Recently Chuck Peters of Southern Gospel Reporter Interviewed Kirk Talley concerning his new single that just shipped to radio. With his permission we are re-printing his interview.
NEW KIRK TALLEY SINGLE SHIPS TO RADIO
HIS FIRST IN FIVE YEARS
In a promotional press release,.. Angie Hoskins announces that her company, Angie Hoskins Promotions, has teamed with Kirk Talley to release the singer's new single to radio.. titled: "Faithful". Hoskins told reporters: "We are pleased to add Kirk to our roster of fine artists. I have been a fan for years!"
SGReporter spoke with Talley this week about his new release. Even though this is the first "official" radio single in five years,.. he has tested the waters. Kirk said: "I wasn't sure who would play my music again and who wouldn't. So last year we sent a letter out to stations merely saying if they would like to receive the new Live project, simply let us know and I would send one to them. Some did, some didn't." Talley says, at one point, in the Houston market, "Potters Hands" (from the "Live At The River project" ) was the number one requested song. Kirk adds: "Of course, it never made a national chart, I didn't expect it to. But it let some people know that I was still involved in music."
Talley returned to touring and recording, a few years ago, following his deliverance from a thirty year struggle with homosexuality. Although many have welcomed Kirk Talley's return to ministry.. some in the Southern Gospel industry have shunned the Dove and Grammy winner. He says: "I stayed low key, did a few dates along.. worked when I could and tried to brush off the comments that were negative. I just tried to keep my head up." Kirk was even turned away when he wanted to advertise his new CD. "I tried to buy full page ads for my new CD, 'Beyond Words' from two major publications and I was told they wouldn't sell me advertisment. But it's ok, those publications aren't my source." SGReporter asked.. What do you say to those who don't want to be associated with Kirk Talley? Kirk:"Oh well.. God has provided. I have lost some good friends.. but God has sent some new ones along who have become valuable to my ministry."
Kirk says he would like to be played on the radio again.. but is quick to add: "I have come to see that being 'hot' on the radio, doesn't make or break a ministry. Certainly it's an advantage for people to be familiar with your music, and to hear it,.. but God has a direction for all of us. I do what I do. Hopefully someone will hear it and be blessed by what I say and sing."
The new single, written by Joel Lindsey and Caleb Collins, is described in the PR as a "heartfelt praise and worship ballad." Kirk told our reporter that his producer brought the tune to his attention. "Wayne Haun played me the song. I loved it immediately. God's certainly been faithful in my life,.. so how could I not want to sing that song. In the recording of it, it lent itself to a soulful duet.. so I called Lauren(Talley), who can definitely sing with soul."
SGReporter: In our first report we made reference to your "deliverance from homosexuality". In hindsight.. we realize that those are words someone else used.. not you. Can you explain further.
Kirk Talley: There is a difference between same sex attraction and homosexuality. I never lived a homosexual lifestyle. I admitted five years ago to same sex attraction. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people who wrestle with same sex attraction in churches today. I know pastors, singers, musicians, deacons and Sunday school teachers who wrestle with it. Perhaps some have let that attraction become a lifestyle, I don't know. But I do know that "deliverance" from it is a difficult thing. I know and have heard from thousands who are seeing and know that any degree of deliverance takes a long long long long long time. Sometimes an entire lifetime. I wish that I could stand on stage and say that God instantly delivered me from same sex attraction, but I couldn't honestly do that. And I won't say that I have, until that happens. Four years ago, I "claimed" a healing, as in the context of "believing for it to happen" but as of this date, I still wrestle with it. I certainly know that God can do miracles,.. I have seen many. But I also know that 99% of the people I have heard from who have been "counseled" or been a part of a program that is designed to "de-program someones thinking process", has yet to see the total deliverance.
SGReporter: We have read and heard about your deep depression four years ago. Your own public testimony talks about a time when you even wanted to die. We've heard you say that you were "out of hope." What pulled you through?
KT: God began to show me his grace. He actually spoon fed me that Grace. He knew the condition I was in,.. He knew just what I could take at that particular time. In a conference room in Kingsport Tennessee, laying on the floor, while six pastors was praying around me.. God showed me in a vision, no joke. A real vision that the road before me would be a hard one. I would have to climb and dig just to exist. But he showed me that he would be with me. In the vision that morning I met Jesus face to face.. He wrapped his arms around me and told me he loved me over and over, and assured me over and over that he would be with me. I got up out of the floor a changed man, in that the depression that I had been under was lifted from me. The problem that got me to that point was still there, but I knew there was hope of existence after that moment.
SGReporter: So.. for you.. "deliverance" is an ongoing work.. a continuing process?
KT: When I am asked to give my testimony, I always say that "deliverance" from my issue is a long long long journey, and that every day I have to depend upon the Grace of God to get me thru. Every day, every hour, sometimes every five minutes. And God has been faithful. I know that this is pretty heavy dialog compared to what you usually read or here from a Gospel Singer. But I know God has not allowed the past 5 years to happen for no apparent reason. I know I have a message. I know more now about the Grace of God than I ever have. And it's my goal to extend Grace to others as I have been blessed.
SGReporter: Kirk.. it's been a long five years for you,.. and I'm sure there will always be another reporter with more questions. But if this were your final interview on the matter.. how would you sum up this part of your life?
KT: I have been honest about my struggles. I haven't sugar coated it and just called it a "mistake". I hope I can extend some care to someone who is struggling with any complex issue in their life. Just last night I spoke with a pastor who had me come to his church. After my concert there, he was able to minister to three people in his congregation who had secretly been struggling with the same issue. They would have never opened up to him, had they not heard my testimony and realized that someone else, even someone well known, someone in the spotlight had personal struggles themselves.
SGReporter: It seems that your new single release.. Faithful.. just might be the perfect song.. at just the right time. Not only for you.. but for all of us.
KT: God's been Faithful.. I'll sing it wherever I get the chance. I'll tell it to the ones who won't share the stage with me at this point. I'll still say God is faithful wherever I can. In the midst of great struggle, God is Good, and he is Faithful.
visit: http://www.kirk-talley.com
Author: SGN
| Author's Website: http://sogospelnews.com/
Written: 04/01/2008
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 40
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Thanks so much for providing such a thorough resource for family of Southern Gospel Music! It is truly informative and very well done!
Thanks for a great article on Kirk & his ministry. I pray God's continued blessings on his life. Love you, Kirk.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
Love you, Kirk. Keep on keeping on for God. As His Word says, He'll never leave nor forsake you. See you in Myrtle Beach.
I'm glad I know you. You have been a blessing to my life. I have learned to accept myself. I can deal with not being perfect, not even close!
Keep telling the truth and keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Jesus is Lord. ... be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted and forgiving. 
All the best to Kirk. My SGM internet radio station always has and always will play Kirk's inspiring music. We are all sinners. We are fooling ourselves if we don't remember we are mortals and that we are free from our "old nature." That won't happen until we are free from this body of sin at death. In the meantime, we must daily submit ourselves to God's Spirit. How is it possible that a man can say he loves God who is has not seen if he does not love his brother? That was John the Apostle's question. Let's not deceive ourselves. It's not a matter of condoning sin. Repentenance has occurred and we know the blood of Christ covers all confessed sins. Some need to confess they have not been loving while the day is still called today. In his book THE PERSON GOD USES says, "Jesus was exposing the artificial righteousness of the religious leaders. Their righteousness was an external masquerade. Their religion was a dead ritual, not a living relationship. It never hit their hearts. The irony is that it made them proud instead of humble. That is why Jesus saved His most scathing words not for tax collectors or prostitutes, but for Pharisees. They were interested in actions instead of motives, in doing rather than being, and in details rather than principles." That hardened heart is what made them not see Jesus for who He was and to send him to the cross. It is through their blindness that salvation came to the Gentiles. That's how God can use "evil" and turn it around for good. God also knows how to forgive much and it is often those people who achieve the most for the kingdom of God. Keep on keeping on, Kirk. May God give you the desires of your heart.
Tony Partigianoni
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Pure SGM & Quartet-Style Singing
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I've been a fan for many years, but I got to know him when rehearsing and recording "Live at the River". I'm proud to call him my friend! Love you Kirk Talley. May God continue to bless you.
Dear Kirk, I just now read your interview. Thank God you are keeping on with your music ministry and your heart wrenching testimony. I do believe God has delivered you and will continue to use you to minister to otherswho are in a daily struggle.
I wish others would remember the words of the song "He looked beyond my faults and saw my tears". I know it is a hurt to be snubbed by some of your friends in the gospel music circle, however, hold on to the hand of God and victory will come. Love you and pray for you. Martha Morgan Birmingham, Alabama
I was never a Talley fan. I even laughed a little when I heard what happened years ago. But I have watched how he has handled the situation. He hasn't given up and I appreciate that. I have even gone to hear him in concert recently, and came away with 4 CD's. I am now a strong supporter. I appreciate his honesty.
If all the Gospel singers were to be so honest and transparent.........
I know that it must have taken a great deal of courage to be this painfully honest. When I read the interview, and even before, when I had read about Kirk's situation, I was touched, because I was made aware that we all have something that we struggle with that we don't necessarily want to face the public with. I know that God will bless him for his honesty. Those who would snub him, could have been standing in the crowd around Jesus when he stooped to write on the ground when the woman was taken in adultery. We aren't told what He wrote, but I'm sure it applies to all of us who are contrite before Him. Kirk, be encouraged in the Lord.
Many of you know me since I promoted concerts in Maryville for a number of years and have been helping Kirk in his office since before all his problems. I want people to know how proud I am of Kirk. I've been there, I've watched his struggle and how he has dealt with it. Kirk is the real deal - what you see is exactly who he is - his honesty has been painful, but the Lord has and will reward him for it. It would have been so much easier for him to quit, but he knew the Lord had more in store for him - so he is still "Puttin' one foot in front of the other, doin' what the Lord says do" The attacks may continue, the snubbing may continue, but Kirk will still be believing, still singing, still out there. God bless you Kirk!
Kirk is living a challenge in his life that many of us might not have survived. I have been a faithful friend to kirk since the beginning ,and have been praying for him. How can you call yourself Christian and not love God's child. I could never understand how a man could call himself( man of God) and neglect his largest responsibility, the human soul. I believe that they are going to have a shock when they cross over and see God's face???? I love you Kirk and please continue your Ministry. Many of us will always stand my you.
It takes real faith to own up to being a mortal and showing your heart to others. Kirk is a blessing to all of us mortals by his courage, honesty, and love. Kirk has always been a good friend, and with all of his 'snubbing' become even more special as he continues with his faithful ministry. What a great interview, showing once again his honesty, and his love of God. Kirk, may you continue to be a blessing to others, we love you!
Cherie & Dennis
I've known Kirk for many years and have always found his music to be anointed by God. Anyone who sees one of Kirk's concerts will find it a true worship experience, with a personal message for everyone. Keep up the good work Kirk and continue to follow where the Lord leads.
I do not know Kirk personally, but his music has blessed my life in so many ways. In this day it is so refreshing to see someone so open and honest.
Kirk, I love your music and appreciate your sincerity through such a rough time. It saddens me when Christian people play judge and jury when, according to Bible, we are not supposed to judge. When God forgives, it means He forgives. We are supposed to be encouragers to those that seek. May God help us to be more like Him. Thank you so much, Kirk for not giving up. Your have blessed me many times through your music. Looking forward to Myrtle Beach.
Still wrestling with this problem,but trying to minister?Whatthe scripture the Bible mentions about seeing a mote in your brothers eye,but having a beam in your own eye.I have no problem with people needing help.
I would like to comment on what Jdon has just said. If you would read Hebrews 4:14-16 you would find that our High Priest (Jesus) was also tempted the same as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, allowing us to come boldly before the Throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy. I don't feel this is the same thing as someone deliberately "Practicing" sin and trying to hide it. All of us have our struggles, but if we just sat down and did nothing for the Lord, then guess what? the Devil wins. Let's continue to hold our brother up in prayer instead of trying to drive him away. According to Hebrews 4:15 Jesus was tempted, maybe even struggled a little, with the same things (even same sex attraction) "all points", so let's try to be a little more compassionate.
I am so thankful for the interview with Kirk Talley. He is a dear friend to me. I have known him for many years and am so proud for his honesty, courage and determination to serve God. I am so grateful that we serve a God who forgives and forgets. Our past are covered by the blood. I pray for those who snub and are determined to keep him down, but God is able and He will continue to use Kirk in a way he has never been used before. I have faith and confidence in him. God Bless you my friend. Love and prayers. Geneva (aka) the lady older than dirt.
I have been a Tally fan for years (still am) and the music has ministered to me over and over. I appreciate the effort Kirk is making in his struggle. I truly feel ashamed that some "music" people are not ministering to him, instead of judging. He admitted the weakness, but said he had not lived the lifestyle. There's the difference... tempted, tried, but stayed on the straight and narrow. Kirk, God is using you and we pray for your strength to overcome the struggle.
Kirk's testimony and songs on Live At the River have been such a blessing to me. I can't wait to hear the new cd. I can personally relate to his life story & am proud to stand alongside to say God is faithful - even when no one else is.
may God bless you in your serving Him, when one door closes, Kirk, a 100 more doors will open for you to minister to people of all ages,sexs, and yes even races too. I have almost all of your projects and hon they are all 100% to me, my family and my friends, in TN, MS,MO, And yes N. E. AR.>>>>
Keep on traveling wherever God takes you, my Special friend, favorite Soloist too!! Blessings .....M. G.
I met Kirk in 2006 when I booked him at a church I was attening in NC. I have got to know him a little more over the two years since then and admire him for being up front about his struggle. God has forgiven him and how can man do any less. Those that continue to judge him and shun him are loosing out on a great friendship. I am proud to call Kirk Talley a friend and hope to continue this friendship for many years to come.
Pat Klatt
Thanks Chuck and Kirk for a great interview. If you haven't been to a concert recently to hear Kirk minister, you've missed it. He makes you laugh, cry and even squirm at times. He truly has been blessed with a unique gift from God. I'm excited and anxious to see what God is going to do through this new project and through Kirk's willingness to be directed. God is "Faithful".
I first met KT in October 2000 at Will Rogers Auditorium in Fort Worth and thought he was a sweetheart. In getting to know him, almost eight years later I still say with joy, "He is a sweetheart!"
I saw KT in March 2004 - during the early stages of his battle. (I would have traded places with him in a heartbeat if I could have.) I've spent many hours in prayer for KT since that time and have seen the hand of God work in his life. I can say GOD has brought him a mighty, mighty, mighty, long way over the last 5 years!!!
I have been blessed by KT's music as well as his stories, smile, whistling, and laughter! His songs do tell his life's story.
His latest project, BEYOND WORDS, is a real treat!!! The songs live up to project's title because they bring you into worship that leaves you both speechless and breathless.
Praise God for HIS marvelous work in the life and ministry of Kirk Talley!
PK
This was a wonderful interview. I am proud to call Kirk Talley my friend, and my brother in the Lord. I am so proud of him, and his courageous stand. His honesty is so refreshing. Of course, we all wish we could instanteously dismiss anything bad we're dealing with. It takes strong courage and faith to lean every day on the grace of God to be the people HE wants us to be.
God bless you, Kirk!!!
Bob
I have been following your artiles for a while now. I am so glad that you never gave up and you kept pressing on toward the high calling of God. I know satin would love for all of us to give up. You will be rewarded greatly in the end. When I listen to your CD's, I can hear and feel God when you sing. You are really sincere in your work for God.
Your music has been a blessing to me.
I sent our radio station a couple of you CD's. I wanted our local listeners to hear "Come To The Water". You do a great job. Keep on keeping on, Kirk. May God Bless You richly in your ministery.
See you at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center next week.
Your Sister in Christ!!
Linda
Thank you for the heart-felt interview with Kirk; I am most moved by his spirit. I saw him in concert at River of Life last year and it was straight-up worship. I appreciate his honesty; it is hard for me to understand how many in the church have refused to allow this brother to experience grace in it's fullness as part of the body of Christ. King David sinned and while our God allowed him to suffer consequences, God used him mightily. Peter worked with Jesus day in and day out, and after denying Him to a young girl like a coward, Jesus restored the repentant disciple and said that He would build His church on him. The longer I live, the more I realize that I need grace, so I pray that God will empower me to be gracious to every brother and sister. May Kirk's most fruitful days of ministry be those directly ahead. Randy Shaw, Nashville, TN
Dear Kirk:
Been listening to you, since I saw you when you were with the Cathedrals in 2004. Love your music. It's been an inspiration to me when I really needed it. My prayers are with you. My favorite verse is in: Matthew 19:26...
"With God all things are possible"
Looking to hearing your new release "Faithful"
Sharon McCray
Dear Kirk:
I first saw you in concert with the Cathedrals. Your songs have been an inspiration to me when I really needed it. Keep the faith. My favorite verse in the Bible is in: Matthew 19:26
"All things are possible with God"
My prayers are with you.
Sharon McCray 
Thank you for your honesty and for not "sugar coating" your struggles. You are correct in saying that most people in the "business" say that their struggles were just "mistakes" and that is annoying. We all struggle, we all fall, most of us get up, a few actually change things and even fewer are honest with the world and continue in the public eye. Thank you, Kirk, for having the strength to do that. Jesus is soooo cool!
Stay open, honest, work hard and move forward. The best is yet to be!
Remembering that God is STILL God,
WendyJoy
This will not be a popular post for those Kirk fans, however, I believe that even though a person asks forgiveness, there are still consequences, and the consequences apprear to be a shortage of singing opportunities and acceptance in this case. I have suggested via E mail to Kirk that he become part of a quartet where he is not the focus. I am not interested in hearing his "story". Move on, accept the past and learn from it. Quit blaming people for not accepting you. Live the life and in the end, the SG fans will accept you back.
I have been with Kirk many, many times in the past 4 or so years, and not once have I heard him blame anyone for anything. I've not heard "his story" in a long time, but I do know that "his story" has helped many people. I also know that he has many friends and fans! Keep up the good work Kirk! God is using you in an awesome way. Wanda D
RESPONSE TO JIM: You are correct that we do reap what we sow. But according to scripture, that should be God's call, not ours. You said you're not interested in hearing his story, but every singer has a story. Unfortunately, most of them are ineffective in their "ministry" because they don't share them. I'm tired of going to CONCERTS. I want to see lives changed by God's transforming power. Allowing singers to honestly share their struggles and victory gives hope to the listeners who are in the same situations. We would probably do well to forget our own interests and ask God to use the talents he gave Kirk (and others) to truly call hurting men and women to a place of healing and righteousness.
Dear Kirk:
I have listened to you since I first saw you with the Cathedrals. I love your music and it has been an inspiration to me at the very times I needed to hear it, during some of my own trials. One of my favorite verses is in Matthew 19:26 "With God All Things Are Possible". Looking forward to hearing your new single "Faithful". You're in my prayers, Sharon
Jim, While I really do appreciate your view, I think the key to Kirk's testimony is that he isn't just building a sympathy club; when you spend time with him personally you quickly realize that the testimony is about the incredible grace of God. A while back in concert, he basically led in worship; more than a typical southern gospel concert. Whether we agree on all points or not, the bottom line is that the God we serve is more faithful then any of us deserve. Bless you, friend. Randy
God Bless You Kirk!!! I just got home yesterday from Myrtle Beach. While I was there I went to the gospel sing at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. I enjoyed every night of the sing and I really enjoyed the speakers each night. But, Saturday morning really put the icing on the cake. When you were singing the Holy Spirit filled that place. I felt the Holy Spirit every night but, Saturday was even more powerful. The songs you sang were heart felt. My sister was with me and she said the same thing. Saturday morning was the best. I was really lifted up after that concert.
My prayer for you is to keep on keeping on writing and singing for God. Your testimony that I read was really great. It takes a real person that is truly seeking God and to do what he has been called to do to come out and announce his problem like you did. When I read your story I thought about Psalm 27:2;27:6;27:8. My prayers are with you.
Hopefully, we will get to hear you again at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in August.
Sister in Christ,
Linda
I am actually shocked that the interviewer is bringing up and re-hashing this topic.
There is far more to Kirk then the subject matter of this interview.
I am not convinced this is a good interview. If you want to interview him, go to one of his concerts. That will tell you the story. Ask him questions about his ministry, etc etc.
To me it is like flogging a dead horse.
As the saying goes, those that are critical of others and for the things that they have done (condeming) likely have done or are quilty of the same thing themselves. (Something to think about and I could definitely add further comments on this subject).
I am very disappointed in those that are
supposed christians in the southern Gospel circuit who are doing this and it is a real turn off for me. And please do not give me the reasoning as
"audience appeal".
Kirk hit bottom a few years back. He has exposed his soul and, he has no where else to go but UP.
Thanks for being you Kirk and allowing God to work thru your ministry.
I have also struggled where you are but have also allowed myself to test the waters and found them very bitter. My wife found out after an arrest but stayed with me -- but it cost me every thing as a church leader -- only the deacons, theirs wives and the pastor and his wife knew all the details but it left me on the outside looking in after multiple years of service.
Today - I struggle but find feeding on the Word helps to win the battle -- feeding on any thing else causes failure --- I thank God for His Grace and for a wife really to stand by me as I struggle with something she cannot understand.
I appreciate Kirk Talley. I proved this by being the first promoter to book him after all of this became public. Why, one might ask? God gives us the answer as He does to all questions when we seek his counsel. God says ALL of us are sinners. God says we ALL need His mercy, grace and forgiveness. God also says IF we don't forgive, we shall not be forgiven. Kirk appears to have left no stone unturned in his testamoney regarding this weakness, which is sinful in the sight of God, and he is to be admired for being so bold and honest in this matter. ALL in So. Gospel Music NEED to forgive and to love Kirk. Do YOU want to be forgiven?
Think about it my friend.
Thank the Lord for grace and thank the Lord for Kirk's vulnerability. He doesn't candy-coat it and he doesn't make excuses, but he tells the truth and walks in God's gift of grace in a life of victory, one day at a time. If the Creator chose to forgive David after great sin, and then used him again, despite the fact that he had some consequences to pay, the very same God has been and will continue to minister powerfully through this vessel of clay by the name of Kirk. The longer that I live, the more I realize how much I need the grace of God. Therefore, I will strive to show that same grace to my brother.
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