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Morgan Easter, soprano for hit-makers Jeff & Sheri Easter, just released her first solo recording in eight years with Not Without Love. Our staff writer Chris Becker had a chance to talk with Morgan about the process now vs. then. Find out what's on Morgan's heart and how she feels about recording a CD this time around.

Chris Becker: I've heard the new solo album, NOT WITHOUT LOVE, and it sounds great. Did you have a particular goal or vision for this one?

Morgan: My main vision was to encourage people young and old. I want to be someone girls and guys of all ages can look to and find encouragement from. I know exactly how it feels to have incredible days and other days that aren’t so great. I’m a normal teenage girl. I make bad decisions and I make good decisions and I feel some people just need to know that they aren’t the only ones.

CB: This is your Sophomore release. Your first solo album, JESUS KNOWS ME, THIS I LOVE was, what, eight years ago? You were just a tyke on that one.

Morgan: I was! It’s crazy to listen to the different CDs now and hear the big difference in my voice between 8 or 9 years. I actually released my first CD when I was 5 and so that’s really funny to go back and listen to.

CB: Your brother, Madison Easter, was the Producer for NOT WITHOUT LOVE. I hear that he’s pretty proud of this one, his first album as a Producer. How cool is that?

Morgan: It’s so awesome to be able to work with him. I’ve always admired his taste in music because he loves ALL genres of music and I felt his input on this CD would really make if different from anything else I’ve heard in Southern Gospel.

CB: I hear that Madison’s wife Shannon wrote one of the songs.

Morgan: She did! She had an idea to write a song basically playing on common clichés. For example, the main idea of the song is when Life gives you lemons…Make lemonade. It’s a really neat song and she also sang backup on it.

CB: Tell us about the guest artists on the album. The album features guest appearances by Wes Hampton on “Broken,” Joe Habedank on “Dreaming Wide Awake,” your mom Sheri Easter on “Like My Mother Does.”

Morgan: The special guests on this album were just incredible. When I was trying to figure out who I could do a duet with on “Broken,” my brother automatically said Wes, and I was thrilled when he said he’d love to do it! Joe actually wrote “Dreaming Wide Awake,” and I figured it would be awesome for him to be able to sing on his own song, but with more of a country feel. Something fans haven’t really heard him do!

CB: Other titles on this one include: “God Knows What He’s Doing,” “Either Way,” “Just Keep Holding On,” “He’s Going Places,” and “Looking Up.” Tell us about some of the songs, the songwriters, and the song-picking process.

Morgan: Jimmy Yeary wrote “God Knows What He’s Doing” and “He’s Going Places.” He is just an incredible writer, and I immediately fell in love with these songs. Ricky Free (son of Brian Free) wrote “Not Without Love” and “Lookin’ Up” and I automatically related to both of them as soon as I heard them. Finally, my brother wrote and sang on, “Just Keep Holding On,” and it was just really incredible to be able to do a song with him.

CB: The album, to my ears, has a real, modern, Nashville-feel with some bluegrass roots here and there. I found myself thinking that any Country fan would love these songs before they even realized that they were songs about Jesus. Great job!

Morgan: Thank you! That’s really was what I was aiming for. I wanted to appeal to different people and I felt I could really relate because I prefer more of the country-ish sound.

CB: I read somewhere that you recently started college through a distance-learning program, so you can go on the road when needed, right? Did you declare a Major yet?

Morgan: I’m currently still a Senior at my public school I’ve gone to since Kindergarten, but I recently got accepted to Savannah College of Art and Design and I will obtain my Graphic Design degree completely online so I can still travel with Mom and Dad!

CB: What’s your funniest road story?

Morgan: Hmm. That’s a tough one when you travel with the group of people I do! Lol

CB: What about your greatest Ministry story? The one where you’re like, “Yep. That’s why we do this.”

Morgan: I had a man come up to me and say, “If it wasn’t for ‘I Need You More Today’ on the radio, I would have committed suicide.” Right then I knew what I was meant to do.

CB: Okay, so what’s next for Morgan Easter?

Morgan: I’m going to continue to travel with Mom and Dad, and I’m starting College in the fall!

CB: Okay now, here’s your chance: anything you want to say to your fans and supporters out there?

Morgan: I just want to say thank you so much for everything you do for me. You will never understand how much you truly mean to me. I love you and thank you for your support!

You can find out more information on Morgan's release by visiting http://www.jeffandsherieaster.com.

CD Reviews

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The ministry of Legacy Five has blessed churches and auditoriums for over a decade. I can’t help but remember how the group began over 12 years ago. The Cathedral Quartet were winding down the “Farewell Tour” when Scott Fowler and Roger Bennett announced that they would be forming a new quartet with the blessing of George Younce and Glen Payne, who went home to be with the Lord shortly after. It is amazing how time flies, the group continues to hold to the Biblical standards and principles that they learned through traveling with one of the greatest quartets in Southern Gospel history. Today, I want to take a look at their latest contribution to the music industry entitled IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

The title track of the CD, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is a testimony of the group. The harmonies have a nice blend and the song has an upbeat tempo with a light hearted truth that God is faithful in every area of life. GOD HAD A HAND IN IT is another upbeat number that reemphasizes that God is in control of all things because He created them! ASK ME WHY slows things down a bit with a beautiful track and Scott Fowler’s vulnerable vocals on the solo. This is a “story” song that reminds us of who Jesus is and why He suffered on the cross at Calvary and shed His blood so that we might be saved and forgiven. This song in my opinion is a radio single. This is definitely one of my favorites off of this recording. The smooth harmony on the song allows the listener to enjoy the song while hearing its powerful message. NOBODY EVER LOVED ME LIKE GOD DOES is another up tempo selection that shares with us that no one could ever love us as much as the creator of the universe. THERE’S ONLY ONE WELL is an up tempo song that tells us the same thing that John 14:6 tells us, there is only one way to heaven! JUST BECAUSE OF YOU, brings us back to a more “traditional” song that is arranged much like a hymn. It is a simple song but I believe that is why it struck me as profound. GOD CARES FOR ME, is another typical Southern Gospel song that is upbeat and shows the vocal strengths of each member of the group. Other songs include, LIVING IN THE PALACE, I’M STILL AMAZED, FOR WHAT EARTHLY REASON, and GOD IS STILL IN AMERICA. DESTINATION KNOWN is another “simple” song that encourages us with the hope that is only found in Jesus. The arrangement is incredible and because of the seamless blend of the track and the four voices, we are able to feel what the songwriter intended for us to experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed the CD, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Although, there were a few tunes on the project that the Cathedrals recorded many years ago, the message still remains. I was able to experience the ministry of Legacy Five in this collection. The voices blended well and pleasantly stayed within their “range”. I will give this CD 4 stars! This CD has made me a “believer” of Legacy Five.

CD Reviews

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When Libbi Perry Stuffle, beloved alto vocalist for the powerhouse group, The Perrys, announced she was going to record a solo project late last year, fans anxiously awaited, with anticipation for the release. The project titled "Journey" is suberb! Full of strong gospel songs, some familiar to fans of Libbi's and some new great tunes as well as some first class guest vocalists, "Journey" proves to be a fine work from one of southern gospel's most beloved female singers.

The project opens with the familiar "March Around the Throne" with Jeff and Sheri Easter providing background vocals. The classic "Now I Have Everything" includes Mark Trammel, Gerald Wolfe and Tracy Stuffle. These 4 have a special sound when they sing together and it turned out wonderfully. "Still Blessed", "Did I Mention", "The Holy Hills", "God Walks the Dark Hills" and "Mountaintop for Me" are classic songs we've learned to love from Libbi and The Perrys. "His Grace Will Lead Me Home" is one of the strongest songs, I believe Libbi has ever sung. You can hear the conviction in each work she sings of this powerful ballad. I am glad she chose to include it on this project.

One of the most touching moments on the project is the opening of "Reunited" in which you hear the Perry Children, Randy, Debra and Libbi singing "Daddy Sang Bass" as children. Debra and Randy join Libbi on "Reunited" which truly tells the story of the Perry Family. It is definetly a highlight of this project. The family harmony of the three is truly special.

"I'm Not a Failure" is another strong song on the project. Wayne Haun, provides guest vocals and does an outstanding job. "Jesus Hold My Hand" is a familiar song to southern gospel fans. Libbi does a good job with this tune and Daily and Vincent do a fabulous job singing with her! Sisters join Libbi to close out the project on "The Broken Heart Sings the Sweetest Song" which is a sweet, tender song and done beautifully.

If you're a fan of Libbi Perry Stuffle, I encourage you to grab a copy of this project. If you're unfamiliar with Libbi and The Perrys, you need to check it out and you'll become a quick fan. You'll not be disappointed in this CD. Libbi did an outstanding job and proves just why she is such a fan favorite and awarded alto.

CD Reviews

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In true Crabb Family tradition this CD delivers what we have all come to expect from The Crabb Family, fantastic! Together Again belongs in any Southern Gospel Music collection. Crabb Family siblings Jason, Adam, Aaron, Kelly and Terah have reunited for what I consider the best Crabb Family project ever, that’s a big claim, I know, but I honestly cannot find a single thing wrong with this project. Every song is arranged to perfection, every focal is clear and dead on, the mix between each vocal and the vocals and music is dead on. Kudos to Jason Crabb and his skills as a producer, if you are a Crabb Family fan, then I HIGHLY recommend Together Again. When it comes to good harmony, few do it better.

I’ll start by reviewing my favorites which, by the way was a hard pick! The CD kicks off with my first favorite, Back To The Front Porch, a song about getting back home, when things are in turmoil and life is out of control, get back to how we were raised, and the simple things in life. God Has A Plan He doesn’t always tell us what He is thinking, we just have to be faithful and trust Him. He’s in control, He knows the plan. Things happen in our life we don’t understand, people come and go and in the end, when completed we see His plan. You Can’t Do That Anymore is a run down memory lane and all the things we used to be able to do when we were kids, ride our bikes, kids running to the grocery store for mama, sleeping with your windows open and leaving your doors unlocked. In school we started the day with the pledge of allegiance and a morning prayer. Sin has changed this world and we can’t do those things anymore.

The remaining seven cuts on this CD are equally as good, those are my absolute favorite of the 10. Grab this CD when it comes out on February 7th, you will not be disappointed.

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Southern Gospel Love Stories is a brand new feature that we hope to showcase every year around Valentine's Day. This year, we are focusing on the love stories from 3 couples from all walks of this so-called Southern Gospel life. We hope you enjoy their stories and make it a point to check out the feature again next year!

SHANNON & MELISSA BUNCH
(in the words of Shannon's wife Melissa)

Whenever I’m on the road with Shannon, people always want to know where we are from. When Shannon explains he is from a small town, Barbourville, in southeastern Kentucky and follows that up with I’m from Dallas, Texas, it’s almost always assumed that we met while he was on the road. In fact, it was just the opposite.

In early 2002, Shannon took a break from full-time ministry to help his brother run a small grocery store and grill he had recently opened across the street from Union College in Barbourville. At the same time, I took a position at Union as the Head Volleyball Coach. I moved to Barbourville by myself and fresh out of college ready to tackle life. I had a heart for ministry, so I immediately started working with our Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Baptist Student Union aside from coaching. It was at an FCA meeting where I was introduced to Shannon. He had come to provide a few songs of worship for the monthly meeting. I was immediately intrigued by him, but never followed up because I was so busy with work.

It was a regular occurrence for the coaches to go out to lunch a few times a week. At some point, a few of the coaches decided to go to Shannon’s brother’s grill to try out the food. They reported back that the food was good and cheap, so I thought I would give it a try. I had no idea that Shannon was working there at the time, so I was surprised to see him when I walked in the door. The coaches were right, the food was good and it was cheap. I started frequenting the restaurant several times a week. If I didn’t come for food, I usually stopped in once a day for my drink of choice, Ocean Spray Cran-Grape Juice.

Shannon and I always made small talk at the register, but one day he decided to follow me out of the store to my car. He gave me a list of about five phone numbers to contact him, to which I replied “I don’t call boys, they call me!” It was most likely the boldest statement I had ever made to a guy, and I have NO idea why I said it because I liked him! Shannon likes to follow up this part of the story with this “I called her and she’s called me every day since!”

It was at this point where our relationship began. We dated until the fall of 2003, when Shannon decided he needed a break. I was devastated! Things seemed to be going perfectly when one day came along and he needed a breather, but we still remained the best of friends. Early in 2004, I took another coaching position at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY. As Shannon was helping me pack to move, I could tell he was unsettled. Later he told me he was so overwhelmed with sadness he didn’t know what to do. Shannon helped me move into my new apartment in Owensboro and then returned to Barbourville.

Shannon made several trips to Owensboro to visit and we eventually decided to date again in January of 2005. In May, he proposed to me in Cleveland, Ohio at Doloff Road Church of God. I had a break from coaching and decided to travel with him for the weekend. In the middle of his concert he came off the stage to propose. I was so stunned that I really didn’t know what to say. After I realized what was going on I eventually said yes, and everyone in the church went nuts!

The same month, we bought a house in Gallatin, TN in preparation for marriage. On August 19th, we were married at a small private ceremony in Kentucky. On December 16th, we were married again at Eastern Hills Country Club in Dallas, Texas amid all of my family and friends. I retired from coaching in August and moved to Nashville with Shannon.

Perhaps our greatest accomplishment in marriage so far has been the birth of our daughter Emme Blu, now three years old. We now live in Antioch, TN (a suburb of Nashville) and I work as a physical education teacher at Stoner Creek Elementary in Mt. Juliet. Emme and I travel with Shannon all summer and during fall, Christmas, and spring breaks. Life can get hectic around our house sometimes; it seems we are all moving in different directions at different times. We have definitely seen trials; Emme had a craniofacial reconstruction in 2009 and Shannon had brain surgery in 2010, but God has richly blessed our marriage and has never fallen short of providing for our needs. Most of all, I thank God for a Christian husband who is committed to raising our daughter with the same values.

For more information on Shannon's ministry, visit http://www.shannonbunch.com.

MADISON & SHANNON EASTER
(in the words of Madison's wife Shannon)

Madison and I both grew up in Lincolnton, Georgia, a three red-light town where everyone basically knew who everyone else was. In 2004, we found ourselves members of the same youth group, which was asked to be in charge of the entertainment for our county's youth rally. The weekend that the rally was scheduled for happened to be one that Madison wasn't traveling, so he was able to participate. He played guitar while I played piano and sang harmonies. We began getting acquainted through rehearsals, found common interests in music, and quickly became friends.

Shortly there after we began dating. We dated all through high school and would often go to movies and concerts of some of our favorite artists. On October 13, 2008, he proposed. Our wedding date was chosen based on our location of choice, Sacred Heart, and it's schedule. Because it was so booked up, we ended up setting a date for December 12, 2010 which gave us a 2 year engagement and plenty of time to plan! One time we actually counted the number of people we knew who became engaged and married within the time frame of our engagement and the number was quite astounding, though I can't exactly remember it now. Though it was kind of comical, it was a great situation really. Planning went smoothly and because we were able to finish in a timely manner, there was nothing to stress over the week of our wedding.

Our wedding actually became a weekend event which was really fun. We had rehearsal on Friday the 10th, which allowed our out of town bridal party and out of town family to spend the weekend with us until we married that Sunday at 5pm. 2 years of planning also allowed us to save up and honeymoon for a week in London and Paris! Just a few weeks ago we celebrated our first year of marriage by vacationing in Orlando, our favorite vacation spot. We have also just celebrated our 8th New Years as a couple, which completely blows my mind!

To find our more about Madison and his parents, Jeff & Sheri Easter, visit http://www.jeffandsherieaster.com

CHRIS & NOEL UNTHANK
(as told through this site's Editor-In-Chief, Chris)

My whole life, as most of my family and friends can attest, I was never much into marriage or dating. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the company of women. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I had mostly "girl" friends and had many "talks" with those friends about the nature of those relationships. I always had assumed, and again, my friends and family can testify to this, that when I decided to marry - it would all happen very fast and would happen much later in life.

However, God sometimes throws a wrench in our plans. Love took me totally by surprise. In fact, Noel, my wife, was the one who pursued me. She took the initiative because I was too dumb to do so myself. She took me to see Wicked here in Nashville, and then that evening proceeded to tell me why we should at least try dating. It didn't take me long to realize that she would be the smart one in this relationship, and I just needed to trust where she was taking me. HA!

I knew after only about a month or so of dating that I was going to marry Noel - but since I wasn't the most experienced in terms of dating and it had been MANY years since I had a girlfriend - I took things embarrassingly slow. However, the Lord blessed me with a very patient girl. She waited for me - and that just won her over in my heart even more.

For her birthday/Christmas present - I bought us tickets to go see Shrek the Musical. I knew when I bought the tickets that it was on that day that I would ask her to marry me. The only problem was that I didn't have a ring - and working in Gospel music doesn't afford me many opportunities to make a lot of money. Before our date to the show, my Mom passed away suddenly. I was amazed at how well Noel adapted to the situation. She never once forced herself into the situation - rather gave me the space I needed when I needed it, and was there for me when I needed someone to talk to. I've never met a girl who was more in-tune to my own emotional needs and respected them in the way that she does.

The problem of the ring was solved, as my family gave me my mother's ring with their blessing that it was to be Noel's engagement ring. I popped the question, and Noel didn't even hesitate to answer yes!

We've been married an astonishing 5 months, yet it feels like we've been married for years. There was never an awkward moment in the marriage of our two households and lives. Today - we are even more happy than the day we got married, and on Christmas Day, we found out that we are expecting our first child - due 4 days after our 1st wedding anniversary.

Love took me by surprise, and I couldn't be happier.

And Now For Something Different

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February is the month that emphasizes love. We love all year round but this month sticks out because of Valentine’s day which is on the horizon. As I began to go through my pile of “different” titles and formats, I ran across this book written by Shara Grylls, “Never Stop Holding Hands”. You may not recognize her name but you probably have heard and seen her husband on his popular television show, Man vs. Wild, Bear Grylls. Bear and Shara have been married since 2000 and are parents to three sons, Jesse, Marmaduke, and Huckleberry.

This book is full of quotes and advice shared with Bear and Shara on their wedding day. Shara said, ““We simply asked everyone to enclose, with their wedding invitation replies, some words they thought might help us. We were overwhelmed with great advice.”

The theme of this book is love. It’s about being a friend when it matters the most, protecting those whom you love. Shara took the drawings, the words of advice and various quotes to put them in a book that is entitled NEVER STOP HOLDING HANDS.

Whether you are a newlywed or a veteran at the wonderful world of marriage, you are sure to enjoy this book that is a fun read! I looked at the cover and thought it was going to be an in depth look at marriage however when I cracked it open, I did nothing but smile while reading the 127 pages. This is a great gift idea with some chocolates and flowers men!! (Just trying to help you out a little!)

Cavaliers Quartet

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This month's article finds us finishing a great first month of 2012. We have been blessed to minister in bold ways at many of the churches we sing for. The pastors gave us freedom to share the gospel by more than just singing. When God's word is opened and the scriptures are read, God moves in his way and we have seen Him move. People have been moved to pray at the alter, pray for forgiveness, and pray for salvation. Please pray that He continues to use The Cavaliers to further His Kingdom.

In other news and I know this is a short notice but Saturday February 4th-6pm at Southside Baptist 900 South Cannon Blvd. Shelbyville Tenn., The Cavaliers "Living In Grace" CD release concert will be happening. Come and hear new songs and some of our older selections with a live band behind us. We will be giving away "Living In Grace" CDs as well as Ernie Haase and Signature Sound / Cavaliers Qt Concert tickets for the Middle Tennessee Concert in March.

Also March 8th is our Annual Ernie Haase & Signature Sound / Cavaliers Qt concert. This year is expanding to the 600 seat Grace Baptist Church at 1901 Ovoca Road in Tullahoma Tenn. For Tickets go to http://www.cavaliersquartet.com or call 931-842-0309.

To keep up with The Cavaliers go to http://www.cavaliersquartet.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/#!/cavaliersqt

Until next month.

In His Arms!
The Cavaliers Quartet

Life In the Word

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A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Gene Getz, who compiled the Life Essentials Study Bible. Dr. Getz has been involved in nearly every aspect of ministry including pastoring churches, planting churches, teaching at seminaries, speaking “on the air” with radio programs that are still being heard today, and encouraging and equipping young people who feel God’s call on their lives to minister in a way that is pleasing to Christ.

Today, I want to introduce you to this bible that is very relevant in this technological “age”. Ten years ago, Broadman and Holman released a brand new translation called The Holman Christian Standard Bible. According to Dr. Getz, “it has the friendliness of the New International Version and the literal aspect of the King James Version.” Over 1,000 scholars were involved in this project and on completion; the publisher asked Dr. Getz if he would create a Biblical Principle aspect to this new translation. Dr. Getz took the challenge and the 2 year project that Dr. Getz obliged to, turned into a 7 year project. He went from Genesis to Revelation pulling Biblical principles from the scripture and highlighting them. There are 1,500 Biblical Principles imbedded into this project. This aspect alone makes it different from other Bibles. He lays the Biblical Principle as close as possible to the Biblical text and highlights the Biblical text so that the reader can easily associate the principle with the scripture passage.

Another reason that the Bible is so relevant to us today is because of its technological aspect. There is a QR code on the front of the Bible as well as throughout the entire scriptures. The QR code on the front of the Bible explains the process of how Dr. Getz created this new study Bible. As Dr. Getz continued this project, he taught these principles to an audience and recorded the sessions in HD quality video. As a result, there is a QR code throughout the scriptures for every principle where you can take your smart phone and scan the code with a “free app” and study the scriptures with Dr. Getz using your smart phone and this Bible. You may be wondering how someone who doesn’t have a smart phone can access the teachings on these principles by going to http://www.mystudybible.com which will direct you to the videos.

The technology that is incorporated with this multimedia Study Bible, people around the world has access to studying the Word of God with a smart phone. Dr. Getz shared with me of his travels to Hong Kong and India and how pastors are using their Iphones and Android phones to access his teachings. Small groups have embraced this Bible as well. Dr. Getz told me about a high school student who gets his buddies together to study the scripture and they pull up the teaching through their television and automatically have a facilitator while discussing Biblical principles.

he Life Essentials Study Bible is the first of its kind but I believe that because of its Biblical principles, strong foundation, and the technology to access sound Biblical teachings, this idea will be widely adapted in the years to come.

CD Reviews

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Their last recording was a testament as to where they came from (Cathedrals’ legacy) and this newest release show where they are going. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound has really covered a lot of ground (musically and physically) since their first recording came out 9 years ago. Each recording has been a forward progression and has been a musical expression and a manifesto (so to speak) of who they are and what they want to say through their music. This latest release is simply a continuation of that forward progression.
The recording starts off with a really fun, infectious rendition of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”. This is a song you can have so much fun with, and EHSS really have a blast with the song before moving on to the uptempo, “Singing in the Midnight Hour”. Ably sung by Doug Anderson, this song penned by Dianne Wilkinson would make a great radio single and I’m sure it goes over very well in a concert setting.

Things slow down a bit for the country sounds of the worshipful, “Here We Are Again”. With its pointed lyrics to Christ, “here we are again, dwelling in Your Presence, basking in Your Glory, lifting high Your Name...Here we are again, thanking You for mercy and blessings from Your hand, Lord here we are again...”. Newest member, Ian Owens does a superb job on the first verse, and the song sounds reminiscent to something the Cathedrals would have sung.

Speaking of Ian, he also does a great job interpreting the lyrics of the classic, “I Believe” before moving on to the funk feel of “I’ve Been Here Before”, penned by Ernie Haase along with Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun. Featuring Devin McGlamery, the song reminds us that in our time of trouble that “time after time, God steps into the fight...I don’t fight alone...I’ve been here before”. Speaking of Wayne Haun, he is featured vocally, on the following song, “You Are Welcome Here” and is followed by the power ballad, “Love Carried the Cross”.

EHSS went back and completely revamped their first hit song, “Stand By Me”, and quite honestly, I don’t like it. The arrangement just doesn’t work for me and is actually painful for me to listen to. And if that isn’t enough, three false endings make it even worse.

Things really pick up for the infectious “Every Time”. Ernie is featured on this high energy tune that sounds like Southern Gospel meets Motown. While enjoyable, the song borders on being comical, but I still can’t help but hit the repeat button with it.

The pace slows back down for a song that has a slight disco feel to it and waxes nostalgia entitled, “Sometimes I Wonder” before moving on to the worshipful, “Thankful to You”.

The recording closes out with a bonus cut, “Any Other Man”, recorded live from Bucharest, Romania and sounding more like a live show from a CCM band (ie-Third Day, Newsboys, Imperials back in their hey-day, etc.). I actually really enjoyed the song and its rock opera/power ballad feel, and would love to see how the song would do at radio. It’s different from a lot of EHSS songs and showcases them with a different sound.

There is a lot to enjoy about this latest release from EHSS. Is it their best recording to date? That’s biased towards each listener, but I wouldn’t say it is...but it does stretch them musically as they explore some new territory while still remaining true to who they are and the huge fan base they’ve acquired. It also shows that they aren’t pigeonholed into one style or sound, and I can appreciate that!

Golden Nuggets

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In previous articles, I referred to The Beatitudes of Christ as “The Spiritual and Psycho-Social Profile of God’s Ultimate Overcomers.” As we focus our attention on these Beatitudes given in Matthew 5:1-12, we will gain an enormous appreciation for the comfort and hope they can instill. They not only cite the problems and perplexities that are common to most of us, but they offer a hope and promise that we will eventually get through what we are presently going through.

Our sixth installment is, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (v.8). I have paraphrased it, “Blessed Are The Ready For They Shall Be Raptured.” In this Beatitude Christ offers hope to those concerned about their mortality and the cataclysmic events that have been foretold that are to take place on the earth. His hearers knew the prophecies of the Old Testament that graphically showed how the judgment of God was going to be visited upon the earth. They also understood that they would not live forever. To combat their fears and dread about the future, Christ told them how they could insure themselves of an eternity spent with God.

The message Christ gave here is a timeless message. The criterion is the same for people everywhere. His admonition was a reminder of what the Prophet Amos had told Israel when he declared, “Prepare to meet thy God.” In the Beatitude Christ echoes the necessity of people getting their heart right with God while they still have the time and opportunity. God’s demand is for purity of heart. He does not tolerate contamination with the evils of the world.

In studying the New Testament epistles it becomes evident that God has prepared a plan of evacuation for His children before the end of the age. While the word “Rapture” does not appear in the English Bible, nevertheless the transliteration of the Latin word from the Vulgate describes the event. The Apostle Paul used the expression “caught up” to tell us how God will remove His saints before the great, end-time tribulation begins. In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, he stated, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (“Raptured”) together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

There are other Biblical references that support this doctrine of the Rapture. The qualification for eligibility in the Rapture is that one must be “pure in heart.” This means accepting Christ as Savior, and allowing Him to cleanse your heart from all unrighteousness. As one noted pastor stated, “It means get right...or get left!”

***A Personal Word to Our Readers from Dr. Frazier****

You are welcome to join me each month as we discuss these amazing insights from the Master Psychologist. There are great insights to be derived from the study of the Greek or Hebrew Testaments. Each month I will endeavor to share a nugget of truth from the Book of Truth, God’s Eternal Word. These will be concise and should not intrude into your time or opportunity to explore the richness of the vein from which they were extracted. That is for you and the Holy Spirit to excavate together. These nuggets are just to let you know where to begin the digging, if you so desire. They are NOT designed to be an exhaustive commentary providing all the answers on the subject. The Spirit will guide you in how.

Monthly Articles

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Author: Lynn Austin
Publisher: Bethany House

About the book:
I was perfectly content with my life -- that is, until the pages of my story were ripped out before I had a chance to live happily ever after.

Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But the happily-ever-after she's planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real one. To top it off, Alice loses her beloved library job because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

Longing to run from small-town gossip, Alice flees to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the tiny coal-mining town of Acorn, a place with no running water, no electricity, and where the librarians ride ornery horses up steep mountain passes to deliver books. When Alice is forced to stay in Acorn far longer than she planned, she discovers that real-life adventure, mystery -- and especially romance -- may be far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

Review:
Alice Grace Ripley was perfectly happy with her life, consisting of a steady boyfriend and a job she adored at the local library. Never happier then when she's lost in the pages of a good book, Alice is content to live vicariously through the lives of ink-and-paper characters she meets on the page, certain that nothing in real life can surpass the joy and adventure she finds between the covers of a new novel. But Alice's happily-ever-after is not the foregone conclusion she's long-assumed, nor will it be so easily achieved. First her boyfriend dumps her, accusing her of living in a fictional dreamworld, and then her library job falls victim to budget cutbacks thanks to the Great Depression. With nothing left for her in her hometown, Alice impulsively decides to personally deliver donated books to rural Acorn, Kentucky. Alice little suspects that the mountain community will change her life forever, challenging her beliefs and dearly-held assumptions about her bookish-centered life. Thrust into a real-life adventure bigger and more fantastic than any novel, Alice must decide if she has it within her to become the heroine of her own life's story.

Alice is an instantly recognizable soul to any bibliophile, as what bookish sort willing to be honest can probably own to the temptation to prefer books to people and fictional adventures enjoyed from the comfort of a favorite reading nook. Bright, well-intentioned, but immature and hopelessly naive, Alice has little inkling of what real life is like outside the sheltered four walls of her parents' home, Tom Sawyer's shenanigans the closest she's ever come to adventuring. Her sojourn in Acorn pulls Alice out of her comfort zone, forcing her to decide who she is, as she is, stripped of familial and atmospheric identifiers -- the golden opportunity to script her life's story. It's a challenge that ever individual as they transition from childhood to adulthood is given the opportunity to make, choosing what parts of our upbringing to carry forward, how the past is allowed to define us, and perhaps most criticially, why we believe what we believe, and how that faith translates to the art of a life well-lived.

As is the norm in an Austin novel, the author seems to possess an almost uncanny ability to transport her readers into whatever time period she's chosen to bring to life. Wonderland Creek is no exception; indeed, the isolated mountain community is painted on the page with a filmic flair, the action unfolding like one of Alice's favorite novels brought to life on-screen. Everything about Acorn, as seem through Alice's eyes, is almost otherworldly, which is fitting considering how removed she is from the comforts of home. Austin plays with a book lover's penchant for losing themselves in the world of a novel. In fact, I would posit that Alice's name is no accident as it surely must seem to her that in her quest to deliver books to Acorn she's fallen through the looking glass into another world, one filled with hidden treasure, feuds, and intrigue.

Austin peppers her novel with a host of memorable, well-drawn characters. There's Lillie, the fiesty 100-year-old former slave, now a revered midwife and healer, wo serves as the reluctant Alice's guide and mentor in the "alien" land of Acorn. And then there's Mack, the librarian/activist who clashes with Alice from their first meeting. He is a vintage Austin hero, upstanding, moral, the type who really SEES the heroine's best self. Austin's romances are among my faovrites, and Mack and Alice are no exception -- an attraction born out of their shared passion for books, a bond forged in life-threatening trials -- theirs is a relationship where what isn't said is as compelling as their carefully painted encounters on the page.

Replete with unforgettable characters, Wonderland Creek is Austin's love letter to bibliophiles, and a moving tribute to the real-life packhorse librarians who brought the magic of the written word into remote mountain areas like Acorn. Alice's story is a beautifully-rendered example of the power of story and a reminider that the greatest story is the one co-authored with the God whose dreams for our future outshines the most fantastically plotted novel.

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It's time for place your vote for your favorite artists from 2011! Be sure and vote in all 12 categories. The additional award winners will be chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and select media representatives. Be sure and check back for more information on the Awards Celebration set to take place on April 10, 2012 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN. The event will also be streamed live on the internet.

Click here to vote in the 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards!

The Beelers

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The Beelers have been slowing things down a bit this month...as we are anticipating the newest addition to our clan, Miss Tora Bliss Beeler! She is due within the next two weeks and we are enthusiastically awaiting her arrival! This is Cory and Julie's first baby. We are trying to prepare them for the 'shock factor' of a new baby They are even more excited than us!!

We are very thankful for some of the unexpected blessings in the year 2011. It was a wonderful year for the Beelers! In retrospect, it almost feels like a dream. We met so many new and wonderful people throughout the different places we were invited to sing. We have found that God's precious people, the ones you instantly "gel" with and know that you're a better person for simply being acquainted with, are to be found at some of the gatherings we've attended. God is so good to us.

We have several dates booked for this new year of 2012! We hope to see you soon as we travel and sing.

After having dealt with death in our immediate family on three different occasions, the Beelers realize that life is so short. We hope to be found doing what God would have us do with our little time on this earth. The Bible says "life is but a vapor..." and as we get older, we begin to understand the depth of this verse.

We have been in several revivals lately! "9" souls were added to the church at just one of these revivals! Most of you know, Cory is a minister and he is on fire for the saving of souls. He loves to preach and share the gospel to everyone who will accept the Lord Jesus. Cory feels like a portion of his ministry is for people who feel that they can't take another step, that their burdens are simply too heavy to carry. God has given Cory an anointing that is so pure. He assists in helping to lift up the hands that hang down and it's beautiful to witness.

Please pray for the Beelers! We have love and encouragement to share through special songs penned by some of the greatest men of God that's ever inhabited this earth.

We are thankful for the glorious gift of harmony.

The Songwriter

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If you are ever in need of encouragement, don’t sit down somewhere and wait for people to show up with comforting words. You could be in for a long wait. And the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your pit of discouragement will become a pit of depression. Being a songwriter can sometimes be a discouraging profession. But if you know where to look for encouragement, you can find it when you need it, even if you have to preach it to yourself.

I keep a list of scriptures on the wall in my office. Many times through the day I’ll look at them and read them. Even more often than that, I will speak them out loud. Someone passing by may think I’m talking to myself, and I am. But I’m not speaking my words. I’m speaking God’s words to my spirit.

Several times through the day I will look up from my desk and say “If God be for us, who can be against us? I keep myself reminded that “All things are possible to him who believes. “Greater is He who is in me than he that is in the world.

Sometimes I will just run all the scriptures I have in front of me into paragraphs, and speak them out loud to make sure they get down deep into my spirit. I quit caring a long time ago about whether or not people think I’m crazy. You can hear me quite often saying things like:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The things that are impossible with men are possible with God. So be confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Set your mind on thing above and not on things of earth. Hold fast the pattern of sound words, in faith and love. Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion. In the secret place of His tabernacle, He shall hide me. He shall set me high upon a rock! Do not rejoice over me, my enemy. When I fall, I shall arise! When I sit in darkness the Lord will be light unto me.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. And the things that are impossible with men are possible with God. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer. He is my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. So be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. No weapon formed against me is going to prosper anyway! And every tongue that rises against me in judgment You shall condemn. For this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of Me, says the Lord!

When doubt tells me things are impossible, God says “all things are possible.”

When the world tells me, nobody loves me, God says, “I love you.”

When stress tells me that I’m too tired, God says “I will give you rest.”

When fear tells me that I can’t go on, God says “My grace is sufficient for you.”

As a songwriter, you have to keep yourself encouraged in the Lord. The Word of the Lord is so powerful. It lives, breathes and moves. God gave us His WORD for a reason. He has so much to say. Let Him say it in you, and through you.

Until next time, keep on writing!

Connections

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I read today that Adele will be making her comeback performance at this year's Grammy Awards after requiring throat surgery last year.

We've seen this numerous times in the gospel world, as well. I'm not a singer, but I'm married to one, and I know he always remarks on these occasions how very scary it would be consider a life as a singer with no voice.

I'm a writer, but lately, I find myself without words. Oh, it's not that I don't have thoughts racing, questions to pose, or declarations, observations, recitations rolling through my head. It's just that, well, I've been listening more. And I hear God saying:

Just be quiet.

So I am sitting still. I am saying little. I am not returning most calls and not answering a lot of emails. I am blogging with much less ferocity (or at least, far lower word counts). I even took January off from writing this column. Because sometimes, when there is nothing to add to a conversation~

...it's ok just to be quiet.

In my stillness these last few weeks, I've found some peace and even-footing with God about the (somewhat undesirable and quite unexpected) circumstances my family is surrounded by right now. I've sat on the other side of conversations in which I let encouraging friends pretty much preach to me over the phone or over a doughnut and speak from God's word and their own experiences directly into my life. And I've stood next to my husband and made the difficult but clearly correct decision to push the "pause" button on another of our ministries, because everything happening around us, regardless of what we thought before, now seems to be saying, "This isn't the time."

So I find myself in a strange season of stillness. I am not running around trying to figure out how to fit everything into my day. I am not failing to meet deadlines. I am not in any sort of public eye. No one is calling to interview us about what we are up to, and few are asking if there is anything to do to help or spread the word.

Right now, we aren't Pacesetters in any venue save our own home. So there, we cling to to this pace:

Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. - Isaiah 40:31


Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrew 12:1

Music Previews

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Website: - http://www.thecrabbfamily.com

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Website: - http://www.karenpeckandnewriver.com

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Website: - http://www.mark209.com

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Website: - http://www.beyondtheashesonline.com

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Website: - http://www.sundayedition.net

News & Scoops

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OAK GROVE, Ark. – (January 30, 2012) – Brenda Denney of the Diamond Award winning trio 2nd Generation was recently a featured contestant on popular daytime game show “The Price Is Right.”

Denney was featured on an airing of the show from last Wednesday, January 25, 2012. After winning a bid earlier in the game, Brenda went on to play “The Master Key” game where host Drew Carey announced that she had won a brand new 2012 Mini Cooper.

“I was so shocked to just be called down to play, let alone win something as big as a new car,” responded Brenda. “God’s favor was just all over me that day!”

God’s favor continued when Brenda advanced to the Showcase round. Brenda outbid the other contestant and went on to win the entire Showcase and day’s show. In addition to the 2012 Mini Cooper, Denney was awarded a trip to North Carolina, a speed boat, a private tour of “The Young and the Restless” set, and much more.

“I am just so excited that God was able to give me an avenue like this to spread His Gospel,” continued Brenda. “God is opening so many doors for our ministry now because of this. I am both humbled and excited to see where God takes us from here!”

You can view Brenda on “The Price Is Right” by watching the stream on CBS.com.

2nd Generation is planning to record their follow-up to the breakthrough recording I See a City later this year with award-winning producer Roger Talley (Talley Trio, Kingsmen). Until then, 2nd Generation released their latest single, “Dust On the Altar,” to Southern Gospel radio. All radio promotions are being done in-house for the group, so for more information on how to attain the single, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For more information on 2nd Generation – visit http://www.2ndgenerationministries.com.

You can also find out more information about the group on their Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/2nd-Generation-Home-Page/164776763569934 .

About 2nd Generation
2nd Generation is based out of the Oak Grove, Arkansas. 2nd Generation has appeared at churches, state fairs, Singing in the Sun, Trinity Broadcasting Network, the Jim Bakker Show, Branson Gospel Music Convention, and many other events. The group’s current project, their sophomore album I See a City, has spawned off four hit singles including the #1 Fan Favorite songs “Feel the Joy” and “The Blood Covered It All.”

News & Scoops

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ROCK HILL, S.C. – (January 30, 2012) – Emerging Southern Gospel duo The Ladd Family were surprised this month to see their name among the 10 nominees for “Fan Favorite Artist of the Year” in the highly-respected Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards.

“To say we were shocked is an understatement,” mentioned Paul Ladd of the Ladd Family. “We are so humbled by this nomination. To think that our fans would place us in the same category as artists like the Gaither Vocal Band, The Perrys, Booth Brothers, and Triumphant Quartet is very inspiring. We appreciate and love everyone that placed a vote for us this year.”

Due to a surge in social networking sites like Facebook.com and Twitter.com – The Ladd Family joined a diverse group of artists in the category.

Chris Unthank, Editor-in-Chief of AbsolutelyGospel.com said, “What we really appreciate about this year’s Fan Favorite category is just how spread out the nominees are. You have fantastic up-and-coming artists like The Ladd Family who did their part and got their fan base involved along long-time favorites. It really shows just how unique our industry is and how impressive the Southern Gospel fans can be.”

The Fan Favorite Artist of the Year category is the only one where the nominees are strictly chosen by the fans. The nominees in the other 23 award categories are chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and select media representatives.

Fans will get a chance to vote for their favorites in several categories beginning on February 1, 2012. The Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards will be handed out at a live ceremony on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN. The event is tentatively scheduled to be streamed live like in 2010. Performers, hosts, and event sponsors are still being confirmed. More details on the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards will be announced at a later date.

The Ladd Family was recently named as one of 10 new artists to watch this year by the editorial staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com. The article, called “Ones-to-Watch 2012: New Faces. Fresh Sounds.”, was a part of the December 1, 2011 update for the popular e-zine and mentioned new artists that the staff of AGM felt would make the biggest impact in 2012.

For more information about The Ladd Family, visit the group’s website: http://www.laddfamilyministries.com . You can also keep up with the group on social network sites like Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ladd-Family/127922370615314) and MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/theladdfamily).

About The Ladd Family
The Ladd Family is an anointed family ministry with strong Christian roots. They began more than 35 years ago when John and Violet Ladd felt the call of God on their lives and began to travel singing and preaching the gospel with their children. Today the family tradition carries on with Paul and his wife Melissa. God has brought this dynamic husband and wife team through the fire and back in order to truly minister from the heart. They have earned three Diamond Award nominations and scored a #1 hit on the SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart with their single “Let Go.”

News & Scoops

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Sharps Chapel, TN - Chapel Valley is pleased to announce that they have signed Brothers Redeemed Quartet. This talented quartet has been singing for several years and has a great desire to see souls saved.

The group consists of Cameron Woods, Randy Hartis, Keith Hendrix, Shellem Cline, and manager, Rusty Townsend. With a love for God and a smooth vocal harmony, they are delighting audiences all over the country.

Chapel Valley is excited about having this group join their family of artists. Brothers Redeemed will be releasing their first recording with Chapel Valley this summer. They will also have a new song released on the next Chapel Valley compilation disc with their song, "I've Already Won The War".
The group is currently looking to be nominated in the following categories at the Fan Fare award show held in Pigeon Forge, TN, this coming May.

Tenor- Cameron Woods
Bass-Randy Hartis
Baritone- Keith Hendrix
Young Excelling Individual-Shellem Cline
New Excelling Artist- Brothers Redeemed

For more information about Brothers Redeemed, please visit their website at http://www.tbrqt.com you can also find out more about Chapel Valley by going to http://www.chapelvalleystudio.com.

News & Scoops

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In the past year, Ken and Jean have traveled from Phoenix, AZ, to Boston, MA, to visit southern gospel concerts. This week's episode of Gospel Music Today is an On the Road Special Edition, featuring live concert clips from Gold City, Triumphant Quartet, The Williamsons, The Reggie Saddler Family, Karen Peck and New River, Paul's Journey, The Dixie Melody Boys, Master's Voice, and The Deep South Quartet Convention. The latest show is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, http://www.gospelmusictoday.com.

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Nashville, TN (January 25, 2012) – Exciting male trio and Mansion Entertainment recording artist, THREE BRIDGES, was honored to be a featured performer at the 20th annual American Gospel Quartet Convention held in Birmingham, AL January 17 – 21. Three Bridges performed for this exciting event on Friday, January 20th.

One of the highlights of the evening for Three Bridges was the opportunity to meet Jimmy Carter of the Blind Boys of Alabama and also Roscoe Robinson (pictured above with Three Bridges) of both the Blind Boys of Alabama and the Blind Boys of Mississippi. The legendary Roscoe Robinson was inducted into the Gospel Quartet Hall of Fame twice, once with the Blind Boys of Alabama and the other with the Blind Boys of Mississippi. After enjoying Three Bridges performance, Mr. Robinson exclaimed, “These boys can sing anywhere, with anyone!”

Three Bridges’ music is rooted in traditional Southern Gospel as well as “Black Gospel” music. This blended style has given the group a unique flair and has opened many doors for them to share their exciting and energy-packed stage presentation. Their latest release, Christmas Must Be Tonight, was recently nominated for 2011 Special Event Project in the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

News & Scoops

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Hendersonville, TN (January 26, 2012) – Best known for hits such as “Your Love Amazes Me,” “Standing On The Edge of Goodbye,” and many others, John Berry is a well-known name among Country music fans. Daywind Records is excited to announce the release of John Berry’s 25th album, and first Christian project, entitled RealMan.RealLife.RealGod. The recording, which is now available at retail, is the result of many years of prayer by John and his family regarding the desire to embark on a new phase in his career; traveling full time as a Christian artist.

RealMan.RealLife.RealGod features both brand new songs, such as “Straight Down Rain” and “Real Man,” as well as favorites like “Blessed Assurance.” The first Southern Gospel radio single, “Straight Down Rain,” was co-written by Berry and released to radio last November. John Berry’s signature rendition of “O Holy Night” was also released to radio over the Christmas season.

“I am very excited to be releasing my 25th recording project and 1st full-length Christian CD on Daywind Records,” shares John Berry. “RealMan.RealLife.RealGod. is a collection of songs that share my personal relationship and passion for Jesus Christ. My hope and prayer is that God can use this music to draw listeners closer to Him.”

RealMan.RealLife.RealGod is available at Christian retail stores across the country and digitally at iTunes and other outlets. Bulk purchasing for gift and ministry purposes is available by calling 1-800-635-9581.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. Daywind is home to such great artists as Wilburn & Wilburn, Mark Trammell Quartet, and Brian Free & Assurance, among others.

For more information on Daywind Records, visit daywindrecords.com. For more information on John Berry, visit johnberry.com.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Singer/songwriter Andrew Greer, along with his special guests, gave key media and industry representatives a live preview of selections from his forthcoming release, Angel Band: The Hymn Sessions, at a recent event held at Nashville’s historic United Record Pressing (http://www.urpressing.com). Pictured (l-r) are Johnson Roberts; Ron Block (Alison Krauss & Union Station); Alfreda McCrary (The McCrary Sisters); Greer; Regina McCrary (The McCrary Sisters); Cindy Morgan; and Kyle Buchanan. (photo credit: Julee Duwe)

Angel Band: The Hymn Sessions showcases Greer’s collaborations with some of the top names in bluegrass, Gospel and Christian music, including The McCrary Sisters, Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station, Cindy Morgan, Sonya Isaacs, and Ginny Owens, among others. Produced by Greer and Chris Kimmerer, the project features arrangements of 11 beloved hymns, as well as one original selection, and will be available January 31 on both CD and vinyl.

Andrew Greer is an accomplished singer/songwriter and respected music journalist. His 2009 critically-acclaimed debut, Open Book, is a collection of introspective original selections he penned following a season of spiritual reawakening. As a writer, Greer’s stories have appeared in Christianity Today, CCM, and ParentLife, among other notable publications.

For further information, visit http://www.andrew-greer.com or http://www.turningpointpr.com.

News & Scoops

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TUNE IN ALERT * TUNE IN ALERT * TUNE IN ALERT *

Brenda Denney (of Diamond Award winning trio 2nd Generation) will be on THE PRICE IS RIGHT tomorrow, January 25, 2012. Tune in to see if Brenda wins big on the show!

THE PRICE IS RIGHT will air at 11:00 a.m. EST on your local CBS affiliate!

An interview with Brenda about her experience can be found here:

http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=592012

More information will be sent out after the show airs. Until then, TUNE IN!!!

News & Scoops

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BYRON, Ga. – (January 24, 2012) – Fresh off the heals of her Top 20 hit “A Little Hope,” Singing News Fan Award nominee Sharron Kay King just released her latest single to radio.

The new song, titled “Look Up,” is the fifth single released from King’s latest project Don’t Stop Believing. “Look Up” was written by Eric Horner and was just released to Southern Gospel radio through Eddie King & Crown Communications.

“Radio has been so kind to me over the last few years,” mentioned Sharron. “I’m extremely grateful for the support DJs and program directors have shown my ministry. I hope they like ‘Look Up’ as much as they have my previous singles.”

The new song can be found on Crown Communications’ Crown Music Compilations Vol. 9, cut #2. You can also hear a streaming version of “Look Up” on Sharron’s website at http://www.sharronkayking.com. Also, starting on February 1, 2012, “Look Up” will be streaming on AbsolutelyGospel.com for the entire month of February.

“I just want as many people to hear the message of this song as possible,” remarked King. “This song really is my heart, and I hope everyone gets that when they hear this song.”

All four of Sharron’s previous singles from Don’t Stop Believing landed in the Top 20 on the AbsolutelyGospel.com Top 40 Weeky Chart – the industry’s most watched weekly radio report in Southern Gospel music.

More information as well as booking information on Sharron Kay King can be found at http://sharronkayking.com. Fans can visit Sharron on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sharron-Kay-King-Official-Fan-Page/102290253148210 .

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

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (January 24, 2012) – Southern Gospel favorites The Freemans have received two nominations in the 2012 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards.

The Freemans were honored to be nominated in the popular Fan Favorite Artist of the Year category for the first time this year due to a strong surge and support from social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. In addition, group patriarch Darrell Freeman landed his fourth career nomination for Producer of the Year (Artist). Darrell was previously nominated from 2008-2010.

“We are so honored by these nominations,” mentioned Darrell Freeman of The Freemans. “The Unthanks have been very good to our family over the last several years, and we are honored that they and their staff would think to nominate me this year. Also a big thanks goes out to all our friends, family, and fans who placed a vote for us for Fan Favorite! It means the world to us!”

With these nominations, The Freemans have been nominated for an impressive 19 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards throughout the 10-year history of the awards program. The group won a Absolutely Gospel Music Award in 2008 for their #1 hit “He Chose Me” – which was named Country Song of the Year that year.

The nominations for the Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards were chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) and other select members of the media. Fans will get a chance to vote for their favorites in several categories beginning on February 1, 2012.

The Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards will be handed out at a live ceremony on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN. The event is tentatively scheduled to be streamed live like in 2010. Performers, hosts, and event sponsors are still being confirmed. More details on the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards will be announced at a later date.


To visit the The Freemans’ home on the web, 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/thefreemans .

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 after over 20 years of ministry, the Freemans still perform at approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.

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News & Scoops

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BEYOND THE ASHES CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE EMBRACE OF THE CHRISTIAN MUSIC WORLD WITH FOUR NOMINATIONS IN THE ABSOLUTELY GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS

Nashville, TN (Jan. 24, 2012) –Powerful vocal trio, Beyond The Ashes, is, once again, feeling the embrace of the Christian music world as they celebrate four nominations in this year’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Group members Anthony Facello, Casey Rivers, and Kellan Monroe are truly humbled and thankful for all God is doing in their ministry.

The news of the nominations follows so many other incredible areas of growth for this talented group of guys, including their recent and first top 10 song, “The Coming Of The King.” Their new single, “Whenever We Pray,” is looking like another chart busting hit. Both songs can be found on the album Treasure Unseen, which is one of this year’s nominees for Album Of The Year in the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

In addition to the Album Of The Year nod, Beyond The Ashes is also nominated for Male Group Of The Year, Fan Favorite Artist Of The Year, and, the album, Whenever We Pray, was also nominated in the category of Progressive Southern Album Of The Year.

Anthony Facello, the ministry’s founder and tenor singer, expresses; “I don’t know where to begin to say thank you to fans and to those in the industry who are willing to get behind this ministry. I can’t tell you the times I have felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of keeping this group on the road fulltime. Last year’s bus fire (and yes, I know, what an incident for a group named Beyond The Ashes) was a pinnacle moment for me. I had to decide if I was going to trust God and press on with the calling on our lives, or give in to the circumstances and give up on the road. God spoke strongly that He has never left me so we shouldn’t leave His call on our lives. Since then, we have seen so many blessing as we minister in song across the country. Most of all, we see God moving in the lives of the people he brings into our path. To know this music is reaching people is quite a reward in and of itself, but to add these nominations as confirmation of this call is such a gracious gesture toward our group. We are beyond thankful.”

Beyond The Ashes travels all over the country sharing the love of Christ everywhere God opens a door. Besides sharing music ministry and hope with people here in the US, they consider it an honor to represent Compassion International, and they celebrate many newly connected sponsors and children every week. They have appeared on the Grand Ole Opry Stage, NQC stage, and many other wonderful venues. Most of all, their prayer is to stand in front of as many people as God can bring to them and tell those people about the goodness of God.

Starting February 1, 2012 you can show your support for Beyond The Ashes and any of your other favorite Christian music artists by going to absolutelygospel.com and casting your vote in the awards. The 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee. The event is free to the public.

To learn more about Beyond the Ashes or to schedule them for your music event, visit beyondtheashesonline.com. You can find them on Facebook at facebook.com/beyondtheashes and on Twitter @beyondtheashes1. You can also see them on YouTube at youtube.com/user/BeyondTheAshesTV and purchase their music on their website and on iTunes.

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The guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today are the members of Jaidyn's Call. The Feature Group is The Youngs, and Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. Ken and Jean visit the Southern Gospel Worship Gathering in Broken Arrow, OK, to hear The New Plainsmen sing. Jean reviews a new CD by Sherry Damron, and the show features singing by The Freemans and a vintage video by Calvary Calls. The latest show is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, http://www.gospelmusictoday.com.

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LOS ANGELES (January 20, 2012) – Nine-time GRAMMY ® Award Winner and music legend Andraé Crouch received recognition for his latest project when the NAACP announced the nominations for the 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards. Crouch received a nomination for Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) for The Journey.

“This truly is a blessing to be recognized by the NAACP,” said Crouch. “I’m honored to receive the nomination on behalf of The Journey and Gospel music.”

The NAACP Image Awards is the nation’s premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice. The 43rd Annual NAACP Awards broadcast live Friday, February 17, 2012 on NBC at 8:00 p.m. EST.

Whether in the pulpit or in a recording studio, Crouch's desire is always to impact people with the Gospel. The Journey CD showcases an artist at the peak of his creative form. There are several commanding performances including longtime friend Tata Vega on "Somebody Told Me About Jesus" and "He Has a Plan for Me." While Chaka Khan and Sheila E. lend their distinctive gifts to the upbeat anthem, "All Around the World." The incomparable Kim Burrell along with Take 6 beautifully deliver the stirring ballad, "Faith" while Daniel Johnson takes the spotlight on the warm, soulful "My Life.” Pastor Marvin Winans appears on the chart-climbing current single, "Let The Church Say Ame

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Coming off of the heels of his hit song “Don’t Cry For Me”, which has remained in the Christian Voice Charts for over 7 months and literally touches lives every where it is performed at, veteran southern gospel soloist, Rick Alan King has just released his latest project titled, “My Journey: Then and Now”, a collection of 12 of his most requested and charting songs from four of his prior projects plus one all new recording of the old hymn of the church, “The Haven of Rest” with very special guests and friends, Troy and Katy Peach. Rick, Troy and Katy performed this at The National Quartet Convention last September to a very responsive audience. The song was arranged and produced by Rick, Jeff Duffield, Chris Latham and Tom Sabella. Rick says, “I have always had a special feeling for those old hymns that I was raised on and always include many in every concert I perform at, regardless of the venue. They still that certain something.”

Rick also adds that 2011 was one of his best years ever musically, with great concerts and product sales and yet worst years with his wife Lana who was diagnosed with a very aggressive type of breast cancer and had 2 surgeries and 33 radiation treatments. Rick states, “What true fear shot through me when we first found out of this horrible disease. You know, you always hear of these things affecting someone else, but this time we was that someone else. With lots of faith and prayer, we plan on going right on, full steam ahead and as a line from a great Dottie Rambo song says, “… and defeat is one word I won’t use”.

Rick recently signed with Millennium Music Group and Premiere Talent and Management, a division of Wilds and Associates of Millport AL and is also getting ready to do an all updated and user friendly web site and that should be completed by late winter.

More information on Rick Alan King Music Ministries can be obtained by going to http://www.rickalanking.com

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Award-winning group pays tribute to Lester Flatt classic



Two-time GRAMMY ® Award nominees and six-time GMA DOVE Award winners Jeff & Sheri Easter are scheduled to appear on “The Marty Stuart Show.” The program, to be recorded in Nashville on Jan. 23, will be aired at a later date on the RFD-TV network.



A household name among Gospel music lovers, Jeff & Sheri will be performing their DOVE-nominated song “Workin’ on a Road,” the duo’s rendition of this classic Lester Flatt tune found on their current project, "Expecting Good Things." Marty and his wife, acclaimed vocalist Connie Smith, along with the show's host, Eddie Stubbs, all joined Jeff & Sheri for the recording of the song on the "Expecting Good Things" release.



"We asked Marty to sing with us on this song because of his early years traveling with Lester Flatt and his obvious love for this music," stated Jeff.



"The longer I sing, the more I appreciate being able to make great music with such talented artists,” described Sheri. “Performing alongside such legends seems to not only broaden my abilities as performer, but it also enriches the emotion attached to each lyric."



For show times and guest appearance details, visit http://www.rfdtv.com. For further information regarding Jeff & Sheri Easter, visit http://www.jeffandsherieaster.com.



ABOUT JEFF & SHERI EASTER
Two-time GRAMMY®-nominated Jeff & Sheri Easter are Gospel music treasures, featured regularly on the Gaither HOMECOMING videos and international HOMECOMING tours in addition to their own heavy schedule of appearances. Jeff & Sheri are the recipients of six GMA DOVE Awards, 15 Singing News Fan Awards, three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association honors, 16 Voice Awards, five Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, four Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair Awards, five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, four Hearts Aflame Awards and three Cash Box Awards. Formed in 1988 following childhoods as part of their respective, nationally-known family groups—The Lewis Family and The Easter Brothers, the married couple is joined today on stage by their children—Madison and Morgan Easter—who round out the group. The group is known for such hits as “Roses Will Bloom Again,” “Praise His Name,” “Thread of Hope,” “Speak to the Mountain” and many others including “Born to Climb,” which garnered a 2010 DOVE Award.

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Nominations are currently being accepted for both the Southern Gospel and Country Gospel Music Fan Awards, presented annually by Christian Voice Magazine.

The Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards and the Country Gospel Music Fan Awards were established to honor those whose contributions and accomplishments are positively impacting lives for the kingdom of God through Gospel music and to celebrate their successes. Award recipients are decided upon solely by Gospel music fans through a two-ballot voting process for each genre. The open nomination ballots can be found in the current (January) issue of Christian Voice Magazine and online at http://www.ChristianVoiceMagazine.com. The second and final ballots, listing the top five nominees for each genre will be published online March 1, 2012 at CVM's website and in the March 2012 issue of CVM.

Awards will be given as winners are announced at the Country Gospel Music Fan Awards program on April 28, 2012, during the week of CGM FanFest, and the Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards program on May 3, 2012, during the week of SGM FanFair. Both shows will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Christian Voice Magazine encourages Gospel music fans to prayerfully support their favorites by submitting their nominations now!

To directly access the Southern Gospel Music Fan Awards Nomination ballot online: http://www.christianvoicemagazine.com/nominationballot.html
To directly access the Country Gospel Music Fan Awards ballot online: http://www.christianvoicemagazine.com/cgmnominations.html

For more information about SGM FanFair, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com
For more information about CGM FanFest, visit http://www.cgmfanfest.com

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According to the Singing News, The Melody Boys Quartet have announced their retirement. A quote from the site says:

"The Melody Boys Quartet (TMBQ), one of America's longest operating male quartets in gospel music, makes their official retirement announcement, effective New Year's Eve, 2012."

To read the entire press release, visit: http://www.singingnews.com/Southern-Gospel-News/11664079/

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Nashville, Tenn. (January 20, 2012) - C&C Music Group is proud to announce the signing of DOVE Award winning artist Lynda Randle to their talent roster.

Lynda says, "I’m excited to work with C&C Music Group. I’ve always been very careful about who I align myself with because I feel like we have something that is so sacred and special that God has entrusted to us. I am confident that this is a God thing and I am looking forward to all the great things God has in store!"

Jonathan Goodwin of C&C Music Group states, "We are thrilled to be working with the one and only Lynda Randle. Her heart for God, love for people and of course, her talent, is what people have fallen in love with all over the world! This year, Lynda will be touring internationally, all over the US and parts of Canada and you can also still find Lynda on special Gaither Events! We’re getting invites literally from all over the world and we are excited about what God has planned."

For the past 13 years Lynda Randle has reached the world with her music and testimony through her appearances as part of the Gaither Homecoming Tours and Videos while also performing her own concerts and events including her women's conferences "Woman After God's Own Heart." Lynda's most popular song, "God On The Mountain," has become an anthem reminding us that "God is the God of the mountain and the God of the valley."
To book Lynda Randle at your church or your upcoming event, contact Jonathan Goodwin at 1.859.398.5994 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

About Lynda Randle
Fulfilling her calling as an artist with non-stop energy, Lynda’s music and message have proven cross-cultural and cross-generational. She co-authored a book of testimonies with her Husband Michael entitled "God on the Mountain"that reveals the many lives that have been moved by the song.
In addition to her calling to minister through music, as a wife to her to Michael Randle who serves as Senior Pastor of Mosaic Bible Fellowship in Kansas City, MO and mom to 2 precious daughters, Patience and Joy, stating simply, “I am so blessed.”

“For years now, my sister Lynda has truly been the inspiration for my occupation. The first song I ever sang in public was at one of her concerts. I can honestly say that I would have never dawned the stage if it had not been for her example. I love her very much and highly recommend that you check out the vocals that this lady packs! She is truly a landmark singer of our time.”
Michael Tait, DC Talk - Newsboys

“Lynda Randle is one of the most talented and committed servants of Christ that I know. Her testimony and lifestyle coupled with the melodious voice that God has given her combines to provide solid Christian encouragement and ministry to those who are privileged to hear her. It is with the highest degree of confidence that I commend the music ministry of Lynda. She is one of God’s choicest servants. She does more than sing, she inspires.”
Dr. Tony Evans

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Hendersonville, TN (January 19, 2012) – If you enjoyed Mark Lowry’s last DVD project, Mark Lowry: Unplugged & Unplanned, you won’t want to miss his newest release, entitled Whatcha Need. Recorded live in Nashville at Oak Tree Studios, this DVD features several songs never before captured on video, as well as a moving duet with Kelly Willard. Also joining Mark on the project are long-time friends, LordSong, Sisters, and Stan Whitmire, with plenty of stories and songs from their time traveling together.

“Mark demonstrates once again that not only is he a gifted communicator, but he is an excellent vocalist,” comments Norman Holland, A&R Director at Daywind Records. “This project contains some of his best-known songs, such as ‘Whatcha Need.’ He has masterfully brought together guest artists such as LordSong, Sisters, and Stan Whitmire. This DVD features a very touching and truly anointed segment with 1980’s artist, Kelly Willard. In sharing with Mark the meaning behind her hit song, ‘Willing Heart,’ her live rendition of this song is a very special moment that I believe will touch all who see it.”

Whatcha Need is available at Christian retail stores across the country and other outlets. Bulk purchasing for gift and ministry purposes is available by calling 1-800-635-9581.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. Daywind is home to such great artists as Karen Peck & New River, Marshall Hall, and the Perrys, among others. For more information on Daywind Records, visit daywindrecords.com.

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Soundtrack Features New Music Performed by Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Kirk Franklin, Keke Palmer, Karen Peck & More!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 18, 2012) –– WaterTower Music’s soundtrack to Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ Joyful Noise debuts this week at #1 on Billboard’s Soundtrack Chart, #1 on the Billboard Gospel chart, #2 on Billboard’s Christian chart, #2 on the Billboard Independent Current Albums chart, and landed a Top 20 debut on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart.

The soundtrack features performances by Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and Oscar® nominee Dolly Parton; Oscar® nominee, Grammy® and Golden Globe Award winner Queen Latifah; BET and NAACP Award winner Keke Palmer; 11-time Singing News® female vocalist of the year, three-time Grammy® nominee and three-time Dove nominee Karen Peck; and seven-time Grammy®, 35-time Stellar, 12-time Dove, five-time NAACP, and two-time BET Music Award winner Kirk Franklin. Five-time Grammy®, six-time Dove, two-time Stellar Award winner Mervyn Warren produced and arranged the Joyful Noise soundtrack.

Parton, who penned three new songs for the collection, recently performed two of those songs on national TV: “From Here to the Moon and Back” on the Late Show with David Letterman, and “Not Enough,” a duet with co-star Queen Latifah, on NBC’s Today Show.

The third song Parton wrote, “He’s Everything,” is also on the soundtrack, which includes the film’s stars performing renditions of memorable songs originally recorded by a wide range of artists: Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone, Usher, and Stevie Wonder.

The collection also includes tracks by some of the finest acts in gospel and R&B. Grammy winner Kirk Franklin wrote and takes the vocal reins on his jubilant new song “In Love,” and award-winning gospel vocalist Karen Peck creates harmonic gold on “Mighty High.”

Dolly Parton and Mervyn Warren will be featured on Sirius XM’s “The Bob Edwards Show” on Friday, January 20, 2012.

ABOUT THE FILM
Oscar® nominees Queen Latifah (“Chicago,” “Hairspray”) and Dolly Parton (“Steel Magnolias,” “Nine to Five”) star in Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joyful Noise,” a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal.

The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, but the people are counting on the Divinity Church Choir to lift their spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition. The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but the discord between its two leading ladies now threatens to tear them apart. Their newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill (Latifah), stubbornly wants to stick with their tried-and-true traditional style, while the fiery G.G. Sparrow (Parton) thinks tried-and-true translates to tired-and-old. Shaking things up even more is the arrival of G.G.’s rebellious grandson, Randy (Jeremy Jordan). Randy has an ear for music, but he also has an eye for Vi Rose’s beautiful and talented daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer), and the sparks between the two teenagers are causing even more friction between G.G. and Vi Rose. If these two strong-willed women can put aside their differences for the good of the people in their town, they—and their choir—may make the most joyful noise of all.

Starring with Latifah and Parton are Keke Palmer (“Akeelah and the Bee”), Courtney B. Vance (“Extraordinary Measures”), Jeremy Jordan (Broadway’s “Bonnie and Clyde”), and Kris Kristofferson (“Dolphin Tale”). Rounding out the main cast are Dexter Darden, Angela Grovey, Paul Woolfolk and Jesse L. Martin.

Alcon Entertainment presents a Farrell Paura Productions/O.N.C. Entertainment Production, “Joyful Noise,” being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film opened nationwide on January 13, 2012. http://www.joyfulnoisethemovie.com

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Award-winning Soloist Reaches Audience of Over One Million During #CMchat Twitter Chat

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 18, 2012) – GRAMMY® Award-winning Christian vocalist Jason Crabb rang in the New Year with a Twitter chat with Country Music Chat (#CMChat), generating 34.5 million impressions and reaching 1.4 million people.

#CMchat, the only registered chat devoted to country music on Twitter, is hosted by Jessica Northey, who is ranked as the most powerful woman on Twitter (based on Twitter Grade). Thrilled to welcome Jason Crabb as her first guest of the new year on the weekly chat, Jessica stated, “Starting 2012 with an amazing artist like Grammy Award winner Jason Crabb sets the course for an incredible year for Country Music Chat! Country music and Gospel music have always been known as cousins to each other, so it just seemed right to have Jason as a guest. We had a great time and look forward to having him back.”

During the chat on Monday, January 2, 2012, Crabb discussed the new Crabb Family project, Together Again (Gaither Music Group), which streets on February 7th. They also talked about Jason’s dedication to his family, his future recording plans and the potential of a children’s book.

“I was honored to get to start the new year off with Jessica and her friends during the #CMchat on Twitter,” Jason described. “I'm blown away at how many folks came to chat with us and it was fun meeting so many new friends via Twitter!”

For further information regarding Jason Crabb, visit http://www.JasonCrabb.com, "Like" him on Facebook.com/JasonCrabbMusic, and "Follow" him on Twitter: @JasonCrabbMusic.

About Jason Crabb
Jason Crabb is known as one of the most respected and diverse vocalists in Christian music. His soulful, heartfelt vocals have made him a critics’ pick and a fan favorite on stages ranging from “The Grand Ole Opry” and the Brooklyn Tabernacle to the Gaither Homecoming arena platforms. With a string of number one hits and chart-topping singles, a tour schedule of over 200 dates annually, ongoing tv appearances, a book on the shelves and a new recording, this vocal powerhouse’s talent is topped only by his genuine personality and concern for others.

About #CMchat
Since its beginning in May 2011 on Twitter, Country Music Chat has generated over 500 million impressions on this social network. Past guests have included The Oak Ridge Boys, Ronnie Milsap, Barbara Mandrell, Trent Tomlinson, Billboard Magazine, All Access and more. #CMChat is live on Twitter every Monday at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST.

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Statesville, NC- Ken Turner & Valor III are excited to release their first radio single as a quartet. The song released to radio on January 17, 2012 is the Stuart Hamblen classic, HOW BIG IS GOD? Ronald Moore of the group says, “Ken brought us some material that he had sung with previous quartets. We looked at several to release but this song kept coming back to the top.” Ken joined Valor III in November of 2011 and Jeff Rowland of the group says it was truly God’s timing.

The quartet is currently working on their first recording with Ken that will be available in the next few months. Mark Moore of the group says, “It’s a dream come true for us that Ken decided to join Valor III. He has introduced songs to us that we enjoyed while growing up and we are falling in love with that type of quartet music all over again.” Ken is just as excited as the rest of Valor III about joining the group and releasing this single. “As many know, I have had the opportunity to travel and sing with true legends in Gospel Music but in recent days, I have been doing various solo dates so I am honored that God would allow me to sing with a quartet again and I’m grateful that these guys asked me to join this exciting trio and make it a quartet. I believe that Gospel music fans will love this song as much as we do!”

Be listening for HOW BIG IS GOD by Ken Turner and Valor III and don’t forget to request this song at your favorite radio station.

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In the spring of 1932, Albert E Brumley sent what he called “a little ditty” off to the Hartford Music Company. Little did he know that he had just mailed what would become the world’s most recorded song in history. With over 5,000 recordings, “I’ll Fly Away” has been recorded in every country and in every language on the planet.

Albert was working as a songwriter for EM Bartlett and the Hartford Music Company when he wrote “I’ll Fly Away”. He conceived of the song in a cotton field in Oklahoma in 1929 and over the next 3 years he traveled around the NW Arkansas and the SW Missouri region teaching Singing Schools and composing music. Over this time period is when he developed the song.

Albert was reluctant to send the song to Bartlett fearing it wasn’t up to par. His wife Goldie felt differently and urged him to send it in anyway. “I’ll Fly Away” was published in the fall of 1932 in the convention songbook The Wonderful Message.

Over the years Albert E Brumley has been recognized by the Smithsonian institute as “the greatest white gospel song writer before WWII” as well as the GMA naming him” 1 of only 5 persons who contributions directly affected 20th century gospel music”. He has been placed in 7 halls of fame, been a part of 10 Grammy winning albums, has 30+ gold and platinum albums, countless Dove awards, and had an Emmy winning TV show named for this little ditty.

“I’ll Fly Away” is still owned by the Brumley family and Albert’s legacy lives on in the Brumley Gospel Sing and the I’ll Fly Away Foundation.

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Website: http://the-freemans.com

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10th Anniversary of Awards Program Sees Records Broken, Nomination “Firsts”, and the Surge of Social Networking

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (January 16, 2012) – The administrators and staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) are proud to announce the nominees for the 2012 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards. As in year’s past, the nominees were chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and select media representatives. Starting on February 1, 2012, the fans will get a chance to vote for their favorites in certain categories.

“Despite the major changes in our editorial staff this year, the site has seen very impressive growth this year, and we know part of that is because of our talented writing staff,” mentioned Deon Unthank, Presidnet/CEO of AbsolutelyGospel.com. “Our staff did such a great job with nominations this year, and we are so proud of the work that they did.”

Chris D. Unthank, Editor-In-Chief of AbsolutelyGospel.com said, “This year’s awards represent impressive record breaking and a lot of ‘first-times’ for our awards program, and we couldn’t be more thrilled! We applaud our staff and those other media representatives who voted for thinking outside of the box this year and really embracing what our awards program is all about.”

The awards program sees two records broken this year. The Isaacs broke the record for the most nominations by an artist in a single year – this year earning 12 nominations. In addition, producer/songwriter/and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound pianist Wayne Haun earned a staggering 15 nominations – also breaking a record for the most nominations in a single year by an individual.

In addition, for the first time in the 10 years of the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards – a song that wasn’t released to radio (also known as an album cut) earned a nomination for Song of the Year – the Booth Brothers’ critically acclaimed song “What About Now.” In addition, last year’s Songwriter of the Year (Professional) winner Kenna West earned a nomination for the 2012 Pacesetter Award – the first time a professional songwriter has earned a nomination in that specific category.

Social networking paid off in a big way for artists in the Fan Favorite Artist of the Year category – the only category chosen strictly by the fans and readers of AbsolutelyGospel.com. Surprise nominations from acts like Sharron Kay King, The Ladd Family, and Mark209 saw a huge surge of votes due to their support from fans on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“It’s just amazing to us that after 10 years we’re still going strong and producing an awards program that seems to top itself every year,” mentioned Chris Unthank. “We are so excited about celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year. We can’t wait to announce what all we have in store!”

As far as nominations go, the aforementioned bluegrass/Southern Gospel hybrid group The Isaacs landed a record-setting 12 nominations this year, more than any other artist. The group earned nods for Song of the Year (for “Why Can’t We”), Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year (for Why Can’t We), Mixed Group of the Year, Country Song of the Year (for “Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing”), Best Live Performer, and the premier award of the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, 2012 Pacesetter. In addition, sisters Becky Isaacs Bowman and Sonya Isaacs Yeary both earned nominations in the Female Vocalist of the Year category and shared a nomination for Songwriter of the Year (Artist). Brother Ben Isaacs landed nominations for Producer of the Year (Artist) and Musician of the Year as well.

The Booth Brothers followed behind The Isaacs with an impressive 10 nominations – including a 2012 Pacesetter mention.

Following behind those artists were The Perrys with nine nods and Karen Peck & New River with eight nods. Greater Vision and the Gaither Vocal Band both landed six nominations. Two artists received five nominations – Triumphant Quartet and the Collingsworth Family.

Beyond the Ashes earned four nominations, while several artists received triple mentions, including the Bowling Family, Wilburn & Wilburn, the Martins, Gold City, and Jason Crabb. Brian Free & Assurance, Eighth Day, Mark209, Red Roots, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Sisters, the Freemans, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Gordon Mote, Tribute Quartet, the Dove Brothers, and Channing Eleton were each nominated for two awards.

As stated previously, songwriter, producer and Signature Sound’s pianist Wayne Haun broke the record for the most individual nominations earned in a single year. In addition to landing in the Producer of the Year (Artist) category, Wayne earned the other 14 of his nominations for his songwriting and production work this year. – including four separate nominations in the Album of the Year category (for producing The Perrys’ Blue Skies, Collingsworth Family’s Part of the Family, Karen Peck & New River’s Reach Out, and Beyond the Ashes’ Treasures Unseen).

The Booth Brothers’ Jim Brady and The Isaacs’ Ben Isaacs both landed six individual nominations. Both men were nominated for Producer of the Year (Artist) this year.

Songwriter Joel Lindsey received five nominations this year. Rodney Griffin, Bill Gaither, Kenna West, Sue C. Smith, David Moffitt, Becky Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary, Lari Goss, Michael English, and Joseph Habedank all landed three individual nominations for their work in 2011.

The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization that has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2012 Pacesetter are previously mentioned artists the Booth Brothers and The Isaacs, forward-thinking record label Crossroads Music Group, internet and television program Gospel Music Today with Ken & Jean Grady, and hit-songwriter Kenna West.

More information on the 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration will be forthcoming, including hosts, performers, and sponsors, etc. The date for this year’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 10, 2012. The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee and is free to the public. The event is scheduled to be streamed live on the internet this year.

The nominees for the 2012 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards are listed below:

SONG OF THE YEAR:
"Celebrate Me Home" – The Perrys (W.Haun, J.Lindsey)
"God So Loves Me" – Greater Vision (R.Griffin)
"Greatly Blessed, Highly Favored" – Gaither Vocal Band (B.Gaither, L.Gatlin)
"How Blessed" – Bowling Family (K.Rowland)
"I Believe" – Brian Free & Assurance (L.Black, K.West)
"May I Never Get Over the Cross" – Eighth Day (M.L.Allen, R.Arthur)
"On the Banks of the Promised Land" – Karen Peck & New River (J.Dyba, D.Moffitt, S.C.Smith)
"Saved By Grace" – Triumphant Quartet (C.McGruder)
"What About Now" – Booth Brothers (J.Brady, B.Weeks, T.Wood)
"Why Can't We" – The Isaacs (B.I.Bowman, J.Yeary, S.I.Yeary)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: 

Blue Skies – The Perrys (W.Haun)
Family Ties – Wilburn & Wilburn (B.Isaacs)
Let It Be Known – Booth Brothers (L.Goss)
New Day – The Martins (J.DeMarcus)
Part of the Family – Collingsworth Family (W.Haun)
Reach Out – Karen Peck & New River (W.Haun)
Somebody's Coming – Gold City (M.English, D.Riley)
Treasures Unseen – Beyond the Ashes (W.Haun)
We Will Stand Our Ground – Kingdom Heirs (J.Collins, A.Rice)
Why Can't We – The Isaacs (B.Isaacs)

PACESETTER: 

Booth Brothers
Crossroads Music Group
Gospel Music Today (with Ken & Jean Grady)
The Isaacs
Kenna West

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST: 

Mark209
Red Roots
The Old Paths
The Taylors
Wilburn & Wilburn

MALE VOCALIST: 

Chris Allman (Greater Vision)
Doug Anderson (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
Jim Brady (Booth Brothers)
Jason Crabb
Joseph Habedank (The Perrys)

FEMALE VOCALIST: 

Becky Isaacs Bowman (The Isaacs)
Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River)
Kim Lord (Sisters)
Libbi Stuffle (The Perrys)
Amber Thompson (The Nelons)
Sonya Isaacs Yeary (The Isaacs)

MALE GROUP:
Beyond the Ashes
Booth Brothers
Gaither Vocal Band
Gold City
Greater Vision
Triumphant Quartet

FEMALE GROUP: 

Perry Sisters
Red Roots
Sisters
Sweetwater Revival

MIXED GROUP: 

Bowling Family
Collingsworth Family
The Isaacs
Karen Peck & New River
The Perrys

SONGWRITER (ARTIST):
Jim Brady (Booth Brothers)
Phil Cross
Rodney Griffin (Greater Vision)
Joseph Habedank (The Perrys)
Becky & Sonya Isaacs (The Isaacs)

SONGWRITER (PROFESSIONAL):
Marty Funderburk
Twila LaBar
Joel Lindsey
Rebecca J. Peck
Sue C. Smith
Kenna West
Dianne Wilkinson

PRODUCER (ARTIST): 

Jim Brady (Booth Brothers)
Michael English (Gaither Vocal Band)
Darrell Freeman (The Freemans)
Wayne Haun (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound)
Ben Isaacs (The Isaacs)
Roger Talley (The Talleys)

PRODUCER (PROFESSIONAL): 

Donna Beauvais
Nick Bruno
Jeff Collins
Lari Goss
Michael Sykes

ENGINEER: 

Scott Godsey
Wesley Pritchard
Terry Thompson
Kevin Ward
Woody Wright

MUSICIAN:
Kim Collingsworth (Collingsworth Family)
Madison Easter (Jeff & Sheri Easter)
Ben Isaacs (The Isaacs)
Gordon Mote
Jeff Stice (Triumphant Quartet)
Jason Webb

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN SONG: 

“Bring On the Joy” – Tribute Quartet (A.Downing, D.Williams)
“Celebrate Me Home” – The Perrys (W.Haun, J.Lindsey)
“God So Loves Me” – Greater Vision (R.Griffin)
“He’s Everything I Need” – The Kingsmen (J.Habedank)
“Love Came Calling” – Triumphant Quartet (W.Haun, J.Lindsey)

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN ALBUM:
Blue Skies – The Perrys (W.Haun)
Part of the Family – Collingsworth Family (W.Haun)
Sailing Smooth – Southern Sound (B.Harris)
Somebody’s Coming – Gold City (M.English, D.Riley)
The Waiting Is Over – Tribute Quartet (R.Talley)

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN SONG: 

“Jesus Saves” – LeFevre Quartet (T.Cottrell, D.Moffitt)
“May I Never Get Over the Cross” – Eighth Day (M.L.Allen, R.Arthur)
“Never Walk Alone” – Brian Free & Assurance (J.Johnson, J.Williams)
“On the Banks of the Promised Land” – Karen Peck & New River (J.Dyba, D.Moffitt, S.C.Smith)
“Unredeemed” – The Martins (C.Cates, B.Petak, T.Wood)

PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN ALBUM: 

Dreamin’ Wide Awake – Doug Anderson (E.Haase, W.Haun)
Family Ties – Wilburn & Wilburn (B.Isaacs)
Feels Like Sunday – Bowling Family (M.Bowling, T.Thompson)
Let It Be Known – Booth Brothers (L.Goss)
New Day – The Martins (J.DeMarcus)
Reach Out – Karen Peck & New River (W.Haun)
Treasures Unseen – Beyond the Ashes (W.Haun)

COUNTRY SONG:
“Greatly Blessed, Highly Favored” – Gaither Vocal Band (B.Gaither, L.Gatlin)
“Hear My Heart” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (S.Easter, W.Haun, J.Lindsey)
“I Recall” – Dove Brothers (M.Dove)
“Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing” – The Isaacs (D.Rambo)
“Up On This Ridge” – Channing Eleton (E.C.Eleton)

COUNTRY ALBUM: 

Grace – Palmetto State Quartet (L.Butler, M.Carman)
Live – Dove Brothers (M.Dove)
Songs I Grew Up Singing – Gordon Mote (P.Johnson, G.Mote)
Summer Rains Have Gone – Channing Eleton (C.Eleton, B.Mullins)
The Song Lives On – Jason Crabb (B.Gaither)
Why Can’t We – The Isaacs (B.Isaacs)

SPECIAL EVENT PROJECT: 

A Living Legacy: The Songs of Squire Parsons – Various Artists (J.Brady)
Christmas Must Be Tonight – Three Bridges (R.Sandidge)
Georgia Mountain Christmas – Karen Peck & New River (K.P.Gooch, J.D.Rowsey)
Journey – Libbi Perry Stuffle (W.Haun)
The Demos – Jim Brady (J.Brady)

BEST LIVE PERFORMER:
Booth Brothers
Collingsworth Family
Jason Crabb
Gaither Vocal Band
The Isaacs

FAN FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Beyond the Ashes
Booth Brothers
The Freemans
Gaither Vocal Band 

Karen Peck & New River
Sharron Kay King
The Ladd Family
Mark209
The Perrys
Triumphant Quartet

About AbsolutelyGospel.com
AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly 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.

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The Perkins Quartet, formerly known as the Sonmen Quartet, wish to announce the change of their name. The Perkins Quartet is an artist in residence group at the Landmark Baptist Temple in Cincinnati, OH. The group also announces the addition of Matthew Holman as lead vocalist for the group. The Perkins Quartet is now booking dates for their 2012 tour schedule. Please visit http://www.theperkinsonline.org for booking and for more information.

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Breaking News! The Mark Dubbeld Family will be singing in Atlanta, GA on The Atlanta Live TV 57 on Tuesday Night. ATLANTA LIVE is WATC TV's flagship program airing live weeknights from 7-9 p.m. with encore presentations every weekday morning from 7-9 a.m. In addition, one hour of ATLANTA LIVE is seen nationwide on NRB Network seen on DirecTV every weekday morning at 8 a.m. (ET). Also, Sky 21 in Summerville, Georgia now airs Atlanta Live from 7-9 a.m. every weekday morning. Tune if you can get this TV Program.

CD Reviews

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Keith Barkley and Family Tradition are a fairly new ministry to Southern Gospel Music. Keith previously sang with his family, The Barkleys many years. It was in that ministry in 2000, where he met his wife Tabitha in Louisiana where the Barkleys were booked to sing. Shortly after their meeting, Keith and Tabitha were married and began to minister together. Their first recording “Family Tradition” was significant in the fact that Keith was joining his wife in ministry yet clinging to the Godly heritage and principles that he had learned all of his life. Their latest recording, BORN TO WIN has been released so we are going to take a peek at this project.

The recording opens strong with an up tempo, I’M ON MY WAY. This is a classic mixed group Southern Gospel song. BORN TO WIN is the title track of the CD. The song features Keith Barkley. It’s a great song with a wonderful message. The CD contains 14 tracks including songs you may recall like SING ABOUT HEAVEN, and WHERE HE LEADS me sung by the son of Keith and Tabitha, young Tanner. Other songs include HE’S EVEN BLESSING ME NOW, SOMETHING KEEPS PULLING ME HOME, SAY I’VE BEEN REDEEMED which is another Southern Gospel classic sounding song.

Overall, I enjoyed the recording. I hear three distinct parts throughout the recording. The songwriting is pretty good however some of the up tempo numbers seem to be so fast that vocals are hard to understand. The mix is a little weak on some of the songs because the vocals aren’t blended real well. The messages of the songs are encouraging, they seem excited about the ministry that they are involved in and there is no doubt that they love the Lord. I will give this project 3 stars.

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The guests on the current edition of Gospel Music Today are the members of Rambo McGuire. The Feature Group is As We R, and Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. Ken and Jean visit the Southern Gospel Worship Gathering at The Assembly, in Broken Arrow, OK, to hear The Punches Family sing. Jean reviews a new CD by Mercy's Well, and the show features singing by Greater Vision and The Conquerors Quartet. The latest show is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, http://www.gospelmusictoday.com.

CD Reviews

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Common Bond is a Lexington, Kentucky based quartet whose members are Rick Melton, Kevin Willis, Mike Bradshaw and Bryan Stevenson. Common Bond won the Branson Gospel Music Revival 2011 Pathway Records Talent Search; first prize was being signed to the Pathway Record label and a full track project, CD soundtrack of all songs recorded, and 100 CDs. Come Down out of the Boat is their latest release recorded in Pigeon Forge, but is not on the Pathway label.

The strongest songs on the project and my personal favorites are Sailing Towards Home, written by Dottie Rambo, has good harmony, a decent mix and great lyrics that talk about going home to heaven that will truly touch your heart and Beulah Land. I like the arrangement; as this is one of the “old standards” for quartets. Every quartet out there has sung this song at some point and it’s nice to hear a little different arrangement of it. Not so much that you don’t recognize it, but enough to make it different than anyone else, like Sailing Towards Home the harmonies are great and really strike a chord as you listen to it and think about heaven and loved ones gone on before.

I’d like to give the CD a higher rating but really, in my opinion, is an average recording at best.

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James Crowley is a classically trained tenor singer who can take swing, Vintage Rock N Roll and Gospel music and interweave them into a brand all their own. James has a love for gospel music and it shows in this masterpiece, his newest release simply titled, "Inspire."

The project features some of Southern Gospel's best loved songs. "Look For Me", "Then Came the Morning", "Precious Lord, Take my Hand" and "His Eye is on the Sparrow." It also features the classic patriotic song, "God Bless the USA." James puts a great spin on the timeless hymn. "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

If you have broad musical tastes and can handle some flair to beloved songs, then I encourage you to pick up this project. James Crowley and the Top Hat Orcehstra certaintly have a sound all their own and they do a good job making good music!

CD Reviews

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Curtis Farris, Floyd Cairns, Eric Lipford, and Greg Powers make up the talented quartet FourFold from Scotts Hill, TN. These guys do a great job of making good ole quartet music in wonderful 4 part harmony. Their newest release, "Carry On" has some great, solid material and good harmony.

The project opens with "Halfway", which Hope's Call made popular several years ago. This is a great song of praise and is a hand clapper, too! Other highlights include "Happy Rhythm" (fans of the Statesman, Blackwood Brothers and Dove Brothers will love their arrangement.), "Look For Me" "Suppertime" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Those songs are timeless and certainly treasures for listeners even today. "Love Brought Me Back" is very well done and has some great, solid harmony and the guys deliver it flawlessly. The project's title cut, "Carry On" is a great song about trusting God to carry us through each battle, flood, storm or situation that comes our way. It's sure to be a radio favorite for the guys. "The Cross Rises High" closes out the project and is a great song reminding us of what the cross really is about- our redemption!

I encourage fans of 4 part harmony to check out Four Fold and grab a copy of "Carry On" You'll be glad you did!

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“You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover will be yourself.” A. Alda

In the mid nineteen hundreds, a genre of music began to make its way across America. A genre that would be known as “Southern Gospel.” Because of its roots, and church market, many have labeled every Christian group with a quartet formation, a southern gospel group. As a result, a good percentage of aspiring southern gospel groups can be classified as four men, singing quartet style, or “Statesmen style” music.

Nearly fifteen years ago, two brothers premiered a group that would prove to be different. The group began with a mission to keep the Blackwood and Statesman style alive. At first, bookings were far from scarce with this music in great demand, but as the number of groups with a similar sound increased, demand diminished. Something had to change. The time for a new project came. With every song picked, and studio time reserved, one song made its way to the ears of the Dove Brothers that would change the way people looked at them forever. In 2007, “I Can Pray” made its way up the charts and around the country. Stylistically, it contrasted their previous releases greatly.

McCray Dove says, “We pick our songs based on the feel. We have recorded some older songs not because they were old or because they had great lyrics, but because they had a good feel that fit what we were doing. A song may be unique and different from anything we’ve done before, so lets see what we can do with it.”

A Dove Brothers concert can only be described as a performance with feeling. Some have called the Dove Brothers a southern gospel group. Some have labeled them country. Many have said they just don’t know what they are, and to McCray Dove, that is a compliment. “We quit trying to label our music a long time ago. We want people to enjoy our songs because they like them, not because of the label that somebody has put on them. You won’t know that you do or don’t like us until you give us a try.”

The Dove Brothers’ music will move your heart and entertain your ear. Whether you leave a concert with a soul stirring lyric, or an entertained, happy smile, you will without a doubt leave with something. McCray says, “We are just spreading our wings, exploring new horizons, one concert at a time.” When you hear the Dove Brother Quartet and the Dove Brothers Band, you hear men who have left the typical Southern Gospel comfort zone, and have embraced their eclectic style. To compare them to anyone would be impossible, because they are not a musical clone. They are simply themselves. A message championed by four men through song, equipped with a live band, and driven by a call: A call to reach people.

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How did putting God first ministries get started?

Putting God First Ministry infancy began while singing with my first quartet, Solid Rock III. After spending 10 years out of fellowship & service with Jesus, I didn't want to take another wrong path. God answered my prayers with a paraphrase of Proverbs 3:6. "In everything you do put God first; He will direct and crown your efforts with success." I have strived to put God first in every aspect of my life. I learned that God is not concerned, so much, about what we accomplish for Him. What God wants is the most intimate relationship with us as possible this side of Heaven.

God has truly blessed my efforts over the last 18 years. No other name is more fitting then: "Putting God First Ministry".

What is your testimony?

I got saved May 7, 1972 at First Baptist Church of New Orleans. I was 18, graduating from high school.

But, my testimony begins after that. Some early setbacks and bad choices lead to a marriage that God did not ordain. It eventually lead to divorce and brought my whole life crashing down, while serving as Music Minister. I was told to get out of the ministry, I couldn't sing in church anymore.

I spent 10 years in shame, disgrace and out of fellowship with God. After about seven years, I got tired of working odd jobs, with no drive or purpose, I started singing country music. I was able to channel all my pain, sorrow and anger through the songs. It gave me purpose again and helped my shattered self confidence. God used this time to make me a better
communicator on stage. God sent a Godly wife to get back in to His fellowship. I repented, we got married, then we both surrendered our lives totally to Jesus Christ. After almost 20 years of marriage God, this year, has opened the windows of Heaven and raining down blessings upon us.

Who wrote “I Belong to Jesus”?

I wrote "I Belong to Jesus," original title "I Still Belong to Jesus," seven years ago, during a discouraging time. God lead me to Psalm 73. The author was discouraged & stressed by world events then. It helped me see the 'big picture' and refocus onto God's vision for me. Scott Godsey helped with better phrasing and the melody.

What do you love most about your ministry?

It is totally under God's control. Ever since I had Donnie Sumner record "His Grace," God was surely in that, everything else has come unsolicited by me. It began with signing with Homeland Inspiration Group.

Who is your biggest influence?

Glen Payne once told me;"Remember, God gave you the talent and the desire, honor Him with a servant's heart." I've strived to do that. While attending Charles Novell School of Gospel Music five times, I was influenced by Charles Novell, Danny Funderburk, Bill Baise and Ann Downing. The biggest influence to this level as an artist came from Dan Keeton. Under Dan's wings, I refined and honed my vocal production and stage presence.

You used to be a music minister. What was that like?

I enjoyed the years as music minister. I was able to help some young people in the churches I served.

If you could sing to anyone in the world, who would you pick?

I'm always asking God to send me where I'm needed most - where He can do the most through me. There is a lot of unchurched people lost & saved I want to reach. I would love to perform in concert with The Oak Ridge Boys.

What was it like to make a music video?

The music video was a new experience. It helped me to embrace the real truth of the song. I felt free to pour myself into the song.

What was your favorite part of the process?

The outdoors in the open field was my favorite part of the video. It made it easy to get into the mood of the song.

What do you hope to accomplish with your music video?

Spiritually, I hope God will use it to influence as many people as possible to realize how much Jesus loves us & everything is under His control. Professionally, I pray God will expand the reach of Jim Sheldon/Putting God First Ministry.

Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t43KwQMYKcg

More info on Jim can be found at http://www.jimsheldonmusic.com

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Originally streamed online during the evening of January 24, 2011, AbsolutelyGospel.com/SoGospelNews.com founder Susan Unthank's Memorial Service featured performances from Jason Crabb, the Booth Brothers, The Freemans, Johnny Minick, Aaron Unthank and more! The evening also featured special speakers Rev. Roland Sharp, Kathy Crabb Hannah, Donna Beauvais, Amy Unthank, and more.

Susan Unthank Memorial Service from Chris Unthank on Vimeo.

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From Deon Unthank, President/CEO of AbsolutelyGospel.com:

"Please pray for my 5 year old nephew, Gabe. News just came that he has cancer in his lymph glands. I know that God can intervene in this situation. His Word says that if two or three agree (in faith) as touching anything on this earth, that it is done by Him in Heaven. If you believe God's Word is true then I ask that you agree with us for God to touch and heal Gabe."

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Statesville, NC- Shellem Cline, lead singer of the national charting southern gospel group Brothers Redeemed, announced today plans for the 5th Annual Shellem Cline's Gospel Singing Jubilee which will benefit the Gordon's Hospice House of Iredell County. The concert will be held on Saturday February 25, 2012 at the South Iredell High School Auditorium in Troutman, NC. Brothers Redeemed along with the national charting trio Crystal River will take the stage at 6pm for a great night of Southern Gospel Music. Tickets for the event are only $5 with $1 from each ticket going to the Hospice House. "This is going to be a concert that will reach out to the community, and help a organization that has helped so many. It's time for Christians to come together to show our support," Cline stated. For more information on this Benefit concert email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 704.881.0395.

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According to WBIR.com:

"Funeral arrangements have been set for Elizabeth Brown Mull, known by generations of East Tennesseans as Lady Mull.

Mull, 85, passed away early Monday morning. She and her husband, J. Bazzel Mull, co-hosted the Mull Singing Convention on WBIR for 45 years. He died in 2006.

Mull's family will receive friends on Thursday from 1-3 pm and 4-6 pm at the Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel on Kingston Pike. Her funeral will be at 6 pm Thursday. Burial will be at 11 am Friday at Lakeview Cemetery in Lenoir City.

Online condolences may be made at http://www.rosemortuary.com.

Previous story

The woman known to generations of East Tennesseans as Lady Mull has died.

Radio station WJBZ-FM announced Monday that Elizabeth Mull has passed away just after 4 am this morning.

Mrs. Mull, along with her husband, Rev. J. Bazzel Mull, hosted a gospel singing show, The Mull Singing Convention, on WBIR for 45 years. Preacher Mull died in 2006.

The Mull's owned WJBZ, Praise 96.3, at the time of Preacher Mull's death."

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Three Bridges

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Happy New Year! We pray that you had an outstanding 2011 and we believe for you to have the most blessed and prosperous year you’ve ever known.

We just completed our most successful December ever with an 11-city tour featuring music from our brand new Christmas CD, “Christmas Must Be Tonight”. We spent time in Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania meeting a lot of wonderful people and making a lot of new friends. One of the highlights of our tour was getting to sing with Christian music legend, Evie, in Bradenton, FL. She’s not only a wonderful singer but an even more wonderful person. We also enjoyed being part of a Christmas Spectacular that was taped at TBN’s Trinity Music City and aired on the Praise The Lord show.

We are entering 2012 filled with excitement and expectation. We are headed into the studio in the next few weeks to begin work on a new project. We have some great songs and know this will be one of our best CDs yet! February 4-9 we’ll be on a cruise to the Bahamas with several great groups including The Nelons and Palmetto State Quartet. It’s not too late to sign up if you want to go. Click here for more info. August 10-17 we’ll be on a Singing News cruise to Alaska with Wilburn & Wilburn, The Browns, Tribute Quartet, Mark Bishop and others. We’ll have more information about that on our website very soon.

Our prayer for you in 2012 is that you will know and experience the truth of John 1:16, “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with] one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift [heaped] upon gift.” (AMP) We hope to see you soon!

Blessings!

Elliott, Jeremie and Shannon

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Greensbor, NC - On November 20th of 2011, Rocky and Gail Smith’s world changed forever when Rocky received the call that his two precious sons, Dylan and Zach, were murdered along with several other family members and family friend. All were under the age of 18. All were victims of Domestic Violence which is a terrible crisis in America today. While this terrible tragedy made national news, God was working on Rocky and Gail about what He would have them do next. For the days and weeks that followed, Rocky’s Faith in Jesus Christ truly began to show as his constant glowing smile (even through his tears) became a very uplifting sight for everyone that mourned the events of that tragic day.

Rocky began playing music at age 3, recorded his first album at age 7, and was traveling with the legendary Easter Brothers by age 10. Over the next several years he traveled the country with the Easter Brothers and is still considered a part of their family. Rocky has played with numerous regional and national gospel groups including Jeff & Sheri Easter, Yielded, Higher Power, Canaanland, and Calvary's Hill Quartet to name a few.. He has always been a very active musician, playing all types of music. What many people may not know about Rocky is that he is an ordained minister. Through this tragedy Rocky and Gail feel God guiding them to start Rocky Smith Ministries.

Rocky Smith Ministries will focus on inspiration through both song and motivational speaking on tough topics such as Domestic Violence, Mental Illness and the importance of being an Organ Donor, however the most important thing will be to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Already, God has begun providing venues and churches for Rocky and Gail to minister. He has also provided a website (http://www.rockysmithministries.com) that will continue to grow and share God’s love and grace.

Rocky Smith Ministries will continue seek God’s guidance and direction and look forward to sharing their story of “Triumph Through Tragedy”. Please keep them in your prayers.
For more information on Rocky Smith Ministries, including bookings at your church or venue, please contact at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 336-790-6257

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Debut Music Video Has 40,000 Views and Counting on YouTube

DANVILLE, Ky. – (January 10, 2012) – Homeland Inspiration Group recording artist Jim Sheldon has earned his first ever Top 20 hit single this month. His first single to Christian Country radio – “God Is Looking At My Heart” – jumped all the way to #20 on the PowerSource Magazine Inspirational Country Top 100 Chart this month.

“This is such amazing news,” mentioned Jim Sheldon. “God has really been moving in ways I never imagined in my ministry. I’m so thankful that a song like ‘God Is Looking at My Heart’ can touch so many lives.”

“God Is Looking at My Heart” is the debut single from Jim’s recording His Grace. The single was released and promoted to Christian Country radio through HMG Nashville. Fans of Christian country and Southern Gospel music can hear the single by visiting Jim’s website at http://www.jimsheldonmusic.com . You can also sample Jim’s music by visiting his Reverb Nation site at http://www.reverbnation.com/jimsheldon .


In addition, Jim’s debut music video for his Southern Gospel single “I Belong to Jesus” has received an overwhelming response on YouTube and is garnering much media attention for the Christian Country singer.

The video has already had an impressive 40,000 views and counting since its debut on the web just last month.

“The video was a blast to make, but more importantly, it’s really touching lives, and people are getting the message behind the song,” mentioned Jim. “It’s exciting to see God’s hand in all of this stuff.”

You can view the video by visiting YouTube at http://youtu.be/t43KwQMYKcg . The video is also streaming on the industry’s leading website AbsolutelyGospel.com.

Jim recently released his debut recording for Homeland Inspirational Group’s Christian country label Mont Eagle Records. The album – I Belong to Jesus – released during the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky this past September.

For more information about Jim, visit his website at http://www.jimsheldonmusic.com.



About Jim Sheldon

Jim is based out of Danville, Kentucky where he spearheads his personal ministry – Putting God First Ministries. Jim was most recently seen traveling and singing baritone for the The Keetons. Jim recently signed a recording contract with Homeland Inspiration Group’s Mont Eagle Records. His debut album with Mont Eagle Records – I Belong to Jesus – is now available!

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NEW YORK— Fresh off their popular annual Christmas tour, the critically-acclaimed pop/classical family ensemble, the Annie Moses Band, is slated to make their debut at New York City's internationally-renowned Carnegie Hall on Saturday, January 14. Joining them on the stage of the Isaac Stern Hall will be a plethora of promising young performers drawn from the ranks of the Annie Moses Band's annual Fine Arts Summer Academy, as well as The New American Chorus, a 250-voice choir under the direction of acclaimed conductor, Camp Kirkland.

"Performing in a legendary venue like Carnegie Hall is a life-long dream of every musician, and we couldn't be more excited," says Annie Wolaver, the band's lead singer/violinist.

Familiar to television audiences across the country, the Annie Moses Band has seen record-breaking success with their PBS special, Christmas with the Annie Moses Band, which has received more than 1,000 hours of airtime. Their album, This Glorious Christmas, has been listed on Billboard's Top Classical Crossover Albums chart, and a new PBS special, Pilgrims and Prodigals, is slated to release this spring in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

The Annie Moses Band is a family of Juilliard-trained musicians and award-winning songwriters dedicated to virtuosity in the arts. Led by lead singer/violinist Annie Wolaver, the band includes her five siblings: Alex, viola; Benjamin, cello; Camille, harp/keyboard; Gretchen, violin/mandolin; and Jeremiah, guitar and banjo. Add the veteran songwriting talents of their parents, Bill and Robin Wolaver, and you have a dynamic group with roots in classical, pop, and jazz. Together, they are leading an artistic renaissance in the Church through musical excellence, strength of family, and a message of faith, inspiring all generations to join in the discipline, beauty, and excitement of highly skilled musicianship.

For further information, visit http://www.anniemosesband.com or http://www.turningpointpr.com.

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“I am delighted that the Grascals have signed with Mountain Home. I have known most of the guys in the Grascals for over 25 years. They are among the best musicians in the business and it has been a joy to watch their careers develop. I am proud of their work with St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital over the past several years and they continue to pour their hearts into every show and every recording. Their new relationship with Mountain Home will allow them to continue to make landmark bluegrass recordings. Mountain Home has been a steady partner for many of the flagship artists in bluegrass and Mountain Home’s business philosophy, approach to the creative process and enthusiastic willingness to partner with artists in new business models will energize the Grascals and stoke their creative fire.”
- David S. Crow

"I would like to offer my congratulations to the Grascals for their new deal with Mountain Home Records, based in Arden, North Carolina. I understand they are in the process of recording a new album for that label at this time and I look forward to that release with great anticipation. The Grascals are one of the most respected, and talented Bluegrass bands in the business consisting of award winning vocalists and instrumentalists plus the two time winner of IBMA' s highest award, Entertainer of the Year."
- Sonny Osborne

“Miss Dixie and I get up every morning and listen to Bluegrass music while drinking our coffee and planning the day. We are Grascal Groupies and since I am an honorary Grascal myself, we hear a lot of them. It is wonderful to see these good friends take their music to unprecedented heights without compromising the heart and soul of the music. So let us all raise a cup to Grascals Groupies forever.”
- Tom T. and Dixie Hall

“The Grascals enrich our world with an energy, enthusiasm and emotion that makes it virtually impossible to give up your seat - whether you're enjoying them live or through any of their recordings. But while they're entertaining you, there's also an urgent sense you just have to share them with someone, anyone and everyone and you want to be the first person to get credit for telling your friends, ‘Come here, now! Have you heard the latest from the Grascals? Their sound and stage presence is distinctly their own but as inviting and familiar as having your best friends playing for you.”
- Dan Hays

About Mountain Home:
Mountain Home, a division of Crossroads Entertainment and Marketing, Inc., is a premiere Bluegrass label with global distribution, representing such elite artists as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Boxcars, Balsam Range, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and The Grascals. Established in 1993, Crossroads is a market leader in the Bluegrass, Southern Gospel, and Performance Track fields.http://crossroadsmusic.com/bluegrass

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