Fun Clip Friday - Oh The Cross

It's Good Friday. And while messages and songs about the cross are important all year long, this time of year and this week they mean a little more. We take a little more time to dwell on the significance of what Christ did for us. We think about the pain and suffering He went through but it's also a time to think about the freedom and hope we now have. It's only because of the cross that our debt was paid.

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite songs about the cross from the Greenes. Enjoy for today's Fun Clip Friday!

In Case You Missed It - News and Tidbits - August 13

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

• Pray for Dean Hopper, who has three strokes in the last week. In December he had two strokes and doctors found that he only has one vertebral vein. This has now become 80-90% blocked causing the recent strokes. On Monday he will have surgery to have a stent placed in the vein. 
• Freedom Quartet announced the addition of Nathan Parrish as the group's new piano player. He formerly played with the Florida Boys.
• The Dove Award nominees were announced last week. See the full list of nominees here. 
• TaRanda Greene made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry last weekend with Dailey and Vincent. She sang "Go Rest High on That Mountain" in memory of Glen Campbell.
• Jason Crabb will be inducted in the Kentucky Gospel Music Hall of Fame as part of its 2018 class. The ceremony will take place in May 2018.
• Pray for the family of Lisa Hamblen Jaserie, CEO of Hamblen Music Company and singer/songwriter, who passed away this past week at age 79.
• Pray for Aaron Wilburn and family. His brother Jackie passed away on Thursday. 

Anything I've missed?

Praisefest Branson 2017 - Part 1

Praisefest Branson was one of those events I'd always heard about but never been able to experience. This year, I decided to fix that. The event was held at the Mansion Theater over the course of three days with more than 10 different artists. 

As my grandmother and I were driving back to where we stayed Thursday night, we said if the rest of the weekend was like that it would be one of those events we wouldn't forget. It was! I keep trying to pinpoint a favorite session, but they were all great and different because of the artists, comedian or speaker. 

Gerald Wolfe kicked off the first night with a little hymn singing "The Family of God" and "Because He Lives." On Thursday night, the featured artists were the Jim Brady Trio, Greater Vision, Aaron Wilburn and Triumphant Quartet.

Here are some highlights of Thursday night (in order of the night) - 

• "Greatest of All Miracles" (Jim Brady Trio) - I love to hear Melissa Brady sing this Squire Parsons song. She talked about her dad and what a great testimony he had of completely turning his life around for Christ.
• "I Know a Man Who Can" (Greater Vision) - No surprise that Greater Vision had some requests for this song. In my opinion, no one does it better than Chris.
• "Hallelujah" (Triumphant Quartet) - The group sang its own version of this song that was included on their latest Christmas project. If you see them anytime soon, make sure to request this song. Each member takes a verse and it walks through the life of Christ to the melody of the popular Leonard Cohen song. 
• "Side by Side" (Aaron Wilburn) - This definitely wasn't the most spiritual moment of the night, but Aaron Wilburn sang the song that George Younce sang during one of his public appearances. The audience definitely enjoyed it!
• "He Is" (Triumphant Quartet) - The quartet ended their second set with this song. I love their version of this song that is such a reminder of God's power and presence throughout all of scripture.
• "That Sounds Like Home to Me" (Jim Brady Trio) - Loved hearing the trio on this Goodman classic.
• "My Name is Lazarus" (Greater Vision) - Greater Vision ended the night with probably Rodney Griffin's most-loved song.

Friday morning started the same way as Thursday night with Gerald leading the audience in a couple of hymns. 

Here are highlights of Friday morning - 

• "Hallelujah Square" (Greater Vision) - I think this was another request from the night before. Always enjoy hearing Chris on this one!
• "I'll Carry Him" (Greater Vision) - I don't get to hear this song often enough live! I forget what a powerful song it is. So glad they chose to include this in the morning set!
• "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked" (TaRanda Greene) - I was really glad that she did a few solo songs that morning. I don't remember ever getting to hear her sing this one live. It's such an incredibly powerful song!
• "It Is Well With My Soul" (TaRanda Greene) - Her version of this hymn is simply incredible! Probably the moment of the morning for me! (Funny side note: Aaron Wilburn was right after this, he took the stage and asked, "How do I even begin to follow that?" )
  
• "Lay Up Treasures in Heaven" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - They sang several fast songs from their latest project, but this one is probably my favorite.
• "My Faith Still Holds" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - Love, love, love this song from their Full Sail project. It's always a highlight to hear them sing this in person. 
• "Too Much to Gain to Lose" (Mark Trammell Quartet) - Love hearing Mark featured on this song!

Will post the second session on Friday and Saturday morning later this week!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! I hope you are all have a wonderful holiday celebrating the birth of our Savior. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas songs. Enjoy!

Fun Clip Friday - Facebook Live

Facebook Live is the latest social media trend to sweep Southern Gospel artists. Facebook started allowing live streaming late last year and now it's been opened up to all people and pages. Gospel artists are definitely taking advantage of this new tool as another way to connect with fans.

I have to say Gold City is probably the group that does Facebook Live the best. They will live stream a lot of nights after the concert just talking to fans, taking questions and allowing them to see what it's like to travel down the road with the quartet. They enjoy picking on each other and telling stories.




The Nelons shared a video last night of the view of Gatlinburg from the Skylift and the view of the city at night.



TaRanda Greene Beene, Doug Anderson and Jody McBrayer, also known as Cana's Voice, shared a preview of their new album yesterday from Chicago and told fans about a contest for the album.

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

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

• Prayers requested for the Steele family. Both Jeff and Sherry Steele have lost their mothers recently.
• Cana's Voice made it official this week. The trio of Doug Anderson, TaRanda Greene and Jody McBrayer that has been singing together announced its name of Cana's Voice. The group will start touring select dates and has been in the studio this week working on an upcoming album.
• 2nd Generation announced a change this week. Brenda Denney, a founding member, was recently engaged and will be leaving the group to pursue ministry with her soon-to-be husband Jonathan Bond. The two will be married in June 2016. Elaine Robinson and Randy Barnes will be continuing as 2nd Generation. 
• The Bledsoes also announced this week that soprano Melissa Cates will be leaving. She has been with the trio for nearly three years. She and her husband Sam will be moving to Tennessee to further Sam's business opportunities.
• Josh Singletary and Gordon Mote were announced as the hosts for this year's Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. Read more here and find out who will be performing this year.  
• A rebirth of the Statesmen Quartet was announced this week. Three of the men will be Hovie Walker, Deon Unthank (of AbsolutelyGospel.com) and Wallace Nelms doing select dates throughout 2016. Find out more on this rebirth and information on their search for a lead singer.

Anything I've missed?

Gospel Music Hymn Sing Recap

It's been a busy past few weeks, and I've missed being able to update as regularly. I have a few concert recaps still pending, but some will have to be saved for my top 10 moments of the year. I can't believe it's already that time!

Wendy Hayes, Melissa Brady and TaRanda Greene

On November 21, I got the chance to go to Memphis, Tennessee for Gerald Wolfe's Gospel Music Hymn Sing. I had been looking forward to this for quite some time! My church sings a great mix of hymns and praise songs each Sunday. However, after growing up on strictly hymns I definitely miss not singing more of them. It was a great night to get to see some of my favorite artists and sing along with them!Even though the night was about hymn singing and the audience being as much a part of the concert as the artists, I got to hear a lot of artists/ groups for the first time! It was my first chance to see the Mylon Hayes Family live. I was glad to see this family part of this tour event, and they are such a wonderful family and great singers. It was also a chance to hear the new trio of TaRanda Greene, Doug Anderson and Jody McBrayer live. They did not disappoint either!! Even though I had heard Jim and Melissa Brady together before, this was also my first time to hear the Jim Brady Trio.

Gerald Wolfe, Randy Byrd, Pat Barker and Conner Hayes

Here were the highlights of the night!

Mark Trammell - Blake Buffin, Nick Trammell,
Mark Trammell and Randy Byrd

• "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" - This is my favorite hymn, so no big surprise that it made my list. Wendy Hayes, Jim Brady and Blake Buffin were featured on the verses. 
• "Just a Little Talk with Jesus" - This one featured all the bass singers - Randy Byrd, Pat Barker and Conner Hayes, who definitely held his own with the two more experienced singers!
• "Holy, Holy, Holy" - This was a sweet moment of worship as the congregation sang.
• "Love of God" - Loved this song! Gerald had each of the writers in the group take a verse - Jim Brady, Rodney Griffin and Chris Allman (video featured below)
• "Wonderful Grace of Jesus" - The 2nd Half Quartet sang this song in the style of the Cathedrals
• "Rock of Ages" - The Mylon Hayes Family sang this one and did the shape notes!
• "Near the Cross" - This song was toward the end featuring Melissa Brady and Gerald Wolfe.

If you get a chance to go to one of the Hymn Sings I highly recommend it! I know they'll be doing more touring in the spring. It's a chance to not only hear some of the top voices in the industry, but you get to sing along with them! Hymns are becoming less the norm in worship services, so it was special to have an entire night dedicated to celebrating that heritage and worshipping our Savior!

Here's a Facebook exclusive Fun Clip Friday from the Gospel Music Hymn Sing in Memphis!
Posted by Lauren's Southern Gospel Blog on Friday, December 4, 2015

Spirit of Christmas - TaRanda Greene - CD Review

I'm deviating from the normal Fun Clip Friday post slightly this week because I have a lot of CD
reviews to catch up on!

Last week, TaRanda Greene released her first Christmas project and her second solo CD from StowTown Records. TaRanda without question is one of the best female voices in the industry. And I'll go on record saying that her version of "O Holy Night" is my favorite! So when I found out that she would be releasing a solo Christmas CD I couldn't wait to hear it!

First of all, I love the song selection for this project. So many Christmas songs are overdone, and by mid-December you can only take so many versions of "The Christmas Song" and "White Christmas." This project has eight songs that aren't covered like other Christmas songs.

I mentioned that her version of "O Holy Night" is my favorite (The songs is actually on her Sanctuary project.). She does a medley with that song, "Still, Still, Still/ O Holy Night." This song is the opening track and what an incredible way to start it!

"Give Love on Christmas Day" is a great midtempo song that has a choir backing up TaRanda. There's also a choir on "Jesus What a Wonderful Child," a definite highlight of the project! She shows her soulful side with this song. "That Spirit of Christmas" also has a choir. It was a song I'd never heard before. I really liked the use of the choir backing her up on these few songs.

"Cool Yule" has a fun, big band/ swing sound to it. TaRanda shows that she can cover a variety of different styles with this song. The song has a little bit of "Up on the Housetop" incorporated in it, which I think was a nice touch!

One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Who Would Imagine a King," and of course I think Whitney Houston is the person probably associated with this song the most, which leaves big shoes to fill for anyone else singing the song. But TaRanda is up for that challenge with a great version of this song! I love the orchestration during the intro of the song. Then it tones down when she starts the voices to really let her voice shine.

"I Wonder as I Wander" is a beautiful song! I'd only heard it a handful of times before this project, but I love TaRanda's version on this CD. It suits her voice so well! This song is a must listen and then listen again because you will be blown away!

The project ends with "Auld Lang Syne," which seems to fit well as a closer. The only complaint I have about this CD is I would have liked more songs on it! But even with eight songs, it's well worth your time to go purchase this to add to your Christmas CD collection.

And in the spirit of Fun Clip Friday, here's a clip of "Still, Still, Still/ O Holy Night" -



Song List -
1. "Still, Still, Still/ O Holy Night"
2. "Give Love on Christmas Day"
3. "Cool Yule (with Up on the Housetop)"
4. "Who Would Imagine a King"
5. "Jesus What a Wonderful Child"
6. "I Wonder as I Wander"
7. "The Spirit of Christmas"
8. "Auld Lang Syne"

Fun Clip Friday - Gospel Music Hymn Sing

Happy Friday to all! Last weekend was the first leg of the Gospel Music Hymn Sing tour. From posts on social media, this is concert you don't wan to miss if at all possible! I plan on being at the one in Memphis in November.

Apparently you never know who will be at this tour. Mark Lowry was in the audience at one of these concerts. Check out this video he posted on Facebook for today's Fun Clip Friday!

More hymn sing
Posted by Mark Lowry on Sunday, October 25, 2015

Fun Clip Friday - TaRanda Greene, Doug Anderson and Jody McBrayer

A couple of weeks ago a new trio debuted at First Baptist of Indian Trail, North Carolina. TaRanda Greene, Doug Anderson and Jody McBrayer (formerly of Avalon) are joining forces. They will be putting out a record as a trio and doing some select tour dates. They will all still continue to do individual dates as well. For today's Fun Clip Friday, here's a clip of them singing together "Jesus Never Fails."

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

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

• Congratulations to Kasey Kemp (Allegiance) and Haley Young (Angela Lilly Trio) who got married on Tuesday!
• Prayers requested for Randy Crawford's (Kingsmen Quartet) son Mitchell who was in an ATV accident. He has no internal injuries but has several broken bones. He had surgery on Friday into his femur bone. He will have an MRI today for his neck. Check the Kingsmen's Facebook page for updates. 
• Pray for the Unthank family of AbsolutelyGospel.com. Deon Unthank's mother passed away this week.
• Stacy Pearcy has decided to leave Back Home to pursue other interests. Back Home will continue as a duet for now and are prayerfully considering adding a third member. 
• Congratulations to TaRanda Greene and Landon Beene who got engaged this week!

Anything I've missed?

TaRanda Greene - Stronger - CD Review

TaRanda Greene is one of the most powerful vocalists in Christian music today. She is also incredibly versatile. While fans may have fallen in love with her singing Southern Gospel, her latest solo project proves, she can sing any style and sing it well! Her project
Stronger really showcases all TaRanda can do from a typical country ballad to an upbeat Christian R&B soulful song.

Stronger speaks to where TaRanda is in her life and ministry now. Her life and ministry has completely changed in the past little over four years with the death of her husband Tony and her stepping out as a soloist. Most of the songs on this project are not new, but really fit her and the theme of the project. She has proven that she is stronger and her voice is better than ever!

The title track is one of my favorites on the project. It has a great message that no matter what we face, we are stronger than we think we are. God never promises an easy life, but in Him we can overcome impossible situations.

"This Is Where Amazing Happens" has to be a highlight for me. This style for me is where TaRanda is most comfortable and really in her wheelhouse. She's backed up by a choir. Again, the song keeps up the message from the previous song "Stronger" that when you think you're at the end of your rope, with God this is where "amazing" can happen.

"Deepest Praise" keeps with that same message. It starts out with the simple arrangement and just piano accompaniment. It builds a little toward the end but really doesn't build so much that her voice isn't at the forefront. It showcases her voice and the vulnerability of the lyrics. To me, this seems to be really her testimony of where she's been.

"Shackles" is a song made popular by Mary, Mary. I love TaRanda's take on this song. It's a fun song that you will want to turn up! "A Little More Jesus" is another fun one that

Switching gears, I also love that she pulled out a Willie Nelson song "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." I believe I read or heard somewhere that this song was in tribute to Tony. It's a sweet song with an incredible heart behind it.

"If I Could" is another excellent choice. It's easy to see that this one is for her girls. It's an incredibly tender ballad with such heart behind it.

"All That I Need" is another song where she's backed up a choir. I think this is one that really shows the power of her voice. It's another highlight for me!

I definitely contend that 2014 has been a year for soloists. Add TaRanda's album to the must buy list of the year! With the versatility of the song selection, everyone can appreciate just what an incredible instrument her voice is and there will be something for everyone! The project released yesterday, so pick up a copy today!

Fun Clip Friday - TaRanda Greene - Stronger

Happy Friday! TaRanda Greene was added to the StowTown record label roster earlier this year. Her debut release of Stronger is set for November 10. Here's a behind the scenes preview of the album and the making of it! I cannot wait to here this project! Hope you enjoy today's Fun Clip Friday -

Fun Clip Friday with TaRanda Greene and Gerald Wolfe

Happy Friday! Today's Fun Clip Friday clip was taken at a concert in Seattle just a few weeks ago. The groups that night were Greater Vision, the Collingsworth Family and TaRanda Greene. TaRanda sang while Gerald played for an impromptu moment!

Check it out below! Enjoy!

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? 

#5 Top Moment of 2013 - TaRanda Greene Testimony

The countdown of top moments continues with #5 of the year. This one occurred back in February when the Hoppers came to Central Arkansas. It wasn't the usual lineup of the Hoppers though. I was disappointed to see Kim not with them, but filling in for Kim was TaRanda Greene. While TaRanda's singing was incredible, it was her heart and her openness during her testimony that made the countdown.

It was the first time I had seen TaRanda in person since Tony's death. It was good to see her back on stage and singing. TaRanda shared her testimony that night of Tony's passing and her struggle with depression afterward. She was very honest about the place she had been and how God had helped her overcome it. She was having to take medications to wake up and go to sleep. She shared very candidly about her struggle with grief and understanding God's plan. As someone who followed their story, it was incredible to hear her share from the heart about her story since his death. It was not only a story of  how she had overcome the depression, but also of encouragement to others who might be going through the same thing.

I appreciated so much her willingness to share and talk about all she had gone through. It was great to see her back on stage again and to hear her open up about all she had been through.

Countdown continues tomorrow with Moment #4!

Not Missing a Beat - The Hoppers Concert Review

Dean Hopper, TaRanda Greene, Connie Hopper, Claude Hopper

I had been looking forward to seeing the Hoppers for a while. They were in Bryant, Ark. on Saturday, Feb. 16. I was hoping that TaRanda Greene would be singing with them. I was anxious to seeing her addition to the group live instead of just via YouTube or a webcast. She was there, but Kim was sick, so she sang Kim's part. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to hear Kim and TaRanda sing together.

It's always interesting when group members are absent to see how things will go, especially with Kim being featured a lot. TaRanda did an amazing job filling in for Kim, and the Hoppers didn't miss a beat during the concert.

It was funny to hear the whispers in the audience as the Hoppers took the stage. People knew it didn't look like Kim. Others just thought maybe she had gone darker with her hair. There was quite a debate going on as to who it was. Then some finally realized it was TaRanda on stage, and not Kim.

The Hoppers started the night with "Stepping on the Clouds" and then "I Will Serve Thee." They sang one more, "Yahweh," always a favorite before Claude introduced TaRanda as filling in for Kim, since she was sick. And some people from the crowd finally could relax knowing who the brunette was on stage.

Next, they sang "I'll Take You Home," which is probably my favorite song from their latest album, Count Me In. They sang another one from album next, "Might Is the Word."

Josh Simpson had a piano solo, sorry I didn't get the name of it, but it was really good! His name is not one that gets recognized a lot as far as southern gospel piano players go, but he is definitely a standout musician. Claude made introductions next of the entire group.

They slowed things down with "I'll Worship Only at the Feet of Jesus." Connie and Dean really shine on this song to me. Dean impresses me more and more as a lead singer each time I see the Hoppers live. They did an a capella reprise of the chorus that TaRanda started that was beautiful!

TaRanda then sang Kim's song "He Didn't Just Carry the Cross." It got the first standing ovation of the night, but it was definitely not the last.

Connie was featured on "I've Come Too Far to Look Back." I still stand behind the statement that she is one of the classiest women in gospel music. I love to hear her sing this song. After the song, Claude started telling one of his stories, and a phone started ringing. Josh started laughing pointing at Claude realizing it was his phone that was ringing in his pocket. Mike from the drums called his dad out on the fact that it was his phone ringing. It stopped but rang again before he finished telling his story. We all got a good laugh about it!! They started back with the chorus of the song. TaRanda even took on Kim's role to restart the song holding out that long note (watch the video here). She did an incredible job with it!!! You can hear in the video the crowd's reaction to it, we all loved it!! Mike also hit some incredible bass notes!!!

The next song was the Hopper favorite, "Yes, I Am." After that TaRanda shared her testimony. She talked about how God delivered her from depression after Tony's death. She also told some cute stories about her girls. I loved how open and honest she was about her struggles and how when she turned her focus back to God that He delivered her from the depression. I can confidently say that God is using her story and her willingness to share her about her struggles to reach other people and for His glory. She then sang, "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked." Again, the audience was on its feet! If you have never seen her sing this, stop reading and go to YouTube right now and look it up! You won't regret it. TaRanda not only has powerful vocals, but she has such a way with communicating the lyrics of a song. And I loved her performance of this song!

The Hoppers sang "Jerusalem" next. They show clips of previously recorded performances of them singing "Jerusalem" as they sang. It was so interesting to see how the mannerisms of Kim on the screen and TaRanda live matched up. They closed the first half with "Something's Happening," which again earned a standing ovation. And it's another personal favorite of mine!

Claude said right before the break that the best was yet to come. The man beside me commented that he didn't know how it was going to get any better. I have to say the Hoppers outdid themselves in the first half, so we were all looking forward to more of the same in the second half.

It was really funny to hear people talking during intermission. There's no doubt that a Hoppers concert is not the same when one of them is missing. Kim was sorely missed, but people all around me were commenting on how similar Kim and TaRanda are vocally and in their performances. People were blown away by it, especially since they are not blood relation.

They started the second half with "Count Me In." Then Dean bragged on TaRanda being able to step in and fill in for Kim. He said that she had also been filling in for Connie some recently, but they hadn't really rehearsed much with the lineup as it was with TaRanda singing soprano. He was thankful she had been able to jump in and knew both Connie and Kim's parts.

Claude then started telling a story, and they thought he was setting up "If I Can Help Somebody," so Mike started playing the track. Claude stopped him and said he wasn't done, and that he wanted to sing another one. I love the good-natured banter back and forth between the family members during these moments. This is one thing about seeing group live that I enjoy, just seeing them being real and joking with each other on stage. Claude then sang a song called "Home" that I had never heard him sing before.

The track started for "I Am Whatever You Need." TaRanda looked at Dean and said something to him. Before he started singing the first verse, he commented to the audience that she didn't know this one. Dean sings the first verse, but Kim normally sings the second. When they got to the second verse, Mike thought he knew it and could feed her lyrics, but then apparently drew a blank. So instead of saying lyrics, he said, "Listen to TaRanda as she sings." Haha! He was no help! :) Bless her heart, nobody else knew the second verse so she started humming along with the melody and then they got to part that Connie and Dean knew and were able to feed lyrics to her. She finished strong and the audience responded with applause. Once. they got to the chorus, and TaRanda wiped her forehead in relief that it was over.

Dean then started setting up "That's Him" and looked at TaRanda and said that he knew she knew this song. He talked about his mom's battle with cancer and then said that he and Kim's youngest daughter had been born nine and a half months premature. With that, the audience started laughing and they called him out on saying months instead of weeks. Haha! Connie started singing the song. I wasn't as familiar with this song, but quickly fell in love with the lyrics. And then they sang the always fan favorite, "Shoutin' Time." Again they had the audience up clapping along.

Next, they played their concept video of "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" and then showed a video of the Roman Road taking us through the plan of salvation. They closed with "Grace Will Always Be Greater Than Sin."

It was such a great night. One thing I love about seeing the Hoppers live is that you never leave their concerts disappointed. Every time I've seen them, they sing for at least two hours, most of the time closer to three. And they give it their all for every minute.

Kim was definitely missed. She is such an amazing vocalist that she's one of the reasons I look forward to seeing the Hoppers live. I was also sad that I missed getting to hear her and TaRanda together, but TaRanda did great filling in. It's so good to see and hear TaRanda singing on stage again. I loved how you can tell what a close family they are when they are on stage together. They laughed and kidded with TaRanda just as they would have with Kim. TaRanda and Kim are very similar as vocalists and that was even more evident to me after the concert. Many times with a group member gone, it's evident that something is missing and the concert doesn't go as smoothly. But with TaRanda being like part of the family, it wasn't the case on Saturday night. The Hoppers didn't miss a beat and made it a memorable evening for all who were there!

The Hoppers and TaRanda Greene

This weekend I caught most of the Hoppers' concert online from Lake Gibson Church. It was a great concert. Connie was not there due to some regular doctor's checkups, but TaRanda Greene filled in for her. I am such a fan of hers, and I love hearing her and Kim sing together. I don't think any of us will forget "There Is a Fountain" anytime soon.

It seems that she has been traveling some with them lately adding a sixth vocalist to their group, not just filling in Connie's part. I am not in a hurry to see Claude and Connie retire anytime soon. But I do think adding TaRanda to the group brings an interesting dynamic. The combination of her and Kim brings two of the genre's powerhouse vocalists together in one group.  Kim even made the comment Saturday night that she enjoyed having TaRanda with them and trading off the high parts on songs.

Here's a clip of their concert below. I wish I could find one that had TaRanda singing with the entire group instead of filling in for Connie, so if you find one, I would love the link. What do you think? Would you like to see TaRanda join the Hoppers if not permanently at least more frequently?

Top Moment of 2012 #3

I remember last year reading a statement from TaRanda Greene about not being able to attend National Quartet Convention in 2011. I wasn't sure whether or not when she would be making an appearance this year or not, until Kim Hopper called her on stage for the top moment #3 of the year.

Kim Hopper took the stage with Kim Collingsworth playing for her to preview a showcase NQC was having the next day. I got pretty excited when after Kim finished singing the first verse, she called TaRanda to the stage to join her.

Kim Hopper, TaRanda Greene and Kim Collingsworth's performance of "There Is a Fountain" at NQC was definitely what people were talking about the next morning. When you think about the top sopranos of the genre, Kim Hopper and TaRanda Greene are definitely among the top of the list. With their power vocals combined with Kim Collingsworth's strong alto harmonies, it made for a chills- worthy performance. 

It was sweet to see the two sisters-in-law sing together and to mark TaRanda's return to NQC. That alone would have made the performance significant, but it was the dynamic vocal combination of the three women that made it rank at #3 on my top moments of 2012 list!

Look for #2 tomorrow!!

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas to everyone! Hope you all are having a wonderful Christmas holiday with your family and friends!!

Here's my favorite version of my favorite Christmas song. I don't think anyone sings it better! Enjoy!