About the "It" Factor
Looking throughout the history of pop culture, there has always been those things – whether they be musicians, authors, artists, speakers, inventions, styles, clothes, etc. – that have "it." Explaining what "it" is is often a grueling task. No one really knows what "it" is – but they know that "it" is hot, popular, and being talked about around the water cooler at work the next day.
Southern Gospel has a current "it" list as well – those artists, songwriters, producers, record labels, etc. that people seem to be talking about. Even Southern Gospel as a genre was listed by CCM Magazine as being the new "alternative music" with help from the likes of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and the Gaither Vocal Band.
We at SGN hear a lot of stuff. We hear who is hot, who is doing well in concert, sales, and radio. So, this is our own "It Factor" list. These are 15 things that have that "it" factor – 15 people and/or things that are making a difference in our genre.
-------------------------
*in no particular order
The Perrys
It's not as if this family group hasn't had "it" for several years, but the group really built up much buzz due to recent lineup changes. Joseph Habedank has filled in the lead position very well, while Nick Trammell (yes, the son of THAT Mark Trammell) has been coming into his own as the group's new baritone. If you haven't heard this new line-up, you shouldn't miss your chance.
**The group's first recording with this line-up, Look No Further, will release in Christian retail stores on October 9.
The Prophets Quartet
There's been a lot of buzz surrounding the revival of one of the premier group's in Gospel music back in its heyday. Now, the group is back with members Ed Hill, Bill Baize, Mike Allen, and Paul Jackson, and they look to again take the Southern Gospel industry by storm.
**The Prophets made their debut performance this summer at the 8th Annual SoGospelNews Fan Festival
Compassion International
If you were at NQC last year and didn't see the major presence that Compassion International had there, you must have been walking around in a bubble. Some of the industry's biggest names like Gold City, the Hoppers, Kingdom Heirs, and more have partnered with the advocacy program that helps feed, educate, and minister to children and families all across the world.
**Artists get a chance to travel to countries that Compassion works with and see the ministry first-hand. Sunday Edition will travel to the Dominican Republic with the organization in October of this year.
The Freemans
After a couple of years under the radar, The Freemans are back and better than ever. The group just scored the latest #1 hit earlier this year with "He Chose Me", and their current single, "I Need a Drink" seems to be stirring the waters again. This fan favorite group is earning more fans by the minute with their infectious country-tinged sound.
**The group's latest release, Eyes on the Prize, was co-produced by none other than Joyce Martin (The Martins).
Dove Brothers Quartet
This is another group that has gained significant amounts of buzz over the last couple of years, but the group's momentum has continued to build with the success of their first #1 hit, "I Can Pray", which has found an audience outside of Southern Gospel radio lately.
**This popular quartet recently recorded background vocals for the Run On With Jesus project - a recording featuring the girls of the Lighthouse Children's Home.
MySpace.com & YouTube.com
Southern Gospel almost always seems to be late to the game in terms of embracing new technology - but that doesn't seem to be the case with the internet's latest crazes - MySpace.com and YouTube.com. Both websites now have a large Southern Gospel following, and the industry is gaining new fans everyday due to these new media sources.
**Due to the success of those types of sites, family-friendly communities like ShoutLife.com and SouthernGospelTube.com have also made their way on the scene.
Austins Bridge
Rarely does an unknown artist burst onto the scene and earn a spot at a major label and other big industry events, but that's exactly what new pop-country trio Austins Bridge did. Led by Justin Rivers (formerly with the Crabb Family), Austins Bridge is impacting both the Southern Gospel and Christian pop industries.
**With their debut album out for less than a year, Austins Bridge still earned a spot in the Top 10 Horizon Groups in the 2007 Singing New Fan Awards.
The Isaacs
The Isaacs have been a staple on the Gaither Homecoming Tour for a few years now, and their fan base has grown exponentially since then. The group's latest release, Big Sky, has everyone talking due to the strong songwriting and undeniable melodies.
**The Isaacs recently recorded background vocals for a track on the first Alabama recording of all Gospel songs.
Christian Voice Magazine & Gospel Music News
Southern Gospel was greeted with not just one, but two new magazines this past year. After the closing of U.S. Gospel News, Steve & Christie Bradford opened Gospel Music News, while Wilds & Associates opened the new Christian Voice Magazine. Both seem to be on the right track as they earn their own readerships.
**Wilds & Associates are also behind the SGM FanFair, and Steve & Christie also minister across the country as The Bradfords.
Karen Peck & New River
KPNR is another group that needs no introduction. However, the popular trio seems to be one of the most dominant groups on radio these days with two consecutive #1 hits ("Hold Me While I Cry" and "Last Night"). The group's current album, Journey of Joy, is also the group's debut recording with Daywind Records.
**Karen Peck & New River is the only artist in the history of the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart to have every single song that has gone #1 spend more than one week in the top spot.
CrossWay
This popular group recently went from being an edgy-quartet to an edgy-trio with the exit of long-time member Chris Weaver. Whether you like how they dress or style their hair or not, there is no denying how popular this group has gotten over the last couple years with their progressive style.
**CrossWay has become the first Southern Gospel artist to have distribution to retail outlets through TAG Distribution.
Country-Crossover
For a while, the "it" thing to do was for Christian artists to crossover into the mainstream music industry. However, now it seems the opposite is true for Country music. Country music all-stars like Alabama, Alan Jackson, the Bellamy Brothers, and Randy Travis have all started releasing Gospel recordings, and in the process, make their impact at Southern Gospel radio as well.
**In addition, popular acts like Martina McBride, Ty Herndon, and Carrie Underwood have also released singles to Southern Gospel radio.
The New Crabb Families
Unfortunately, Southern Gospel lost one of its biggest names this year with the break up of the Crabb Family. However, we also saw the addition of four new ministries. The industry is anxious to see what acts like Mike & Kelly Bowling, Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Crabb Revival, and Jason Crabb will bring to the table.
**Mike & Kelly Bowling already have a hit single on their hands with their remake of the McGruders classic "We Have a Saviour."
Collingsworth Family
The Collingsworth Family seems to be the next big family group as they continue to win over audiences all over the country. In addition, Kim Collingsworth continues to wow audiences with her worshipful piano-playing. She is a main feature at NQC's Pianorama.
**Collingsworth Family won the 2006 SGN Music Award Breakthrough Artist of the Year, and then a few months later were awarded New Artist of the Year at this year's Harmony Honors.
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Jeff & Sheri Easter is another group that needs no introduction due to their large fan base and strong track record at retail and radio. The group scored their first #1 hit with "Over & Over" without the help of long-time label home Spring Hill - showing just how popular the group really is.
**Jeff & Sheri Easter's latest single, "Livin' In the Rain", features a guest vocal from Country superstar Vince Gill.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 09/01/2007
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 12
RSS Feed
| (What's an RSS feed?)
|
Ads Sponsored by Southern Spin
Glad to see EH&SS;mentioned in your intro. Let me add one more...Southern Gospel News has "It"...
Great list, and I especially second the mentions of the Perrys and the Collingsworths.
Daniel J. Mount
Editor of SouthernGospelBlog.com
Founder and Admin Emeritus of SouthernGospelForums.com
great list guys! in my opinion there is another "it" factor group that gets short changed alot and that is The Old Paths from Atlanta. You gotta see these guys!!
I totally agree! The Old Paths due have the it factor! I just saw them up in Lebanon, PA at the Blue Valley Sing and they tore the place up! So incredibly awesome! I would have to put the Whisnants also in the "it" factor category as well..they were grea too!
Would like to see Three Bridges added to the list. Have you heard the new group? You are not going to believe that they are better than ever. You can't keep a good man down.!
Elliot, Eddy and Scott really have something special. IMO, The Three Bridges have "IT"!
Right on with a lot of these artists, but my pick...Crossway. I've followed them for years, but the sound and quality of material they have now is absolutely amazing!!
Becky
Psalm 136:26
Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever.
Nice list but I sure do love TK & McRae!
Two more I would add would be the Booth Brothers and Brian Free and Assurance with their album "It's So God!"
Great article. I really enjoy these types of things. It's what sets your website apart.
Oh...definitely would have to agree with Austins Bridge (awesomely talented), CrossWay (so cool impeccable vocals, and passionately ministry minded, and The Collingsworth Family (real...so real...and great, great great). In addition, it goes without saying that the Booth Brothers, Mitchel Jon (OK, the artist formerly known as Mitch Kenitzer formerly with Three Bridges, everyone), and The (New) Imperials (ya gotta see 'em if ya haven't...they'll blow your socks off - they're so 'hugely talented') also have the "IT" factor.
No kidding. Where are the 2007 Group of the Year and the redhot Brian Free & Assurance?
Page 1 of 1 Comment Pages
