DOVE BROTHERS QUARTET'S "I CAN PRAY" IMPACTING ACROSS ALL BORDERS (story added August 23)

BLADENBORO, N.C. – The Dove Brothers Quartet's #1 hit song "I Can Pray" has recently found a home outside of Southern Gospel radio.

According to the Dove Brothers Quartet's office, the group has seen a large increase in the number of pastor's who are wishing the use the song in their church serves. Pastors have wanted to use the song for sermon illustrations, special music, altar times, and much more.

"We continually stand in awe at where this song continues to reach," mentioned Jerry Martin of the Dove Brothers Quartet. "God has taken this song beyond anywhere that we could have hoped or dreamed."

McCray Dove of the Dove Brothers Quartet said, "We have always prayed that God would give us a song that not only made a huge impact on Southern Gospel, but also in the world as well. He has given us the desires of our hearts with 'I Can Pray.' Nothing the Dove Brothers could have done on our own has made this possible. All Glory goes to God for the success of this song."

In addition, many local National Day of Prayer services featured the song in their ceremonies. The song was also played on the steps of the Mississippi State Congress as well in support of the National Day of Prayer.

"Obviously, this wasn't just the right song for the Dove Brothers Quartet," replied McCray Dove. "It was also the right song for a lot of different people at this time. We are thrilled to continually receive word of how the song is being used."

Be listening for "I'm Gonna Make It", the group's follow up single to "I Can Pray", at Southern Gospel radio all across the country.

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

FLORIDA BOYS TO BE HONORED DURING NQC (story added August 23)

Louisville, KY A few months ago, legendary Gospel quartet, The Florida Boys announced plans to retire from touring. Although they officially concluded touring in July, the multi-award winning quartet agreed to perform at all previously scheduled performance slots during the 50th Annual National Quartet Convention, scheduled to take place in Louisville, KY, during the week of September 10-15. The group will be joined during those performances by several former quartet members, as well as the current group as it existed at the time of their retirement.

The Florida Boys were one of numerous quartets featured on the very first National Quartet Convention, which first took place in Memphis, TN, in 1957. The Florida Boys, however, are the only group featured at this years event who were also featured at the inaugural event. Performing at the National Quartet Convention during the past 50 years is just one of many highlights The Florida Boys have enjoyed throughout their 60-year career. The Florida Boys were the host of the popular Gospel Singing Jubilee television program, which made its debut in 1964. The program aired coast-to-coast and was viewed by millions every Sunday morning for more than two decades. Additionally, The Florida Boys were the very first to be included on the Canaan Records label. The Canaan label, and Word Records, went on to become one of the nations largest Christian music labels, encompassing all Christian music genres.

In recognition of their rich musical heritage, the National Quartet Convention will feature a special segment on the Saturday evening concert, September 15, paying tribute to The Florida Boys 60-year career, as well as the groups current owners, Les Beasley, Glen Allred and Derrell Stewart, who each joined the group in the early 1950s when the quartet was known as the Gospel Melody Quartet. The tribute will be followed by a very special, last performance by The Florida Boys. The group will perform their mega-hit, When He Was On The Cross to conclude the tribute. The performance will feature the group members who recorded the song for Canaan Records in 1984. Those members include Beasley, a member of the Gospel Music and Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fames, Allred and Stewert, who are also both Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame members, as well as bass singer Buddy Liles, whose tenure with the group covered a span of more than three decades, as well as tenor Terry Davis, who sang with the quartet during the 1980s.

The tribute to The Florida Boys is just one of many exciting events which will take place on the grounds of the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center in Louisville during the 50th Annual National Quartet Convention. A complete schedule of events is available at www.natqc.com or by calling the NQC office at 800-846-8499.

ISAACS NOMINATED FOR TWO IBMA AWARDS (story added August 23)

Nashville, TN (8-23-07) – Bluegrass/gospel sensations, The Isaacs, have garnered a nomination for Vocal Group of the Year from the International Bluegrass Music Association, and Sonya Isaacs has been nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year. The annual awards will be handed out in Nashville on October 4th.

"It is an extreme honor to be nominated for these awards at IBMA this year. We are truly passionate about bluegrass music and to be included in these vocal categories is a priceless gift that we will forever cherish, whether we are chosen to win or not,” said Sonya Isaacs.

The East Tennessee-based family will also perform at the Bluegrass Fan Fest on October 5th at the Nashville Convention Center, along with 60 other bluegrass artists from around the world. The group recently released their sophomore album for Gaither Music Group, Big Sky, produced by award-winning producer Mark Bright (Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans).

2ND ANNUAL GAITHER FEST TO TAKE PLACE IN MYRTLE BEACH (story added August 22)

Myrtle Beach, SC - World renown songwriters Bill & Gloria Gaither are gearing up to host the 2nd Annual Gaither Fest on Friday and Saturday, October 12 & 13 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, SC. More than a dozen of Gospel music's most popular recording artists will join them for this exceptional two-day event.

The highly successful Gaither Homecoming Video Series has enjoyed sales in excess of more than 20 million units throughout the past decade and a half. The videos come to life at each musical event hosted by Gaither. Gaither Fest in Myrtle Beach promises to be no exception, as many of the artists who regularly appear on the Homecoming video series will be featured at Gaither Fest. This list includes The Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Lynda Randle, Ivan Parker, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Ben Speer, Russ Taff, Janet Paschal, The Isaacs, Sue Dodge, Jessy Dixon, Gordon Mote, Kevin Williams, Austins Bridge and guest speaker, Andy Andrews.

Gaither Fest In Myrtle Beach will include a Friday evening concert on October 12 at 7:00pm, as well as concerts on Saturday, October 13 at 10:00am and 6:00pm. The event promises to be one to remember. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased through Ticket Master by calling 843-679-9333. Additional information may be obtained on-line at www.gaither.com.

BARBARA FAIRCHILD'S FATHER PASSES AWAY (story added August 22)

Knobel, AR (August 20, 2007) – Gospel music singer, Barbara Fairchild’s father, Ulys Fairchild, of Knobel, AR, passed away in the early morning of August 18, 2007, from a pancreatic infection and dehydration. He was 80 years old.

Fairchild died in Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould, AR and left behind two daughters, Barbara and Bernice, and a son, Charles, as well as many brothers and sisters and grandchildren. Wife, Opal Fairchild, preceded him to heaven in July of 2006.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 21, 2007, at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning, AR, between the hours of 6:00 and 9:00 PM CST and the funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2007, at 2:00 PM CST.

For more information, please contact Ermert Funeral Home in Corning, AR, at 870-857-3596.

MERCY'S WELL TO BE A PART OF MAYBERRY SONQUEST (story added August 22)

Greensboro, NC - Talented vocal group, Mercys Well will join numerous other talented Christian groups and vocalists, including multi-Dove Award winning recording artist, NewSong in Mt Airy, NC, at Mayberry SonQuest on Saturday, August 25. The event is expected to attract thousands to the Veterans Memorial Park, home of the event.

The Greater Mount Airy Christian Community organized the first Mayberry SonQuest three years ago in an effort to provide an enjoyable day of great family entertainment. The very first SonQuest was attended by over 3,500 people, while SonQuest II was attended by more than 5,000. During the combined two events, over 600 decisions were made for Christ. This years event promises even greater success, as organizers expect to exceed the two previous years attendance figures.

The all-day event will feature great music and food. Mercys Well is set to take the stage just before NewSong on Saturday evening. Complete information, including a complete schedule of events planned at Mayberry SonQuest may be obtained by calling 336-786-5627.

Visit www.mercyswell.com to check out the latest happenings with Mercys Well.

CROSSROADS SIGNS SHILOH (story added August 22)

Arden, NC: Crossroads Entertainment and Marketing has entered into an agreement with the Texas based Gospel group Shiloh for their upcoming release due out next year. The release will be on the Crossroads label.

Since organizing in 1995, Shiloh has been sharing the message of Jesus Christ and encouraging audiences both nationally and internationally with their rich vocal blend, their unique and versatile style, and their effective ability to communicate and present the message of the Gospel. Shiloh has quickly established themselves as one of the top "up and coming" Artists in Christian music today.

Shiloh’s tenor singer Brian White stated, "Our new partnership with Crossroads has been an answer to so many prayers. In working with Crossroads, we believe that God has placed the perfect match for Shiloh. Not only is Crossroads a leader in the Gospel music industry, but they illustrate a love for God, a love for music, and high expectations for quality. Our hope and prayer is that God will continue to use this relationship to provide music that will encourage others in their journey to live for Him.”

Be sure to look for Shiloh’s new single “Water Walking” on the Crossroads September radio sampler.

SACRED SOUNDS FRIDAYS A POPULAR EVENT (story added August 18)

Sacred Sounds Fridays enjoyed a full house for its Testimony Quartet and Calvary Strings performance Aug. 10.

The gospel music concert series at the historic Ringgold Depot in Ringgold, Ga. welcomed guests from around the Tennessee Valley to hear the two and a half hour show of Southern gospel, bluegrass gospel and down home comedy courtesy of emcee Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”

The events assist in raising funds for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund coordinated by the Share America Foundation, Inc., a non-profit. “Whenever you begin events of this nature it is always a building process,” Franks said, who also serves as President of Share America. “We are blessed to find so many people willing to support the traditional sounds of Appalachia through our events. All of the concerts so far had a special feel of their own and each time I’ve heard folks say ‘I don’t know how you will top tonight.’”

Franks said this one event helped raise approximately $700 for Share America while the Boynton Lions Club also added funds for its special projects through the sale of refreshments.

Calvary Strings, a group featuring youth from Calvary Baptist Church at Tunnel Hill, Ga., received a standing ovation and an encore. Jared Langham, Jonathan Goins, Travis Gordon, Ryan Goins, Laura Hardeman and D.J. Hyatt make up the youth ranging in ages from 12 to 16. Adult musicians Preston Cronan, Billy Wilcox, John Langham and Bobby Cronnan shepherd the talents of the church group.

Testimony featuring the amazing talents of Ken Hicks, Tim Owens, Howard Stewart, and Heath Allen fanned the excitement with their polished performances and tight harmonies on songs such as “Oh, What a Savior.”

Franks joined both groups on stage but Testimony and Franks had the building swaying from side to side and clapping in full force with their finale performance of “Just a Little Talk with Jesus.”

Another added facet of the event was an Appalachian art exhibit featuring the paintings of Tunnel Hill artist B.J. Wright. “This is another interest that we hope to share with our attendees, it gives them a chance to enjoy other aspects of the traditional arts of Appalachia,” Franks said.

The concert series will not hold a performance in September but will return in full force Oct. 12 featuring the sensational Southern gospel trio Four Fold, and on Nov. 9 the mountain sounds of the Smoky Mountain Boys. Most of the events also feature special youth performers as well as groups from area churches.

Share America Chairman Joe Turner said the organization will be announcing its 2007 scholarship honorees at its October event.  Donations for tickets are adults: $5, Children 5 and under free with adult. Tickets may be purchased locally in advance during business hours at The Catoosa County News (706) 935-2621 in Ringgold and SonShine Christian Books (706) 861-7675 in Fort Oglethorpe. Tickets for October will go on sale in mid September. For more information, Share America Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 42 Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755.

CAROLINA SHOWCASE ANNOUNCED FOR NQC (story added August 18)

GASTONIA, N.C. – The Pathfinders are proud to announce that they will be co-hosting the Carolina Showcase during the week of the National Quartet Convention along with the Trinity Quartet.

The first ever Carolina Showcase will take place on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 in the Mary Room of the Executive Inn West. The showcase will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The Carolina Showcase will feature performances from host groups The Pathfinders and Trinity Quartet as well as Driven, Called Out Quartet, the Gospelaires, Unity, and Providence Quartet. Danny Funderburk will be emceeing the showcase.

“We are very excited to share the stage with these folks and want everybody to come that can make it,” mentioned Dearl Lemons of The Pathfinders.

Both The Pathfinders and Trinity Quartet will be debuting music from their newest recordings, which will be available at the National Quartet Convention.

The Carolina Showcase is free to the public.

Be listening for The Pathfinders on Southern Gospel radio all across the country.

GAITHER VIDEOS HIT ANOTHER MILESTONE (story added August 18)

Nashville, TN (8-15-07) – In the sixteen years since gospel music pioneer Bill Gaither began recording his Homecoming series of videos, virtually everything the Grammy Award winner has touched has turned to gold…and platinum. As of March 31st, 106 of Gaither’s Homecoming projects have achieved precious metal status, with five certified multi-platinum, 51 certified platinum and 51 selling gold. To date, Gaither Homecoming videos have sold more than 20 million units.

“This whole Homecoming phenomenon started because the Gaither Vocal Band wanted to get together with some of my old friends and sing a song,” Gaither marveled. “I never dreamed that these little videos would ignite such a powerful fire in the hearts of so many music lovers. It’s gratifying to me that, through these videos, the world has come to know and love not only the legends of gospel music but the kids who are its future.”

Bill Gaither will pay homage to the great hymns of the ages in two new videos, Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, slated for an August 28th release.

CROSSROADS LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO MARKETING TOOL (story added August 18)

Crossroads Entertainment has just announced a new way if reaching their retail partners with VEM or Video Email Marketing. According to Scott Wagner Crossroads V.P of sales and marketing, “This will be a way of reminding our retail partners about how certain records are doing on the radio charts as well as sound scan sales charts. We will from time to time, offer special discounts through this effort and create some creative buying options. It’s just another added tool that our sales force can use to keep retail abreast of our products.”

Crossroads management is always searching for ways to better serve the marketplace and the artists they represent. According to Crossroads co-owner Chris White, “This tool will allow us to display almost anything we want the end user to see and hear whether it’s a retailer, or a consumer sitting in front of their computer at home. Plus, the power point feature which allows us to show countless images, graphics, as well as Mp3 audio clips, is very user friendly in representing different elements of the product. This is not an attempt to simply have people buying our products on line from their computers, although we hope many will. Because we realize that many of our consumers prefer buying their products from retail, it will give them a lot of information before they go to the store. They have already seen it and heard it, which we hope will make their buying experience a little easier. We really believe it will give the viewer of our VEM spots, the ultimate hands on feel to the products we represent, before they purchase.”

VEM will be used in a variety of ways to reach all areas of the fan base and industry of Southern Gospel and Bluegrass Gospel music. For a sample of a VEM, simply click on the links below. For more information on VEM, call 1-800-966-7664.


http://omnicast.iqueip.com/p/f5270aa4e1ffc2166e4f5985c2525bec/start/ Retail VEM 

http://omnicast.iqueip.com/p/62592d1a0c1b09fe462bddf337849c82/start/ Celebration Choir VEM 

GERALD CRABB PERFORMS FOR THE BRIDGE MINISTRY (story added August 18)

Nashville, TN (August 13, 2007) – Daywind songwriter, Gerald Crabb, shared the Gospel as part of a growing Nashville ministry called The Bridge Ministry, at their weekly gathering under the Jefferson Street bridge in Nashville, TN, last week.

Gerald sang a few of Gospel music’s favorite hits including “Through The Fire,” and also preached a message of hope to The Bridge congregation. “I’ve been in ministry close to 30 years and I’ve never seen anything quite like that. It was incredible,” exclaimed Crabb.

The Bridge Ministry, started by Candy and Kent Christmas, has witnessed tremendous growth since it’s inception in 2004. With weekly gatherings of over 200 homeless and an average of 60 volunteers under the bridge in downtown Nashville, there is no better place to praise God. “Volunteering with the Bridge Ministry has changed my life and ministry,” stated Tara Jackson, a volunteer of The Bridge Ministry. “Jesus said, ‘whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me,’ and how humbling it is to know that I get to sing, feed, clothe, and minister to Jesus each and every single week.”

The Bridge Ministry is a full time ministry operated by local volunteers, crafted to serve a hot meal to the homeless people of Nashville and gain the opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ. The Bridge Ministry operates out of an over 17,000 square foot warehouse near downtown Nashville, offering all name brand groceries and clothing items to last through the next week’s service.

Gerald Crabb’s current CD, Poems, Prayers and Promises, is currently available at stores nationwide through New Day Distribution.

For more information on Gerald Crabb, visit www.geraldcrabb.net. For more information on The Bridge Ministry, visit www.bridgeministry.org or contact Candy Christmas at 615-228-3437.

BLOGGERS ROUNDTABLE TO TAKE PLACE AT NQC (story added August 12)

Louisville, KY - During the week of September 10 through 15, over 40,000 Southern Gospel Music fans, industry leaders, recording artists, radio station and television representatives, as well as merchandisers of all kinds, representing 40 states and at least a half dozen foreign countries will converge on the city of Louisville, KY, for the 50th Annual National Quartet Convention. Recognizing the diversity of voices that are represented at this annual event, the NQC Board of Directors has announced plans to host the first Southern Gospel Bloggers' Roundtable.

Represented at the Roundtable will be individuals who have created and/or contribute to internet weblogs dedicated to Southern Gospel Music. “When we were presented with this opportunity,” NQC Executive Vice President Clarke Beasley explains, “we felt that it was a very innovative idea that represented the advancements Southern Gospel Music is making.”

According to Beasley and coordinators of the Roundtable, the individuals who have been invited to be a part of the discussion are a diverse group, and include writers, singers, songwriters, publicists, radio personnel and journalists within and beyond the Southern Gospel Music industry. The group is indicative of the variety and versatility of voices and opinions, as well as the variety of perspectives that encompass the Southern Gospel Music community. The Roundtable discussion will focus on the role blogs should play in Southern Gospel Music.

Organizers of the event hope the NQC Bloggers' Roundtable shows the way a community of mostly young writers interested in Southern Gospel has taken shape online and that those writers are interested in continuing the conversation off-line too, in forums like the roundtable discussion.

The National Quartet Convention is the only event of the year where Southern Gospel Music fans can see and hear their favorite groups at a single event, then have the opportunity to meet group members and purchase their music at any one of the 450 exhibit booths which span throughout 175,000 square feet. Southern Gospel Music lovers can enjoy their favorite music all day long, as music spectaculars begin daily as early as 9:30am and continue until midnight each evening.

Nightly concerts will be held at the Kentucky Fair & Expo Center's Freedom Hall, with afternoon concerts and worship services also scheduled throughout the grounds of the Fair and Expo Center.

Complete information about the 50th Annual National Quartet Convention may be obtained by calling 1-800-846-8499 or log on to www.natqc.com. 

IMPERIALS NEW PROJECT AVAILABLE (story added August 12)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees The Imperials announced today that the group is now taking pre-orders for their highly anticipated new recording, Back to the Roots.

Back to the Roots will feature 11 newly recorded classic songs that The Imperials made popular through their rich and varied history. Back to the Roots will feature songs from the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s and range all the way from the Jake Hess years to the Russ Taff era and everything in between.

Back to the Roots will feature production work from award-winning producer Michael Sykes (Gaither Vocal Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Gold City).

The cost of the pre-order is $15.00, plus $5.00 for shipping and handling. The new album is due out by September 10, 2007, in time for the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

Shannon Smith of The Imperials said, “We’re excited to be offering pre-sales and orders for the new album because that means that we are that much closer to having the final product in our hands.”

“The feedback that we have gotten from this album so far is outstanding,” mentioned Ian Owens of the Imperials. We had a lot of fun making this album, and we know our fans are going to love it.”

A track listing for Back to the Roots includes the following: “Your First Day In Heaven”, “No Shortage”, “I Believe”, “We’ve Got a Great Big Wonderful God”, “Be Still My Soul”, “He’s Everything to Me”, “Praise the Lord”, “My Child, Welcome Home”, “More”, “Water Grave”, and “I’m Gonna Be There.”

Fans can pre-order Back to the Roots at The Imperials’ website.

The Imperials’ latest release, simply titled The Imperials, recently became available on both iTunes and Rhapsody. The Imperials was released nationally to Christian retail this past April through Lamon Records.

The group recently released “All That Matters to the Lord” to Southern Gospel radio as the follow-up to “Arise My Love.” The song was shipped to radio on the Lamon Radio Hits #14 compilation disc, cut #1. In addition, the song is also being promoted to radio by Theresa Smith-Dillard’s TS Promotions.

For more information on The Imperials, the new recording, and their recent television and media appearances, please visit http://theimperials.com.

POPULAR ARTISTS CELEBRATE ANOTHER TIME (story added August 7)

Birmingham, AL (August 7, 2007) – Buno Productions presents An Evening Of Golden Moments with three of Gospel music’s leading artists. On August 27, 2007, Daywind Records’ artists, Brian Free and Garry Jones and Horizon Records’ artist, Ivan Parker will take center stage, together, at the Bessemer Civic Center in Bessemer, AL, for an evening of music and memories.

“It’s been a long time since Brian, Ivan and I were together on the same stage,” stated Jones. “We’ve shared many wonderful moments and memories together through the years. It was a very special time and I am excited about performing with my friends again.”

These three friends toured extensively together throughout the 80’s and early 90’s before venturing into their individual musical careers. Garry Jones currently performs and records with Mercy’s Mark; Brian Free is scheduled to release his latest record with Brian Free and Assurance this fall, while Ivan Parker tours extensively promoting his solo recording. The profound and historical impact their music made on Southern Gospel is still talked about today.

Along with a live band, this concert will feature many popular songs from that golden era including “I Think I’ll Read It Again,” “John Saw,” “When I Get Carried Away,” and “Midnight Cry.” With special guest performances by Brian Free and Assurance and Mercy’s Mark, this will be a night of celebration you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are limited. For more information, call 205.994.0988. For more information on Brian Free and Assurance and Mercy’s Mark, visit www.daywindrecords.com. For more information on Ivan Parker, visit www.ivanparker.com. 

DAVE WILCOX IN THE HOSPITAL (story added August 7)

(Goodlettsville, TN) - Dave Wilcox, Senior Vice President of the Eddie Crook Company, was recently admitted to the Marion General Hospital in Marion, Indiana after suffering chest pains and an abnormal blood pressure. Dave is now doing fine and back in the office.

"I would like to thank Dr. Charles Dodson and the emergency room staff of the Marion General Hospital for their compassion, kindness and utmost attention! They were great! I am feeling wonderful and glad to be back in the office this week!

I would also like to thank Eddie Crook and Alan Godsey for pinch hitting for me on Saturday afternoon. Also the kindness and concern shown to me by the artists, staff and fans of the Northern Gospel Singing Convention touched me deeply!"

As been rumored, Dave did not suffer a heart attack. He is now searching for a family practitioner and looking forward to changing his lifestyle.

Cards and letters of encouragement can be sent to dave.wilcox@eddiecrook.com or:

Dave Wilcox
Eddie Crook Company
P.O. Box 989
Goodlettsville, TN 37072

ANCHORMEN ON THE GOSPEL GREATS (story added August 7)

GOLDSBORO, NC (August 6, 2007) – Popular Southern Gospel quartet The Anchormen will be the featured group on this weekend's The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil. The program will air on August 11 and 12, 2007 in syndication all across the country.

The quartet will be discussing the current group line-up and their newly recorded Glory Ahead project. In addition, they will be debuting their latest single, "The News Is Out" on the award-winning syndicated radio program.

Paul Heil of the Gospel Greats said, "The Anchormen have a long tradition of high energy and solid songs, and that continues with today's group. I'm happy to be able to introduce each of the four guys to our listeners on this broadcast with some of their newest songs."

"Paul's show is one of the finest aspects of our industry," mentioned Tim Bullins, owner of The Anchormen. "He always knows how to ask the right questions and highlight the best aspects of every group. This interview was no exception."

In addition to the interview, The Gospel Greats with Paul Heil will be giving away 100 copies of the newly recorded Glory Ahead album. The newly recorded album will be available to purchase in time for the National Quartet Convention this coming September in Louisville, Kentucky.

GORDON MOTE JOINS ALISON KRAUSS ON GAC (story added August 7)

Burlington, MA - The Great American Country television network has announced plans to broadcast a series of one-hour music specials featuring Grammy Award winning recording artist, Alison Krauss. The specials, entitled Alison Krauss: A Hundred Miles Or More, will feature Krauss performing duets with some of the nations most popular and legendary recording artists, including James Taylor, Tony Rice, Brad Paisley and John Waite, as well as accompaniment on four songs by RSI recording artist, Gordon Mote.

The specials also feature short interview clips with Krauss and Mote and were taped in a recording studio environment to re-create the making of many of the tracks featured on A Hundred Miles Or More, Krauss highly acclaimed new solo recording, which features Mote on piano.

GAC plans to air Alison Krauss: A Hundred Miles Or More on August 11 at 9:00pm, August 12 at 1:00am, August 19 at 8:00pm and August 20 at 12:00am and 3:00pm. All times listed are Eastern time. Please check local listings for programming availability in your area.

Additional information regarding Gordon Mote or RSI Music may be obtained at www.rsimusicgroup.com.

KING FAMILY CELEBRATES WEDDING (story added August 7)

Sharron Kay King is proud to announce that her daughter, Elizabeth Gayle Ingram, became Mrs. Isaac Johnson on June 2, 2007. The wedding took place at Life Tabernacle Church in Elkhart, Indiana. The wedding was officiated by Isaac's father, Rev. Mark A. Johnson.

"This is some of the most exciting news in the world to share," mentioned Sharron. "I could not be more happy for them. I am very excited at having Isaac join this family."

The couple met over six years ago while attending the same church. Elizabeth and Isaac began dating three and half years ago.

After a week-long trip to Cabo San Lucas, the happy couple will be residing in Indianapolis, Indiana.

JOEY SAXTON ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT (story added August 7)

Joey Saxon, vocalist with Rockmart,GA based Enlisted recently shared exciting news about his upcoming engagement to Ms. Lauren Knowles. Joey proposed during a recent visit at Seagrove Beach, FL.

One third of the exciting trio, Enlisted, Joey and the rest of the group have recently completed vocals on their debut release with Lamp Music Group's Southern Gospel Psalms record label, due out this summer.

For more information about Joey and Enlisted: www.enlisted4him.com 

GREATER VISION PLANS NEW PROJECT (story added August 4)

Nashville, TN (August 3, 2007) – America’s favorite gospel trio, Daywind Records’ artist, Greater Vision, is scheduled to release their latest project, Everyday People, nationwide on September 11, 2007.

Produced by Gerald Wolfe, the simplicity of Everyday People will take you back to their roots to relive the albums you fell in love with. With eight of the 11 songs penned by multiple Singing News Fan Award recipient for Songwriter of the Year, Rodney Griffin, one shouldn’t expect anything but the best.

“Whether your celebrating on a mountain or suffering through a valley, we hope this album has something just for you,” shared Griffin. “Each song was written from the heart in order to touch the heart of every listener.”

“It Means Just What It Says,” a captivating energetic song relating to the actuality and truth of the Bible, will be released to Southern Gospel radio in mid-summer.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution, Word and WEA. In addition to Greater Vision, Daywind is home to great artists such as Karen Peck and New River, Legacy Five, Brian Free and Assurance, and others.

For more information on Greater Vision, visit www.greatervisionmusic.com. For more information on Daywind Records, visit www.daywindrecords.com.

DJ MAN AND CHAPEL VALLEY STUDIOS ANNOUNCE VENTURE (story added August 4)

After several years of self-promoting to southern gospel radio, Shannon & Melissa Bunch have decided to take this business aspect to the next level with the formation of Music Bunch Radio Promotions. This endeavor will partner with two of the industry’s most reliable sources, Chapel Valley Studios and Phillip Emery’s DJ Man Promotions.

Shane Roark, producer for Chapel Valley Studio, has been at the helm of recording charting songs for his family, The Roarks, such as Momma Can Pray, Great Big God and their current release There Is a God. Bunch’s last two albums have also been recorded at Chapel Valley and have produced charting songs such as The Harvest Is Ripe, One Day My Day Will Come and his current single Chains Fell Away.

After much consideration and collaboration Bunch and Roark contacted Phillip Emery, owner of DJ Man Promotions. Emery, with a track record that reads like an award show, has certainly proven himself to be a top-notch radio promoter with over 20 #1 songs like, Cathedrals - He Made A Change, Anchormen - Giver Of Life, and Heirline - You'll Never Run Out Of The Blood, to name a few. His current credits include Bates Family-Everything, New Ground - Cast The First Stone, and HisSong’s - The Grave Can't Hold Me.

Bunch explains, “This joint venture is a ‘God-thing’.” That’s to say, with prayer and patience God has brought a collective effort which will work together for the common good of each artist that is represented via this partnership. We have realized by using each other’s varied resources we can do more jointly than we can individually.

The first radio compilation to include these joint efforts will be available at the National Quartet Convention with direct shipping to follow. At press time this disc will include new singles by Shannon Bunch and Faith 3. Works are underway to make these singles downloadable via the internet in high quality format.

For more info contact shannon@shannonbunch.com or call 888.699.4922

SOUTHERNGOSPELTUBE.COM OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES (story added August 1)

We are pleased to announce the official launch of Southern Gospel’s first family friendly video site, SouthernGospelTube.com. SouthernGospelTube.com is a video site, much like the popular YouTube where you can upload, share and watch video clips. There are channels dedicated to Full Time Gospel Groups, Part Time Gospel Groups, Amateurs, Choirs, Original Songs, Instructional, Humor, kids and much, much more. Best of all, it is Christian owned and operated and all videos are screened before they are posted.

With all the dangers on the internet there are not many safe places that your family and children can surf and be entertained without fear of stumbling across undesirable material. Now there IS a place on the internet that is entertaining AND safe for families and children, SouthernGospelTube.com. So feel safe knowing that your family is safe and entertained with good Christian content at SouthernGospelTube.com.

Starting in August SouthernGospelTube.com will be broadcasting the Glory Train TV program, a weekly TV show featuring Gospel Videos. The 30 minute show is hosted by Danny O’Day and will be available to watch 24 hours a day.

If you’d like more information about SouthernGospelTube.com, or to schedule an interview with Clint Kerns call 706-313-5803 or send an emai to: Clint Kerns at webmaster@SouthernGospelTube.com

KAREN PECK & NEW RIVER AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY (story added August 1)

Nashville, TN (July 31, 2007) – Daywind Records’ artist, Karen Peck and New River, will take center stage at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, on Friday, August 3, 2007, at 9:30 PM CST. Karen Peck and New River will appear alongside country artists Diamond Rio, Porter Wagoner, and The Whites.

“Susan and I grew up listening to so many legendary performers on the Opry stage. To walk on that stage and stand in the circle from the original Ryman stage is overwhelming,” stated Karen Peck Gooch. Karen Peck and New River will be performing songs from their latest Daywind Records’ album, Journey of Joy, available nationwide. The performance will include the song “Last Night,” their current Southern Gospel radio single charting at #2 on the Singing News National Radio chart.

The Grand Ole Opry is a twice-weekly program, broadcasted live on WSM radio in Nashville, TN, and televised on the Great American Country (GAC) network. It is the oldest continuous radio program in the United States, having been broadcast on WSM since 1925.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution, Word and WEA. In addition to Karen Peck and New River, Daywind is home to great artists such as Austins Bridge, Brian Free and Assurance, Hope’s Call, and others.

For more information on Karen Peck and New River, visit www.karenpeckandnewriver.com. For more information on Daywind Records, visit www.daywindrecords.com. 

DIAMOND AWARDS LOOKING FOR SPONSOR (story added August 1)

Cadet, MO….Allen Smith, owner and publisher of SGN Scoops Magazine and the annual SGN Scoops Diamond Awards is announcing the withdrawal of Wilds and Associates as the corporate sponsor of this year’s Diamond Awards program.

SGN Scoops received the following email message from Wilds & Associates on Tuesday, “I feel at this time, it is in Wilds & Associates best interest to withdraw sponsorship of the 2007 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards. I believe that further involvement will be a detriment to our business and it will be in our best interest to withdraw all sponsorship at this time.”

When Allen Smith talked with Randall Wilds about the matter, Mr. Wilds cited an on going conflict he was having with one of the performers on the program as his reason for pulling Wilds & Associates sponsorship. He further stated that a new location would have to be found for the Diamond Awards, for he would not be releasing the room.

The event, held annually during the week of the National Quartet Convention, was to have taken place on Friday, September 14, 2007 in the Mary Room of the Executive West Hotel.

“We are asking for everyone’s prayers about this matter, as we search for another location for this year’s SGN Scoops Diamond Awards,” stated Allen Smith, “We are just a few short weeks from NQC, and it will be next to impossible to find a new location, but we are trusting that the Lord will not let us down.”

For more information, call Allen Smith at: 573-220-8231.