2018 National Quartet Convention - Saturday Night Recap

I was back watching tonight for the final night of singing. The schedule overall ran early which allowed for Bill Bailey a little leniency. It was good that he asked a few artists back on stage for one more song or asked them to repeat a chorus of a previous song.



Highlights and Commentary - 

• I missed seeing the Kingsmen earlier in the week, so this was my first look at the new lineup. Thought they are sounding good together already!
• It's always fun to see who artists might pull up to join them during their sets. Lauren Talley joined Mark Bishop during his set for "With Me Always." The Erwins had a full choir from First Baptist Sevierville with them during their set. 
• The stretch from the Kingdom Heirs to the Whisnants was some of the best singing of the week in my opinion.
• I'm sad that Second Half Quartet will not be making appearances anymore (though I certainly understand why). They are quartet singing at its finest.
• I liked how they worked in the power hour artists into the program tonight. I wish that could be done every night.
• I wish the finale tonight had been different. I get that they wanted to do something different than the typical #1 parade of songs (which I do love every year). However, the thing that separates this music from everything else is that at the center is Jesus. I wish the culmination of the week had not been focused on America but on Jesus. 

Favorite Performances - 

• "In the House of the Lord" - The Erwins
• "Saints Will Rise" - The Kingsmen
• "What An Anchor" - Mylon Hayes Family 
• "Until You've Known the Love of God" - Greater Vision
• "Midnight Cry" - Jonathan Wilburn
• "Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You" - Kingdom Heirs
• "The Broken Ones" - The Talleys
• "Going Home" - Second Half Quartet
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" - Jim Brady Trio
• "The Greatest of All Miracles" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love" - Tribute Quartet
• "I'll Pray for You" - The Whisnants

2018 National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night Recap

I tuned in last night to catch the last part of Greater Vision's set. I will miss tonight's but be back for most of Saturday night.

Highlights and Commentary - 

• Of course, Thursday has become known as Gaither day at NQC. I didn't hear if it was sold out like last year but just judging by the webcast it looked pretty full. The Gaither Vocal Band had a 45 minute set last night. The more I hear this lineup, the more I like them - Wes Hampton, Adam Crabb, Reggie Smith, Todd Suttles and Bill Gaither. Wes Hampton is one of the best vocalists on the road today, in my opinion.
• Someone recently asked me who's going to be the next big up and coming group. My answer was the Jordan Family Band. I 100% stand by that after hearing them again last night during the power half hour on main stage. They are one to watch!

Favorite Performances of the Night - 

• "He'll Carry Me" - Greater Vision
• "When the Prodigal Comes Home" - Tribute Quartet
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Calvary" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Go On" - Gaither Vocal Band
• "He Made a Change" - Legacy Five 
• "Walking Through Fire" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• "He Never Made a Promise" - Kingdom Heirs
• "You Better Get Right" - Jordan Family Band

National Quartet Convention - Monday Night Recap

Unfortunately, I am not at NQC in person this year. Last year was my first time to be there in person, and if you are a gospel fan, I highly recommend it. But this year, for me, the webcast will have to do. You can still subscribe if you are interested and you'll get to watch this year and last year on demand through the end of the year.

I tuned in tonight to catch the last part of the Jim Brady Trio's set, so I missed about the first hour of the night.

Highlights and Commentary -

• The Tracy Stuffle tribute was not a moment I will soon forget. It was incredible and so touching to see all the former members come back to pay tribute. They sang "I Know It Was the Blood," "Plan of Salvation" with a video of Tracy, "I Rest My Case at the Cross," and then Libbi sang "I Will Find You Again." Major kudos to Libbi for powering through the song, because I couldn't see for tears by the end. It was great to hear all the quotes about Tracy from former members. The whole set was just class and such a touching tribute.
• Clarke Beasley honored Libbi as a "hero of faith" before she left the stage. He then pulled up Kim Hopper and Chris Allman to sing "More Than Wonderful" in her honor as they have watched her faith remain steadfast through all the trials of the past several years. It was good to see her recognized as well as Tracy.
• I enjoyed the longer sets of Karen Peck & New River and the Kingdom Heirs tonight. 
• Karen Peck Gooch came up and joined former group member John Darin Rowsey and the Guardians on a song she cowrote "Uncommon Praise." I love when moments like that happen at NQC.
• Of course, with NQC comes the release of several new projects. It was good to hear several groups debuting new songs on the main stage - the Guardians, Jim Brady Trio and Gold City. 

Favorite Performances -

• "Ordinary Love" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Find You Again" - The Perrys 
• "Gotta Be Saved" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet 
• "My Hope Is in the Blood" - Primitive Quartet
• "God Fights on my Side" - The Guardians
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - Kingdom Heirs
• "All My Hope" - Gold City

The Last Big Thing - Kingdom Heirs - CD Review

The Kingdom Heirs released The Last Big Thing at the end of September during the National Quartet Convention. That week, I got to hear a few of the songs live from main stage. Of course, the big hit of the week was the title song, "The Last Big Thing." I have to say it's the standout track of the album.

The project starts with a standard Kingdom Heirs style song, "Plenty of Singing." Then Jeff Chapman really gets the album going with "Victory." If this song doesn't get your toe tapping along, nothing will. I think one will be a big hit for them. I can see this one going over really well live.

This is the first mainline release with baritone Loren Harris. He is featured on "Telling the Story." This song really showcases Loren's voice. It's a great song that goes through many of the miracles of the Bible. It talks about these stories about the power of God never get old and can serve as reminders when we go through trials.

"Heroes of Faith" is another great uptempo song featuring Jerry Martin. He also sings the country-flavored "Just Another Mile." Fun fact - this is actually Dianne Wilkinson's 1,000th song!

Jeff Chapman gets a feature again with "I Wanna Do More." He shows why he's consistently one of the best in the business. I love the harmonica on this song. The style is great with Jeff's voice. Another standout from NQC was Jeff singing "Heaven Just Got Sweeter for You." On a project with a lot of uptempo songs, this ballad definitely stands out. It's a a great tender song about the promise of Heaven and letting our loved ones go.

The project wraps up with the classic sounding "I'll Trust You With My Tomorrow." The style is completely different than any other song on the project. It has a timeless sound, and the message of the song is definitely just that!


Song to turn up - "Victory" and "The Last Big Thing"
Song to grab a tissue for - "Heaven Just Got Sweeter for You"
Song to put on repeat - "I'll Trust With My Tomorrow"

Song List -

1. "Plenty of Singing"
2. "Victory"
3. "Telling the Story"
4. "The Last Big Thing"
5. "Heroes of Faith"
6. "I Wanna Do More"
7. "Heaven Was Counting to Three"
8. "Heaven Just Got Sweeter For You"
9. "Just Another Mile"
10. "Live It Up"
11. "I'll Trust You With My Tomorrow"

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?

Saturday Night - National Quartet Convention

Well, NQC 2017 has now come to an end. Since I first discovered gospel music as a teenager, I heard about the National Quartet Convention and how it was a "must" event for gospel music fans. It's been a "bucket list" item for a while for me, and this week I got to check it off. It's truly been an incredible week. I've gotten to attend more than 42 hours of concerts during this week (and I didn't even go to everything!).

This morning's chapel was a hymn sing hosted by Gerald Wolfe and Dr. Tim Hill speaking. It was one of the most precious times of worship I've ever been a part of. The message was one of the best I've ever heard. This afternoon, we got to see a Dixie Melody Boys reunion and a tribute to the television show The Gospel Singing Jubilee.

Here's a look at highlights and commentary from tonight -

• The reunions and tributes were my favorite sets of the night. The Gold City reunion featured Jay Parrack, Mark Trammell, Jonathan Wilburn and the one and only Tim Riley. The Perrys reunion went through the decades starting with the original Perry siblings - Libbi, Debra and Randy. They sang clips of all their hits through the decades. Then, the Nelons did a sweet tribute to Rex Nelon. They had Jason's dad, Dan Clark, singing bass for them. They all lived up to the hype!
• Tribute and the Isaacs had the longer sets tonight. Tribute got to sing a lot from Here For You. Sonya (who hosted along with Scotty Inman tonight) got to give part of her testimony before singing "I Love You More."
• The finale of the night featured #1 songs from eight different groups. Well, except for the Kingdom Heirs who were supposed to sing "Joys of Heaven" but there was a track issue. They ended up having Gerald Wolfe come up and play piano for them on "I Know He Heard My Prayer." This ended up being such a great moment!

Key Performances -

• "I'd Rather Have Jesus" - The Blackwood Brothers featuring Michael Helwig
• "Scars in the Hands of Jesus" - Diplomats
• "When He Calls I'll Fly Away" - Gold City Reunion
• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "Jesus Saves" - Tribute Quartet
• "I Wish I Could Have Been There" - The Perrys Reunion
• "Just When You Thought" - Joseph Habedank
• "Damascus Road" - Kingdom Heirs
• "He Is Mine and I Am His" - The Hoppers
• "I Love You More" - The Isaacs
• "It's Almost Over" - The Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Oh, For a Thousand Tongues" - The Nelons
• "Then Came The Morning" - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• "Til the Storm Passes By" - Greater Vision

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - December 10

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

• Karen Peck and New River had the opportunity to recently travel to Honduras. They received the invitation from a local businessman in Roatan after he heard "Four Days Late." Karen said, "This trip literally changed our lives. In all of the years that we have traveled, we have never been so blessed by an audience as we were from the people of Roatan. They sang along at the top of their lungs as we sang 'Four Days Late' and 'Special Love.'"
• Gold City has set up a GoFundMe to help with costs of recent bus issues including needing a transmission replaced. They have a rewards with different amounts you can give that varies from a signed copy of their new CD to a phone call or FaceTime with the group and Tim Riley to a personal visit with the group. Find out more here.  
• Congratulations to the Isaacs, Gaither Vocal Band, Joey + Rory and Gordon Mote who all received Grammy nominations this week for Best Gospel Roots Album. See the full list of nominations here. 
• Prayers go out to Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs) whose dad passed away earlier this week. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. The services will be Monday.
• Prayers also go out to Daniel Ashmore (Old Paths) whose grandfather passed away yesterday. Please keep the Ashmore family in your thoughts and prayers.
• Prayers requested for Mike LeFevre who has been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and is currently hospitalized. Tests are being run to diagnose the cause and how to proceed. Please pray for Mike, his family and the group.
• Congratulations to the Ball Brothers who have had a #1 song on the iTunes Christian chart after their video "It's About the Cross" went viral.

Any thing I missed?

2016 Christmas Projects - Part 1

I love all things Christmas. Christmas music normally starts playing at my house in early November. Several Southern Gospel artists have released new Christmas projects this year. Here's a quick overview of three projects that have been released this year. I'll cover three more in a later post!


Glory to God in the Highest - Kingdom Heirs

I like the song selection of this project. It's easy to fall into the trap of picking the most familiar songs of Christmas and having a few new ones. It was also a really good mix of secular, fun Christmas songs and Christian Christmas songs. It also has some country, some big band and some classic sounding songs.

Original or new Christmas songs are hard to come by, but they found a couple of great ones! If you're looking for a good quartet Christmas CD, this is must add to your collection.

Favorite Songs -

• "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - Love hearing Jeff Chapman featured on this song. 
• "King of Eternity" - I wasn't familiar with this Squire Parsons song, but love that the Kingdom Heirs included this one.
• "Singing to the King"
• "Glory to God in the Highest"

Song List -

1. "Jesus Is Born Today (It Is His Birthday)"
2. "Glory to God in the Highest"
3. "Mary Did You Know"
4. "Singing to the King"
5. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
6. "Christmas Cookies"
7. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
8. "The Christmas Wish"
9. "The King of Eternity"
10. "Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child"


The Keys to Christmas - Jeff Collins

Jeff Collins is a producer and arranger and pianist who has worked on hundreds of albums in gospel music. With this new instrumental project, it's his turn to come out from behind the scenes.

I'll be honest, I'm normally not one to listen to instrumental CDs. I like the voices and singing, but this project definitely got my attention. I really loved the song choices here as well, several not your average Christmas songs! "The Man With the Bag" is probably the song that is least known. I like that he also chose different styles from big band sounds to easy listening.

Favorite songs -

• "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - When I first heard this one, I went back to make sure I was hearing it right. I love the opening song of Downton Abbey included. Such a cool touch!
• "Go Tell It on the Mountain" - I love the soulful approach to this one!
• "Baby It's Cold Outside" - Nice touch with the sax on this song. 
• "Carol of the Bells" - This is one song that I love instrumental and Jeff's version did not disappoint!

Song List -

1. "Medley: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; O Come, All Ye Faithful; Joy to the World"
2. "Baby It's Cold Outside"
3. "The Man With the Bag"
4. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
5. "Linus and Lucy"
6. "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
7. "Mary Did You Know"
8. "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow"
9. "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?"
10. "Carol of the Bells"
11. "O Come, O Come Emanuel"


Silent Night: Christmas for Quiet Reflection - Joseph Habedank

If you're looking for an easy listening Christmas project, this is one you need to pick up. The title is definitely spot on, Christmas for Quiet Reflection. I love that this is just Joseph's voice and simple piano accompaniment for all songs.

If you are in the mood for traditional Christmas songs, this is the one to listen to. I love his take on a few of my favorite Christmas carols. You really get to hear his lower register on several songs that you don't normally hear.

Favorite Songs -

• "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"
• "O Holy Night" - This sounds like the same arrangement that several gospel artists use, but love Joseph's voice on this song.
• "O Come All Ye Faithful"

Song List -

1. "Prelude"
2. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"
3. "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
4. "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
5. "What Child Is This"
6. "O Come All Ye Faithful"
7. "Silent Night"
8. "O Holy Night"

2016 National Quartet Convention - Thursday Night Recap

It's hard to believe that Thursday night is already over. I tuned in tonight in time to catch the end of the McKameys set. I was in and out some but was able to watch most of the webcast after that.

Commentary/ Highlights -

• The set of the night has to go to the Mark Trammell Quartet. Each song they sang, I kept thinking this was the highlight of the set, but they kept getting better and better. They sang several songs from their latest project, Full Sail. Apparently Sunday night they sang one and had a little mishap on the words. They made some jokes about it tonight, and tonight every word was sung! Blake Buffin is really doing a great job on tenor with them. Love their arrangement of "He Hideth My Soul," but the last song of the set was probably my favorite, "My Faith Still Holds."
• Last night it was Trey Ivey, tonight it was Bryan Elliot. It's good to see some of these vocally talented piano players getting a chance to step up to the mic. Gold City featured Bryan on "When I Get Carried Away." It was good to hear him sing!
• Greater Vision pulled up young Eli Shaw, who some might remember from Singing in the Sun at Myrtle Beach. The clip of him singing "I Know a Man Who Can" with them quickly went viral. He was there tonight, so Mark Trammell actually suggested him coming up to join Greater Vision on the stage again.
• The Nelons teased on Facebook that they would have a special guest on stage with them tonight. Karen Peck Gooch joined the Nelons for a highlight of the night, "Old Friends." It was sweet to see Kelly and Karen both get teary-eyed as they sang. Kelly joked at the end that they made it through it. 
• Remember Jeff Chapman in your prayers as the Kingdom Heirs were a trio tonight. He just went to the hospital with elevated blood pressure for precaution since he's just had a stent put in recently. The Kingdom Heirs pulled up Quartet Gilead to finish up the night with them on "He Locked the Gates."
• Matt Rankin of Soul'd Out Quartet paid tribute to Ian Owens who will be coming off the road in November. Ian was featured on a song that he's become known for, "I Believe."

Favorite Performances/ Songs -

• "Praise His Name" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "There Rose a Lamb" - Gold City
• "Keep On" - Perrys
• "Faces" - Greater Vision
• "My Faith Still Holds" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Old Friends" - The Nelons with Karen Peck Gooch
• "Moment of Grace" - Booth Brothers
• "I'd Rather Have Jesus" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Worship You Again" - The Taylors
• "Arise My Love" - Soul'd Out Quartet

I won't be able to watch any Friday night but will tune in again on Saturday for the last night!

2016 National Quartet Convention - Tuesday Night

Night two of National Quartet Convention is now in the books. I got home in time to turn on the webcast as the Inspirations were on stage. Here are my thoughts and highlights of the night -

• If the Booth Brothers and Collingsworth Family went on tour together, that would be a concert I wouldn't miss. That was one incredible hour of gospel music. From the opening song together to the last note of "Jesus Saves," it was amazing. I loved Michael's sweet tribute to Jim and his time with the group. He even joined them on the last song. The two instrumentals from the Collingsworth Family, "Let There Be Peace on Earth" and "My Tribute," were also highlights. I also enjoyed Michael putting together the live band on "Life's Railway to Heaven."
• Jim Brady told the story of his sister's battle with cancer to set up "Every Cry Is Heard." Last year at NQC is when he found out his sister didn't have much longer to live, and this song written by Jim was a song that she heard on the radio after her diagnosis. It was one of the more emotional moments of the night.
• It was good to hear the Perrys sing "Calvary Answers for Me," probably my favorite performance by an individual group tonight. 
• Triumphant Quartet had one of the strongest sets of the night with "Love Came Calling" and "This Blood," both being highlights.
• "Jesus Loves You" is such a powerful song from Jeff and Sheri Easter. I'm glad they sang it tonight, definitely the highlight of their set. 
• Both Loren Harris and Trent Adams have just started with their respective groups, Kingdom Heirs and LeFevre Quartet. They are getting thrown in the deep end with this being the biggest event in gospel music, but both have been very impressive!

Favorite Songs/ Performances -

• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Can Pray" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - The Perrys
• "This Blood" - Triumphant Quartet
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "Blood of Jesus" - Collingsworth Family
• "Jesus Saves" - Collingsworth Family/ Booth Brothers
• "Jesus Loves You" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "He Left No Stone Unturned" - LeFevre Quartet

2016 National Quartet Convention - Monday Night

The 2016 National Quartet Convention is officially underway. I should be able to watch most of each night except for Friday night. NQC started today with the announcement that NQC will be held in Pigeon Forge through 2021.

I tuned in tonight to the webcast just in time to catch the end of the McKameys set. Here are some of my thoughts and then some of my favorite songs and performances of the night -

Commentary/ Thoughts -

• Karen Peck & New River had the best set of the night in my opinion. From start to finish, it was solid. You can't go wrong with "Four Days Late." 
• Tribute Quartet and the Second-Half Quartet also had some of the best sets of the night. Tribute Quartet had a really nice paced set singing several of their newer songs from Here For You. The Second-Half Quartet is just pure quartet singing at its finest. 
• I did like having two "featured" groups of the night that had a bit longer sets. Tonight it was Ernie Haase and Signature Sound and the Kingdom Heirs. Loren Harris is sounding great with the Kingdom Heirs!
• Claude Hopper had one of the more touching moments of the night when he turned to Connie and said he was singing this part to her. It was the last verse of "Where We'll Never Grow Old." It was such a sweet moment!
• Peg McKamey Bean might throw her shoes off every night, but she is a class act. Her induction to the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame was short, sweet and very heartfelt.
• Every time I see the Mylon Hayes Family, I am more and more impressed!
• Viewing on Roku tonight, I had minimal hiccups with the broadcast, and they were short-lived. No complaints here!

Favorite Songs/ Performances

• "Grace at Its Best" - Tribute Quartet
• "Where We'll Never Grow Old" - The Hoppers
• "Blessed" - Karen Peck & New River
• "Soldier Fighting to Go Home" - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
• "Chain Gang" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Love Medley" - Mylon Hayes Family
• "Cheer the Weary Traveler" - Second-Half Quartet
• "It's Still the Cross" - Gold City

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

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

• Loren Harris is the new baritone singer for the Kingdom Heirs.
• The National Quartet Convention is next week. Tickets are still available, and you can also purchase the webcast. Go to their website to purchase or for more information.
• The Nelons are venturing into the movies. Kelly Nelon Clark had her movie premiere this week for Old Rugged Cross and Amber has been filming this week for her new movie A Question of Faith. Check the Nelons' Facebook page for more details!
• The Crabb Family announced their Back to our Roots tour that is coming in early 2017. See more details here. 

Anything I've missed?

Kingdom Heirs Name New Baritone

The Kingdom Heirs announced today their new baritone singer will be Loren Harris. Loren is probably most known in gospel music for his tenure with the Perrys. He also sang with the Wilburns and Ricky Atkinson and Compassion.

Here's the full release from the Kingdom Heirs -

Pigeon Forge, TN — With the sudden departure of baritone Brian Alvey, the Kingdom Heirs have been in search of a new baritone vocalist.

Andy Stringfield, piano player extraordinaire, stepped in vocally and has done an exceptional job doing double duty on the piano and the baritone part as we searched for just the right man for the job.

We are so proud and excited to announce that Loren Harris has accepted the position as the Kingdom Heirs baritone! We welcome Loren, his wife Cindy, and their children Cameron and Kenidy to the Kingdom Heirs family. Help us make them welcome and show our love and support to this wonderful family.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Sept. 17

Here are news items from this week in gospel music -

• Ed Harper will receive the Lifetime Acheivement Honor from the Southern Gospel Music Guild this month at the National Quartet Convention. He is the president of the Harper Agency, one of the top booking agents in Southern Gospel.
• Allegiance Trio announced that the single, “I Will Stand” is headed to the silver screen. The song is featured as part of the movie I Will Stand scheduled to premier next week.
• Last Sunday Jeff Chapman had heart surgery and three stents placed. He is now home recovering but please keep him in your prayers.
• Don't miss your chance to donate to the Veranda and dunk some of your favorite gospel artists. Check out the NQC Celebrity Dunk Tank Challenge.
• The Mark Trammell Quartet announced that they are now accepting pre-orders for its new album Full Sail. Go to http://www.marktrammellministries.com.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Jeff Chapman - On the Couch With Fouch

Happy Friday to all! Matthew Fouch (Legacy Five) released his latest "On the Couch With Fouch" interview today. If you haven't checked out his channel with all of his interviews, click here.

The video for May is an interview with Jeff Chapman of the Kingdom Heirs. Check it out below!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - April 18

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

• Brian Alvey has been named the new baritone singer for the Kingdom Heirs. Read more here. 
• The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards were held this week at River of Life in Smyrna, Tennessee. Song of the Year was "Finish Well" by Karen Peck and New River.  Unashamed from Brian Free and Assurance was awarded Album of the Year. The Bowling Family was named Fan Favorite Artist. See the full list of winners here. 
• Squire Parsons announced this week that he will be scaling back on his touring dates. His son Samuel and his wife Leah will also be pursuing their own music ministry and no longer be traveling with Squire.
• The second round of voting for the Singing News Fan Awards has opened. Subscribers can vote online here. 
• Shaye Smith of the Chuck Wagon Gang has requested prayer for her father. He is in need of a liver transplant. Read more here. 
• Singing in the Sun will be streamed live this year. View more than 20 artists and speakers for five nights live for $50. Go to https://www.singinginthesunlive.com for more info. 

Anything I've missed?

Brian Alvey Joins Kingdom Heirs - News

The Kingdom Heirs have announced Brian Alvey as the group's new baritone singer in a statement on their website. You can see some video clips of his audition here. Brian has previously been with Tribute Quartet, the Talleys, Southern Sound and Beyond the Ashes.

Kries French, owner/manger of the Kingdom Heirs states “A lot of prayer and consideration went into our decision and we are thrilled to welcome Brian and his family, into our family.” French continues, “During our time on the road this winter, we had the privilege to audition close to 60 men who traveled many miles for this chance and we thank each of you so much. We feel that God has led us to the man He wants for us."

“We are honored to have entered our 30th year of partnership with The Kingdom Heirs," states Sonlite records President Chris White. “We are excited to continue this relationship with a new recording the group is already working on for an October release.”

Brian will start immediately will the group at Dollywood. I think this is a great choice and get fit for the group!

Fun Clip Friday - On Couch With Fouch - Arthur Rice - Kingdom Heirs

Happy Friday to you all! Today's Fun Clip Friday feature is another interview from Matthew Fouch's On the Couch with Fouch series. This month he interviewed Kingdom Heirs' Arthur Rice. Enjoy!

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

Here are some news and recent tidbits from this week in gospel music -

• Will Lane has returned to the Anchormen as the group's bass singer. Read more.
• Steve French announced his retirement from gospel music. Read more.
• Jason Crabb is doing some select Christmas tour dates with country singer Trace Adkins. 
• Congratulations to Trey Ivey and his bride to be! He got engaged around Thanksgiving Day.
• Tim Rackley's (Old Paths) daughter will be having a kidney transplant on December 18. Please pray for the family.
• Congratulations to the Gaither Vocal Band and the Martin's on receiving Grammy nominations yesterday.
• Abraham Productions announced a new event in Ohio for 2015. Find out more at www.AbrahamProductions.net.

Anything I've missed?

Steve French Retires From Gospel Music

Steve French, founding member of the Kingdom Heirs, issued this statement today -

"After being in full time Southern Gospel music for 30 years, I feel it's time for me to close this chapter of my life, and begin the next chapter to see what God has in store. Gospel music has taken me places I would have otherwise not been able to go, and meet the wonderful people I've met over the years. It's been an incredible journey and the Lord has really blessed me. I'd always dreamed of retiring at 55, and guess what.. I turned 55 in September!

If it's one thing I've learned through all of this, it's that God will give you the desires of your heart - maybe not in the way you pictured it, but He will give them to you in the way that He sees fit.

Thank you all for your support, and please continue to support the guys now more than ever. The Father is doing a great work in them, and I have a feeling it's about to get even better!

As for me, I plan to travel, and maybe look into building a new home somewhere out west. You never know what the next 55 will hold! Ah, the joys of retirement!"

Here's more on the future of the Kingdom Heirs from the group's Facebook page -

For the six active members of The Kingdom Heirs, it’s business as usual. Piano player Andy Stringfield has been pulling double-duty for the quartet, filling in the baritone vocals from his piano. Regarding the new vocal lineup, bassist and now sole-manager Kreis French has confidence in the group’s current voices. “Andy will continue to sing baritone for the foreseeable future and we all know he’s capable of continuing to do it at a high level.”

The Kingdom Heirs are in the early stages of their Christmas season at Dollywood – a schedule they intended to complete. “We are in conversations with the team at Dollywood and everyone wants to continue this relationship – for this season and the next,” said Kreis.

By now, those conversations must sound more like old friends than negotiations – the quartet and theme park are scheduled to celebrate their 30th year together in 2015.

Following year’s end at Dollywood, the group will gear up for their annual Winter Tour beginning late January. “As a group, we’ll do what The Kingdom Heirs have always done – and that’s hit the road when Dollywood is closed,” commented Kreis. “The only difference now – is I’m booking all the dates and doing most of the driving.”

With change comes an inevitable season of uncertainty, but The Kingdom Heirs are doing their best to see the road lying just ahead of them.

To see when you can visit with The Kingdom Heirs, be sure to get latest schedule from the quartet or from Dollywood. 2015 Winter Tour dates will be announced and posted to the website as they become available. For booking information, contact Kreis French.