GUY PENROD’S HYMNS TOP SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM OF 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Hymns, the acclaimed Servant Records/Gaither Music Group sophomore release from Christian music’s premier country recording artist, Guy Penrod, is the top-selling Southern Gospel album of 2012, according to Nielsen Christian SoundScan’s year-end chart. The project is also last year’s best-selling Gospel recording in Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores® nationwide.

One of the most in-demand touring artists in Christian music, Penrod traveled throughout the US and abroad last year, highlighted by a performance at Southern Gospel’s premier gathering, September’s National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.

In 2012, he was also featured on the cover of top industry publication Singing News and made multiple media appearances, including radio’s “The Mike Huckabee Show,” RFD TV’s top-rated “Larry’s Country Diner,” and one of North America’s most popular Christian television programs, “100 Huntley Street.” Additionally, Penrod hosts DayStar Television’s weekly “Gospel Music Showcase,” and capped the year by hosting the network’s Christmas special from Branson, Missouri.

Produced by Penrod and Pete Greene, Hymns debuted at #1 on Nielsen SoundScan’s Southern Gospel retail chart last year. Showcasing 13 of the award-winning artist’s favorite selections, the project includes “Does Jesus Care?,” a duet with the legendary George Beverly Shea, as well as “The Old Rugged Cross,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Amazing Grace,” “Count Your Blessings” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” among others.

Penrod’s 2010 Dove Award-nominated Servant Records/Gaither Music Group solo debut, Breathe Deep, continues to be a benchmark for country recordings within the Christian marketplace, featuring successful mainstream country and Southern Gospel radio singles. A 2011 Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee, Penrod has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry, among other noteworthy platforms, and spent 14 years with the legendary GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band.

Hymns is distributed by EMI CMG Distribution and is available at retail and digital outlets worldwide, as well as Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores®.

For further information, visit www.guypenrod.com or www.turningpointpr.com.