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

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

• Wilburn and Wilburn announced the change that Jordan will be stepping back from touring to focus on his family. Jonathan Wilburn will be touring as a solo artist and fulfilling all dates. 
• Liberty Quartet announced the return of Philip Batton to tenor. He will start traveling with them on Aug. 1. 
• Pray for Ernie Phillips who was hospitalized earlier this week. Ernie is a 10+ year survivor of stage 4 colon and liver cancer. About a year ago, doctors found a spot of cancer that had come back in his colon and he’s been undergoing various treatments for it. His current dilemma is due to the side affects of the latest chemo drug he was taking. He went into the hospital running a high fever this past weekend. His white blood count was really low and he had pneumonia in both lungs. Please keep him in your prayers. 
• Pat Barker announced a one-night only event with an all-star quartet with Joseph Habedank on lead, Steve Ladd on tenor, Mark Lanier on baritone and Pat Barker singing bass. The band will feature Corey Pearson, Jordan Hamby, Scoot Shelnut and Josh Singletary. This will be in Oxford, Alabama on Nov. 9.  

Anything I've missed?

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

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

• Wilburn & Wilburn were honored with a 2017 Telly Award for the "Gospel Music Southern Style” 2016 Christmas show. The duo was the featured artist on the program, which was recorded at the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Alabama last year.
• Congratulations to Parker and Melodi Webb on the birth of their first child. Parker Bryce Webb Jr. was born on Friday May 26, 2017 at 10:43 p.m. Bryce weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces and measured 18 inches long. 
• Karen Peck & New River are currently in Honduras for a special trip. They will perform our new album title song “Hope for All Nations” with a choir comprised of the island churches. 
• Ian Owens of Soul'd Out Quartet was hospitalized this week with appendicitis. He had surgery to remove his appendix and physicians discovered a twisted bowel and scar tissue that was likely the result of an undetected birth defect. Pray for him as he recovers from surgery.

Anything I've missed?

A Soloist, A Duo, A Trio and a Quartet - Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic 2016

A soloist, a duo, a trio and a quartet all walk into a theme park ... kinda sounds like the start of a joke and probably not a very good one at that. But yesterday all of these groups walked into a theme part and spent the day singing Southern Gospel.

Wednesday, I covered all the bases by seeing a soloist, a duo, a trio and a quartet. I got out to the park in the early afternoon and was able to see four different artists. Here's how my day went -

Jim Brady Trio

I went straight to Red Gold Hall when I got to Silver Dollar City. I was anxious to see the Jim Brady Trio with new singer Layke Jones. He's only 22, but sounds like a seasoned singer, incredible young talent! Layke was featured on "When He Saved Me." 

They started the set with "Stepping Out in Faith" and then sang the Booth Brothers song, "I Have an Anchor."

They sang "Tell Me" with a special guest that had been traveling with them for the weekend, Jim's sister Marla. I've always been a fan of this song when Melissa did it with the Booth Brothers, so I was glad they staged it! The trio ended the set with "Half That's Never Been Told."

Wilburn and Wilburn

It was great to get a chance to see this father/ son duo again. They featured Jordan on several of their hit songs including, "Help Me Help Someone." I didn't realize the lead singer for Rascal Flatts wrote this song. 

They also got the crowd going with "I John, Saw a Mighty Number." Jonathan really cut loose on this one! They also sang "Nobody Like Jesus," another great uptempo one!

They closed with "You Asked Him to Leave," which has probably become their most requested song!

Mark Bishop

Mark Bishop opened the night in Echo Hollow with "Listening for the Call." He sang one song from his latest project, "Pick Me Up and Carry Me."

He also sang a few of his more well-known songs like "I Can Rejoice," "Can I Pray for You" and "I Got Here Just as Fast as I Could."

He sang a few of my favorites like, "Pray on the Little Days" and "My Name is Jesus," which he closed with! Love this song!

Legacy Five

They opened their set with "Great Day" and then really got the crowd going with "He Made a Change." They turned it around and repeated the chorus with the audience clapping and singing along.

Josh was featured on the Goodman classic "What a Lovely Name." They also sang one of the first songs that Scott Fowler sang with the Cathedrals, "After While" with just piano.

They sang one of my favorites, "I Found Grace." Then Matt was featured on "I'll Keep Working, Watching, Waiting for the King," love this one as well!

They ended the first half with the audience standing up through both of the last two songs. Trey played "God Bless America" and then they went into the "Hallelujah Chorus."

They came back after intermission and sang "Great Medley," "His Name is Wonderful" and "Who Is This Man."

Ready for Day 8 tomorrow, only five days left now!

Fathers and Sons - Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic - 2016

It's hard to believe the 2016 Southern Gospel Picnic is halfway over. I was later getting out to the park today, but still was able to see three different groups.

Tribute Quartet

I was able to walk in late to catch the very end of their second show, but got to see the entire third one. During the second show, Riley said that his family was there since his hometown in Oklahoma is not that far from Branson. He said it was actually his dad's birthday, so we all sang "Happy Birthday" to his dad.

During the third show, they started with "It Always Gets Darkest" and then went into "It Makes Me Wanna Go."

They sang a couple I hadn't heard them sing in a while, "More Than Able" and "Homesick Angel," which the crowd always seems to really get into.

Anthony and Riley sang "In the Valley I Can Hear His Voice." Love hearing this song live!

Tribute has a new project coming out in September. They previewed one song during the third show, "Nothing Stops the Savior's Love." The song was outstanding, can't wait to hear the full project! They ended with "Good News From Jerusalem," always a fan favorite!!

Wilburn and Wilburn

This duo opened the night with "Nobody Like Jesus" and then sang "Let's All Go Down to the River."

I've only seen the duo a handful of times and each time I'm more impressed. I love that they sang "Love Without End Amen," a country song that easily fits into the gospel world.

They sang a few from their recent project, "Living Proof" and "You Asked Him to Leave," which was a #1 for them. And by the audience's response you can see why!

Jonathan and Jordan also sang a few older ones like "Had It Not Been" and "The Old Rugged Cross Made the Difference," which they closed with. The last song was the highlight of their set for me!

Triumphant Quartet

These guys knocked it out of the park last night!! They opened the night with "We Will Remember" and then sang "Love Came Calling," love this song!

Eric slowed it down a bit to sing the George Younce classic, "Who Can Do Anything," he sounds awesome on this song!

Last year when Triumphant was in Echo Hollow, the bottom fell out of the sky. I mean, it poured. So this year the guys decided it would be fun to sing "I Wish It Would Rain," thankfully this year, the sky was clear. However, some people started getting out their umbrellas, because after Monday night, we all came prepared!

Aaron is only a few weeks into traveling with Triumphant, but doing a great job. They featured him on "Hello Mama," that he sang with the Dixie Melody Boys. He and David also did an instrumental version of "Beulah Land" that was amazing!

Clayton and Scotty were featured on "He Is" right before intermission. This was one of my favorite moments of the night!

They sang several favorite Triumphant songs like "Somebody Tell Somebody," "Saved By Grace," "Amazing God" and "When the Trumpet Sounds." David then sang "This Blood." This song is so powerful!! The best song of the night!

Then, we went to something even more spiritual. :) It's not Triumphant at Silver Dollar City without Clayton singing "The Old White Flag." The amphitheater is full of hankies, napkins and even a few white towels being waved. I love how even the Silver Dollar City staff gets involved! Thankfully this year they weren't being rained on while singing!

Ready for another day of gospel music as we get into the last half of the festival!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - February 6

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

• Congratulations to Amanda and Caleb Cowan of the Sneed Family. They welcomed a new baby boy, Baker McKee Cowan, on February 4. He weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz. Mother and baby are doing fine.
• Congratulations also to Jordan and Lauren Wilburn (Wilburn and Wilburn). They also welcomed a baby boy this week on Feb. 5. Brayden Allen Wilburn weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz. Mother and baby are doing well.
• The Ball Brothers announced Matt Davis as the group's new bass singer this week.
• Boyce Flener, 52, of the Crossmen Quartet passed away on February 2 of pancreatic cancer. His services will be tomorrow in Morgantown, Kentucky. Please keep his family in your prayers.
• The Bradys from Dothan, Alabama announced their retirement this week. The group has been ministering for more than 25 years. The Bradys offer their heartfelt thanks to the promoters, pastors, music ministers, radio stations,and friends across the country that believed in their ministry and supported or helped them.  
• Daywind Music Publishing announced the addition of Lee Black to their family of songwriters. 

Anything I've missed?

NQC Day 1 Highlights - National Quartet Convention

The first official night of the 2014 National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is in the books. I was able to catch most of the webcast tonight.

The Perrys were the last group to go on and had the moment of the night. We all knew it would be an emotional return to the main stage for the Perrys with Tracy Stuffle present. The group got an overwhelming applause once they got to the stage. Then, Libbi sang "I Can Trust Him." Incredibly powerful and emotional moment from the audience and on stage!!! They sang "Three Men on a Mountain" to feature both Tracy and Jared. I loved seeing the pride in Tracy's face as Jared sang. They closed the night with "I Wish I Could Have Been There," perfect closing song! Andrew Goldman really impressed me with his lead vocals on that song!

Mark Trammell Quartet had a strong set, but it was the last song that really stood out. Mark took the time to mention that he was notified that the U.S. had launched airstrikes on Syria. They then sang "It's Almost Over," so timely and great moment!

A highlight early on in the night was the LeFevre Quartet singing "I Love to Call His Name." I've always been a big fan of this song. They mentioned that Rex Nelon had been the one to sing it with the LeFevres many years ago. Brandon Barry sang it and then Kelly Nelon Clark and Karen Peck Gooch joined the quartet on stage!

Another surprise stage visit was during Mark Bishop's set when he called his dad Kenneth Bishop and Archie Watkins to join him on "I Rely on Him." Kenneth stayed on stage with his son for one more song after that.

Brian Free and Assurance had a strong set to start the night off. They sang mostly new songs and ended the set with "Long As I Got King Jesus," always a crowd favorite. Several other groups had strong sets from start to finish - Karen Peck and New River, Legacy Five, Wilburn and Wilburn, Triumphant Quartet and the Talleys.

Here's my list of the top performances of the night (no particular order except first one) -

• "I Can Trust Him" - The Perrys
• "It's Almost Over" - Mark Trammell Quartet
• "Finish Well" - Karen Peck and New River
• "I Love to Call" - LeFevre Quartet
• "Christ Is Still the King" - Legacy Five
• "I Thank You" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Somebody Died for Me" - Triumphant Quartet
• "A Man Like Me" - Wilburn and Wilburn
• "I Will Rise" - Tribute Quartet

What moments stood out to you??

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Sept. 5

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

• Congratulations to Randy Byrd of the Mark Trammell Quartet who got married last Saturday. 
• Wilburn and Wilburn released a new concept video of their song "Help Me Help Someone." They did the video with some help from Compassion International. Along with the video release,  Wilburn and Wilburn are issuing a 30-day challenge to themselves and everyone to help one person each day for 30 consecutive days. It can be as simple as paying for someone's line in the drive through, assisting someone with their groceries or a committing to sponsor a child through an organization such as Compassion International.  
• Connie Hopper had surgery for breast cancer on Sept. 2. The surgery went well, and they are waiting to hear back on the pathology report from the lymph nodes. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.
• The Chuck Wagon Gang has announced a new album and a DVD documentary highlighting the legacy and history of the group. The DVD will feature rare family photos and videos, personal stories, old recordings and live performances.
• Karen Peck Gooch's latest film will be released to DVD this coming week on Sept. 9. The film Redeemed stars Ted McGinley and is a Christian film that deals with issues facing a married couple. Karen plays the best friend of Rose, the wife.

Anything else that I've missed?

Plenty of Shoutin' on Day Three of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

We are now through with day three of the Southern Gospel Picnic. We got out to the park to see four shows today. There was a bit of a Gold City reunion, a lot of American pride and it all ended with a little bit of shoutin’! :)

Wilburn and Wilburn

The first show was Wilburn and Wilburn. The first time I got to see this group was at last year’s festival. In an industry where duets are not the norm, this father/ son duo makes it work well! They started the set with “John Saw a Mighty Number.” Then, Jonathan was featured on “I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand” and “There Rose a Lamb.” They sang the uptempo song, “Devil Be Gone,” and at the end Jordan put a few extra vocal aerobics in it. Jonathan said he was just showing out. A man from the audience yelled out, “I wonder who he gets that from!” Haha! Jordan then sang one of their newer songs that I love, “Help Me Help Someone.” They ended with “Funeral Plans.” Jonathan said Christians are the only ones who get to sing and shout about dying. This father/son duo is just fun to watch on stage in person. I hope to get to see them in full concert one day.

Reggie Saddler Family

Then, we made our way to the Opera House for Reggie Saddler. He did a lot more singing and serious moments than what I had seen in the past. He didn’t do his impersonations or pick his guitar, although I’m sure that happened at other shows during the day. They sang a few songs like “God Can Make a Winner,” “Oh I Want to See Him” and “Never Seen It Done Like That.” Then, Reggie talked about being a Vietnam veteran and what it was like to come home and not received a warm welcome. They sang “Welcome Home Soldier” and he dedicated it to the veterans in the audience. Then they sang “Stand Up For America,” which of course had the audience on its feet. They closed with “I’ve Got Me a Home” and “I’m Too Near.”

Jay Parrack and Vocal Event

For the second phase of the Gold City reunion day, we saw Jay Parrack and Vocal Event. I loved the lineup of Jay, Jonathan, Mark Trammell and Tim Riley for Gold City, but I never got to see them in person. So this was actually my first time seeing Jay live. They sang several familiar songs including “What a Beautiful Day,” “Passed Over Into Canaanland,” “There Rose a Lamb” and “I Call Him Lord.” From his introductions of the other group members, I’m gathering that this is not a full-time ministry for them. However, they sounded great together and definitely have the talent for full time. They sang “I Call Him Lord” and ended with a little bit of “I Know a Man Who Can” a cappella and then sang the chorus again of “I Call Him Lord” a cappella. Great arrangement and love their harmonies!! They ended with “I’m Not Giving Up.”

The Hoppers were the group last night in Echo Hollow. Before the concert started, Danny Jones came out to talk about the Singing News. He asked Claude to join him on stage and announced that Claude would be inducted in the Southern Gospel Hall of Fame for 2014. Congratulations to Claude!!

The Hoppers

The Hoppers took the stage with three generations represented with Karlye, Dean and Kim’s daughter joining them. They sang a lot of favorites, some news songs, a few hymns and of course Claude told a few stories! They started the night with “Steppin’ on the Clouds” and then went into “Yahweh.” They sang their current sing “I’ll Take You Home,” probably my favorite from their latest project.

Kim then was featured on “I’ll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus.” Karlye took Connie’s part on this song, so it was good to have a chance to hear her by herself. She really has a unique, youthful vocal style that she brings to the group, but you can definitely hear Kim in her and I think a bit of her aunt TaRanda as well. They started the song again a cappella with Karlye, Kim, Dean and Mike and it sounded incredible!! They also sang the classics “What a Lovely Name” and “The Love of God,” which was a highlight for me!!

Dean sang “God Bless the USA,” and the audience stood. Before the concert started, we sang both “God Bless America” and the national anthem. Claude also told of how he served his country and was trained at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. It was definitely a patriotic theme to the night.

Claude and Connie sang their signature songs, “If I Can Help Somebody” and “I’ve Come Too Far.” Connie after the song talked about how she wouldn’t want to go back. She was 35 years cancer free. We can’t go back to the past only make the most of the future. She told Kim to start it off again and of course she did! Again it was Kim, Dean, Karlye and Mike who did the a cappella chorus. Kim kept holding the “the,” and Dean was trying to jump in. Kim just started teasing them with it, so Dean just said “I’m ready.” Haha!

Kim and Dean also sang one of my favorites, but one I don’t hear them sing that much live, “The Woman in my Little Girl’s Room.” Such a sweet song!!

They ended the night with “Shoutin’ Time,” and repeated the chorus several times with the audience standing and clapping along!

In Case You Missed it - News and Tidbits - August 2

It's been a busy week! A lot happened in the world of Southern Gospel this week. Here are some noteworthy news and tidbits -

• Brian Free and Assurance has released its official music video for "Say Amen." Check it out here.
• TaRanda Greene has signed with StowTown Records. Her debut project, Stronger, with them will be out on Nov. 11. Read more about their agreement. 
• Pat Barker announced the launching of a new online community, You Tell Me. Check out his website howbigisGod2u.com for online prayer requests, testimonials and see where he will be singing next. 
• Justin Wells resigned from the Lesters. He will continue with the group until the end of the month. Read more here. 
• The Bowling Family signed a deal with Daywind Records. Read more about their agreement.
• Tim Rackley of Old Paths has a 16-year-old daughter, Brianna, who has been put in the hospital for kidney failure. The solutions are dialysis for short-term and then a kidney transplant as a long-term option. Her official diagnosis was nephronophthisis. Keep her and the family in your prayers! For the latest, go to The Old Paths Facebook page. 
• Joey Johnson resigned as baritone from Master's Voice. He was with the group for seven years. You can read more here.  
• Wilburn and Wilburn were involved in a car accident on Thursday night. The rental car was destroyed as they slid into the truck in front of them, and then the car caught on fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt and they were able to get their belongings out of the car before it caught fire.
• Libbi Perry Stuffle is home after her heart attack last weekend. She is taking it easy and resting for a few weeks. Katy Peach is filling in for her.
• Tim Riley is in rehab following his stroke last week to regain strength and increased mobility on his right side. Doctors expect a full recovery.
• Friends of Jeff and Sheri Easter have started a GoFundMe account for them. They have recently had major issues with their bus resulting in $34,000 worth of repairs. To contribute and help them, go to this site.

Anything else that I have missed? 

Back to Where It All Started - Day 7 Recap of Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

A little more than 10 years ago, a teenage girl's life was changed in Echo Hollow at Silver Dollar City when she attended a gospel concert. This concert was part of Gary McSpadden's Southern Gospel Nights with the Martins headlining the concert. And last night for the first time since then that girl got to see the group that started it all for her!

The concert that night with the Martins is what really got me hooked on gospel music. I can still remember what it felt like that night not wanting it to end and wanting to find out all I could more about this group and Southern Gospel in general. I knew all about Silver Dollar City's in-house groups that sang Southern Gospel and loved them, but this was different. And tonight I was reminded why! But first things first....

The day started with Wilburn and Wilburn. I was looking forward to seeing this group for the first time, and they did not disappoint! They sang some familiar favorites along with some of their songs. 

I loved hearing "A Man Like Me" and "Jesus Will" live. However, one of the highlights was "John Saw a Mighty Number," Jonathan really got to cut loose and have fun with this one!

I would love to see this group again in a full concert setting! 

Then, we saw Soul'd Out Quartet. As I mentioned I grew up listening to Silver Dollar City's in-house gospel groups, like Cumberland Quartet. Ian Owens was a part of the group at one time and today was my first time seeing him since then, and it was back at the City. It was great seeing him on stage again. He sang a version of "The Old Rugged Cross" that was amazing!

They did a number of classic songs and hymns. Loved hearing these guys sing so many beloved songs. However, one of the standout songs was "He Is All I Need," that featured Dusty Barrett. Another highlight was "Since I've Been Saved," featuring Bryan Hutson and had a crooner type feel. 

Then, the Martins were down in Echo Hollow tonight! I had a poll a while back on who does a cappella best, and after this week I'm still not sure but I do know that Martins do it amazingly!!! They sang several a cappella numbers including the doxology, medley of hymns and "Softly and Tenderly." 

They also sang "The Promise," which is a personal favorite. And they ended the first half with "Love's Gonna Drive This Train" with the entire audience on its feet clapping!

Each group member took a moment to tell of God's faithfulness in their lives. They all had touching testimonies of how God had worked during trials in their lives. Joyce said they had all sang since childhood and knew what it was like to be in ministry and sing about being saved. However, now they were grown up and had experienced life and various trials, and they knew what it was like to be lost and for God to redeem them. Judy sang "Unredeeemed" which was another highlight!

They closed the show with "So High," which I can remember them singing that very first night. 

It was a fantastic day and night that reminded me of how my love for southern gospel got started! Thanks to the Martins for a great night now and then, and for really introducing that teenage girl to Southern Gospel music!

Here Comes Sunday - Wilburn & Wilburn - CD Review

Duos are a rarity in Southern Gospel. However, father and son Jonathan and Jordan Wilburn make it work, and make it work well as Wilburn & Wilburn. Another rarity is having the strong success that they had with their debut project Family Ties. Now they are following it up with their sophomore release Here Comes Sunday which I expect to have as much if not more success as their first project.

The album has 12 songs, and there truly is something for everyone. I love the variety of this project. Ben Isaacs produced the album. And if my ears aren't deceiving me, it sounds like a couple of Isaacs helped with background vocals as well.

"Here Comes Sunday" is the title cut of the project. Upon just seeing the title I thought the song would have something to do with going to church on Sundays, but the Sunday in the song is referring to the resurrection. It's a great song  with a more progressive country feel. The bridge then brings the life application that during your darkest times, joy will come in the morning. Definitely a highlight of the project!

When you see a song with a title like "Funeral Plans," you know it's going to be interesting. Jonathan Wilburn does a great job on this song! It's a song that is definitely his bread and butter.

I love the song "Joseph." It's a great take on the faith of Joseph and how he chose to stay by Mary and raise Jesus. He chose to protect her and choose to trust God. The song asks Joseph questions about how he chose the road of faith rather than the easy path.

The first single from this project is "A Man Like Me," which features Jordan. I've already heard it a lot on radio already, so I wouldn't be surprised for this to be a big hit for them. The song is a tender ballad from Jimmy Yeary and Dianne Wilkinson. Incredible song that talks about how God can use anything through His power, even "a man like me."

"Help Me" is a great country-flavored song. The title is a little deceiving in that the person is actually asking for help from God to help others who are in greater need.

"If These Old Walls Could Talk" is another country song that's a real toe-tapper talking about an old country church that has seen countless lives changed. Another uptempo great song is "Heaven's Jubilee." Love that they chose to put their own style into this song and cut it!

Album rating - 4.25 stars - Fans of Southern Gospel are guaranteed to find something they like on this project. It has a great variety, and of course I like that there are more than the typical 10 songs. Wilburn & Wilburn are definitely showing that duos have a place in gospel music!


Song List -
1. "Here Comes Sunday"
2. "Funeral Plans"
3. "Joseph"
4. "Nobody Like Jesus"
5. "I'm Bound for That City"
6. "Every Scar"
7. "Help Me"
8. "If These Old Walls Could Talk"
9. "A Man Like Me"
10. "Heaven's Jubilee"
11. "Everything's New"
12. "Across the Miles"