National Quartet Convention - Monday Night Recap

Unfortunately, I am not at NQC in person this year. Last year was my first time to be there in person, and if you are a gospel fan, I highly recommend it. But this year, for me, the webcast will have to do. You can still subscribe if you are interested and you'll get to watch this year and last year on demand through the end of the year.

I tuned in tonight to catch the last part of the Jim Brady Trio's set, so I missed about the first hour of the night.

Highlights and Commentary -

• The Tracy Stuffle tribute was not a moment I will soon forget. It was incredible and so touching to see all the former members come back to pay tribute. They sang "I Know It Was the Blood," "Plan of Salvation" with a video of Tracy, "I Rest My Case at the Cross," and then Libbi sang "I Will Find You Again." Major kudos to Libbi for powering through the song, because I couldn't see for tears by the end. It was great to hear all the quotes about Tracy from former members. The whole set was just class and such a touching tribute.
• Clarke Beasley honored Libbi as a "hero of faith" before she left the stage. He then pulled up Kim Hopper and Chris Allman to sing "More Than Wonderful" in her honor as they have watched her faith remain steadfast through all the trials of the past several years. It was good to see her recognized as well as Tracy.
• I enjoyed the longer sets of Karen Peck & New River and the Kingdom Heirs tonight. 
• Karen Peck Gooch came up and joined former group member John Darin Rowsey and the Guardians on a song she cowrote "Uncommon Praise." I love when moments like that happen at NQC.
• Of course, with NQC comes the release of several new projects. It was good to hear several groups debuting new songs on the main stage - the Guardians, Jim Brady Trio and Gold City. 

Favorite Performances -

• "Ordinary Love" - Jim Brady Trio
• "I Will Find You Again" - The Perrys 
• "Gotta Be Saved" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet 
• "My Hope Is in the Blood" - Primitive Quartet
• "God Fights on my Side" - The Guardians
• "Calvary Answers for Me" - Kingdom Heirs
• "All My Hope" - Gold City

2018 Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City - Day 2

Today was jam packed full of good music. Kudos to D.A. Callaway and the Silver Dollar City staff for a stellar lineup today. It was hard to be able to see as much as I wanted! I was able to see five different artists. Here are the highlights of the day -


Brian Free & Assurance

• "He Can Take It" - This is becoming one of my favorite BFA songs. The message of this song hits home every time.
• "Beyond Amazed"
• "What a Beautiful Day" - Brian let the high part on this song soar, and it was the first concert of the day!
• "Say Amen" - Another favorite! It's always great to hear how the crowd gets into this song as a testament to what God has done in their lives. 

The Erwins

• Today marked the release of their new project Watch & See. Ernie Haase surprised them at their first show and to congratulate them on the release, ask them to sign the CD and then invite them to sing at Echo Hollow that night with Signature Sound. 
• We got to hear several of their new songs. I cannot wait to listen to the full project - on repeat. Every song they sang was incredible! - 
• "Glorious, Amazing God"
• "Watch & See" - This is the title and first single. I'm anxious to see it make its way to the top of the charts!
• "After the Storm" - Katie did an amazing job on this song. Her voice is mature beyond her 17 years. 
• "Hallelujahs Never End" 
• "In the House of the Lord" - I loved the lighting effects they used with song!

Joseph Habedank

• "Jailbreak"
• "Never, No Never" - I was glad he staged this on from his Welcome Home project.
• "There Is a Fountain" - This has become one of my favorite hymns and he does such a great job on this one. 
• "Beauty of the Blood" - Joseph shared a little bit of his testimony before this song. I love hearing his share his heart and the story of how God has worked in his life. I appreciate how transparent Joseph has always been and how he's using his story to encourage others. 
• "Here He Comes" - He ended the set with this song. I love the energy and the message of this song.

Karen Peck & New River

• "Pray Now"
• "It Is Well" - Grant sang this one by himself and it was incredible!
• "Gotta Be Saved" - I'm glad I got to hear this one live. This song is the #1 song for the group for September, written by Karen, Joseph Habedank and Wayne Haun. 
• "I Am Blessed" - The more I hear this song, the more I fall in love with it. I love hearing Karen sing this song!
• "Victory Is Mine" 
• "Four Days Late"
• "I Know I'll Be There" - This is such a powerful song! They ended their last show with this song. 

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

We unfortunately had to leave a little early tonight, but it was a treat to hear so many songs live for the first time from EHSS's Clear Skies project.

• "Clear Skies" - The funny part of this song was it started to sprinkle rain a little bit and umbrellas and ponchos started coming out right before this song. So they sang this and then they got to this line - "Sometimes this life gives you thunder and then you get caught in the rain." And everyone, EHSS included, couldn't help but laugh. Thankfully it never did really rain and the sprinkling didn't last long!
• "Give Me Jesus" - This was the song of the night for me. I love the simple message of this song. It's exactly the simple motto that we all need to be reminded of daily.
• "Heaven Is"
• "Sailing With Jesus"
• "Ol Man River" - Paul sang this from his new solo project. He does an incredible job on this song from Showboat.
• "Then Came the Morning" - This might have been the moment of the night to hear them sing this right before intermission. It's such a powerful song and I love that they are staging it!

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.

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - March 31

Here are news items from this week in Southern Gospel -

• Karen Peck & New River announced that Grant Gibson will join the group this week. Grant was with 11th Hour previously.
• Logan Smith will be filling in with 11th Hour during this transition time as they look for a new singer.
• The Hoppers will be inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place in October 2018.
• Season 4 of Main Stage started last weekend on TBN with Jason Crabb as the host. It has a refreshed format featuring performances from the 2017 NQC.

Anything I've missed?

Grant Gibson Joins Karen Peck & New River

Grant Gibson has joined Karen Peck & New River. Grant fills the position with the popular group following the departure of Ricky Braddy. Grant has been singing with 11th Hour for the past five years.

Here's the full release from Karen -

Five time GRAMMY® Award-nominated and six time Dove Award-winning group, Karen Peck & New River is excited to announce the addition of Grant Gibson to the group.

Karen Peck stated “We have spent the last few weeks praying and seeking God’s will for KPNR. There is a lot to consider when choosing the right person for the job. We are happy to announce Grant Gibson as our new vocalist. Grant is very talented and has an incredible heart to serve the Lord. He has a bright future and will bring a new excitement to KPNR. We are looking forward to the next chapter in our ministry.”

Grant has been singing since he was 14 years old and professionally since 2011. He is from Jasper, Alabama, but currently resides in Hoover, Alabama. Grant received his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Liberty University.

Grant said, “I fell in love with Gospel music soon after I came to Christ at the age of 13. Since that time, I’ve known exactly what I wanted to do. As I’ve gotten older I’ve realized that this it what God has called me to do. I first heard Karen Peck & New River at NQC in the early 2000s, and I’ve been a fan ever since. It’s truly an honor to be apart of this ministry and share the stage with Karen, Susan, Kari, and Matthew as well as working with Rickey. I’m excited to see where God takes us and the new doors He will open for New River.”

Grant’s first appearance with Karen Peck & New River will be Friday, March 30, at Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Logan Smith will be filling in with 11th Hour for the time being. Amber Eppinette of 11th Hour added in a release from the group, “Of course, it’s always hard to see someone go, especially when they have been here for five years. Grant became not only a friend but a brother to us. I along with Jaquita are thankful for the years shared with him. We bless him in this new season and journey.”

Grant Gibson adds, “It’s been an honor the past five years to be a part of 11th Hour. I’ve seen countless people come to Christ, watched the group rise to places it had never been, and made so many new friends. The Eppinette family have become an extended family, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me. Amber and Jaquita will always be sisters to me, and this transition won’t change that. Life is full of seasons, and this season of my life is coming to an end. I ask that you continue to pray for 11th Hour and myself as we continue to seek God’s will.”

11th Hour will be auditioning to fill the lead vocal position starting immediately. Interested vocalists should send resumes to 11thhourgg@gmail.com.

Fun Clip Friday - Kari Gooch and Wesley Pritchard

When I had the opportunity to go on the Abraham Productions cruise a few weeks ago, I continued to be impressed by the next generation of talent in Southern Gospel. One of those talents was Kari Gooch. She recorded this duet on Karen Peck and New River's last album and sang it live with Wesley Pritchard who is currently filling in with the group. This video was taken from a recent concert.

Enjoy this for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - February 17

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

• Congratulations to Karen Peck Gooch who has been named as a 2018 Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee. The induction ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 8 in Nashville at Lipscomb University. 
• The National Quartet Convention Live Volume 17 DVD is now available for pre-order and will be released on Feb. 23. You can purchase it online here.
• The Griffith Family has an opening for a singer/keyboardist after the exit of group member Bryce Lee. Bryce has been in school pursuing a career in real estate. The group is looking for a soprano/tenor who can also play the piano.

Anything I've missed?

Going Cruising - Abraham Productions Crystal Caribbean Cruise

Last week I had the opportunity to go on the Abraham Productions' Crystal Caribbean Cruise. It was an incredible week and experience. This was my first cruise and my first Abraham Productions event, but it won't be my last of either.

The groups who were on the ship were - The Talleys, Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Whisnants, Karen Peck & New River (who arrived a little late because of being at the Grammys), the Hoppers, Brian Free & Assurance and Ivan Parker. This was one of the best lineups I could have asked for!

Dr. Herb Reavis was the speaker for the event and spoke on Sunday morning, Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. He is the pastor of North Jacksonville Baptist. This was my first time to hear him speak, and I was definitely blessed and challenged by his speaking. The best news of the week was that 11 people were saved during the cruise! I love how Abraham Productions made sure that the gospel was presented not only through songs but also through preaching.

We had concerts each day where each artist sang around 20 minutes each. When we had the chapel services in the morning a few of the artists got up early and would sing twice on those days. We took over one of the lounge areas on the cruise ship. It was a more intimate setting that was packed full of gospel music fans. One of the things I noticed and loved to watch was how the artists supported each other. They all sat over to the side of the lounge and watched and encouraged each other. It was neat to see them singing along to other groups' songs or making special requests of their favorite songs or even joining other groups on stage.

I didn't take notes to recap everything, because I just wanted to enjoy the music. There was one night that stood out that was full of reminders of God's incredible love for us with songs like -

• "Jesus Loves You" - Jeff & Sheri Easter
• "I Love You This Much" - The Whisnants
• "For God So Loved" - Brian Free & Assurance
• "His Life For Mine" - The Talleys

I don't know if the artists planned how the night went or not, but it was amazing to see how God brought a clear theme to the night. 

A few other memorable performances were - 

• "Something's Happening" (The Hoppers) - Kim is still recovering from foot surgery so she was on crutches and sat to sing most of the week. Kim still nailed the end of the song sitting down early in the morning!
• "Goin' Away Party" - Jeff Easter pulled Lauren Talley on stage to sing the second verse with them.
• "Midnight Cry" - Ivan Parker got Brian Free & Assurance to join him for this one
• "All Is Well" - The Whisnants
• "My God Will Always Be Enough" - Karen Peck & New River

If you ever get the chance to go cruising, I highly recommend this one! It was a week full of great preaching and singing and one I won't soon forget. 

Hope for All Nations - Karen Peck & New River - CD Review

Karen Peck & New River released Hope for All Nations this summer. This is the group's first mainstream release with Ricky Braddy. Kari Gooch, Karen's daughter, continues to have more of a vocal presence. And, of course, you have Karen's sweet soprano voice paired with her sister Susan's alto that provides the perfect blend for the group.

Hope for All Nations has 12 songs running at 44 minutes. I like that it's a longer project for the listener. Karen Peck Gooch actually helped write the majority of the songs on the project.

"Love Will Never Give Up" kicks off the project. Karen is featured for that classic New River sound. "Hope for All Nations" is the second track, which has been a big radio success for the group. I love the piano intro of this song. Karen again is featured on this song.

Ricky Braddy is featured on "Who He Is What He Does" and shows off his soulful side. I really enjoy the sound that he brings to the group. He and Kari's duet of "I'll Keep on Praying" is a track not to skip! It's definitely a highlight of the project. Their voices sound great together on this more pop sounding song. Kari has really come into her own and it's so good to hear her step out on this song. Don't miss the powerful message of the song either. We don't always know where we're headed and while we keep hoping from answers from God, we'll keep on praying and trusting.

Susan is featured on "The Reason." My favorite of her features is "All You Need." This song like so many of the others on the project really speaks to this theme of hope. If He is all you have, He's all you need because He is greater and stronger. Susan communicates this message so clearly and authentically.

"Gotta Be Saved" has a spiritual feel to it. This is just a fun song that will have your head bobbing and toe tapping.

Karen absolutely shines on "The River." I love the buildup and the addition of the choir at the end of the song. How we all need the river!

"Victory Is Mine" is another Ricky feature. This soulful song is really in Ricky's wheelhouse. The song is a powerful reminder of the victory we have through Christ we can always claim.

The last song is "I'm Gonna Love My Neighbor," which includes some of the group's friends like Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Isaacs, Triumphant Quartet, the Whisnants and more.

Karen Peck & New River released one of the top projects of the year with Hope for All Nations. Every song on the project is one not to be missed and all really add something to the theme of the album. There is hope for all nations.

Song To Put on Repeat - "I'll Keep on Praying"
Song to Turn Up - "Gotta Be Saved"
Songs That Will Take You To Church - "The River" and "Victory Is Mine"


Song List -
1. "Love Will Never Give Up"
2. "Hope for All Nations"
3. "Who He Is What He Does"
4. "The Reason"
5. "Gotta Be Saved"
6. "I'll Keep on Praying"
7. "The River"
8. "Victory Is Mine"
9. "God's Got a Blessing"
10. "All You Need"
11. "I Know I'll Be There"
12. "I'm Gonna Love My Neighbor"

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

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

• Congratulations to Morgan Easter and Landan Smith who got married on Wednesday, Oct. 25 in Lincolnton, Georgia!
• Former National Quartet Convention (NQC) board member and Director Don Shumate passed away on October 24, 2017 at age 88. The funeral service was held Friday, October 27, 2017 in Lebanon Tennessee.
• Karen Peck & New River was featured on Joni's Table Talk on Daystar on Thursday.
• Prayers requested for Down East Boys bass singer Rick Walls. He was admitted to the hospital in Monterey, California after experiencing severe abdominal pain. After evaluation by doctors he was admitted for a minimum of three days for further testing. 
• Tracy Stuffle is home after being in the hospital this week. Pray as he continues to recover from his Watchman procedure and heart cath and that his AFib will be controlled. Tracy will have to have a pacemaker later on. 

Anything I've missed?

National Quartet Convention - Friday Night

Tonight was my favorite night overall. Every group pressed through it being Friday night of NQC and put together amazing sets. There are a lot of highlights and standout peroformances, so here we go -

• The past two nights have been more quartet centric. Tonight it was more about family groups with the majority of the groups being mixed groups. But even with the quartets you had some family connections.
• The Erwins had one of the strongest sets of the night close to the beginning of the night. They brought Joseph Habedank up to join them for a sing since they are doing some tour dates together now. They also paid a sweet tribute to Vestal Goodman with "What a Lovely Name."
• We got to hear several new songs again tonight with Gold City singing "If Church Pews Could Shout" and Jeff and Sheri Easter singing several from their new project including Sheri featured on "Wayfaring Stranger" and Morgan on "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus," loved both of these old/new songs. I'd also never heard Ricky Braddy of Karen Peck & New River sing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cry Holy," but he did an outstanding job on that song!
• The Browders told the story of a woman who had been given a grim diagnosis listening to the song "Put It Into God's Hands." The song became an anthem for her and she called the Matthew Browder after a followup appointment. The Browders played the voicemail they received saying that all the tests were now completely clear. It was a powerful moment! They then had some help on the chorus of the song from Riley Harrison Clark, Lauren Talley and John Darin Rowsey.
• The Whisnants singing "New Day Dawning" on main stage never fails to disappoint. They were joined by Suzanne Taylor Hise (one of the hosts for the evening) and several members of Second Half Quartet with Rodney Griffin showing off his dance moves around the stage.
• It's too hard to crown a best set of the night. 

Key Performances

• "Heaven in the House" - The Littles
• "We'll Understand It Better By and By" - Dixie Echoes
• "I Can Through Christ" - Erwins with Joseph Habedank
• "I Will Stand" - Gold City
• "I've Won" - The McKameys
• "Cost of the Cross" - Kingsmen
• "I'm Trusting the Blood" - The Whisnants
• "Put It Into God's Hands" - The Browders
• "Going Home" - Second-Half Quartet
• "Wayfaring Stranger" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "Jesus Only Jesus" - The Rick Webb Family
• "Jesus Changed Everything" - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound
• "Four Days Late" - Karen Peck & New River
• "The Cross Is All the Proof I Need" - Triumphant Quartet
• "This Is My Father's World" (a cappella) - Collingsworth Family

National Quartet Convention - Wednesday Night

We're more than half way over with the 2017 National Quartet Convention. Only three nights left! Wednesday was another night full of great music. And everything seemed to run a little bit ahead of schedule.

Here's a look at highlights and commentary from the night -

• It was a night for quartets. Kingdom Heirs, Second Half Quartet and Triumphant were all featured artists having a longer (30ish minutes) set. It's a toss up with Second Half and Triumphant for the best set of the night. With Second Half, they took the time to tell a little bit about how the group came to be. It's good to hear just the voices the the piano and bass guitar. Triumphant sang a few songs from Thankful including the title song and their two-time #1, "Chain Breaker." Eric got to share a little bit about how much the song "Chain Breaker" is changing lives.
• Specials guests were a plenty tonight. Karen Peck & New River's set featured the Wilmington Celebration Choir. Jeff Easter in true Jeff Easter fashion was kind enough to share the stage with Michael Combs and Eli Fortner both of whom have undergone transplant surgery this year.
• For those who left before the power half-hour, they missed some incredible young talent. The Chitans was the showcase winner. The group is five young siblings. 
• Layke Jones and Morgan Easter were the hosts for the night. It's been so good to see the younger generation of Southern Gospel artists showcased in this way this week. 
• There were a number of debuts tonight with new songs and new featured singers. Gold City debuted its new single "I Will Stand." Jason Crabb also sang another new one his dad wrote, "God Works in Mysterious Ways." Kingdom Heirs also sang a few new ones with "Heaven Will Be Sweeter" being a highlight of the night. I think this was the Wilmington Choir's first trip to the mainstage of NQC. Also, the Perrys featured Jared Stuffle for the first time on main stage. 

Key Performances

• "I Will Stand" - Gold City
• "What a Day That Will Be" - The Guardians
• "Heaven Just Got Sweeter" - Kingdom Heirs
• "Like My Mother Does" - Jeff and Sheri Easter
• "Let the Church Arise" - LeFevre Quartet
• "Hope for All Nations" - Karen Peck & New River
• "God Works in Mysterious Ways" - Jason Crabb
• "I Love You This Much" - The Whisnants
• "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" - Second Half Quartet
• "Then I Met the Master" - Booth Brothers
• "It Carried Him" - The Perrys
• "Hallelujah" - Triumphant Quartet

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - September 23

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

• Jason Crabb will join Selah on the “Your Love Is Unbreakable” tour this fall. It is presented by World Vision and will start tonight. It is scheduled to be in 13 cities during the months of September, October and November.
• Smacker Bats has partnered with Matt Felts to release a special edition bat. The company is now offering a “Matt Felts Signature Series” baseball bat. The bat has Matt Felts signature and logo on the barrel of the bat.
• The Griffith Family reached an exclusive recording and distribution deal with Newday Records, a division of Daywind Music Group and Newday Distribution.
• Karen Peck and New River, the Talleys, Highroad and Emily Ann Roberts have kicked off The Gospel Through Girls and Guitars Tour. This tour will be in fall 2017 and continuing into the spring 2018. 

Anything I've missed?

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

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

• Common Bond Quartet announced that Chad Riley has been named to the position of tenor singer following the departure of Kevin Willis. Chad has been part of Southern Gospel groups including The Stamps, The Mystery Men, and most recently Steve Hess and Southern Salvation. Additionally, Riley began his career singing with his family. The group also announced that Karen Melton, wife of Rick Melton, will join the group on stage providing keyboard and background vocals.
• Timothy Armour, pianist for Debra Perry & Jaidyn’s Call, passed away this week. Armour died as a result of a recent illness. He was only 54.
• Karen Peck & New River recently celebrated the group's 18th #1 song with "I Choose Christ."
• The 2017 Songwriters Search is now open. Find out more information here.
• You can now order the National Quartet Convention webcast for this year. Order it online here for $64.99. 

Anything I've missed?

Fun Clip Friday - Four Days Late

Happy Friday! In July, Karen Peck & New River visited Israel with the Isaacs. Karen said she was able to do something she also dreamed about, which was singing "Four Days Late" at Lazarus' tomb. Becky Isaacs Bowman was able to capture the moment on video. Watch it below for today's Fun Clip Friday!

Worshipping with Karen Peck & New River - Concert Recap

Several weeks ago, I got the chance to see Karen Peck and New River on a Sunday night in Poyen, Arkansas. I love how each time I see this group, it's such an anointed service. The service was just after Hope for all Nations was released, so we got to hear several from that project.


It had been a while since I had seen this group in a full concert setting. It's great to see Kari come on and have more of a role in the group. I loved getting to hear so many new songs. I also loved watching how Karen let the Spirit lead her through the night in what they sang.

The night was such a sweet worship service. Here's a look at what they sang -

• "I Stand Amazed in the Presence"
• "I Wanna Know How It Feels" - They sang this one and then Karen shared a little bit about how the song was written before starting the chorus again. Love that they have staged this older song again. 
• "I Am Blessed"
• "Calling"
• "I Choose Christ" - Karen talked about Rickey's battle with cancer in the last few years. They were a bit blindsided when it happened. It wasn't something they would have chosen for themselves, but this was God's plan. And at the end of the day, she said that she can still say, "I choose Christ."
• "I Keep on Praying" - This is a duet with Ricky and Kari on their latest project. They do such a great job on this song.
• "Victory Is Mine" - One of my favorites from their new project!
• "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown" - This song had the audience on its feet clapping along. K
• "Everybody's Going Through Something" - Love hearing this one live. 
• "Four Days Late" - I never get tired of this song! I know they have to sing this every night, but I love seeing the conviction and how they convey this song each time. Karen puts everything she has into it. 
• "Ephesians 1"
• "Revival"
• "Were You There" - Great a cappella song from Ricky. 
• "Gotta Be Saved" - This is such a fun song from Hope for All Nations. 
• "My God Will Always Be Enough" - Another favorite song that never fails to speak to me. 
• "Hope for All Nations" - They ended the service with everyone moved toward the front of the sanctuary at the altar praying. It was a great moment and a great song to end with. He is Hope for all nations and hope for every need. 

Fun Clip Friday - Karen Peck & New River

Happy Friday! I had the chance to see Karen Peck & New River in concert on Sunday night. They sang several songs from their Hope for all Nations release and talked about their trip to Honduras. Here's a concept video they shot while they were there. Enjoy for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - June 24

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

• Eli Fortner of the McKameys had a successful kidney transplant this week. He had to have a second surgery because of some blockage. He is still at the hospital recovering. Please be in prayer for him as well as his donor CJ Shetley as they both recover.
• Prayers for Landon Beene and his family. Landon's father, Kenneth Wayne Beene, passed away yesterday morning.
• The final round of voting for the Singing News Fan Awards is now open. Subscribers can go vote at singingnews.com. 
• The National Quartet Convention and Southern Gospel Music Association have announced a new partnership to present the inaugural SGMA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Benefit Concert to be held on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 during the afternoon at the LeConte Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The program will honor the 2017 SGMA Hall of Fame class of inductees - Troy Burns, LaBreeska, Hemphill, Randy Shelnut and Tony Greene.
• Kody Erwin gave an update on his health this week that he is 100% back to normal and thanked everyone for the prayers.
• The BMI Christian Music Awards were held this week in Nashville. Joseph Habedank performed and the following Southern Gospel songs and writers were honored - 
• "Battle Cry" - Lee Black, Joel Lindsey and Sue Smith
• "I Am Blessed" - Karen Peck Gooch and Kenna West
• "Put Out the Fire" - Rodney Griffin
• "The Beauty of the Blood" - Joseph Habedank
• "Worry Ends Where Faith Begins" - Sandy Blythe

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?