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?

Fun Clip Friday - Interview with Scotty Inman

Check out this recent interview with Scotty Inman of Triumphant Quartet. He shares a little bit about how he got started in gospel music, songs, songwriting and much more. Watch this video for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Jim Brady Trio - Concert Recap

The Jim Brady Trio made a stop in Pine Bluff, Arkansas in late June. I hadn't seen this group since convention last year, so it was good to see and hear them live again!

Here are some of my favorite moments of the night -

• "Calvary" - I had never heard Melissa sing this song live. It was amazing! Definitely the highlight of the night. This is on their Promises project. 
• "Homesick for Heaven"
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" - They sang this one and then did the chorus again a cappella. It made for an incredible moment!
• "What a Day That Will Be" - Layke was featured on this song with just Melissa on the keyboard.
• "Wherever I Am"
• "Every Cry Is Heard" - Love this song, probably one of my favorites that Jim has written. He shared a little bit of the story behind the song and all that his family had been through during the time.

Don't miss this group when they are in your area!

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?

Fun Clip Friday - Matt Fouch and Michael Helwig

Matt Fouch has his very popular On the Couch With Fouch interview series. He releases artist interviews once a month on Facebook and YouTube. However, he also some Facebook Live interviews with artists as well. Check out this recent interview with Michael Helwig for today's Fun Clip Friday!

East to West - Endless Highway - CD Review

Endless Highway might be a new name, but the group is not new. Last year the Joylanders became Endless Highway, so this is actually their first CD with the new name. For this project the younger two generations of the family take center stage - Jason and Vanessa Griggs with their children Allison and Jay.

The album kicks off with "Highway to Heaven," which doesn't really deviate from the versions you are used to hearing. From there, it goes to "Under the Sea," which is a nice ballad featuring 17-year-old Allison. Her take on this song makes you forget she's only 17. It's definitely one of the standout tracks on the project. The song is a beautiful reminder of grace and how far we are removed from our failures and sins through the power of Christ.

"It's His Story" is the first single from the project and features Jay. It's a fun, country song that picks up in the second half with some fun horn arrangements. I can see why they picked this for the first single. It's a catchy song that I predict will do really well for them.

Allison really steps up on this project. She's also featured on "This Is the Grace I Know," which has a different sound from the other songs on the project, but it's another highlight of the project.

Vanessa is featured on "Unbroken Promise." She has a really nice, rich alto voice. The beautiful lyrics of the song remind us of how faithful God is.

"Count It All Joy" is another country song that you'll find yourself tapping your foot along to. The song features Jason and suits his voice really well. I think this song would also do really well on radio.

"The Richest Crown" is a ballad that features Jay but also really shows off the family blend on the chorus. This is probably my favorite ballad of the project. Jay also steps out on "Beautiful Scars of Love," which is one of the more progressive songs on the project. I like how it added a section of "At the Cross" toward the end of the song.

"Out of the Deep" reminds me of Nicole Nordeman songs. I really like the style of the song, but it is different from the rest of the project.

I think with East to West Endless Highway is definitely making its mark in gospel music. I look for great things from this group in the future!


Songs to Turn Up - "Count It All Joy" and "It's His Story"
Song to Put on Repeat - "This Is the Grace I Know"
Songs to Give a Second Listen - "Unbroken Promise" and "Out of the Deep"
Song That Will Take You to Church - "The Richest Crown"


Song List -
1. "Highway to Heaven"
2. "Under the Sea"
3. "It's His Story"
4. "This Is the Grace I Know"
5. "Unbroken Promise"
6. "Count It All Joy"
7. "The Richest Crown"
8. "I've Got the Son in My Eyes"
9. "Go Ahead and Shout"
10. "Beautiful Scars of Love"
11. "Out of the Deep"

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?

Fun Clip Friday - Gerald Wolfe and Mark Lowry

Here's a recent Monday with Mark video where Mark interviews Gerald Wolfe. He has a great interview with Gerald talking about the hymn sing tour, George Younce, Greater Vision and much more!

Watch it below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

A Night With 11th Hour - Concert Review

Last month, I got the chance to see 11th Hour in Sheridan, Arkansas. Logan Smith had just accepted the position with 11th Hour, but was at Matthew Gooch's wedding that weekend. KC Brandon filled in for the group that weekend.

Here are a few highlights from the concert -

• "Power in Prayer" - This was my first time hearing this song in person. It's such an incredibly powerful song!
• "Doin' What's Right"
• "Let Grace In" - Jaquita shared a little bit about this song before singing it. She wrote the song several years ago, but talked about how much the song had come to mean to her recently. I love hearing a little bit of the story behind the song and how God uses different songs at different times not only to minister to us but to minister to the writers and the singers. 
• "He Sees What We Don't" - I always love hearing this song. This song is one of my favorite gospel songs, period. 
• "Way Maker" - They sang this one just around the keyboard, incredible moment!
• "My God Will Deliver Me" - They got the pastor of the church up to sing with them on this one. He did a great job!
• "You Can Start All Over Again"- They featured KC on this one. It was another great worship moment. I hadn't heard KC before, but he's a great talent both vocally and on the piano. 
• "Take Me to the King"
• "I Trust" - Love hearing Jaquita sing this song, another song that she wrote.
• "He Welcomes the Beggar" - This has become one of my favorite 11th Hour songs!

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?