Charles Johnson Passes Away

Charles Johnson, of Charles Johnson and the Revivers, passed away on Monday of a massive heart attack.

He traveled with the Sensational Nightingales from the 1960s to the early 1980s. He formed Charles Johnson & The Revivers in the 1980s along with brothers Darrell Luster and Ricky Luster. One of the most well-known songs they recorded was "I Can't Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand." Other songs include "The Winds of this World" and "Waiting for Messiah." Charles retired from the road about five years ago.

Funeral arrangements are not known at this time. Please keep his wife Annie and entire family in your prayers.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - Oct. 4

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

• Congratulations to Nick and Jessica (Brown) Trammell on the birth of Charles Mark on Tuesday, Sept. 30. He was 7 lbs. 11.6 oz. Charlie joins big sister Tessa. Mother and baby are doing well!
• Stan Hill, tenor for the Chuck Wagon Gang, underwent heart surgery on Oct. 2. The surgery went well. Continue to pray for him as he recovers.
• The Sneed Family is hosting a benefit concert featuring Angela Primm. The event will benefit the Ralph Bunche Community Center, which houses the Community Kitchen and has been home to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club and many other community organizations. It will take place on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre in Glasgow, Kentucky.
• Several Southern Gospel artists had the chance to participate in the Kentucky Governor's Mansion 100 year celebration. Groups included the Isaacs, Beyond the Ashes, Sneed Family, Larnelle Harris, Kenny Bishop and His Heart Quartet.
• Be sure and check out the latest episode of "On the Couch with Fouch" where Matt interviews his wife Candice, and also the new episode of "On the Bus with Gus" from NQC.
• Gold City announced this week that the first single from their hymns project will be "Part the Waters/ I Need Thee Every Hour." With Tim's recent stroke and recovery, the group decided to make this selection. "Part of the Waters" features Tim.

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Dove Awards - Karen Peck Gooch

The Dove Awards will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7 in Nashville. Karen Peck and New River will be one of the performers along with the Cathedral Family Reunion and Wayne Haun in the Southern Gospel genre. Brian Free and Assurance also mentioned on Facebook that they will be performing. Bill Gaither and Jason Crabb will both be presenting awards. The awards will not be televised until Sunday night on TBN.

Check out this interview below with Karen Peck Gooch that was done at the Dove Awards Press Conference for today's Fun Clip Friday!

 

Booth Brothers - Isaiah 12:2 - CD Review

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” - Isaiah 12:2

The Booth Brothers released this project, Isaiah 12:2, earlier this year. I was able to get a copy when I saw them in Branson last month. This project now has a little more significance since it is the last project with Jim Brady at baritone.

This project is exactly what you have come to expect from the Booth Brothers, the smooth, easy-listening, tight harmonies that you have come to love from this group. Isaiah 12:2 shows just why they have been a fan favorite for so many years! Most of the songs are not new, but the Booth Brothers do a good job of making them their own.

"If God Didn't Care" really starts the project well and sets the tone for the feel of most of the rest of the songs. Michael really shines through on the tenor part on this song.

The highlight of the project for me is "On My Way Home." This song, penned by Jim Brady, is an incredible picture of how we as Christians should view this world and Heaven. While I'm so thankful for the time here on the earth, the experiences and the relationships, I'm even more thankful that this world is not my home. We have a far better home ahead of us. Both times I've seen it live, the trio has performed it around one mic. Love this song!

"Silent Prayer" is another standout of the project which features Ronnie. The message of the song says that God hears all our prayers, even the silent ones for the times we can't manage to get out words.

"A Wonderful Life" is the same song that Legacy Five previously cut, but the song was actually written by Jim and Melissa Brady. In fact, Jim wrote five of the nine songs on the project.

Most of the songs on the project are easy-listening not exactly ballad but nothing really upbeat either. "He Made a Way" is an exception to that. Michael gets the feature on this more uptempo song. "What Will You Do With Him on the Cross" is also an exception.

Overall, this is exactly the type of great vocals you have come to expect from the Booth Brothers. The songs while not all new have incredible messages. And it's a project you will want to add to your collection!


Song List -

1. "If God Didn't Care"
2. "He Made a Way"
3. "Oh It Is Jesus"
4. "A Wonderful Life"
5. "I Wouldn't Change a Thing"
6. "On My Way Home"
7. "Silent Prayer"
8. What Will You Do With Him on the Cross"
9. "Behold God"
   

Going Downtown With the Nelons - Concert Recap

Friday night was the only night I missed watching any of NQC, because I got to see the Nelons live. The group was at Searcy's Get Down Downtown local festival. The outdoor concert was the main event Friday night. It was interesting to see the group in this setting as opposed to the usual church concert.

The Nelons

Also, Kelly was not able to be there due to family obligations. Her aunt passed away just days ago, and she needed to be there with her in her last days.

It had been more than a year since I had seen the Nelons. Autumn was just making a few appearances on stage. I know she's had more of a role recently, but since Kelly was not there, she sang her part through the concert. Autumn is an incredible vocalist. I was so impressed with her!

Here's a list of what they sang -

• "Life Is Like a Mountain Railway"
• "I Don't Want to Get Adjusted" - It was great to hear Jason on this classic song!
• "Down to the River" - Always love hearing them sing this a cappella!
• "Yes I Know"
• "Come to the River"
• "Difference Is In Me"
• "Grandpa Tell Me About the Good Ole Days" - This was Autumn's first solo feature of the night. Loved hearing her sing this!
• "Hallelujah Chorus" - I wasn't sure if they would have the a cappella songs that Amber, Jason and Kelly normally sing just the three of them, but Autumn did a great job filling in for her mom! Their a cappella songs always amaze me!
• "Excuse Me Are You Jesus?" - Another favorite to hear Jason sing!
• "More Than Wonderful" - Amber is such an incredible vocalist, and this song shows just what a great talent she has!
• "Going Home With Jesus" - A fun song to end the first half on!
• "Falling" - This is from Amber's solo project. I love this song, and I was so glad they staged it! It was great hearing her sing it live.
• "I'm Going to Die on the Battlefield"
• "Blessed Assurance" - I got to hear Autumn sing this on the NQC webcast, and it was one of the highlights of the night. And it was great hearing it again!
• "Heaven's Jubilee"
• "Let Freedom Ring" - I had never heard them sing this before! Great patriotic number that featured Amber and Jason!
• "Going Home With Jesus" - They did a short reprise of the song to end the concert!

It was an incredible night with the Nelons! Kelly was definitely missed, but Autumn, Jason and Amber did a great job of carrying on!