2018 Singing News Fan Awards

The Singing News Fan Awards were held this afternoon during a showcase. Lauren Talley, Mark Bishop and Tim Lovelace hosted the awards.

The biggest surprise winner to me was probably the first one with Josh Townsend taking home Favorite Young Artist. Good to see him get this honor and on his 21st birthday! High Road picked up Favorite New Artist coming off the success of "Christ My Hope, My Glory."

Here's a full list of winners -

Favorite Young Artist - Josh Townsend (Young Artist)
Favorite Alto - Connie Hopper (The Hoppers)
Favorite Tenor - Chris Allman (Greater Vision)
Favorite New Artist - High Road
Favorite Baritone - Mark Trammell (Mark Trammell Quartet)
Favorite Trio - The Booth Brothers
Favorite Bass - Eric Bennett (Triumphant Quartet)
Favorite Soloist - Joseph Habedank
Favorite Soprano - Kim Hopper (The Hoppers)
Favorite Lead - Ronnie Booth (The Booth Brothers)
Favorite Band - Kingdom Heirs Band
Favorite Radio Station - WJBZ Praise in Knoxville
Favorite Songwriter - Rodney Griffin
Favorite Mixed Group - The Collingsworth Family
Favorite Male Quartet - Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Album - Thankful by Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Song - "Chain Breaker" by Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Musician - Kim Collingsworth
Favorite Artist of the Year - Triumphant Quartet

2018 Singing News Fan Award Nominations

The Singing News Top 10 nominations were announced yesterday. Here is the full list of nominees in each category and a few thoughts/ commentary as well.



Favorite Artist
Booth Brothers
Collingsworth Family
Greater Vision
Hoppers
Joseph Habedank
Karen Peck & New River
Kingdom Heirs
Mark Trammell Qt
Tribute Qt
Triumphant Qt

**Good to see a soloist represented here with Joseph Habedank. He's had an amazing year and so well deserved!

Traditional Quartet
Blackwood Brothers
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gold City
Inspirations
Kingdom Heirs
LeFevre Qt
Legacy Five
Mark Trammell Qt
Tribute Qt
Triumphant Qt

**Good to see the Kingsmen nominated after missing the top 10 last year!

Mixed Group
Browders
Collingsworth Family
Erwins
Hoppers
Isaacs
Karen Peck & New River
McKameys
Mylon Hayes Family
Nelons
Perrys

Trio
Booth Brothers
Brian Free & Assurance
Bowling Family
Greater Vision
Guardians
Hyssongs
Jim Brady Trio
Talleys
Taylors
Whisnants

**Disappointed not to see Jeff & Sheri Easter along with 11th Hour on this list!

Soloist
Pat Barker
Mark Bishop
Jason Crabb
Joseph Habedank
Mark Lowry
Gene McDonald
Ivan Parker
Squire Parsons
Guy Penrod
Jonathan Wilburn

**Where are the female soloists? Would have loved to see TaRanda Greene and Steve Ladd here.

Young Artist
Hope Bowling —Bowling Family
Autumn Nelon Clark —Nelons
Trevor Conkle —Mark Trammell Qt
Katie Erwin —Erwins
Kari Gooch —Karen Peck & New River
Kennedy Hayes —Mylon Hayes Family
Karlye Hopper —Hoppers
Layke Jones—Jim Brady Trio
Josh Townsend—Legacy Five
Austin Whisnant—Whisnants

Tenor
Chris Allman —Greater Vision
Michael Booth —Booth Brothers
Blake Buffin —Mark Trammell Qt
Riley Harrison Clark —Tribute Qt
Brian Free —Brian Free & Assurance
Ernie Haase —Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Chris Jenkins —Kingsmen
Jerry Martin —Kingdom Heirs
Jeremy Peace —LeFevre Qt
David Sutton —Triumphant Qt

**Glad to see Blake Buffin make this list!

Lead
Booth, Ronnie—Booth Brothers
Brady, Jim—Jim Brady Trio
Casto, Gary—Tribute Qt
Fowler, Scott—Legacy Five
Hopper, Dean—Hoppers
Inman, Clayton—Triumphant Qt
Rice, Arthur—Kingdom Heirs
Shivers, Bill—Brian Free & Assurance
Trammell, Nick—Mark Trammell Qt
Wolfe, Gerald—Greater Vision

**Where are Mike Bowling and Andrew Goldman? Also, I think fans might be behind on the fact that Gerald is no longer singing full-time but playing and handling emcee work on stage for Greater Vision. I am a Gerald fan but was a little confused by the nomination.

Baritone
Billy Blackwood—Blackwood Brothers
Rodney Griffin—Greater Vision
Loren Harris —Kingdom Heirs
Scott Howard —Legacy Five
Scott Inman —Triumphant Qt
Paul Lancaster —Booth Brothers
Mike LeFevre—LeFevre Qt
Mike Rogers —Brian Free & Assurance
Josh Singletary —Tribute Qt
Mark Trammell —Mark Trammell Qt

**Would have liked to see Daniel Riley here.

Bass
Eric Bennett —Triumphant Qt
Randy Byrd —Mark Trammell Qt
Jeff Chapman —Kingdom Heirs
Tim Duncan—Canton Junction
Anthony Davis —Tribute Qt
Matt Fouch —Legacy Five
Paul Harkey —Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Butch Owens —Blackwood Brothers
Keith Plott —LeFevre Qt
Ray Dean Reese—Kingsmen

**Would have liked to see Chris West here.

Soprano
Brooklyn Blair —Collingsworth Family
Kelly Bowling —Bowling Family
Melissa Brady —Jim Brady Trio

Katie Erwin —Erwins
Connie Fortner —McKameys
Karen Peck Gooch —Karen Peck & New River
TaRanda Greene —Cana’s Voice
Kim Hopper —Hoppers
Lauren Talley —Talleys
Amber Nelon Thompson—Nelons

**So glad to see Kelly Bowling make this list this year, but where is Sonya Isaacs Yeary?

Alto
Peg McKamey Bean—McKameys
Hope Bowling—Bowling Family
Kelly Nelon Clark—Nelons
Sheri Easter —Jeff & Sheri Easter
Connie Hopper—Hoppers
Susan Peck Jackson —Karen Peck & New River
Courtney Metz—Collingsworth Family
Libbi Stuffle —Perrys
Debra Talley—Talleys
Susan Whisnant—Whisnants

Musician
Kim Collingsworth —Collingsworth Family
Trevor Conkle—Mark Trammell Qt
Aaron Dishman —Triumphant Qt
Bryan Elliott —Gold City
Gordon Mote—Soloist
Josh Singletary —Tribute Qt
Jeff Stice —Soloist
Josh Townsend —Legacy Five
Kevin Williams —Gaither Vocal Band
Gerald Wolfe—Greater Vision

Band
Dixie Echoes Band
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Band
Gaither Vocal Band Band
Inspirations Band
Isaacs Band
Jason Crabb Band
Jeff & Sheri Easter Band
Kingdom Heirs Band
Primitive Qt Band
Southern Raised Band

**Glad that Jeff and Sheri Easter Band made this list. Jared Easter is one of the most talented musicians on the road with all the instruments he can play on stage!

Songwriter
Mark Bishop
Jim Brady
Gerald Crabb
Bill Gaither
Karen Peck Gooch
Rodney Griffin
Joseph Habedank
Scott Inman
Kyla Rowland
Dianne Wilkinson

**No changes from last year here. Would like to see Kenna Turner West here.

Album
Beyond Amazed—Brian Free & Assurance
Clear Skies—Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Great Moments—Mark Trammell Qt
Hope For All Nations—Karen Peck & New River
Last Big Thing—Kingdom Heirs
Live In Texas Gospel Hymn Sing—Various Artists
Quartet Tribute—Tribute Qt
Resurrection—Joseph Habedank
Thankful—Triumphant Qt
What’s Not To Love—Mark Lowry
**I was surprised to see the hymn sing project make the list, but glad considering I was there that night!

Song
“Chain Breaker”—Triumphant Qt
“God of the Storms”—Tribute Qt
“God’s Got A Better Plan”—Canton Junction
“He Can Take It”—Brian Free & Assurance
“Here He Comes”—Joseph Habedank
“Hope For All Nations”—Karen Peck & New River
“Last Big Thing”—Kingdom Heirs
“Let the Church Arise”—LeFevre Qt
“Life Is Good”—Hoppers
“Present In The Presence Of The King”—Guardians

New Artist
Bowling Sisters
Children of the Promise
Josh and Ashley Franks
High Road
Kramers
Lore Family
Master’s Promise
Sherry Anne
Souls Harbor
Williamsons

**Glad the Bowling Sisters made this list!

Radio Station
KTTK Lebanon, MO
KWFC Springfield, MO
WCKB Dunn, NC
WCON Cornelia, GA
WEMM Huntington, WV
WGUS Augusta, GA
WHQA Piedmont, SC
WJBZ Knoxville, TN
WJGM Jacksonville, FL
WXRI Winston-Salem, NC

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - October 7

Since I was out at NQC last week, I'm catching up on news this week. Here all news items and tidbits in Southern Gospel music -

• The Singing News Fan Awards were held last week at NQC. There were a few changes in the typical awards with favorite soloist going to Joseph Habedank and favorite tenor going to Chris Allman. Here's a full list of winners. 
• Les Beasley was honored last Friday at NQC for his work with the Gospel Singing Jubilee. 
• Southern Gospel promoter Norm Basden, of Altoona, Alabama, passed away this week. Visitation for will be held Monday with the funeral services on Tuesday.
• Triumphant Quartet celebrated its 15th anniversary last week with a special appearance by Louise Mandrell who helped the group in its beginning stages.
• The latest "On the Couch With Fouch" episode features Matt Fouch interviewing Tribute Quartet bass singer Anthony Davis. Watch it here.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - May 20

Here are news items from this week in gospel music -

• Prayers go out to the family of Rosa Nell Speer Powell. She passed away at age 94 on Tuesday. Services were held today.
• Top 5 nominees for the Singing News Fan Awards were announced this week. Check out the full list here. 
• Kody Erwin is still in the hospital because of viral meningitis/encephalitis. Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers.
• Eddie Couch has joined 4 One Quartet as bass singer. He replaces Will Funk who was a member of the group since its inception.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - April 22

It was a big news day on Friday for Southern Gospel with one addition and one departure. Here are news items from all of this week in gospel music -

• Trey Ivey has resigned from Legacy Five. As a new father, he found it difficult to have the full-time touring schedule. Trey plans to continue to be active in the studio producing, arranging and orchestrating, so the good news is that he will still be involved in the industry. He will remain with Legacy Five until a replacement is found. For those interested in the piano playing position with Legacy Five, contact Scott Fowler via email at scottfowler@legacyfive.com.
• Jon Epley joined Greater Vision as a fourth member. He will fill the harmony/ baritone vocals that has traditionally been Gerald Wolfe's part. Gerald will still be traveling with the group, singing some features, playing piano and emceeing. Jon has been with the LeFevre Quartet, the Ball Brothers and the Inspirations.
• Daywind Records announced the addition of Gospel Music Hall of Fame member, Mark Lowry. Mark Lowry's first project on the label will be out in August.
• Mark Hoggard of The Harvesters Quartet had open-heart surgery to repair several blockages on Thursday.  Surgery went well, but continue to pray for his recovery. 
• Pray for Cana's Voice singer Jody McBrayer's in-laws. Diane, his mother-in-law, was having surgery for eye cancer and his father-in-law, Gary, collapsed in the waiting room with a stroke. The eye surgery for Diane went well, but Gary is still in serious condition. Please keep all of them in your prayers.
• Tracy Stuffle (The Perrys) is still in the hospital after gallbladder surgery. He had a light stroke with some mild seizures. They are optimistic about him being able to go home this weekend. 
• The second round of voting is now open for subscribers. Go to www.singingnews.com to vote. 

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - March 26

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

• The Top 10 Singing News Fan Awards nominations were announced this week. See the full list here. 
• Eli Fortner has been hospitalized after having issues with his kidney. He had a kidney transplant with his father's donated kidney almost 10 years ago. He is now in need of a new kidney. Please keep him and the family in your prayers as they look for a new donor.
• Keep the family of Hovie Walker in your prayers. He suffered a massive heart attack on Sunday and passed away on March 24. Walker sang bass with The Singing Americans, The Thrasher Brothers and others.
• The Adoration Agency announced the signing of Gaither Homecoming artist Gene McDonald.
• Prayers go out to Sue Dodge and her family with the passing of her mother this week. Ethelene Chenault passed away on March 20 and services were held on March 23.
• Michael Combs is returning to full-time ministry in April after undergoing a successful kidney transplant earlier this year.

Anything I've missed?

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

Since I was gone all weekend and the Singing News Fan awards nominees were announced yesterday, I decided to push back the news post a little bit. So here are a few news items from last week and first part of this week for you -

• Michael Helwig and the Blackwood Brothers announced that Michael will come off the road full-time with the group. Due to his health, he doesn't feel like he can travel full-time, but still plans to make appearances with the group from time to time.
• The Loretta Lynn Ranch will once again be the home of the 2017 Gospel Music Festival in September. Watch the website for more details.
• Pray for Eli Fortner with the McKameys who has been admitted to the hospital because of kidney-related health issues. 
• Steve Sam, owner of Praise Incorporated, announced Jeremy Partlow as the group's new tenor.
• The Singing News Fan Awards Top 10 Nominees were announced yesterday on Singing News Radio. See the full list of nominees below (with a little bit of commentary) - 

New Artist
Cana’s Voice
Franks, Josh & Ashley
High Road
Kramers
Master’s Promise
Sheldon Family
Sherry Anne
Logan Smith
Surrendered
Wisecarvers


Young Artist
Hope Bowling — Bowling Family
Autumn Nelon Clark — Nelons
Trevor Conkle — Hoppers
Morgan Easter — Jeff & Sheri Easter
Katie Erwin — Erwins
Kari Gooch — Karen Peck & New River
Kennedy Hayes — Mylon Hayes Family
Karlye Hopper — Hoppers
Logan Smith — Soloist
Josh Townsend — LeFevre Quartet
** Good to see so many second generation singers on here. Missing Austin Whisnant here.

Songwriter
Mark Bishop
Jim Brady
Gerald Crabb
Karen Peck Gooch
Rodney Griffin
Joseph Habedank
Ronny Hinson
Scott Inman
Kyla Rowland
Dianne Wilkinson
** Would like to have seen Kenna Turner West with a nomination here.

Radio Station
KJIC—Houston, TX
KTTK—Lebanon, MO
KWFC—Springfield, MO
WCKB—Dunn, NC
WCON—Cornelia, GA
WEMM—Huntington, WV
WGUS—Augusta, GA
WHQA—Greenville, SC
WJBZ—Knoxville, TN
WXRI—Winston Salem, NC


Musician
Kim Collingsworth — Collingsworth Family
Bryan Elliott — Gold City
Mike Hopper — Hoppers
Trey Ivey — Legacy Five
Gordon Mote — Soloist
Josh Singletary — Tribute Qt
Jeff Stice — Soloist
Andy Stringfield — Kingdom Heirs
Kevin Williams — Gaither Vocal Band
Gerald Wolfe — Greater Vision

Alto
Peg McKamey Bean —McKameys
Sonya Browder — Browders
Kelly Nelon Clark — Nelons
Sheri Easter — Jeff & Sheri Easter
Connie Hopper — Hoppers
Susan Peck Jackson — Karen Peck & New River
Courtney Metz — Collingsworth Family
Libbi Stuffle — Perrys
Debra Talley — Talleys
Susan Whisnant — Whisnants
**Missing Becky Isaacs Bowman here in my opinion.

Soprano
Brooklyn Blair — Collingsworth Family
Melissa Brady — Jim Brady Trio
Katie Erwin — Erwins
Connie Fortner —McKameys
Karen Peck Gooch —Karen Peck & New River
TaRanda Greene — Cana’s Voice
Kim Hopper — Hoppers
Lauren Talley — Talleys
Amber Nelon Thompson — Nelons
Sonya Isaacs Yeary — Isaacs
**Would like to have seen Kelly Bowling here.

Tenor
Chris Allman — Greater Vision
Michael Booth — Booth Brothers
Riley Clark — Tribute Quartet
Josh Feemster — Legacy Five
Brian Free — Brian Free & Assurance
Ernie Haase — Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Jerry Martin — Kingdom Heirs
Jeremy Peace — LeFevre Quartet
David Phelps — Gaither Vocal Band
David Sutton — Triumphant Quartet

Lead 
Ronnie Booth — Booth Brothers
Jim Brady — Jim Brady Trio
Gary Casto —Tribute Quartet
Scott Fowler — Legacy Five
Michael Helwig —Blackwood Brothers
Dean Hopper —Hoppers
Clayton Inman —Triumphant Quartet
Arthur Rice — Kingdom Heirs
Bill Shivers —Brian Free & Assurance
Gerald Wolfe — Greater Vision
**Would like to have seen Mike Bowling's and Nick Trammel's names here.

Baritone 
Rodney Griffin — Greater Vision
Loren Harris —Kingdom Heirs
Scott Howard —Legacy Five
Scott Inman —Triumphant Quartet
Paul Lancaster — Booth Brothers
Mike LeFevre — LeFevre Quartet
Daniel Riley —Gold City
Mike Rogers —Brian Free & Assurance
Josh Singletary —Tribute Quaret
Mark Trammell —Mark Trammell Quartet

Bass 
Eric Bennett —Triumphant Quartet
Randy Byrd —Mark Trammell Quartet
Jeff Chapman —Kingdom Heirs
Tim Duncan —Canton Junction
Anthony Davis —Tribute Quartet
Matt Fouch — Legacy Five
Paul Harkey —Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Butch Owens — Blackwood Brothers
Ray Dean Reese — Kingsmen
Chris West — Gold City

Band
Dixie Echoes Band
Hoppers Band
Inspirations Band
Isaacs Band
Jason Crabb Band
Jeff & Sheri Easter Band
Kingdom Heirs Band
McKameys Band
Primitive Quartet Band
Southern Raised Band 

Soloist 
Pat Barker
Mark Bishop
Jason Crabb
Michael English
Joseph Habedank
Steve Ladd
Gordon Mote
Ivan Parker
Squire Parsons
Guy Penrod

Trio 
11th Hour
Booth Brothers
Brian Free & Assurance
Bowling Family
Greater Vision
Guardians
Hyssongs
Jim Brady Trio
Talleys
Whisnants
**Can't believe Jeff and Sheri Easter didn't make this list!

Mixed Group 
Browders
Collingsworth Family
Erwins
Hoppers
Isaacs
Karen Peck & New River
McKameys
Mylon Hayes Family
Nelons
Perrys

Traditional Quartet 
Blackwood Brothers
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gold City
Kingdom Heirs
Kingsmen
LeFevre Quartet
Legacy Five
Mark Trammell Quartet
Tribute Quartet
Triumphant Quartet 

Album
Between Here & Heaven — Booth Brothers
Faith & Family — Hyssongs
Full Sail — Mark Trammell Quartet
Here For You — Tribute Quartet
In The Hands Of A Carpenter — Legacy Five
Life Is Good — Hoppers
Live From The Smokies — Wilburn & Wilburn
Live Like We’re Redeemed — Brian Free & Assurance
Nature's Symphony In 432 — Isaacs
Promises — Jim Brady Trio
**Refreshing from Second Half Quartet and This Changes Everything by Cana's Voice were in my top albums for the year, but since neither are full-time touring groups, I can't remember if they were eligible.

Song 
"Calling" —Karen Peck & New River
"He Does" — Greater Vision
"I Love You This Much" — Whisnants
"If We Ever Gotta Look" — Hoppers
"It’s What He’s Done" —Wilburn & Wilburn
"Living In The Promised Land" —Triumphant Quartet
"My Father’s House" —Nelons
"Never Forsaken" —Tribute Quartet
"Somebody’s Miracle" —Brian Free & Assurance
"Still" — Legacy Five
**I would have added "Jesus Never Fails" here by Cana's Voice and "Small Town Someone" by Jeff and Sheri Easter.

Favorite Artist 
Booth Brothers
Collingsworth Family
Greater Vision
Hoppers
Karen Peck & New River
Kingdom Heirs
Legacy Five
Mark Trammell Quartet
Tribute Quartet
Triumphant Quartet

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - February 25

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

• Congratulations to Gold City Quartet with the announcement this week that the group will be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 9 at Lipscomb University. 
• Messiah's Call announced that Caleb Kelley of Savannah, Tennessee has joined the group at baritone.
• Tony and Julie Griffith welcomed vocalist and pianist Joseph "Bryce" Lee as the newest member of The Griffith Family. Bryce moved from Dallas, Georgia, to join the group full-time.
• Spoken 4 Quartet announced this week that baritone Steven Hickinbotham is stepping down from the group to pursue his career as a chef full-time. 
• The first round of nominations for the Singing News Fan Awards is now open. Subscribers may vote at SingingNews.com.

Any thing I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - October 1

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

• The National Quartet Convention had a press conference on Monday to say that NQC would be held in Pigeon Forge for the next five years.    
• Here is the full list of Singing News Fan Award winners. The ceremony was held on Wednesday afternoon at NQC.
• Mark Lowry was named the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Golden Note Award at the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Christian Music Awards on Monday night in Nashville. The Golden Note Award is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones.
• Zach Cleghorn is the new lead vocalist for the Anchormen Quartet. He grew up in Arley, Alabama and most recently served as worship pastor at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Athens, Alabama.

Anything I've missed?

2016 Singing News Fan Awards Winners

The Singing News Fan Awards were held this afternoon during the National Quartet Convention. The big honors of the afternoon were given to Triumphant Quartet taking home awards for both song and album. Booth Brothers were once again named the fan favorite artist.

Connie Hopper received the award for Favorite Alto for the second year in a row. That's one category that seems to be less predictable than others though. Mark Trammell was also Favorite Baritone for the second consecutive year. Two very deserving people!!

It was good to see Riley Harrison Clark honored as Favorite Young Artist. He's one of the best tenors on the road.

Here's the full list of winners -

Favorite Soloist: Ivan Parker
Favorite New Artist: Goodman Revival
Favorite Band: Kingdom Heirs Band
Favorite Mixed Group: Collingsworth Family
Favorite Soprano: Kim Hopper
Favorite Tenor: Michael Booth
Favorite Southern Gospel Radio Station: WJBZ (Knoxville, TN)
Favorite Musician: Kim Collingsworth
Favorite Songwriter: Rodney Griffin
Favorite Alto: Connie Hopper
Favorite Lead: Ronnie Booth
Favorite Trio: Booth Brothers
Favorite Young Artist: Riley Harrison Clark (Tribute Quartet)
Favorite Bass: Eric Bennett
Favorite Baritone: Mark Trammell
Favorite Traditional Quartet: Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Song: “Amazing God” (Triumphant Quartet)
Favorite Album: Living In Harmony (Triumphant Quartet)
Favorite Artist: Booth Brothers

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - July 9

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

• There are only a few days left to vote in the Singing News Fan Awards. Subscribers can go here to cast their votes. 
• The Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame announced its 2016 inductees - Lari Goss, Carroll McGruder, Peg McKamey Bean and Ronny Hinson. 
• Skyland Records (Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing) announced the signing of the Joylanders.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 25

Here are news and tidbits from this week in Southern Gospel -

• The final round of voting for the Singing News Fan Awards is now open. Subscribers can go here to vote. 
• The 2016 BMI Christian Awards were held this week in Nashville. BMI honored the songwriters and publishers of the top 25 songs of the past year played on Christian radio. The following songs were honored - 
• "Everybody's Going Through Something"
• "Glorybound"
• "Joys of Heaven"
• "Love Them to Jesus"
• "Oh Yes I Am"
• Prayers go out to the Talley family with the passing of Debra's father this week. 
• Daywind Music Publishing is proud to welcome singer/songwriter and comedian Tim Lovelace to its expanding roster of talented songwriters.

Anything I've missed?

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

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

• Congratulations to both the Nelons and Russ Taff who were inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame this week!
• The 2016 Singing News Fan Awards Top Five Nominations have now been announced. Check out the full list here. 
• Daniel Mount, who ran Southern Gospel Blog that was later renamed Southern Gospel Journal, has announced a new book. The book is called Southern Gospel Journal: An Anthology and is available in paperback and Kindle formats at Amazon. Daniel has chosen 50 of his best posts to highlight in this book. 
• The Knight Family of Fall Branch, Tennessee, has announced a 30th Anniversary Album. The group consists of Adam, Angel and Linda Knight. It will include songs such as “I Claim The Blood," “Transfer Plans,” “There's a Refuge In Jesus” and “How Great Thou Art.”  
• Congratulations to Karen Peck Gooch who was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Divinity from Toccoa Falls College on Saturday. 

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - April 23

Here are news items from this week in gospel music -

• Prayers for the Riley Family (Gold City) with the loss of Barbara Riley, wife of Tim Riley, unexpectedly on Tuesday. Along with Tim, keep children Danny and Amy in your prayers. Services were held this morning in Glencoe, Alabama.
• Chris West, also of Gold City, lost a parent this week. His father, Sammy, died on Friday of cancer. His service will be held tomorrow in Nauvoo, Alabama. Please remember all of his family in your prayers as well. 
• Congratulations to Jon Charles Taggart of Spoken 4 Quartet. He and his wife Amanda welcomed baby boy Charlie on April 20.
• The second round of voting is now open in the Singing News Fan Awards. Voting is open for all subscribers. Vote online here. 

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - March 19

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

• The Jim Brady Trio announced this week the departure of Tim Parton. Gus Gaches will be filling in until a permanent replacement is found.
• Chris White had heart surgery on Thursday. The surgery went well, and he is recovering.
• Archie Watkins had a mild heart attack this week. He is stable and under observation in the hospital where he will remain for a few days. Doctors will be running more tests and to determine the cause and make sure a procedure is not needed. Keep him and his family in your prayers.
• The top 10 nominations for the Singing News were announced this week. Take a look at the breakdown of the nominations here. 
• Naomi Sego Reader had a fall in her bathroom on Monday evening. Her doctor is treating her with medication for an infection. She is home and resting comfortably. Please remember her in your prayers.
• Abraham Productions, Inc. announces the release of its API app – an interactive app set to debut at Singing in the Sun this April. The first of its kind to be implemented for an event application within the Southern Gospel genre, the app will not only be an aid to event attendees, but also offer a platform to stay directly connected with all the latest Abraham Production happenings throughout the year. It's free to download on both Apple and Android stores.

Anything I've missed?

Singing News Fan Awards 2016

The top 10 Singing News Fan Award nominees were announced yesterday. Of course, there weren't too many surprises or changes from last year. I know people have mixed feelings about the awards and their predictability, but the fans are the ones who choose. I've confessed before I sometimes vote differently in each round, just because I would like to see a few new faces receive nominations.

Some categories have changed from last year. New artists is all together instead of broken out by trio, quartet, mixed and soloist. The overall favorite male and female singer categories are missing this year.

So what else is different this year, and who's nominated? Let's take a look at the categories -

Favorite Artist
Booth Brothers
Brian Free & Assurance
Collingsworth Family
Greater Vision
Hoppers
Jim Brady Trio
Kingdom Heirs
Legacy Five
Tribute Qt.
Triumphant Qt.

The Hoppers and the Jim Brady Trio are the differences in this group from last year.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Karen Peck & New River


Traditional Quartet
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Gold City
Inspirations
Kingdom Heirs
Kingsmen
LeFevre Qt
Legacy Five
Mark Trammell Qt
Tribute Qt
Triumphant Qt

Inspirations and LeFevre Quartet are the differences from last year. The Old Paths and Brian Free & Assurance are the two groups who dropped and neither were eligible this year.

Nomination I would have liked to see - This one seems pretty spot on to me.

Mixed Group
Browders
Collingsworth Family
Erwins
Hoppers
Isaacs
Karen Peck & New River
McKameys
Mylon Hayes Family
Nelons
Perrys

Interestingly enough, the Nelons and Karen Peck & New River both moved into this category from the trio category with the addition of the younger daughters. The Erwins are also new to this group, great to see them getting this nomination after winning New Mixed Group last year.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Taylors

Trio
11th Hour
Booth Brothers
Brian Free & Assurance
Bowling Family
Greater Vision
Hyssongs
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Jim Brady Trio
Talleys
Whisnants

11th Hour and the Jim Brady Trio are newbies after both being nominated in the new category last year, and Brian Free & Assurance moved categories. Glad to see 11th Hour make the list!

Nomination I would have liked to see - Martins


Soloist
Barker, Pat
Bishop, Mark
Crabb, Jason
Greene, TaRanda
Habedank, Joseph
Ladd, Steve
Mote, Gordon
Parker, Ivan
Parsons, Squire
Penrod, Guy

Pat Barker receives this top 10 nomination after winning new soloist last year. He's the only new one in this category.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Michael English


Young Artist
Bowling, Hope — Bowling Family
Clark, Autumn Nelon — Nelons
Clark, Riley Harrison — Tribute Qt
Easter, Morgan — Jeff & Sheri Easter
Erwin, Katie — Erwins
Gooch, Kari — Karen Peck & New River
Hayes, Kennedy — Mylon Hayes Family
Hopper, Karlye — Hoppers
Johnson, Chandler — Dixie Echoes
Whisnant, Austin — Whisnants

I love that Kennedy Hayes has a nomination here; she's a new face along with Kari Gooch, Katie Erwin and Chandler Johnson.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Andrew Goldman and Amber Eppinette (I think they fit in the age requirements, but could be wrong.)


Tenor
Allman, Chris — Greater Vision
Booth, Michael — Booth Brothers
Clark, Riley Harrison — Tribute Qt
Feemster, Josh — Legacy Five
Free, Brian — Brian Free & Assurance
Haase, Ernie — Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Jenkins, Chris — Anchormen
Martin, Jerry — Kingdom Heirs
Phelps, David — Gaither Vocal Band
Sutton, David — Triumphant Qt

Josh Feemster joined this group, interestingly enough Gus Gaches was the 10th last year.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Not sure I would change any here.


Lead
Booth, Ronnie — Booth Brothers
Bowling, Mike — Bowling Family
Brady, Jim — Jim Brady Trio
Casto, Gary — Tribute Qt
Fowler, Scott — Legacy Five
Hopper, Dean — Hoppers
Inman, Clayton — Triumphant Qt
Rice, Arthur — Kingdom Heirs
Shivers, Bill — Brian Free & Assurance
Wolfe, Gerald — Greater Vision

Mike Bowling and Dean Hopper are both new to this category which I don't understand how they haven't been nominated previously.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Nick Trammell and Chip Pullen

Baritone
Alvey, Brian — Kingdom Heirs
Griffin, Rodney — Greater Vision
Howard, Scott — Legacy Five
Inman, Scott — Triumphant Qt
Lancaster, Paul — Booth Brothers
LeFevre, Mike — LeFevre Qt
Parton, Tim — Jim Brady Trio
Rogers, Mike — Brian Free & Assurance
Singletary, Josh — Tribute Qt
Trammell, Mark — Mark Trammell Qt

Brian Alvey, Paul Lancaster and Tim Parton are the differences from last year.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Daniel Riley


Bass
Bennett, Eric — Triumphant Qt
Byrd, Randy — Mark Trammell Qt
Chapman, Jeff — Kingdom Heirs
Duncan, Tim — Canton Junction
Davis, Anthony — Tribute Qt
Epley, Jon — LeFevre Qt
Fouch, Matt — Legacy Five
Harkey, Paul — Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Reese, Ray Dean — Kingsmen
West, Chris — Gold City

Jon Epley, Chris West and Tim Duncan are the new faces. Glad to see Chris recognized this year, since Tim Riley was still the nomination for Gold City last year.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Ian Owens

Soprano
Blair, Brooklyn Collingsworth — Collingsworth Family
Bowling, Kelly — Bowling Family
Brady, Melissa — Jim Brady Trio
Erwin, Katie — Erwins
Fortner, Connie — McKameys
Gooch, Karen Peck — Karen Peck & New River
Hopper, Kim — Hoppers
Talley, Lauren — Talleys
Thompson, Amber Nelon — Nelons
Yeary, Sonya Isaacs — Isaacs

Melissa Brady and Katie Erwin both earned nominations this year. Even though Kim Hopper has dominated this category in the past, to me the talent pool of this category is one of the strongest.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Morgan Easter

Alto
Bean, Peg McKamey — McKameys
Bowling, Hope — Bowling Family
Clark, Kelly Nelon — Nelons
Easter, Sheri — Jeff & Sheri Easter
Hopper, Connie — Hoppers
Jackson, Susan Peck — Karen Peck & New River
Metz, Courtney Collingsworth — Collingsworth Family
Stuffle, Libbi — Perrys
Talley, Debra — Talleys
Whisnant, Susan — Whisnants

No changes from last year.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Suzanne Taylor Hise


Musician
Collingsworth, Kim — Collingsworth Family
Hopper, Mike — Hoppers
Ivey, Trey — Legacy Five
Mote, Gordon — Soloist
Parton, Tim — Jim Brady Trio
Singletary, Josh — Tribute Qt
Southard, GW — Triumphant Qt
Stice, Jeff — Soloist
Williams, Kevin — Gaither Vocal Band
Wolfe, Gerald — Greater Vision

Tim Parton is the only change from last year's nominations. It's good to see this category not dominated by pianists with a guitar player and even a drummer!

Nomination I would have liked to see - Matthew Holt and Bryan Elliot


Band
Bowling Family Band
Browders Band
Dixie Echoes Band
Gaither Vocal Band Band
Isaacs Band
Jason Crabb Band
Jeff & Sheri Easter Band
Kingdom Heirs Band
Primitive Qt Band
Southern Raised Band

Dixie Echoes Band and the Jeff & Sheri Easter Band are different from last year. I am really surprised that Jeff & Sheri Easter's band was not on the list last year, definitely worthy of this nomination.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Wouldn't change any

Songwriter
Allman, Chris
Bishop, Mark
Brady, Jim
Crabb, Gerald
Free, Ricky
Griffin, Rodney
Habedank, Joseph
Inman, Scott
Rowland, Kyla
Wilkinson, Dianne

Ricky Free and Kyla Rowland are the new faces here. It's good to see some of the younger generation of songwriters receive nominations.

Nomination I would have liked to see - Kenna Turner West

Album
A New Look — Kingdom Heirs
As We Speak — Greater Vision
Live At Daywind Studios — Jim Brady Trio
Live At Daywind Studios — Tribute Qt
Living in Harmony — Triumphant Qt
Moments Like These — Bowling Family
Pray Now — Karen Peck & New River
Rewind — Mark Trammell Qt
That Day Is Coming — Collingsworth Family
Walk of Faith — Whisnants

Nomination I would have liked to see - Jeff & Sheri Easter's Small Town and the Talleys' After All This Time

Song 
"Amazing God" — Triumphant Qt
"Chain Gang" — Kingdom Heirs
"Jesus, The One" — Hoppers
"Pray Now" — Karen Peck & New River
"Put Out the Fire" — Greater Vision
"That's A Hallelujah" — Legacy Five
"That’s Just What Grace Does" — Brian Free & Assurance
"Those Who Know Me Know" — Tribute Qt
"Worry Ends Where Faith Begins" — Whisnants
"You Asked Him To Leave" — Wilburn & Wilburn

It's interesting that really radio play has little to do with this category. The Browders had the #1 song for two months in a row, but it didn't make the list with fans. "Put Out the Fire" and "Pray Now" were both #1s on the Singing News Top 80 chart. "That's Just What Grace Does" and "You Asked Him to Leave" are definitely new and just starting to make their rounds.

Nominations I would have liked to see -  There are so many I would sub in this category, "Jesus Loves You" (Jeff and Sheri Easter), "As We Speak" (Greater Vision), "Steppin' Out in Faith" (Jim Brady Trio), "Sometimes It Takes a Mountain" (Gaither Vocal Band)

New Artist
Cana’s Voice
Goodman Revival
Guardians
Jay Stone Singers
Kramers
Littles
Lore Family
Sherry Anne
Southern Raised
Williamsons

The Williamsons have received a lot of recognition this year even a #1 song. Cana's Voice has had so much buzz around its start. Some of these groups I wouldn't classify as "new" anymore.

So what about you, what your thoughts on the nominations?

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

I'm a little late with this week's post, because I just got back from Branson and the Cathedrals Family Reunion. Such a great event that I'll definitely blog about later on! For now, here are some news items from this week in gospel music -

• Legacy Five announced Josh Feemster as its new tenor this week.
• Dixie Echoes also announced its new tenor who will be Stephen Adair.
• Congratulations to Jim Brady who will be inducted into the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame in November!
• Ruth Ellen Carter Yates passed away on October 5. She was a long-time member of the Chuck Wagon Gang. Please keep her family in your prayers.
• If you missed the Singing News Fan Awards, you can now watch the full show and pre-show online. Go to the Singing News website. 
• Daywind Records welcomed the Hoppers to its label this week.

Anything I've missed?

Singing News Fan Awards 2015

The Singing News Fan Awards were held Wednesday afternoon at the National Quartet Convention. It was part of the live stream included in the webcast, but I was at work. I did try to listen to some of it, but only caught bits and pieces.

I have mixed feelings about the fan awards each year. It's nice to see consistency, but at the same time sometimes it's very predictable. That being said, there were a few surprises this year or at least some changes.

We knew there would be a change with baritone because Jim Brady was in a new category this year. I thought it would be one of two people - Scott Inman or Mark Trammell - and I remember having trouble deciding myself between the two. Mark has to be the most consistent in the business and has been the best in the industry for decades now, so I was thrilled to see him win it! I did get to hear his speech! Very touching, all glory to God!

It was good to see Trey Ivey win for young artist. Honestly, not because he looks it, but because of what all he's accomplished with his arrangements and producing I thought he might have aged out of the category already. Well deserved!

Connie Hopper winning favorite alto was a switch, but with the year the Hoppers have had, it's no surprise. Fans definitely know how to show their support to artists who need encouragement. It was a beautiful moment and so sweet that Karlye and Claude were the ones who announced it!

The pairings of the presenters was interesting. It seemed to be a younger artist and, well, a more established artist. Not sure how they paired who went with who there except for the pairing of Karlye and Claude, the others seemed a bit random. In the past, it's been siblings or parent/child, so they seemed less random.

I think it's very ironic that Triumphant Quartet won best album with a project that is full of praise and worship songs. I think Eric even mentioned that as he accepted it. I have to say it was one of my favorite projects from last year, and Triumphant is one of the top groups in the industry, so overall it's no huge surprise. However, it is very ironic!

I'll say no matter how many times an artist wins, it's cool to see how they never take it for granted. I feel like speeches get more humble with the number of times in some cases. I did get to hear part of Rodney's speech where he shared his demo tape with Kirk Talley at a concert. It was neat hearing how now if aspiring songwriters so that to him, he takes time to listen.

For the first time, the awards were split into two different events. All the radio DJs and new categories were awarded in a ceremony on Tuesday. The new categories weren't big surprises to me with the Jim Brady Trio winning trio and Pat Barker winning soloist. Both were well deserved as they have branched out into new ministries. Also, I was glad to see the Erwins recognized!

Here's a full list of the winners -

Favorite Small Market DJ - John Whisnant
Favorite New Soloist - Pat Barker
Favorite Medium Market DJ - Lottie Squires
Favorite New Trio - Jim Brady Trio
Favorite Large Market DJ - Daniel Britt
Favorite New Mixed Group - The Erwins
Favorite New Traditional Quartet - The Carolina Boys and Freedom Quartet (tie)
Favorite Bass - Eric Bennett
Favorite Young Artist - Trey Ivey
Favorite Soloist - Ivan Parker
Favorite Male Singer - Ronnie Booth
Favorite Baritone - Mark Trammell
Favorite Alto - Connie Hopper
Favorite Lead - Ronnie Booth
Favorite Band - Kingdom Heirs Band
Favorite Tenor - Michael Booth
Favorite Mixed Group - Collingsworth Family
Favorite Trio - Booth Brothers
Favorite Musician - Kim Collingsworth
Favorite Female Singer - Kim Hopper
Favorite Soprano Singer - Kim Hopper
Favorite Non-performing Songwriter - Dianne Wilkinson
Favorite Performing Songwriter - Rodney Griffin
Favorite Male Quartet - Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Album - Awesome God by Triumphant Quartet
Favorite Song - "For All He's Done" - Greater Vision
Favorite Artist - Booth Brothers

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 27

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

• Dustin Black resigned from Mark Trammell Quartet effective August 3. He will be starting a new ministry in Ireland.
• Matthew Esquivel joined Paul's Journey as the group's tenor singer. His first concert with them was June 25. He is 21 years old and from Fort Worth, Texas.
• The family of Buck Rambo issued an open letter to fans this week that he has been battling cancer. Please keep them in your prayers. Here's the full letter from the family.
• The Bowling Family announced this week that they will start a music fest and talent search in London, Kentucky next year. It will take place May 13-14, 2016 and will feature Adam Crabb, Gold City, Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, Jeff and Sheri Easter, the McKameys, Primitive Quartet and Aaron Wilburn.
• Jake Wood joined Mercy's Well this week. This is the 22-year-old's first full-time position in Christian music though he has experience singing in various local ministries.
• The final round of voting for the 2015 Singing News Fan Awards is now open. Subscribers can vote online at http://fanawards.singingnews.com/.
• Prayers requested for Luke White who has been involved in Southern Gospel behind the scenes work for many years. He has been in the hospital with pneumonia and a collapsed lung. 

Anything I've missed?

Singing News Announces Top 5 - Gospel Music Awards

The Singing News announced its Top 5 for the 2015 Singing News Fan Awards on Tuesday afternoon. Congratulations to all nominees! The third and final round of voting will take place with the July issue of the Singing News. The awards ceremony will take place at the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

The full list of nominees is below, but I always like to look at how nominees compare year over year. Several categories are unchanged from last year's top five including Favorite Artist, Traditional Quartet, Mixed Group and Trio. Soloist only had one change with Joseph Habedank being the addition (he won Favorite New Soloist last year).

Favorite Male had two changes with Mark Trammell and Jim Brady both in the top five this year. Lauren Talley Alvey is also an addition for the Favorite Female Singer category.

Young Artist only had two carry-overs from last year (Riley Harrison Clark and Trey Ivey) with Morgan Easter, Austin Whisnant and Autumn Clark each receiving top five noms.

With Jim Brady switching from baritone to lead, he changed categories this year. Doug Anderson got his spot in the baritone nominations. For Favorite Bass Paul Harkey and Jeremy Lile each were in the Top 5, while tenor remained unchanged. One of the top 5 bass nominations last year, Pat Barker, is now in nominations for top 5 new soloist. There were no differences with Favorite Soprano and Favorite Alto.

So many things are predictable with the Singing News Fan Awards from nominations to winners. I used to be one of those who hated this, but now I do see how it speaks for the consistency of the industry.

What do you think of this year's nominations? Who has your vote?

Full nomination list -


Favorite Artist

• Booth Brothers 
• Collingsworth Family 
• Greater Vision 
• Kingdom Heirs 
• Triumphant Qt

Favorite Traditional Quartet 

• Brian Free & Assurance 
• Kingdom Heirs 
• Legacy Five 
• Mark Trammell Qt 
• Triumphant Qt

Favorite Mixed Group 

• Collingsworth Family 
• Hoppers 
• Isaacs 
• McKameys 
• Perrys

Favorite Trio

• Booth Brothers 
• Greater Vision 
• Jeff & Sheri Easter 
• Karen Peck & New River 
• Whisnants

Favorite Soloist

• Mark Bishop
• TaRanda Greene
• Joseph Habedank
• Ivan Parker
• Guy Penrod 

Favorite Male Singer

• Ronnie Booth  - Booth Brothers 
• Jim Brady - Jim Brady Trio 
• Arthur Rice - Kingdom Heirs 
• Mark Trammell - Mark Trammell Qt 
• Gerald Wolfe - Greater Vision

Favorite Female Singer

• Lauren Talley Alvey - Talleys 
• Karen Peck Gooch - Karen Peck & New River 
• Kim Hopper - Hoppers 
• Libbi Stuffle - Perrys 
• Susan Whisnant - Whisnants

Favorite Young Artist 

• Autumn Clark - Nelons 
• Riley Harrison Clark - Tribute Qt 
• Morgan Easter - Jeff & Sheri Easter 
• Trey Ivey - Legacy Five 
• Austin Whisnant - Whisnants

Favorite Tenor

• Chris Allman - Greater Vision 
• Michael Booth - Booth Brothers 
• Brian Free - Brian Free & Assurance 
• David Phelps - Gaither Vocal Band 
• David Sutton - Triumphant Qt

Favorite Lead

• Ronnie Booth - Booth Brothers 
• Jim Brady - Jim Brady Trio 
• Clayton Inman - Triumphant Qt 
• Arthur Rice - Kingdom Heirs 
• Gerald Wolfe - Greater Vision

Favorite Baritone 

• Doug Anderson - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound 
• Rodney Griffin - Greater Vision 
• Scott Inman - Triumphant Qt 
• Josh Singletary - Tribute Qt 
• Mark Trammell - Mark Trammell Qt

Favorite Bass

• Eric Bennett - Triumphant Qt 
• Jeff Chapman - Kingdom Heirs 
• Paul Harkey - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound 
• Jeremy Lile - Brian Free & Assurance 
• Tim Riley - Gold City

Favorite Soprano

• Lauren Talley Alvey - Talleys 
• Brooklyn Collingsworth Blair - Collingsworth Family 
• Karen Peck Gooch - Karen Peck & New River 
• Kim Hopper - Hoppers 
• Sonya Isaacs Yeary - Isaacs

Favorite Alto

• Courtney Collingsworth Metz - Collingsworth Family 
• Sheri Easter - Jeff & Sheri Easter 
• Connie Hopper - Hoppers 
• Libbi Stuffle - Perrys 
• Susan Whisnant - Whisnants

Favorite Musician

• Kim Collingsworth - Collingsworth Family 
• Trey Ivey - Legacy Five 
• Gordon Mote
• Jeff Stice 
• Kevin Williams - Gaither Vocal Band

Favorite Band

• Gaither Vocal Band Band 
• Isaacs Band 
• Kingdom Heirs Band 
• Primitive Qt Band 
• Southern Raised Band

Favorite Songwriter

• Mark Bishop
• Jim Brady
• Rodney Griffin
• Joseph Habedank
• Scott Inman

Favorite Album

• Awesome God - Triumphant Qt 
• Battle Cry - Kingsmen 
• Sometimes It Takes A Mountain - Gaither Vocal Band 
• Still - Booth Brothers 
• Unashamed - Brian Free & Assurance

Favorite DJ - Small Market 

• Don Anderson - KTTK - Lebanon, MO 
• Scott Garner - WGMI - Bremen, GA 
• ReJean Leeth - WZCT - Scottsboro, AL 
• John Whisnant - WCIS - Morganton, NC 
• John Wishon - WWWC - Wilkesboro, NC

Favorite DJ - Medium Market 

• Don Elrod - WGTJ - Gainesville, GA 
• Gary Richardson - WJCR - Upton, KY 
• Bill Roberts - WLWI - Montgomery, AL 
• Lottie Squires - WCKB - Dunn, NC 
• Dave Taylor - KWFC - Springfield, MO

Favorite DJ - Large Market

• Daniel Britt - WXRI - Winston Salem, NC 
• Ron Foster - WZZK - Birmingham, AL 
• Tim Guinn - WJBZ - Knoxville, TN 
• Ken Hicks - WUSY - Chattanooga, TN 
• Wanda Taylor - WXRI - Winston Salem, NC

Favorite Non-Performing Songwriter

• Ricky Free
• Mosie Lister 
• Rebecca Peck
• Kyla Rowland
• Dianne Wilkinson

Favorite New Traditional Quartet

• Carolina Boys 
• Freedom Qt 
• Keepers of the Faith 
• Paul’s Journey 
• Penny Loafers

Favorite New Mixed Group

• Allen Family 
• Erwins 
• Heaven’s Mountain Band 
• Hoskins Family 
• Southern Raised

Favorite New Trio 

• 11th Hour 
• Barry Rowland & Deliverance 
• Goodman Revival 
• Guardians 
• Jim Brady Trio

Favorite New Soloist

• Pat Barker
• Lindsey Graham
• Billy Hodges
• Abby Paskvan
• Tammy Jones Robinette

Favorite Song

• "Christ Is Still The King" - Legacy Five 
• "Everything I Need" - Tribute Qt 
• "For All He’s Done" - Greater Vision 
• "Hidden Heroes" - Talleys 
• "Never No Never" - Joseph Habedank 
• "Oh Yes I Am" - Kingsmen 
• "Say Amen" - Brian Free & Assurance 
• "The Joys of Heaven" - Kingdom Heirs 
• "There Is Jesus" - McKameys 
• "This Blood" - Triumphant Qt 
• "Your Walk Talks" - Mark Trammell Qt