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

Here are recent news items in Southern Gospel -

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

Anything I've missed?

Playing Catch Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

News from the McKameys

The McKameys announced the end of an era today. The group has decided that at the end of November 2019, they will be retiring from full-time touring.

Here's the full statement from the McKameys -

To all our faithful friends,

We would like to say, first and foremost, we appreciate your loyal friendship, your faithfulness in attending our concerts, your prayers for our group (some on a daily basis), and your financial support for our group over the past 38 (full-time) years. This "journey" would not have been possible without you following the Lord on our behalf!

We told you that we felt our journey would be slowing down this coming year and that we would be telling you more about this, so ... after much, much prayer, we, The McKameys, have decided that at the end of November 2019 we will be retiring from full-time touring because we feel this is where God is leading at this time in our lives. We will be continuing the traveling up until this time, Lord willing, allowing us time to see you all again...

We believe our message of Jesus Christ and what HE can do for you will still be carried on in our music for years to come, and with that being said we will be having a couple of surprises coming in our final year. 

Thank you once again for your continued support in this endeavor as this will not be an easy transition for any of us, but we feel this is the way God is leading us, and we have always tried to follow the leadership of HIM!

We love you all and hope to see you all in the coming year down the road!!

II Timothy 4:7 
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Ruben, Peg, Connie, Sheryl, Roger and Eli

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Southern Gospel Artist of the Year

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

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

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

Bluegrass/ Country/ Roots Recorded Song of the Year

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

Southern Gospel Album of the Year

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

Bluegrass/ Country/ Roots Album of the Year

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

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

Anything I've missed?

Randy Crawford Leaves The Kingsmen

The Kingsmen announced today that longtime baritone singer Randy Crawford will be coming off the road. Here's the full release from the group -

Ray Dean Reese announces that long-time Kingsmen baritone, Randy Crawford, is retiring from full-time ministry. Randy states, “Due to recent health concerns, it is with sadness, but joyous expectation of the future, that I announce my resignation from The Kingsmen.”

“It’s been a fantastic ride and such an honor to be a part of this rich and storied legacy. Being the last man Eldridge Fox hired before God called him home, I’ll never forget the kindness I was shown by ‘Foxy,' Greg, and the whole organization. During my second stint, working under Ray Dean Reese has been nothing short of exceptional. Ray is the definition of professionalism," states Randy. “There are not enough words or time to recognize all the men I want to thank. Over 25 years in this industry, I’ve made many friends and gained a few ‘brothers.’”

Effective August 1, Randy begins a new chapter in his life and ministry. He plans on spending time at home to focus on healing and family. He and his wife, Caroline own and operate two businesses and he is a full-time daddy to their youngest children, Mitchell and Grace, who are entering high school this fall. He hopes to get back to some limited singing and preaching in the future.

“I will miss all the dear friends I’ve made across the country, but I’ll be sure to keep in touch through social media. Please keep me and my family in your prayers. And lift The Kingsmen up in prayer as they continue and strive, tirelessly for the cause of Christ.”

Ray states, “During Randy’s time here, two tenures totaling 12 years, it has been both mine and The Kingsmen’s pleasure to have him, not only as a vocalist, but a brother in Christ. The Kingsmen are, and will always be a family. His presence on The Kingsmen bus and in our organization will surely be missed. We wish he and his family the best in his future endeavors and his recovery.”

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - July 28

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

Here are news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?

Back to Blogging

I have returned from my blogging sabbatical. I've got several CD reviews, concert recaps and more to post in the next few weeks. Hopefully now that summer is here, I'll be back to a more routine blogging schedule!

For this post, here are a few news items that I missed during the break -

• Logan Smith joined 11th Hour. Grant Gibson's departure (to Karen Peck & New River) left the third vocalist spot in the group empty. Logan filled in after Grant's departure and has now officially become the third member of the group.
• Karen Peck Gooch was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held on May 8 in Nashville.
• Jason Crabb was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on May 11, 2018 during an induction ceremony in Mount Vernon, KY at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center.
• Congratulations to Destiny Rambo McGuire and Joel Khouri on their marriage. The two were married on March 10, 2018 in a small private ceremony at the Nashville home of her parents, Dony McGuire and Reba Rambo McGuire.
• The top 5 Singing News Fan Award nominations were announced a couple of weeks ago. Voting will begin in July, but see the nominees here.

Catching Up and Taking a Break

I know I've been a little MIA recently, but just wanted to catch up on a few news items recently -

• The Kingsmen announced this week that Bob Sellers is leaving the group the second week of June. He's been at the lead singer position for almost seven years. Bob will be focusing his time on the entrepreneurship he’s established in his hometown area as well enjoying more family time. Pray for Bob and the group as they make this transition. Bob will definitely be missed on the road, but I definitely understand and respect his decision. His daughter will actually be playing basketball for the University of West Alabama next year, so he'll have the chance to be at more games for her as well as his younger children who are both active in their school. If you would like to audition for the Kingsmen, please send a demo, photo and bio to Kingsmenauditions@gmail.com. 
• Voting is now open for round 2 of the Singing News Fan Awards for subscribers. Go here to vote now.
• Please be in prayer for the family of Mary Ann Gaither Addison, who passed away on Wednesday, April 25 after suffering complications from a pulmonary infection.
• Christy Sutherland and Matt Dudney are very proud to announce the birth of their baby boy. Kenneth John Matthew Dudney was born on March 27, 2018 at 8:01 a.m., weighing 5 lbs 14 oz.

In other news, you may have noticed that posts have not been as frequent lately. I've been to several concerts and have CDs lined up to review, but time has been an issue. In addition to my full-time job, I also teach a class at a local college. Between the jobs and other commitments, the blog has unfortunately taken a back seat. Posting will probably continue to be sporadic for the next few weeks while I wrap up the semester. Sorry, but I hope to get back up to speed after a mini break!

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

Here are some news items recently in Southern Gospel music -

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

Anything I've missed?

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

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

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

Anything I've missed?