MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Deon and Susan Unthank, administrators of SoGospelNews.com, are proud to announce the talent line-up for the 10th Annual SGN Music Fest.

“As always, we are very excited about our Festival,” mentioned Deon Unthank.  “We lined up some different groups this year that we know our crowd will love.  There’s a little something for everyone this year.”

Last year, the annual music festival expanded to six nights – adding a Monday night concert as well.  This year, the SGN Music Fest will start on Sunday, July 26, 2009 and run through Friday evening, July 31, 2009.  The event will again be held at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. 

Sunday evening’s performers include Tribute Quartet, Crystal River, The Quicks, Judah, and Sterling River.

Tony Gore & Majesty, The Galloways, Driven Quartet, Eighth Day, Ed Crawford & the Mystery Men, and Tara Jackson will be performing on Monday evening of the Festival.

Tuesday night will feature an evening with The Freemans, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Three Bridges, Ann Downing, and comedian Freddie Pierce.

Blackwood Gospel Quartet, HIsSong, Southern Sound, 2nd Generation, and Aaron Minick will all be featured performers on Wednesday evening of the Festival.

The Festival will feature performances from Gold City, Legacy Five, and John’s Call (formerly Johnny Minick & Friends) on Thursday evening.

The Festival will close out on Friday evening with performances from Mike & Kelly Bowling, Mike LeFevre Quartet, and Sunday Edition.

Thursday and Friday evening of the program are set to be aired live on the TCT Network.  More information on that will be forthcoming.

As in years past, this year’s convention will remain free to the public. A love offering will be taken each night.

Artist listing is subject to change.

For more information, feel free to email the site at 2009 at sogospelnewsfanfestival dot com .

About SoGospelNews.com
SoGospelNews.com has grown from relative obscurity to the industry’s leading internet publication for Southern Gospel news and information in only a few short years. The site includes a wide variety of features, consisting of artist interviews, a weekly chart, late-breaking news, and much more.

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – 145 Music Group and Revival Wind Records recording artist Rod Burton has partnered with the Rick Hendrix Company for the release of his new single.

The new single – titled “Take a Stand” – has a message that is specific for the time that the nation and world is in today.

Rod Burton said, “The song starts with ‘The shape the world is in today breaks the Savior’s heart’. It’s not a song that I’d considered sending out, but this past Easter, I was watching the news as we got ready for service. I was so convicted that people need to hear the message of this song, with a chorus that says ‘It’s time for every Christian to rise and take a stand. Proclaim the love of Jesus, all throughout the land’.”

“If there was ever a time that Christians need to stand up and let our voices be heard, it’s now,” Rod continued.  “My hope is not chart positions, but that people all over this country will hear the song and catch the message; that they’ll be encouraged and inspired to stand up to what is wrong and hold on to what is right.”

The new single is set to be released by the Rick Hendrix Company soon.  Radio should be on the lookout for this powerful new single.

Shane Jordan of the Rick Hendrix Company said, “We are very excited about Rod’s ministry, and we feel radio is going to receive him well.”

“Take a Stand” was written by Bobby Carter and is the follow-up to Rod’s last single, the fan-favorite and Top 40 hit “That’s How a Miracle Feels.”  Both songs are featured on Rod’s last album Walking In the Light.

More information on Rod’s debut release with Revival Wind Records will be released later.

For more information on Rod Burton – visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com.

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc.  Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.

About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s fastest rising soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country.  Rod released his Morning Star Records album, Walking In the Light recently.  His current single is “That’s How a Miracle Feels.”

Rod Burton’s ministry is sponsored by iPod Juice. iPodJuice is a San Antonio-based company that offers kits allowing people to replace the battery in their iPod in a matter of minutes.  They can also replace the battery for customers that would rather outsource the entire job. More information on iPodJuice can be found at http://www.ipodjuice.com/ipod-mini-battery-replacement-products.htm.

The group’s latest recording, Back to Roots, has spawned off the hit singles “Take It to Jesus” and “Fresh Manna.”  Both songs have made such an impact at Southern Gospel radio that their fans have voted both singles in the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 100 Fan Chart.

“Fresh Manna” and “Take It to Jesus” are ranked #12 and #50 respectively on the chart this week.  Both songs have been making an impact on the chart for several weeks now.

“Radio has been very kind to us,” mentioned group patriarch Phillip English.  “To have two singles out there that are making an impact with fans of Southern Gospel music is very humbling.  We would like to thank everyone who placed a vote for us!”

The GospelMusicTimes.com Top 100 Fan Chart is the only chart in the Southern Gospel community that is based solely on the votes of the fans of the genre.

For more information on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 100 Fan Chart, visit http://www.gospelmusictimes.com .

The English Family has been making a strong impact at Southern Gospel radio.  The group’s current single, “Fresh Manna,” became their first Top 20 hit – peaking at #13 on the Christian Voice Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel chart.  The group recently released “Take It to Jesus” through Family Music Group.  Fans are encouraged to be listening for both “Fresh Manna” and “Take It to Jesus” at Southern Gospel radio now!

The newly redesigned English Family website will be unveiled shortly.  Until then, visit the group’s current website at http://www.englishfamilyonline.com .

About The English Family
The English Family is a multi-faceted evangelistic ministry based out of Barnesville, Georgia.  In addition to being talented in the vocal department, this family is deeply engaged in ministry.  The English Family ministers at concerts, conferences, workshops, and even on cruises.  The group’s current release is titled Back to Roots and features the #1 RadioActiveAirplay.com song “Take It to Jesus”.

The song reached the #1 spot this week on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.  The GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart is the only chart in the Southern Gospel community that is determined solely by votes from fans of the genre.

“I am truly humbled by the response that this song has received,” mentioned Sharron.  “God is truly moving through this song, and it brings a lot of joy to my heart to see that it is touching fans all across this country!”

For more information on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart – visit http://www.gospelmusictimes.com .

“God’s Been Good” is the debut single from Sharron Kay King’s latest release – Don’t Stop Believing.  The song was written by Sue C. Smith and Belinda Smith.  The song can be found on Family Music Group Compilation, Vol. 46, cut #2.

Don’t Stop Believing features songs of hope and encouragement for believers and non-believers.  The new album is a follow-up to the SGN Music Award nominated project The Road I Know – which spawned off the hit singles “When I Say Christian”, “Coat of Many Colors”, “You Never Gave Up On Me”, and “I’d Walk This Valley Again.”

More information as well as booking information on Sharron Kay King can be found at http://sharronkayking.com.

Fans are encouraged to visit Sharron’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/sharronkayking.

About Sharron Kay King
Sharron Kay King is a talented singer/songwriter based out of Richmond, Indiana.  Sharron’s last release, Don’t Stop Believing, spawned off the #1 fan favorite “God’s Been Good.”  King was a 2008 Top 5 finalist in the Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Horizon Individual and a 2009 Top 10 finalist for Favorite Soloist.

Scott Godsey of Homeland Entertainment Group said, “We are excited to have Joseph T. Lee on our Heartwarming Label.  Joseph is a true man of God. He means every lyric he sings, and he does it well. We look forward to a long relationship with Joseph as he continues to grow in his ministry.”

Joseph said, “The Homeland family came highly recommended to me.  I am very pleased to be affiliated with such a company.  I am excited about the days to come and look forward to expanding my ministry with Homeland!”

Lee’s first recording on the Heartwarming label has a tentative release date of Fall 2009.  The new recording will feature production work from Nick Bruno and Donna M. Beauvais.

For more information on the Heartwarming label and Homeland Entertainment Group, visit them at http://homelandentertainmentgroup.com/ .

Joseph T. Lee’s debut solo outing, Shield of Faith, is now available digitally through IndieHeaven.com.

“I believe it’s important that I make my music available in as many outlets that I possibly can,” mentioned Lee.  IndieHeaven.com works hard to make sure the artist’s music is available to online buyers.”

Fans can purchase Shield of Faith digitally at http://www.indieheaven.com/artist_main.php?id=11126 .

Joseph’s debut single, “There’s a Miracle Coming,” is currently playing at Southern Gospel radio.  Lee partnered with Phillip Emery and DJ Man Promotions for the release of this song.

“There’s a Miracle Coming” was written by Sandy Bloemer.  The song can be found on DJ Man Hit Singles Vol. 30 compilation disc.

More information on Joseph T. Lee can be found at his website – located at http://www.josephleemusic.net .  Contact and booking information can be found at the site.  Lee’s new, fully-updated website will be unveiled shortly.

Fans are also encouraged to visit Joseph on ShoutLife by heading to http://www.shoutlife.com/josephlee .

About Joseph T. Lee
Joseph T. Lee is an accomplished Christian businessman, actor, and vocalist. God has given Joseph the gift of song to share the message of Salvation and Redemption. He feels led to the music ministry as well as an evangelistic ministry of sharing his faith with others.  His debut recording, Shield of Faith, released in December 2008.

Curtis Hagy of Brothers Forever said, “We are so happy with all the work that SSE has done for our ministry.  We absolutely love our new webpage.  They do some of the best work in this business!”

“We were excited about giving Brothers Forever a fresh new look.  They’ve got a really nice sound, and they need a web presence to reflect that.  We think the new design fits their personality splendidly,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Design Group.

The site is an exhaustive telling of the ministry of Brothers Forever.  It features a biography, contact information, a photo gallery, schedules, and more.  The group’s newly designed press kit will also be available in the coming weeks for promoters and pastors to download directly from the site.

To visit the newly designed Brothers Forever website, visit http://www.brothersforever.net.

Brothers Forever have been in the studio recording their new album and follow up to the critically acclaimed recording Sheltered.  More information on that release will be announced at a later date.

Brother’s Forever’s current single, “I Am Him,” has been doing exceptionally well at Southern Gospel radio.  It is the group’s third single from the release Sheltered – and recently broke the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart.  Sheltered spawned off the hit singles “I Feel a Blessing Coming On” and Top 40 hit “I Can’t Forget the Day.”  The group’s new single, “More Than That” was just released to Southern Gospel radio.

You can catch up with Brothers Forever their homepage – http://www.brothersforever.net.

About Brothers Forever
Brothers Forever is based out of Church Hill, Tennessee.  Nestled in the foothills of upper East Tennessee, this group has quickly become known for their unique style of southern gospel music.  Songs such as “I Feel a Blessing Coming On” and “I Can’t Forget the Day” have become nationwide favorites. Brothers Forever felt the call to the music ministry a little over a few years ago, and since the group’s inception, it has been an exciting journey.

The group’s current single – “Three Rugged Crosses” – is resting at the #1 spot on the April 2009 issue of the Christian Voice Magazine’s Southern Gospel Top 100 Chart.

Darrell Freeman of The Freemans said, “Radio has been very supportive of this song, and we know that it is having a great affect on fans of Gospel music.  Marty and Rick Funderburk did a great job writing this song.”

“Three Rugged Crosses” has been having a resounding impact at Southern Gospel radio.  In addition to reaching the #1 spot this month in Christian Voice Magazine, the song peaked at #2 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and has charted for 35 consecutive weeks on that chart – making it the longest running song in the chart’s history.

The song also reached #1 on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.  The GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart is the Southern Gospel industry’s only chart that is based solely on the votes of the fans.

“Three Rugged Crosses” was written by Rick and Marty Funderburk and is found on their latest album – Eyes On the Prize.  That album has spawned off the record-breaking #1 hit “He Chose Me” as well as the hit single “Cast In the Sea” and ministry driven “I Need a Drink.”

The Freemans are currently preparing to record their follow-up to Eyes On the Prize.  The album is slated to release later in 2009.

The newly designed Freemans website is now up and running.  Check out more information on the group’s current website at http://www.the-freemans.com.  You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thefreemans07.

About The Freemans
The Freemans are one of Southern Gospel’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed groups.  History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freeman ministry.  Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans’ experience spans 30+ years. Now in their 20th year of ministry, the Freemans still perform at approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.

The popular group was named Favorite Male Quartet last month at the 2009 SGM FanFair Awards.  The awards were handed out at a special awards program at SGM FanFair in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on March 19, 2009.

“We are very humbled by this win,” mentioned McCray Dove of the Dove Brothers.  “We have to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who voted for us.  This means a lot to us!”

The group won this award last year as well.

In addition, the Dove Brothers were nominated in the SGM FanFair Awards for another three awards.  Group members McCray Dove, Eric Dove, and David Hester received nominations for Favorite Lead, Favorite Baritone, and Favorite Bass respectively.

The group is currently putting the finishing touches on their new mainline release for Sonlite Records – titled Hold On.  The new album will hit retail on July 21, 2009.

More information on the Dove Brothers can be found at http://dovebrothersquartet.com

About the Dove Brothers
Voted Favorite Male Quartet of The Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association and the Singing News Fan Awards, the Dove Brothers’ high energy presentation and progressive arrangements reflect a tangible link to the good old days of gospel music.  Their peers regard them as a class act representing the industry with dignity and respect.  Their latest recording for Sonlite Records is entitled Life and spawned off the #1 hit “You Don’t Know God’s Love” – which was named the #1 Song of the Year according to SoGospelNews.com’s Top 40 Weekly Chart.

The online ballot is designed for fans to vote for their favorite artists and individuals for each award.  Fans and industry supporters are encouraged to visit the Diamond Awards website to place their votes.  The Diamond Awards home on the web is located at http://diamondawardsonline.com. 

The Top 10 in each category were compiled from the nomination ballot that was released several months ago.

Allen Smith said, “Each nominating and balloting process that we have had has yielded record breaking numbers.  This year’s nominating process was no different.  We are extremely pleased with the Top 10 ballot this year.”

The 2009 SGN Scoops’ Diamond Awards have moved to a new location and date for this year. The awards presentation will take place at the inaugural Branson Gospel Music Convention.  The show will take place on Thursday, July 16, 2009 in Branson, Missouri at the Branson Convention Center.  The awards program will precede the Thursday evening concerts and will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Additional information concerning the 2009 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, including hosts, sponsors, and performers, will be available shortly.

For more information on The SGN Scoops Diamond Awards – visit http://www.diamondawardsonline.com .

The Top 10 nominees in each category are listed below:

J.D. SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD:  Beth Glass, Chris Freeman, Ed O’Neal, Eva Mae LeFevre, Gerald Williams, Ray Dean Reese, Rod Treme, Ronnie Hinson, Steve Sam, Tim Riley

GROUP OF THE YEAR:  Brian Free & Assurance, Gold City, Legacy Five, Paul’s Journey, Praise Incorporated, The Hoppers, The Kingsmen, The McKameys, The Perrys, Triumphant Quartet

TRIO OF THE YEAR:  Alan Harris Family, Booth Brothers, Faith 3, Faithful Touch, Greater Vision, Karen Peck & New River, Mark Trammell Trio, New Day, Ricky Atkinson & Compassion, Talley Trio

DUET OF THE YEAR:  Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Amazed, CrossWay, Dale & Cheryl Golden, Gigi & Randy Burgess, Hearts of Faith, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Jim & Shirley Profitt, Wendy Word + forgiven, Young Harmony

SOLOIST OF THE YEAR:  Brian Langely, Ivan Parker, Janet Paschal, Jason Crabb, Kirk Talley, Mark Bishop, Michael Combs, Randy Miller, Ron Brewer, Shannon Bunch

SUNRISE AWARD:  Faithful Touch, Narrow Path, Paul’s Journey, Robert Matelski, Ron Brewer, Samaritan Revival, Scott Lucas, The Ladd Family, The Peaceful Hearts, Wendy Word + forgiven

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:  Alan Harris, Brian Free, Dale Golden, Dean Hopper, Michael Booth, Mike Bowling, Ricky Atkinson, Ryan Napier, Scott Lucas, Steve Sam

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:  Karen Peck Gooch, Kelly Bowling, Kim Collingsworth, Kim Hopper, Libbi Perry Stuffle, Lauren Talley, Sheri Easter, Sonya Isaacs, TaRanda Greene, Wendy Word

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR:  Dale Golden, Gerald Crabb, Jim Brady, Kenna Turner West, Kirk Talley, Ricky Atkinson, Rodney Griffin, Sandy Bloemer, Shane Roark, Wendy Word

ANTHONY BURGER INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:  Gordon Mote, Jeff Stice, Jerry Kelso, Josh Singletary, Kevin Williams, Kim Collingsworth, Ricky Free, Roger Fortner, Roy Webb, Sonya Isaacs

CHRISTIAN COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR:  Aaron Wilburn, Dennis Swanburg, James Wright (Grandpa), Jeff Treece, Ken Davis, Mark Bishop, Mark Lowry, Shannon Bunch, Tim Lovelace, Tony Greene

BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR:  Austins Bridge, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Easter Brothers, The Isaacs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Lewis Family, Primitive Quartet, The Marksmen, The Rochesters, Young Harmony

FAVORITE ARTIST WEBSITE:  BrianFreeandAssurance.com, FaithfulCrossings.com, GoldCityqt.com, Kirk-Talley.com, MarkLowry.com, PaulsJourneyOnline.com, PraiseInc.com, RickyAtkinson.com, TheHoppers.com, BryanLangely.com

FAVORITE INDUSTRY WEBSITE:  #############.com, TheDominionAgency.com, natqc.com, SGMRadio.com, SingingNews.com, SoGospelNews.com, SoGoCity.ning.com, SouthernGospelOutreach.com, SouthernGospelTube.com, SouthernSpin.com

VIDEO/DVD OF THE YEAR:  Dream On (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound), Live At the White House (Legacy Five), Live In St. Louis (The Cerces), NQC 2008, GMT (Praise Incorporated), Songs of a Lifetime (Phil Cross), Susie’s Eyes (Hearts of Faith), The Best of Gordon Mote (Gordon Mote), Live at Freedom Hall (The Perrys), The Ride (The Hoppers)

SONG OF THE YEAR:  “Big Mighty God” (Mike LeFevre Quartet), “God Will Pass By” (Greater Vision), “Grace Is Never Far” (Paul’s Journey), “Lowest Time” (Wendy Word + forgiven), “The Broken Ones” (Talley Trio), “The Potter Knows the Clay” (The Perrys), “There Is a Miracle Coming” (Praise Incorporated), “Untnil the Day” (Ricky Atkinson & Compassion), “When God Ran” (Kingsmen), “Whispered Prayers” (Karen Peck & New River)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:  Contagious Praise (Praise Incorporated), Encore (Ricky Atkinson), Ephesians One (Karen Peck & New River), Not Alone (Greater Vision), Nothin’ But Good (Mike LeFevre Quartet), Room For More (Booth Brothers), Summer In My Soul (Dale & Cheryl Golden), The Journey (Alan Harris Family), Transition (Paul’s Journey), When God Ran (Kingsmen)

About the Diamond Awards
The Diamond Awards were transferred over to the SGN Scoops Digital several years ago after the original home for the awards, the Gospel Voice Magazine, folded.  The Diamond Awards are a fan-based award that allows the fans to choose the nominees as well as the winners in each year.  The awards show is based during the Branson Gospel Music Convention every July.