Names You Might Not Know Yet - Redemptions Plan

Redemptions Plan is a Southern Gospel group from Wilsonville, AL. The group includes Brett Sanders and Jon Ray.

Get to know a little more about this group -

Question - When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel Music?
Answer - Brett has been raised in Southern Gospel Music and always had a desire to sing. His grandmother has been singing in a southern gospel group for over 50 years. It wasn’t until January 2009, after a battle of drug addiction that Jon found his interest in gospel music.


Q - What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?
A - Brett’s earliest memories would have to be watching his grandmother sing with their group. Jon’s earliest memory goes back to when he was 5 years old and singing “What A Day” with his Pawpaw.


Q - How did you get started?
A - Both of us were singing solos at our home church and had become really good friends. We were at our adopted grandparents’ house when it was mentioned we should sing together. We discussed it the next weekend at Jon’s house, and that’s where it all began.


Q - How long have you been singing?
A - We both have been singing for a long time. We started singing together February 12, 2016.


Q - What's one thing that you want people who walk away from your concert to know about you?
A - We are just normal good ol’ country boys who enjoy singing and spreading God’s Word.


Q -  Do you have a favorite song you like to sing?
A - We love to sing "Redeemed." It is our testimony.


Q - And what song from another group has ministered to you?
A - "Unforgiven" by Jason Crabb has really touched both of us. With our history this song has really touched us.


Q - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?
A - The Crabb Family. We can sit and listen to them sing all the time.


Q - What has your favorite memory been so far in ministry?
A - Meeting so many wonderful new people, but our favorite memory so far has been singing on stage with Jeff and Sheri Easter.


Q - What new things are coming up for you?
A - We have our first CD coming out in the next couple of weeks. The name of the CD is By Request because we have been asked by so many family and friends to sing the songs. We also have a few specially written songs we are starting to work on, so hopefully we will have a lot of new releases soon!


For more on Redemptions Plan, go to their website - www.redemptionsplan.com.

Names You Might Not Know Yet - The Chordsmen Quartet

In the late 70's three brothers The Chordsmen Quartet was formed by three brothers, Thomas, Gary and Keith Jennings. The group traveled for 15 years all over South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in churches and concerts. As life goes, changes came and the group had to leave the road. In 2013, Thomas's sons renewed the group. The group now consists of Jerry Jennings, Harold Jennings, Randy Leslie and Stephen Williams. Get to know a little bit about this group!

Question - When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel music? What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?

Jerry Jennings - Of course, I don't remember, but my parents always said when I was born in October 1962, I was at in Greenville S.C. at the old Textile Hall for a Thanksgiving singing. So I guess you could say I was marked from birth to be involved in Southern Gospel music. As I grew older in the 70s we began going to the Charlotte Coliseum Easter singings with groups like The Happy Goodman, The Hinsons, The Oak Ridge Boys, Speer Family, The Lefevres, Jerry Goff, The Cathedrals and many, many more. That's when I really feel in love with the style and harmonies of a quartet. Men like Jerry Goff, Ronnie and Kenny Hinson, George Younce, Glenn Payne and Danny Funderburk were and still are a very big inspiration to me. They always had time to talk to the young fans that wanted to speak them and give encouragement to us.

Q - How did you get started?

Jerry - My dad, Tom Jennings, and his two brothers Keith and Gary began putting a quartet together in the mid 70s so I started on the tambourine at 13 years old. After a short while our drummer left and I began picking up the drums and by the grace of God I learned how to play. I did that for a few years along with practicing the bass guitar, then the bass player position was open so I moved to bass and my brother Harold moved into the drums spot. We traveled like that for a while then the tenor singer left, and I began singing tenor and playing bass for the next 10 years or so.

Q - How long have you been singing?

Jerry - I have been singing and/or  playing for 40 years and I have loved each and every minute and every mile of it!!

Q - What's one thing that you want people who walk away from your concert to know about you?

Jerry - I would like for people to walk away from one of our concerts or church services knowing that I love them.l I care for their souls and that God is right here wanting to give them the gift of eternal life.

Q - Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Jerry - My all time favorite song is "The Lighthouse" by Kenny Hinson. That was my first song I sang in public as a teenager, and I still sing it today. It's one of those songs that has an everlasting message.

Over the past three years that my brother Harold and I have had the group back on the road, I have been singing a song, "I Still Cling To The Old Rugged Cross." I first heard Brian Free's group sing this song, and it really ministered to me. We can try to cling to a lot of things down here on earth, but the only thing that will always be around is the love of my Savior and that's worth clinging to in life.

Q - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)? 

Jerry - I guess hanging around the all night singings there were a lot of artists that I looked up to, but the biggest influence musically was The Hinsons but not just one of them. The whole gang was so awesome. Ronnie and Kenny told me one night backstage that "when you're on stage you are the best in the business, but when you come down form the stage you are nobody special just a servant of God." That has stuck with me all of these years. Personally I would have to say my dad Thomas Jennings. He taught me to laugh, live, love and sing for The Lord. To keep God first in your life and you can't go wrong.

Q - What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry?

Jerry - There are so many memories in The Chordsmen Ministry, but I have to go back to when my dad, two uncles, my brother and myself were traveling every weekend all over South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia together. But I'm looking forward to many memories of the "RENEWED" Chordsmen.


Q - What new things are coming up for you?

Jerry - We have a few new things coming up this year. We have started planning our first single release ever for TCQ, and we are very excited about it. We are also looking and listening for new songs to record on a new project. We were featured in the SGMA Promoters Association Showcase during NQC week with a wonderful lady Edna Wright. With all that God is doing for TCQ, we are keeping busy, and we love it. Keep us in your prayers that we will always be behind the cross so that He can be seen!!


For more on the Chordsmen, go to www.thechordsmenquartet.com.

Bread of Life - Names You Might Not Know Yet

I am revisiting an old series today that features some new groups, some regional groups and just in general some groups you might not have heard about yet in the industry.

Today, we're looking at the family group Bread of Life that consists of Tod Davis, his wife Jennifer and children, Christopher, Ryan and Desiree. Thank you Tod and the Davis family for taking the time to answer my questions!

1. When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel music? What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?

When I was 19 years old in Scottsdale, Arizona where the original Bread Of Life Singers were formed and traveled in a old beat up van and went to nursing homes and small churches. I can recall getting $10 and getting all excited back then $10 was good. Then when I married my wife, Jennifer Davis, and our two sons Christopher and Ryan and their sister Desiree basically reformed The Bread of Life singers as a family group ministering to the lost. Our daughter is in college now but will still sing with her family on rare occasions like holidays or our homecoming, which is planned for later.


2. How did you get started? How long have you been singing?

When I was younger I started in church and in choir. Years ago, my family was in Mississippi and attended Grace Independent Baptist Church. It just happened, and then in July 2010 God called us to Georgia. My wife gave up a career in the medical field at a prominent pediatrician's office, and the kids gave up friends and football and moved sight unseen into a trailer. All we knew was God had called us, and we all answered and said, "Yes, Lord we will go." Total the group has been singing together almost seven years.


3. What's one thing that you want people who walk away from your concert to know about you?

We want people to know first we work for the Lord, and there is hope for all through Christ Jesus. We want them to know we love them, and also about our 24/7 prayer line they can call if they need.


4. Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

We don't have a favorite; we like them all. They all have ministered to us, as there are so many great songs, and they all touch our hearts.


5. What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

The Freemans, the Perrys, the Kingsmen, the Crabb Family, Crimson Ridge, the Gaither Vocal Band and Vestal Goodman


6. What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry?

Mine personally (Tod) was stepping back on stage and singing after 26 strokes. Group wise, we prayed for a man who had been in a wheelchair 10 years, and he was healed and walked right before our eyes. Another time we prayed for a man with a rod in his leg, and God replaced it with a brand new bone, and before he could not dance but as we said, "Amen," he jumped up bending his leg and dancing to the song, "Jesus on the Mainline." And this is true I can even give you pastors for reference that were there!


7. What new things are coming up for you?

God has opened so many new doors out of state for us and have some big things on the horizon that will be announced by our record Label AOK Records very soon!


Check out Bread of Life's website for more information about their ministry!

Names You Might Not Know Yet - Punches Family

The Punches Family is a bluegrass gospel group who make their home in Ozark Mountains. The group consists of parents Bruce and Bobette and their kids Graham, Owen, Brooke and Emily. Get to know more about this family from patriarch Bruce Punches -


Question - Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

Bruce Punches - We’ve been involved in Bluegrass for many years and didn’t get exposed to much southern gospel until about 10 years ago. It was love at the first note. There’s something about great 4 part harmony and the drive of southern gospel music that really strikes a chord in us and we’ve been hooked ever since.


Question - How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

Bruce - Bobette and I have been involved with music all our lives. Bobette grew up in a musical family where her parents and siblings all played and sang for years before we met. In fact, we met at a bluegrass festival and it was a natural fit. The kids all started playing when they were about 7 and it wasn’t long before they were good enough to play a part in the band. It was at that point in 2009 that the Lord seemed to be calling us into the music mission field and the rest is history.

One of our first performances was with Martin Cook and the Inspirations. Martin invited us to ‘Singing In The Smokies’ and it was through that event we met many great folks like Danny and Dee Kramer, the producers of Great American Gospel television. It wasn’t long before we filmed for their show and have been on national television ever since. It’s through Great American Gospel that we have met so many great groups and people that we count as friends. God has really blessed us with these folks.


Question - What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about your family?

Bruce - I would want people to take away an impression of a real family with joys and struggles just like anyone else; nothing fake or put on. We just want God to shine through us and uplift our audience wherever we perform. We’re always striving to be a good witness and pray that God may use us to lead someone to Christ as well as encourage those who already know the Lord.


Question - Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

We have so many favorites. Seems like we perform a handful of new songs for a while and can’t get enough of them. Then, a new batch of songs will come along and we’ll be hot on those for a while. Personally, I love every song we do and always look forward to sharing them with others.

Our newest song is one which was written by Jennifer Walley, a songwriter/singer in Alabama. She and her two daughters have a very good trio and they write all their own music. They gave us a couple of songs and we made one the title cut on our latest cd. It’s called "Can I Wash Your Feet."  It’s a song about serving the Lord and it has a great melody with fantastic lyrics.

A song that made a huge impact on me and my family was one recorded by Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver entitled "He Will Remember Me."  Again, the melody and lyrics really ministered to my heart.


Question - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Bruce - We’ve always been a fan of Doyle Lawson, but the Isaacs have been a big influence as well. They are so creative and their music is obviously anointed. We don’t believe we’re alone when we say that the Isaacs rock!


Question - What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

There are so many memories over the years that it’s hard to pin one down. However, we recall the time when we played a bluegrass festival in Pontiac, Illinois. The festival was held at a fairground where there had just been an Old Threshers Reunion a few weeks earlier. Old Threshers Reunions involve old tractors and steam equipment and the grounds had fist-sized lumps of coal scattered all over. Brooke was 9 at the time and had been listening to the song "I’m Just An Old Lump Of Coal, But I’m Gonna Be A Diamond Someday."  She wondered how God can turn a lump of coal into a diamond and we explained to her that God places it deep in the earth and puts it under great pressure. Brooke picked up a lump, put it in a plastic baggie and brought it on our bus and sat on it for several days in hopes that the coal would turn in to a diamond. We explained to her 2 Corinthians 5:17, and we all had a great laugh and a great memory out of that.

The concert that stands out the most would have to be in Bemidji, Minn. at the Berge Family festival. This was an all gospel event and It was all family bands. There were probably 3,000 people in attendance and about 2,000 of them were kids. Lots of Christian homeschool and conservative families just like ours, we had great fellowship and the holy spirit was very present that weekend.

Of course, Silver Dollar City is always a favorite and they host a Bluegrass festival in the spring and a southern gospel festival in late summer. They’re always family friendly and we’ve been playing there for years. We always see many folks we know and make new friends every year. We go out in the evenings with other families and have some great fellowship every time we play there.


Question - What new things are coming up for the Punches Family?

Bruce - Our kids are leaving in a few days for a trip with the youth choir from our home church and they’re very excited. After that, we’re headed to Nebraska, Iowa and then down into Georgia again. At the same time, we’re working on a Christmas CD which will be out in November. Great American Gospel is also working on film footage that we shot not long ago in Charlotte NC and should be out soon on the airwaves. It’s our latest work and our newest songs. Our newest CD just came out a few weeks ago, and we’ve been getting lots of orders. It’s a blessing from God to be a part of a family.

Thanks Punches Family! Make sure to check them out on their website to order the group's new CD and find out when they will be near you!

Names You Might Not Know Yet - The Erwins

The Erwins have made their way to the gospel music scene as a talented group of young siblings. The mixed group is making a name for themselves as one of the most talented up and coming groups in the industry. get to know a little more about them -

Question - Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

The Erwins - Our parents have always loved Southern Gospel music, so as we were born, we developed a love for this great music also. It's the only kind of music we have really ever listened to. Even if we didn't sing this style of music, we would be FANS!


Question - How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

The Erwins - Our father has been in full-time evangelism for over 40 years, and we have always gone with him and my mom. As soon as we were old enough to stand and sing, they would put us up on the platform and have us sing "Jesus Loves Me" or the "B-I-B-L-E". As we grew, we started singing harmony and about a year ago we added our sister, Katie to make us now a mixed group. Katie has an incredible voice for her age (13). She blows us away every night.


Question - What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about your family?

The Erwins - When people come to hear us sing, we pray they see that we love The Lord with all our hearts and our only desire is to honor and exalt Christ. We want to reach our generation for Christ and to see Christians strengthened and encouraged.


Question - Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

The Erwins - We have a new song coming out entitled "Power In Prayer" that is actually Kris's testimony song. Back in the summer of 2009, while on vacation, Kris was ran over by an SUV while crossing the street. He was immediately care flighted to the ER and the doctors said it would be a miracle if he were able to keep his legs. Our family asked so many people to pray for a miracle, and that's exactly what we got, a miracle. After only 2 surgeries and a 2 week hospital stay, Kris was on his way to a full recovery!! Yes, there IS power in PRAYER!

We have sooo many songs that minister to us. Some of our all time favorites are "If You Knew Him", "Waiting In The Water", "Through The Fire", "The Promise" and "That's What The Blood Is For". (We could name songs all day!)


Question - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

The Erwins - We have been blessed to have many artists help us through the Steve Hurst School of Music. Tribute Quartet, The Talleys, Mark Trammel Quartet and Melissa Brady have made an incredible impact on our ministry. Also, The Whisnants have been very influential in guiding us along the way. God has put incredible people in our pathway and we will always be grateful for all they have taught us. We hope one day to help and encourage others coming behind us as we have been helped as encouraged.


Question - What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

The Erwins - One of our highlights, so far, was at Singing In The Sun 2013 in Myrtle Beach, SC. We were invited to sing on the Main Stage and after we sang our song, Jason Crabb invited Katie to sing "The Lighthouse" with him and Mike Bowling. Wow!! What an honor. Katie was so overwhelmed that Kelley Bowling had to "feed her the words;" but, she never missed a step! Just to stand and sing along side such amazing artists (while Katie was only 12) will make that night one we will never forget!


Question - What new things are coming up for the Erwin Family?

The Erwins - There are so many amazing doors opening for us that we stand back in amazement! In just a couple of months, we will be singing on the Main Stage of the NQC on Friday night. That will be an exciting night. Then, not only are we honored to be on the Abraham Production events, but we have also been invited to be a part of many of the 2015 & 2016 IMC concerts & events. We are also scheduled to be on the 2015 Charles Stanley Alaskan Cruise and the Templeton Singing at Sea Cruise. These are great days for The Erwins and we know the best is yet to come.


Thanks to the Erwins for taking time to answer my questions! Be sure to check out their website for more information and to see when they are coming near you!

The Craguns - Names You Might Not Know Yet

Last month, I asked for suggestions on groups to revive the series Names You Might Not Know Yet. I've got a few more interviews coming over the next few weeks. But today starts off with the Craguns.

The Craguns consist of husband and wife, Jordan and Elena Cragun, Ray Cragun (Jordan's father) and Nick Adams (cousin). The group officially formed earlier this year although everyone is experience in music. This family group is related to another family group in gospel music. Read more below to find out which one!


Question -  Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

Jordan Cragun - Yes. Everyone in the group grew up with a strong southern gospel influence. Everyone in the group started listening and singing southern gospel music at a very young age. Interesting fact... Everyone in the group was a pastor's kid at some point in their lives. We all grew up in church and singing often.


Question - How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

Jordan - Obviously this is something we have dreamed of doing all of our lives. My stint with the west coast based, Liberty Quartet is probably what got my foot in the "gospel music door." I traveled with Liberty Quartet from 2008 to 2013. Toward the end of my tenure with Liberty, my dad resigned the church he had pastored for over 20 years. It was then that we started seriously discussing and praying about the possibilities of doing something like this. One of the best quotes I've ever heard is: "95% of the time God's will is common sense." God opened door after door to put this opportunity in our laps and after a while it was just common sense.


Question - What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about your family?

Jordan - That we love God with all of our hearts AND (if I may add a second thing) that we love them.


Question - Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Jordan - This is a tough one! I would say the general consensus for favorite song we sing is probably a song called "I Want To Be A Servant." It pretty much sums up our passion and purpose as a ministry. As far as a song from another group... I just dont think I can put my finger on one. There are MANY!


Question - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Jordan - Musically: Of course we grew up listening to groups like Cathedrals, Gold City and many others. If I had to pick one that influenced us the most, I would have to say the Gaither Vocal Band (I think everyone in our group considers David Phelps to be the most gifted, powerful and dynamic vocalist we have ever heard). That would even encompass many ex members: Larnell Harris, Michael English, Guy Penrod, Steve Green, Russ Taff, Mark Lowry and others.

Personally: I would have to say The Collingsworth Family. For those who dont know... My mother and Kim are sisters. We actually live about 10 minutes from each other here in the Cincinnati, OH area. My uncle Phil is the guy I look to for musical and business advice on a regular basis. I'm so thankful for him and his willingness to take time out of his busy schedule to give his nephew some of his hard earned wisdom.


Question - What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

Jordan - Not one specific concert... Our favorite concert memory so far would have to be the presence of the Holy Spirit in all of our concerts. We are absolutely nothing without the power and presence of the Spirit. I'm so thankful the Lord has chosen to bless our services with a clear sense of His Spirit.


Question - What new things are coming up for the Cragun Family?

Jordan - We just released our debut album God Will Deliver. We are very excited about that at the moment. We are looking forward to lots of exciting venues being added to our tour schedule on a weekly basis. We look forward to seeing you at a concert soon.

If you want to follow us and keep up with our travels you can signup for our email newsletter at www.thecraguns.com. You can also follow us on Facebook as well.

The Stephens - Names You Might Not Know

The Stephens were another group that garnered attention at the National Quartet Convention in the
afternoon showcases. They had the chance to sing twice on the main stage at NQC. The group consists of Melody and Thom Stephens and Bethany, Melody's sister. Get to know a little bit more about this group -


Question - Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

The Stephens - Thom grew up with what he knew as "church music." He, like his dad and one of his sisters, sang in church growing up. It really wasn't until he was a senior in high school (1982) that he really became aquainted with Southern Gospel music. Melody and Bethany, being sisters, grew up singing together in their family group, The Givens.


Q - How did you get started singing and traveling?

The Stephens - We each sang with family growing up. We also sang in local groups for a period of time. Melody has been one of the most sought after sopranos in gospel music. She gave in to God's call in 1999 to become one of the most recognizable voices in gospel music as a soprano with the Nelons. Her position with the famed Nelons allowed her to sing on the very popular Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. She also has Dove Award nominations. Melody, her husband Thom and her sister Bethany started singing together as the Stephens almost six years ago.


Q - What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about the Stephens?

The Stephens - We want them to know that we are real. We go through storms just like everyone else but we don't go alone. Because Christ is the center of our lives, we are never alone. We want them to be encouraged and if they don't have a personal relationship with Christ, we will gladly show them what the Bible says about being saved. Our goal for every singing is to encourage the believer and save the lost.


Q - Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

The Stephens - One of our favorite songs that we sing right now is "My God Will Always Be Enough." This is a powerful song that ministers to us as well as those attending the services where we sing. It is on our LIVE CD that was just released. Many songs from other groups minister to us. Trying to pinpoint just one is very difficult. Many times the songs that really touch us just when we need it usually will be an old hymn of the church that some group has re-done. One that comes to mind is Jason Crabb's rendition of "I'd Rather Have Jesus."


Q - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

The Stephens - There are so many, a few would be the Nelons, the Isaacs, the Bowlings, the Martins, currently 11th Hour and the Collingsworth Family. This list could literally go on and on. I'm not sure of how much space you have. LOL


Q - What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

The Stephens - Just recently we sang on the Regional Artist Showcase at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Ken. We won the daily event on that Tuesday and got to sing on the main stage that night. Winning on Tuesday allowed us to also sing on the Saturday showcase which was composed of all the 20 weekly winners. We won Saturday as well and got to sing on the main stage again Saturday night. The prize was a recording contract with a major record company. This truly was just a God thing and nothing that we can take credit for. We give Him all the honor and glory! However, the most memorable services that we have are those where someone comes to know Jesus as their personal Savior. This is what we pray for before we ever enter a venue to sing.


Q - What new things are coming up for the Stephens?

The Stephens - We just released our latest CD, The Stephens LIVE. It is turning out to be a huge success thanks to our affiliation with Morris Music Group and GAT3 Midsouth studios. We record on their Delta Sky Records label. Morris Music has released a song from our LIVE CD to radio. It's a new version of an old hymn, "Unclouded Day." It currently is #68 on The Singing News Top 80 chart. A brand new CD of all original songs is currently under way to be released some time in 2014. To learn more about us, visit our website at www.thestephensmusic.com. Please pray for our ministry! God Bless!

Thank you Stephens for taking time to answer all my questions!

Names You Might Not Know - Emmaus Road Quartet

Another showcase group that won its way to the main stage of National Quartet Convention was Emmaus Road Quartet. They are based in Dalton, Ga, and was established in 2003. The group consists of Greg Witt (tenor), Scott Marshall (lead), Adam Bradford (baritone) and Brandon Barry (bass). Get to know more about Emmaus Road.

Question - When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel music? What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?

Greg Witt - I was raised up in Southern Gospel music thanks to my wonderful parents. My dad was a pastor and played the guitar, and my mom was the singer of the family. All of the children played an instrument, sang or both. My older brother really adapted to the music side and began teaching me and my nephew to play. I adapted more to the singing side and took after my mother. My favorite memories of gospel music was when I got to go to the Memorial Auditorium to see Big Jim Hammil and the Kingsmen Quartet. I was amazed at how he was just the general of the stage and how he utilized every member of the quartet and band throughout the evening. I was always amazed, that no matter what other group was on the card, when they took the stage, you remembered the Kingsmen Quartet.

Q - How did you get started as the Emmaus Road Quartet? How long have you been singing?

Greg - I played for several different groups until I was 19 years old, that’s when I started my first group with my older sister and my best friend. But before that, I played bass guitar for a male quartet from Chattanooga, Temn. called the Happy Harmony Quartet and absolutely fell in love with quartet singing. I was really fascinated with the tenor singer, and secretly wanted to sing but they never knew I actually sang. After my first group disbanded, I took a year off and started up Emmaus Road Quartet. It’s been 10 years now and slowing down is not in our future. And hey, I finally got to start singing tenor! LOL!

Q - How did you come up with the name the Emmaus Road Quartet?

Greg - During the year I was off, I was really searching what God had in store for me. I met another guy a couple of counties away, and ironically, he had been in the same boat. He was in the process of starting a quartet, all he had was a lead and baritone singer. Well, all I had was a tenor and a bass singer. Me and him met, prayed a lot and really sought God's will for us. He actually suggested the name, and I loved it. I mean after all, he and I were both on a road, both kind of disappointed and both wondering why God wasn't putting this together for us. Well, after he and I met, we met with the Lord, and it’s like it all fell in place.

Q - Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Greg - One of my favorite songs to sing is "I Got My Healing Today."  I wrote this song during a funeral of a friend of mine who fought a battle with brain cancer for two years. This song came to me in about three minutes, and I’ve never wrote a song that has touched so many people across the country. It was nothing that I done, it was all God. But I believe his promise that one of these days, we will all get our eternal healing.

Q - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Greg - Jim Hammil, George Younce and a good friend of mine Rick Price. I loved watching Jim and George and the way they could just keep the attention of the audience. Rick was the first person who really opened up and taught me all he knew about the business side of music ministry. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still learning, but he really taught me a lot about expanding our ministry to a full-time ministry from just a local weekend group.

Q - What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a particular concert that stands out?

Greg - It’s got to be without a doubt a service from this past August. We were at Pathway Baptist in Ooltewah, Tenn. with Pastor Mark Smith. God just showed up during that concert, and nine people got saved. There were even people getting saved out in the parking lot, it was amazing.

And on a different note, our first appearance this past September on the main stage during quartet night at the National Quartet Convention during the final year in Louisville was a memorable event as well. I think about every Southern Gospel group dreams of singing on that stage, and for us it became a reality that night.

Q - What new things are coming up for the Emmaus Road Quartet?

Greg - We’re working on a new project right now which is mostly older quartet style songs. It’s gonna be filled up with all kinds of good harmonies. We’re also doing a lot of studio work with other groups with Emmaus Road Records. And we want to do our first Western tour this next year as well. That’s all exciting, but in the future, we will be having our own brand of men's conferences. It’s still a ways off, but it’s in the works. I guess that’s what I’m the most excited about.

For more on Emmaus Road, check out their website at http://www.emmausroadquartet.com. Thanks Emmaus Road for taking time to answer all my questions!

Names You Might Not Know - Eagle's Wings

NQC is a great opportunity for up and coming groups a chance to sing for a large audience. Groups and artists who won their showcases got to sing on the main stage at night. When those groups took the main stage, it gave thousands of people the chance to see them both live and via the webcast.

One of those groups was Eagle's Wings. The group consists of Kevin Chambers, Matt Wilson, Debbi Wilson, Tyler Cagle and Darryle Wilson. Even though you may have heard from them during NQC, chances are you don't know much about them. Thankfully, the group agree to answer some questions for the blog. Enjoy getting to know Eagle's Wings a little bit better!


Question - When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel music? What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?

Kevin of Eagle's Wings - When I was a kid, I thought there were only two kinds of music, Southern Gospel and “the rest." My mom, sister and brother-in-law sang as the Calvary Trio when I was just a preschooler. My mom was the pianist in our church. As for me, I didn't play music at all until seventh grade when I joined the school band (on the clarinet) and discovered a passion for music that has never left.

In high school I really liked a certain cute blonde girl in my church, and her dad happened to be a recently saved country singer whom God had given a NEW SONG! He started his own family gospel band and (since I was always hanging around his daughter) they let me play drums. We traveled as the Family Circle for a few years. God blessed. I’ve promised the Lord since the earliest days that any musical ability that He ever gives me, I will use it for Him. My real desire (and I think everyone in Eagle’s Wings would agree) is to lift up hearts and lift up Christ using live acoustic Southern Gospel music. And by the way I’m still crazy about that same cute blonde (my wife Rhonda, going on 30 years together).

Q - How did you get started as Eagle's Wings? How long have you been singing?

Kevin - After serving in the U.S. Air Force, I moved back home and soon became the music director at Central Baptist Church in Jasper, Ala. (some 20 years ago).

Darryle Wilson is our Pastor. He and his wife Debbi were also in the Family Circle (and became my brother and sister-in-law). Their son, Matthew, grew up around gospel music and perfectly fit the mix.

During the next several years at Central, we sung everything from classical hymns to CCM, and slowly arrived at an acoustic Southern Gospel sound that seemed to catch on with people. We loved it. It was pure and portable. So about three or four years ago we started taking dates and traveling as a group.

So how long? Some of us have been singing together for 30 or 40 years, but the band is about four years old. Tyler Cagle (who sings and plays everything well) just joined us a little over a year ago, but he is now a major part of who we are as a group.

Q - How did you come up with the name the Eagle's Wings?

Kevin - We toyed with a few other names (Jasper Walls was one I remember) but Eagle’s Wings had several things going for it… Debbi’s favorite verse is Isaiah 40:31. I worked on the F-15 Eagle while I was in the Air Force. We have occasionally tried harmonies similar to a much more famous group which also used the name “Eagles.” The more we travel, the more we discover other things using the name “Eagle’s Wings,” so we are not sure we will be able to keep using it, but we hope so.

Q - Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Kevin - I love to sing “He Came to Me” by Squire Parsons. I don’t do it justice, but I love the message of the song. From another group… there are so many, but I’d have to say the old song “Something Happened on that Mountain” by the Inspirations (or by my father-in-law). It takes my mind and spirit to a wonderful place every time I hear it.

Q - What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Kevin - Long list… Bill Busby (my father-in-law). He never gave me a music lesson, but I’ve learned so much from watching him over the years. Then of course… The Inspirations, The Hinsons, New Traditions, The Isaacs, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Primitives… on and on.

Q - What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a particular concert that stands out?

Kevin - Singing on the main stage at NQC this year will have to go down as a biggie.

We played once with the Isaacs, and Ben gave us some encouragement and kind words that I’m still grateful for. A life changing concert for me was the first time I ever heard Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. They sang around one mic at the Cullman AL Civic Center. Their attention to vocal detail and masterful instrumentation supporting the vocals became the goal of my musical life.

Q - What new things are coming up for the Eagle's Wings?

Kevin - As a group, we are at something of a turning point. We all have regular jobs and family commitments. We are all very active in our churches and want to serve God the way HE wants. We’ve started talking about a second CD (to possibly have ready by NQC next year) but we are seeking God’s wisdom on where to go with the group.

We have so many wonderful responsive crowds in our local area, but with all our other commitments we are not able to travel to any long distances. If this is Gods will for us, then we will rejoice in it. If God shows us another plan… We’ll find out as we go.

Thanks to Eagle's Wings for taking time to answer my questions! For more information on the group, go to http://www.eagleswingsband.com/

Names You Might Not Know Yet - The Browders

The Browders were named the "Breakthrough Artist of the Year" at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards in 2013. This  family group consists of Tommy Browder, his sons Matthew and David, Matthew's wife Sonya and Sonya's brother Burton.

I got the chance to see the Browders for the first time last year in Branson, and was immediately impressed with this great family group!

Sonya Browder was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me. Get to know the Browders a little better!



Question: Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

Sonya Browder: I'm originally from the state of Maine so, for obvious reasons, Southern Gospel was not as familiar to me growing up as it was to the rest of The Browders! When I was a little girl, Ernie Haase came to our church to do special music for revival services with an evangelist from his home area in Ohio. That summer he was the musical guest at our youth camp and he asked me to sing a song with him one night. Soon after, he joined the Cathedrals and called to tell us he had bought tickets for us to see them in Bangor, Maine, at a sold out concert. I left that night in awe of the music and what I now know was the awesome presence of God. I remember thinking, "If I could just do that someday..."


Q: How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

Sonya: The Browders have been on the road as a family since 1990. Matthew and David were just young boys at the time and they travelled mostly within their local area and surrounding states. It's been in the last few years that the ministry has really expanded.

I personally started singing and playing piano full-time when I was 15 for a group that travelled mostly around New England. I was with them for 10 years until Matthew and I married in 2005 and I joined The Browders.


Q: What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about the Browders?

Sonya: Without a doubt, the most important thing a person can take away from our concerts is that we serve a great God who is available to anyone who calls upon Him. We truly want to point people to Jesus. If they forget about us, that's no big deal; but if the Holy Spirit can minister to someone's life through us and change them for eternity, now that's something to remember.


Q: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Sonya: I can't say that I have a particular song that is a favorite of mine to sing; I love so many of them for different reasons. Without a doubt, though, Karen Peck's "My God Will Always Be Enough" has affected me more than any song I can think of in recent years. If you haven't heard it, you absolutely need to check it out. It's an incredible song by an incredibly anointed woman of God.


Q: What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Sonya: As I mentioned earlier, The Cathedrals were my first influence and I was a huge fan from that time on.

The Browders are big Hinsons fans, as well as Teddy Huffam & the Gems and Happy Goodmans. More recently, we have appreciated the Crabb Family for their anointing, songwriting and originality. The people in our industry who have, in my opinion, been the most supportive of us and extended a hand of friendship to us, have been Jeff & Sheri Easter. Last summer, we were scheduled to sing at Silver Dollar City on a Monday for their Southern Gospel Picnic. Jeff & Sheri called and asked us to come in a day early and sing a song on their set the night before to a crowd of around 6000 people at Echo Hollow. They absolutely did not have to do that, but I believe that it is their willingness to include and support others that has caused them to be so blessed. They share Godly counsel when called upon and Jeff has even worked on our bus a time or two!


Q: What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

It would be hard to pick an absolute favorite, but there was a recent occurrence regarding our current single, "He is Alive", that we won't soon forget. Before we even recorded the song, we "tried it out" on an audience in Ohio. When the concert was over, a pastor and his wife came to our table. He said that his wife had been unable to hear out of her right ear for many years, and during that song, she leaned over and told him that all of a sudden she could hear in that ear! God miraculously touched her that night while she was just sitting in her chair! We had never seen anything quite like that!


Q: What new things are coming up for the Browders?

Sonya: For the last year, we have been working on a new recording, pouring our hearts and souls into everything from the song-writing to the production and creativity of this project. "Time Machine" is the follow-up to our "The Message" recording, which yielded our first #1 song for a total of three on that record, and an additional seven top ten songs, a fact which both amazes and humbles us that God would bless us in such a way. So when it came time for this record, we applied even more attention to detail than we did the last one, because we believe that whatever our hands find to do, we should with all our might and heartily as unto the Lord (Ecc. 9:10; Col. 3:23)! It will be available August 6 on iTunes, our web site and in Christian bookstores.

Also, we just signed a recording contract with Daywind, so we are very much looking forward to what lies ahead as we work together with them.


Be sure to check out more on the Browders at their website - http://www.thebrowders.com/. And also check out their new project Time Machine that releases tomorrow!

Mylon Hayes Family - Names You Might Not Know

The Mylon Hayes family is from Hudson, N.C. The Family consists of Mylon and Wendy and their children Conner, Bailey and Kennedy. Get to know more about this family!

Question: Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

Mylon Hayes (Hayes Family): Yes. I grew up singing southern gospel music with my family, The Hayes Family. I was influenced early on by the Speer Family, the Rex Nelon Singers, the Inspirations as well as others. I really don't remember a point in my life where southern gospel music was not a part of it. Although Wendy did not sing in a group or with family growing up, she loved and listened to some of the same groups as I and went to a lot of concerts with her aunt and uncle as a child.


Q: How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

Mylon: The kids have been singing since they were able to talk. They almost always traveled with us on the Hayes Family bus and would sing some just about every time we would sing. But Wendy and I started feeling the Lord leading us to sing some with our kids around 2009. We just didn't know exactly when or how that might happen. After much prayer, God's prompting and various circumstances, we felt the time was right at the end of 2011 to make our first CD as the Mylon Hayes Family. The Lord has given us many opportunities since then to sing and we are so thankful for each!


Q: What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about the Mylon Hayes Family?

Mylon: That we love them and most of all that Jesus loves them!!


Q: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Mylon: "He Is God" - Love the message and style of that song. It talks about a familiar Bible story and gives us the opportunity to remind people that our God never changes...He's the same yesterday, today and forever. I think that's a great reminder for us because our world is changing so rapidly it seems. Jesus is our Rock!!! We can rest easy in the midst of all the changes because of Him!

"Faces" by Greater Vision has been a great encouragement to us to keep serving the Lord even though we may not see a lot of results in this life.


Q: What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Mylon: In addition to the ones I mentioned earlier, The Cathedrals have to be at the top of that list. They were the biggest influence on me in my teenage years. In my opinion, they were the best all male quartet ever!


Q: What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

Mylon: You know...we're just getting started singing with our family so really nothing just stands out... but just the opportunity to do this together is a thrill every time. That God would allow us to do this is the fulfillment of a deep desire in our hearts and we couldn't be more grateful. In the "concert that stands out" category...for the kids it would probably be the chance to sing on stage at the NQC at such an early age. We've also had some great services in churches. For Wendy and me, it's just been awesome to see the Lord already using the kids to bring encouragement and influence to others.


Q: What new things are coming up for the Mylon Hayes Family?

Mylon: Our second CD is due out in mid August 2013, and we're excited about that. We are also scheduled to be in some new areas in the near future and that's always great to meet new people. We have a desire to do a tour to the west coast. We're hoping that will work out very soon as well. Of course, we plan to be at NQC again this year and we look forward to that.


For more on the Mylon Hayes family, check out their website. Thanks so much to the Hayes family for taking time to answer my questions!

Spoken 4 Quartet - Names You Might Not Know Yet

Spoken 4 Quartet is a group based in Branson, Mo. that started in 2006. The group consists of Brandon Britton (tenor), Steven Hickinbotham (baritone), Cecil Stringer (bass) and Jon Charles Taggart (lead).

I've had the chance to see them multiple times when singing at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic and most recently when they made their way to Hot Springs, Ark. They are a great group of guys that have a heart for their ministry and seeing people drawn to Christ. Get to know Spoken 4!


Question: When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel music? What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?

Jon Charles Taggart - Spoken 4: When I was growing up in my hometown of West Point, Miss., my family attended First Baptist Church, and I always loved hearing the FBC men's quartet sing. I love their harmonies and seeing them work together. While I was attending college at Mississippi College in Clinton, I started following the Gaither Vocal Band because I loved hearing Guy Penrod singing with them. He had the perfect blend of style to me, because I grew up listening to country music as well, and he embodied the best style blend of Gospel, country and humbleness to me. So when I got asked to join a quartet with some friends of mine that I met at church while attending college, I jumped at the opportunity!

Some of my earliest memories of Southern Gospel include watching the Cathedrals, the Stamps and of course the Gaither Vocal Band.


Q: How did you get started as the Spoken 4?

Jon Charles: I met Cecil Stringer while working at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. We both sang with their "in-house" Gospel group for four years when we got news that they no longer wanted to have a full time in-house group, We along with our friend who sang baritone at the City, asked a tenor singer from the Presley's show here in town if he wanted to join forces during the down season here in Branson and do some concerts. He said sure, and we had no idea how God would move and bless this group, but that's how we started out.


Q: How did you come up with the name the Spoken 4?

Jon Charles: After several bad name ideas from us all, I was traveling with my wife home to Mississippi when she had a thought. She asked me what I thought we all had in common, I started naming a wide variety of things from faith to sports, and she said well you are all "spoken for" by Christ so you could try SPOKEN 4. I thought at that moment, That's it! So I called Cecil and Jeremy (baritone singer) to see how they felt about the name possibility, and they liked it. And that's how God helped us figure out our name.


Q: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Jon Charles: I have a bunch of songs that I love and connect with very strongly, but since you want me to pick just one, I think it would have to be "We Believe." The words are so ministering to my soul every time we sing it, that I get fired up and excited to proclaim it like its the first time that we have ever done it.

I love the song "The Promise" by the Martins and "Why Me Lord," the Guy Penrod/Gaither version.


Q: What artists have been your biggest influence musically and/or personally?

Jon Charles: Lots of answers here! I love a wide variety of music, but the artists in our field( besides the guys I sing with)that I have had the privilege to meet and work with,and whom I genuinely respect and have been influenced by:

• Jeff Stice 
• Danny Brown  studio engineer) 
• Tim Riley 
• Danny Funderburk 
• Mike Bowling and Family 
• JD Miller 
• Jerry Trammel 
• Brian Arnold 
• Roger Fortner 
• Bill Gaither 
• Mike Pillow 
• Jeff Steele 
• Guy Penrod 
• Larry Gatlin 

**haven't met the last two


Q: What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a particular concert that stands out?

Jon Charles: Seeing God move by saving people's souls, and rededication's or people just being moved to serve Him more.....has been the best parts of our ministry! Just knowing that because we chose to make our talents and time available for God to use in a mighty way for His glory to reach His children is so humbling and rewarding! One that sticks out in my mind is when we sang in a town called Houlka, Miss., and a very respected coach from the community who had just been diagnosed with a very serious cancer came forward and gave his heart to Jesus after he heard our witness and music. He took the time afterwards to share that said he saw God in us, and knew that Jesus was speaking directly to him through us. All I can say is Wow, what a real and mighty God, full of grace, we serve!!!


Q: What new things are coming up for the Spoken 4?

Jon Charles: We have just completed a new and what we believe to be very anointed project with Jeff Stice who arranged, played and produced it all. He was a complete hard working professional who brings the best out of people! And he is such a genuine, God Loving, good man. Can't express how awesome it was to work with him, Danny Brown, and all the musicians that played their hearts out! And we are so excited to share these songs with everyone very soon!!! We expect this next year to be incredible for us all, and we can't wait to see how God is going to work! It's all about Jesus, and without Him there would be no hope for any of us, but when you believe in Him, serve Him, and seek His will, Nothing that the devil throws at you can bring you down!

For more on Spoken 4, visit their website - http://www.spoken4quartet.com

Names You Might Not Know Yet - Down Home Family

Down Home is a Nashville-based group with a country flavor. Down Home is comprised of the McEwyn family. Mac, the dad of the group, sings tenor, and Sharon, the mother, is the alto of the group. Their children AnnMarie (16) and Michael (14) round out the group at lead and bass, respectively.

Get to know more about Down Home!



Question: Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

Down Home - Mac:  Absolutely yes. I was blessed to grow up in a family that loved music. If there was a group coming to a nearby town, we would load up the family station wagon and head out to hear them sing. At a very young age, I reckon third-grade or so, we went to a concert in very small church where a relatively new group was going to perform. Being that my dad was one who never wanted to be late, we arrived early at church. So there we sat on the front row. Halfway through the concert the lady who was singing with the other two gentlemen came down from the stage and as she was talking about children tousled my hair. That was the biggest moment of my young life. The next time I saw that lady and those two men they were singing on a huge stage in a coliseum. I came to know this lady as Miss Gloria Gaither. As the years went on, so many other artists played their part in developing our family’s love of music: the Gaither Trio, Henry and Hazel Slaughter, Ronnie Hinson and the Hinsons, Doug Oldham, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps, Jake Hess, the Imperials, the Cathedrals, the Blackwood Brothers, the Happy Goodman family, the Speer Family, The Rambos and so many others.

Down Home - Sharon: It is difficult to pinpoint when we first became interested in Southern Gospel because it has been such a foundational part of our life. I can say that the family aspect of Southern Gospel has definitely been a major drawing influence. Southern Gospel has a strong heritage of family groups and family focus and we feel privileged to be part of that legacy.


Q: How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

Down Home - AnnMarie: I love to sing and so I sing all the time. One day my parents sat us down as a family and asked us what we wanted to do with our lives. I told them I wanted to sing professionally and use music to share God’s love. We talked about the sacrifices that would be required from each of us and decided together that we would pursue this as a family. I remember my Dad bringing us around the dinner table and as we began to sing the harmonies just came into being and we knew we had something to share.


Q: What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about Down Home?

Down Home - Mac: It has become completely evident to each one of us in our family that the culture we live in is in desperate need of HOPE. As I reminisce back through my spiritual journey it was people, family, and friends that provided a continual reminder that there is HOPE for any circumstance. But it didn't stop there….. They always pointed my nose in the direction of where HOPE comes from…….. Jesus Christ. Life as we know it will be filled with mountaintops that need to be climbed and valleys that will need to be crossed, how sad is it for those who have to do this alone without HOPE.

We want each individual that comes in contact with Down Home to not only hear of HOPE but sense it in every aspect of our concerts. We want our words to be hopeful and true. We want our interaction with them to be sincere and authentic. Through our music and presentation we want each individual to sense the powerful embrace of the one with whom all HOPE stems from…. Jesus Christ.


Q: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Down Home - Michael: "What if Jesus Came Back Like That" is one of my favorite songs because it brings up an interesting question… What would we do if Jesus came back as a homeless vagrant? The words of this song force me to examine how I see people around me. I want to make sure that I don’t overlook the gift because I am uncomfortable with the wrapping.

Down Home - Sharon: One song which deeply ministers, has been sung by many groups and congregations over the years is "It Is Well with My Soul."  Not only do the timeless words Horatio Spafford penned minister but the story behind the words of a man losing so much and in a moment of such pain and loss turning to God and saying, “Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” One could write a hundred sermons on that one verse alone. The lesson I have learned is to never give up hope, God has a unique plan for our lives in which he will use our greatest loss for His greatest gain.


Q: What artists have been your biggest influence?

Down Home - Michael: I love the guys that shake the ground! George Younce, Tim Duncan, Richard Sterban and J.D. Sumner have all influenced my life. I know these are some big shoes to fill but I’m 14 years old, 6’3 inches and wear size 13 shoes, and I’m still growing! My dream is to follow in these men’s footsteps and someday meet Tim Duncan and Richard Sterban.

Down Home - AnnMarie: Sonya Isaacs continues to be influential both musically and personally. Sonya has a beautiful voice, a sweet presence and encouraging demeanor. I want to do and be the same. Growing up in the music industry like she did, I consider her a great mentor.


Q: What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

Down Home - Sharon: My husband and I have been singing for a long time, but it has always been a dream of ours to sing and minister together as a family. I will never forget our first concert singing together, the joy I felt looking over and seeing our children on stage praising God. That moment was indescribable. It is overwhelming for me to see how God can take the seed of a dream, plant it in my heart and grow it into being.

Down Home - Mac: If y'all are not aware…… southern Daddys are not noted for their timidity concerning the wellbeing of their daughters when approached by young suitors. Those of you who are part of the extended Down Home family following know that AnnMarie (Down Home’s lead singer) just turned 16 years old. At a recent concert out West a particularly earnest 16 year old boy found a clever way to garner AnnMarie’s attention. When the request was made for volunteers for set up and tear down he made himself available. During the concert he worked as a stagehand and part of security team. At the conclusion of the concert he went up to AnnMarie and told her that he had been assigned as her personal bodyguard by her Father. AnnMarie knowing that her Daddy was very protective didn't think otherwise. This provided the opportunity for the young boy to be within arm’s reach of AnnMarie while she visited with concert attendees for the rest of the evening. When the group was all back in the bus it all came to light when AnnMarie asked me why I had sent a bodyguard who was so young. You gotta hand it to the boy.

Music is a powerful thing in any size venue. One of my favorite concerts in recent days was an impromptu concert. The group walked into a restaurant with a local community church pastor. We were walking with our host to our table when a lady who was eating with two friends recognized us. She informed the pastor that she had been unable to be in attendance at the Down Home concert the night before. We asked the ladies to stop by our table before they left. When they arrived we did an impromptu a cappella concert for them. When we were done the ladies all informed us that they had recently lost their respective husbands and one of the ladies stated that the song that we had just sung was her husband's favorite song. She leaned over and whispered in my ear you will never know what this moment meant to me. Music is a powerful thing.


Q: What new things are coming up for Down Home?

Down Home - Mac: Being from Nashville, Tennessee we are friendly folk, we look forward to and always enjoy meeting new friends at concerts around the country. The Down Home Family is extremely excited about the process of developing new music for our next two projects scheduled to be available mid- 2014. The group is also in the process of developing 12 national events that will serve the local community and local churches as catalyst for outreach. Event dates to be announced September 2013. Our passion as a group is to help people find the HOPE that is only found in Jesus. We want to see new hope and new life in the people we encounter.


Learn more about Down Home on their website, http://www.downhomefamily.com. Thanks to Down Home for answering my questions!

Names You Might Not Know Yet - 11th Hour

I got to see 11th Hour for the first time in January. I had heard of them, but wasn't familiar at all with their
music. However, it didn't take long for me to become a big fan of the group and its music! The group consists of Amber Eppinette, Candice Jordan, Grant Gibson and Ethan Allen. The four of them all in their 20s help reassure gospel music fans that the future of this genre is in good hands.

Amber was kind enough to answer a few questions for me about their group and how they got started.


Question: When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel music? What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?

Amber Eppinette: I was born a bus baby, born and raised in the ministry so Southern Gospel has always been a big part of my life. There came a point where I had to decide what I was going to do the rest of my life and God just showed me this was what I was supposed to be doing. Different genres of music will satisfy and last you for just a little while but Southern Gospel music changes you for eternity. That’s why I became and am still interested in Southern Gospel music.

My earliest memories were traveling and singing with my family group called “Pure Heart”. We traveled every weekend and my family would sing and my Dad would preach. It was a wonderful lifestyle and experience as a kid growing up. Also, Candice’s dad played the piano in the group so we all grew up together being preachers' kids and musical kids.


Q: How did you get started as 11th Hour? How long have you been singing?

Amber: Six years ago at a revival meeting, God was telling me to start a group. He told me to ask Candice (my best friend) to join it with me. What’s funny is, Candice had only sang maybe two specials in church her whole life so this is proof, all of this is a GOD THING. We went through a few singers but she and I always stuck together, and now I believe God has in this group exactly who he wants in it. Everyone’s hearts and minds are into it, and I am thrilled to say as the owner of 11th Hour, I wouldn’t trade them for anyone in the industry. To me, they are the best there is, vocally and spiritually.

I have been singing all of my life. Born and raised in it. Loving every minute I get to do it.

Candice: I have been singing since 11th Hour started for two years and I am thankful for the way God has allowed me to minister.

Grant: I have been singing with 11th Hour for about two months now and enjoying where God has placed me. I have been singing southern gospel for 10 years.

Ethan: I have been playing for years but I have been playing professionally with 11th Hour for two years and its been a joy to watch God work in everyone’s lives including my own.


Q: How did you come up with the name 11th Hour?

Amber: Matthew 20:6-7 - In the 11th Hour, others were standing idle in the vineyard when there was work to be done so the Lord equipped them and said “Go ye also into the vineyard…”

That is what we are trying to do. Go and try to win as many to Christ as we can because we believe we are in the 11th Hour and the midnight cry is about to arrive (when the Lord returns).


Q: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Amber: My favorite song would have to be "Bloodline" because so many times satan tries to fight us in mind and body but we can hold on to the fact, he can tempt and try us but he can’t harm us if we have the relationship (shield of protection) with Christ.

The Perrys sing a song called "Did I Mention" written by Kyla Rowland. So many times we are trying to share the story with others but I love how this song is personally between you and the Lord. Many times the Lord just wants to hear from his children that we love him and this is what this song does.


Q: What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Amber: Karen Peck Gooch whom I’ve known since I was a baby has really portrayed what a true Christian lady should be like. She also has a wonderful voice that I have admired since I was younger.

Q: What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry?

Amber: Seeing the change in people’s lives. Seeing and getting to be a part of someone’s salvation. Hearing the testimonies will absolutely melt your heart with joy and it gives us another boost of energy to go and minister every time we hear these songs are touching lives.

Q: What new things are coming up for 11th Hour?

Amber: We will be singing Saturday night at NQC and we are very nervous yet excited for the opportunity the Lord has allowed us to have there.

Also, in September/October we plan on recording our new project with our new singer Grant Gibson. Help us pray for the right songs.

Wherever the Lord leads us to go, that’s where we will be. We are just very thankful God chose to use nobodies like us and make us somebodies for HIS glory.


Thanks Amber and 11th Hour for agreeing to be part of this series! For more on 11th Hour, check out the group's website, 11thhourgospelgroup.com.

Sneed Family - Names You Might Not Know Yet

The Sneed Family is from Glasgow, Ken. and consist of husband and wife, Jeff and Pam Sneed, their
daughter and son-in-law, Caleb and Amanda, Cowan and their sons Seth and Jacob. They are in the top five nominees for Favorite New Mixed Group for the Singing News Fan Awards. Get to know a little bit more about this family below and hear from Jeff Sneed!

Question: Did you grow up with a strong southern gospel influence? When did you first become interested in southern gospel?

Jeff Sneed: My dad was a Baptist preacher, and they took me to gospel singings all over the country. We went and heard professional and local groups on a regular basis. My wife, Pam, was also taken to churches all around Kentucky and Tennessee to listen to the groups. Neither of our set of parents ever sang in a group or played an instrument. As I traveled as a child I used to watch the piano player and pretended to be pushing the pedal every time the player would. I remember well pretending to play on our coffee table at home and on the back of the car seat while in the car. This set up a desire in my heart to want to be a part of a gospel group. Then Pam and I married we were already singing and our children have never known anything other than traveling with us and singing. Caleb, who is my son-in-law, his dad was a Baptist preacher, also and he would go and listen as a child too. That is why that I feel that it is very important that parent and grandparents take their child to concerts, singings and services to plant a seed of desire in their heart to want to sing for the Lord. I have often been ask how did I get my children interested...it's because it was important to us as parents and we encouraged our children by not just sending them but taking them...and it worked.


Question: How did you get started singing and traveling as a family?

Sneed: I started singing in a group when I was 15 years old. Then at 18 years old I was an original member of an all male quartet. As time passed and some began to leave the group to preach and do other things for the Lord. My wife, then girlfriend, started singing. As the years passed and the members were lead other directions, our daughter, Amanda started singing with us a harmony part at age 9. The rest is history, our son Seth then began to sing and play guitar, and our youngest son, Jacob began to play drums and sing. It just sort of developed into a family group and then Amanda started dating Caleb, who at that time was with the legendary, Naomi Sego. He was our latest addition to our group and family and we have been very blessed as the children matured over the years.


Question: What's the one thing that you want people who walk away from your concerts to know about the Sneed Family?

Sneed: The one thing that I want people to walk away from our concerts with is this main thing, I hope that they can feel the Spirit in the message of the songs or in something that is said or done. I want them to know and feel that we have been saved and born again, and if they haven't been saved I hope that it causes them to search the Lord for their salvation.


Question: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Sneed: Probably "Hallelujah Square" - The song gives hope for a time beyond this life of another meeting place where there will be no more pain and sorrow for all of the REDEEMED.

Many songs have ministered to me from many groups over the years. A lot it had to do with where I was at in life and what I was going through. Many of the McKameys, Naomi Sego and the Hoppers have touched me over the years, along with many others. However, the Hoppers, "I've Come too Far to Look Back" has blessed my soul many times.


Question: What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Sneed: Well I guess for Caleb it has been Naomi Sego for the christian example she showed him on the road. It was at one of their concerts when he was singing with her that he was saved. For me, I guess the Hoppers have made a big impression on our family the most as a whole because of the love and support they have given our family. Their Christian love and friendship has shown bright on our family over the years.



Question: What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a certain concert that stands out?

Sneed: I guess one of the most moving experiences for our family was when we sung on the National Quartet Convention for the first time. It was just amazing to think how God had brought us to that point. It was a place that I had always taken the children to each year and was hard to believe that we were actually singing on that stage. God is good!



Question: What new things are coming up for the Sneed Family?

Sneed: We have a lot of exciting things going on this year. We are still doing an hour long Southern Gospel TV program each week. Which by the way can also be viewed on our website, sneedfamily.com and then click on Glory Bound Jubilee. We are getting ready to do a weekly radio program. We are very excited about this. We are excited about being booked on Hominy Valley by the Primitive Quartet, singing again main stage at NQC. Also, we have been booked on the Bill Baileys Bean Blossom, and his Winter Convention next year. Also, an exciting thing for our family is Loretta Lynn hired me to plan and promote a Southern Gospel Festival on her ranch in Hurricane Mills Tennesse on September 28 and 29 of this year. It has been such an honor to work with her family on this event. That will be two days of packed southern gospel, southern style. Some of the groups that I booked for the event are: The Hoppers, Mark Lowery, Karen Peck and New River, Sneed Family, Gold City, Brian Free and Assurance, Freemans, Rambo-McGuire, Archie Watkins and Smoky Mountain Reunion, Singing Cookes, Michael Combs, Isaacs, along with Loretta Lynn herself. A VERY exciting time for our family. Also, were just found out that we were nominated in the top 5 for the Singing News "New Mixed Group" award and that our song "Hallelujah Square" just hit the Singing news top 80 charts. So thankful for Gods Blessings!

For more on the Sneed Family, check out their website at sneedfamily.com. Thanks to the Sneed Family for answering all my questions!

Names You Might Not Know Yet - The Old Paths Quartet

The Old Paths have just made the top five nominations in the Singing News Fan Awards. I had the chance to see the Old Paths last year in Branson at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic. The Old Paths' Jeremy Peace was willing to answer a few questions for me so you can get to know him and the group a little bit better!


Question: When did you become interested in singing Southern Gospel music? What are some of your earliest memories of Southern Gospel?

Jeremy Peace: My grandfather sang bass with a group for 30 years, so I was sorta "born" into it. It was some of the first music I heard, and I was raised around. I've loved it and have been interested in it for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are of watching my granddad sing, and going to my first southern gospel concert to see the Kingsmen Quartet. I was really hooked after that!


Question: How did you get started as the Old Paths? How long have you been singing?

Jeremy: I met the Old Paths back when I sang tenor with the Kingsmen, almost 7 years ago. Our groups sang together a couple of times, and I became friends with them then. A few months after I left the Kingsmen, I got a call from them asking if I were interested. Seven years later, I guess I'm still interested! I've been singing since I was 4, and started playing bass guitar with a group when I was 7.


Question: How did you come up with the name the Old Paths?

Jeremy: The group name comes from the verse Jeremiah 6:16 - Seek ye the Old Paths...


Question: Do you have a favorite song that you sing? And what song from another group has ministered to you?

Jeremy: My favorite song to sing is "Oh What A Savior."  I used to not care for it, as I've sang it all my life, but since my salvation in 2008, and the Lord calling me to preach, I can understand the need for a Savior to come to earth and sacrifice his life for mankind. He's been my Savior when I didn't deserve one. As far as another group's song that's ministered to me, it would be "He Didn't Throw The Clay Away," by the Lesters. It's my testimony song.


Question: What artists have been your biggest influence (musically and/or personally)?

Jeremy: Tim Surrett was my hero growing up, as his voice was unique and he sang with my favorite group, the Kingsmen. When I joined them, Tim had come back and was singing lead. Getting to stand beside him was a dream come true. And what was better was his influence on my life. I watched him from the bus one hot day in California as he stood in a parking lot for more than three hours, witnessing to a lost woman and leading her to Christ. I'll never forget that.


Question: What has been your favorite memory so far in your ministry? Do you have a particular concert that stands out?

Jeremy: My favorite memory is the night we gave an altar call and a family of 5 atheists came to the alter and received Christ as their Lord. Now that was a service to remember! A funny concert that stands out was one just last weekend. I've been doing this for a lot of years, but this night was one I'll never forget. The church had left their sound system on, and it was conflicting with our wireless mics. We went a whole set with the most gut wrenching noise bursting out of the speakers. We couldn't figure out what was going on. Everytime it would happen, the people would jump out of their seats. They began to look back at our FOH engineer with mean looks on their face as he helplessly tried to figure out the issue. Finally our M.C. stopped the service and asked for a break so we could fix it. It was embarrassing at first, but then I couldn't help but crack up everytime I saw the crowds reaction to the noise. Again, it ended up being the church's issue and the music minister opened the second half with an apology for it being their fault. We then gave the people a concert again, interference free.



Question: What new things are coming up for the Old Paths?

Jeremy: Its been an amazing year for The Old Paths. We've experienced two #1 songs, "Battlestand" and "Gods Great", in the Official Southern Gospel Chart within a 6 month time span. We had two songs in the Top 40 songs of the year of 2012, "The I Of The Storm," and "Battlestand." We were featured on the cover the Singing News Magazine in February, and currently have the #1 New Release and #1 DJ Hit Pick with the song, "He's My Song." We are making trips to Silver Dollar City and Dollywood for their Sothern Gospel festivals, the Memphis Quartet Show, The James D. Vaughn Festival, Bill Baileys' Winterfest, and the Wednesday Quartet Night at The National Quartet Convention. We signed with Crossroads Music, under their Sunlite Record Label. We were nominated in the Top Ten Singing News Fans Award categories as Quartet and New Quartet of the Year, Jeremy Peace as Tenor of the Year, Daniel Ashmore as New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Right Now, and currently in the Top 5 for New Quartet of the Year. In saying all of that, there are still a lot more exciting things on the way from the Old Paths Quartet. Our new CD, These Truths, is due out in August, with some of the greatest songs we have ever recorded. We filmed a new DVD, "Center Stage", in 1080p HD, to be released next month. The film is currently being broadcasted around the world, and getting great response. Emails are pouring in everywhere from fans requesting more of our music. Though all these things mentioned are exciting and humbling, the most anticipated news is the expectation for lives to be changed and hearts to turn away from sin and towards the Son of God.


Learn more about Old Paths by going to http://www.theoldpathsonline.com.