DIANNE WILKINSON AND DAYWIND MUSIC PUBLISHING CELEBRATE NUMBER ONE (story added June 29)

Hendersonville, Tenn. (June 27, 2008) - Daywind Music Publishing songwriter, Dianne Wilkinson, is having a tremendous year and her amazing gift just keeps on giving. Her song, “What We Needed,” recorded by the Kingdom Heirs made it’s way to the #1 spot in the Singing News chart for July.

This is a banner year for Dianne with multiple hit singles charting in major Southern Gospel publications nationwide, as well as numerous recorded songs on newly released CDs and DVDs. Some of the songs making big waves at radio are #1 song, “What We Needed" (Kingdom Heirs), "Know-So Salvation" (Legacy Five), "The Old White Flag" (Triumphant Quartet), "Even Thomas Couldn't Doubt It" (Mark Trammell Trio), and "Boundless Love" (Beene Family).

Dianne is recognized for some incredible classics as well. She began songwriting in the 1970’s. Her first recorded song was "Behold the Lamb" by the Song Masters in 1976. Her song, “We Shall See Jesus,” by the legendary Cathedrals, won SGMA Song of the Year in 1984 and “Jesus Has Risen,” also by the Cathedrals, won the Singing News Fan Award for Song of the Year in 1995, respectively. She has had songs recorded by Greater Vision, the Hoppers, the Kingdom Heirs, Legacy Five, the Dove Brothers, the Kingsmen, Brian Free and Assurance, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, The Mark Trammell Trio, Karen Peck and New River, Triumphant the Talleys, Gold City, Perfect Heart, the Singing Americans, the Lesters, the James Blackwood Quartet, Down East, Paid in Full, The Palmetto State Quartet, and the Melody Boys.

Rick Shelton, creative director for Daywind Music Publishing declares, “We are so very proud of Dianne and the momentum of her songwriting career. There is a special synergy between her and the Kingdom Heirs and the combination is simply fantastic. We are thrilled to celebrate this achievement with her.”

To learn more about Dianne Wilkinson, visit www.diannewilkinson.com. To learn more about Daywind music, visit www.daywind.com.

NAOMI SEGO UPDATE (story added June 29)

Centerville, GA - Miss Naomi wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes during her eye surgery on Wednesday, June 25th. The surgery went well. Miss Naomi indicates her vision is much better than it has been. She again expresses that she will be honoring her scheduling commitments for this week-end.

IVAN PARKER TO BE FEATURED ON THE GOSPEL GREATS (story added June 25)

Nashville, TN - Popular multi-award winning male vocalist, Ivan Parker, will be the featured guest on this weeks highly successful Gospel Greats syndicated radio program. This weeks program will feature songs from Ivans recently released Inseparable recording, from Crossroads Entertainment. The recording includes Parkers current Top 20 release, You Cant Take My Crown, which is presently playing at radio stations nationwide.

The Gospel Greats, hosted by Paul Heil, airs on more than 200 radio stations throughout the United States and Canada, as well as XM Radio. To obtain complete information about The Gospel Greats, visit www.thegospelgreats.com.

Information regarding Ivan Parker, including the talented singers complete tour schedule may be obtained at www.ivanparker.com.

Note: The Gospel Greats can be heard on Tunes4Him.com.  Visit www.tunes4him.com for airing times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

NAOMI SEGO REQUESTS YOUR PRAYERS (story added June 25)

CENTERVILLE, GA - Prayers are requested for Naomi Sego of the legendary Naomi and The Segos. Miss Naomi will undergo minor eye surgery Wednesday, July 25th.

JANET PASCHAL IN THE STUDIO (story added June 25)

Nashville, TN - The rumors are accurate - Janet Paschal is back! Shes receiving awards and honors, writing a new book and recording a brand new CD. The recording, which will be available on the Vine Records label, features a collection of some of the talented vocalists most requested songs. The recording, produced by multi-talented producer Wayne Haun, will be entitled Treasure and follows her Dove Award nominee recording Sounds Like Sunday, which has spawned two Top 80 hits, as well as the popular singers current release, Crimson Stream, currently playing at radio stations nationwide.

According to Paschal, who recently received Fan Award nominations for Favorite Female Vocalist and Favorite Soprano from The Singing News Magazine, the new recording will feature some songs she recorded more than 20 years ago. I recorded them when I was nine, Paschal laughs. Seriously, its fun to bring these songs back to the table. Were keeping the thick, rich production on the the ballads and the foot-stomping beats on the uptempo tunes. Were staying true to the original arrangements with some slight updating. There are also a few surprises were real excited about.

The recording will be released in conjunction with Paschals soon-to-be-released literary work, Treasures Of The Snow from Salem Publishing. Both the CD and the book are expected to hit stores this Fall. Visit www.janetpaschal.com for additional information on both projects, as well as Paschals complete summer and fall touring schedule.

SIDE BY SIDE RELEASES DEBUT PROJECT (story added June 23)

Columbus, OH - Side By Side, a newly formed southern gospel quartet, is happy to announce the availability of their self-titled, debut project. The CD "Side By Side" includes 13 selections, three of which were written by Brad Griffis, the lead singer for the group.

Gary Brown, who is the tenor, states, "All the members of this group have a wealth of experience in performing. Brad sang professionally for eight years and is a prolific songwriter as well. We've included three of his songs on our new CD and they are good stuff!"

Side By Side will be featured on Thursday, October 16, at the Circleville, Ohio Pumpkin Show, the largest free festival in the country with over 500,000 people attending the four-day event. The group will entertain the crowd with a 45 minute concert beginning at 7:00pm.

Brad and Gary are joined by Doug Taylor (baritone) and Bruce Landis (bass). Clips of some of their songs, as well as biographical information, photos, etc., are available on the group's website at www.sidebysideqt.com.

LYNDA RANDLE TO HOST WOMEN'S CONFERENCE (story added June 20)

Kansas City, MO - Popular female vocalist and author, Lynda Randle, who has enjoyed national an international musical success, will host an uplifting and enlightening womens conference October 10 and 11 in Liberty, MO, at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. The event, appropriately entitled A Woman After Gods Own Heart, will feature renown author, lyricist and speaker Gloria Gaither, who will serve as the events keynote speaker, as well as Christian recording artist, Judy Martin Hess and nationally recognized Christian comedian, Ms Puddin.

The event, co-sponsored by Lynda Randle Ministries and the Bott Radio Network, will allow attendees the opportunity to explore the vast territory of growth and discovery that can only be achieved through the desire of being a woman after Gods own heart. For so many years, it has been my desire to host a womens conference in my hometown of Kansas City, GMA Dove Award winning vocalist, Lynda Randle states. My desire was to create an event that would be appealing to women of all walks of life, regardless of ethnic backgrounds. My desire was to see those women come together as one to find purpose and passion for living a vibrant Christian life.

Complete information regarding A Woman After Gods Own Heart Womens Conference may be obtained online at www.lyndarandle.com. Registration forms are available on-line. Just a few days remain for those wishing to register and receive the special Early Registration Rate of $55.00. Standard registration will begin July 1. Additional information may be obtained by calling 816-792-5353.

DOYLE LAWSON & QUICKSILVER TO BE FEATURED ON GRAND OLE OPRY (story added June 19)

Nashville, TN - Multi-talented recording artist, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will be featured on the stage of the renown Grand Ole Opry on Friday, June 20. The popular musical group is expected to perform songs from their Crossroads Entertainment Help Is On The Way recording, which features the groups current Top 10 single by the same title that is presently playing at radio stations nationwide.

Other performers scheduled to join Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver on the Opry on Friday will be Vince Gill, The Gatlin Brothers, Restless Heart, The Whites, Point of Grace and Riders In The Sky. The Grand Ole Opry Live is featured on the country hits channel Nashville on XM Radio 11, beginning at 9:00pm (Eastern time). Visit www.opry.com for additional information, including ticket information and a complete listing of the artists who will be featured during Friday nights performance. Also, visit www.doylelawson.com for the bands complete touring schedule.

SIGNATURE SOUND QUARTET RELEASES VINTAGE RECORDING (story added June 19)

Nashville, TN - In conjunction with the highly anticipated summer concert tour, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound has released a brand new recording,, which takes the popular quartet and fans back to the roots of Gospel Music. The vintage quartet stylings which were popularized by the legendary quartets of the 1950s have been brought back to life through the latest release from Ernie Haase & Signature Sound. Appropriately entitled Influenced, the recording captures the pure essence and simplicity of the four-part harmony that blazed the trail for so many talented quartets.

We have been greatly influenced by the rich heritage of Gospel Music, Signature Sound leader Ernie Haase states. We wanted to pay tribute to the singers and songwriters who started this journey that we continue to travel. On this recording, we used players who were very intimate with the art form and recorded with vintage amps, guitars and an upright bass. We even sang and recorded the vocals like the groups did back in the 50s, on two microphones, with no multi-tracking. Our desire is to make sure names like Jake, Hovie and Chief never die. We hope their legacy lives on through this recording.

Influenced comes on the heels of the groups 2008 GMA Dove Award for their Get Away Jordan recording, which was named Southern/Country Gospel Album of the Year and also produced the groups 2008 GMA Dove Award for Song of the Year for the recordings title cut. Influenced will not be distributed to retail and is not available on the groups website. The recording is only available for sale at the Signature Sound summer tour dates, which include 20 stops during June, July and the first part of August. Tour stops include Birmingham, Nashville, Greensboro, Tulsa and two concert events in Ft Worth. A complete list of Tour dates, as well as soundclips from the new recording are available online at www.ermiesigsound.com.

Influenced will be featured this week on the highly successful Gospel Greats Radio Program, hosted by Paul Heil, which airs on more than 200 radio stations throughout the United States and Canada, as well as via XM Radio. To obtain complete information about The Gospel Greats, visit www.thegospelgreats.com.

Note: The Gospel Greats can be heard on Tunes4Him.com.  Visit www.tunes4him.com for airing times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

"JINGLES" LOOKING FOR GOSPEL MUSIC PERFORMERS (story added June 16)

Have you always watched or listened to commercials and jingles and thought, "I CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT!!!"

CBS and Mark Burnett Productions have teamed up to find the greatest undiscovered marketing genius for a new show, “Jingles.” Do you think that you could use your quick mind and musical skills to wow Fortune 500 companies with your talent?

We are looking for teams of two to three people to write and perform product jingles. We are looking for fun, high-energy performances mixed with a competitive spirit. Teams will write new jingles weekly for a chance to win $100,000 and a contract with one of the companies!

We are reaching the end of the casting process but are currently specifically looking for Gospel performers!

For details on how to apply, contact Adam at asaltzberg@markburnettprod.com

NQC PROGRAM BOOK ADVERTISING DEADLINE ANNOUNCED (story added June 16)

Louisville, KY - With the arrival of summer, thoughts turn to Southern Gospel Musics premier event, the National Quartet Convention, which takes place September 8-13, 2008, in Louisville, KY. Reservations have been made at area hotels by fans, artists, media and industry leaders attending the event.

With this years NQC less than three months away, the NQC officials and b.Creative, the firm responsible for producing the events program book, have announced the date for the advertising space deadline. The deadline to reserve advertising space in the 2008 NQC Program Book is July 1, 2008, and the deadline for receipt of all ads is August 1.

This year marks the third year b.Creative has coordinated the NQC Program book, and according to company President Brad Strider, it is a thrill to partner with the NQC to produce this souvenir favorite. We are thrilled to once again coordinate the NQC Program Book, Strider states. We are excited to be affiliated with such an organization and such a tremendous event as the National Quartet Convention.

To reserve space or obtain program book advertising rates, contact Lavonda Housand at 336-315-1867 or email Lavonda at lavonda@bcreativeonline.com.

PROPHETS QUARTET RELEASE NEW PROJECT (story added June 15)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – River of Life Music Group and RiverBend Media are proud to announce the release of The Prophets' much-anticipated recording – I'll Follow.

I'll Follow is the debut release from the recent revival of The Prophets by industry veteran Ed Hill. In addition, the group features the talents of veteran Bill Baize, Gaither Homecoming favorite Mike Allen, and newcomer/songwriter Paul Jackson. Legendary pianist and industry leader Eddie Crook accompanies the group on piano.

Ed Hill said, "I have been singing Gospel music for 49 years with various groups, but I am most proud of starting the Prophets Quartet in 1959. Through the years, everywhere I go, people still approach me and tell me how much they love the Prophets and still play the old albums. This has been a labor of love for me, and I dedicate this project to all the Prophets fans with love and pride."

I'll Follow was produced by Johnny Minick, Michael Sykes, and Aaron Minick. Orchestrations were arranged by Lari Goss and Camp Kirkland. I'll Follow was mixed by Aaron Minick and Eddie Crook.

Producer Johnny Minick said, "It has been a joy to be a part of the production team for this project. My thanks to Bill, Ed, Mike, Paul, and Eddie for the contribution of their talents and their dedication to this long awaited revival of The Prophets."

The new recording features a mix of new songs and updated versions of previous Prophets Quartet songs. Group member Paul Jackson contributed five songs to the album. Additional songs were written or co-written by John Daniel, Daniel J. Mount, Susan Farah, Johnny Minick, Terry Pillow, Charles Billingsley, Cheryl Rogers, Nathan DiGesare, and Lari Goss.

I'll Follow also features some of the industry's most sought after session players – including Dirk Johnson, Bobby All, Kelly Back, Joel Key, Johnny Minick, Aaron Minick, Doug Jernigan, and more.

Details on where you can purchase the new album and single releases will be released shortly.

More information on the newly revived quartet will be available at http://www.prophetsquartet.com. 

AMERICAN QUARTET RELEASES NEW PROJECT (story added June 15)

The American Quartet announces the release of their newest project "Telling The World" Recorded and produced by Art Bain at Artist Tracks Management studios in Williamston, SC. this CD has already received wide acclaim. Roger Queen - group founder and lead vocalist selected each single on the project and by doing so has given the quartet its' sound that is reminiscent of the style that it once was popular for. Rick Strickland - tenor vocalist is featured on songs that he once performed with the great JD Sumner and The Stamps such as 'Til The Storm Passes By" and "What A Homecoming Day." Longtime member Darrin Lovelace - baritone vocalist is featured on "There Is A Haven." Rounding out the group is veteran bass vocalist Clarence Bailey in which gives an outstanding performance on "God Shall Wipe Away All Tears."

The American Quartet books in-house and can be contacted as follows: (828)245-8364 or by visiting www.theamericanquartet.com. 

JASON AND LISA COUCH ANNOUNCE NEW BABY (story added June 15)

Nashville, TN - Ernie Couch & Revival and Applause Central are proud to announce a new addition to their rosters yet Jason Couch, one of the founding members of EC&R, has not brought in a new group member and Lisa Couch, owner of the talent agency Applause Central, has not added a new group. They did however add to their family! Memphis Ryder Couch was born May 19th 2008. He weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces. This is their first child. Lisa and Jason could not be happier with this addition and look forward to sleeping once again. Ernie Couch, the new grandpa, grins with pride day in and day out. To see more pictures of Memphis, go see EC&R in concert and just ask Ernie or Jason about this new bundle of joy!

MERCY'S WELL BEGINS WORK ON CHRISTMAS RECORDING (story added June 11)

Nashville, TN - Multi-talented vocal group, Mercys Well has begun work on a brand new recording, set to be released in the Fall of 2008. The recording is being produced by veteran Mercys Well producer Donna Beauvais, and will be available nationwide in time for the Christmas season.

The recording will mark the trios first Christmas recording and will feature the groups rich vocals, accompanied by pianist Tim Akers, whos long list of credits includes Rascal Flatts, SHeDAISY and LeAnn Rimes.

Visit www.mercyswell.com to stay up-to-date on the exact release date, as well as other exciting news from Mercys Well.

EIGHTH DAY WELCOMES DAVE MANN (story added June 11)

SPARTANBURG, SC – Eighth Day is proud to announce the addition of Dave Mann as the group’s new baritone vocalist.

Dave is a native of Gaylord, Michigan where he resides with his wife Jael and their one year old son Jack. Dave is a former member of the Kitsons where he sang with his wife and brother-in-law, Jacob Kitson (the recently hired tenor for Greater Vision).

Scott Robinson of Eighth Day said, “Looking for a new vocalist is always a bit exhausting. We are excited that we found Dave. He’s a very talented vocalist, and we look forward to a long future with him.”

Dave and his family will be soon relocating to Spartanburg, South Carolina where Eighth Day is located.

Eighth Day is preparing for their new recording, which will release later this summer. The group is still taking demos for a piano player. All demos and applications should be forwarded to Scott Robinson. You can email Scott at scott@eighthdaymusic.com.

More information on Eighth Day can be found at http://www.eighthdaymusic.com. 

NAOMI & THE SEGOS TO RELEASE FINAL PROJECT (story added June 11)

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--June 9, 2008--Vine Records has announced the release of the final project from longtime Gospel music legends Naomi & the Segos. The recording, produced by award-winning team Wayne Haun and Kevin Ward and appropriately entitled Happy Ending, will hit shelves nationwide on June 24th, distributed by Crossroads Entertainment and Marketing.

"I have been listening to this group as long as I can remember," stated Haun, president of Vine Records. "Her [Naomi's] ministry helped to inspire me to get into Gospel music, so to be a part of their finale project is an honor, and I feel like I've become a very small part of a long and successful history."

Happy Ending, which contains the now classic title cut recorded years ago by the famed Nelons, takes longtime fans on one last musical journey from a group known and loved for over 50 years. This recording features vocal performances of Kasey Kemp and Judson Horner, who have traveled alongside Naomi for several years combined.

Happy Ending captures the core harmony sounds for which the group is known combined with the loving spirit and emotion of Naomi. The album contains songs from such acclaimed writers as Belinda Smith, Joel Lindsey, Tony Wood, and Colbert and Joyce Croft. The first single, "99 1/2," has just been released to radio stations nationwide.

Fans of Naomi & the Segos have been enjoying them since the group originally began as The Sego Brothers & Naomi in the late '50s. James Sego, along with his wife, Naomi, and his brothers W.R. and Lamar, hosted a popular tv program on WMAZ-TV in Macon, Ga. Eventually, the quartet made its way to Music City where they recorded what would be their first hit "Is My Lord Satisfied with Me." Then in 1962, the group recorded "Sorry I Never Knew You," a career-changing hit that made Naomi & the Segos the first group in history to record and sell a million records.

Throughout the '60s, the group traveled the globe, recorded hits, appeared on the hit tv show "The Gospel Singing Jubilee" and became a household name in the Gospel music industry--a name and ministry that has continued on with the group still performing around 200 dates annually throughout the United States and Canada. In recent years, Naomi has been a part of the Gaither Homecoming video series, has become a member of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has been traveling alongside longtime friends LuLu Roman and (recently deceased) Dottie Rambo on a special Golden Girls tour when not on the road with the Segos.

As recently reported, in preparation for their futures, Segos Kemp and Horner recently left the road in a full-time capacity with Naomi and started a duplication business in North Carolina.

"We will miss traveling with Naomi," states Kemp. "Our time with her has altered the courses of our lives not only musically but as friends who have been impacted by her on so many levels. We are grateful for our time with her, and the opportunity for us to start a duplication business has come at an ideal time for us."

As for the Segos, Naomi states, "Contrary to recent misrepresentations, Kasey, Judson and I are on good terms. They are like sons to me and have never threatened me. The Sego name and rights are not and have never been in jeopardy. These boys have been an integral part of this group on multiple levels, and we have enjoyed our years on the road and writing this final chapter together. We will be promoting this recording together and doing interviews together. We may even do a few last stands together on select dates. I am grateful for all of these years and excited to be ending the group on a high note with this album. I will continue to travel as long as I can get up and get on the road. It's what I've done for so many years, and ministry is what I love to do."

For further information regarding Naomi & the Segos, visit www.naomiandthesegos.org

GOSPEL CRUISE PLANNED FOR MARCH OF 2009 (story added June 8)

Miami, Florida, Mar. 29 – Apr. 5, 2008 — The inaugural Christian Cruisers Club is setting sail for seven days on the Carnival Triumph Cruise Liner. On three of those days you will anchor in San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Marten in the Eastern Caribbean while on other days you will enjoy a host of musicians, comedians and authors. They will inspire and provide entertainment, while you enjoy a week of encouragement, inspiration and take in God’s beauty on a Caribbean cruise.

The Carnival Triumph is the second ship in Carnival’s Destiny class of Mega Liners. On the cruise you will hear the comedy of Darren Marlar who believes “Filthy Ain’t Funny.” His clean humor is family friendly and filled with humor for all ages. Vonda Skelton will help you get a grip and find your footing with giggles and grace. Her light touch combined with her deep heart makes her presentations worth embracing. Chris Binion is dedicated to music, family, comedy and ministry and he uses the “same Godly message” with fresh lyrics.

A host of musicians will provide entertainment and they include: HisSong, Eighth Day, Impending Bloom, William Boyd Chisum, Kathy Joy Bell, 2nd Generation, The Glovers, and Chris Hester.

A series of authors and inspirational speakers will also inspire and encourage, and they include Christian Western Fiction writer Terry Burns. Sandra Stanford who is passionate for God, says He swept her off of her feet. Sarah Goebel, founder of Declaring His Answer Ministries and a radio host will share from her heart. Pam Kumpe, an inspirational newspaper columnist is your “Pray & Play” friend from East Texas and Geralyn Beauchamp is a former book reviewer, and current Wellness and Relationship coach. Come along with these musicians, comedians and authors and enjoy an added bonus to your Christian cruise experience.

For more information on the Mar. 29-Apr. 5 Christian Carnival Cruise go to www.hightowercruises.com, or call 877.265.7003.

FAITH 3 IN NEED OF PRAYER (story added June 5)

We would like for you to please pray for Janine, of Faith3, and her family when you pray. Janine's brother, Alvie Mckenzie, passed away due to a massive heart attack Tuesday evening. Alvie was a very well known man. He loved the Lord and lived his life accordingly for many years. Alvie was also a very talented and gifted song writer and singer/musician. Please remember his wife Vickie and family also. This has been a very big shock, but we know that God was ready for Alvie to be with Him. Viewing and services will be held at the Higdon Holiness Church in Higdon, Alabama. His funeral will be Friday at 2:00 p.m. e.d.t

GAITHER TELEVISION PRODUCTION WINS AWARD (story added June 5)

Nashville, TN (6-5-08) -- Gaither Television Productions has received two Communicator Awards of Excellence, the highest honor bestowed by the International Academy of the Visual Arts. Capturing two of the top trophies from among 8,000 entries were Elvis Lives: The 25th Anniversary Special and The Gospel Music of Johnny Cash.

Barry Jennings and Bill Carter served as executive producers for both videos, and Michael Merriman produced and directed the Cash video and produced the Elvis video.

The Communicator Awards is the leading international awards program honoring creative excellence for Communications Professionals. Founded by communication professionals over a decade ago, The 14th Annual Communicator Awards received over 8,000 entries from companies and agencies of all sizes, making it one of the largest awards of its kind in the world. The Award of Excellence is given to those entries whose ability to communicate puts them among the best in the field.

“Any award voted by a jury of media professionals is highly prized,” said Barry Jennings, president of Gaither Television Productions. “The estates of both Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash entrusted GTP with the legacy of these two renowned artists, so there is a great sense of validation that we touched people in telling their stories. This is a great honor indeed for the company, the estates and our elite production team of Michael Merriman, Andreas Kouris and others.”

The Communicator Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, communications, advertising, creative and marketing firms.

Gaither Television Productions is responsible for the Gaither Homecoming series of videos, numbering more than 100, as well as God’s Ambassador, a documentary on the life of Billy Graham, and He Touched Me: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley, among others.

HORACE GARNER INJURED IN ACCIDENT (story added June 5)

Horace Garner of the Garners was involved in a serious accident yesterday in his hometown of Douglasville, GA.

He was rushed to the Atlanta Medical Center in downtown Atlanta and was treated as a head trauma victim. The CAT scan revealed that his neck was broken.

He has apparently suffered a c1 fracture which according to the doctors typically leads to paralysis, but not the case.

The family is waiting on word from a spinal specialist and it seems like he will have a "halo" attached to aid in the healing process.

Horace is the tenor singer for longtime Lamp Music Artist - The Garner Family. Horace is also a radio personality "LT" for area radio station WGMI.

Please keep him and the family in your prayers.

IVAN PARKER RELEASES NEW DVD (story added June 5)

Alexandria, IN - In recognition of the release of the Best Of Ivan Parker DVD from Gaither Music Group, the Gaither Family Resource Center in Alexandria, IN, hosted a release party on Thursday, May 29. Parker was on hand to sign videos and visit with those attending the event. Attendees enjoyed watching portions of the video and also an impromptu get to know Ivan better question and answer session.

The Best of Ivan Parker made its television debut Memorial Day weekend and officially released to the public on Tuesday, May 27. The video features songs Parker has made popular over the past decade through the Gaither Video Series.

According to officials with Gaither Music Group, during the first week of sales, the recording posted some rather impressive numbers. The Best Of Ivan Parker CD appeared on CCM Chart in the Top 10, and appeared on the Southern Gospel Audio Chart at Number One. Additionally, the Best of Ivan Parker DVD made its debut at the Number One slot on the Christian Music Video Chart and Number Two on the Billboard Music Video Chart behind the Steve Miller Band, who sat atop the Chart.

The Best of Ivan Parker DVD and CD is available at retail outlets nationwide. To obtain a complete listing of music available from Ivan Parker, visit www.ivanparker.com.

MASTER PEACE AND BARKER BROTHERS TO APPEAR AT RINGGOLD DEPOT (story added June 4)

Gospel trio Modern Peace will bring its tight harmonies to Sacred Sounds Fridays June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot, Depot Street and U.S. 41 in Ringgold, Ga. in a special concert for the Share America Foundation, Inc. The youthful bluegrass act the Barker Brothers from East Tennessee will also appear. Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” will emcee. Ticket donation is $5.

The Chattanooga-based group includes tenor Marcus Faulkner, lead Mark Hooker and baritone Brian Morse.

Morse said its ultimate focus is to lead lost souls to Christ or at least plant a seed in those that see and hear them such as in their latest single “I Believe He’s Coming Back.”

After graduating high school, Morse studied voice with legendary Southern gospel icon Lee Roy Abernathy.

“Studying with him was a real big influence on me,” he said.

He shared that Faulkner also studied with the legend and discovered he was to be a tenor although he thought he was meant to be a bass singer like his father who sang for The Trailblazers Quartet.

Hooker comes from a family legacy of ministers and choir directors.

Understanding the importance of supporting youth in performing is something that he received a first-hand experience on when Big Jim Hamill of the Kingsmen Quartet made note of his singing talents on the stage of the Memorial Auditorium during a live recording performance many years ago.
“The Lord has given me a song to sing and a message in my heart,” Hooker said. “Whether it is in the good times or bad the psalmist said ‘I will sing unto the Lord a new song.’ That is my heart's desire.”

Morse said that is why the group is giving their time to encourage youth for Share America.

“I think all of us were exposed to music at an early age,” he said. “With me not being that involved in church growing up, it was extremely positive thing to see the emotion which I had never seen before in this type of music.”

For more information about the group, visit his Web site masterpeaceministries.org.

Also joining the Share America Foundation on June 13 is the Barker Brothers featuring Jeremy, 18, who sings and plays the flattop guitar, and his brother Jonathan, 14, performs on the banjo and accompanies his brother on vocals. Joining them on stage are their parents — Angie, who plays acoustic bass, and Scott, who plays mandolin.

The event is a fundraiser for the Pearl and Floyd Franks Scholarship Fund. The Share America Foundation, Inc., a Georgia non-profit, presents scholarships to talented musicians who excel in the Appalachian musical arts.

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. For more information, Share America Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 42 Tunnel Hill, Ga. 30755

CHRIS HESTER IN THE STUDIO (story added June 4)

Nashville,TN (Press Release-Rick Hendrix) Soloist Chris Hester has been seen in Nashville lately cutting tracks for his new project. The project will be the follow up to his 2005 release "Its a Good Life" and is scheduled to drop July 2008."I was blessed to have worked once again with my producer and good friends Kevin Ward and Jason Webb". The project is yet untitled and comprised of 10 brand new songs from a few new writers and songs from the pen of Chris Binion, Dottie Rambo and Jason Street. The first single will be a Dottie Rambo classic "Tears Will Never Stain" and features Misty Freeman. "I remember the morning I heard of Dottie's passing," said manager Rick Hendrix. "I called Chris with the news. We had already cut and arranged the song with Dottie's wishes the week before her death, and felt it had to be the first single."

For more information on the release of the new project, go online to www.chrishester.com for the latest information.

ALLISON LYNN'S SINGLE AVAILABLE ON RADIOACTIVE AIRPLAY (story added June 4)

NASHVILLE, TN (Press Release) - June 4, 2008 - Allison Lynn has released her new single, "Shepherd of the Hills," through Radioactive Airplay.

"Shepherd of the Hills," which debuted in the Top 30 on the Radioactive Airplay chart, is the first release from Allison Lynn's CD, Real Big Fan. Written by Joel Lindsey and Tony Wood, "Shepherd of the Hills" is a soothing ballad that evokes images from the 23rd Psalm. "I love the message of this song," says Allison. "It has received wonderful response from live audiences and fans of the CD, and I'm really excited about giving other people the chance to hear it through Radioactive Airplay."

Radioactive Airplay's Charles Brady had much to say when asked about working with Allison Lynn, "Allison is a beautiful and vibrant young lady who is full of talent and creativity. She loves the music and it shows. "Shepherd of the Hills" was a great choice for Allison to record. It is a beautiful song that is captured by a young lady with a beautiful voice."

To celebrate the release, Allison is hosting a Single Release Party in Nashville. Guest appearances include Southern Gospel soloist Tara Jackson and Christian songwriter Gerald Flemming.

ALLISON LYNN'S SINGLE RELEASE PARTY
Monday, June 9, 7:00pm
Edgehill Cafe, 1201 Villa Place, Nashville, TN 37212
FREE TO THE PUBLIC

Radio stations interested in downloading "Shepherd of the Hills" can visit http://www.radioactiveairplay.com/members/891/ 

For more information about Allison Lynn and Real Big Fan, please visit www.allisonlynn.com. 

OLIVER NORTH STOPS BY LEGACY FIVE'S CELEBRATION (story added June 4)

Hendersonville, TN (June 3, 2008) – Daywind recording artist, Legacy Five’s, Celebration, held on Memorial Day weekend, turned into an extraordinary treat when military hero and best-selling author, Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, made a surprise visit. North spoke to over 2,000 attendees with heart and passion as he shared some insight about his new book, which is on the New York Times best sellers list, America Heroes.

Scott Fowler of Legacy Five had this to say about that special moment during the event. “What an honor it was to have Col. North at our Memorial Day event to help us celebrate the memory and sacrifice of our service men and women. Col. North did a great job of reminding everyone in attendance that we are so blessed as a nation to have great citizens and a great God. We are indeed a blessed nation. Thank you Col. North for reminding us of this fact.”

Also appearing with Legacy Five and Oliver North were Greater Vision, Janet Pascal, Dr. Charles Stanley, Voices of Lee, The Pfeifers, Ken Davis, and others.

Legacy Five hosts Celebration every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. The next event, August 30-September 1, 2008, will feature Legacy Five, the Booth Brothers, Dennis Swanberg, Dr. David Jeremiah, the Birchfield Brothers, Buddy Green, the Hoppers and Phil Hoskins. For more information on future Celebration events, go to http://legacyfive.com/CelebrationLaborDay2008brochure.pdf. For concert tickets only, please call 615-794-9125.

For more information on Legacy Five, visit www.legacyfive.com. For up-to-date news and information on Legacy Five, visit www.legacyfive.com/email_subscribe.htm and sign-up to receive their free newsletter. To learn more about Daywind Records, visit www.daywindrecords.com. 

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors. In addition to Legacy Five, Daywind Records is home to great artists such as Brian Free and Assurance, the Perrys, Greater Vision, and others.