In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 11

Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• The Ball Brothers announced the departure of Matt Davis. Matt has been with the group two and a half years. Anyone interested in auditioning can send a resume, one mp3 and/or youtube links to: theballbrothers@hotmail.com.
• The 2018 Dove Award nominations were announced this week. Southern Gospel nominations include -

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year

• Bradley Walker
• Gaither Vocal Band
• Joseph Habedank
• Karen Peck & New River
• Mark Lowry

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

• "He Can Take It" - Brian Free & Assurance/ Jeff Bumgardner, Kenna Turner West and Sue Smith
• "Clear Skies" - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound/ Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun
• "Hallelujah Band" - Gaither Vocal Band/ Becca Mizell, Sam Mizell
• "Washed By the Water" - Jason Crabb/ Dave Barnes, Jason Crabb and Jordan Reynolds
• "Just When You Thought" - Joseph Habedank/ Joseph Habedank, Michael Farren and Wayne Haun

Bluegrass/ Country/ Roots Recorded Song of the Year

• “I Will Someday”  – Bradley Walker/ Chris Stapleton, Garnet Bowman, Morgane Hayes and Ronnie Bowman
• “Chain Breaker”– Gaither Vocal Band/ Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes and Zach Williams
• “Jailbreak” – Joseph Habedank/ Gerald Crabb and Joseph Habedank
• “Dinner on the Ground” – Little Roy & Lizzy Show/ Jeff Bumgardner, Joel Lindsey and Wayne Haun
• “Daddy And Son” – The Nelons/ Dony McGuire, Jason Clark and Reba Rambo-McGuire

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

• Clear Skies – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• We Have This Moment – Gaither Vocal Band
• Still Happy – Goodman Revival
• Hope For All Nations – Karen Peck & New River
• What’s Not To Love?– Mark Lowry

Bluegrass/ Country/ Roots Album of the Year

• Blessed, Hymns and Songs of Faith – Bradley Walker
• Unexpected – Jason Crabb
• Sing It Again, A Collection of Favorites – Jeff & Sheri Easter
• Going Home– Little Roy & Lizzy Show

For all Dove nominees, go to doveawards.com/awards/2018-nominees/

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - October 21

Here are some news items from this week in Southern Gospel music -

• The Dove Awards were held on Tuesday in Nashville. They will air on Sunday night on TBN. Here are a few winners - 
• Southern Gospel Artist of the Year - Gaither Vocal Band
• Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year - "Better Together" by Gaither Vocal Band
• Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year - "When Grandpa Sang Amazing Grace" by the Nelons (writers Wayne Haun and Barbara Huffman)
• Southern Gospel Album of the Year - Resurrection by Joseph Habedank
• Bluegrass/Country/ Roots Album of the Year - Sing It Now by Reba McEntire
• Congratulations to Jeremy and Jennifer Peace (of the LeFevre Quartet) on the addition of their baby girl Leah Rebekah. Mother and baby are doing well. Leah was born on Oct. 17 and weighed 7 lbs. and 1 oz. and was 20 inches long. She joins big sisters Abigail, Elizabeth and Rachel.
• Prayers go out to Arthur Rice (of the Kingdom Heirs) and his family in the death of his sister, Juanita. Services will be held on Sunday afternoon in Ashville, North Carolina.
• Daywind Records announced the launch of Daywind Radio Station and the Daywind Radio App. Daywind Radio will play Southern Gospel music 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Gaither Music Group and UP TV have announced a joint partnership this fall with special programming of content from the award-winning Gaither HOMECOMING brand scheduled to air on the network and UP Faith & Family, a streaming service.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Dove Awards

The Dove Awards were held this week in Nashville. They will air on TBN Sunday night. Several gospel artists performed on the show and the pre-telecast show including Tribute Quartet, Joseph Habedank (with Reba McEntire) and the Gaither Vocal Band.

For today's Fun Clip Friday, here's a clip from last year's awards with the Gospel Music Hymn Sing segment. Enjoy!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - October 14

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in Southern Gospel music -

• Joseph Habedank will be performing at the Dove Award with Reba McEntire. The awards will be held on Tuesday in Nashville and air on TBN on Sunday night, Oct. 22. 
• Paul's Journey welcomes Keith Gillam as its lead singer. Keith has been singing for more than 25 years. He previously sang with the Toney Brothers Quartet and the Harmony Quartet.
• New Day Records has added the LeFevre Quartet to its roster of artists. The quartet's newest project is slated for a Spring 2018 release.
• Johnny Minick and the Stewart Brothers have reached an agreement with Spring Hill Music Group, a subsidiary label of Gaither Music Group. Their release is scheduled for January 2018.
• The LifeFM Network has been selected to receive the Southern Gospel Radio Impact Award from the Gospel Music Association at the Dove Awards on Tuesday.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 13

Here are some news items in Southern Gospel music from this past week -

• Pray for Dean Hopper, who has three strokes in the last week. In December he had two strokes and doctors found that he only has one vertebral vein. This has now become 80-90% blocked causing the recent strokes. On Monday he will have surgery to have a stent placed in the vein. 
• Freedom Quartet announced the addition of Nathan Parrish as the group's new piano player. He formerly played with the Florida Boys.
• The Dove Award nominees were announced last week. See the full list of nominees here. 
• TaRanda Greene made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry last weekend with Dailey and Vincent. She sang "Go Rest High on That Mountain" in memory of Glen Campbell.
• Jason Crabb will be inducted in the Kentucky Gospel Music Hall of Fame as part of its 2018 class. The ceremony will take place in May 2018.
• Pray for the family of Lisa Hamblen Jaserie, CEO of Hamblen Music Company and singer/songwriter, who passed away this past week at age 79.
• Pray for Aaron Wilburn and family. His brother Jackie passed away on Thursday. 

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Oct. 16

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• The Dove Awards were held this week in Nashville. The awards show will air tonight on TBN at 9 p.m., Central. Congratulations to these Southern Gospel winners - 
• Southern Gospel Artist of the Year - Karen Peck & New River, Daywind Record
• Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year - “I Am Blessed" by Karen Peck & New River; (writers) Karen Peck Gooch, Kenna West, Michael Farren 
• Country Recorded Song of the Year  - "Small Town Someone (Lunch)" Jeff & Sheri Easter; (writers) Sheri Easter, Kenna Turner West, Jason Cox 
• Southern Gospel Album of the Year - Still, Booth Brothers (producers) Jason Webb, Lari Goss, Ronnie Booth, Michael Booth, Jim Brady 
• Bluegrass/Country Album of the Year - Small Town, Jeff & Sheri Easter (producers) Madison Easter, Greg Cole, Jeff & Sheri Easter 
• Choral Collection of the Year - Southern Gospel Songs (10 New, Emerging and Classic Hits for Southern Gospel Choir) (arranger & orchestrator) Marty Hamby 
• Long Form Video of the Year - Hymns That Are Important To Us, Joey + Rory, (director) Daniel Grace (producers) Aaron Carnahan, Joel McAfee, Bill Gaither
• Prayers go out to Devin McGlamery of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. He lost his father suddenly after a possible stroke. 
• Congratulations to Kasey (Allegiance Trio) and Haley Kemp who welcomed their first baby, a daughter, Avaline, on October 11. She was 8 pounds, 7 ounces. Both mother and baby are doing well. 
• Squire Parsons was honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Oct. 5. The event took place at Trinity Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina. According to the The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society the award is among the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolin,

Anything I've missed?

2016 Southern Gospel Dove Award Nominees

The Dove Award nominees were announced yesterday. As always, it's good to see Southern Gospel artists and professionals recognized. The full list of Southern Gospel nominees are below, but first a few thoughts and observations -

• I would have liked to have seen Southern Gospel represented in a few of the overall categories this year. I hate that there's no representation in these categories, and not sure that there has been in the past couple of years.
• I really think that Cana's Voice should have been included in the "new artist" category. They have made quite a splash this year!
• For the second year in a row, Karen Peck Gooch has not only been honored as a vocalist but also for her songwriting.
• Also, good to see Joseph Habedank honored for his writing with a nomination for musical of the year.
• Good to see some teenage nominees in Southern Gospel with both Hope Bowling and Olivia Collingsworth as some of the youngest nominees this year.

Congratulations to all the Southern Gospel nominees!

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year

• Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, ​StowTown Records
• Gaither Vocal Band​, ​Gaither Music Group
• Greater Vision​, ​Daywind Records
• Karen Peck & New River​, ​Daywind Records
• The Perrys​, ​StowTown Records

Producer of the Year

• Wayne Haun

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year

• “​Heaven's Shore​”​ – David Phelps, (writer) David Phelps

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

• “Jesus Changed Everything”​ – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (writers) Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey
• “Jesus Gave Me Water”​ – Gaither Vocal Band, (writer) Lucie E. Campbell
• “I am Blessed”​ – Karen Peck & New River, (writers) Karen Peck Gooch, Kenna West, Michael Farren
• “Keep On”​ – Perrys, (writers) Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey
• “Jesus, The One”​ – The Hoppers, (writer) Paula Stefanovich

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year

• “He’s In Control”​ – Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, (writer) Steve Watts
• “In The Heat of the Fire”​ – Flatt Lonesome (writer) Kelsi Harrigill
• “Life’s Railway to Heaven (with the Oak Ridge Boys)”  - Jimmy Fortune, (writers) Eliza R. Snow, M.E. Abbey 
• “I’ll Fly Away”​ – Joey + Rory, (writers) Albert E. Brumley 
• “Leave It All on the Altar - The Isaacs, (writers) Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, Buddy Greene

Country Recorded Song of the Year

• “​Love Covered My Sin​”​ – Doug Anderson (writers) Wayne Haun, Randall Garland, Val Dacus
• “​Small Town Someone (Lunch)​”​ – Jeff & Sheri Easter (writers) Sheri Easter, Kenna Turner West, Jason Cox
• “​I Believe (with The Whites)​”​ – Jimmy Fortune (writer) Jimmy Fortune
• “He Touched Me”​ – Joey+Rory (writer) William J. Gaither'
• “​Seconds Count​”​ – Shenandoah ft. Karen Peck (writers) Mike McGuire, Marty Raybon

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

• Still – Booth Brothers, (producers) Jason Webb, Lari Goss, Ronnie Booth, Michael Booth, Jim Brady 
• That Day Is Coming – Collingsworth Family, (producer) Wayne Haun 
• Happy People ​– Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (producers) Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Todd Collins 
• How We Love ​– Mark Lowry, (producers) Mark Lowry, Kevin Williams 
• Moments Like These ​– The Bowling Family, (producer) Mike Bowling

Bluegrass/ Country Album of the Year

• Small Town, Celebrating 30 Years of Music & Marriage –​ Jeff & Sheri Easter, (producers) Madison Easter, Greg Cole, Jeff & Sheri Easter 
• Hits & Hymns ​– Jimmy Fortune, (producer) Ben Isaacs 
• Hymns That Are Important To Us -​ Joey+Rory, (producers) Rory Lee Feek, Joe West 
• Good News Travels Fast​ – Shenandoah (producers) Bud McGuire, Mike McGuire 
• Shoulders ​– Wilburn & Wilburn (producers) Ben Issacs, Jonathan Wilburn, Jordan Wilburn

Children's Music Album of the Year

• Sweet Dreams​ – Sandi Patty, (producer) Steve Wingfield

Special Event Album of the Year

• Blessed Assurance: The New Hymns of Fanny Crosby – ​ Various, (producers) Bobby Blazier, John Hartley 
• Let the Glory Come Down ​– Bill & Gloria Gaither and Friends, (producers) Geron Davis, Bradley Knight

Musical of the Year

• Bethlehem Morning​, ​(creators) Russel Mauldin, Sue C. Smith 
• Jesus, Only Jesus​, (creator) Craig Adams ​ 
• That’s Where The Story Begins​, ​(creators) Dave Clark, Gerald Crabb, Mike Harland 
• This Changes Everything​, (creators) Marty Funderbunrk, Joseph Habedank 
• Under a Starry Sky (A Dramatic Musical for Christmas)​, (creators) Joel Lindsey, Jeff Bumgardner

Choral Collection of the Year

• Burning Lights – Choral Collection​, (arranger) Cliff Duren  
• My Hope (Songs & Message of Billy Graham)​, (arranger) Travis Cottrell 
• Southern Gospel Songs (10 New, Emerging​ and Classic Hits for Southern Gospel Choir)​, ​(arranger & orchestrator) Marty Hamby 

See the full list of nominees here.

2015 Dove Award Winners

The Dove Awards were held last night in Nashville. The awards won't actually air on television until Sunday night on TBN. Several Southern Gospel artists including the Gaither Vocal Band, Karen Peck, the Nelons, Russ Taff, Mark Lowry, the Martins, the Talleys and the Erwins were there and performed. Joseph Habedank performed and was even a host for the pre-show.

Check out the Nelons' Facebook page for several pictures from the event. And here's a video from Facebook of the Southern Gospel segment.

Southern Gospel segment at the Dove Awards
Posted by Eric Dunson on Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Here's a look at the Southern Gospel winners! Congratulations to all!

Southern Gospel Artist Of The Year - Gaither Vocal Band

Southern Gospel Song of the Year - "Hidden Heroes" - The Talleys; (writers) Dixie Lynn Phillips, Sharon Phillips

Bluegrass Song of the Year - "God is There" - Lizzy Long & Rhonda Vincent; (writers) Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey

Country Song of the Year - "Sweet Jesus (ft. Merle Haggard)"- The Oak Ridge Boys; (writers) Merle Haggard, Kenny Vernon

Worship Song of the Year - "Because He Lives (Amen)"- Matt Maher; (writers) Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Bill Gaither; (publishers) Alletrop Music/Hanna Street Music/I Am A Pilgrim Songs/Open Hands Music/S.D.G. Publishing/Sixsteps Music/Sixsteps Songs, Worship Together Music/worshiptogether.com, songsworshiptogether.com, Essential Music Publishing

Southern Gospel Album of the Year - Pray Now - Karen Peck & New River (producer) Wayne Haun

Children's Music Album of the Year - Kids- The Hoppers; (producer) Mike Hopper

Musical of the Year - We're Glad You Came (A Musical Celebration of the Savior's Birth); (Creators) Jeff Burngardner, Joel Lindsey

For a full list of all winners, go to DoveAwards.com.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 15

Here are some news and tidbit items from this week in gospel music -

• Roger Fortner is coming off the road. He's been traveling with the McKameys for 28 years. He plans to return to full-time studio work.
• Crossroads music has added Dixie and Sharon Phillips to its family of writers. The duo wrote the popular Talleys' song "Hidden Heroes," which was recently nominated for a Dove Award. They were also the winners of the 2012 Singing News/ Solid Gospel Songwriter Search.
• The 2015 Dove Awards were announced this week in Nashville. You can read more here.
• Daywind added Aaron Wilburn to its songwriting staff. Aaron is probably most known for his comedy. He's had a number of songwriting hits over the years including "Four Days Late."
• The Booth Brothers, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound and IMC Concerts have announced a Brotherhood Tour. The groups had success earlier in the year with this tour on the West Coast. They plan to add eight more dates in October and November.
• Wayne Haun will launch a new show "Southern Gospel Today" on the Solid Gospel Network starting Monday. It will be on from 2 - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Anything I've missed?

Dove Award Nominees 2015

The 2015 Dove Award nominations were announced yesterday in Nashville. Congratulations to all those nominated!!

I think there were a few surprises. And I meant to check this but it seems some categories are a little different than in years past. I was surprised that no strictly "Southern Gospel" album was nominated in the country album category.

It seemed that this year in way more than years past, artists were posting about possible nominations during voting. I wonder if that really played any part.

Here's a look at nominations of Southern Gospel artists. What are your thoughts?

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year

• Booth Brothers
• Collingsworth Family
• Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• Gaither Vocal Band
• The Isaacs

Inspirational Song of the Year

• "Ghost Town (Freedom)" - David Phelps

Southern Gospel Song of the Year

• “Happy People” – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (writers) Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey 
• “Sometimes It Takes a Mountain” – Gaither Vocal Band, (writers) Mark Mathes, Gloria Gaither 
• “What A Happy Time” – Goodman Revival, (arrangers) Michael Sykes, Johnny Minick 
• “Pray Now” – Karen Peck & New River, (writers) Karen Peck Gooch, Dave Clark and Michael Farren 
• “Hidden Heroes” – The Talleys, (writers) Dixie Lynn Phillips and Sharon Phillips

Bluegrass Song of the Year

• “Stacking Up Rocks” – Balsam Range, (writer) Buddy Melton 
• “Mighty To Save” – Chigger Hill Boys & Terri (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan 
• “He Made The Tree” – Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, (writers) Tom Botkin and Donnie Skaggs 
• “God Is There” – Lizzy Long & Rhonda Vincent, (writers) Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey
• “Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man (ft. Rhonda Vincent) – Volume Five, (writers) Dolly Parton and Dorothy Jo Owens

Country Song of the Year

• “I Saw The Light” – Alabama (writer) Hank Williams, Sr. 
•  “I’ll Be There With You” – Doug Anderson (writers) Shelby Haun, Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey 
• “Ain’t It Just Like The Lord” – Gordan Mote, (writers) Lee Black, Jason Cox, Kenna Turner West 
• “I Wanna Be There” – The Isaacs, (writers) Jimmy Yeary, Sonya Isaacs and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman 
• “Sweet Jesus (ft. Merle Haggard)” – The Oak Ridge Boys (writers) Merle Haggard, Kenny Vernon

Worship Song of the Year

• “Because He Lives (Amen)” – Matt Maher, (writers) Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Ed Cash, Gloria Gaither, Jason Ingram, Matt Maher, Bill Gaither (publishers) Alletrop Music/Hanna Street Music/I Am A Pilgrim Songs/Open Hands Music/S. D. G. Publishing/sixsteps Music/Sixsteps Songs/Worship Together Music/worshiptogether.com songsworshiptogether.com

Producer of the Year

• Ed Cash 
• Wayne Haun 

Inspirational Album of the Year

• A Cappella – The Martins, (producers) Michael English, Lari Goss, The Martins, David Phelps, Matthew Holt

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

• Sometimes It Takes a Mountain – Gaither Vocal Band, (producers) Bill Gaither, Ben Isaacs, David Phelps 
• Songs in the Key of Happy – Goodman Revival, (producers) Michael Sykes, Johnny Minick 
• Threads of Mercy – Ivan Parker, (producer) Roger Talley 
• Pray Now – Karen Peck & New River, (producer) Wayne Haun 
• Living in Harmony – Triumphant, (producer) Wayne Haun

Bluegrass/ Country Album of the Year

• Rock of Ages, Hymns and Gospel Favorites – The Oak Ridge Boys, (producers) Ben Isaacs, Duane Allen

Children's Music Album of the Year

• Kids – The Hoppers, (producer) Mike Hopper

Christmas Album of the Year

• Christmas – Guy Penrod, (producer) Michael Omartian

Musical of the Year

• The Cross Changes Everything, (creators) Jeff Bumgardner, Joel Lindsey 
• If The Grave Could Shout, (creator) Jason Cox 
• Once You’ve Seen The Star, (creator) Belinda Smith 
• We’re Glad You Came (A Musical Celebration of the Savior’s Birth), (creators) Jeff Bumgardner, Joel Lindsey

Dove Awards 2014 Telecast

I got a chance to watch the telecast of the Dove Awards on TBN last night. It was great to see Southern Gospel have good representation on the television broadcast. Here are a few notes from last night's telecast -

First, I'm most familiar with the Southern Gospel artists of course, but do listen to a lot of other Christian music. It's great hearing all these different styles of music come together for one night just to celebrate music that lifts up the name of Jesus.

Gordon Mote kicked off a complete Southern Gospel performance segment with several snippets of songs and different artists. He sang a bit of "Ain't It Just Like the Lord." Brian Free and Assurance took the stage to sing "Say Amen." Karen Peck and New River then sang "Revival." Ernie Haase and Signature Sound ended it with "Oh What a Savior."

Following the performance, the award for Southern Gospel Song of the Year was presented to Karen Peck and New River for "Revival." Karen talked about praying for revival through this song. Kenna Tuner West, one of the writers, also accepted the award with the group.

Jason Crabb presented an award for inspirational film with two Robertsons of Duck Dynasty fame. The person who introduced them asked people to welcome two ducks and a crab. :) Russ Taff also presented the award for pop/ contemporary album with Jaci Velasquez. Bill Gaither and Pat Boone presented the praise and worship album award together but not before they sang a little bit of "Everybody's Gonna Have a Wonderful Time Up There." It was a pretty fun moment where they got the audience involved clapping along. The award went to Kari Jobe and she gave a nice acknowledgement to growing up on Southern Gospel!

I'm a Natalie Grant fan, and this isn't exactly Southern Gospel related, but she did an incredible job of starting her performance with an a cappella version of "I Need Thee Every Hour." Wow! I'm not sure if that's typical or not, but I was blown away.

Anyone else watch the awards show? Thoughts?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Oct. 11

Here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• The 45th Annual Dove Awards were held on Tuesday night. The full awards show will air on TBN Sunday night. Here's a list of Southern Gospel winners.
• Former Mark Trammell Quartet bass singer Pat Barker will be the new morning radio DJ of 105.7 WJGM radio station in Jacksonville starting Nov. 10. Pat said that being a gospel music DJ has always been a dream of his. You can listen online at www.wjgmradio.com.
• Jim and Melissa Brady are also adding radio hosts to their resumes. The Bradys will begin hosting the afternoon drive time on the Solid Gospel network later this month or early next month. They will host the 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. time slot. It is streamed online as well at www.solidgospel.com.
• Charles Johnson of Charles Johnson and the Revivers passed away on Monday of a massive heart attack.
• Gaither Music Group has announced a partnership with the Goodman Revival. Goodman Revival consists of Tanya Goodman Sykes, Michael Sykes and Johnny Minick. The group's debut recording will release January 2015 and will also have a live companion performance video hosted by Bill Gaither.
• Mark Trammell Quartet and the Whisnants announced yesterday the release of a Christmas recording together. Home for Christmas will release Nov. 3 and will be available for purchase from both groups and their websites. Presales have already started. The CD features 12 songs recorded by both groups. The groups will host an online launch party on Nov. 3 that anyone is invited to attend. Go to www.homeforchristmaslaunchparty.com and also check out the Facebook event. 
• The Cathedrals Family Reunion has announced its plans for a 2016 cruise and want your help deciding where to go. Vote in the online poll.

Anything I've missed?

2014 Dove Award Winners

The Dove Awards were held last night in Nashville. The event will not be televised until Sunday night on TBN (check your local listings), but the winners have been announced. Here's a look at all the Southern Gospel winners -

• Southern Gospel Performance of the Year - "Say Amen" by Brian Free and Assurance
• Southern Gospel Song of the Year - "Revival" by Karen Peck and New River
• Bluegrass Song of the Year - "Won't It Be Wonderful There" by Dailey and Vincent
• Country Song of the Year - "Love With Open Arms" by Doug Anderson
• Southern Gospel Album of the Year - Oh What a Savior by Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• Bluegrass Album of the Year - Every Mile by Nathan Stanley
• Country Album of the Year - Drive by Doug Anderson
• Special Event Album of the Year - Cathedrals Family Reunion by Gerald Wolfe, Ernie Haase, Danny Funderburk, Scott Fowler and Mark Trammell
• Choral Collection of the Year - Everlasting Praise created by Mike Speck and Stan Whitmire 

Here's a full list of the winners. 

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for this year!

Fun Clip Friday - Dove Awards - Karen Peck Gooch

The Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7 in Nashville. Karen Peck and New River will be one of the performers along with the Cathedral Family Reunion and Wayne Haun in the Southern Gospel genre. Brian Free and Assurance also mentioned on Facebook that they will be performing. Bill Gaither and Jason Crabb will both be presenting awards. The awards will not be televised until Sunday night on TBN.

Check out this interview below with Karen Peck Gooch that was done at the Dove Awards Press Conference for today's Fun Clip Friday!

 

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Aug. 16

Here's some news items from this week in gospel music.

• The Dove Award nominations were announced Wednesday. If you missed all Southern Gospel nominations, check them out here. For a full list of nominees, see them here.
• The Erwin Family is the latest artist to sign with StowTown Records. The family group consists of the four siblings - Keith (21), Kody (20) and Kris (18), and sister Katie (13). Check out this recent interview I did with them.
• Tim Riley was released from rehab on Thursday sooner than expected due to the progress he has made. Doctors expect a full recovery, and the group continues to tour as he regains his strength. For those wishing to send Tim an email, you may do so at tim.goldcity@gmail.com. Cards may be sent via mail in care of Gold City, PO Box 2100, Gadsden, AL 35903. 
• Speaking of Gold City, the quartet is one of the latest groups to release a concept video for their song "Power of the Cross." Check it out here.

Anything that I've missed this week?

Fun Clip Friday - Gaither Vocal Band at Dove Awards

The big news of the week in Christian music was the Dove Award nominations announced on Wednesday. In honor of that, here's a clip from last year's Dove Awards. The Gaither Vocal Band were one Southern Gospel artist who got to perform during the ceremony last year. Enjoy this for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Dove Award Nominees 2014

The Dove Award nominees were announced yesterday morning. The Dove Awards will be in Nashville at Lipscomb University on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Artists from all genres within Christian music helped announce nominees yesterday including Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun and Gordon Mote.

Southern Gospel was well represented. I would have liked some representation in the overall Artist of the Year category, but still there are several notable nominations. I was glad to see the Cathedral Family Reunion project pick up a couple of nominations. Wayne Haun gathered 17 nominations including Producer of the Year. Musicscribe also has a great post about Brian Free and Assurance's nomination for "Say Amen." I'm predicting this could be a big year for them! StowTown Records has really come out strong with several of their artists nominated.

Here are some of the nominees you might be interested in -

For Song of the Year, Southern Gospel had four songs nominated

• "I Can Trust Him" - The Perrys
• "Revival" - Karen Peck and New River
• "Say Amen" -  Brian Free and Assurance
• "That's Why" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

Southern Gospel Performance of the Year

• "Love Is Stronger" - Jason Crabb
• "Revival" - Karen Peck and New River
• "Say Amen" - Brian Free and Assurance
• "Search Me O God" - Cathedrals Family Reunion
• "That's Why" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

Producer of the Year

• Ricky Free
• Wayne Haun

Inspirational Song of the Year

• "As Long as You Will Walk With Me" - Devin McGlamery
• "Lift Up His Name" - The Browders
• "Stronger" - TaRanda Greene

Southern Gospel Song of the Year

• "I Can Trust Him" - The Perrys
• "Love Is Stronger" - Jason Crabb
• "Revival" - Karen Peck and New River
• "Say Amen" - Brian Free and Assurance
• "That's Why" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound

Bluegrass Song of the Year

• "Daniel Prayed" - The Isaacs
• "If These Old Walls Could Talk" - Wilburn & Wilburn
• "Lord, In the Morning" - The Little Roy and Lizzy Show
• "Won't It Be Wonderful There" - Dailey & Vincent

Country Song of the Year

• "Love With Open Arms" - Doug Anderson
• "That Whosoever Was Me" - Adam Crabb
• "While I Still Can" - Devin McGlamery

Inspirational Album of the Year

• Everlasting - Sandi Patty
• Love Is a Verb - Devin McGlamery

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

• For All He's Done - Greater Vision 
• Oh What a Savior - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• Revival - Karen Peck and New River
• The Lord Is Good - The Collingsworth Family
• Unashamed - Brian Free and Assurance

Bluegrass Album of the Year

• I'd Do It All Over Again - Easter Brothers
• The Living Years - The Isaacs
• Through It All  - The Harper Family

Country Album of the Year

• All Things New - Gordon Mote
• Drive - Doug Anderson
• Here Comes Sunday - Wilburn & Wilburn
• Surrender - Adam Crabb
• Triplicity - Red Roots

Special Event Album of the Year

• Cathedral Family Reunion 

Christmas Album of the Year

• Christmas - The Hagees

Musical of the Year

• Bethlehem Morning - Russell Mauldin, Sue C. Smith
• Good News From Jerusalem - Dianne Wilkinson
• Highest Glory - Marty Funderburk

Choral Collection of the Year

• Everlasting Praise 4 - Mike Speck and Stan Whitmire
• Everyday Sunday - Lari Goss

Short Form Video of the Year

• Love Is Stronger - Jason Crabb

Here's a full list of the nominees.

Any surprises? What song/ album or artist were you hoping to see nominated? Any winner predictions?

2013 Dove Award Winners

The 2013 Dove Awards were last night in Nashville. This is the first time they have been back in Nashville in several years, and the first time they have been in the fall. Typically it has been held in April. Last year, Jason Crabb took home several of the "big" awards of the night. So let's see who the night's winners were this year -

Southern Gospel Performance of the Year - "That's What the Blood Is For" by Jason Crabb
Producer of the Year - Ed Cash (producer on Jason Crabb's album)
Inspirational Song of the Year - "Satisfied" by Jason Crabb
Southern Gospel Song of the Year - "What the Blood Is For" by Jason Crabb
Bluegrass Song of the Year - "He Washed My Soul" by The Little Roy & Lizzy Show
Country Song of the Year - "From My Rags to His Riches" by Devin McGlamery
Inspirational Album of the Year - Love Is Stronger by Jason Crabb
Southern Gospel Album of the Year - Canton Junction by Canton Junction and Pure and Simple by the Gaither Vocal Band
Bluegrass Album of the Year - The Gospel Side of Dailey & Vincent by Dailey & Vincent
Country Album of Year - Eyes Wide Open by Jeff & Sheri Easter

Jason Crabb still came away a big winner with four Dove Awards. Great to see Devin McGlamery pick up an award on his first solo project! I was also pleased to see Jeff and Sheri walk away with Country Album. For a full list of the winners, go to the Dove Awards website.

The awards show is a little bit unusual, because even though it was held last night it will not be broadcast until Monday, Oct. 21 on UpTv (formerly the Gospel Music Channel). Check local listings for a time. I think a number of Southern Gospel artists had performances, some in a tribute to Bill Gaither according to social media.

What did you think of awards? Any big surprises for you?

Fun Clip Friday - Ruff Taff Tribute

Happy Friday to everyone! If you didn't catch the Dove Awards earlier this week, GMC will re air it on Saturday night. It was a great night for the Southern Gospel industry. The show featured performances by Karen Peck Gooch, the Isaacs and Jason Crabb. Also, the show had a stunning tribute to Russ Taff, where he was honored for his lifetime of service to gospel music. So this is your clip for the week! Enjoy!

Dove Awards and Fun Clip Friday

Last night the Dove Awards were held in Atlanta's Fox Theater. I made some predictions and wishes earlier in the week, and I was up front about being terrible at correctly guessing winners! I was very pleasantly surprised by all the winners yesterday! Both the Perrys and Karen Peck & New River took home their first Dove Awards! Also, Jason Crabb won two major awards. It was a great night for Southern Gospel, very well represented at the Dove Awards. I look forward to seeing the broadcast Tuesday night on the Gospel Music Channel.

Here's a breakdown of the Southern Gospel winners:

Artist of the Year - Jason Crabb
Male Vocalist - Jason Crabb
Southern Gospel Album - Reach Out by Karen Peck & New River
Southern Gospel Recorded Song - "Celebrate Me Home" by the Perrys
Country Album - Dreamin' Wide Awake by Doug Anderson
Country Recorded Song - "Good Things Are Happening" by Karen Peck & New River
Bluegrass Recorded Song - "Mama's Teaching Angels How to Sing" by the Isaacs
Bluegrass Album - Grassroots Rambos by Rambo McGuire
Long Form Music Video - Fear Not Tomorrow by the Collingsworth Family

For a full list of all the Dove Award winners, go to their website.

In honor of the Doves, this week's Fun Clip Friday is from the Dove Awards several years ago. Check out this rendition of "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" by the Hoppers, Jeff & Sheri Easter and Karen Peck & New River from the 2008 Doves. Enjoy!