HOMEWOOD, Ill. – 145 Music Group and Revival Wind Records recording artist Rod Burton has partnered with the Rick Hendrix Company for the release of his new single.
The new single – titled “Take a Stand” – has a message that is specific for the time that the nation and world is in today.
Rod Burton said, “The song starts with ‘The shape the world is in today breaks the Savior’s heart’. It’s not a song that I’d considered sending out, but this past Easter, I was watching the news as we got ready for service. I was so convicted that people need to hear the message of this song, with a chorus that says ‘It’s time for every Christian to rise and take a stand. Proclaim the love of Jesus, all throughout the land’.”
“If there was ever a time that Christians need to stand up and let our voices be heard, it’s now,” Rod continued. “My hope is not chart positions, but that people all over this country will hear the song and catch the message; that they’ll be encouraged and inspired to stand up to what is wrong and hold on to what is right.”
The new single is set to be released by the Rick Hendrix Company soon. Radio should be on the lookout for this powerful new single.
Shane Jordan of the Rick Hendrix Company said, “We are very excited about Rod’s ministry, and we feel radio is going to receive him well.”
“Take a Stand” was written by Bobby Carter and is the follow-up to Rod’s last single, the fan-favorite and Top 40 hit “That’s How a Miracle Feels.” Both songs are featured on Rod’s last album Walking In the Light.
More information on Rod’s debut release with Revival Wind Records will be released later.
For more information on Rod Burton – visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com.
Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc. Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.
About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s fastest rising soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. Rod released his Morning Star Records album, Walking In the Light recently. His current single is “That’s How a Miracle Feels.”
Rod Burton’s ministry is sponsored by iPod Juice. iPodJuice is a San Antonio-based company that offers kits allowing people to replace the battery in their iPod in a matter of minutes. They can also replace the battery for customers that would rather outsource the entire job. More information on iPodJuice can be found at http://www.ipodjuice.com/ipod-mini-battery-replacement-products.htm.
]]>The group’s latest recording, Back to Roots, has spawned off the hit singles “Take It to Jesus” and “Fresh Manna.” Both songs have made such an impact at Southern Gospel radio that their fans have voted both singles in the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 100 Fan Chart.
“Fresh Manna” and “Take It to Jesus” are ranked #12 and #50 respectively on the chart this week. Both songs have been making an impact on the chart for several weeks now.
“Radio has been very kind to us,” mentioned group patriarch Phillip English. “To have two singles out there that are making an impact with fans of Southern Gospel music is very humbling. We would like to thank everyone who placed a vote for us!”
The GospelMusicTimes.com Top 100 Fan Chart is the only chart in the Southern Gospel community that is based solely on the votes of the fans of the genre.
For more information on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 100 Fan Chart, visit http://www.gospelmusictimes.com .
The English Family has been making a strong impact at Southern Gospel radio. The group’s current single, “Fresh Manna,” became their first Top 20 hit – peaking at #13 on the Christian Voice Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel chart. The group recently released “Take It to Jesus” through Family Music Group. Fans are encouraged to be listening for both “Fresh Manna” and “Take It to Jesus” at Southern Gospel radio now!
The newly redesigned English Family website will be unveiled shortly. Until then, visit the group’s current website at http://www.englishfamilyonline.com .
About The English Family
The English Family is a multi-faceted evangelistic ministry based out of Barnesville, Georgia. In addition to being talented in the vocal department, this family is deeply engaged in ministry. The English Family ministers at concerts, conferences, workshops, and even on cruises. The group’s current release is titled Back to Roots and features the #1 RadioActiveAirplay.com song “Take It to Jesus”.
The song reached the #1 spot this week on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart. The GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart is the only chart in the Southern Gospel community that is determined solely by votes from fans of the genre.
“I am truly humbled by the response that this song has received,” mentioned Sharron. “God is truly moving through this song, and it brings a lot of joy to my heart to see that it is touching fans all across this country!”
For more information on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart – visit http://www.gospelmusictimes.com .
“God’s Been Good” is the debut single from Sharron Kay King’s latest release – Don’t Stop Believing. The song was written by Sue C. Smith and Belinda Smith. The song can be found on Family Music Group Compilation, Vol. 46, cut #2.
Don’t Stop Believing features songs of hope and encouragement for believers and non-believers. The new album is a follow-up to the SGN Music Award nominated project The Road I Know – which spawned off the hit singles “When I Say Christian”, “Coat of Many Colors”, “You Never Gave Up On Me”, and “I’d Walk This Valley Again.”
More information as well as booking information on Sharron Kay King can be found at http://sharronkayking.com.
Fans are encouraged to visit Sharron’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/sharronkayking.
About Sharron Kay King
Sharron Kay King is a talented singer/songwriter based out of Richmond, Indiana. Sharron’s last release, Don’t Stop Believing, spawned off the #1 fan favorite “God’s Been Good.” King was a 2008 Top 5 finalist in the Singing News Fan Awards for Favorite Horizon Individual and a 2009 Top 10 finalist for Favorite Soloist.
Scott Godsey of Homeland Entertainment Group said, “We are excited to have Joseph T. Lee on our Heartwarming Label. Joseph is a true man of God. He means every lyric he sings, and he does it well. We look forward to a long relationship with Joseph as he continues to grow in his ministry.”
Joseph said, “The Homeland family came highly recommended to me. I am very pleased to be affiliated with such a company. I am excited about the days to come and look forward to expanding my ministry with Homeland!”
Lee’s first recording on the Heartwarming label has a tentative release date of Fall 2009. The new recording will feature production work from Nick Bruno and Donna M. Beauvais.
For more information on the Heartwarming label and Homeland Entertainment Group, visit them at http://homelandentertainmentgroup.com/ .
Joseph T. Lee’s debut solo outing, Shield of Faith, is now available digitally through IndieHeaven.com.
“I believe it’s important that I make my music available in as many outlets that I possibly can,” mentioned Lee. IndieHeaven.com works hard to make sure the artist’s music is available to online buyers.”
Fans can purchase Shield of Faith digitally at http://www.indieheaven.com/artist_main.php?id=11126 .
Joseph’s debut single, “There’s a Miracle Coming,” is currently playing at Southern Gospel radio. Lee partnered with Phillip Emery and DJ Man Promotions for the release of this song.
“There’s a Miracle Coming” was written by Sandy Bloemer. The song can be found on DJ Man Hit Singles Vol. 30 compilation disc.
More information on Joseph T. Lee can be found at his website – located at http://www.josephleemusic.net . Contact and booking information can be found at the site. Lee’s new, fully-updated website will be unveiled shortly.
Fans are also encouraged to visit Joseph on ShoutLife by heading to http://www.shoutlife.com/josephlee .
About Joseph T. Lee
Joseph T. Lee is an accomplished Christian businessman, actor, and vocalist. God has given Joseph the gift of song to share the message of Salvation and Redemption. He feels led to the music ministry as well as an evangelistic ministry of sharing his faith with others. His debut recording, Shield of Faith, released in December 2008.
Curtis Hagy of Brothers Forever said, “We are so happy with all the work that SSE has done for our ministry. We absolutely love our new webpage. They do some of the best work in this business!”
“We were excited about giving Brothers Forever a fresh new look. They’ve got a really nice sound, and they need a web presence to reflect that. We think the new design fits their personality splendidly,” mentioned Amy Marie Unthank of SSE Design Group.
The site is an exhaustive telling of the ministry of Brothers Forever. It features a biography, contact information, a photo gallery, schedules, and more. The group’s newly designed press kit will also be available in the coming weeks for promoters and pastors to download directly from the site.
To visit the newly designed Brothers Forever website, visit http://www.brothersforever.net.
Brothers Forever have been in the studio recording their new album and follow up to the critically acclaimed recording Sheltered. More information on that release will be announced at a later date.
Brother’s Forever’s current single, “I Am Him,” has been doing exceptionally well at Southern Gospel radio. It is the group’s third single from the release Sheltered – and recently broke the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart. Sheltered spawned off the hit singles “I Feel a Blessing Coming On” and Top 40 hit “I Can’t Forget the Day.” The group’s new single, “More Than That” was just released to Southern Gospel radio.
You can catch up with Brothers Forever their homepage – http://www.brothersforever.net.
About Brothers Forever
Brothers Forever is based out of Church Hill, Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of upper East Tennessee, this group has quickly become known for their unique style of southern gospel music. Songs such as “I Feel a Blessing Coming On” and “I Can’t Forget the Day” have become nationwide favorites. Brothers Forever felt the call to the music ministry a little over a few years ago, and since the group’s inception, it has been an exciting journey.
The group’s current single – “Three Rugged Crosses” – is resting at the #1 spot on the April 2009 issue of the Christian Voice Magazine’s Southern Gospel Top 100 Chart.
Darrell Freeman of The Freemans said, “Radio has been very supportive of this song, and we know that it is having a great affect on fans of Gospel music. Marty and Rick Funderburk did a great job writing this song.”
“Three Rugged Crosses” has been having a resounding impact at Southern Gospel radio. In addition to reaching the #1 spot this month in Christian Voice Magazine, the song peaked at #2 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart and has charted for 35 consecutive weeks on that chart – making it the longest running song in the chart’s history.
The song also reached #1 on the GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart. The GospelMusicTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart is the Southern Gospel industry’s only chart that is based solely on the votes of the fans.
“Three Rugged Crosses” was written by Rick and Marty Funderburk and is found on their latest album – Eyes On the Prize. That album has spawned off the record-breaking #1 hit “He Chose Me” as well as the hit single “Cast In the Sea” and ministry driven “I Need a Drink.”
The Freemans are currently preparing to record their follow-up to Eyes On the Prize. The album is slated to release later in 2009.
The newly designed Freemans website is now up and running. Check out more information on the group’s current website at http://www.the-freemans.com. You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thefreemans07.
About The Freemans
The Freemans are one of Southern Gospel’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed groups. History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freeman ministry. Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans’ experience spans 30+ years. Now in their 20th year of ministry, the Freemans still perform at approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.
The popular group was named Favorite Male Quartet last month at the 2009 SGM FanFair Awards. The awards were handed out at a special awards program at SGM FanFair in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on March 19, 2009.
“We are very humbled by this win,” mentioned McCray Dove of the Dove Brothers. “We have to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who voted for us. This means a lot to us!”
The group won this award last year as well.
In addition, the Dove Brothers were nominated in the SGM FanFair Awards for another three awards. Group members McCray Dove, Eric Dove, and David Hester received nominations for Favorite Lead, Favorite Baritone, and Favorite Bass respectively.
The group is currently putting the finishing touches on their new mainline release for Sonlite Records – titled Hold On. The new album will hit retail on July 21, 2009.
More information on the Dove Brothers can be found at http://dovebrothersquartet.com
About the Dove Brothers
Voted Favorite Male Quartet of The Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association and the Singing News Fan Awards, the Dove Brothers’ high energy presentation and progressive arrangements reflect a tangible link to the good old days of gospel music. Their peers regard them as a class act representing the industry with dignity and respect. Their latest recording for Sonlite Records is entitled Life and spawned off the #1 hit “You Don’t Know God’s Love” – which was named the #1 Song of the Year according to SoGospelNews.com’s Top 40 Weekly Chart.
Caleb was informed of his appointment by United States Representative Bob Inglis from Washington D.C. last month. Over 14,000 young men and women seek nomination to the academy each year, however usually around 1,200 per year are appointed.
Caleb will graduate from Dorman High School in Roebuck, South Carolina on June 2, 2009 and will be indoctrinated at Annapolis on July 1, 2009. He intends to be a Naval Aviator upon completion of college.
“Joni and I are so proud of his accomplishment. He has indeed earned this honor. Caleb has brought such a joy to our home. He is a Godly young man that has represented our family so well. I know he will do the same for our country,” said Scott Robinson. “We as Mom and Dad look through tears as he prepares to go but applaud the choice that he has made. Please join us as we pray for his well being.”
Caleb is a top student athlete at Dorman High School having been part of three Southern Carolina State Championship teams in track and cross country. He was Captain of the championship cross country team this past fall. The track team is vying for a third consecutive championship this spring. He is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, and several other service organizations. He is also a member of the Dorman Singers, a national recognized choral ensemble.
More information on Eighth Day can be found at http://www.eighthdaymusic.com .
About Eighth Day
Eighth Day is a popular trio based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The group is made up of husband and wife team Scott & Joni Robinson and Derek Parker. The group has quickly established itself as one of the top new talents in Gospel music today. Their fresh and progressive sound has been described as a little bit country, a touch of bluegrass, and a whole lot of Gospel!
This year’s awards program will be hosted by two of Southern Gospel music’s favorite talents – Michael Booth and Lauren Talley.
Michael Booth is one third of the Grammy© and GMA Dove Award nominated artist The Booth Brothers. The Booth Brothers are one of the most awarded artists in the history of the SGN Music Awards and are the most nominated artist this year. Michael released his debut solo record – Michael Booth – last year, and he earned his first Male Vocalist of the Year nomination in this year’s SGN Music Awards.
Lauren Talley has made a name for herself while traveling with her family in the Talley Trio. Lauren is the voice behind such hit songs as “His Life For Mine,” “The Broken Ones,” “The Healer,” and more. Lauren has released three solo recordings in addition to her work with her family. Lauren received her second nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year in this year’s SGN Music Awards. She won the award in 2006.
“Both of these artists need no introduction to the Southern Gospel community,” mentioned Deon Unthank of SoGospelNews.com. “They are some of the fans’ favorite individuals. We know they are going to do a fantastic job hosting these awards.”
Performers were recently announced for the 2009 SGN Music Awards Celebration. Those artists include the Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, Crabb Revival, The Perrys, Mike & Kelly Bowling, Lauren Talley, the Collingsworth Family, Tribute Quartet, Misty Freeman, HisSong, Johnny Minick, the Perry Sisters, Eighth Day, Allison Durham Speer, and Sunday Edition.
The date for this year’s SGN Music Awards Celebration is Tuesday, April 14, 2009. The event will again take place at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennesse and is free to the public. The awards program will start at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
As far as nominations go, for the second straight year the Booth Brothers led all artist nominees this year with 10 nominations. Three artists earned eight nominations apiece – they included the Dove Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, and Mike & Kelly Bowling. Following behind those artists was Gold City with seven nominations. The Perrys and Talley Trio both landed six nominations. Several artists received four nominations – including Crabb Revival, Greater Vision, and the Mike LeFevre Quartet. The Freemans, The Isaacs, Misty Freeman, Legacy Five, and the Kingsmen all earned three nominations, while the Collingsworth Family, Dixie Echoes, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Eighth Day, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, HisSong, the Hoppers, and Triumphant Quartet all received double nominations.
Songwriter and producer Barry Weeks earned the most individual nominations (a total of seven) for his work during 2008. Jim Bray earned six individual nominations for his vocal and songwriting work. Earning four individual nominations were producer Lari Goss and songwriting siblings Rebecca Isaacs Bowman and Sonya Isaacs. Mike Bowling, Tre’ Corley, Bubba Smith, and Michael Sykes all landed three individual nominations for their work in 2008.
The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization which has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2009 Pacesetter are the recently re-launched Canaan Records, media outlet Christian Voice Magazine, Southern Gospel’s largest multi-day event the National Quartet Convention, SGShowPrep’s Chuck Peters, and syndicated radio program The Southern Styles Show.
For a full list of nominees, visit SoGospelNews.com for more information.
About SoGospelNews.com
SoGospelNews.com has grown from relative obscurity to the industry’s leading internet publication for Southern Gospel news and information in only a few short years. The site includes a wide variety of features, consisting of artist interviews, a weekly chart, late-breaking news, and much more.
Any artist exhibiting at Branson Gospel Music Convention who is not currently affiliated with a record label is eligible to participate in the contest, which will take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 8:30 a.m. in Branson, Missouri. There is space for 30 contestants who will perform a 5-minute set on the convention stage during the talent contest.
Winners of the contest will receive complimentary and/or discounted recording services from HIS Choice Production as well as a spot on the Friday evening concert at Branson Gospel Music Convention. The prize packages are as follows:
- FIRST PLACE: Full 10 song recording package using pre-recorded tracks, two vocal days in studio, engineer, phrasing, editing, tuning, mixing, song licensing, and 100 CDs OR 50% discount off any HIS Choice Production recording package, plus a ten minute set on the Friday evening concert of the 2009 Branson Gospel Music Convention.
- SECOND PLACE - 25% discount off any HIS Choice Production recording package, plus a one-song performance on the Friday evening concert of the 2009 Branson Gospel Music Convention.
- THIRD PLACE - 20% discount of any HIS Choice Production recording package, plus a one-song performance on the Friday evening concert of the 2009 Branson Gospel Music Convention.
“We are very excited to be partnering with HIS Choice to offer this opportunity to our artists,” says Kelly Burton, Program Director for the convention. “Many artists have asked for us to include this type of event, and we believe it fits with our focus of celebrating southern gospel and all those who work to promote its message.”
Registration for the talent contest will be opening the first week of March and will be available only on the convention website at http://www.bransongmc.com . An entrance fee of $150.00 is required. Both this fee and paid convention registration is required to reserve one of the 30 spots in the contest, which will be filled on a first-come basis.
Additional nightly concert appearances have been announced as well. In addition to the already announced artists (in parentheses), concerts will now feature the following artists:
Tuesday, July 14:
Marcey Wall, Eric Hinson, Crossway, Shannon Bunch, Samaritan Revival (Blackwood Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Young Harmony, Jay Stone Singers, Minister’s Quartet, The Parish Family, The Ladds).
Wednesday, July 15:
McMillian & Life, Kirk Talley, Curt “The Shoe” Shoemaker, Beyond the Ashes, The Homesteaders (Blackwood Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Kenny Bishop, Rod Burton, Wendy Word + Forgiven, Original Gospel Sounds).
Thursday, July 16:
The Nelons (Blackwood Quartet, The Stamps, Florida Boys, The Shireys, and Hearts of Faith).
Friday, July 17:
Peggy Inks (Weston Hinson & By Faith, Blackwood Quartet, The Stamps, Florida Boys, The Paynes, 2nd Generation, Shine On Trio, The Shannons, Sunday Edition, and Gospel River Boys).
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday will each be opened with a praise and worship time led by a local church choir. Thursday night, as previously announced, will feature the SGN Scoops Diamond Awards.
According to Burton, the Branson GMC Music Committee has received dozens of demos from registered artists and is hard at work listening to all of them.
“I want to stress some things,” she explains, “The announced concert line-ups are not finalized – we still have room, we are committed to listening to all the music we receive and placing as many artists as possible on the evening concerts, and finally, every artist who registers will sing. The daytime concerts are also an exciting part of the convention and a huge platform for evangelism in Branson!”
Final evening slots are expected to be filled within the next month, and exhibition floor space is filling as well, so artists still considering the Branson Gospel Music Convention are urged to register as soon as possible.
The inaugural Branson Gospel Music Convention will take place at the Branson Convention Center on July 14-17, 2009. Artists such as Blackwood Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Florida Boys, The Stamps, The Paynes, Kirk Talley, Kenny Bishop, Crossway, Young Harmony, 2nd Generation, Rod Burton, Shannon Bunch, The Nelons, and Wendy Word + Forgiven, as well as many others, are scheduled to appear. Tickets are currently on sale.
More information on the Branson Gospel Music Convention can be found at http://www.bransongmc.com .
More information about HIS Choice Music can be found at http://www.hischoicemusic.com .
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