As The Year Comes To A Close - Part 3 (#431)
This week, we wrap up a look at some of the Southern Gospel news events of the year 2008. See you in '09!
September
HisSong and Roy Webb signed exclusive booking agreements with the Dominion Agency.
The Nelons announced that they were returning to the Southern Gospel road on a full-time basis.
After a six-year absence, Shane Dunlap announced that he was bringing N'Harmony back to the Southern Gospel circuit.
The
Booth Brothers dominated the Singing News Fan Awards held during the
National Quartet Convention. The trio pocketed six awards.
Ray Overholt, writer of "Hallelujah Square" and many other songs, passed away September 14 in Battle Creek, Michigan.
Derrick Boyd (formerly of the Dixie Melody Boys, Heaven Bound and others) joined the Woodsmen Quartet as tenor vocalist.
Brittany Galloway (of the Galloways) married J.D. Inman on September 29 in Franklin, Tennessee.
October
Eddie Crook returned to a managing role in the Eddie Crook Company after the departure of Dave Wilcox.
Long-time
Southern Gospel performer Craig Pippin joined the Gann Brothers after
Calvin Gann began a new ministry with his family.
Gerald Crabb re-signed a publishing agreement with Daywind Music Publishing.
The Beene Family signed a multi-year recording agreement with Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing.
Tom Surrett, father of Southern Gospel favorite Tim Surrett, passed away October 30.
Dave and Cornia Needham (the Needhams) welcomed the arrival of their third child, Kayliana Leslie, on October 29.
November
XM's
enLighten Southern Gospel programming was added to the Sirius Satellite
Network at channel 67 after the two companies merged.
Daywind
recording artists, Greater Vision and Crabb Revival, were named among
Gospel Music Channel's "Top Ten Best of 2008." Karen Peck & New
River received an Honorable Mention as well.
Billy
Todd, the legendary bass singer who performed with the Florida Boys,
the Dixie Echoes and the Bibletones, passed away November 30 after a
lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was 79 years old.
December
The
Booth Brothers, the Gaither Vocal Band and Karen Peck & New River
received Top 5 nominations in the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Winners
will be announced February 8, 2009.
Everett Reese, former Junior
Blackwood Brothers member, passed away December 2. He had also played
with the Harvesters and the Singing Americans.
Pianist Roy Webb signed a recording agreement with the Song Garden Music Group.
Jessica Brown (the Browns) and Nick Trammell (the Perrys) were married in Le Mars, Iowa, on December 6.
Dixie Echoes bass singer Pat Barker and his wife, Kesha, announced the December 17 arrival of their daughter, Breelyn.
The
Blackwood Quartet, featuring Ron Blackwood, John Rulapaugh, Josh
Garner, Tracy Trent and Trent Adams, became a touring quartet after
many years of specializing in theatre concerts.