In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - January 5

Here are recent news items in Southern Gospel -

• Jim and Melissa Brady announced the departure of Layke Jones. Jim and Melissa will now be traveling as a duo. 
• Nominations are now open for the Absolutely Gospel Music Fan Favorite Artist of the Year. You can vote online here. 
• Daywind Music Group has announced its partnership with Abraham Productions on the upcoming “Beyond Amazing” tour. The multi-city tour features Brian Free & Assurance, Karen Peck & New River, Joseph Habedank, Emily Ann Roberts and evangelist C.T. Townsend. The tour kicked off on December 30 in North Carolina. 
• Common Bond Quartet announced the addition of Bink Mooney as its new bass singer. Additionally founding member Mike Bradshaw announced that he would like to spend more time with his family and reduce his time on the road. The group is accepting applications for the baritone position.
• Chapel Valley artist TRIO has added their daughters to the group and thus had a name change from TRIO to The McMurrays.
• The 2019 Singing News Songwriters Search is now open. Get all the details here. 

Anything I've missed?

Playing Catch Up

I'm doing a little bit of catch up today after a blog hiatus. I'm hoping in 2019 I can get back to blogging more regularly. I've got a stack of CDs to review and several concert events coming up in early 2019.

But for today, there are several big news items I've missed over the past couple of months -

• Gospel music lost two legends in Les Beasley and Ernie Phillips. Les passed away on Saturday, Nov. 17 at age 90. He was the president of the National Quartet Convention and the longtime owner/manager/singer of The Florida Boys and a producer of "The Gospel Singing Jubilee." Ernie passed away on Nov. 29 at age 68. He was a legendary tenor and former Kingsmen Quartet member.
• Gary Casto of Tribute Quartet announced that Riley Harrison Clark is stepping down as the group's tenor to pursue a solo career. Riley has been with the group for nine years. He will be replaced by Gus Gaches, formerly of Legacy Five. 
• Squire Parsons had heart bypass surgery to repair blockages in his heart. He is now at home recovering well.
• The 2019 Grammy nominations were announced. For the first time in a while, the nominations for the Roots Gospel category were all Southern Gopsel artists: Unexpected by Jason Crabb, Clear Skies by Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Favorites:Revisited by Request by the Isaacs, Still Standing by the Martins and Love Love Love by Gordon Mote. 
• 2nd Generation based in Oak Grove, Arkansas announced the group's retirement. They will do two final concerts in Arkansas in January. The group consists of Brenda Denney, Elaine Robinson and Randy Barnes. 
• A new group has been formed, Redemption’s Promise. The group consists of Chuck Pettyjohn on tenor, Shannon Yates on lead, David Emery on baritone, and Paul Hyde on bass. They are based on Morristown, Tennessee.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Sept. 23

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

• The McKameys announced that 2019 will be the group's final year of touring. 
• Riley Harrison Clark of Tribute Quartet signed a contract for solo record with Daywind Records. His solo project, Welcome To Me, will release on September 28.
• The Perrys released a new concept video for "It Carried Him." Check it out below!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - September 16

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

• GW Southard was announced as the new pianist for Gold City Quartet. He will start with the group immediately.
• The newest release in Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Music Hymn Sing series, Heaven’s Jubilee! Live at Indian Trail took over the Sun Valley 14 movie theater in Indian Trail, North Carolina on Monday, September 10 for a pre-screening of the live DVD.

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In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Sept. 8

Here are news and tidbits from the past two weeks in Southern Gospel -

• Ray Dean Reese of The Kingsmen announced the addition of new baritone vocalist, Alan Kendall. Randy Crawford held the position for 12 years and announced that he would be coming off the road this summer. Kendall previously sang with Gerald Williams and the Melody Boys Quartet and Jordan's Bridge.
• Jody McBrayer announced that he will join Avalon for limited touring dates and a new recording. He will continue to be with Cana's Voice as well as doing some solo dates.
• Effective January 1, 2019 in addition to his solo minsitry, Bob Sellers will also assume the lead singer spot for The Old Time Preachers Quartet. He will also maintain his solo ministry.
• The Jim Brady Trio has signed an exclusive recording agreement with Daywind Music Group. Their new project Hope Keeps Writing The Song will release later this month.
• Prayers go out to the families of two former Blackwood Brothers members. Bill Shaw passed away on Sept. 7, and former piano player Jack Marshall passed away on August 27.
• Jordan’s Bridge announced Dale Shipley as their new lead singer following the departure of Alan Kendall. 
• The Ball Brothers announced Rhett Robert as the group's new bass singer. This announcement came as part of the group's recent article in Sports Illustrated. Read the article here. 

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

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

• The Kingsmen Quartet announced Chris Bryant as the group's new lead vocalist. As a Wiggins, Mississippi native, Chris has served in music ministry for several years in various capacities while operating his own business. Most recently, he has served as lead vocalist for the Mississippi-based quartet, The Bibletones. His first official date with the group was August 9.
• Prayers go out to the family of Polly Lewis Copsey. Polly sang with the first family of bluegrass gospel music, The Lewis Family. She is also the mother of Sheri Easter. She battled with Parkinson's disease for 16 years.
• The Old Paths announced that they will start a full-time touring schedule in 2019. The group returned to the road after a year and a half break in June 2017.
• Exodus has announced they will perform as a female trio in the future. The group is based in Gadsden, Alabama.

Anything I've missed?

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 - July 28

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

• Prayers requested for Randall Crawford of the Kingsmen. He has been hospitalized in Mississippi following an episode of stroke-like symptoms while on the road. They are awaiting additional tests.
• Songwriter Chris Binion has reached a publishing deal with Crossroads Music’s publishing arm. A few of Chris's songs are “God Is Faithful” by Karen Peck & New River, "Long Live the King" by The Old Paths and "King Jesus Is Coming" by the Whisnants.
• The Old Time Preachers Quartet has announced that Lee McNeill has resigned as lead singer of the group. He said that he will remain with the quartet through this year until a replacement has been found. 

Anything I've missed?

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

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

• If you have not checked out the Southern Gospel News Podcast, be sure to check it out here.
• There will be a special benefit concert for songwriter Marcia Henry at 7 p.m. on August 10 at Victory Baptist Church in North Augusta, SC. Performers will include Jeff and Sheri Easter, Bowling Family, Bowling Sisters and Poet Voices.

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

Here are news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• The 2018 inductees for the Tri-State Gospel Music Hall Of Fame include Mike Holcomb, Tracy Stuffle and Randy Perry. The ceremony will be held on August 4 at Parkway Baptist Temple Church in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia.
• Thomas Floyd “Tommy” Howe Jr., who filled in on many occasions with The Masters V, Statesmen, Blackwood Brothers, and JD Sumner & The Stamps, passed away on June 29, 2018. His memorial service will be held on Monday.

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In Case You Missed It - News and Tidibits - July 7

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

• Keep the Lovelace family in your prayers. Tim's dad, Harold, passed away on Sunday, July 1. The service was held on Thursday.
• The final round of voting for the Singing News Fan Awards ends on Friday, July 13. Subscribers can vote now here.
• Jason Crabb was featured on the Jesus Calling podcast. You can listen to it here.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 16

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

• Bryan Elliot announced his resignation from Gold City. He has been the group's piano player for eight years. He plans to take some time off the road and minister with his wife Kelly. 
• Kasey Kemp, Corey Lackey and Jacob Lagesse have now formed Avenue Trio. The group is planning its debut album to be released this summer.
• The Troy Burns Family announced the additions of Cole Watson and Ethan McNelly to the group. 
• Long-time Singing News columnist Bob Crawford has been hospitalized following complications from a fall at his home on Sunday. 
• Congratulations to Jonathan Taylor who announced his engagement to Lynsey Vicars this week. The two are planning an April wedding.

Anything I've missed?

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

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

• Congratulations to Amber Nelon Thompson and Nathan Kitsler who announced their engagement.
• See the latest video from Matt Fouch's On the Couch With Fouch, which is an interview with Clayton Inman of Triumphant Quartet. Watch it here.

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In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 2

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

• Congratulations to Lindsey Graham, who received her Doctorate of Worship Studies from Liberty University’s School of Music on May 19, 2018. 
• Congratulations also to Matthew Gooch (Karen Peck & New River) who married Preslee Mortenson on Saturday, June 2 in Lexington, Kentucky.
• Chuck Pettyjohn announced his resignation from the Blackwood Quartet. He will be filling in when needed and doing some solo dates. 
• Master's Voice announced that baritone Stan Watson is leaving the group.

Anything I've missed?

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

Here are some news items recently in Southern Gospel music -

• Prayers go out to the Mullins family. Anchormen baritone, Scott Mullin’s father passed away on Monday, April 16, 2018 after a short illness.  
• The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards were held in Nashville on Tuesday, April 10. The full list of winners is here. Karen Peck & New River were the big winners of the night, taking home Fan Favorite Artist, Album and Musician. You can watch the video online here.

Anything I've missed?

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

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

• The National Quartet Convention has announced its afternoon showcases and the speakers for the week. The Gaither Vocal Band will be making an appearance again this year. For the first time, Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Dallas will be speaking for the first time. See the full list of showcases here.
• The Hall of Fame has unveiled new displays at Dollywood that include Karen Peck Gooch's outfit from Joyful Noise, stage clothes from the Hinsons and Cabbage Patch dolls in the likeness of Howard and Vestal Goodman.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - March 31

Here are news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Karen Peck & New River announced that Grant Gibson will join the group this week. Grant was with 11th Hour previously.
• Logan Smith will be filling in with 11th Hour during this transition time as they look for a new singer.
• The Hoppers will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place in October 2018.
• Season 4 of Main Stage started last weekend on TBN with Jason Crabb as the host. It has a refreshed format featuring performances from the 2017 NQC.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - March 17

Here are some recent news items in Southern Gospel -

• Prayers go out to the family of Hubert Cooke who passed away on March 12. A graveside service was held on Wednesday.
• Congratulations to Les and Frances Beasley who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this week!
• The Gospel Greats will be celebrating its 2,000th program. The show has spanned over 38 years.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - February 24

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

• The Guardians announced this week that they are becoming a quartet permanently with Pat Barker on bass.
• The first round of nominations for the 2018 Singing News Fan Awards are now open. Singing News subscribers can now vote here.
• Ernie Haase & Signature Sound will perform the national anthem ahead of the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday.
• Prayers for the family of Billy Graham who passed away on the morning of Feb. 21. He preached the gospel to around 215 million people who attended one of his more than 400 Crusades, simulcasts and evangelistic rallies in more than 185 countries and territories.

Anything I've missed?

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - February 17

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

• Congratulations to Karen Peck Gooch who has been named as a 2018 Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee. The induction ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 8 in Nashville at Lipscomb University. 
• The National Quartet Convention Live Volume 17 DVD is now available for pre-order and will be released on Feb. 23. You can purchase it online here.
• The Griffith Family has an opening for a singer/keyboardist after the exit of group member Bryce Lee. Bryce has been in school pursuing a career in real estate. The group is looking for a soprano/tenor who can also play the piano.

Anything I've missed?