southern Gospel aren't getting the praise they deserve. So many are out forging the road ahead without a simple “thank you” from those they are traveling with.
This is our gift to you. This is our gift to those that we feel are unnoticed, underappreciated, and just plain ignored most of the time. We've all heard the names Kim Hopper, Jason Crabb, and Lauren Talley: amazing talents that deserve their mention time and time again. Heck, we've even seen the likes of Kanah Dunaway, Joseph Habedank, and Christian Davis start to receive the acclaim that is due them. However, SoGospelNews.com would like to honor 10 individuals (well 11 really) who are truly making their mark today, without the help of huge group names or industry accolades. Rather, these individuals are making their mark because of their sheer, raw talent.
Below is a list of those who some of the staff at SoGospelNews feels is the future of Southern Gospel. They are what the industry is moving towards.
10. 
Brian Elliot – Elliot joined the Anchormen not long ago as their pianist. Not only is Elliott a major force to be reckoned with on the piano, but is also traveling around the country at the meager age of 17. Brian puts on an amazing show with his energetic playing. Did I mention that he's studied under Anthony Burger? Yeah, that should mean something .
9. 
Matt McFarland – McFarland recently joined the up and coming group CrossWay last summer, taking the place of long-time member Casey Cappleman. McFarland not only filled the big shoes of the favorite tenor, but also placed CrossWay on the map with their latest release, This I Know . He single handedly gave something to the group they were missing: an instantly recognizable voice. More will be heard from this phenomenal tenor in the years to come.
8. 
Amber Franks – LordSong wouldn't be what they were without the uber-talented vocalist Amber Franks. Amber joined not long after the group started, and she instantly became the glue that held the group together. Her subtle soprano blends almost as natural as a sister would with Kim Lord, and she can change texture to her voice in an instant, filling in the alto when Kim takes the high lead. Overall, Amber has one of the voices that every group needs: one that holds a group together.
7. 
Jeremy Brown – Brown is an amazing guitar player. If you've never seen the Jody Brown Indian Family perform, you are missing out on a truly amazing experience. The entire band flows well in and out of their mix of bluegrass, country, and folk music. However, it is Jeremy's picking and acoustic playing skills that truly draws the listener in. It's amazing you haven't heard from him more, because he is truly one of Southern Gospel's finest guitar players.
6. 
Ian Owens – Owens really started to make a name for himself while singing with Branson favorite's Cumberland Quartet . However, Owens shocked the industry when he went with the back-on-the-rise Imperials . The other “imps” casually make fun of the fact that such a big bass voice can come out of such a small body. However, once you hear the kind of voice that does come out of Ian, one can only tell that he is possibly the finest bass singer in the industry today.
5. 
Justin Ellis – Ever heard of a little group called the Perrys? Sure you have. Now have you ever seen Justin Ellis take charge of a program by playing songs on short notice that the group doesn't do on a regular basis? This guy is amazing. He picks up where Tracy Stuffle is heading and doesn't look back. He's got an amazing ear for beautiful melodies and is chock full of talent. It's sad that the industry only recognizes a handful of pianists. While they are great, one can't be but a tad disappointed that so many fine players, especially Ellis, are sadly overlooked.
4. 
Randy “Scoot” Shelnut, Jr . – The Dixie Echoes wouldn't be what they are right now without the smooth baritone of Scoot Shelnut. His blend is amazing and rivals that of any top baritone today. Need an example? How about listening to him perform “The Lighthouse” without any kind of notice. But this isn't only about his vocal ability. Shelnut is also a very strong bass player, as well as a pianist and songwriter. It's amazing that the industry doesn't look to him more.
3. 
Mitchel John Kanitzer – When I first heard Three Bridges perform in concert, my first reaction was “WOW!” However, upon deeper listens, I was drawn into the subtle intricacies that Kanitzer displays in his vocal ability. He has a sound that is a cross between Motown and today's country. He can sing a ballad with the rest of them, but nobody quite delivers a song like this guy. There are a thousand good singers today, but very few captivate the listener as easily as Mitchel John Kanitzer.
2. 
Eddie & Jessica Harrison – I couldn't rank one without including the other. Eddie and Jessica contain a rare gift in today's Southern Gospel. They utilize the sounds of today's pop music into their vocal delivery without forsaking the tradition of Southern Gospel. This was a tradition that the likes of Joyce Martin and Michael English have been able to do for years. Eddie & Jessica travel every weekend as 2/3 of Hope's Call , ministering not only in churches, but in youth camps around the country. They've got a heart for ministry and a talent that extends way beyond their years.
1. 
Stephanie Brown – Words can not express all the talent that is bundled up in this 17 year old girl. Brown has been singing with her family, Jody Brown Indian Family , for many years, yet just recently came into her own as a vocalist, as well as an established songwriter (penning most of the group's biggest hits). Her vocal delivery is a little bit of country, a whole lot of bluegrass, and enough modern flavor to keep things interesting. Stephanie Brown will not only go down as one of Southern Gospel's finest alto voices, but one of the industry's most talented songwriters.
Perhaps you're saying to yourself, what about “so and so”? How could my favorite person be left off? The fact is that Southern Gospel is so full of amazing talent, that not everyone could be included. However, this is just a small list of those that we believe are the future of the industry. These are the names you will be hearing about 10 years down the road.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 09/01/2004
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 15
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I totally agree that Bryan Elliott, pianist with the Anchormen has not received the attention that he deserves from the industry. However, he is fortunate to be with a group that features him each night. He is definitely part of the future of Southern Gospel.
Bryan is a great pianist, just wanted to make one observation... after reading about his "training from anthony burger" on the anchormen website, I asked Bryan about that. He said that before he started traveling, simply at an anthony burger concert, he got anthony to show him a lick at the piano. That's it. So he did get a pointer from anthony, but to say he studied under him or was trained by him is an overstatement. I just say this to clear up things, not to belittle bryan any, he is awesome enough on his on without mention of anthony. This kid is going places.
The Jody Brown Indian Family is an awesome group. Jeremy and Stephanie are two of the most talented young artists that I know, and I know a few. The entire family shares the same sweet, humble spirit and they are each one talented in their own right. Jody (Dad) is the anchor of the family and Donna (Mom) is a true example of a Christian Lady. We can't leave out the newest member of the Brown clan, Ashley (Jeremy's wife) -- she has a beautiful voice and has secured her place in the group with no problem at all. NEVER pass up an opportunity to hear these folks -- you will be blessed!
In my opinion, this is one of the best articles I have read in a long time. I am a huge fan of Amber Franks. It's great to see her on this list!
I believe that Ian Owens is one of the best bass singers on the road today. He has one of those amazing voices that you could listen to on a solo project.
Great article!
I'd like to see a big write up on the LeBeaus. They are some of my favorite artists and I haven't seen anything lately about them.
Great Article Chris!!!!!!!!!!!!
What an awesome article and great idea to promote those who do not get the recoqnition that they should.Way to go Chris.Keep up the anointed work!God Bless!
http://www.carolanfreeman.com
This was a great article. The "present" of gospel music is important, but the "future" should be showcased like this more often. Ian Owens is a prime example of this. My life-long friendship aside...Ian is a marvelous talent in the gospel music field. I've watched him evolve into the incredible singer he has become. It was a personal privilege of mine to share in his earliest outings as a singer and performer in general. (He also played bass guitar many moons ago in a gospel group.) Ian and the rest of the Imperials should be experienced the first chance you get. I promise that you won't regret it. It is a fantastic experience. And be sure to say hey to Ian. He loves knowing that people enjoy what he and the rest of the Imperials are doing.
I'd Like to hear some news about The LeBeaus also y'all never hardly have big articles on them and i think u should b/c they are the best band in the world .
I am looking for a most recent contact for the artist 'Jeannie Cameron' Last know to sing with the Mike Speck Trio in the 1990's. Does anyone know where she is and/or how to contact. Last known address was Boone,NC.
Miss her, would like to hear from her.
Gerry
What a great article! I just wanted to say how happy I am to see someone finally take notice of the talent in the Jody Brown Indian Family! Brother Jody and his family have become great friends of ours. My family is a local group in the northeast Atlanta area and we have had the honor and pleasure of singing with this great family on several occassions. They have become mentors to us and, more than that, wonderful friends. They have provided so much encouragement and musical advice / guidance to help us as we travel and learn the Southern Gospel industry. Like several others have commented on this page, don't EVER miss a chance to worship with this family -- I promise it will be an experience that you'll never forget! You'd better go prepared to worship because they aren't ashamed to worship in any setting! Praise the Lord for groups like the Jody Brown Indian Family!
To Jody, Donna, Jeremy, Stephanie, & Ashley -- if you're reading this -- we're so proud of you and we can't wait to be with you at Newborn. See you in a few weeks!
Love to all,
Missy Dorrell
The Lambdins
http://www.thelambdins.com
Dwayne, Steve, David, and Brad are missed in The Anchormen.The Anchormen came to my church in April.Thats where I met Dwayne.He always called me sweety.And he gave me hugs too.That was my first best's friend.Including Jesus too.I was his little angel.Their missed by The Anchormen, me, and everyone else.
Their missed,
Dana Deans.
Dwayne Coppedge is the best thing in the anchormen.He had the best lead voice.Hes going to be missed.Which hes already missed.I was his little angel.He always gave me hugs and called me sweety.I never hear that again.The Anchormen have the best songs in the whole universe.They sing every night with great passsion of the Lord.They love everyone and Jesus Christ.I believe everyone should go hear them.They'll make you feel so good that you'd have to go hear them agin,agin,agin and agin.So if you love the Lord you should go hear them.And Bryan the piano player will make you feel so good.Cause he's so sweet.He made me feel good that I had to go see them agin.Me and my mom and my dad's freind mr.ray have been going to see them since April 2004 the last first sunday in that month.So I enourage you to go see them at least once.And if you like them keep on going to see them.And everytime I go see them I feel the presence of Jesus.Cause their songs are so for filling and touching.So I encourage you to go see them.
I love your article. So many of them bless so many of us and we don't always even know their names.
How bout Tony Jarman? His tenor "made" the Legacy Five sound and I miss him since he went single. But I wish them luck with the new tenor.
Does anyone know how I can find out where Tony performs or if he is recording?
Thanks
Sue
I really love the Anchormen!!!!They are my favorite singing group!!!Bryan Elliott is also my favorite pianist in all Southern Gospel!!!!!!
They do a great job on stage!
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