Tuesday August 19 2008 - 5:09 PM ET
Mike & Kelly Bowling Celebrate Number One Songs
by Crystal Burchette
(Front, L-R) Mike and Kelly Bowling, Jeff Snyder (Back, L-R) Dave Clark, Tre’ Corley, Kevin Ward, Jeff Harper, Sonya Isaacs, Rick Hendrix, Ed Harper, Wayne Haun.
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NASHVILLE, TN (Press Release) - Music Row in Nashville, Tenn., was filled with the unmistakable sound of Mike & Kelly Bowling Thursday, August 14 as friends, family and industry members joined together at the Warner Brothers building to celebrate the trio's two #1 songs, "We Have A Saviour" and "Your Cries Have Awoken The Master." Mike & Kelly Bowling earned their second consecutive #1 on the Singing News National Radio chart in August 2008 with "Your Cries Have Awoken The Master," which was written by Sonya Isaacs and Becky Isaacs Bowman. The latest number one was the follow-up to the group's hit song written by Carroll McGruder "We Have A Saviour," which claimed the number one spot in December of 2007. Both singles are included on Mike & Kelly Bowling's debut Canaan Records release Faith To Believe.
For more information on Mike & Kelly, visit www.mikeandkellybowling.com.
For more information on Canaan Records, log onto www.canaanrecords.com.
Tuesday August 19 2008 - 12:34 PM ET
Forgiven Welcomes Chris Little As New Vocalist
by Staff
Forgiven Trio
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LAWRENCEBURG, IN (Press Release) - Forgiven is pleased to announce that Chris Little of Nashville, Tenn., has joined them as their new vocalist, replacing Jes Adam who has decided to return to college. Born and raised in West Virginia, Chris has been involved in gospel music for many years. He traveled with Tommy Parsons (Squire's brother) in the New Creations, the Faithmen Quartet and more recently the Dan Keeton Quartet. Chris will also be utilizing his keyboard skills with the group.
Forgiven, a well established mixed trio from Lawrenceburg, Ind., is made up of husband and wife team Cloid and Debbie Baker. Cloid and Debbie have many years experience in gospel music. They maintain a reputation of smooth harmony and quality, whether singing the traditional hymns or songs of today's writers. They are passionate about the ministry of their group and they maintain a busy travel schedule. For more information on Forgiven, visit their home page at www.forgiventrio.com.
Monday August 18 2008 - 2:35 PM ET
Sheila Powers To Undergo Surgery
by Staff
PURCELLVILLE, VA (Press Release) - Sheila Powers, wife of Dennis Powers, owner and bass singer of the Skyline Boys Quartet, will undergo surgery on Aug. 20 for a double mastectomy and reconstruction for Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Doctors have assured Sheila that she would not have to do chemotherapy or radiation at this time.
Dennis and Sheila would like to say thank you to all of their fans and friends for their your support and constant prayers during this situation.
Encouragement cards, letters, flowers or calls may be sent to:
Sheila Powers
37306 Longmoor Farm Lane
Purcellville, VA 20132
Email: Shenndy@aol.com
(540)668-9826
Monday August 18 2008 - 1:26 PM ET
Shadrix Trio Announces New Vocalist
by Lamp Music Group
Blake Dodd
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WHITESBURG, GA (Press Release) - Gospel Heritage Recording artist the Shadrix Trio welcomes new
vocalist, Blake Dodd. Blake resides in Cedartown, Ga., and will fill
the baritone position. He is a great addition to the trio
complimenting their vocal blends and spirit-filled stage presence.
Not only is Blake a talented vocalist but is also a preacher/
evangelist at only 15 years old. Barry Shadrix states, “I am excited
about the work that God is doing in the ministry and look forward to
seeing where HE will lead us next.”
For more information visit www.theshadrixtrio.com.
Friday August 15 2008 - 10:18 AM ET
Update On Janet Hamill
by Jerry Kirksey
BOONE, NC (Press Release) - I visited with Janet Hamill via phone and she brought me up to date on her circumstances. Since I last reported on Janet she has been hospitalized three times and has an increasing number of health problems. Janet told me that she was touched by all of those who has helped her, and without them she really did not know what would have happened to her.
Janet STILL has a strong need. Janet had taken a mortgage on their home in order to help take care of Jim's needs. She said she used money sent to her to pay on that mortgage to prevent her from having no place to live. She has no money at this time. She desperately needs help with living expenses. She needs to buy food and pay her medical expenses. I pray that each of us will help Janet meet her needs.
Send your assistance to:
Janet Hamill
126 South Joyce Street
East Flat Rock, NC 28726
Please make checks payable to Janet Hamill. If you would like call Janet to offer encouragement or help, her phone number is (828)693-6722. PLEASE make Janet Hamill a part of your daily prayers. She is in that gap where there is no help for her. It's up to her brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus to come to her aid.
Thursday August 14 2008 - 6:39 PM ET
Open Letter From Tony Greene
by Tony Greene
Tony Greene
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INDIAN TRAIL, NC (Press Release) - Dear Singing News Fans,
Let me start off by saying "Thank You" for the hundreds of cards and emails of encouragement as I walk this new path of end stage renal failure. To get you up to date, I am healing well after my stomach surgery to insert the tenckhoff catheter. TaRanda and I both now have completed the home dialysis training sessions and graduated with honors! LOL I still am having issues trying to get regulated to the dialysis, but I know the Lord is helping me and things will get better. I am doing the CAPD (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis) at home and on the bus. With doing the manual exchanges, I am able to continue traveling and singing.
I am going to keep winning people to the Lord. There will be no quitting. I am going to keep kickin' and eventually have a kidney transplant. Many have asked if I am going to quit singing because of my sickness and the answer is— ABSOLUTELY NOT. God is helping me and we are going to keep our singing schedule by the grace of God. Please feel free to contact me at 828-773-5997.
Thursday August 14 2008 - 12:32 PM ET
Super Fan Co-Winner Richard Barr Passes Away
by Staff
1992 Super Fan Award Winners Richard & Dorothy Barr
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HOUSTON, TX (Press Release) - The co-winner of the 1992 Singing News Super Fan Award, Richard Barr, passed away recently in Houston, Texas.
Many artists will remember Richard's generosity to the artists as they traveled through the Houston area, as well as his endless funny stories and jokes.
For those wishing to send condolences to his wife Dororthy, with whom he shared the Super Fan Award, write to 1616 McDuffie Street, Houston, TX 77019-4312.
Wednesday August 13 2008 - 6:33 PM ET
Sheri Easter Update
by Sheri Easter
Sheri Easter
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LINCOLNTON, GA (Press Release) - Sheri Easter shares with Singing News: "Today, I received some of the best news I've had in a month! I met with my oncologist and from all of the bone scans, CT scans and echocardiograms, etc., everything came back clear - no tumors, no metastasizing, no visible signs of cancer anywhere in my body. Praise the Lord!
"Thank you to everyone who has prayed, called and sent cards. May God bless you with the same love you've shown to me.
"At this point, we are going to undergo chemotherapy as a measure to prevent cancer recurrences. Please keep the prayers going as you well know, chemo can take its toll on a body. I haven't missed any of my dates except the week of surgery and I hope to be strong enough to continue to travel full time. My aunt Janis traveled with the Lewis Family during her treatments and she has been a huge encouragement to me throughout this battle. I'm wise enough to know cancer nor its treatments are easy, but I choose to believe that God is faithful and I am determined to do everything I can to stay strong and healthy during this process."
Wednesday August 13 2008 - 2:45 PM ET
Telly Awards Honor Late Anthony Burger
by Turner and Company
NASHVILLE, TN (Press Release) - Pianorama, the two-volume collectors' edition of the late Anthony Burger's classic piano performances, has been honored as a Bronze Winner in the Film/Video category at the 29th Annual Telly Awards. Pianorama was issued by Anthony Burger Productions in memoriam to Anthony, who died in 2006 at the age of 44. Burger was a popular performer on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours for a decade. This is not the first Telly Award for Anthony Burger Productions, which won in 2005 for Masterpiece and More, a Gaither Music Group release.
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest film and video productions, and groundbreaking web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world. The winners were chosen from more than 13,500 entries from across America and around the world.
The Best of Anthony Burger, a DVD celebration of the maestro's life and career hosted by Bill Gaither, was certified gold recently by the RIAA.
"We are truly astounded and gratified that Anthony's music continues to touch hearts three years after his untimely death," his widow, Luann Burger, mused. "Judging from the calls and emails we receive from across the country, his music legacy stretches beyond the gospel genre and blesses, encourages and witnesses to lives. It would mean so much to Anthony to know how many lives his extraordinary playing touched."
Wednesday August 13 2008 - 12:50 PM ET
Providence Quartet Welcomes New Pianist
by Faye Edens
Jim Corns
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PIEDMONT, SC (Press Release) - Providence Quartet is proud to announce a new member to the PQ family. Jim Corns originally from Ashland, Ky., joins the Providence Quartet as pianist.
Jim is no stranger to gospel music fans across the country having played the piano since he was 14 years old beginning at his home church in Huntington, West Virginia. He has played for Sonny Sites and the Marksmen Quartet, Blue Ridge and the Down East Boys.
Jim is married to Monica and is dad to Michael and Ryan. They make their home in Franklin, North Carolina.
For more information, visit www.providencequartet.com.
Tuesday August 12 2008 - 11:58 AM ET
Get Away Jordon Receives Gold Certification
by Turner and Company
(L-R) Ernie Haase, Tim Duncan, Paul Sizelove (Gaither Music Group V.P.), Doug Anderson and Ryan Seaton.
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NASHVILLE, TN (Press Release) - Ernie Haase and Signature Sound captured Dove Awards for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year and Southern Gospel Album of the Year for Get Away Jordan earlier this year, and now the long-form DVD of the same title has been certified gold by the RIAA.
The DVD, which debuted No. 1 on the Billboard Video chart when it was released by Gaither Music Group in 2007, was produced by Bill Gaither. The Get Away Jordan CD also topped the Contemporary Christian and Southern Gospel music charts in Billboard.
"Every time I hear news about sales and the achievement they signify, I think back to the old school wisdom of my former boss Glen Payne of the Cathedrals," Ernie pointed out. "He would say, Liars figure, but figures don't lie!' So here is the truth' about these numbers, we are blessed--blessed with a broad base of friends who believe in us and find some hope in our message. And so, for this achievement most of all I thank our fans."
The much-lauded quartet recently taped their second solo concert DVD in Chicago and is slated for release in late October.
Tuesday August 12 2008 - 10:05 AM ET
Paul Roark Admitted To Hospital
by Staff
SHARPS CHAPEL, TN (Press Release) - Early this past Sunday morning, Paul Roark (The Roarks) was admitted to the hospital after suffering a heart attack. His condition seemed to improve by Monday afternoon and was scheduled for a heart catheterization around 6 p.m.
The doctors discovered that one of Paul's arteries was 100% blocked but seems to be clearing up some on its own. The family is thankful and gives all the credit for the healing to the Lord.
Paul will be in the hospital for several days and is being moved to a regular room. In 30 days he will need to return to the hospital for a defibrillator. The family wishes to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support.
Monday August 11 2008 - 2:05 PM ET
Prayer Request From The Kingsmen Quartet (Updated Aug. 11)
ASHEVILLE, NC (Press Release) - Wendi Gregg, secretary to Ray Dean Reese of the Kingsmen Quartet, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. The plan for her treatment will include surgery this Thursday, August 14 in Asheville, N.C., followed by chemo and radiation through the Hope Cancer Treatment Center for Women, also located in Asheville.
Thank you to those who have already sent cards and e-mails of encouragement. Please keep Wendi and her family in your prayers that good will come of this situation.
Original Post - Monday, Aug.4
Wendi Gregg, secretary to Ray Dean Reese of the Kingsmen Quartet, has been diagnosed with cancer. Please add Wendi, her husband Robin and their family to your personal and church prayer lists. A course of treatment will be determined this week and they need the Lord's guidance and wisdom to make the right decisions. Pray that family and friends may be reached for the Lord through this experience.
Friday August 8 2008 - 10:55 AM ET
Florida Boys Begin Tennessee Adventure
by Randall Franks
(L-R) Charlie Waller, Chip Cooper, Dustin Bearden and Buddy Burton.
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PIGEON FORGE, TN (Press Release) - Continuing a 60-year legacy that has touched millions through record, television and radio, lead singer Charlie Waller is bringing the Florida Boys to the Smoky Mountain Showplace Theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., six nights a week.
"We are so excited to be able to bring our show to Pigeon Forge on a regular basis," Waller said. "This is a tremendous opportunity for a quartet to get a chance to entertain for the receptive audiences that visit the Smokies."
Waller said the performance will be an innovative, entertaining mix that all will enjoy also featuring the talents of baritone Buddy Burton, bass Chip Cooper, and tenor Dustin Bearden.
While the original members of the seasoned group retired from the road last year, a new chapter was born under Waller's leadership and the name and classic songs continue.
When asked how he landed such a prime opportunity for the quartet. "We are not just sleeping on our laurels here," he said. "We are going to bring folks a little bit of everything, hand clappers, tear jerkers, and songs that will leave a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts. How else can you leave them when you are singing about Jesus?"
Waller credits Ron Blackwood as being instrumental in helping him to strike a deal with theater owners Bob Deason and Sherry Bowman.
Waller said his love for the quartet reaches back to his earliest concert memories. For 38 years, Waller built a reputation producing and promoting shows including the Grand Ole Gospel Reunion. Preserving the industry and its legacy is a top priority for Waller, he said. He now also serves the industry as executive director of the Southern Gospel Music Association that operates the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum at Dollywood.
The debut performance is Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, call (877) 333-9330.
Thursday August 7 2008 - 11:40 AM ET
Bill Gaither Hosts Historic Gaither Vocal Band Reunion
by Turner & Company
ALEXANDRIA, IN (Press Release) - Special homecoming events are nothing new for gospel music legend Bill Gaither, who has staged musical reunions of great singers from Australia to South Africa. But the one he hosted at his Indiana studios last month may be the one closest to his heart. Bill sent out a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to all former members of his Gaither Vocal Band to gather at his studio in Alexandria, Ind., for the first-ever reunion of the multiple award-winning group.
For 27 years, the Gaither Vocal Band has been widely recognized as the gold standard in gospel vocal groups. And while members have changed over the years, those members had never all been under the same roof at the same time until Bill Gaither hosted fifteen current and former Gaither Vocal Band members at the historic reunion at his Indiana studio. In a studio lined with vintage photos and album covers of each of the various configurations of the Vocal Band, a host of video cameras captured what Bill Gaither said was a day devoted to "remembering great songs, wonderful, lifetime friendships and sharing life's journeys."
Joining voices and sharing stories were the three men who first stepped before a microphone with Bill Gaither as the newly-formed Gaither Vocal Band in January, 1981: Gary McSpadden, Lee Young, and Steve Green. Also present were subsequent tenors, baritones, lead and bass singers Jon Mohr, Larnelle Harris, Mark Lowry, Michael English, Jim Murray, Buddy Mullins, Russ Taff, Guy Penrod, David Phelps, Marshall Hall, andWes Hampton. The only constant over the 27 years, founder and patriarch, Bill Gaither, hosted the festivities, witnessed by various members of the Homecoming family, the Gaither family and wives and children of the Vocal Band members.
Green, who, with his wife Marijean, started as a back-up singer for the Bill Gaither Trio and went on to become a multi-award-winning solo Contemporary Christian artist, confessed that Bill Gaither had to teach him to sing in southern gospel quartet style. "The first song we ever sang was 'Your First Day in Heaven,' and Bill had to teach me that one as well as all the others that followed," he laughed. Gaither remembered that he prepared the members for quartet singing by harmonizing on the words, "ice cream."
Green also pointed out that it was he who provided the name for the group. "There were lots of names being tossed out, but one of my favorite groups of the time was the Starlight Vocal Band, and in one of our conversations, I recommended we call it the Gaither Vocal Band, and it stuck," he recalled. He pointed out that one of the great things about the Gaither Vocal Band was that Bill Gaither allowed each group to have their own personality. "That's so refreshing," he added. "It's been thrilling to watch the process through the years, because it's so unique."
Bill Gaither summed up the experience: "I love great voices, and I thank God he put me in a place to attract great singers. The joy comes from God, who is the hero of our stories and the one we're here to celebrate. These songs we're singing remind us of what matters."
The two Gaither Vocal Band reunion videos will be released in early 2009.
Thursday August 7 2008 - 10:38 AM ET
Ivan Parker Unveils New Look On Website
by Writer's Ink Publishing, Inc.
Ivan Parker
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NASHVILLE, TN (Press Release) - Frequent visitors to the website of popular male vocalist Ivan Parker have recently noticed that the 2007 Male Vocalist of the Year/Soloist of the Year has unveiled a brand new look to his website, www.ivanparker.com. "Our goal was to make the site absolutely amazing, yet easy to navigate, with brand new features that include video clips, personal emails, photo slideshows and a newsroom," Parker states.
This ultimate web experience also now allows avid Ivan Parker fans to stay involved in a whole new way by becoming an Ivanizer. Members of this special club can enjoy a more intimate look into their favorite male vocalist's ministry.
Visit the new Ivan Parker website at www.ivanparker.com.
Wednesday August 6 2008 - 12:53 PM ET
Canaan Records Offer Sneak Preview Of Upcoming Releases
by Crystal Burchette
NASHVILLE, TN (Press Release) - Canaan Records is pleased to announce a sneak preview of the three anticipated releases will be offered at www.HaveYouHeardTheWord.com from Tuesday, August 5 through Thursday August 7. Nothin' But Good from the Mike LeFevre Quartet, I Just Wanted You To Know from Kim Hopper and Faith To Believe from Mike & Kelly Bowling all release on August 12 in bookstores nationwide and online, but songs from these releases can be heard in their entirety on the website before you can buy them.
The select projects can also be purchased at www.canaanrecords.com for a special introductory price.
Hear the new releases now at www.HaveYouHeardTheWord.com.
Check out the pre-order specials at www.CanaanRecords.com/store.
Tuesday August 5 2008 - 1:02 PM ET
Singing Echoes Honored
by Staff
Singing Echoes with State Representative Eric Watson.
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CLEVELAND, TN (Press Release) - On July 17, the Singing Echoes received a commendation from State Representative Eric Watson. The commendation was to honor the service and pay special tribute to the impact that the ministry of the Singing Echoes has had over the last 38 years in the city of Cleveland, in Bradley County, and with travels throughout State of Tennessee.
Eric Watson presented the Singing Echoes with a beautiful flag of the United States of America that had been flown over the State Capital the day before. "We are indeed honored and humbled to receive an honor like this from a very godly man that we appreciate as being our State Representative. We would like to say thank you to Eric Watson for his thoughtfulness and to our hometown for being such a supportive base for our ministry," stated Adam Epperson.
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