The Nelons

1. The Nelons just recently hit the road again in full time ministry. Explain what you've been doing before getting back on the tour circuit.

Jason: When we were “off the road” so to speak for that 5-year period of time, we were very busy in our church, but we did no recording. Whenever an engagement would come in, if we had the date available, we would take it. I was the worship pastor at a church in Atlanta and Kelly was the director of the music at the Christian Academy there. We only did about 30 concerts a year during that span. Amber was in high school, of course.

We didn’t realize it at the time, but we were working on so much music together for the arrangements that I was doing for our church orchestra, we developed a sound between Kelly, myself and Amber. The whole time Amber was growing up musically right before our eyes and we didn’t really realize it until it just popped out and we were like, “Man this girl, she’s really hanging in there!” And then all of the sudden, we got the itch again.

So we just felt like we had done what we were called to do at the church and had built a strong music program and Amber had just graduated high school and she was rarin’ to go, because since she became our soprano, she hasn’t really made the rounds with us. People still remember her from the Gaither kids videos and stuff you know. And then when we got on tour last year, everybody expects Amber to still be that little 8-year-old kid in those Homecoming Kids videos you know. But it’s been really fun to see that develop and even our sound as well.

2. What's it been like back on the road? How have the fans been towards your re-entry into the Southern Gospel community?

Jason: We have so much fun singing together again, and I think that shows in our concerts. We’ll do kind of a normal set for the first half of the concert, and then for the second set, we’ll come back and do a lot of impromptu stuff, whether it be hymns, some acapella music or some songs we’ve thrown together, just because we just like to sing, you know.

Kelly: I think my favorite thing is when it’s just us and the piano. To me it’s just real refreshing after you’ve had all the tracks and the big ballads and all the orchestra just kinda blaring to come down with just a piano and vocals and the audience really loves that.

There’s no way I could even tell you how much the people love to hear the old songs and the old hymns. When I sing “The Sun’s Coming Up,” there’s a part of me that goes back to when I was 16 and I can see my father standing next to me. When we get to the “and like an eagle I’ll take to the sky” part, he would ball his fist up and raise it to the sky, and I can see that just as plain as day! It just takes me back so far, and I love it.

Jason: We also carry a full band on select dates and it’s been a lot of fun to have all live music, with Kelly’s brother Todd on bass and our former drummer Aubrey Stevens, who played for years during the eighties. The other night we were in concert with Jeff Stice’s quartet, Triumphant, so they all just sat around and told all kinds of crazy stories, because those guys traveled so much together.

3. You recently relocated to Jacksonville, Florida. What was the purpose behind this, and what do you do while there?

Kelly: We’ve always had a great relationship with Tom Messor, the pastor of Trinity Baptist Church. He had come to do a service at the church we were at in Powder Springs, Georgia and he’d heard me sing. I just happened to be singing that night and he invited me down to sing at his church. I explained to him that I didn’t just do solo work, that I had a group and we just formed a great alliance and friendship. So about a year ago, he brought to our attention the possibility of representing their college and going out and being ambassadors for the church. We call it “Artists in Residence.” We’re part of the church and we help sometimes with the music. Our biggest thing is to support the college and bring in students

Amber: We’re helping with recruitment as we tour. I go to college there when we’re home, so it’s kind of a natural relationship. Plus the weather’s great!

4. Tell us about your new Vine Records release - Beside Still Waters.

Kelly: They’ve been calling it the CD that defines the Nelons for a new era, and I think that’s pretty accurate. It’s a great representation of who we are right now, but you can still hear where we’ve been.

Jason: There’s really current-sounding stuff like “The Love of God For Me” but there’s also southern gospel barn-burners like “I’m Going Home With Jesus” and traditional stuff like “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory).” Then there’s just the really pretty, tight harmony stuff the Nelons have always done, like the title track, “Beside Still Waters.”

5. What has the response been like from those who have heard it?

Kelly: You know, several people have commented that they think it’s the best Nelons album since Thanks.

Jason: You know, I think if Rex was still living, he’d be coming out of retirement to come back on the road and sing with us and help us tour this record. I think he’d love it that much! It has a sound that Rex always enjoyed. One of Rex’s favorite lineups of the Nelons was the very first one, that had Janet Paschal and Kelly and Rodney Swain. He loved that lineup because of the thickness of the blend that they had and Amber’s got a lot of that in her voice, just like Janet.

6. How has this recording differed from past Nelons' releases?

Jason: Well, one of the things that I’m the most proud of is that even before the CD came out, three of the new songs on the records are already in choral print for the church to sing. I’m not sure that that’s ever happened before. That includes the single, “He Found Me,” a song I wrote with Rebecca Peck called “There Is A Way” and the song that will be the next single, “The Love Of God For Me.”

7. What songs seem to be getting the best response in concerts?

Amber: You know, they “amen” a lot when we do our single, “He Found Me,” but they really seem to love our remake of “I’m Going Home With Jesus” by the McGruders. I’ve sung “Robe & Crown” so many times, I can kinda see it taking that spot and becoming one of our signature songs.

Jason: There’s another song that features our youngest daughter Autumn and is really a statement song about life. I’ve been really amazed at how that little song has impacted people. There’s not a night that goes by when Autumn sings that song that all kinds of people don’t come up and they want to buy the CD just because of that song.

It’s really impacting lives because people are so down and out, and everything seems like bad news right now, but this song is saying “you know you can choose to live in the dumps if you want to, but I’m gonna choose to laugh instead of cry, I’m gonna choose to do these positive things you know.” It’s a brighter approach in a dark world, and it’s really been inspiring people. And then seeing it from a 12-year-old point of view and that innocence, you know, has really been touching hearts.

8. What songs minister to you the most from the new album?

Kelly: I really love “Settled At The Cross.” I think ministry-wise that’s the one that speaks to me and hangs with me the most. The first time I heard it, I thought I’ve got to sing this song! I love the words. So many times we go through things and we worry if God’s still there when we go through a difficulty or a trial, if he really cares.

It’s a song that just reminds us when we’re going through difficult times-- and I’ve been through my share of them-- you feel like does anybody love me out there, does anybody know I’m here, does he care? All it takes is a look back at the cross to know that he holds us in the palm of his hand and that he died for us and that he loves us unconditionally. We can know that everything we need to know was settled at the cross.

9. What has God been teaching you lately?

Kelly: When I started looking at my life, all the ups and downs that I’ve gone through over the past decade and how everything has come together, especially lately, it’s clear to me-- God is opening up a new chapter in our lives and our work. We’ve definitely had some turbulent times over the past decade, but it seems like right now God is leading to us some peaceful times, some joy, some relaxation, a new season of life, just like the psalmist says-- Beside Still Waters.

10. Any other additional information you would like to share?

Jason: Professionally, we’re trying to make sure that as we carry on, we’re doing it with the same expertise and quality and taste that Rex had when he started the group back in 1977. On the personal side for me, it doesn’t get any better than getting to make music as your life’s work. But to get to do it with your entire family— now that’s really a blessing beyond what we even deserve!

Amber: And look out—we’re just getting started!

Kelly: Amen!

http://www.thenelons.com

News & Scoops

Daywind Music Group And The Gospel Music Association Partner In Southern Gospel Song Contest

(Songwriters, enter soon. Deadline is April 8, 2010)

Nashville, TN (March 17, 2010) - Daywind Music Group and the Gospel Music Association (GMA) have partnered to host the Southern Gospel Song Contest with the intent of finding the best-unknown Southern Gospel songs and offer a chance to have them recorded by a nationally recognized artist. Unpublished songwriters (currently unaffiliated or unsigned to a publishing company) are encouraged to submit their Southern Gospel song(s) for review (see "Submission Instructions" below).

Songs submitted will be judged by Daywind Music Publishing’s staff, a team of publishers working daily with top songwriters and artists such as Gerald Crabb, Ronny Hinson, Marty Funderburk, Austins Bridge, Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant, The Perrys, and many other award winners.

The Southern Gospel Song Contest opened March 12, 2010 and runs through April 8, 2010. Any submission after April 8, 2010, 5:00 PM CST will not be included in the judging. A valid entry will include a Song Submission Form found below and the $25 entry fee (per song). Songs should be limited to 4 minutes and 30 seconds. No more than two songs per person will be accepted.

One Grand Prize winner and two Runner-Up winners will be chosen and announced by April 30, 2010. Winners will be contacted by the GMA.

The Grand Prize winner will receive:

-One free registration to GMA’s Immerse event in July 2010
-Automatic semi-final place in the Immerse song contest
-Single song publishing agreement with Daywind Music Publishing
-CD stack from Southern Gospel music’s top names
-Opportunity to be recorded by a nationally recognized artist

The two Runner-Up winners will receive:

-One free registration to GMA’s Immerse event in July 2010
· -CD stack from Southern Gospel music’s top names

Each song submission will also receive an individualized critique by one of the Daywind Music Publishing judges, complete with invaluable feedback and advice. It's not just a contest; it's a chance to learn something, too!

SONG SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Print out the Southern Gospel Contest Song Submission Form (found here) and fill in all fields.

Mail completed form with payment to:

Gospel Music Association
The Southern Gospel Song Contest
1205 Division St. Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 277-1376

Once payment and submission form are received, an email will be sent to you with instructions on where to send your song(s) and typed lyric sheets.

You are welcome to send your song recorded on a CD and your typed lyric sheet (one page per song) with your paid registration. If you are submitting multiple songs, please include a separate CD for each song and write your name and the song title on the front of the CD.

For a complete listing of contest rules and in-depth submission instructions, visit gospelmusic.org and click on the Daywind contest logo.

For questions or customer service, please contact Scott at (615) 277-1376.

News & Scoops

Daystar Television’s ‘Gospel Music Showcase’ Kicks-Off New Season with Ivan Parker

Shows featuring new inspirational performances begin March 20

DALLAS, March 16, 2010 – Featuring sounds from one of Christian music’s most beloved genres, Daystar Television Network’s original program “Gospel Music Showcase” will begin a new season on Saturday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. CST with multi-award winning male vocalist, Ivan Parker.

Parker, who was named “Favorite Lead Soloist” six times and “Favorite Male Vocalist” nine times from “Singing News,” has released 13 solo albums including his newest “Unity.”

“Ivan Parker’s music has been a great blessing to audiences for nearly three decades, and we are grateful that he would be a part of the inaugural show of the 2010 ‘Gospel Music Showcase’ season,” said Tammy Underwood, host and producer of “Gospel Music Showcase.” “We know this is going to be our best year yet, bringing the Good News to viewers around the world through Gospel music. The program has been refreshed with a new look and we are very excited to start another season and bring you the finest in gospel music.”

In its sixth year, “Gospel Music Showcase” regularly features the best and brightest stars of Gospel music. Inspiration and great music are the two resounding themes of Daystar’s “Gospel Music Showcase.” This program brings viewers a comprehensive line-up of performers and in the past has hosted artists including David Phelps and 33 Miles. In addition to Ivan Parker, the 2010 season will feature the likes of Crabb Revival and Pfeifers.

“Gospel Music Showcase” is an original program produced by the Daystar Television Network. Joni and Marcus Lamb founded Daystar Television Network in 1997. Today, it is the fastest-growing and one of the largest Christian television networks in the world. Headquartered within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex in Bedford, Texas, Daystar seeks to provide first-class, faith-based TV for today’s generation. Daystar currently reaches over 81 million households in the United States and broadcasts via satellite into more than 200 countries and 671 million households around the world. Additional information is available at http://www.Daystar.com

News & Scoops

Prayer Requested For Riichard Burger

LuAnn Burger, wife of the late Anthony Burger, sent out the following prayer request for Anthony's father, Richard Burger.

In recent weeks, his health has taken a turn for the worse. The complications from the lung cancer, chemo and radiation have given way to a lengthy hospital stay which has ultimately led to Hospice home care. Both of Anthony's parents need you continued prayers along with the entire family as we walk through this valley knowing that God is so much bigger than the problems we face.

News & Scoops

The Hoppers sign exclusive distribution agreement with Mansion Entertainment

Brentwood, TN (Mansion Entertainment) March 10, 2010 – The Hoppers have signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Mansion Entertainment.

Since the early 1900’s when “the father of Southern Gospel Music”, James D. Vaughan, founded the first Southern Gospel music publishing company, started one of the first radio stations to play Southern Gospel and begin one of the first record labels in the South, many family groups have made their contributions to this beloved music. For decades The Hoppers have been a significant part of not only carrying on this tradition, but laying upon that foundation a tremendous list of accolades. From their decades of enormous radio success as well as group and individual industry awards, to performing for a million fans a year as part of the Gaither Homecoming concert series, they’ve taken the Gospel from their humble, rural North Carolina beginnings to a world stage. Not only has this revered family group contributed to the foundation of Southern Gospel Music but they continue to build upon it.

Their new project, Unforgettable, is now available through Mansion Entertainment with a forth-coming single, “O It Thrills Me”, due to hit radio airwaves soon. In addition, The Hoppers will be a significant part of a new Mansion television show that will begin airing in the late spring of 2010. You can find more information by visiting http://www.thehoppers.com or http://www.themansionentertainment.com

News & Scoops

Jerry Redd Passes Away

Tenor Jerry Redd passed away Friday, March 12, 2010. Jerry had a long and lustrous career singing with many successful groups such as the Stamps Quartet, the Speer Family, the Blackwood Boys, Leroy Abernathy's All Star Quartet, the Plainsmen, the Kingsmen, and the Diplomats. His funeral was Monday at 1st Baptist Church in Eufaula, AL. Jerry Redd was truly a shining light in the Gospel Music industry.

News & Scoops

Joseph T. Lee Ministries to Sponsor Help For Haiti Relief Concerts

MECHANICSVILLE, Va. – Joseph T. Lee Ministries will be sponsoring two concerts this coming May in order to raise money for those affected by the Haiti earthquake which took place this past January. The “Help For Haiti Relief Concerts” will take place on Friday, May 21, 2010 and Saturday, May 22, 2010 in central Virginia.

The May 21, 2010 concert will feature Hinson Revival, Vertical Praise, and Lee & Loyall. The venue for the concert is Oak Knoll Middle School in Mechanicsville, Virginia. There is no ticket admission. A love offering will be taken up during the event.

Saturday, May 22, 2010 will feature an evening with Vertical Praise and Lee & Loyall. This event will be take place at Orange Assembly of God in Orange, Virginia. A love offering will be taken up at this event as well.

All proceeds and money donated will be given to Sunshine Ministries. Sunshine ministries funds and sponsors orphanages and churches in Haiti. The money raised will help the orphaned children of Haiti, feeding & clothing, and rebuilding churches.

“My heart has gone out to the people of Haiti ever since I heard about the terrible devastation that has taken place there,” mentioned Joseph T. Lee. “I am so thankful that I am in an industry that has groups that would give up their time and money to be a part of something like this.”

More information on the event can be found at http://www.josephleeministries.com or by calling Joseph T. Lee at (804) 241-8231.

More information on Joseph T. Lee can be found at his website – located at http://www.josephleeministries.com . Contact and booking information can be found at the site. 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.

Weekly Chart

Monday, March 15, 2010

Top 40 Weekly Chart

TW	LW	#WK	TITLE	ARTIST	PEAK
1	1	20	Born to Climb	Jeff & Sheri Easter	1(3)
2	2	11	Hold On	Dove Brothers	2
3	3	9	Did I Mention	Perrys	2
4	4	8	The Empty Tomb Says It All	Kingdom Heirs	4
5	7	20	When They Found Nothing	Legacy Five	5
6	6	21	Little Bit of Heaven	Isaacs	2
7	8	6	Daystar	Jason Crabb	7
8	9	15	That's Why I Love Him So	Tribute Quartet	8
9	5	20	Peace In the Shelter	Booth Brothers	1
10	10	9	You Were Faithful Yesterday	Greater Vision	10
11	12	11	He's Alive	Talley Trio	4
12	11	26	He Found Me	Nelons	2
13	13	26	You Must Have Met Him	Brian Free & Assurance	1(2)
14	14	26	When the Trumpet Sounds	Triumphant Quartet	1(2)
15	15	22	These Are They	Gaither Vocal Band	2
16	17	6	The Name of Jesus	Aaron & Amanda Crabb	16
17	18	13	When I Lift Up My Head	Gordon Mote	17
18	20	18	Trust His Heart	Eighth Day	12
19	21	3	God Rides On Wings of Love	Janet Paschal	19
20	22	5	God Saw a Cross	Kingsmen	20
21	23	24	My Heart Knows	Crist Family	17
22	16	26	I'll Pray For You	Whisnants	4
23	19	26	Why Can't All God's Children Get Along	Karen Peck & New River	1(6)
24	24	8	If Only Just a Few	Mark Trammell Trio	19
25	27	11	The Blood Covered It All	2nd Generation	14
26	26	5	Keeper of the Lost & Found	Ivan Parker	26
27	25	10	Let Me Tell You About Jesus	LeFevre Quartet	17
28	28	10	I Keep Praying	McKameys	24
29	29	13	Both Sides of the River	Crabb Revival	19
30	33	3	What a Difference a Day Makes	HisSong	30
31	31	3	My Father's Angels	Charlotte Ritchie	31
32	32	15	All In a Sunday's Work	Anchormen	27
33	35	2	The Maker of Them All	Guy Penrod	33
34	37	2	I Still Glory In the Cross	Bowling Family	34
35	30	17	Grace Will Always Be Greater	Hoppers	13
36	36	2	Things Are Looking Different	Shiloh	36
37	38	14	Bottom of the Barrel	Collingsworth Family	26
38	39	23	Longing to Go	Heavens Highway	21
39	40	15	The Blood of God's Only Son	Primitive Quartet	25
40	34	16	It Took His Breath Away	Three Bridges	32

TW - This week on the chart	LW - Last week on the chart	#WK - Number of weeks on the chart	#1 For the Week
Indicates 1st Week on chart	Greatest Gain on Chart	On chart the longest	Highest on chart after dropping off

The Songwriter

Songs of Pain

It is easy to listen to a Gospel song and be moved by it. It is easy to enjoy the comforting words. But what it took for the writer to come up with those words of comfort may be a side of songwriting that very few listeners will ever understand. Many of the most touching gospel songs we have today were written from the greatest heartbreak, disappointment and tragedy that a human being can face.

The beloved hymn of the church that we have all sung many times, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL, is one such song. The writer of this great song of encouragement was only able to pen those words after losing his entire family in a shipwreck.

Another great song written from a great tragedy was Thomas Dorsey's Precious Lord Take My Hand. He was away on the road singing gospel music when he got a telegraph saying to come home because his wife had died. He said the grief was overwhelming and he began to sing to the Lord the words Precious Lord Take My Hand Lead Me On Let Me Stand. I heard him interviewed once and he talked about the last line of the song that says Take My Hand Precious Lord Lead Me Home. He said at that point in time, he was telling the Lord, if you don't lead me home, then just hold me until I get home.

Another example of a song born out of hard times is Aaron Wilburn's Four Days Late.
Aaron told me one time that someone asked him if that song was hard to write. His reply was "NO, the song was easy to write,but the hell I had to go through for several years before I wrote it almost killed me.

Everyone experiences hard times and tragedies in their lives. That's just part of living. And many sad songs have been written in the Rock, Country, Pop, and Blues fields of music. But for the Gospel Songwriter, we are to lean on Christ in the time of trouble. Because of that we can write hope into the saddest of situations. Jesus is the difference that makes a sad song a song of hope and encouragement.

Until next time, keep on writing!

Daryl Williams
http://www.darylwilliamstrio.net

Bev McCann

The Book of John

Boy I sure am late getting this one out. I guess turning the lovely age of 50, takes a toll on you …. LOL not really , I’m just later than usual, not a good thing.

I hope you all are ready for a good month.. We get to spring ahead even though the weather is not springing to fast. But hopefully it will catch up with the time change. Longer days more time to …….. work ? That is what we are supposed to do…right?

I am reading in the book of John this month, and doing a study along with it. I have been so blessed so far. God has a wonderful plan for us as his children. He has given us a path to follow and promises to lean on in times of trouble.

The book of John tells us about Jesus and his coming to set us free, that he is only the fore runner as we are today the fore runners for Christ, to let people know that Jesus is coming back for His children. Are you one of them? in Chp 3 he tells us that God so loved the World that he gave his one and only Son to die for us that we would have everlasting life, have you accepted Jesus ? then the book goes on to tell us that He is the vine and we are the branches… are your branches getting ready to leaf out for the spring ? next he gives us hope through the holy spirit, are you walking in the spirit ?

Then we go to the Crucifixion, where Jesus gave His life for you and for me to take the burdens of this life and the sins of our life and nail them to a cruel cross, He did not utter a word except for “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” Have you ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins today and let him come in and be the king of kings of your life ?
Then Last He has Risen, Yes Risen indeed!!! And he challenges Peter and the other disciples to feed my sheep..

Are you doing what God has asked you to do? I know that I fall short everyday, but I hope and pray that I will be able to walk in the spirit, lean on His promises, and know that Jesus is the Lord of my life. I hope you do the same this month as spring rolls in and ole man winter takes flight. Let us get the nutrients that we need to have our branches spread out with the foliage of the spirit and the life of Christ that we may be a blessing to those that are looking for new life.

Be blessed with the Love of the Lord

News & Scoops

Brothers Redeemed Quartet receives Nomination in SGM FanFair Awards

Hickory, NC- The up-and-coming Brothers Redeemed Quartet of Hickory, NC received word early this week that they were Nominated in the SGM FanFair Awards.

Brothers Redeemed Quartet landed a Top 5 Nomination in the "New Excelling Artist" category. "We are honored to be along-side some of our greatest friends that this industry has to offer" says Cameron Woods, Lead Vocalist for the group. "To be nominated is an honor in itself, but to be mentioned among the top 5 Excelling Artist's, is simply something that words cannot express. God has been blessing our Ministry this year in ways that we can't explain. Thank you to all that nominated us, and for all the votes that have been placed thus far."

The reader's of the Christian Voice Magazine chose the nominees for this year's SGM FanFair Awards. The Awards Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 6th, 2010, at the Great Smokey Mountains Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN. For voting information and to cast your ballot, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com.

Brothers Redeemed Quartet is a group that's no stranger to the Gospel Music Industry. They have been traveling now for over eight years. They currently have two hits on the Top 100 Gospel Music Tour Charts. "Hand of the Lord" is their current single which sits right now at #18 for it's second consecutive month, and "Testimony" weighs in at #40. To learn more about this dynamic quartet, you may visit them on the web at http://www.tbrqt.com

News & Scoops

Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver: Light on My Feet and Ready to Fly

Arden, NC - With the success of his last release, Help is on the Way, which included the first ever Bluegrass Gospel #1 on the Singing News Southern Gospel Charts, Doyle is back with a new album that provides the great vocal prowess, instrumental finery and spiritual message of his prior Gospel recordings.

With a nearly all new line-up, the album includes Corey Hensley on guitar and vocals; Jason Leek on Bass and vocals; Dale Perry on banjo, guitar and bass vocals; Josh Swift on resophonic guitar: Jason Barie on fiddle and Doyle who is featured as the lead vocal on half the songs on the release.

The recording process began just this February at the Crossroads Studios in Arden, NC. Doyle was joined by veteran Crossroads engineer Van Atkins who recorded and mixed the album. A great link offering insight into the studio mixing process can be seen at the Crossroads blog page.

Doyle tells us, Light On My Feet and Ready to Fly has something for every Bluegrass Gospel fan. It includes original songs coupled with older ones for a cohesive recording I know folks will enjoy.

The new CD will be released on March 30th. The CD will be available at http://www.doylelawson.com, http://www.crossroadsmusic.com, iTunes, Amazon, and at stores carrying bluegrass music.

News & Scoops

Dan Keeton Joins Blackwood Quartet

Dan Keeton announced yesterday that he would be joining the Blackwood Quartet based in Knoxville TN. The quartet consists of Mark Blackwood on lead, David Mann on baritone, Chris West on bass and Dan Keeton on tenor.

http://www.bgqmusic.com

Personal

A small reflection

News & Scoops

Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Radio Features Mercy’s Well

(New Convention Style Recording, Songbook, Introduced With Classic Song “Life Will Be Sweeter Someday” )

Nashville, TN (March 10, 2010) – Dynamic vocal trio, Mercy’s Well, has found a place on Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Radio. Their new album, Songbook: Where Hymns And Harmony Live, which is a part of their successful hymns series, captured the attention of the radio show with its variety of classic convention style songs with a fresh twist.

The show featured the song “Life Will Be Sweeter Someday.” This hymn is estimated to have been written around the turn of the 20th century and was recorded over 20 years ago by the well-known Cathedral Quartet. Mercy’s Well, along with producer Donna Beauvais, kept the authenticity of the melody and the beautifully tight chords, while presenting the song with a fresh sound that will never go out of style. They even threw a surprise in by blending it together with the classic, “Sweeter As The Days Go By” written by Genser Smith.

Bill Gaither’s Homecoming Radio is a syndicated radio program that airs on over 1000 stations and radio networks worldwide including XM’s Enlighten. To learn more about the show, visit homecomingradio.com.

Mercy’s Well travels nationwide and their music airs on Southern Gospel radio stations all over the country. Their brand new single from Songbook: Where Hymns And Harmony Live is the upbeat and harmonious “God Put A Rainbow In The Cloud.” Call and request it today.

To learn more about Mercy’s Well and their newest installment in their very successful hymns series including Songbook: Where Hymns And Harmony Live, visit http://www.mercyswell.com

News & Scoops

Firm Foundation Celebrates A CD Release Event

Introducing Their New Recording Footsteps Of Life

Nashville, TN (March 9, 2010) – Energetic and talented quartet Firm Foundation is celebrating the release of a brand new album entitled Footsteps Of Life. They recently introduced the CD with a hometown celebration at the Owensboro Towne Square Mall in Owensboro, KY.

The album was produced and recorded in Nashville, TN, by veteran producer, Donna Beauvais. It’s packed with wonderful songs, from fresh, upbeat tunes to powerful ballads. It features the new single now playing nationwide, “Already On My Knees” and nine other great song including a duet featuring lead singer, Steve Bridgmon, and producer, Beauvais, (formerly of Hope’s Call). The song, “Nothing Better To Do,” will be the next single, slated to arrive at radio this summer.

Beauvais shared, “I am so honored to work with this group. They were firmly committed, throughout the process of recording this album, to choose music that was going to touch lives and to take on challenging harmonies and long hours to make it the most God honoring possible. I love their heart for ministry, their great blend, and their constant desire to look higher and reach further.”

During the CD release event, the group was honored by the Owensboro City Commissioner, John Kauzlauskas, who presented them with a letter from the Mayor congratulating them and thanking them for being Ambassadors for the city of Owensboro and the state of Kentucky.

Steve Bridgmon, group founder and lead singer expressed, “This project took over a year to complete. Each step was so important to us. From song selection to the day of release, our Savior’s guidance was key in every aspect in the making of Footsteps Of Life.”

Be sure to request the new single, “Already On My Knees” at your area Southern Gospel radio station today. To learn more about Firm Foundation, visit http://www.firmfoundationqt.com

News & Scoops

Crown Music Compilation Volume 3 Hits Radio

Crown Music Compilation Volume 3, 2010 has hit radio. Featured artists are Diadem, The Principles, Lulu Roman, The Parsons, Connie Abner, Tammy Jones Robinette, The Singing Cookes, The Cupps, and Eddie King. All radio stations may download the Compilation at http://WWW.EDDIEKING.NET at the Crown Music Page.

Southern Gospel Music

To mentor or not…

News & Scoops

HisSong Nominated in SGM FanFair Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Popular Southern Gospel trio HisSong was greeted with news this week that they have been nominated in the SGM FanFair Awards. The nominees for this year’s SGM FanFair Awards were announced this week in a special press release announcement.

HisSong landed a nomination in the coveted Album of the Year category for their sophomore Vine Records release Journey Through the Sky. HisSong is joined by the Primitive Quartet, Booth Brothers, Sammy Glass Family, and The Perrys in the category.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for us,” mentioned Dennis Humphries of HisSong. “We really feel like this is HisSong’s best album to date, and being nominated alongside such great albums means the world to us.”

The nominees in the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair. The winners for the awards will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com .

HisSong was also recently honored to be nominated for three SGN Music Awards this year. The group received their second consecutive nominations for Male Group of the Year and Traditional Southern Song of the Year (this year for “I Believe In Prayer”). In addition, the trio landed their first ever nomination in the respected Album of the Year category for last fall’s Vine Records release Journey Through the Sky.

The 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. The event is free to the public. HisSong is a featured performer on this year’s awards program.

HisSong released their sophomore recording for Vine Records/Crossroads Music this past September. The new album, Journey Through the Sky, was produced by Dove Award-winning songwriter/producer Wayne Haun.

The album’s second single, “What a Difference a Day Makes,” was recently shipped to Southern Gospel radio. It is the follow up to the group’s Top 10 hit “I Believe In Prayer.”

To order HisSong’s new project, Journey Through the Sky, visit their website at http://www.hissongmusic.com . More information on ordering the disc can be found at their website.

HisSong is booked through the Adoration Agency. For more information on how to book the popular trio, log on to http://www.adorationagency.com or call (910) 426-1931.

HisSong also has a weekly online newsletter which gives fans of the group information on the ministry and much more.

More information on HisSong can be found at http://www.hissongmusic.com. Fans are encouraged to visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/hissongministries.

About HisSong
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, HisSong has already achieved national notoriety within the group’s short lifetime. HisSong received their first GMA Dove Award this year for the critically acclaimed breakthrough recording On the Way Up. The group has been awarded two Diamond Awards. HisSong’s current single is “What a Difference a Day Makes.”

News & Scoops

Praise Incorporated Nominated for 2 SGM FanFair Awards

FORT WORTH, Texas – Texas based Praise Incorporated is honored to have received two nominations in this year’s SGM FanFair Awards. The nominees were announced last week in a special press release announcement via SGM FanFair and Christian Voice Magazine.

The popular group received a nomination for Favorite Male Quartet. The group has been nominated in this category two previous times. In addition, lead vocalist Steve Sam received a nomination in the Favorite Lead Singer category.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated for these awards,” mentioned Steve Sam. “To be mentioned in the same category as groups like Gold City, Triumphant Quartet, the Dove Brothers, and Paul’s Journey is a huge honor for us. Thank you to everyone who placed a vote for us!”

Nominees for the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair. The winners for the awards will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com .

Praise Incorporated’s latest release, It’s All About Him, was released last fall and has been generating some buzz for the group.

For more information on Praise Incorporated, visit their website at http://www.praiseinc.com .

About Praise Incorporated
With a focus on musical excellence and integrity in ministry, Praise Incorporated has devoted their lives to reaching the lost and encouraging the Christian, through music and spoken word. Building on combined decades of music experience, Steve Sam, Ron Higgins, Greg Bares and Dodd Meadows have hearts for the Lord and that gives Praise Incorporated the musical excellence it strives for.

News & Scoops

Triumphant Quartet Signs Long Term Recording Agreement With Mansion Entertainment.

Brentwood, TN (Mansion Entertainment) March 10, 2010 – Mansion Entertainment has signed Triumphant Quartet to a long term recording agreement.

Since their inception in 2003, the Triumphant Quartet has performed for over 100,000 at a University of Tennessee, performed for thousands each year that have come through the Louise Mandrell Theater in Pigeon Forge, TN and their travels have taken them around the world. Their music has garnered the group such nominations as Top 10 Song of The Year (Singing News Fan Awards), Top 10 Album of The Year (Singing News Fan Awards) and numerous Top 5 nominations recognizing both the group and group members. Their list of landmark achievements culminated with the group being awarded the Top Male Quartet of The Year award at the Singing News Fan Awards in 2009 along with Eric Bennett receiving the Favorite Bass Singer of The Year award and Jeff Stice being awarded the Favorite Musician of the Year honors. Add to that impressive list of accolades a nomination for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album by the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards for their album, ‘Everyday’, produced by Wayne Haun with group pianist Jeff Stice lending his talent as associate producer.

Wayne Haun, a 5-time Dove Award winner with an unprecedented 45 nominations, will again lend his Grammy-nominated producer talents to the new project which will also include a live DVD at The Mansion Theater in Branson, Missouri. The much-anticipated project is scheduled for release to radio and retail in September 2010. You can find more information by visiting http://www.triumphantquartet.com or http://www.themansionentertainment.com

News & Scoops

The English Family Scores Top 40 Hit with “Send Down Your Angels”

Hit Song Cracks SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart

BARNESVILLE, Ga. – Georgia-based family group The English Family recently scored their latest Top 40 hit. The group’s current single, “Send Down Your Angels,” recently cracked the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart – the industry’s most watched weekly radio report.

“Send Down Your Angels” spent five weeks on the chart – peaking at #33 – an impressive run for an independently promoted song without major label backing. The song has also been a regular fixture on the popular SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

“Send Down Your Angels” was written by 16-year old group member Jacob English, and it features stellar vocal performances from Jacob and group patriarch Phillip English.

Phillip English of the English Family said, “We have been absolutely humbled by the response that this song has seen at Southern Gospel radio. This song has been a special part of our concerts and ministry opportunities. We are so proud of Jacob and his accomplishments with this song.”

Much of the success of the song can be attributed to the successful radio promo tour that the family embarked on last year. Throughout the last portion of 2009, the family visited over a dozen stations and logged over 4,000 miles on their bus. The English Family kicked off their radio promo tour at Sheffield, Alabama’s WBTG before visiting other stations in Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, Kentucky, and ending up in North and South Carolina.

The song is the group’s debut single from their Mansion Records recording Out of the Wilderness. The song was released to Southern Gospel radio through Crossroads Music Group’s digital releases and radio compilation disc. “Send Down Your Angels” is being promoted to Southern Gospel radio by Patterson Promotions.

For more information on The English Family – visit them online 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 Out of the Wilderness and features the hit single "Send Down Your Angels."

News & Scoops

Dove Brothers Nominated for 3 SGM FanFair Awards

BLADENBORO, N.C. – Multi-award winning quartet the Dove Brothers have been nominated for three SGM FanFair Awards. The nominees were announced last week in a special press release announcement via SGM FanFair and Christian Voice Magazine.

The popular group received a nomination for Favorite Male Quartet. The Dove Brothers were awarded Favorite Male Quartet in 2008 and 2009. In addition, group founders and brothers McCray Dove and Eric Dove were nominated for Favorite Male Vocalist and Favorite Baritone respectively.

McCray Dove said, “We continue to be amazed at just how much God has richly blessed this ministry over the last 10 years. We would like to thank everyone who voted for us for these nominations. You all mean the world to us.

Nominees for the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair. The winners for the awards will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com .

The Dove Brothers started 2010 with a bang with news that last year’s release – Hold On – was named one of the best recordings of 2009 according to the staff of SoGospelNews.com. Hold On – the Dove Brothers’ 14th studio release – landed on four out of five “Staff Picks” lists – a yearly feature on the popular e-zine that highlight’s the writing staff’s choices for the best releases of the previous year. The Dove Brothers also landed a stellar eight nominations in the 2010 SGN Music Awards program.

Be listening for the group’s current single – “Hold On” – at Southern Gospel radio all across the country.

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 Hold On and spawned off the hit singles “A Little Good News” and “Hold On.”

News & Scoops

Ryan Seaton Teams With Innovation Management & Consulting To Launch Solo Career

Johnson City, TN - Anticipation has been building regarding the future plans of Ryan Seaton, who won the hearts of fans all over the world during his tenure with Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. For those who have been waiting to see what would be next for the popular singer, the wait is over, and the future looks very bright! Seaton has announced plans to embark upon a solo career.

Innovative Management and Consulting (IMC) will team with Seaton in this new endeavor, providing management and tour promotion. Both parties are excited about the future, which includes a solo recording, new website, special merchandise and concert touring. "I am thrilled and excited to be involved with Innovative Management,” Seaton states. “I believe their creative excellence in areas of marketing, production and concert promotion is the right fit for taking my music and heart to this new platform. I've been a quartet man for so long, but I am very excited to step out and take the lead as a solo artist."

Innovative co-owner, Landon Beene says the IMC team is thrilled to be a part of this venture. "We have put together a talented and creative team of people to assist Ryan, and we are excited to watch all of the elements come together to make a project that people will be talking about for a long time. Ryan has all the right ingredients to be one of the top solo artists in Gospel music. Beyond talent, he has a heart for the people, a loyal fan base and a love for the message of the song.”

In addition to teaming with IMC, Seaton is working with several prominent Nashville-based producers on the production of his debut recording, which promises a new, fresh and exciting sound for Gospel music lovers to enjoy. A mid-summer release date is tentatively planned.

Seaton’s new website, http://www.ryanseaton.com , will launch later this month. Fall tour dates will be announced on the website, which will also include a complete list of merchandise and special apparel. Currently fans may communicate with the talented vocalist and stay up-to-date via his Facebook fan page and YouTube, where they can watch the progress of the recording and stay informed with the latest news, pictures and video.

Weekly Chart

Monday - March 8, 2010

Top 40 Weekly Chart

TW	LW	#WK	TITLE	ARTIST	PEAK
1	1	19	Born to Climb	Jeff & Sheri Easter	1(2)
2	4	10	Hold On	Dove Brothers	2
3	2	8	Did I Mention	Perrys	2
4	8	7	The Empty Tomb Says It All	Kingdom Heirs	4
5	7	19	Peace In the Shelter	Booth Brothers	1
6	9	20	Little Bit of Heaven	Isaacs	2
7	12	19	When They Found Nothing	Legacy Five	7
8	11	5	Daystar	Jason Crabb	8
9	15	14	That's Why I Love Him So	Tribute Quartet	9
10	16	8	You Were Faithful Yesterday	Greater Vision	10
11	10	25	He Found Me	Nelons	2
12	5	10	He's Alive	Talley Trio	4
13	6	25	You Must Have Met Him	Brian Free & Assurance	1(2)
14	14	25	When the Trumpet Sounds	Triumphant Quartet	1(2)
15	3	21	These Are They	Gaither Vocal Band	2
16	20	25	I'll Pray For You	Whisnants	4
17	21	5	The Name of Jesus	Aaron & Amanda Crabb	17
18	17	12	When I Lift Up My Head	Gordon Mote	17
19	13	25	Why Can't All God's Children Get Along	Karen Peck & New River	1(6)
20	18	17	Trust His Heart	Eighth Day	12
21	33	2	God Rides On Wings of Love	Janet Paschal	21
22	31	4	God Saw a Cross	Kingsmen	22
23	24	23	My Heart Knows	Crist Family	17
24	22	7	If Only Just a Few	Mark Trammell Trio	19
25	25	9	Let Me Tell You About Jesus	LeFevre Quartet	17
26	26	4	Keeper of the Lost & Found	Ivan Parker	26
27	23	10	The Blood Covered It All	2nd Generation	14
28	28	9	I Keep Praying	McKameys	24
29	19	12	Both Sides of the River	Crabb Revival	19
30	32	16	Grace Will Always Be Greater	Hoppers	13
31	38	2	My Father's Angels	Charlotte Ritchie	31
32	27	14	All In a Sunday's Work	Anchormen	27
33	36	2	What a Difference a Day Makes	HisSong	33
34	37	15	It Took His Breath Away	Three Bridges	32
35	*	1	The Maker of Them All	Guy Penrod	35
36	*	1	Things Are Looking Different	Shiloh	36
37	*	1	I Still Glory In the Cross	Bowling Family	37
38	**	13	Bottom of the Barrel	Collingsworth Family	26
39	29	22	Longing to Go	Heavens Highway	21
40	30	14	The Blood of God's Only Son	Primitive Quartet	25

TW - This week on the chart	LW - Last week on the chart	#WK - Number of weeks on the chart	#1 For the Week
Indicates 1st Week on chart	Greatest Gain on Chart	On chart the longest	Highest on chart after dropping off

News & Scoops

The Story Behind Charlotte Ritchie’s “My Fathers Angels”

If you’ve ever wondered about a story behind a song, why it was recorded by that particular artist, you now can read the story behind Charlotte Ritchie’s current radio single “My Father’s Angels.” This is a very personal story straight from Charlotte’s heart of how this song comforted her, her son and many others during difficult times in there lives.

Please take a couple of minutes to click the link below and read this short story from Charlotte Ritchie. You’ll hear her heart and know where she is right now in her life, her walk with the Lord and her love of the comforting power of this music.

http://www.gaither.com/news/2010/03/charlotte-ritchie-the-song-that-got-her-through%e2%80%a6/

Charlotte Ritchie’s radio single “My Father’s Angels” is available now on mp3 and on SCM Disc # 12.

http://www.charlotteritchie.com
http://www.rsimusicgroup.com

News & Scoops

Gordon Mote Rises To #21

“I Will Lift Up My Head” at #21!

March 4, 2010 (Nashville, TN) – Renown pianist, studio musician and solo artist, Gordon Mote moves up the Top 40 on the Singing News Chart with his latest single, “I Will Lift Up My Head.” The song debuted at #46 on the January chart from hitting the Top 10 New Release chart just a month prior. Now at #21, “I Will Lift Up My Head” is his first single from his newest album I Will Sing.

“I Will Lift Up My Head,” written by the adored, late Dottie Rambo, features multi-award winning artist, The Isaacs, on background vocals. Radio Program Directors and listeners across the country have been raving about this upbeat gospel bluegrass song for months.

“I Will Lift Up My Head” is currently available to all stations in MP3 format and is featured on SCM disc #11, by TS Promotions.

I Will Sing has been years in the making. Gordon and his manager, RSI Music Group founder Bob Rodgers, began working on the project in December of 2007. The album is mixed by Ben Fowler and co-produced by Phil Johnson, who has worked with Gordon on previous projects. The album is endorsed by Pastor and Author, Dr. David Jeremiah and Gospel Artist and Comedian, Mark Lowry.

I Will Sing is not yet available in retail stores but can now be purchased at the online stores of Gordon and RSI Music Group’s websites.

Contact TS Promotions, NOW, and you too can start playing “I Will Lift Up My Head!” For more information on Gordon Mote, visit http://www.GordonMote.com or http://www.rsimusicgroup.com

News & Scoops

Daniel and Holly Riley Welcome Baby Girl

Daniel and Holly Riley are excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Tessa Hope, born at 7:26 AM on March 3rd. Tessa weighed in at 7 lbs 6 oz and measures 19 inches long. She joins older sister Sadie (4). Daniel would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. Both mother and baby are doing great.

Due to the birth of Tessa, Daniel will not be traveling with Gold City this week. He will be helping take care of Holly and the kids. Derrick Selph will be filling in for Daniel. Many of you probably remember Derrick from singing with Brian Free and Assurance. Daniel will be back singing with Gold City next weekend.

News & Scoops

Back Home Nominated for Favorite Duet of the Year in SGM FanFair Awards

Nashville, TN. - The SGM FanFair Awards nominations were announced yesterday in a press release announcement, and southern gospel duo Back Home was nominated for Favorite Duet of the Year.

The SGM FanFair Awards are awarded by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and fans of the SGM FanFair. The category of Duet of the Year honors the most popular duets in the Southern Gospel industry.

"It is truly and honor to be mentioned in the same category as Jeff and Sheri Easter and Aaron and Amanda. I can assure you, everything that is happening right now in our life, which just inlcuded being endorsed by Metcalf Handcrafted Guitars and this nomination is truly a God thing", states Jennifer Layne.

This is the 2nd nomination Back Home has received from the SGM FanFair. Last year, Back Home, was nominated for New Excelling Artist of the Year.

The nominees in the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair. The winners for the awards will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com and for more information on Back Home, visit http://www.backhomesings.com

News & Scoops

Sunday Edition Honored with 2 SGM FanFair Award Nominations

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Sunday Edition, one of Nashville’s favorite groups, was greeted with news this week that they have been nominated for two SGM FanFair Awards. The nominees for this year’s SGM FanFair Awards were announced this week in a special press release announcement.

Sunday Edition received a nomination for Favorite New Excelling Artist – an award that honors artists who are either new or excelling to new heights in their ministries. In addition, group member Chris Unthank received a nomination for Favorite Young Excelling Individual. That award honors young individuals who are making strides in their career.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated in these two categories,” mentioned Deon Unthank of Sunday Edition. “We are honored that our family, friends, and fans would think enough of us to place a vote for us in these two categories! Thank you to everyone who voted for us!”

Chris Unthank said, “I am absolutely astonished to be mentioned in this category. We never go out and sing for any kind of acknowledgement or recognition. We do it because it’s what we’re called to do, and we have a real love for this music. We want to thank everyone who voted for us, as well as thank those who will continue to vote for us. These are votes of confidence in our ministry. We appreciate them more than you can imagine.”

The nominees in the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair. The winners for the awards will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

Sunday Edition will also be performing at SGM FanFair this year on Thursday night, May 6, 2010. For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com .

Sunday Edition is releasing their sophomore single with BSA World Records this month. The new single – titled “Mercy Walks a Road” – was written by Glen Bates and Glen Ashworth and was produced by Bates. The song is being pushed to radio through DJ Man Promotions, TS Promotions, and the Rick Hendrix Company.

Fans can hear the new single by logging on to Sunday Edition’s website at http://www.sundayedition.net .

The group’s much-anticipated hymns and worship release – Sunday Worship – is currently being edited and mixed with a release date scheduled for this Spring. Sunday Worship features an equal share of modern and classic worship tunes like “Blessed Assurance,” “Precious Lord,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Indescribable,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” and “Friend of God,” in addition to many more songs.

For more information on Sunday Edition, visit http://www.sundayedition.net .

Facebook members can find Sunday Edition on the popular social networking site at http://www.facebook.com/sundayedition . Sunday Edition’s MySpace can be found at http://myspace.com/thesundayedition/. Anyone can follow Sunday Edition on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/theSunEdition .

About Sunday Edition
Sunday Edition was formed back in the early 70’s as an all-male quartet. Now, 30 years later, the group has reformed as the family trio consisting of Deon Unthank, Amy Marie Unthank, and Chris Unthank. The group has a rich sound with a wide variety of influences which range from traditional southern to country and progressive southern to black gospel.

Janice Crow

Reflections - Choices, Butter or Better?

I thought nothing much surprised me anymore; but I’ll have to admit I was taken aback when a friend blurted out over lunch one day that she got married mostly because she hated making decisions. Hello? Well, I guess that’s okay if you want your life to be one long “whatever you want honey”.

What on earth made her believe she could avoid decision making? If you think about it, every day is made up of hundreds of choices and it begins when the alarm clock goes off at 6:00 a.m. Shall I spring out of bed ready to meet the day or roll over and smack the snooze? Whatever I do, conscious or not, I’ve just made the day’s first decision. When I do finally roll out of bed, then what? Will I first stumble into the kitchen to make coffee or make a stop at the bathroom? Walk down the hall bare-footed or groggily poke around for my slippers? What’s for breakfast? Eggs or cereal? Wait…should I even eat breakfast? Sugar or sweetener? Minty toothpaste or fire-engine red gel? I’ve just been faced with a multitude of decisions and I’m not out of my bathrobe yet.

When you think about it, it’s exhausting, the number of choices we encounter everyday, and it’s hard to deny that we are the sum total of the decisions we have made thus far in our lives.

Why didn’t I pursue a music career right out of high school? Because I listened to the nay-sayers. Why don’t I have a college degree? Because I got tired one semester short of the goal.

I’d love to manage time better. So who keeps twisting my arm to stroll through the antique mall? That $1.42 change left in my pocket everyday would add up if I could pass the Hit ‘N’ Run without pulling in for a curbside cherry Coke (and my kidneys would thank me). I ask myself, “Why can’t I lose weight?” But who is it that stands in the aisle at Walgreens and thumbs through “Shape Up” , only to walk away with “Cooking with Paula Deen”. I have just chosen “butter” over “better”…again.

I make the decision everyday whether to go into the studio and write music or to get hopelessly tangled in the internet search for my great, great grandfather, a blacksmith somewhere in 1850 Hancock County, Kentucky. (Yeah, like he would care --- probably only if I had a horse that needed shoeing.)

My point is, I can blame no one for my shortcomings but me. I am faced with choices everyday, and my priorities and my discipline, or lack thereof, will determine how successful I am, not just in the music world, but my life in general.

Apparently I’m not alone. Even Paul had a problem in this area, for in Romans he said,… “for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good, I find not. For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do.

I am determined to make better choices; but in the meantime, it’s nice to know that I’m in such good company. Paul seemed to get it together at some point. Maybe I can figure this thing out yet.

Still learning.

Janice

Cavaliers Quartet

From a Nobody to a Somebody!

From the time I was a child to my adult years, my parents always told my siblings and I to make something of yourself. Always do your best. Always do what is right! Never say I can't! That was a big one. "Can't never could do nothin' till he tried." My late grandmother told us that about as many times as she told us "sit down and listen to me." I am sure all of that brings back memories of someone in your life that poured their soul into your life to make you a better man or woman.

They made us into Somebody good! God wants to make us into Somebody great! He helps us along the way by telling us to "Always do your best. Always do what is right! Never say I can't!" With God all things are possible. You may think you are a Nobody but God thinks you are Somebody worth giving His Son to die for you. How Great is that! A Nobody to a Somebody.

We see all though the Word where the so called lowest of the low were the people who Jesus was hanging out with. Not the high and mighty but the low and meek. These are the strongest in His eyes. Humility is one lesson we all can learn. Love God and Love each other. Love not the sin but the sinner. God wants you to be great for His Kingdom. Strength in God only comes when we surrender our all to Him. This will make you Somebody that can do great things for Him

In His Arms!
Anthony, Ben, Jason, and Wayne
The Cavaliers Quartet
http://www.cavaliersquartet.com

Allison Lynn

Do You Have A Maintenance Or Mission Ministry? - Part 1

I recently read a great article discussing the differences between a “maintenance” church and a “mission” minded church. Simply put, the maintenance church has stopped growing, and has become more concerned with budgets, committees, and buildings than with gaining new members. The mission church is focused on sharing the Gospel and reaching the needs of the community in which it finds itself.

So that got me thinking: how could we apply this concept to our individual music ministries? Do you have a maintenance ministry or a mission ministry?

Here are a few thoughts to consider:

1. When contemplating change, the maintenance ministry says, “My audience won’t like this, so I won’t do it.” The mission ministry says, “This new song might bring new people into our concerts.”

2. When thinking about a vision for ministry, the maintenance ministry says, “We have to be faithful to our past.” The mission ministry says, “We have to learn from our past, but we also have to be faithful to our future.”

3. When meeting new audience members, the maintenance ministry says, “You don’t have our CDs. Ask our product table volunteer about our 10 CD package deal.” The mission ministry says, “How can we make our music available to you? CDs? Downloads? Flash drive?”

4. When dealing with pastors, the maintenance ministry says, “Here are our needs.” The mission ministry says, “How can we meet your needs?”

5. When thinking about events, the maintenance ministry asks, “How many people were in the audience?” The mission ministry asks, “How many people did we reach tonight?”

6. When thinking about change, the maintenance ministry asks, “How will this affect us?” The mission ministry says, “Will this increase our ability to reach the unchurched and the tired Christian?”


How does your ministry stand up? Do you have a maintenance ministry or a mission ministry?

I invite all your comments and feedback! Please leave your comments below, or feel free to email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Blessings,

Allison Lynn
http://www.AllisonLynn.com
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Featured Review

Jerry Deewood sings with Sherrill “Shaun” Nielsen & Friends

News & Scoops

The Goodwins Release New Single

Poca, WV (March 2, 2010) The Goodwins of Poca, WV have recently released their latest single "Heart Of The King" to radio stations nationwide. This song is yet another original song from lead singer / songwriter, Martha Goodwin Drake. It was released last month on Pathlight Promotions Compilation CD for Radio Volume 2010-02 & is being promoted by Pathlight Promotions & Media Group as well. Despite it's recent release, this beautiful song is already receiving a large amount of airplay.

The Goodwins previous radio single, entitled "Jesus Died Like A Man", debuted at #1 & remained there for four weeks on the Gospel Music Times Top 40 in June, 2009. It is also currently #55 on The Christian Voice Magazine's Top 100 for March 2010. Other original singles from The Goodwins include"24/7", Revival In The Air, The Walk, Amen Corner & That's My Boy (later recorded by The Wilburns & more recently Cheryl Edelmann.).

The Goodwins have been known for over 25 years for their original songs & exceptional vocal harmonies. They are currently taking bookings for their remaining dates in 2010 as well as dates in 2011. For more information on booking The Goodwins or to obtain product information, visit them online at http://www.thegoodwinsmusic.com .

For more information on Pathlight Promotions & Media Group, or for radio inquiries regarding The Goodwins, please visit http://www.pathlightpromotions.com

Crystal River

Let’s Start A Revival

Well last month was a roller coaster ride! It started out with us missing two weekends of dates due to snow. That was bad! But we finished recording our new album. That was good! So, be looking for that in the next few weeks. We are so excited about this project that has plenty of new material with the same amazing message and flavor that you have come to expect from writers Glen Bates and Glenn Ashworth. This CD is sure to take you from the “top of the mountain” to the “bottom of the valley” in your emotional soul. Much like our month of February!

Well, let me explain, we ended the month with a “broken down” bus. That was bad! Everybody knows how much a bus is depended on with a traveling ministry, so it is vital that we have it. Ole Silver Sally just couldn't keep her cool and overheated on us, causing a good amount of damage. That was bad! However, even in that tough time, God was there! That was good! We broke down at the best possible place; in a gas station parking lot owned by an amazing Christian lady who charged us a small fee of one CD, one DVD, and one tee-shirt for its stay...LOL! We are in the process of getting the bus fixed now, thanks to some of our dear friend’s help; and you know who you are. It is amazing the church family that this Industry has when someone is in need. Everyone comes together as if we all belong to the same small church out in a little country town! It’s all because of God! He is the connection between us all and we are so grateful to our friends in this great Industry who have helped us in this time of need. God bless you all!

Please remember to look for our new CD, “Start A Revival” produced by Glen Bates on BSA World Records. Come see us when we travel to your area. If you would like to have us at your Event just contact the Beckie Simmons Agency (BSA) at 615-595-7500 or http://www.bsaworld.com .

“Let’s Start A Revival”,

Crystal River
http://www.crystalriveronline.net

News & Scoops

Hosts Announced for 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration

HisSong and Beyond the Ashes Added as Featured Performers

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Deon and Susan Unthank, administrators of SoGospelNews.com, are proud to announce the hosts for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration.

Hosting the Awards Celebration this year are Mike Bowling and Sonya Isaacs Yeary. Madison Easter will also be doing additional emcee work for the event.

Mike Bowling is a celebrated vocalist, producer and songwriter. He is a 2-time winner of Male Vocalist of the Year in the SGN Music Awards (2005, 2007). Mike has won 9 SGN Music Awards over the course of his career as a vocalist and producer. Last year, his group won three awards – including Song of the Year (for “Your Cries Have Awoken the Master”). His family group, The Bowling Family, just released their new recording Shine.

Sonya Isaacs Yeary is no stranger to fans of Southern Gospel music. Her family group, The Isaacs, is a regular fixture on the Gaither Homecoming Tour as well as prominent figures in both the Bluegrass and Southern Gospel music communities. Sonya has won eight individual awards in the SGN Music Awards as a musician, vocalist, and songwriter. Sonya is currently the reigning Songwriter of the Year (Artist) – an award she shared with her sister, Becky, last year.

Madison Easter is the youngest individual to ever co-host the SGN Music Awards program. Easter is a beloved musician who travels with his family group – Jeff & Sheri Easter. Easter’s brand of humor has made him a popular individual on social networks and within the Southern Gospel community. Madison scored his first nomination this year for Musician of the Year.

“We are absolutely thrilled with our hosts this year,” mentioned Deon Unthank of SoGospelNews.com. “We’ve got a lot of really neat things planned for this year – including a different kind of set up for our hosts. You aren’t going to want to miss the event this year! It’s destined to be our biggest and best yet!”

In addition, HisSong and Beyond the Ashes have been added as featured performers for the Celebration. They will join previously announced performers The Isaacs, Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, The Perrys, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Freemans, The Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling), Soul’d Out Quartet, and McMillan & Life.

The evening will also feature a mutli-artist collaboration that will honor the Southern Gospel veterans the Singing Cookes and the legacy that they have left and continue to leave today.

Additional performers and sponsors are still being confirmed and will be announced at a later date.

The date for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennesse and is free to the public. The awards program will start at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

As far as nominations go, two artists tied for the most nominations among performers this year. Both The Perrys and Karen Peck & New River landed a stellar nine nominations apiece – more than any other artist this year. 2008’s Pacesetter the Dove Brothers earned eight nods. Following behind those artists were Legacy Five, The Isaacs, and Booth Brothers with seven nominations apiece. Triumphant Quartet and Brian Free & Assurance both landed six nominations. Two artists received five nominations – the Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling) and Talley Trio.

Songwriter and producer Wayne Haun earned the most individual nominations for his work during 2009. Rodney Griffin earned six individual nominations for his songwriting work. Earning five individual nominations were songwriters Marty Funderburk (2009’s Songwriter of the Year winner) and Rusty Golden. Gospel legend Bill Gaither, songwriter Joel Lindsey, and The Perrys’ lead singer Joseph Habedank all earned four individual nominations.

The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization which has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2010 Pacesetter are new Gospel music celebration Branson Gospel Music Convention, Crossroads Music Group, SGShowPrep’s Chuck Peters, digital news outlet SGN Scoops Digital, and Vine Records.

For a full list of nominees, visit SoGospelNews.com.

More information on the 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including hosts, additional performers, and sponsors, etc.

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.

News & Scoops

Brothers Forever Hit #1 on SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart

CHURCH HILL, Tenn. – Popular trio Brothers Forever has seen a surge of fan support for their current single. The song, titled “Be Alright,” recently took the #1 spot on the Southern Gospel industry’s most popular fan-based chart – SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

“Be Alright” took the #1 spot on the chart for the week of February 22, 2010 after spending several weeks bubbling under the top position.

Curtis Hagy of Brothers Forever said, “We are so excited that the fans like this song enough for them to take it all the way to #1. This is a great song that goes over so well in concert. Thanks to everyone who placed a vote for us! We appreciate you all so much!”

Brothers Forever’s last two singles – “I Am Him” and “More ThanThat” – both peaked at #2 on the fan-based system.

The SouthernGospelTimes.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. To vote on the popular chart – log on to http://www.southerngospeltimes.com .

Brothers Forever recently received word that they have been nominated for their first Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Award. The trio received a nominated for Southern Gospel Group of the Year. Fans are urged to go to the charity web site at http://www.hallmuseum.com and vote for their favorites in each category.

Brothers Forever recently wrapped up a successful run on the 2009 Breakthrough Tour. The 2009 Breakthrough Tour saw Brothers Forever in several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama.

Brothers Forever are currently booking dates for their upcoming Spring tour. More information on that will be announced at a later date.

To visit the newly designed Brothers Forever website, visit 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.

News & Scoops

The Freemans Nominated for 3 SGM FanFair Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Southern Gospel favorites The Freemans were recently greeted with news that they have been nominated for three SGM FanFair Awards. The SGM FanFair Awards nominees were announced this week in a press release announcement.

The Freemans collectively received a nomination for Favorite Song of the Year (for their #1 hit “Three Rugged Crosses”). Meanwhile, group matriarch Chris Freeman landed two individual nominations – Favorite Alto and Naomi Sego Living Legend Award.

“We are absolutely honored to be nominated for these awards,” mentioned Chris Freeman. “We’ve been on the road a long time, and it’s such a blessing to know that we have such great friends who continue to support this ministry! Thanks to all who placed a voted for us!”

The nominees in the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair. The winners for the awards will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com .

These nominations come on the heels of the group’s nominations in the upcoming 2010 SGN Music Awards. The group earned their third consecutive nomination for Country Song of the Year (also for “Three Rugged Crosses”) in addition to landing first time nominations in Special Event Project of the Year (for Christmas Memories), and Best Live Performer. Darrell Freeman also earned his third consecutive nomination for Producer of the Year (Artist).

The Freemans have been in the studio working on the follow-up to the award-winning Eyes On the Prize album. More information will be released on that at a later date.

To visit the newly designed website of The Freemans, visit http://www.the-freemans.com.

You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thefreemans07. The group’s Fan Facebook is located at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55933096539.

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.

News & Scoops

Sharron Kay King Nominated in SGM FanFair Awards

BYRON, Ga. – The SGM FanFair Awards nominations were announced yesterday in a press release announcement, and popular Southern Gospel soloist Sharron Kay King earned a nominated for Favorite Soloist.

The SGM FanFair Awards are awarded by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and fans of the SGM FanFair. The category of Favorite Soloist honors the most popular soloists in the Southern Gospel industry.

“God continues to amaze me,” mentioned Sharron. “This is an unexpected blessing, and I am so thankful to everyone who placed a vote for me in this category. It means so much to me!”

In addition to Sharron, the Favorite Soloist category includes Gordon Mote, Guy Penrod, Charlotte Ritchie, and Ivan Parker. This is Sharron’s third consecutive nomination in this category, and she previously won this award in 2008. Sharron was also awarded Favorite Female Vocalist in the 2007 SGM FanFair Awards.

The nominees in the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair. The winners for the awards will be announced on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com .

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 Byron, Georgia. 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.

News & Scoops

The Gardners Renew Contract with Southern Spin Entertainment

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Zion Music Group recording artist The Gardners have renewed their contract with Southern Spin Entertainment. The group has signed on for another full year of exclusive publicity from Southern Spin Entertainment. The popular family group will continue to have access to all media publications serviced by Southern Spin Entertainment, as well as marketing possibilities with the organization.

“The Gardners are some of the hardest working and sincerely genuine people that we have ever had the privilege of working with,” mentioned Chris Unthank of Southern Spin Entertainment. “They’ve got a new record coming out, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the music that this group has been making!”

Michael Gardner of The Gardners said, “We look forward to another year with SSE. We have been more than pleased with the work and friendship that they have provided our group over the last few years.”

The Gardners have been in the studio recording their next Zion Records release. More information on that recording will be released at a later date. Until then, fans can call and request the group’s current single – “I’ve Had Enough” – at Southern Gospel radio.

More information on the Gardners can be found at http://www.thegardners.com.

About The Gardners
Based out of Huntland, Tennessee, the Gardners are a Southern Gospel music ministry that has spanned more than 40 years of musical excellence. Whether performing in small churches or major Gospel music events, the Gardners are a busy group, frequently performing and proclaiming their musical Gospel outside the traditional boundaries of the four walls of a church. Today the group is made up of twin brothers Michael and Mitch Gardner and Mitch’s wife, Regina. Together, they form a dynamic trio that features tight harmonies and well-written songs that are penned by the siblings.

News & Scoops

The Nelons Honored with Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards Nomination

JACKSONVILLE, Fl. – Legendary Gospel music group The Nelons were recently honored with a nomination in the upcoming Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards. The trio received a nominated for Southern Gospel Group of the Year. Other artists nominated for the award include the Booth Brothers, Gaither Vocal Band, Brothers Forever, and Legacy Five.

Kelly Nelon Clark of The Nelons said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be included in this category. We have so much respect for all of the other nominees. We have to say ‘Thank You’ to the Christian Music Hall of Fame for honoring us with this nomination.”

The nominees for the Visionary Awards were announced on Monday, February 15, 2010. The winners will be announced live during the annual award show to be held on November 6, 2010.

This is the second Visionary Awards show and the third show inducting artists into the Hall of Fame. The hosts for the 2010 Visionary Awards were announced last week and will be hosted by award winning artists David Meece and Babbie Mason. The show will be live in the Dallas, Texas area and the location will be announced in the next few weeks.

Fans are urged to go to the charity web site at http://www.hallmuseum.com and vote for their favorites in each category.

The Nelons released their highly anticipated recording – Beside Still Waters – last month. The new release is being touted by many industry insiders as a career highlight for the group. This is the group’s sophomore outing for Vine Records.

The first single from the album, “He Found Me,” has been making a stir at Southern Gospel radio – including peaking at #2 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart, as well as breaking the Top 10 on the Christian Voice Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel Chart (#8) and SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

“He Found Me” was written by Dove Award-winning songwriters Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey and group member Jason Clark and is being promoted to Southern Gospel radio by Jim Stover and Crossroads Music.

The Nelons are booked exclusively through the Dominion Agency. To find out how you can have The Nelons in your church or at your event – visit the Dominion Agency’s website at http://www.dominionagency.com or call (910) 484-6996.

For more information on The Nelons, visit their website at http://www.thenelons.com .

About The Nelons
The Nelons have had an accomplished musical career and ministry which includes six GMA Dove Awards, three Grammy Awards nominations, several #1 songs (including The Nelons’ trademark song “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”), a prestigious New York Film Festival Bronze Award, numerous Singing News Fan Awards, and appearances all around the world in various venues. As a family, Jason, Kelly, and Amber continue to sing with a full heart of praise to the only One worthy, Jesus Christ the Son of God. The group’s current release, Beside Still Waters, features the Top 40 hit single "He Found Me.”

News & Scoops

Southern Brothers Release Real Life With Concert In Missouri

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. Newly formed Willow Creek Records is pleased to announce the release of the brand new Southern Brothers project, Real Life. Scott, Todd and Tim celebrated the release with a concert held in their home state of Missouri at the Cape County Cowboy Church. The popular brothers performed with a live band to a room full of fans, friends and media that totaled over 1,300. Real Life was produced by Terry Thompson and features the trio’s well-known country vocals combined with Gospel lyrics on selections written by writers such as Dallas Davidson, Randy Hauser, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Tony Wood, Sue C. Smith, John Meyer, Jay Demarcus, Hillary Lindsey, James Slater, Bart Millard, and two selections written by group member, Scott Mills. Their current single, “Back To God,” is playing on radio stations nationwide. Real Life released in early February and can be purchased on iTunes and http://www.willowcreekrecordsnashville.com .

“The Southern Brothers couldn’t be more excited about the new album. We were so amazed by the folks that came out to hear us country boys on a very, snowy day a few weeks ago. Interestingly enough, it seemed as though the audience set through the first couple of songs in awe of what they were hearing and seeing. Quickly after that, everyone joined in and had a great time. We had several folks say that the concert was breathtaking, and they were thoroughly impressed to the point that we got to go home with most everyone there in the form of our brand new cd. We thank the Cape County Cowboy Church for their support and generosity," commented member, Tim Mills.

With over 20 years in music, the Southern Brothers are no stranger to gospel music. They were the host group at Branson’s own Silver Dollar City, where they performed five days a week to thousands of park visitors. They later took their ministry on the road and continue to travel thousands of miles spreading the Gospel in music. During their career, the brothers have claimed numerous top 40 and top 10 hit songs. They have been featured on the Gaither Homecoming Video Series, TBN, Swan's Place and various concerts with many of today’s top artists. They are currently scheduled to embark on their Real Life 2010 multi-city tour with special guest, Crawford Crossing, on May 22, 2010 at the Southeast River Campus in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

For more information on the Southern Brothers, visit http://www.willowcreekrecordsnashville.com or http://www.southernbrothers.org . To book the Southern Brothers, contact Amy Holt at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) . For radio servicing, e-mail Rhonda Thompson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

News & Scoops

Bradys Release New CD

Gospel group THE BRADYS from Dothan, Alabama has just released their brand NEW project titled, “ACOUSTIC TREASURES”! Appropriately titled, this CD features acoustic instrumentation only, and attempts to take listeners back in time to a place where life was a little simpler. Older classics and Hymns of the church are included on this project, but the highlight is a song written by member Sylvia Green’s Dad titled, “Will You Walk In The Light”. Rev. Green got to hear the song before he passed away November 27, 2009. Rev. Green’s granddaughter and Brady group member, 18 year old Kaila Martin is beautifully featured on the song! You may preview and order the new “ACOUSTIC TREASURES” cd on-line at http://www.bradybizmusic.com

News & Scoops

Resting Place Music Releases New Radio Comp

Resting Place Music of Sylvester, GA. announces the release of the latest Radio Comp, RPM Vol. 9, to all SGM radio. The disc will be mailed to radio first class mail by mid-March, 2010. RPM will begin monthly promotion of the artist on April 1,2010.

On this radio sampler, Resting Place Music will feature 9 artist from both RPM record labels, with emphasis on radio promotion, marketing, and advertising.

Ricky Atkinson,president of Resting Place Music adds, "It is a tremendous honor to work with so many talented people! People who can sing and write, and are striving to spread the good news, with great gospel music. Southern Gospel radio has been good to our company, and we are certainly excited to send this new collection of singles from our family of artist, to southern gospel radio!"

Also, for earlybirds who just cant wait on the hard copy, DJs and Program Directors can log onto http://www.restingplacemusic.com, and click on mp3, to download the full mp3s of the RPM, Vol. 9! The RPM website has been fully updated with singles, artist photos, and bios of each group! Each single is available for download on the RPM website today!

For more informatin on Resting Place Music and our family of artist, log onto:
http://www.restingplacemusic.com

News & Scoops

Back Home Receives Endorsement Deal From Metcalf Handcrafted Guitars

Greeneville, TN (March 1, 2010) – Back Home has received an endorsement deal from Metcalf Handcrafted Guitars of Greeneville, TN.

Tim Metcalf, owner of Metcalf Handcrafted Guitars shared, “I am very proud to announce that my company, Metcalf Handcrafted Guitars, will support Back Home with the finest guitars we have. From the first time I heard Back Home sing, I wanted to be part their great ministry, and when I heard Jimmy play the guitar, I knew I had to get our finest handcrafted guitars in his hands. I look forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with Back Home. We have begun crafting a personal guitar for Jimmy to be completed in the coming months."

Back Home expresses their honor in representing these great guitars on the road. “I am very excited to be a part of Metcalf guitars. I have played alot of guitars and this is the finest guitar I have ever played. The rich sound of this guitar is amazing!"

To learn more about the Metcalf Handcrafted Guitars, visit the at http://www.MetcalfGuitars.com

News & Scoops

Christian Voice Magazine Announces 2010 SGM Fan Awards Top Five Finalists

Perrys, Singing Echoes, Hoppers and Booth Brothers score the most nominations

(Kennedy, AL) - The 2010 SGM Fan Awards will be held once again in Pigeon Forge, TN, during the week of Southern Gospel Music FanFair in May.

Christian Voice Magazine - sponsor of the 6th Annual SGM Fan Awards - received open nominations during the month of January. Today, the top five finalists in 21 categories were announced, as voted by Southern Gospel music fans.

The Perrys lead the way with six nominations, including Favorite Mixed Quartet, Favorite Song (If You Knew Him), and Favorite Album ("Almost Morning"). Libbi Perry Stuffle garnered nominations for both Favorite Female Vocalist and Favorite Alto, while Tracy Stuffle tops the Favorite Bass category.

The Singing Echoes, The Hoppers and The Booth Brothers tied with five nominations each, followed by Gold City, The Nelons and The Talley Trio, who tied with top nominations in four categories.

Brothers Redeemed and Sunday Edition top the list for New Excelling Artist while Paul Heil and Chris Freeman are highly favored for the Living Legend Award.

Other top nominees include Guy Penrod (Favorite Soloist), Janet Paschal (Favorite Female Vocalist) and Triumphant (Favorite Male Quartet).

To view the complete list and access the ballot for the 2010 SGM Fan Awards top five finalists, check out the March issue of Christian Voice Magazine or visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com

CD Reviews

Down East Boys – One Day

Reviews

Crimson River - New Desire

Golden Nuggets

How To Handle Grief Before It ManHandles You

I am going through some personal stuff right now.

(1) I don’t like it,
(2) I didn’t cause it,
(3) I can’t change it (what happened) and
(4) I need help dealing with it.

Is there anyone reading this who can relate to me? My wife, Abbie, passed away on January 30, and I’m working through emotions, the depths of which I have never experienced before. At times my sorrow feels like a saddle that is thrown on my back weighing me down as I go through my days of adjustment to loss and aloneness. Perhaps some of you can relate to this emotional pain. If so, I want to share some things that I used to teach from my head, that I now share from my heart.

There are several things I wish to impart to you that are helping me, and I hope will help you should you go through a time of extreme grief. As I have told my seminar attendees, I do not come with a new alphabet; it is still A-Z in English. The only thing we may change is the combination of letters or the sequence in which they are combined and coin new words (Ex. “Art” (Friend), “Tar” (something that goes with Feathers), or “Rat” (maybe a brother-in-law). All three words have the same three letters but are simply arranged in a different sequence. Oxford English Dictionary attributes Shakespeare with coining over 520 new words in the 1600s. I will not do that in this article.

Our discussions may use some words that are new to you, but they represent principles that are well-established axioms of behavioral science. The symbol for Psychotherapy and Psychology is the shovel. Sigmund would say it this way, “Freud’s the name, and excavations the game!” Digging into one’s past is a significant aspect of our counseling procedures. However, our digging must have some rhyme and reason to it. It is not simply to exhume all the dead things from your past and leave them scattered around the room. They represent the Bereavement events that have brought on our Grief.

To emphasize the process of digging down, in order to pull up our hurts and pains, I would like to quote an internationally known Bard (which is “drab” spelled backwards) named Paul Overstreet. He penned these grief-stricken and despairing words that speak so poignantly to our subject of Grief.

“Diggin Up Bones”

1. Last night I dug your picture, out from our old dresser drawer

I set it on the table, and I talked to it 'til four

I read some old love letters, right up 'til the break of dawn

Yeah, I've been sittin' alone, diggin' up bones.

Chorus:
I'm diggin' up bones, I’m diggin' up bones,
Exhuming things that’s better left alone,
I'm resurrecting memories, of a love that's dead and gone
Yeah tonight I’m sittin' alone, diggin' up bones. 



2. Then I went through the jewelry, and I found our wedding rings

I put mine on my finger, and I gave yours a fling

Across this lonely bedroom, of our recent broken home

Yeah tonight I'm sittin' alone, diggin' up bones.



3. And I went through the closet, and I found some things in there

Like that pretty negligee, that I bought you to wear

And I recall how good you looked, each time you had it on

Yeah tonight I'm sittin' alone, diggin' up bones.

When we sit together, in a group or separately, and discuss the painful issues of your past, it will be for the purpose of giving it a proper burial…not performing a protracted autopsy! Even on my best counseling day I am no Lysanias (SC 3078, “trouble or grief-dispelling” Luke 3:1, “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch (‘Governor’) of Abilene…”). However, I will do my best to help guide you through the processes of dealing with your Grief.

King Solomon’s Counseling Consult

Compare a Clock (24 hours) with a Calendar (30 days)

1) “To everything there is a season (LXX, chro’nos), and a time (LXX, kai-ros’) to every purpose under the heaven: 4. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6. A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 
(Ecclesiastes 3:1,4,5,6)

In these insightful words from Ecclesiastes, King Solomon introduced the concept of the compartmentalization of the events in one’s life. He used an existing concept to take an abstract perception and give it a concrete understanding. In speaking to people who understood farming or ranching, he made the differentiation between an hour and a day, a moment and a month, an event and an epic in process. The lesson to be learned here, and we’ll deal at length later, is to schedule a time to grieve, and then stop until your next scheduled appointment.

DO NOT ALLOW GRIEF TO DICTATE YOUR DAY.

For us today, we might use the contrast between a snapshot and a movie to illustrate the Grieving process. In Greek Grammar, the snapshot is in the Punctilliar or Aorist Tense, and the Movie is in the Present Active Tense. Nevertheless, both terms conform to the principle of truth that Solomon was stating. Namely, some things are stationary, and some are fluid. Some situations pass quickly, while others seem to drag on for an interminable length of time.

Both snapshots and movies are photographed in FRAMES. One frame makes it a snapshot, while multiple frames make it a movie. Our “Time Frames” in life are registered either by “chronos” or “kairos”…the clock or the calendar times or seasons! The calendar is composed of many clocks ticking away, 24 hours a day. We know the clock can be extended into a calendar. Can we reduce the events of a calendar to fit within the scope of a clock?

My goal is to help you see which of life’s situations are snapshots, which are movies, and determine if it is possible to transition from one to the other. As an example of transitioning, in cattle breeding we know insemination only takes a “moment. However, “gestation” takes months. You can hurry insemination, but you cannot change the gestation period of cattle. Therefore, if you cannot tolerate the waiting for your calf to be born, you need to start raising rabbits!

The evaluation and determination of our life events is totally subjective. What is “normal” for one may be “abnormal” for another. What is bearable for one may be unbearable for another. This subjective evaluation is categorized by what we refer to as “Swing Issues or Flames Issues.” With the help of a professional counselor, you can learn to identify, quantify, and qualify the bereavement issues in your life. Then, you will be able to handle your grief before it handles you!

How can this be done, you may ask. It is accomplished by evaluating the Content of the Grief within the Context of Hope. We are not satisfied to just help you cope with your grief. We want to help you conquer the debilitating effects of your grief. These 4 axioms of Grief are essential to reaching our goal.

1) Predictable (Painful and predictable events)…ACCEPT IT.
2) Subjective (Swing/Flames Issues)…EMBRACE IT
3) Manageable (You can control your emotions)…LEARN IT.
4) Transitional (Process, not a metamorphosis)…DO IT.

If you need more on the subject, feel free to contact me and I will be happy to help you handle your grief before it manhandles YOU! I am here for you. Let’s talk!

****A Personal Word to Our Readers from Dr. Frazier**** 
Please feel free to share your questions, observations, or insights with our readers and me. Website: http://www.donfrazier.com

Love Stories

Obligatory Praise

I recently heard a woman say she gives her boyfriend praise because she feels obligated to do so. She said the only way to keep him happy is to compliment him. She also said she didn’t understand why he’s so needy. To her, picking him seemed to be the compliment and praising him for his good qualities, well, that just seemed like too much to ask.

As I was hearing all of this I kept wondering what the boyfriend would think if he could hear this conversation. I would be crushed if I were to hear that Jim only complimented me to “keep me happy.” When he says I’m pretty, or smart, I feel as if I could fly. If he were doing it out of some sort of obligation, it would just seem patronizing and false.

Thankfully, Jim goes out of his way, on a regular basis, to sincerely let me know he loves and appreciates me. I appreciate that. I need that. We all do.

It’s important to feel validated and loved, especially by your significant other. I think we all understand that. What I think we too often forget is that our significant others need to feel loved and validated by us, as well.

I chose the title “Obligatory Praise” because it’s such an oxymoron. If you’re giving true praise, it’s not because you feel obligated, it’s because you feel love and admiration for the one to whom you’re giving praise.

I found a few great synonyms for praise in my thesaurus: express admiration for, applaud, pay tribute to, speak highly of, eulogize, compliment, congratulate, sing the praises of, rave about...you get the picture.

Imagine standing in church on Sunday morning, raising your hand and saying “I’m praising God now, because that’s what I’m supposed to do.” Although you’re going through the motions, you aren’t really praising God, because praise starts in the heart. It’s a thankful heart that brings me to worship and it’s my love and reverence for God that causes me to raise my hand in praise to Him.

We need to spend time complimenting and appreciating one another. Not because we have to but because we want to, letting our words of praise begin with a heart of love.

Reviews

The Browders - The Message

Reviews

Bowling Family - Shine

Reviews

Crabb Revival - Live at the Oak Tree

Reviews

Aaron & Amanda Crabb - Live At the Oak Tree

Reviews

Southern Sound - Through the Years

Weekly Chart

Monday - March 1, 2010

Top 40 Weekly Chart

TW	LW	#WK	TITLE	ARTIST	PEAK
1	3	18	Born to Climb	Jeff & Sheri Easter	1
2	7	7	Did I Mention	Perrys	2
3	2	20	These Are They	Gaither Vocal Band	2
4	5	9	Hold On	Dove Brothers	4
5	6	9	He's Alive	Talley Trio	4
6	1	24	You Must Have Met Him	Brian Free & Assurance	1(2)
7	4	18	Peace In the Shelter	Booth Brothers	1
8	9	6	The Empty Tomb Says It All	Kingdom Heirs	8
9	8	19	Little Bit of Heaven	Isaacs	2
10	11	24	He Found Me	Nelons	2
11	16	4	Daystar	Jason Crabb	11
12	10	18	When They Found Nothing	Legacy Five	8
13	12	24	Why Can't All God's Children Get Along	Karen Peck & New River	1(6)
14	13	24	When the Trumpet Sounds	Triumphant Quartet	1(2)
15	14	13	That's Why I Love Him So	Tribute Quartet	14
16	15	7	You Were Faithful Yesterday	Greater Vision	15
17	18	11	When I Lift Up My Head	Gordon Mote	17
18	21	16	Trust His Heart	Eighth Day	12
19	22	11	Both Sides of the River	Crabb Revival	19
20	24	24	I'll Pray For You	Whisnants	4
21	26	4	The Name of Jesus	Aaron & Amanda Crabb	21
22	19	6	If Only Just a Few	Mark Trammell Trio	19
23	23	9	The Blood Covered It All	2nd Generation	14
24	17	22	My Heart Knows	Crist Family	17
25	20	8	Let Me Tell You About Jesus	LeFevre Quartet	17
26	35	3	Keeper of the Lost & Found	Ivan Parker	26
27	30	13	All In a Sunday's Work	Anchormen	27
28	27	8	I Keep Praying	McKameys	24
29	32	21	Longing to Go	Heavens Highway	21
30	25	13	The Blood of God's Only Son	Primitive Quartet	25
31	39	3	God Saw a Cross	Kingsmen	31
32	29	15	Grace Will Always Be Greater	Hoppers	13
33	*	1	God Rides On Wings of Love	Janet Paschal	33
34	31	4	Keep Walking	Mark Lowry	31
35	33	5	Send Down Your Angels	English Family	33
36	*	1	What a Difference a Day Makes	HisSong	36
37	36	14	It Took His Breath Away	Three Bridges	32
38	*	1	My Father's Angels	Charlotte Ritchie	38
39	28	11	One of These Days	Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver	23
40	37	3	A Good Heart	Ernie Haase & Signature Sound	37

TW - This week on the chart	LW - Last week on the chart	#WK - Number of weeks on the chart	#1 For the Week
Indicates 1st Week on chart	Greatest Gain on Chart	On chart the longest	Highest on chart after dropping off

Reviews

Rejoice! - Songs You Know By Heart

Reviews

Jeff & Sheri Easter - Expecting Good Things

Reviews

Chris Hester - Steps I’ve Taken

News & Scoops

Walking The Good Road Begins Second Season With Host Janet Paschal

Winston Salem, NC - In 2009, noted singer, songwriter and author added another credit to her impressive resume when she began hosting a weekly radio program, entitled Walking The Good Road. The program kicked off in March, 2009, and began airing on JOY FM’s network of radion stations covering seven states. Over the past year, an overwhelming response to the program has been received. Walking The Good Road airs each Wednesday morning at 7:30am (eastern time). The series, hosted by Paschal, with JOY FM’s Morning JoyRide Team of Daniel Britt, Candi Chandler and Melody Vaughn, has featured insightful interviews with Paschal and many of her friends in the Christian music community who, like Paschal, have either battled cancer or been impacted by the battle of a relative. Additionally, over the past year, many of the nation’s top medical professionals have offered insight and informative words of wisdom to those battling the disease. “It has been a thrill for us to be a part of this cancer awareness campaign with Janet,” states JOY FM’s Daniel Britt. “Janet has an incredible story, and it’s one that stretches beyond the Christian music community. Through this series we have had the opportunity to create community for those who are going through treatment or who may have stories, like Janet, of personal triumph. We’ve received many letters and calls from listeners of the program who have been inspired and encouraged by the the personal testimonies of those who have been featured on this series.”

The Walking The Good Road radio series begins it’s second season in just a few weeks. The second season will feature insightful interviews with representatives from many of the nation’s premier cancer organizations, including Eloise Caggiano, Program Director of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer; Jeff Ross, National Spokesperson for Relay For Life; and Stephanie Glance, President of the Board of Directors for the Kay Yow Foundation. “When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer,” Paschal explains, “it was so important for me to gain as much information as possible. I searched wherever possible to learn more information and receive encouragement from those who were going through the same battle or had experienced triumph over that battle. I know how important it was for me to know that there were people praying for me, and I’m so thankful that through the radio series we have been able to encourage those who desperately need to know they are not alone in their walk. We’ve heard so many testimonies from people who have been impacted by this series, and we are grateful to the many individuals who have been a part of the series and offered encouragement and insightful information to our listeners.”

A complete list of JOY FM stations which air Walking The Good Road may be obtained at http://www.joyfm.org. Interviews can also be heard in their entirety at http://www.janetpaschal.com, where a complete archive of the series is available.

News & Scoops

The Hoppers Enjoy Huge Success With West Coast Tour

Johnson City, TN - Popular musical family, The Hoppers just returned from their first West Coast Tour in over a decade exclaiming that Gospel Music is alive and well on the “left coast,” as the states bordering the Pacific Coast have become affectionately labeled. The Still Shoutin’ 2010 West Coast Tour enjoyed sold out events in five of the six cities promoted by IMC Concerts. IMC Concerts representative Landon Beene, a California native, who relocated to the Johnson City, TN, area a few years ago was thrilled and overwhelmed by the response The Hoppers received. ““My goal is to see Gospel music grow everywhere possible; however, the West Coast is my first love,” Beene commented. “I grew up on the West Coast, listening and attending The Hoppers’ concerts. I was honored to take this great family into the markets that we have been working to develop for the last several years, and I was overwhelmed with the results. Who says that gospel music cannot have SOLD OUT concerts on the west coast?” Certainly not Beene, nor The Hopppers. “We are thrilled by the response of capacity crowds on the West Coast, as well as the success of each concert,” Dean Hopper of The Hoppers stated. “IMC Concerts’ fresh and innovative methods of promoting will take Southern Gospel Music to the next level of excellence for both the artist and the audience. Landon Beene and the whole IMC team will be a company that will present results for our future, and they were a pleasure to work with!”

According to Beene, plans are already in the works for future West Coast tours featuring Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, as well as several others.

News & Scoops

Oak Ridge Boys to Receive SGMG President’s Honor

Nashville, TN – Today, Judy Nelon, Southern Gospel Music Guild (SGMG) President and on behalf of the SGMG Executive Board, announced The Oak Ridge Boys as the 2010 recipients of the SGMG President's Honor during the SGMG Harmony Honors at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on April 19, 2010. All four members of The Oak Ridge Boys - Duane Allen, Joe Bonsall, William Lee Golden, and Richard Sterban – will be in attendance to accept this honor.

“I fondly recall having the opportunity of presenting a Gospel Music Award to the Oak Ridge Boys in Los Angeles, California in 1973. It just happened to have been Joe Bonsall’s first week with the group. Now, thirty-seven years later, it is such a privilege to present the prestigious SGMG President's Honor to this same amazing group, consisting of Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Joe Bonsall in recognition of their long successful career and significant contributions to the field of southern gospel music,” says Nelon.



The Oak Ridge Boys continue to make new music and entertain millions of fans. With numerous Gold and Platinum albums, they have also enjoyed more than a dozen Number One singles and over 30 Top Ten hits with over 30 million records sold throughout their illustrious 40 year career. With talents that have long been recognized by their peers, this Grammy Award winning group has also received eight Dove Awards, four ACM Awards, four CMA Awards and are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 2009, the Oak Ridge Boys released their acclaimed new album, The Boys Are Back on SpringHill Records and they continue to perform (with a full touring schedule) live nationwide throughout the year.

Founding member, Duane Allen commented on this great honor, "I have always felt that it was a huge honor to be recognized by your hometown or from one's roots. Gospel music is the foundation of The Oak Ridge Boys' music, Southern style quartet music. I would like to thank all of the former members of The Oak Ridge Boys' organization for laying the groundwork for all of us, and to offer my deepest gratitude to the SGMG for this wonderful honor."

The SGMG Harmony Honors Celebration Concert showcases artists with outstanding accomplishments and award nominations over the past year including Grammy, Dove and Singing News Awards, as well as radio airplay and touring success. The top ten songs of the genre are also recognized. The event will include performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Jason Crabb, Guy Penrod, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Karen Peck & New River, Bowling Family, Gold City, Perrys, Blackwood Brothers, Tribute Quartet and more.

The SGMG Harmony Honors Celebration Concert will be held on Monday, April 19th at 7:00 pm (CST) in the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. The SGMG Celebration Concert is free and open to the public.

Mystery Men Quartet

Saying So & Taking a Stand

Say so! We hear so much about saying so or I said so in the political arena or in the Christian world (which we know the two do not go hand in hand). The left wing, the right wing, the has-beens, the wannabes and the never-will-bes … everybody’s saying so, but about what?!? Often times about stuff that does not matter. The mouth is a tremendous tool to say so, not in a negative way, but a positive one.

In the days of the cross, I believe, possibly, what broke the heart of Jesus was not the scorning on the way up the hill to Golgotha, or the beating that he took. I believe it was not only the sin of the sinner but probably the silence of those who claimed to love him. What broke the heart of the Lord on the cross, was not the casting of lots for his clothes, it was none of his people saying “so”, or taking a stand. Where were those he healed? Where were those He cleansed? Where were those He raised from the dead? Where were those He made whole? Why didn't they say something for Him?

Several years ago there was a song that said if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything. But at what time or risk do we take a stand? Only when it is the popular vote? Or only when it fits our own purpose or fits our own agenda? NO! There is without a doubt a time when it is unequivocally the right time to take a stand and that is for the truth.
In our society today we are innocent until proven guilty until our judicial system seeks to find the truth. We make the statement: stand on the truth for the truth shall set you free. We are told from the time we are able to understand, that the truth is always better than a lie. Even in our court system, raise our hand and are asked do you promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

But we have become sophisticated. We use a different vocabulary in order to not hurt someone's feelings. We don't call a thief a thief anymore if he or she embezzled money; we call it a misappropriation of funds. We have become so afraid of hurting someone's feelings that we are willing to turn our heads at an impropriety and just say nothing, even if it is the truth.
So let me help you. Do not misunderstand! We never have the right to put down someone else's personal opinions to push our own thoughts. However, we can love the sinner and hate the sin as God has directed. We will never win the lost if we do not love them but they have to be told the truth, not a watered down version of it. Though we may not agree with another's ideals, we can still categorically stand on the truth. If the truth bothers someone or if it rubs them the wrong way, so be it. It is not our place to stand and argue or debate but to merely stand on the truth. Some say the truth does not have to be defended. That may be right but it does have to be stated.

The truth is: The Mystery Men have recently sent a song to radio that in some circles seems to be somewhat controversial. Infact, the song has been dubbed by some industry leaders as “The Most Controversial Song In Gospel Music”. Well we accepted that term because Christianity is controversial at its core. The truth is, the question was asked of me, would I be willing to risk my career or the careers of The Mystery Men on our recent single, “Come On Down To the Farm”. It is not our careers that we stand on, but we simply stand on the truth.
We were recently sitting at a Waffle House (a place we frequently visit on the road) and a song began to play on the jukebox. A female (former Gospel) singer sang the lyrics, “I kissed a girl and I liked It.” I found out later that this song is not only acceptable but is a mega hit. Yet the song that we sent to radio is in criticism … even in some Christian radio because it is not politically correct and may offend. When are we going to stand up and say “so”? Come on folks, with that kind of mentality how long will it be before we begin to tell people that there is no hell. Even now about the only time we hear the word “hell” mentioned is when someone tells us to go there. Or perhaps we stop telling people that they do not have to get saved to go to heaven or they no longer must repent of their sins. What are the boundaries? It is simple … The Bible is the truth, the infallible inerrant word of God. In it lies the only real truth.
Ladies and gentlemen, my ploy is not to push my own agenda or to beat someone else up over their particular ideals. It is not to put someone else's way of life to the test but to merely stand on the truth. Give them the facts and therefore allow them to draw their own conclusions or, at least, informed choices.

FACT: Our song does not put down the gay community or lifestyle.
STATEMENT: I have some gay friends. I do not condone their lifestyle. However, I will not sell them a bill of goods and let them go on believing it is OK. They are still my friends and again I must love the sinner but hate the sin.

FACT: Our song merely states that in their lifestyle, they cannot produce offspring. It takes a male and a female.
STATEMENT: That is the way God planned it, created it, and since the beginning of time that is the way it has been and going to be. He hasn't changed His plan.

FACT: Our song states that we need to get back to the truths of the Bible and teach our children the ways of the Lord.
STATEMENT: We have watered down our values from music to morals to Biblical believe, to the point that many times we don't know where the boundaries are. Our young people need freedom, but God guided freedom within the parameters of His word.

Lastly, let’s not be an ostrich, hide our heads in the sand, and let everything just pass on by. Where are those that will stand up and say “so” for the Lord? We Christians need to take a stand across the board for the truth of what the Bible says, not a particular denominational vendetta, but the truth of the Gospel for after all ... the truth shall set you free.

We welcome your thoughts for this is just the opinion of one man. Until we meet again please continue to pray and help us to “boldly proclaim the mystery of the Gospel”.

For more information about The Mystery Men or their song “Come On Down To The Farm”, please visit http://www.themysterymen.com

Feature Articles

Jeff & Sheri Easter

It's been a few years and much has happened since SGN last featured Jeff & Sheri Easter. Since then, the group has become more of a family affair by including Morgan as the new soprano, Jeff & Sheri had another baby, and Sheri has battled cancer. How have you managed to keep it all together over the last few years?

Morgan-It is hard managing school, work, and traveling now that I have more responsibility. It’s a juggling act sometimes.

Jeff-Keeping a positive attitude is the key. Sheri has said many times that you have choices when you wake up; you can choose to be better, or be bitter about your circumstances. We choose joy.

Sheri-We try to keep everything in perspective—good and bad, and trust that God is at work in our lives and we have to trust Him for every breath.

Morgan - what has it been like filling the shoes of Charlotte - and what have you learned so far about yourself since taking on this new role?

Morgan-Charlotte has always been such a great support for me whenever I needed her, and she’s always been close to our family. It was hard to see her go, but I’ve learned to have more confidence on stage since I filled the position.

Sheri-I think the sweetest compliment was given to Morgan the first week she began singing by a lady at one of our concerts. She encouraged Morgan not to feel the pressure of taking Charlotte’s place, but instead think of it in terms of God preparing a place for Morgan that Charlotte was keeping for her until she was ready. Again, it’s about perspective; you’ve got to love a lady with that kind of optimism.

Tell us about your new record - Expecting Good Things.

Morgan-I love singing “Time for Me to Fly” because it encourages people, and it’s a song that fits where I am in my life right now.

Jeff-It’s full of encouragement. We have had three years to choose these songs, since our last studio project and we were able to wait for the best of the best.

Sheri-Our new project is probably the most intimate and personal project we’ve ever recorded simply because of the level of difficulty in our lives during the process of recording. It came from such a raw and honest place that it conveys a message that anyone who needs encouragement should hear.

How have audiences responded to the new songs

Jeff-I’ve never had more DJs asking for a single than “Born to Climb”. Audiences and our peers are saying it’s the best CD we’ve ever done.

Sheri-They relate! It’s unbelievable to see the tears after the ballads and the smiles after the ‘victory’ songs. Everyone in our audiences is at one of three places in life; approaching a battle, fighting a battle or celebrating a victory. This project is for all three places!

Sheri - how has your battle with cancer changed you as a minister, performer, and songwriter?

Sheri-I am a different woman, therefore my ministry, performing and writing have all been altered. Thankfully, it’s all better, deeper, richer, more honest and more touchable. Priorities have been rearranged, and the word ‘shallow’ doesn’t describe anything in my life. Everything runs deep, and for that, I am grateful.

What are your favorite songs on the new record and which songs do the fans keep coming back for?

Jeff-I love “I Get To,” “Expecting Good Things,” and “Workin’ On A Road”. When I first heard “I Get To” it reminded me of what is important in life. Musically, the other two songs are just exactly the style of song that I love to sing.

Sheri-My personal favorites are “Time for Me to Fly,” “Hear My Heart,” and “Love Remains”. “Time for Me to Fly” was the first song I chose for the album. I could relate to the lines “time for me to live, time for me to sing,” and it made me want to celebrate. Whereas, “Hear My Heart” and “Love Remains” pretty much sum up where I’ve spent the last two years, and it gives me a chance to share a very intimate part of myself with my audience.

Jeff & Sheri Easter has always been a group that has crossed many genre borders - tackling everything from country and bluegrass to straight ahead Southern Gospel and now even pop styles on the new record. While most critics would say that a group needs to stick with one style to remain successful - why do you think you've managed to exceed expectations doing the complete opposite?

Jeff-We’ve never put a label on what we do. We just enjoy all styles of music and believe if it’s a good song, it’s a good song regardless of the style.

Sheri-I believe the answer lies in the simple truth that I know who I am as an artist, and I’ve never tried to be anything other than true to myself. Through the years, I’ve heard many artists say that they recorded a particular song in order to market it into either the contemporary or country markets in order to have airplay there, and that’s just not something I’ve ever done. I listen very carefully to the lyrics because I’m a reader, and I simply love words and the power that is in them. When a song speaks to me, I commit to record it regardless of its musical style. Then, I get as far away from the demo as I can to make it sound like me. I want my personality to be the model for what the song will become, whether it’s a heart-wrenching ballad, a bluesy attitudinal number, or even a "roll your windows down and celebrate" kind of tune!

What has God been teaching you lately?

Morgan-He’s been teaching me that I can do more than I think I can at times. I have to trust Him.

Jeff-To be better at everything I do, because it counts. We should all be more Christ-like in all that we do.

Sheri-The quieter I am, the more able I am to hear His voice. Without distractions, it’s easier to find God’s purpose for your life. Sometimes the laundry, the trips to and from school and related functions, doctor’s appointments, feeding the dog, and a host of other necessary, yet overwhelming chores are all distracting us from hearing His direction. So, now I make more of a point of having quiet time with God. Without words to get in the way, He hears your heart and knows just how you feel.

Is there any other information that you would like to share?

Sheri-I want to continue to raise awareness regarding breast cancer, because in the past two years, I’ve prayed with some of the most courageous women, some who have victory and others not so fortunate. I want to do everything I can, so that no one has to go through what our family has. Cancer does not have to be a death threat if we can make more people aware of early detection. I’ve always tried to choose songs that encourage others—these days, I KNOW my songs can do just that.

Misc

They own the podium

Marketing 101 - Matt Felts

The CD:  More Powerful Than You Knew

As we all know the music industry has changed drastically over the last several years. Music sales are down and the way we sell our product is rapid ally changing as well. Cd’s are quickly becoming a thing of the past in most genre’s of music. Due to our demographic they will still be around for a while. While their role in delivering our music is diminishing, their importance to your ministry has not. I want to take a moment and look at how your new release can impact the growth of your ministry in more ways than you have seen in the past.

Your physical product is one of the most important tools you have for marketing. You need to retrain your brain to not only look at it as your music but also as a walking, talking business card. When someone gets hold of your product, the CD will on average be seen or heard by six to twelve people. They will share it with their family, show it to their friends while driving down the road and if they like what you presented will pass along their approval to their pastor or local promoter. The people they share this with will follow the same pattern so as you can see, the number of people who will be impacted by your product continues to grow. You can see now why it so vitally important that your product presents the message you want to your target audience. Let’s take a look at some of the key elements to your packaging.

The Cover

Needless to say, this is the first thing the audience will look at so it needs to be good. Your first step is to decide what the feel or style you want to convey. If you are a progressive group you will want to look a bit more edgy than something the Inspirations might do. If you are a traditional Southern Gospel Quartet than it wouldn’t make sense to come across as Rascal Flats on your cover. Most likely your graphic design artist will help guide you in the right path. Once you have found your direction, find a professional photographer that will help you accomplish this goal. The difference between hiring a professional and using something your wife took outside the church at your last event is monumental. Quality does matter. It sets the tone as to what your target audience should expect from you. When you are picking your wardrobe, consult with the photographer as to what colors may go best with where you are shooting. Obviously your goal is to look professional and to clearly share who you are as an artist.

The CD Jacket

Many artists throw this powerful marketing tool away. They fill the inside of their CD book with musician credits and thank you’s as well as lyrics to the songs. Lets take a look at this for a second. I am always for giving someone their dues and respect. Listing the musicians is great but it shouldn’t take up a full panel. They can be listed in very small font along the bottom. The average fan, pastor or promoter is not interested in who played the harmonica on your album. The same goes for the “thank you” section. I know just how important the people that go into making a project are but there are ways to acknowledge them without losing vital space. One good idea is to send a copy of your new project along with a personnel thank you card when you release the CD. Another idea is to have a “release” party where you invite just those special friends and give them a copy of the CD while there. This will mean more to them than you know. On to the lyrics, I recommend excluding the lyrics from the jacket for a few reasons. First, many people listen to their CD’s while driving so hopefully won’t be able to read them. Second, if you list the lyrics on your website and mention this inside the CD jacket you will attract more people to your website. If they love the song and want the lyrics, they will come to your website.

Now that you’ve cleared up so much wasted space, you can think of things to include here that will be of more interest to your audience. Include fun bio information, pictures from the road or your family, maybe include your testimony or a salvation message. If you have other recordings, you could have one panel devoted to showing these and other products you carry. As you can see, the jacket has endless possibilities of connecting with people. Don’t let it go to waste.

The CD

There are those out there who discard the CD case and only keep the CD. Keeping this in mind, utilize the graphics on the actual CD. Make sure your contact info is on there as well as your website. Make sure your graphic artist creates something unique on this so that it catches the eye as they flip through numerous other CD’s in the collection.

Back Cover

Ok, let’s try to wrap this up. Congrats if you’ve stayed focused with me this long. The back cover says more than you realize about you. Many groups don’t include a barcode on their product because they don’t distribute. My argument to that is that your goal is probably hoping to in the future so you should make preparations now. Another reason to include one is at the key of marketing, perception. When I see a barcode on a CD I assume that the artist is professional and a national group. The website CD Baby offers them for around $20 so they are easy to acquire. It’s a subtle yet powerful message. If you have a label or agent, put their logo on the back. All of these things help the viewer to complete the picture of who you are.

If done well, your CD has potential to build fans and hopefully open doors for you to minister. Being able to look at your product as a tool to connect will begin to open your mind to the many ways you can capitalize on this. Be creative. The more imaginative you get, the more captivated the audience will become and will be more likely to pass you along to other people. As with everything, paying attention to the details will be the key to your success.
Beyond Measure Marketing
http://www.beyondmeasuremarketing.com

The Vocal Coach

A Tribute To Friends Who Have Helped Me Over The Years

I have thought and thought about what to write in my forthcoming articles. After much prayer and thinking, I have decided to pay tribute, or give thanks where thanks is due, to the many people who have helped me through the years. I want to start as near the beginning of my journey as I can. I will be, for the next few months, writing about the many people who have been responsible for my having such a wonderful life of singing for the Lord. I am convinced that none of us who have had this privilege would ever have accomplished what we did without a lot of help along the way.

I would like to start with my Dad and Mom who encouraged me to sing and had me standing up in front of the congregation singing at the Bible College my dad attended back in 1948. I learned a couple of songs that they taught me and every few weeks the chapel leader would ask me to sing during chapel, to the students, at Peniel Bible College. I was in the 4th and 5th grade, during the two years that we spent there from 1948 to the Spring of 1950. I was so small that they would have me stand on a chair to sing so everyone could see me, and I could read the words to the songs from the book that I placed on the pulpit. When camp meeting came around in 1949 I was asked to sing in the choir during camp meeting. I stood on a chair to sing in the choir , and sang with the soprano section , becaus at the time my voice was very high.. A big thanks to my Dad and Mom for their encouragement and patience. By the way, my mom and dad sang duets together for the chapel services also. My dad was left handed and played the guitar for them to sing with. He was very unique, in that he was a self taught guitar player, and he played a guitar that was strung for a right handed player. He played the guitar upside down. Instead of starting at the top of the strings and strumming down, he started at the bottom of the strings and strummed upwards. That way he could play anyone’s guitar. It was very interesting to watch.

During this time, my 5th grade teacher was teaching us to sing some patriotic songs for a gathering that was going to take place on the square, by the courthouse, in Stanton, Ky. , where Peniel Bible College was located, and where we lived. She asked if anyone in the room could sing harmony. Then she proceeded to show us what that was. Well, I picked it up immediately, and showed her I could do it. She was very happy about that, and I got to sing the harmony parts on the few songs that we sung on the courthouse square. My 5th grade teacher’s name was Miss Daisy . I never did know her last name. But I sure do remember her showing us how to sing harmony. That was the earliest beginnings of my singing in front of people, and the first time that I ever sang harmony.

When I was 14 years old, I was living in Evansville, Indiana , attending Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church. The pastor’s son, Ron Vibbert and I were best friends. We are actually 1 year apart in age. Ron was fifteen. One Sunday afternoon there was a quartet singing at the Agoga Tabernacle in Evansville. Ron and I decided to go, because both of us had become interested in Southern Gospel Music after hearing a record or two. This was the first time I ever saw J. D. Sumner . He was real young at the time, and singing bass for the Sunshine Boys Quartet. They were wonderful. Ron and I both got bit by the quartet bug that very day. I didn’t get to meet J.D. Sumner that day, but I wanted to for years. Then in 1971 I got to work for him in “ J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet ”. I will tell the story about how I got the job in a later article.

Ron and I found two fellows that were attending Calvary Temple to sing with us Bob Rich, (baritone), and Glen Snodgrass (bass) . We got together and practiced. Since Ron was the pastor’s son we sang for his dad and he invited us to sing during the following Sunday evening service. By the way, none of us were real big in stature yet, because we were all very young, but we all had big feet. I was about 4ft 9in, and the smallest of the crew . I wore a size 10 ½ shoe. The bass singer wore a 12, Ron wore a 10 ½ and Bob wore a 9. I say that so you can understand how the pastor introduced us. We had not decided on a name for our group. We had only practiced once, and didn’t know that we would ever sing more than that one time. Since we had no name, Pastor Vibbert introduced us as “ The Big Footed Four ”. Of course he did that, to break the ice for us, and he was prone to be a little comical at times. Brother Glen didn’t sing with us very long, because he had to work and didn’t have time. Another fellow named Dalton Welch took Glen’s place. We then started singing in almost every service at our church. By this time we had found a name. Pastor Vibbert had a Sunday morning radio program each week named “ Echoes of Calvary ” we became regulars on that Sunday morning program, and the pastor named us “ The Echoes of Calvary Quartet ”. I have said all of that to name several people who were instrumental in my beginning in gospel music.

The real point I want to make is that my friend Ron Vibbert didn’t know what an impact he would have on my singing. But, I credit him for saying the one thing to me that made a major difference in the way that I sang then and I still live by it today. It was very simple, and it happened during one of our first two or three practice sessions. I was trying to sing as pretty as I could , but I wasn’t singing out enough . We had just started to sing a song and I had to take the lead, I was trying to sing pretty tenor. Ron stopped the whole thing and said to me “BILL SING OUT, YOU ARE SINGING TOO SOFT”. I said back “I am just trying to sing pretty”. Ron then ask me to sing it louder and pretty. At that point I got it!

Ron, I thank you for being who you are, for the major difference that you made in my singing. I would also like to thank Bob Rich for helping me learn how to sing harmony better . He and his family were all excellent harmony singers. When God called me into the preaching ministry in 1976, Bob was one of my greatest helps. He and I not only spent time talking about God and the ministry, but Bob also helped me schedule services in some churches where he had ministered. Thanks Bro. Bob you were and still are a tremendous blessing to my life . I would like to thank each one of the people that I have mentioned above for the contribution that they made to help me follow the calling and hone the skills that God had given me. Each one had a special part of making me who I am today, both in a spiritual way and in a musical way. Pastor Vibbert was the greatest preacher I have ever heard . Each one of these men, have ministered to others in his own way. Ron went on to become an excellent school teacher, and counselor. He’s retired today and still singing with his own trio in Evansville, Indiana and the tristate area. Bob went into evangelistic ministry when he was seventeen years old, he traveled many years, and today he pastors a really wonderful church in the Madisonville, Ky. area. Pastor Vibbert has gone home to be with the Lord. Dalton Welch, pastored in different churches in the Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky area until he retired. Glen Snodgrass pastored in Indiana, Illinois, and is retired in Mobile, Al. Today. Every one of these men have made an impact on the Kingdom of God through their different callings. What a blessing it was to start off singing with such a dedicated and called group of men. That is why I wanted to start my tribute series with talking about these guys, Miss Daisy, and my Mom and Dad. All of these people begun the shaping of who I am today through their efforts and ministry into my life. By the way, I am still growing. God shows me new things every day about my life, and I still hear important things from other singers that help me along the way.

Next month, I will continue the tribute series. In this series of tributes, I will talk about Smitty Gatlin, J.D. Sumner, Donnie Sumner, Elvis Presley, Ed Hill, Charles Novell and many others. I feel that it is important to let people know that their friendships and ministry to you had an impact on your life.

To all of you who have taken time to read this, you are also having an impact on my life, may God richly bless each of you.

Remember Psalm 118:6 “The Lord is on My Side” He is on your side also. Don’t forget it.

In Christian Love,

Bill Baize

SG History 101

SG History 101 - Prominent Women

To finally conclude this series of the outstanding performers in southern gospel history by part, we have focused on people in male quartets. And perhaps fittingly so, for it has been the male quartet which has been the most prominent musical unit in the history of the genre.

But I don’t want to infer that the only contributions to southern gospel music have been made by males, for that is not the case. I intend this month’s article to show that women have made important contributions to the genre’s history, despite their relatively late start and minor early role in.

In fact, the early days of gospel music were comprised almost exclusively of male quartets, not until the 1920s did a couple of family groups emerge that featured women prominently.

One of those groups came from Georgia, Alphus and Urias LeFevre started a trio first with their sister Maude, who was replaced by their sister Peggy when she married and settled down. Eventually, Urias met and married Eva Mae Whittington, who happened to be not only a fine singer but an excellent piano player.

And for the next 50 years or so, Eva Mae LeFevre was one of the most acclaimed and beloved personalities in gospel music history. Although Alphus may have been the group’s musical mainstay, Eva Mae was the face and voice of the famous LeFevre family group, and her singing and piano playing was admired and loved by all gospel music fans, and the LeFevres would be among the major groups in gospel music for over a half century.

The other group to come to prominence in the 1920s was another family group, this time out of Alabama, G.T. “Tom” Speer and his wife Lena were in a quartet with his sister Pearl Claborn and Pearl’s husband Logan. They were originally known as the Speer Quartet, and they sang locally sponsored by the Vaughan Music Company. When Tom Speer opted to make his living at singing, the Claborns dropped out, and Speer taught his children to sing and play musical instruments.

In time, the Speer Family would not only feature Tom Speer (known as “Dad” Speer to fans of gospel music) , and his sons Brock and Ben, but Lena (on piano as well as singing) , and their daughters Rosa Nell and Mary Tom. In time Rosa Nell replaced her mother on the piano, and became known as one of the best pianists on the circuit. Her mother continued for many more years singing with the group, while Mary Tom sang and played the mandolin as well, and Rosa Nell played piano for the group for a couple of decades. By the 1950s, both Mary Tom and Rosa Nell had left the group to marry and start families of their own.

But the Speer Family continued to feature women prominently as they maintained their status at the top of the gospel music world. Brock married the former Faye Ihrig in 1948, and Faye would sing with the group for the better part of the following 50 years. And keeping with the tradition of having a female pianist, Joyce Black became the first “adopted” Speer in 1955, to in turn be followed on the ivories by Ginger Smith in the 1960s.

Another new female singer and (of course) pianist came along in 1963, when Mississippian Ann Sanders would join. Ann was extremely popular with fans and continued to be when she left the group in 1968 to join her husband Paul Downing to form another family quartet. Ann is still active today, combining solo appearances with appearances with the Bill Gaither Homceoming Troupe.

The Speers would continue to bring in fine female talent, such as Jeanne Johnson, Linda Robinson, Brock’s daughter Susan, Diane Mays, and Karen Apple. Women made great strides in gospel music as a result of the many stars the Speers featured and sired.

The LeFevres also would bring in other female talent as well. Eva Mae’s daughter Andrea was with the group for awhile (playing instruments alongside her brothers) , and like the Speers, the LeFevres eagerly “adopted” family members along the way. Female singers in the group included Barbara Daily, Sharon and Teresa McNeill, then as the 1970s waned, youngsters like Janet Psschal and bass singer Rex Nelon’s daughter Kelly were brought in.

When Eva Mae finally retired from the LeFevres in 1978, the remnants of the LeFevres became known as the Rex Nelon Singers, and even more fine female talent graced their roster. Such names as Karen Peck and Charlotte Penhollow became favorites of gospel music fans, and in the current group (now known as simply the Nelons) , Kelly’s daughter Amber has taken her place in that select group of outstanding female contributors to gospel music history.

One group that HAS to be mentioned in an article like this brought us two of the very best female singers in the genre’s history.

In the 1930s, a family quartet from Texas became one of the most distinctive and famous gospel quartets ever. Dave Carter’s well known Chuck Wagon Gang was defined in part by the fine voices of two of Dave’s daughters, Effie (who became known as Anna) and Rosa Lola (who became known as Rose) . Their simple yet heartfelt style of singing helped make them one of Columbia Records’ biggest selling artists ever, and until recently, the Chuck Wagon Gang had sold more recordings than ANY gospel group, period.

And the Gang continues today, with the same style and dedication to tradition that will ensure they remain a beloved American institution.

With the baby boom brought on by the end of World War II, many more female gospel singers began to emerge. By the late 1940s, in Southern California of all places, a quartet led by Earl Weatherford began to feature Earl’s wife in the traditional male first tenor part, mostly at her constant urging. Thanks to Earl’s tutelage, Lily Fern Weatherford learned how to blend with men in a quartet, to the degree that it was difficult to distinguish the Weatherford Quartet from a regular male quartet. With Lily, the Weatherford Quartet became known as one of the smoothest sounding quartets ever, and they influenced many subsequent quartets, especially the Cathedral Quartet and Legacy Five today, growing as they did from the Weatherford Quartet legacy.

Lily also continues to sing today, in a group with her son Steve, continuing to pay tribute to that Weatherford legacy.

Other groups featuring female vocalists came to prominence during the 1950s and 1960s.

Down in Alabama, Howard Goodman led a group consisting of he and his brothers and sisters, and his wife Vestal, who was the sister of noted tenor singer Cat Freeman. When Howard reorganized his family group in the early 1960s, his sisters were no longer a part of the group, but his brothers and Vestal were.

And in large part due to Vestal’s powerful voice and personality, the Happy Goodman Family became one of the most popular gospel groups of all-time. Vestal got a lot of recognition among gospel music fans including “Queen of Gospel Music” honors, and even after Howard and Vestal broke from the family group, they were still beloved due to their regular appearances on the Gaither Homecoming Series. Vestal remains one of the most beloved and fondly remembered gospel singers, even after her passing in 2003.

Some of the other noteworthy female gospel singers during the 1960s include Sue Chenault Dodge, Joy McGuire (both featured with the Downings) , Connie Hopper (with the Hopper Brothers and Connie, later the Hoppers) , LaBreeska Hemphill (related to the Goodmans) , and her daughter Candy.

And perhaps one of the most noteworthy and memorable example of what talented females could bring to gospel music, there were the “sweethearts of gospel music”, the wonderfully harmonious Johnson Sisters, who came out of Alabama in the 1950s and were featured on the Gospel Singing Caravan for a time. All-female groups were especially rare, but the Johnson Sisters were good enough to earn their place alongside the best male quartets of the 1950s and 1960s.

Other notable all-female gospel groups include the White Sisters in the 1950s, West Virginia’s Perry Sisters of the 1960s and 1970s, and that combination of female country singers in the 1980s, Heirloom.

I readily admit to the possibility of giving some other awfully fine female gospel singers a historical “short shrift” here, but to keep this all-too-brief reminiscence here manageable, I had to do some telescoping.

As always, your comments and observations are most welcome, particularly if I made any major omissions. Your help helps to make these articles far more informative than they might otherwise be.

Thus ends this series of looking at the best and most noteworthy of gospel artists in the southern genre, by part. It was fun for me to reminisce from my memories, and I hope it was fun for you to do the same as well.

See you back here next month.

Feature Articles

Restoration

Restoration is an interesting name for a Southern Gospel group. Tell us how you came to that name. Give us a little history of the group.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY: RACHEL

Becky, Larry an I traveled together with our parents ministering up and down the East Coast as teenagers and young children. As we grew older, we started our own familes and went different directions in ministry. When the time came that the Lord called everyone back together to travel and minister once again...we just felt that RESTORATION was a good fit because God had restored our ministry and given us a fresh new outlook, we prayed about it and God confrimed it!!

Restoration seems to be a family affair. How does everyone tie together and what are their various positions in the group?

We are family...Becky, Larry and I are siblings... we are also joined on stage by Becky's Husband Rodney. Behind the scenes my husband Michael serves as the Executive Producer and Group Mananger for Restoration. Becky is the oldest of the 3 of us...she sings some lead vocals but her preference is harmony. Larry is our only brother, he sings lead and harmony vocals, he does some of the booking for the group and most of the bus driving. I (Rachel) am the baby and according to Becky and Larry I am the spoiled one..I do most of the lead singing and handle a large portion of the office work for the group. Rodney is a very talented musician, he generally plays piano when on stage with the group.

How do you choose the material you are going to perform? Are there any song writers in the group?

Our golden rule is that a song must minister to us first before we can effectively deliver it to others. If we can realte to a song or if it stirs something within us then we will be able to sing it with passion and conviction, you can truly minister when you can sing from the depths of your heart.

As a matter of fact we all do some song writing, although to date Becky has written more than the rest of us. Our current single "CLAIM YOUR VICTORY" is a song that the Lord really dealt with me on, God began to give me the words and I shared what I had with Becky and Rodney, we sat down in the sanctuary of our home church and after about 20 minutes the song was completed. We have seen so many people touched by the message in that song and we are so humbled that God would use us to speak encouragement into the lives of others. We get emails and calls from all over the United States from people who have heard the song and just want let us know that it has given them comfort and hope in the midst of circumstance.

How would you describe Restoration's sound? Who decides on the arrangements and who is going to sing what songs? Who decides who's going to wear what? Is there any sibling rivalry over the style of dress for concerts?

We tend to have our own sound...a little bit southern and a little bit country. We all take part in making the decisons with arrangements, if someone has an idea they are encouraged to put it out there, then we'll try things a couple of different ways until we are satsified with the outcome.

Everyone is responsible for their own attire..we do correspond on color or if we are going dressy or casual, but everyone definately has their own style when it comes to clothing that's for sure!!

Who and what were your musical influences?

I can answer for all of us when I say that growing up listening to The Hinsons and The Paynes played a huge role in developing our love for music and who we are today as individuals. But there are many others have have influenced us along the way and to name them all we would be here all day.

Where do you see Restoration's place in Southern Gospel Music in the next 5 years? Is there one place that you would describe as your dream place to sing, but you haven't made it there yet?

In 5 years we would love nothing more than to be in full time ministy, seeing souls saved and lives changed all accross this great Nation. I can't really say that there is ONE place in particular that is a dream venue, but if Bill Gaither called we certainly wouldn't turn him down, it would be an honor to be at an event with so much talent under one roof. We firmly believe that every door God opens for us to minister somewhere is a blessing and an opportunity to be a postive influence in the life of someone else, it is our calling so we don't take it lightly.

When a Pastor or Promoter invited Restoration to perform, what can they expect to see happening on stage?

You can always expect to see real sincere christian people singing and ministering about the great Lord and Saviour we serve. We never follow a set program or line up, we always follow the leading of the spirit. If God says sing a certain song then we sing that song, if He places a testimony on our hearts then we will share just that. No two services are ever the same, we just come with open hearts to worship and prasie our Saviour with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

If a Pastor or Promoter wants to book Restoration, how would they do that?

They can contact Michael at (434)249-4128 and he would be more than happy to help them out. We also have a home on the web where people can learn more about us online at http://www.RestorationMusicMinistries.com

Kevin Ward

Creation, Gratitude and NOT hanging out with Poor People!

Too many times, We Christians are poor-minded. We concentrate on what's missing instead of what we have. The problem with this line of thinking is that it is unhealthy and wrong… VERY WRONG!

"Just give me a cabin in the corner of Glory-land" is our mantra sometimes... like we don't deserve anything… we are King's kids… KING'S KIDS!

When God created the Heavens and the earth, He created it all… everything we would need… forever.

When he created stars, that was it.. they're all here. When He created sand, again, all here. Water, buds of leaves in the spring, oxygen, etc.

So think of it this way. When we pray for God to bless us with something, and he says yes (which a lot of times He does), I don't think God says, "Alright!, I need to CREATE something else for Kevin. I believe that if he answers yes, it has already been made, when He created it long ago… He doesn't have to make it again… it's already here… it's been here.

I think when we pray, it sets OUR minds to find it. Does "Seek and you will find" sound familiar?

Think upon these things.

Think about what's GOOD, not about what's NOT.

• When you are thankful for the singers that you have, you tend to attract great singers… maybe because you treat them well.. because you are THANKFUL for them.


• When you are thankful for the bookings you already have, you tend to attract better dates because you DO THOSE DATES YOU HAVE better… because you are thankful for them.


• When you are thankful for the fans you already have, you tend to attract more fans because you treat the fans you have better. You tend to cherish them and create more things for them. They will, in turn, cherish your ministry and give you what YOU need… support.

I think people want to be around other people who have healthy minds… people who have "unhealthy" minds tend to attract those "un-healty" minds to them.

So, here's the challenge.

Take an inventory of what you already have that is good. Don't think about what you NEED… just concentrate on what you HAVE and want more of.

If you can't think of ANYTHING that you have that is good, please do us ALL a favor and find something else to do.

I've had to deal with this sort of thinking myself recently.

Susan Unthank asked me if I would like to write an article once a month for SoGospelNews.com. I was excited first to think that she saw me as a writer and a blogger (alot of people only see me as a Producer/Engineer/Writer dude).

Know what my next thought was?

"Wait a minute. Why should I write an article for another blog… I have my own blog… Should I write some of my best blog posts for a website that's not even mine?"

In other words, "I only have a limited number of GOOD blog post. I shouldn't give my best stuff away!"

Here is what I AM thinking. (and you should be too!)

"I have an abundance of GREAT blog posts… More than enough for the Empower your ministry blog… plus my course content, plus SoGospelNews.com and beyond". According to the Bible, more than I can ask or even think. All I need to do is to be a good steward of what God has already given me and he'll give me more… that's what JESUS said (remember the story of the talents?).

This is a mindset that I have to practice… everyday! You should be practicing too… Let's do it now.

Below, in the comments section, practice telling God something you are grateful for!

I'll start it!

Susan, Deon, Amy, Chris and the staff at SoGospel, THANK YOU for giving me the opportunity to talk to your "peeps" at SoGospelNews ... I am very Grateful.

What are YOU grateful for?



Kevin Ward's permanent record says he's the owner of kiloWatt Productions, the VP of Vine Records and the co-creator of EmPower Your Ministry. (His mom would want you to know he's also a Dove-Award-winning producer who's been nominated for his songwriting as well.) In real life, he's a happy husband, soon-to-be father, a seeker of knowledge, and a pursuer of great people.

Online, you'll find Kevin striving daily to be a mentor and thought leader with his blogs at KevinWardMusic.com and EmpowerYourMinistry.com, where he uses his gifts as a success and life coach to help others do just that. Connect with Kevin on Twitter and FaceBook to join him on the journey.

News & Scoops

Rusty Golden Visits Booth Brothers In The Studio

Rusty Golden his father, William Lee Golden, along with close friend Michael Sykes, recently stopped by the studio where the Booth Brothers were recording another new Rusty Golden song for their new project. Producing the song is the award winning producer, Lari Goss.

Golden is nominated for four songs in the SGM Music Awards to be held April 13th in Smyrna, TN, as well as being nominated for Songwriter of the Year. Rusty Golden has risen to prominence as a prolific song writer in the past year with four number one songs.

News & Scoops

Mystery Men QT Member, Jym Howe Marries Christina Jones

Nashville, Tennessee, February 25, 2010 --- Jym Howe, of the Mystery Men Quartet, and Christina Dallas Jones (of Orlando, FL) were wed February 19 in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a small ceremony with only a few family members and friends in attendance. The wedding was officiated by Ed Crawford of the Mystery Men Quartet who is an ordained minister.

Jym joined The Mystery Men in September 2008.

His bride, Christina, a successful singer and actress, has performed lead roles in stage musicals in several cities. A few of her favorite roles have included Anna in “The King & I”, Marian in “The Music Man”, and Guenevere in “Camelot.” In addition to stage musicals, Christina was a dancer in “Hannah Montana: The Movie”, and she was cast as Vera Resue in “Billy: The Early Years” (The Early Years of Billy Graham). Her latest performance was with the Nashville Opera at their season Gala. Christina is represented by Sharon Smith Talent (Nashville, TN)

The couple traveled to Orlando Florida for their honeymoon where they spent time with family.

Jym and Christina will reside in White House, Tennessee.

For more information about Jym Howe and The Mystery Men please visit http://www.TheMysteryMen.com.

Misc

A prediction…

News & Scoops

Sunday Edition Completes Vocals for Much Anticipated New Release

New Project Is An Intimate Look at the Music of the Church

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Sunday Edition, one of Nashville’s favorite groups, was recently in the studio finishing up vocals for their much-anticipated recording. Vocals were recorded at Square One Studio in Franklin, Tennessee. The project is being produced by group members Chris and Deon Unthank with additional production by Steve Allen (Vestal Goodman, Legacy Five, Gold City), and all vocals were arranged by Sunday Edition.

The new recording, simply titled Sunday Worship, will be an intimate recording featuring a piano-only backdrop that focuses on the music of the church.

Deon Unthank of Sunday Edition said, “Everywhere we go, people ask us to sing one of two things – either worship songs or hymns. Well, this release focuses on both those aspects of church music.”

“We love all of these songs, and they mean so much to us for different reasons. We have had such a blast singing these songs and seeing how people react to such timeless songs,” mentioned Chris Unthank of Sunday Edition.

Sunday Worship features an equal share of modern and classic worship tunes like “Blessed Assurance,” “Precious Lord,” “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Indescribable,” “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone),” and “Friend of God,” in addition to many more songs.

Sunday Worship is scheduled to be released this Spring through Southern Spin Records.

Sunday Edition recently released their follow-up to the smash-hit “He Bore a Cross.” The new single, titled “Mercy Walks a Road,” was once again produced by Glen Bates and written by Bates and Glen Ashworth. The new song is another special single release with BSA World Records.

The song is currently available for radio stations to download via Chuck Peters’ SG Show Prep and will be released in March through DJ Man Promotions, TS Promotions, and the Rick Hendrix Company.

“He Bore a Cross” became the group’s biggest hit to date earlier this year – giving them their highest charting position on the Singing News Top 80 (#44) and earning the group its first Top 10 New Release. In addition, the song landed Sunday Edition its second #1 hit on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart. The song has also charted on all major Southern Gospel charts – SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart, Christian Voice Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel Chart, and PowerSource Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel chart.

For more information on Sunday Edition, visit http://www.sundayedition.net .

Facebook members can find Sunday Edition on the popular social networking site at http://www.facebook.com/sundayedition . Sunday Edition’s MySpace can be found at http://myspace.com/thesundayedition/. Fans can visit Sunday Edition’s Shoutlife at http://www.shoutlife.com/sundayedition/.

About Sunday Edition
Sunday Edition was formed back in the early 70’s as an all-male quartet. Now, 30 years later, the group has reformed as the family trio consisting of Deon Unthank, Amy Marie Unthank, and Chris Unthank. The group has a rich sound with a wide variety of influences which range from traditional southern to country and progressive southern to black gospel.

News & Scoops

Branson Gospel Music Convention Partners with Local Media For Major Push

BRANSON, Mo. – YMR Music Productions, LLC. Is proud to announce that the 2010 Branson Gospel Music Convention will once again come together with local media to push the event.

Like last year, the Branson GMC will partner with MorningSide and the Jim Bakker Show throughout the week of the event. The Jim Bakker Show will feature many of the performing artists featured at the popular concert event – including names like the Chuck Wagon Gang, HisSong, McMillan & Life, and Hinson Revival.

Kelly Burton, Program Director for the Branson Gospel Music Convention said, “The great people of MorningSide embraced us from our start in 2009. They have a rich legacy of evangelism through many means, including song, and we are grateful for the chance to work with them again.”

In addition, MorningSide and the Branson Gospel Music Convention will be joining together for a special Friday evening concert on June 25, 2010 that will feature Branson’s Marcey Wall, Hinson Revival and additional artists yet to be confirmed. This concert will precede the week-long event in order to give it an extra boost in local awareness.

New this year, the convention will be the sole subject of DJ Karen Berka’s “Branson Radio Live” show at the Little Opry Theatre on Sunday, June 27, 2010. Berka’s weekly Sunday program draws a studio audience of over 200 people and a listening audience via KBFL 99.9 FM and 1060 AM, as well as the Branson Radio Live stream from the show’s website.

“We're so excited to be working with strong local partners who share our enthusiasm to share the Gospel in Branson," mentioned YMR Production’s Rod Burton. "Karen has generously embraced Branson GMC and hers is a natural outlet to showcase Gospel artists who may not have seen the Branson audience before.

Berka will kick off Branson GMC week by featuring interviews with and songs by select artists on her stage at the IMAX Entertainment complex in Branson.

More information on Karen’s show can be found at http://www.bransonradiolive.com .

The 2nd Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention is set to take place beginning Monday evening, June 28, through Friday, July 2, 2010 at the Branson Convention Center across from Branson Landing. Concerts will run every night, with matinees offered Tuesday through Friday and will feature over 150 gospel music artists from across the country, as well as exhibitors from the southern and country gospel music industries, Christian radio stations and retailers, record companies, and television broadcast stations.

More information about the Branson Gospel Music Convention can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com or by calling (708) 960-0111.

More information about YMR Music Productions, LLC. can be found at http://www.ymrmp.com or by calling 708-960-0111.

About YMR Music Productions
YMR Music Productions, LLC. is a corporation formed initially for the exclusive purpose of organizing, promoting, and producing the Branson Gospel Music Convention. The production company recently started a series of concerts all around the country that supports local communities and help organization. The first Give the Gospel concert will take place in November 2009.

Weekly Chart

Monday - February 22, 2010

Top 40 Weekly Chart

TW	LW	#WK	TITLE	ARTIST	PEAK
1	1	23	You Must Have Met Him	Brian Free & Assurance	1(2)
2	3	19	These Are They	Gaither Vocal Band	2
3	6	17	Born to Climb	Jeff & Sheri Easter	3
4	2	17	Peace In the Shelter	Booth Brothers	1
5	5	8	Hold On	Dove Brothers	5
6	4	8	He's Alive	Talley Trio	4
7	7	6	Did I Mention	Perrys	7
8	9	18	Little Bit of Heaven	Isaacs	2
9	11	5	The Empty Tomb Says It All	Kingdom Heirs	9
10	13	17	When They Found Nothing	Legacy Five	8
11	10	23	He Found Me	Nelons	2
12	12	23	Why Can't All God's Children Get Along	Karen Peck & New River	1(6)
13	8	23	When the Trumpet Sounds	Triumphant Quartet	1(2)
14	14	12	That's Why I Love Him So	Tribute Quartet	14
15	15	6	You Were Faithful Yesterday	Greater Vision	15
16	16	3	Daystar	Jason Crabb	16
17	18	21	My Heart Knows	Crist Family	17
18	19	10	When I Lift Up My Head	Gordon Mote	18
19	20	5	If Only Just a Few	Mark Trammell Trio	19
20	21	7	Let Me Tell You About Jesus	LeFevre Quartet	17
21	22	15	Trust His Heart	Eighth Day	12
22	23	10	Both Sides of the River	Crabb Revival	22
23	24	8	The Blood Covered It All	2nd Generation	14
24	17	23	I'll Pray For You	Whisnants	4
25	25	12	The Blood of God's Only Son	Primitive Quartet	25
26	26	3	The Name of Jesus	Aaron & Amanda Crabb	26
27	28	7	I Keep Praying	McKameys	24
28	27	10	One of These Days	Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver	23
29	31	14	Grace Will Always Be Greater	Hoppers	13
30	30	12	All In a Sunday's Work	Anchormen	28
31	32	3	Keep Walking	Mark Lowry	31
32	29	20	Longing to Go	Heavens Highway	21
33	37	4	Send Down Your Angels	English Family	33
34	34	19	Mercy Leads Us Home	Sisters	16
35	35	2	Keeper of the Lost & Found	Ivan Parker	35
36	36	13	It Took His Breath Away	Three Bridges	32
37	40	2	A Good Heart	Ernie Haase & Signature Sound	37
38	33	12	Bottom of the Barrel	Collingsworth Family	26
39	39	2	God Saw a Cross	Kingsmen	39
40	38	21	Glimpse of Your Glory	Ball Brothers	13

TW - This week on the chart	LW - Last week on the chart	#WK - Number of weeks on the chart	#1 For the Week
Indicates 1st Week on chart	Greatest Gain on Chart	On chart the longest	Highest on chart after dropping off

News & Scoops

Perfect Heart Signs Exclusive Representation Agreement With The Free Spirit Agency.

Multiple award-winning quartet, Perfect Heart has entered into an exclusive representation agreement with the Free Spirit Agency. The Free Spirit Agency will be handling all personal appearance scheduling for the quartet.

Terry Dorsey, CEO and Managing Agent of the Free Spirit Agency shares his excitement about this association with Perfect Heart. “It is an honor to be working with a quartet of the caliber of Perfect Heart. These are four dedicated and talent men of God who will be a major impact on the future of this industry and I am happy to be a part of what they are doing.”

After a brief retirement, original member Mike Presnell is returning to be a part of introducing Perfect Heart back to the southern gospel world. “Perfect Heart is excited to partner up exclusively with the Free Spirit Agency.” says Mike Presnell, founding member and bass singer for the quartet. “It’s great to be working with someone that has the knowledge and experience that Terry Dorsey and the Free Spirit Agency brings to the industry. With the history and knowledge that this team brings to southern gospel music, I feel that this is a perfect fit for what we see as a great future together.”

Perfect Heart has a great history in Southern Gospel music and a very bright future in the industry. A new recording entitled, “The Best of Perfect Heart,” is to be released soon. A new single, “Glory Waves”, is currently playing on southern gospel music radio.

To schedule Perfect Heart for your next concert or special event contact Terry Dorsey at 502-314-9373 or by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

News & Scoops

Richard Nash Ministries Announces New Website

Eastman, Georgia - Richard Nash Ministries woulo like to announce a new website for the ministry. Along with promoting Gospel Sings, the ministry also has Fishing For Youth Of America, a Radio Program and Speaking. For More Information You May Log On To: http://www.richnashministries.com or call 478-285-0414 or you may e-mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Featured Review

Firm Foundation - Footsteps of Life

News & Scoops

First List of Performers Announced for 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Deon and Susan Unthank, administrators of SoGospelNews.com, are proud to announce the first list of performers for the 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration.

Performers for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration include:

Booth Brothers
The Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling)
The Freemans
The Isaacs
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Karen Peck & New River
McMillan & Life
The Perrys
Soul’d Out Quartet

Additional performers and hosts are still being confirmed and will be announced at a later date.

“We have so much planned for this year’s awards program,” mentioned Deon Unthank of SoGospelNews.com. “We will be making a big announcement at the event, so we hope that everyone who can join us, will.”

In addition, the evening will feature a mutli-artist collaboration that will honor the Southern Gospel veterans the Singing Cookes and the legacy that they have left and continue to leave today.

The date for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 13, 2010. The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennesse and is free to the public. The awards program will start at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

As far as nominations go, two artists tied for the most nominations among performers this year. Both The Perrys and Karen Peck & New River landed a stellar nine nominations apiece – more than any other artist this year. 2008’s Pacesetter the Dove Brothers earned eight nods. Following behind those artists were Legacy Five, The Isaacs, and Booth Brothers with seven nominations apiece. Triumphant Quartet and Brian Free & Assurance both landed six nominations. Two artists received five nominations – the Bowling Family (formerly Mike & Kelly Bowling) and Talley Trio.

Songwriter and producer Wayne Haun earned the most individual nominations for his work during 2009. Rodney Griffin earned six individual nominations for his songwriting work. Earning five individual nominations were songwriters Marty Funderburk (2009’s Songwriter of the Year winner) and Rusty Golden. Gospel legend Bill Gaither, songwriter Joel Lindsey, and The Perrys’ lead singer Joseph Habedank all earned four individual nominations.

The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization which has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2010 Pacesetter are new Gospel music celebration Branson Gospel Music Convention, Crossroads Music Group, SGShowPrep’s Chuck Peters, digital news outlet SGN Scoops Digital, and Vine Records.

For a full list of nominees, visit SoGospelNews.com.

More information on the 2010 SGN Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including hosts, additional performers, and sponsors, etc.

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.

Southern Gospel Music

Here’s to the Dean…

Southern Gospel Music

Works every time…

News & Scoops

Stephen Hill Receives Dove Award Nomination

Christian singer/songwriter Stephen Hill received a nomination for “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” for Song of the Year at this year’s Dove Awards. The self-penned tune is Karen Peck and New river’s current single.

Stephen says, “What a truly humbling experience to be nominated for such a prestigious honor. This is truly God’s handiwork. I am praying He will get the glory and use it to help bring people together.”

The Dove Awards winners will be announced on Wednesday April 21. For more information on Stephen Hill visit http://www.stephenhillmusic.com

News & Scoops

Burress Family Complete New Project

The Burress Family has just finished up their long awaited and much anticipated brand new CD. Tom Burress group leader and songwriter says “We are just so excited about this amazing new project. God has given me 15 of the most anointed songs that he has ever allowed me to write in my 30+ years of songwriting. Many of the songs were written while going through some of the lowest and most difficult times of my life and I know that they will minister to every hurting Christian that hears this anointed new CD!” This new CD features some of the greatest pickers that you will ever find anywhere; plus it also features an award winning engineer who has worked with such greats as Rhonda Vincent, the Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Michael English, Jeff & Sheri Easter, the Greenes, and numerous others. The Burress Family has had numerous charting songs in the Singing News, Christian Voice, Gospel Music News, Power Source, and Gospel Music Tour.

The new CD should be out sometime in late March to early April 2010. Also be looking for a brand new single off of the new CD titled “We came here tonight to have Church” on LO Records Volume 48, cut #1. If you would like more information about the new CD or to find out more about the Burress Family you may visit them at: http://www.theburressfamily.com

News & Scoops

Gospel Music Times Changes Name to Southern Gospel Times

Newburgh, IN (February 19, 2010) -- The General Manager of the popular e-zine, "The Gospel Music Times" today announced a name change to the "Southern Gospel Times", effective today.

"We think 'Southern Gospel Times' is a better fit for the focus of our e-zine", said a GMT (now SGMT) representative. "Our e-zine has become a ministry in that, while focusing on the more well-known artists, we also focus on the not-so-well-known artists. We call them 'weekend warriors'. They're the ones who may not have a bus and a big name; in fact they generally work a regular job in addition to ministering in song on the weekends. They're good people who are working hard to do a good work, and the public deserves to know about them whether they can afford to buy ad space or not."

The e-zine's new website is at http://www.southerngospeltimes.com. News and press releases should be sent to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

News & Scoops

Janet Paschal Receives Dove Award Nomination

Nashville, TN - Popular singer, songwriter, author and talk show host, Janet Paschal was honored this week by the Gospel Music Association with the 2010 Dove Award nomination for Southern Gospel Album of the Year for her latest recording entitled Treasure, released on the Vine Records label, distributed by Crossroads Entertainment and produced by multi-Dove Award winning producer, Wayne Haun. Paschal was among the Top Five when the nominees were announced on February 18 in Nashville, TN.

The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry and will be televised nationwide on GMC on Sunday, April 25, 2010, at 8:00pm (EST), with Awards being presented in 43 categories. Tickets to the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards are on sale now and may be purchased online at http://www.opry.com.

Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black Gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern Gospel, country and more. The GMA community consists of more than 3,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries.

Paschal’s Dove Award nomination announcement comes on the heels of her Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum 2010 Visionary Award nominations for Inspirational Female Vocalist of the Year, Female Entertainer of the Year and Southern Gospel Female Vocalist of the Year, which were also announced this week. With more than a dozen recordings to her credit, Paschal’s passion and vulnerability are most evident in her inspiring music. After battling breast cancer in 2005, the popular vocalist resumed her touring schedule, including concerts, women's conferences and cancer events. In conjunction with the release of Paschal’s Dove nominated recording, Treasure, the prolific writer released her second book, Treasures Of The Snow, which chronicles her triumphant battle with cancer and stories from three decades in Gospel music.

A complete list of music and books available by Paschal, as well as touring information may be obtained online at http://www.janetpaschal.com. A complete list of 2010 Dove Award nominees may be obtained at http://www.doveawards.com or http://www.gospelmusic.org

News & Scoops

Exclusively Distributed New Day Artists Nominated In The 2010 Dove Awards

Nashville, Tenn. (February 18, 2010) – New Day Christian Distributors is honored to announce that many of their exclusive artists received Dove nominations during this morning’s nominee press conference, held at the Curb Café at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

New Day exclusively distributed artist, Bluetree, with their album, God Of The City, has made an incredible impact this year. Their success was reflected in a New Artist of the Year nomination. Other New Day exclusive nominations include Keith & Kristyn Getty for Praise and Worship Album of the Year, Awaken The Dawn
(Phil Naish), Getty Music, and BeBe & CeCe Winans’ song “Close To You” (BeBe Winans, B & C Records, Malaco), was nominated for Urban Recorded Song of the Year, from the album, Still (BeBe Winans, B & C Records, Malaco).

Garnering four nominations is Daywind Records’ artist, Austins Bridge. Their nominations include Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year, “Hold On To Jesus” (Justin Rivers, Jason Baird), on Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Country Recorded Song of the Year, “Dry Bones,” (PD Arr by Justin Rivers, Bubba Smith) also on Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Country Album of the Year, Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge (Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster); and Long Form Music Video of the Year, Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge (Graham Bustin, Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster).

Receiving an Inspirational Album of the Year nomination is Daywind artist, Aaron and Amanda Crabb for Live At Oak Tree: Aaron and Amanda Crabb (Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster). Karen Peck & New River (Daywind Records) received a nomination for Song of the Year for their song “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” (Stephen Hill). Also, Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River) was honored with a nomination in the Female Artist of the Year category. There were five additional Daywind Music Group nominations.

The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House and televised nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel (gmclife.com), Sunday, April 25, 2010, from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST. While the awards are the purpose of the show, music performances will definitely share center stage at the GMA Dove Awards, showcasing some of Gospel music’s hottest and most diverse artists.

Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories. Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year November 1, 2008, through October 31, 2009, and voted on by the members of the GMA. The complete nominations list is available at both gospelmusic.org and doveawards.com.

Tickets to the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards are currently on sale through the Grand Ole Opry Call Center, 1-800-SEE-OPRY/1-800-733-6779, via the web at opry.com, or may be purchased in-person at The Opry Box Office located at the Opry House at 2804 Opryland Drive and the Ryman Auditorium Box Office at 116 5th Ave North, in downtown Nashville. Ticket prices range from $25 - $200.

Misc

Tiger finally speaks…

News & Scoops

Brothers Forever Nominated In 2010 Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards

CHURCH HILL, Tenn. – Popular trio Brothers Forever has been nominated for their first Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Award. The trio received a nominated for Southern Gospel Group of the Year. Other artists nominated for the award include the Booth Brothers, Gaither Vocal Band, The Nelons, and Legacy Five.

Curtis Hagy of Brothers Forever said, “Its an incredible honor to be nominated alongside such talented groups, especially with two of the greatest groups to ever grace the stage of gospel music - The Gaither Vocal Band and The Booth Brothers. Being a group that’s only in its sixth year, this is an incredible honor and all of nominees represent what we strive to achieve in our music and ministry.”

The nominees for the Visionary Awards were announced on Monday, February 15, 2010. The winners will be announced live during the annual award show to be held on November 6, 2010.

This is the second Visionary Awards show and the third show inducting artists into the Hall of Fame. The hosts for the 2010 Visionary Awards were announced last week and will be hosted by award winning artists David Meece and Babbie Mason. The show will be live in the Dallas, Texas area and the location will be announced in the next few weeks.

Fans are urged to go to the charity web site at http://www.hallmuseum.com and vote for their favorites in each category.

Brothers Forever recently wrapped up a successful run on the 2009 Breakthrough Tour. The 2009 Breakthrough Tour saw Brothers Forever in several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts, Washington, Idaho, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama.

Brothers Forever are currently booking dates for their upcoming Spring tour. More information on that will be announced at a later date.

To visit the newly designed Brothers Forever website, visit 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.

News & Scoops

Jonathan Edwards Named Music Production Director for 2010 Diamond Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops Digital are happy to announce the addition of Jonathan Edwards to the staff of the 2010 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards. Edwards has been appointed Music Production Director for the awards ceremony.

Edwards is a known professional in the Southern Gospel community. In addition to performing with the Ascension Quartet, Jonathan is also the late afternoon and early evening DJ for Springfield, Missouri’s KWFC-FM – one of Southern Gospel’s most loved and respected radio stations.

Rob Patz, President of Coastal Media Group (owners of SGN Scoops Digital) said, "I'm excited to be able to have someone of Jonathan Edwards’ caliber as our Music Production Director for the Diamond Awards. His vast background, not only in music but audio production, will allow us to put on a first class show."

“It is such an honor for me to join Rob Patz and the rest of the fine folks who make the Diamond Awards happen,” responded Jonathan. “I look forward to a great show and will do what I can to make it the best musical awards show around.”

The 2010 Diamond Awards are set to take place on July 1, 2010 during the Branson Gospel Music Convention. Nominations for the Top 10 ballot are currently being accepted through February 28, 2010.

For more information on the Diamond Awards – visit the SGN Scoops Digital website at http://www.sgnscoops.com .

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 each year. The awards show is held during the Branson Gospel Music Convention every summer.

News & Scoops

The “Better Halves” of Praise Incorporated Featured in This Month’s SGN Scoops Digital

FORT WORTH, Texas – Praise Incorporated is honored to have their “better halves” featured in this month’s issue of SGN Scoops Digital. Two wives of members of the popular quartet were featured in a section devoted to wives of Southern Gospel artists and industry personnel.

Called the Bus Mom/Quartet Version, Sharon Bares, wife of Praise Incorporated’s bass singer Greg Bares was quoted in the article as saying, “I thank God that He is allowing me to travel full time with a bus full of Godly men doing His work. These eyes of a quartet wife see these men serve when they can hardly stand on the stage because of back pain or they can hardly speak because of some illness and yet they serve, with joy because there is always room at the cross for just one more. We are a family, leaving our families behind, to bring the good news about God’s family to those without hope. When you experience the salvation of someone who was once dead and is now
alive forever, because of Jesus Christ, you can say with confidence that all the sacrifices are worth it, even if it were just for one.”

Also featured in the article was group member Steve Sam’s wife – Myrna. Being touted as the Stay-At-Home Quartet wife, Myrna juxtaposes Sharon’s thoughts by saying, “My advice to the wives and husbands left home to work to pay the bills and to keep the homefires burning? Pray hard. Work hard. Don’t forget to pay the cell phone bill. And for heaven’s sake, learn how to check your own Freon!”

Steve Sam of Praise Incorporated said, “Our wives are the most important aspect of our ministry. Without them – we wouldn’t be able to sing like we do. We are so honored that SGN Scoops Digital chose to recognize the work that not only our wives do, but the wives of hundreds of men who get on a bus every weekend to do the ministry of our Lord.”

Additional women featured in the February 2010 issue of Southern Gospel’s original all digital magazine include Debra Talley, Tori Taff (wife of Russ Taff), SoGospelNews.com’s Susan Unthank, and others.

For more information or instructions on how to download the latest issue of SGN Scoops Digital – visit http://www.sgnscoops.com .

For more information on Praise Incorporated, visit their website at http://www.praiseinc.com .

About Praise Incorporated
With a focus on musical excellence and integrity in ministry, Praise Incorporated has devoted their lives to reaching the lost and encouraging the Christian, through music and spoken word. Building on combined decades of music experience, Steve Sam, Ron Higgins, Greg Bares and Dodd Meadows have hearts for the Lord and that gives Praise Incorporated the musical excellence it strives for.

News & Scoops

Daywind Music Group Nominated For 11 Dove Awards

Nashville, Tenn. (February 18, 2010) - This morning during a press conference, held at the Curb Café at Belmont University in Nashville, the final Dove nominees for the 41st Annual Dove Awards were announced. Daywind Music Group is incredibly honored to have received 11 nominations this year.

Celebrating four nominations is previous New Artist of the Year nominee, Austins Bridge. They are nominated for Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year, “Hold On To Jesus” (Justin Rivers, Jason Baird), on Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Country Recorded Song of the Year, “Dry Bones,” (PD Arr by Justin Rivers, Bubba Smith) also on Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Country Album of the Year, Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge (Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster), and Long Form Music Video of the Year, Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge (Graham Bustin, Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster).

A Song of the Year nomination goes to Karen Peck & New River for “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” (Stephen Hill), from their new album, No Worries. Karen Peck Gooch also received the Female Vocalist of the Year nomination. Brian Free & Assurance and the Perrys each garnered a Southern Gospel Album of the Year nomination. Brian Free & Assurance’s nominated album is entitled Worth It (Barry Weeks). The Perrys album is Almost Morning (Wayne Haun). Additionally, the Perrys received a Southern Gospel Song of the Year nod with “If You Knew Him” (Joseph Habedank, Rodney Griffin).

Receiving an Inspirational Album of the Year nomination is Aaron and Amanda Crabb for Live At Oak Tree: Aaron and Amanda Crabb (Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster).

Daywind Music Publishing, along with Lifeway Worship, received the nomination for Musical of the Year for the musical Reign, Jesus, Reign (Marty Funderburk, Cliff Duren).

Daywind Records’ A&R Director and Vice President, Norman Holland, shares, “We have an incredible roster of artists at Daywind Records. I know their heart, and their talent is outstanding, but on behalf of all of us at Daywind, I am thrilled that the Gospel music community recognizes them and their music as well. We congratulate the artists for their achievements, and we thank everyone involved for helping their music reach the hearts of people so that lives might be changed.”

Rick Shelton, Director of Publishing at Daywind Music Publishing, expresses, “We are honored that the GMA membership recognized the excellent work of Marty Funderburk and Cliff Duren. Reign, Jesus, Reign is a musical that celebrates the King who conquered death, Hell and the grave. We are so very grateful to receive this nomination.”

The 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Nashville’s famed Grand Ole Opry House and televised nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel (gmclife.com), Sunday, April 25, 2010 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST. While the awards are the purpose of the show, music performances will definitely share center stage at the GMA Dove Awards, showcasing some of Gospel music’s hottest and most diverse artists.

Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories. Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year November 1, 2008, through October 31, 2009, and voted on by the members of the GMA. The complete nominations list is available at both gospelmusic.org and doveawards.com. For further information regarding Daywind Music Group, visit daywindrecords.com.

Tickets to the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards are currently on sale through the Grand Ole Opry Call Center, 1-800-SEE-OPRY/1-800-733-6779, via the web at opry.com, or may be purchased in-person at The Opry Box Office located at the Opry House at 2804 Opryland Drive and the Ryman Auditorium Box Office at 116 5th Ave North, in downtown Nashville. Ticket prices range from $25 - $200.

News & Scoops

Maria Atkins Rejoins Rejoice

We are excited to announce that Maria Atkins has rejoined REJOICE! after a two-year “hiatus” from the road. Maria was the second soprano singer for the group for a five-year period before having to stop traveling for a time. Maria’s first weekend back with the group was February 13-14, and it was like time must have stood still for the two years she was away. “It just felt so natural to have her on stage with us; it was almost as if she had never left. The spirit in which she delivers a song’s message, as well as her ability to harmonize with other singers puts her in a special class of singers and we are blessed to be back on the road together with our friend,” says Sherri Vestal.

Rejoice! went from being a female trio to being a mixed quartet in September, 2008, when 18-year-old Tyler Vestal joined the group singing the bass part and playing the piano. It has been a treat to watch him grow as a musician and vocalist and see how people have embraced him. He has definitely become quite a crowd favorite!

For more information about Rejoice!, visit their website at http://www.rejoiceonline.org

News & Scoops

Spoken 4 Quartet’s Single is Fan Favorite

“Who Can Afford to be Wrong” on SoGospelNews.com!

February 18, 2010 (Nashville, TN) – Spoken 4 Quartet is this week’s fan favorite on sogospelnews.com for the second week in a row. Spoken 4 released a new song to radio with TS Promotions back in January called “Who Can Afford to be Wrong.” This song is featured on their latest project, He Knows Your Address.

“This is a great time in the ministry of Spoken 4 as they are traveling much more and the song continues to get great airplay,” says Theresa Dillard, president and founder of TS Promotions. “They have strong harmonies and the fans have agreed!”

Spoken 4 Quartet started just 2 years ago in singing and traveling together and currently performs more than 200 events a year. The quartet is comprised of Jon Charles Taggart (Lead), Cecil Stringer (Bass), Jeremy Wilkerson (Baritone), Brand Britton (Tenor), and Ryan Carter (Piano).

“Who Can Afford to be Wrong” is available to radio on SCM Disc #12 and now available on MP3.

For More information on Spoken 4, visit http://www.spoken4qt.com

News & Scoops

Male Vocalist, Ivan Parker Receives Visionary Award Nominations

Dallas, TX - Popular multi-award winning male vocalist, Ivan Parker added yet a few more honors to his long list of accolades, as the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced the 2010 Visionary Award nominations. When the list of nominees were announced this week, Parker received nominatons for Southern Gospel Male Vocalist of the Year and Inspirational Male Vocalist of the Year. Visionary Awards are presented in 17 categories, encompassing a variety of Gospel Music genres, including Southern, Country, Rock, Hip Hop and Inspirationaln. The Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards will be presented on November 6, 2010.

Parker, who burst onto the Southern Gospel Music scene in 1982, is recognized as one of Southern Gospel Music’s leading male vocalists. Traveling with popular quartet, Gold City, for more than a decade, the talented lead vocalist helped lead the group to national notoriety, achieving 19 Top Ten hits, including the 1993 Southern Gospel Song of the Year Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association. Since embarking upon a solo career in 1994, Parker has continued to enjoy prominence and much success. Hit songs have flowed his way in bunches, with more than a dozen solo recordings to his credits. In 2008, Parker enjoyed his first Number One hit, as the moving ballad, “I Choose” peaked at the Number One position atop The Singing News Magazine’s Top 80 Radio Airplay Chart.

For the past decade he has been regularly featured on the highly successful Bill Gaither Homecoming Video and Concert Series, and in May of 2008 the Gaither Gospel Series released The Best Of Ivan Parker Collection in DVD and CD format, which peaked on Billboard Magazine’s Sales Chart at #2. Inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in 1993, he has received more than 20 Soloist and Male Vocalist of the Year Awards from a variety of leading fan and trade publications.

Parker’s latest recording, entitled Unity, released by Crossroads Entertainment in 2009, has produced even more success for the talented vocalist, including his latest Top 20 hit, “Greatest Song Of All.” Complete information regarding Parker’s new recording or his complete touring schedule may be obtained online at http://www.ivanparker.com. A complete list of Visionary Award nominees may be obtained at http://www.hallmuseum.com

News & Scoops

The Scotts Sign Exclusive Agreement With Grapevine Records

NASVHILLE, TN: Chesapeake, VA recording artist, The Scotts have signed with Grapevine Records, a division of Song Garden Music Group. The group first became known in southern gospel music in the early 90’s when their song, “In It For The Love” became popular, climbing radio charts across the country. The group will be working on their debut Grapevine release beginning in February and working through mid March. Song Garden Music Group Executive Vice President commented, “We are excited about adding the Scotts to our roster. They bring a style and sound that is fresh and unique to our field”. Group member, Jerry Scott stated, “We have prayed for quite sometime that God would surround us with the right people to assist us in ministry and we know without a doubt that Grapevine Records share our vision and calling”.

News & Scoops

Janet Paschal Receives Multiple Visionary Award Nominations From Christian Music Hall of Fame

Dallas, TX - For the second year in a row, popular singer/songwriter and author, Janet Paschal, has been honored by the Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum with multiple Visionary Award nominations. When the 2010 nominations were announced this week, Paschal was a Top Five finalist for Female Entertainer of the Year, Inspirational Female Vocalist of the Year and Southern Gospel Female Vocalist of the Year. Visionary Awards are presented in 17 categories, encompassing a variety of Gospel Music genres, including Southern, Country, Rock, Hip Hop and Inspirational. The Christian Music Hall of Fame Visionary Awards will be presented on November 6.

With more than a dozen recordings to her credit, Paschal’s passion and vulnerability are most evident in her inspiring music, including her latest release, Treasure. Her recordings have been recognized with numerous secular and Christian music industry nominations, and she is consistently named among Gospel Music's favorite soloists by the genre's top trade magazines. Paschal’s latest recording has garnered her two additional Top 20 hits, including the Number One release “Hide Me, Sweet Rock of Ages” and her current release, “Jesus Is Alive & Well,” presently playing at radio stations nationwide.

In 2009, Paschal was busy touring and promoting her latest CD, as well as her second book (Treasures of the Snow). Additionally, the popular singer also launched a radio series promoting cancer awareness. Walking The Good Road airs on JOY FM’s network of stations, covering seven states.

Paschal’s touring schedule in 2010 includes concert events and women’s conferences throughout the US and Canada. Additional information, including a tour schedule and list of merchandise, is available online at http://www.janetpaschal.com. A complete list of Visionary Award nominees is available at http://www.hallmuseum.com. Fans can go to the charity website to vote for their favorite artist in each category.

News & Scoops

Southern Gospel Well Represented in 2010 Dove Award Nominations

The Gospel Music Association is proud to announce the following as the FINAL nominees for the 41st GMA Dove Awards. Southern Gospel was well represented this year.

Jason Crabb was among the most nominated artists - landing 6 nominations including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Country Album of the Year. Southern Gospel songwriter/producer Wayne Haun was the most nominated individual with 7 nominations, including Producer of the Year. Other artist receiving notable nominations included the Gaither Vocal Band (Group of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year for Michael English), Karen Peck Gooch (Female Vocalist of the Year), and Austins Bridge (with 3 nominations).

The Song of the Year category contained three songs from prominent Southern Gospel acts - "Born to Climb" (by Jeff & Sheri Easter), "Somebody Like Me" (by Jason Crabb), and "Why Can't All God's Children Get Along" (by Karen Peck & New River). Below is a list of all the nominees in the 2010 GMA Dove Awards.

Category 1
Song of the Year
song title; writer; publisher (award to the writer and publisher)
“Born To Climb”; Jeff & Sherri Easter; Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey; Bridge Building Music, Psalm Singer Music, Hefton Hill Music (BMI)
“By Your Side”; Tenth Avenue North; Essential Publishing
“Free To Be Me”; Francesca Battistelli; Francesca Battistelli; Word
“God Is There”; Diamond Rio; Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander, Bernie Herms; Ole, Warner Chappell, Word Music
“I Will Rise”; Chris Tomlin; Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Jesse Reeves; worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, Spirit and Song.com, Vamos Publishing, Thank You Music
“Let The Waters Rise”; MIKESCHAIR; Sam Tinnesz, Mike Grayson, Ben Glover
“Revelation Song”; Phillips, Craig & Dean; Jennie Lee Riddle; Jennie Lee Riddle, Gateway Create Publishing, Integrity's Praise Music
“Somebody Like Me”; Jason Crabb; Neil Thrasher, Michael Boggs; 2009 Sweet Summer Music, Kobalt Songs, Crosstown Uptown Music, Major Bob Music, Upsurge Music (ASCAP)
“Two Hands”; Jars of Clay; Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark, Jeremy Lutito, Gabe Rushchival; Dudie Music, Chigostick Music, Bridgebuilding, Pogostick Music
“Why Can't All God's Children Get Along”; Karen Peck & New River; Stephen Hill; Christian Taylor Music (BMI), Dingo Bat Music (BMI)


Category 3
Male Vocalist of the Year
Jeremy Camp
Jason Crabb
Michael English
Brandon Heath
Donnie McClurkin
Smokie Norful
Bebo Norman
Mark Schultz

Category 4
Female Vocalist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Karen Peck Gooch
Natalie Grant
Heather Headley
Mandisa
Dawn Michele
Laura Story

Category 5
Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
Gaither Vocal Band
Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir
Jars of Clay
NEEDTOBREATHE
Skillet
Tenth Avenue North

Category 6
Artist of the Year
Francesca Battistelli
Casting Crowns
Jason Crabb
Jars of Clay
Mary Mary
Skillet
tobyMac

Category 7
New Artist of the Year
Crystal Aikin
Bluetree
Jonny Diaz
Kari Jobe
Revive
Sidewalk Prophets
Brian Courtney Wilson

Category 8
Producer of the Year
Ed Cash
Ian Eskelin
Wayne Haun
Bernie Herms
Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp

Dove Awards in Recorded Song Categories are given to the Artist and Songwriter, if other than the Artist.

Category 9
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“America”; America; Tracy Edmond; Tracy Edmond, Ken White; Curb Records
“End Of My Rope”; Five-Two Television; KJ-52; Jonah Sorrentino, Aaron Sprinkle; BEC Recordings
“Go On”; The Forecast EP; B.Reith; Brian Reith; Gotee Records
“Lost”; The Big Picture; Da' TRUTH; Emmanuel Lambert Jr, Freddy Washington Jr; Cross Movement Records
“Movin'”; Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Group 1 Crew, Jeremy James, Byron Chambers, Christopher Stevens; Fervent Records

Category 10
Rock Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Bring Me To Life”; Welcome To The Masquerade; Thousand Foot Krutch; Trevor McNevan, Steve Augustine, Joel Bruyere; Tooth & Nail
“Fight Inside”; Innocence & Instinct; Red; Jasen Rauch, Rob Graves, Jason McArthur, Bernie Herms; Essential
“Hero”; Awake; Skillet; John L. Cooper, Korey Cooper; Atlantic, Ardent, INO Records
“Mess of Me”; Hello Hurricane; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman, Tim Foreman; Credential Recordings
“Mystery of You”; Innocence & Instinct; Red; Jasen Rauch, Anthony Armstrong, Rob Graves, Jason McArthur; Essential Records

Category 11
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Always”; Hello Hurricane; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman; Credential Recordings
“Can't Take Away”; MIKESCHAIR; MIKESCHAIR; Sam Tinnesz, Mike Grayson, Jason Ingram; Curb Records
“How He Loves”; Church Music; David Crowder*Band; John Mark McMillan; Sparrow Records/sixsteps Records
“Lay 'Em Down”; The Outsiders; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; Atlantic Records
“You Gave Me A Promise”; Unbreakable; Fireflight; Dawn Richardson, Justin Cox, Glenn Drennen, Wendy Drennen, Phee Shorb, Rob Hawkins; Flicker

Category 12
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“City On Our Knees”; Tonight; tobyMac; Toby McKeehan, Jamie Moore, Cary Barlowe; ForeFront Records
“Free To Be Me”; My Paper Heart; Francesca Battistelli; Francesca Battistelli; Fervent Records
“Let The Waters Rise”; MIKESCHAIR; MIKESCHAIR; Sam Tinnesz, Ben Glover, Mike Grayson; Curb Records
“My Deliverer”; Freedom; Mandisa; Chad Cates, Jason Walker, Tony Wood; Sparrow Records
“Until The Whole World Hears”; Until The Whole World Hears; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Bernie Herms, Jason McArthur, Roger Glidewell; Beachstreet

Category 13
Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Hold On To Jesus”; Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Austins Bridge; Justin Rivers, Jason Baird; Daywind
“Hosanna”; You Deliver Me; Selah; Brenton Brown, Paul Baloche; Curb Records
“Jesus Saves”; Jesus Saves Live; Travis Cottrell; Travis Cottrell, David Moffitt; Indelible Creative Group
“Since The World Began”; Glory Revealed II: The Word of God in Worship; Matt Maher, Amy Grant, Ed Cash, Mac Powell; Mac Powell, Trevor Morgan; Reunion
“The Only Hope”; Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman; BEC Recordings


Category 14
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Because He Lives”; Gaither Vocal Band Reunited; Gaither Vocal Band; William J. Gaither, Gloria Gaither; Gaither Music Group
“Born To Climb”; Expecting Good Things; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey; She Loves Music
“If You Knew Him”; Almost Morning; The Perrys; Joseph Habedank, Rodney Griffin; Daywind
“Life Goes On”; Life Goes On; Talley Trio; Marty Funderburk, Gina Boe; Horizon
“Live With Jesus”; The Boys Are Back; Oak Ridge Boys; Paul Kennerly; Spring Hill Music Group

Category 15
Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“I Heard My Savior Calling Me”; Destination Life; Rhonda Vincent; Rounder Records
“On The Other Side”; Brothers From Different Mothers; Dailey & Vincent; Rounder
“This World Is Not My Home”; Ricky Skaggs Solo: Songs My Dad Loved; Ricky Skaggs; Albert Brumley; Skaggs Family Records
“When We Fly”; Breaking Like Dawn; Little Roy Lewis & Lizzy Long; Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun, Ty Herndon
“Working On A Building”; Mountain Soul II; Patty Loveless; Saguaro Road

Category 16
Country Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Dry Bones”; Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Austins Bridge; PD Arr by Justin Rivers, Bubba Smith; Daywind
“God Is There”; The Reason; Diamond Rio; Marty Roe, Jimmy Olander; Word Records
“King of the World”; How You Live (Deluxe Edition); Point of Grace; Cindy Morgan; Word Records
“Somebody Like Me”; Jason Crabb; Jason Crabb; Neil Thrasher, Michael Boggs; Spring Hill Music Group
“Thank God For Kids”; Every Light That Shines At Christmas; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Eddy Raven; Gaither Music Group

Category 17
Urban Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Avaylable”; The 2econd Coming; Kortney "Mali Music" Pollard; Kortney "Mali Music" Pollard; Dedicated Music Group, Sound Walk
“Close To You”; Still; BeBe & CeCe Winans; BeBe Winans; B & C Records, Malaco
“Just Love”; Just Love; Brian Courtney Wilson; Brian Courtney Wilson, Jermaine Williams, Mark Spears; Spirit Rising Music, Music World Entertainment
“Just Wanna Say”; The Power of One; Israel Houghton; Aaron Lindsey, Israel Houghton, Tommy Sims; Integrity
“You Never Let Me Down”; Image of a Man; Marvin Winans Jr; Marvin Winans Jr, Rodney Jerkins; M2 Entertainment, Central South Distribution

Category 18
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Always Remember”; Greatest Hits; Men of Standard; Andrae Crouch; Muscle Shoals Sound Gospel, Malaco
“Don't Do It Without Me”; Don't Do It Without Me; Bishop Paul S. Morton; Bishop Neil C. Ellis, Chavone King, Rod Lumpkin II, Cambrell Poitier, Nadine T. Moss, Kingdom Glory Publishing BMI, Psalmic Flow Productions ASCAP; Light, Tehillah
“How I Got Over”; How I Got Over; Vickie Winans; Vickie Winans; Destiny Joy Music, Central South Distribution
“Justified”; Smokie Norful Live; Smokie Norful; Smokie Norful; EMI Gospel, TreMyles Music
“Oh Happy Day”; Oh Happy Day; Queen Latifah; Edwin Hawkins; Vector Recordings, EMI Gospel


Category 19
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
Song; album; artist; writer; label
“Awesome God”; Love Unstoppable; Fred Hammond; Fred Hammond, Alan "Snoop" Evans, Ericka B. Warren, Verity
“Dear God”; Smokie Norful Live; Smokie Norful; Smokie Norful; EMI Gospel, TreMyles Music
“Every Prayer”; The Power of One; Israel Houghton (with guest Mary Mary); Aaron Lindsey, Israel Houghton, Dayna Caddell, Ricardo Sanchez; Integrity Music
“So Good”; People Get Ready; Melinda Watts; Melinda Watts, Freddy Washington Jr; Razor & Tie
“Souled Out”; Souled Out; Hezekiah Walker & LFC; Ester Bullock, Nate McNair; Verity
“The Power of One”; The Power of One; Israel Houghton; Israel Houghton, Ricardo Sanchez; Integrity Music
“Wait On The Lord”; We Are All One (Live In Detroit); Donnie McClurkin; Donnie McClurkin; Verity

Category 20
Worship Song of the Year
Song; writer; publisher (awards given to writer and publisher)
“Alive Again”; Matt Maher, Jason Ingram; EMI CMG Publishing
“Hosanna”; Paul Baloche, Brenton Brown; Integrity Music
“I Will Rise”; Chris Tomlin; Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Maher, Jesse Reeves; worshiptogether.com songs, sixsteps Music,Spiritandsong.com Publishing, Vamos Publishing, Thank You Music
“New Song We Sing”; Meredith Andrews, Jason Ingram, Keith Everette Smith; Word Music, Peertunes, J Ingram Music, Grange Hill Music
“Revelation Song”; Jennie Lee Riddle, Gateway Create Publishing, Integrity's Praise Music

Dove Awards in Album Categories are given to the Artist and Producer, if other than the Artist.

Category 21
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Five Two Television; KJ-52; KJ-52; BEC Recordings
Now Is Not Forever; B.Reith; Brian Reith, Bryan Lenox, Jamie Moore, Sal Oliveri, Michael Gungor; Gotee
Reiterate; Grits
The Big Picture; Da' TRUTH; Emmanuel Lambert, Freddy Washington Jr; Cross Movement Records
Thrilla; Delmar "Mr. Del" Lawrence; Mr. Del; Dedicated Music Group

Category 22
Rock Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Awake; Skillet; Howard Benson; Atlantic, Ardent, INO Records
Constellations; August Burns Red; Jason Suecof; Solid State Records
Crash; Decyfer Down; Paul Ebersold; INO Records
Innocence and Instinct; Red; Rob Graves; Essential
Searchlights; Abandon; Christopher Stevens; ForeFront Records
Welcome To The Masquerade; Thousand Foot Krutch; Aaron Sprinkle, Trevor McNevan; Tooth & Nail

Category 23
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Church Music; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; Sparrow Records/sixsteps Records
Confessions; Pillar; Rob Graves; Essential Records
It Is Well; Kutless; Dave Lubben, Kutless, Brown Bannister; BEC Recordings
Love & War; BarlowGirl; Otto Price; Fervent Records
The Outsiders; NEEDTOBREATHE; Rick Beato, NEEDTOBREATHE, Jim Scott, John Alagia; Atlantic Records


Category 24
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Come Alive; Mark Schultz; Shaun Shankel, Brown Bannister, Bernie Herms, Paul Mills; Word Records
MIKESCHAIR; MIKESCHAIR; Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; Curb Records
Speaking Louder Than Before; Jeremy Camp; Brown Bannister, Jeremy Camp; BEC Recordings
The Long Fall Back To Earth; Jars of Clay; Jars of Clay, Ron Aniello; Essential, Gray Matters
These Simple Truths; Sidewalk Prophets; Ian Eskelin; Fervent Records

Category 25
Inspirational Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
A Grand New Day; Women of Faith Worship Team; Chance Scoggins; Myrrh Records
Fearless; Phillips, Craig & Dean; Bernie Herms; INO Records
Jesus Saves Live; Travis Cottrell; Travis Cottrell; Indelible Creative Group
Live At Oak Tree: Aaron & Amanda Crabb; Aaron & Amanda Crabb; Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster; Daywind
You Deliver Me; Selah; Jason Kyle, Todd Smith, Alan Hall; Curb Records

Category 26
Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Almost Morning; The Perrys; Wayne Haun; Daywind
Gaither Vocal Band Reunited; Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, David Phelps; Gaither Music Group
North America Live!; The Hoppers; Kim Hopper, Connie Hopper, Dean Hopper, Mike Hopper; Canaan Records
Treasure; Janet Paschal; Wayne Haun; Vine
Worth It; Brian Free & Assurance; Barry Weeks; Daywind

Category 27
Bluegrass Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Blue Ridge Mtn. Memories; The Marksmen Quartet; Rural Rhythm Records
Breaking Like Dawn; Little Roy Lewis & Lizzy Long; Kevin Ward, Lizzy Long; Vine
I Have Been Blessed; The Far City Boys; Kevin Street, Aaron Ramsey, Dave Moody; Lamon Records
I Just Want To Thank You Lord; Larry Sparks; Rural Rhythm Records
Lord Bless This House; Nothin Fancy; Darin Vincent; Pinecastle
The Isaacs….Naturally; The Isaacs; Bill Gaither, Ben Isaacs; Gaither Music Group

Category 28
Country Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Jason Crabb; Jason Crabb; Tommy Sims, Norro Wilson, Jason Crabb, Barry Jennings; Spring Hill Music Group
Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Austins Bridge; Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster; Daywind
Never Going Back; Collin Raye; Michael Curtis; TimeLife, Integrity Music
The Reason; Diamond Rio; Michael D. Clute, Jimmy Olander; Word Records
Then Sings My Soul: 24 Favorite Hymns & Gospel Songs; Ronnie Milsap; Rob Gailbraith, Ronnie Milsap; Star Song Music


Category 30
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
50 Years: It's Been Worth It All; Dorothy Norwood; Dorothy Norwood, Derrick Lee; Malaco
Fall On Me; Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's; Jerry Peters, George Dean, James Bullard; MCG Records
Shout! Live; Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue; Mike Farris, Joe McMahan; INO Records
Stepping Up & Stepping Out; Clarence Fountain, Sam Butler and The Boys; Jim Tullio, Clarence Fountain, Sam Butler; Tyscot Records, One Entertainment

Category 31
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
America; Tracy Edmond; Eric Morgeson, DJ Butcher; Curb Records
Audience of One; Heather Headley; Keith Thomas, Cedric Thompson; EMI Gospel
Love Unstoppable; Fred Hammond; Fred Hammond; Verity
Smokie Norful Live; Smokie Norful; Smokie Norful, Jason Tyson; EMI Gospel, TreMyles Music
Souled Out; Hezekiah Walker; Donald Lawrence, Clarence Singleton, Hezekiah Walker; Verity

Category 32
Instrumental Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
A Moment's Peace Vol 2; Christopher Phillips, John Catchings; Christopher Phillips
A Moment's Peace Vol One; Christopher Phillips, John Catchings; Christopher Phillips
Joy Comes In The Morning; Stan Whitmire; Stan Whitmire; Spring Hill Music Group
Mercy Mercy Mercy; Ben Tankard; Ben Tankard; Verity
Smooth Praise; Sam Levine; Sam Levine; Spring Hill Music Group

Category 33
Children's Music Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Great Worship Songs for Kids 3; GWS Kids Praise Band; Luke Gambill; Great Worship Songs
I Shine Jamz, Vol. 1; Todd Collins for Beatmart Productions, Carl Hergesell; Bema Media
Shout Praises Kids - Today Is The Day; Various; Jeff Sandstrom; Integrity Music
The Real Thing; pureNRG; Rob Hawkins, Mark Hammond; Fervent Records
Veggie Tales: Here I Am To Worship; Featuring Natalie Grant & Aaron Shust; Steven V. Taylor; Big Idea

Category 34
Spanish Language Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Adorandote; Julissa; Mike Rivera; Integrity Music Latin
Apasionado Por Ti; Rojo; Emmanuel Espinosa; Reyvol Records
Cerca De Mi; Yamil Ledesma; Eliu "Pito" Moya; CanZion
Le Canto; Kari Jobe; Ed Cash; Integrity Music Latin
Su Vida, Sus Pasos, Su Voz; Melodie Joy; Lou DiCiccio, Melodie Joy, Patricia & Jose Gutierrez, Sky Michaels, Noah Chaparro; Melrose Music Group, Universal Music Christian Group


Category 35
Special Event Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Compassion Art: Creating Freedom From Poverty; Various; Martin Smith, Les Moir; Sparrow Records
Fireproof Original Motion Picture Soundtrack; Leeland, Third Day, Casting Crowns, John Waller, Grey Holiday, Warren Barfield; Jennifer King; Reunion
Glory Revealed II: The Word of God In Worship; Mac Powell, Shane Everett, Jonathan Shelton, Brian Littrell, Trevor Morgan, Mark Hall, Jason Crabb, Bear Rinehart, Matt Maher, Amy Grant, Ed Cash, Geoff Moore, Natalie Grant, Laura Story, Brandon Heath, Mike Donehey, Aaron Shust, Shawn Lewis, Sara Evans, Bethany Dicks Olds, Shane & Shane, Bethany Dillon, Kari Jobe; Mac Powell, David Nassar; Reunion
Hip Hope Hits 2009; Various; Toby McKeehan, Christopher Stevens, Grits, Maurice Henderson, Canton Jones, Brian Jerrell Cook, KJ-52, Great JSN, The Aurthur Washington, Michael Boyer, Akil Thompson, Curtis Zachary, Abraham David; Gaskin, Tony Stone, Kenneth Bell, Krazy Eights, Shonlock, Brian Reith, Knine, Flynn Adam, Jason Blocker, Proxy, Rootbeer; Gotee Records
Oh Happy Day; Jonny Lang, Fisk Jubilee Singers, 3 Doors Down, Robert Randolph, Clark Sisters, Jon Bon Jovi, Al Green, Heather Headley, Mavis Staples, Patty Griffin, Michael McDonald, Angelique Kidjo, Aaron Neville, Queen Latifah, Joss Stone, Buick Audra; Ken Levitan, Bill Hearn, Jack Rouner, Ken Pennell, Cedric Thompson; Vector Records/EMI Gospel

Category 36
Christmas Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
Christ Has Come; Big Daddy Weave; Jeremy Redmond; Fervent Records
Christmas Is; Mark Harris; Luke Denton; INO Records
Every Light That Shines At Christmas; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun; Gaither Music Group
Glory In The Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash; Sparrow Records/sixsteps Records
The Family Force 5 Christmas Pageant; Family Force 5; Joe Baldridge; Transparent/Tooth & Nail

Category 37
Praise & Worship Album of the Year
Album; artist; producer; label
A Grand New Day; Women of Faith Worship Team; Chance Scoggins; Myrrh
Alive Again; Matt Maher; Paul Moak, Christopher Stevens; Essential
Awaken The Dawn; Keith & Kristyn Getty; Phil Naish; Getty Music
Church Music; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; Sparrow Records/sixsteps Records
Jesus Saves Live; Travis Cottrell; Travis Cottrell; Indelible Creative Group

Category 38
Musical of the Year
Title; creator; publisher (award given to creator)
A Baby Changes Everything; Deborah Craig-Claar, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music
Glorious Impossible; Tom Fettke, Camp Kirkland; Word Music
It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year; Sue C. Smith, Russell Mauldin; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Reign, Jesus, Reign; Marty Funderburk, Cliff Duren; Daywind, LifeWay Worship
See What A Morning; Mark McClure, Camp Kirkland; Word Music

Category 39
Youth/Children's Musical of the Year
Title; creator; publisher (award given to creator)
Camp Wallaballa; Pamela Vandewalker; Lillenas Publishing Company
Christmas Hang-ups; Dennis and Nan Allen; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Get To The Manger!; Jeff Sandstrom; Integrity Choral, Hal Leonard; Annette Oden; ;Integrity Choral, Hal Leonard
GPS (God's Plan of Salvation) ; Celeste Clydesdale, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music
The Best Christmas Present Ever!; Celeste Clydesdale, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music


Category 40
Choral Collection of the Year
Title; creator; publisher (award given to creator)
Everlasting Praise 2; Mike Speck, Stan Whitmire; Lillenas Publishing Company
Hallelujah! Light Has Come; Various Arrangers; Word Music
Hymns of the Ages; Lari Goss; Word Music
Let The Worshippers Arise; Various Arrangers; Word Music
Travis Cottrell-Jesus Saves Live; Travis Cottrell; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

Category 41
Recorded Music Packaging
Product; art director; graphic artist; illustrator/photographer; label (award given to art director, graphic artist, illustrator/photographer if other than artist)
Live Life Loud; Hawk Nelson; Bonnie Biro; Ryan Clark; Caleb Kuhl; BEC Recordings
Lost In The Sound of Separation (Deluxe); Underoath; Jordan Butcher; Drew Beckmeyer; Ryan Russell; Tooth & Nail, Solid State
It’s All Crazy; Me Without You; Jordan Butcher; Jordan Butcher; Vasily Kavonof; Tooth & Nail
Long Fall Back To Earth( Limited Edition); Jars of Clay; Tim Parker, Jars of Clay; Tim Parker; Kharyn Hill; Gray Matters, Essential
Forget and Not Slow Down; Relient K; Matthew Thiessen, Linden Frederick; Davy Baysinger; Davy Baysinger for Royal Empire Design; Linden Frederick; Ethan Luck, Cale Glendening; Mono vs Stereo
Long Fall Back To Earth; Jars of Clay; Tim Parker, Jars of Clay; Tim Parker; Kharyn Hill; Gray Matters, Essential

Category 42
Short Form Video of the Year
Title; artist; director; producer; production company; label (award given to artist, director, producer if other than artist)
Beautiful Ending; Barlowgirl; Tim Morgan; Rocky Farm Pictures; Fervent Records
Free To Be Me; Francesca Battistelli; Andy & Jon Erwin; Dan Atchison; Alabama Production Group; Fervent Records
Hero; Skillet; Dan Atchison; Andy & Jon Erwin; Revolution Pictures, Inc.; Atlantic, Ardent, INO Records
Live Life Loud; Hawk Nelson; Etypical; Kayvan Ghavim; Etypical; BEC Recordings
Lose My Soul; tobyMac featuring Kirk Franklin, Mandisa; Danny Yourd; Danny Yourd, Steve Hoover; Endeavor Media; Forefront Records
Monster; Skillet; Andy & Jon Erwin; Dan Atchison; Revolution Pictures, Inc.; Atlantic, Ardent, INO Records
Too Bright To See; Underoath; Anders Foreman; Popcore Films; Tooth & Nail, Solid State
Wait and See; Brandon Heath; Eric Welch; Tameron Hedge; Broken Poet Productions; Reunion

Category 43
Long Form Music Video of the Year
Title; artist; director; producer; production company; label (award given to artist, director, producer if other than artist)
45 Days (Documentary w/music); Demon Hunter; Cale Glendening; Don and Ryan Clark; Solid State
A Gospel Journey; Oak Ridge Boys; Doug Stuckey; Bill Gaither, Barry Jennings, Bill Carter; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music Group
A New Hallelujah: The Live Worship DVD; Michael W. Smith; Steve Gilreath; Steve Gilreath; Reunion
Faith + Hope + Love; Hillsong Live; Luke Irvine, Magdalene Phillips; Hillsong Music; Hillsong Music, Integrity Music
Live At Oak Tree: Austins Bridge; Austins Bridge; Graham Bustin; Paul Corley, Tre Corley, Norman Holland, Michael Turner, Shannon Lancaster; Oak Tree Studios; Daywind
Live Revelations; Third Day; Andy and Jon Erwin; Dan Atchison, Jonathan Erwin, Andrew Erwin; Essential

News & Scoops

Men of Music Unveil Brand New, Fully-Updated Website

JACKSON, Miss. – Southern Gospel favorites the Men of Music are proud to announce the unveiling of their new, fully-updated website. The new page went live earlier and was designed by the staff of SSE Design Group, the web publishing and internet promotions division of SSE Group, Inc.

Gregory Colburn of the Men of Music said, “We are very pleased with the work that SSE has done for us on this website. It looks great and has a nice, clean look about it.”

“We have loved working with the Men of Music,” said Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Group, Inc. “It’s so exciting to see them have a nice presence on the web that matches their charisma and spirit.”

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

To visit the newly designed Men of Music website, visit http://www.themenofmusic.com

The Men of Music announced their return to full-time touring after a three-year absence from the road last year. The Men of Music are currently booking dates and touring as a trio. Churches, promoters, and individuals interested in scheduling the Men of Music for their ministry event can call the ministry office at (615) 562-5394 or (601) 573-4602.

The group is currently preparing for the release of their new recording. More information on that will be forthcoming.

About the Men of Music
The Men of Music have recently returned full time to the Southern Gospel community after a three-year absence from the road. The group currently consists of Greg Colburn, Rodney Tyson, and Chris Walton. The group is currently preparing for the release of their first mainline recording since coming off the road.

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