Southern Gospel News SGN Scoops Digital

Bill Gaither is still Giving the World a Smile

Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band

Bill Gaither is having more fun than ever as the Gaither Vocal Band embraces change, releases “We Have This Moment” 

By Craig Harris

Bill Gaither seems to be loosening the reigns … and at the same time, he’s smelling the roses. The 81-year-old gospel music icon admits that he’s currently having more fun than he’s ever had.

“I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life, not only on stage, but coming home and eating with the sweet lady (his wife Gloria) I’ve lived with for more than 54 years,” Gaither shares. “I’m singing with some of the greatest guys I’ve ever sung with. I love life.

“I encourage young artists all the time … I say, ‘if the lights shine brighter on stage than they do at home, you’re in bad trouble’ … but these are great days.”

Oct. 13 was one of those days as the Gaither Vocal Band unveiled its latest CD, “We Have This Moment.” Former Gaither Homecoming Tour pianist Gordon Mote produced the project.

Gaither Vocal Band

“We had another change in personnel last spring with Reggie Smith (joining the group after the departure of tenor David Phelps), who is no stranger to our field,” Gaither points out. “He’s been around a long time with us. I’ve said this 100 times … you don’t replace anybody. We’ve had some of the best singers in our industry I feel … Marshall Hall, David Phelps, Michael English, Russ Taff, Mark Lowry, Larnelle Harris … those are incredible singers. But this is one of the best blends we’ve ever had.

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Lorraine Walker: Don’t be too busy for God this Holiday Season

November 2017 SGNScoops Magazine: Don’t be too busy this Holiday Season

Happy Thanksgiving. This is a holiday month full of giving thanks. I’m so glad for all the good gifts that God has given to me, but most of all, I’m thankful that He is God. In a world where people change and politicians sway from side to side, God is the same – yesterday, today and forever. He is always there, always protecting, always healing, and always providing. I urge you to thank God for who He is today.

I’m also thankful for gospel great Bill Gaither, our cover feature for this month. Gaither has done so much for Christian music. His songwriting with his wife Gloria, his artist promotion through the Homecoming series, and the way he can bring the gospel message to places it seldom goes, like the nearest Walmart, that amazes me. He remains congenial with fans and does not appear to have let his popularity affect his heart or his ministry. Thanks Bill Gaither for all you do.

MICHAEL ENGLISH UNVEILS LOVE IS THE GOLDEN RULE TODAY

This month we also have artists you love and artists you need to hear, and I’m so thankful that we see the message of the gospel carried on to all generations through gospel music. From the youngest who listen to the music of Abigail Aldridge, to my generation who so enjoy Michael English, and even to those who remember the past of gospel music that Charlie Griffin explores in his articles, thanks to all of the artists in this issue and all that proclaim the name of Jesus.

Special thanks as well to all of our writers: Charlie Griffin, Craig Harris, Debbie Seagraves, Derek Simonis, Erin Stevens, Fayth Lore, Jennifer Campbell, Jimmy Reno, Justin Gilmore, Justin McLeod, Leslie McKay, Logan Smith, Paige Givens, Robert York, Roger Barkley, Jr., Sarah Murray, Sheri LaFontaine, Vivian Belknap, David Staton, Dusty Wells, Leslie McKay, Logan Smith, Nathan Kistler, Randall Hamm, Kaleb Powell, Selena Day and Vonda Easley. I really appreciate our copy editors, Joan Walker and Craig Harris. Then, there are those who work behind the scenes to make everything look so lovely – Staci and Pete Schwager and Stephanie Kelley. I’m also thankful for our terrific publisher and owner, Rob Patz, who keeps us on the right track. If you are also thankful for our team, please look them up on Facebook and thank them for their work. They do work hard, each of them, to do their best for the glory of God.

Lorraine Walker, editor of SGNScoops Magazine

As we head into a busy festive season, I am reminded that being too busy can keep me from spending the time with God that I need to, to keep my relationship with Him fresh and strong. I need to hear from Him daily. People wonder how God talks to His people. I hear Him loudly through His word. He also speaks to me through the written word of His servants, the wise counsel of Godly friends, and through the special nudges and sense of His presence during my day. He speaks when His spirit is present in the gathering of His people, who are giving Him glory. Sometimes, He even speaks through the beauty of nature. I have heard Him in the whisper of the leaves on the trees. And sometimes, He whispers to me within my spirit when I am alone with Him. Has God spoken to you today? Are you thankful for His many gifts to you and especially for who He is?

Tell the Lord today how thankful you are that He came to this earth, died and rose again that we might have life. What a great and awesome gift, the gift of salvation through Jesus. Have you accepted this gift?

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this issue or about Jesus, please contact me at lorraine@sgnscoops.com.

Have a great month of giving thanks.

By Lorraine Walker, Editor’s Last Word

SGNScoops magazine, November 2017

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Gospel Music Trio Ponder, Sykes & Wright Creates New “Set List”

Gospel Music Trio Ponder, Sykes & Wright Creates New Set List

Ponder, Sykes & Wright releases New Hits Collection and Gears Up for 2018 Tour Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—November 9th, 2017—Gaither Music Group has just announced the release of Set List, The Best of Ponder, Sykes & Wright, scheduled to release digitally on December 1st to outlets everywhere including iTunes, Amazon, Gaither.com and others.  The recording features some of the most requested hits and favorite songs from this trio, known for seamless, three-part harmony and soothing blends.

David Ponder, Michael Sykes andWoody Wright have been performing together for nearly 40 years.  Individually, they are acclaimed singers and musicians with multiple awards, national platform performances and producer credits.  Together, however, they possess a sound and style all their own—one with country roots, pop sensibilities and the gospel message.

“Set List is a mixture of studio and live cuts, radio releases and a few surprises,” stated Wright.  “Most everywhere I play solo concerts someone will say they remember Ponder Sykes & Wright.  So hopefully those folks will enjoy this collection.”

That collection includes songs like“I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ for My Journey,” “Higher Ground,” “He Still Speaks,” “I Know Where There’s Water” and more.  This “set list” of songs will be referred to often as the group hits the road this winter and spring for their first tour together in years.

“We’ve discussed putting live dates on the calendar pretty much since we stopped booking dates!” said Wright.  “We’ve been ‘studio dogs’ for so long, but all three of us had the childhood dream to play live music.  It’s way past time for us to hear and share the PS&W harmony live again.”

Gospel Music Trio Ponder, Sykes & Wright 2008

Through decades of producing, writing and recording, that harmony has never lost its impact on the guys.  “This vocal blend is special to me because it was born in my living room,” Wright continued.  “The three of us were in another group together at the time, and we were early for a rehearsal at my house.  We sang the Commodores’ ‘Sail On’ and heard a harmony buzz I’m still not over, nearly 40 years later.”

“I’m ready to share hope as we travel,” stated Ponder, who has experienced newness of life firsthand since he underwent a heart transplant surgery last year.  “On August 5, 2016, God completely healed my severe heart damage/failure by giving me a new heart. God showed me it was part of His plan for me to be healthy so He could use me with Michael and Woody to give people hope–for health, for relationships and hope in Jesus Christ.  I’m ready to share that hope.”

Set List, The Best of Ponder, Sykes & Wright, will be exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.

For further information regarding the group visit them at their webpage or on Facebook. Click here for booking or for tour shedule.

November 2017 SGNScoops Magazine

For further information about the Gaither Homecoming family of artists visit the Gaither webpage, Facebook page or on Twitter.

SGNScoops Magazine features Bill Gaither as the cover feature here.

ABOUT DAVID PONDER
David Ponder has been working in studios since the mid-‘90s, using his talents as an engineer, digital editor, singer, acoustic guitar player, percussionist, composer, vocal engineer and bass player.  He has worked with a “who’s who of artists,” including the Gaither Vocal Band, The Hagees, Bill Gaither, Russ Taff, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jessy Dixon, Cherryholmes, Karen Peck & New River, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Mark Lowry, Dottie Rambo, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, the Martins, The Crabb Family, Vestal Goodman, Bill & Gloria Gaither and more.

ABOUT MICHAEL SYKES
Winner of more than a dozen GMA Dove Awards and multiple GRAMMY ® nominations, Michael Sykes is a musician, songwriter, singer and producer.  Setting out for Nashville at 18 years of age, he began playing piano for various country and gospel groups and soon found himself offering creative input with group harmonies before becoming a producer.

Sykes has produced albums for the industry’s most esteemed artists, including the Gaither Vocal Band, Russ Taff, the Martins, Jeff and Sheri Easter and his full-circle achievement as producer of The Oak Ridge Boys’ DOVE Award-winning album From the Heart.  He has also expressed his artistry through his songwriting accomplishments, including much-loved songs like “Prayer Warrior,” “King of Who I Am,” “Knowing You’ll Be There” and “Make It Real.”  His love for harmony has made him a natural singer as a vocalist with Goodman Revival and Ponder Sykes & Wright.

ABOUT WOODY WRIGHT
Woody Wright grew up studying the writings of Dad Speer, Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, Larry Gatlin and Kris Kristofferson, among others.  Digesting every liner note, song credit and publishing company name, his dream in life was for a gospel or country music artist to sing one of the songs he was writing.

And a few did!  Those credits include such artists as the Gaither Vocal Band, Charley Pride, Mark Lowry, Russ Taff, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Isaacs, William Lee Golden, Buddy Greene, Karen Peck & New River, Judy Martin Hess, the Booth Brothers, Tanya Goodman Sykes, Chonda Pierce, Lynda Randle, Sammy Hall, Christ Church Choir, The Lewis Family and many more.  A multi-artist concept CD and DVD project called Circuit Rider, that he created with Suzanne Jennings, was just released.

For the latest issue of SGNScoops Magazine click here.

For the latest Gospel music news click here.

For online Gospel music radio click here.

November 2017 SGNScoops Magazine

November 2017 SGNScoops Magazine

It’s November, the month of Thanksgiving and the traditional beginning of the Christmas season. We so enjoy this time of year, and we hope you really enjoy our November issue of SGNScoops Magazine.

Gospel Music Hall of Fame Members the Gaither Vocal Band Awarded Two 2017 GMA DOVE Awards

Gospel Music Hall of Fame Members
the Gaither Vocal Band Awarded Two
2017 GMA DOVE Awards

GRAMMY® Award-winning Quintet Garners Wins for Southern Gospel Artist of the Year and Southern Gospel Song of the Year

Legendary Group Gives Rousing Performance at This Year’s GMA DOVE Awards Ceremony

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—October 20th, 2016—The Gaither Vocal Band was honored with two wins at the 48th Annual GMA DOVE Awards, announced on Tuesday at ceremonies hosted by the Gospel Music Association and held in Nashville, Tennessee, on the Lipscomb University campus. The quintet–Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles, Adam Crabb and Reggie Smith—took home this year’s honors for Southern Gospel Artist of the Year and Southern Gospel Song of the Year for “Better Together,” which was written by Gaither, Reba Rambo-McGuire, Dony McGuire and Chip Davis.

“We have heard it said that our strength lies in our diversity,” stated Gaither about the song. “But I’ve come to believe that our strength lies in coming together in spite of our differences. I still believe that there is more that unites us than divides us, and I believe the songs on this recording celebrate the things that bring us together.”

Better Together (Gaither Music Group), which brought together the production talents of Ben Isaacs (Jimmy Fortune, The Oak Ridge Boys), David Phelps and Gaither, debuted street week at #1 on the Southern Gospel chart and at #9 on the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The recording, also nominated for a 2017 GRAMMY® Award for Best Roots Gospel Album, features the top-charting radio single “Working on a Building.” The GVB has garnered six GRAMMY® nominations, two GRAMMY® Awards and 19 GMA DOVE Awards to date.

“It’s still surreal for me to think about being the recipient of a DOVE Award,” said Hampton. “What an honor to be recognized in such a special way. We are grateful!”

The Gospel Music Hall of Fame members’ enthusiasm was evident when they hit the stage during the soon-to-be televised broadcast to perform their new single, “Hallelujah Band,” the debut single from their new release, “We Have This Moment” (Gaither Music Group). The performance, which featured band musicians Matthew Holt, Kevin Williams, Greg Ritchie and Kevin Moore in addition to Crabb’s harmonica talents, ignited the audience. The song has been exciting online viewers for weeks on the Friends of Gaither Facebook Page as the LIVE performance recording of “Hallelujah Band” has received over 1.1 million views.

The Gaither Vocal Band is seen regularly on over 15 TV networks that carry the “Gaither Gospel Hour” weekly including PBS, RFD-TV, DIRECTV, TBN, The Heartland Network, Dish TV, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT, TLN and GaitherTV (available on the internet, Roku TV, Sony TV, Google TV and the most recent version of Apple TV). They can be seen in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS.

Photo by Craig Harris.

Gaither Music Group’s recordings are exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music and are available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and Gaither.com.

The Gaither brand of artists and products topped the BILLBOARD Year-End Chart of Music Video Sales Labels for 2000, 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The 48th Annual GMA DOVE Award televised broadcast will air this Sunday night at 8 CST on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).

For further information regarding the Gaither Vocal Band, please visit www.gaither.com or connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gaithermusic or on Twitter: @gaithermusic
To see the GVB on tour visit http://bit.ly/2wbASOq

ABOUT THE GAITHER VOCAL BAND
The Gaither Vocal Band has been making music since the early 80s when four men gathered around a piano before a Bill Gaither Trio concert and began harmonizing on the quartet classic “Your First Day in Heaven.” More than a quarter century later, the list of men who have comprised the Gaither Vocal Band over the years reads like a “Who’s Who” among gospel music’s best-loved male voices.
One of the most lauded and award-winning groups in gospel music garnering six GRAMMY® nominations, two GRAMMY® Awards and 19 GMA DOVE Awards, these Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame honorees continue to headline one of the largest tours in the field of Christian music annually; and their groundbreaking successes continue to raise the standard in male harmony. The group, which has sold over three million DVDs and CDs, is currently comprised of Bill Gaither, Wes Hampton, Todd Suttles, Adam Crabb and Reggie Smith.

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Award-winning Country Music Singer Bradley Walker Checks Item Off Bucket List with All-new Recording

Award-winning Country Music Singer Bradley Walker Checks Item Off Bucket List
with All-new Recording

2017 GMA DOVE Award Nominee Blessed with New Gospel CD and DVD

Walker Joined by Many of His Musical Heroes on Upcoming Studio Recording that Follows His Chart-topping Gospel Music Debut

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—September 12th, 2017– Country singer and GMA DOVE Award nominee Bradley Walker has just completed an all-new, studio recording and LIVE concert DVD of gospel songs and hymns that will be released on October 6th. Produced by Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs), Blessed, Hymns and Songs of Faith (Gaither Music Group) captures many of the songs that inspired Walker to become a singer.

“As a singer, I’d have to say an album like this has always been on my ‘bucket list,’” described Walker. “I have always hoped I would have the chance to make a record full of classic gospel songs that I’ve grown up on, with some new ones thrown in, and make it a good representation of who I am musically. I believe we’ve done that.”

That accomplishment not only finds the Alabama native fulfilling a lifelong dream but doing so alongside some of his musical influences and heroes.

“Ben [Isaacs] and I wanted to capture the combination of country, bluegrass, and gospel that we both love so much; and I’m so thrilled for folks to hear how it came together,” stated Walker. “We also asked several of my favorite singers on the planet to be on this album with me. These are folks who I’ve listened to and admired for many years and who I’m proud to say have all become friends.”

That group of friends includes the legendary Vince Gill, who joined Walker for “Drifting Too Far from the Shore,” a classic previously performed by Hank Williams, Sr. and Emmylou Harris among others. Award-winning songstress Alison Krauss lent her vocals to Walker’s rendition of “Angel Band,” and bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent added her talent to the gospel classic “One Day at a Time.” Country and Gospel Music Hall of Famers Jimmy Fortune and The Oak Ridge Boys performed on the new recording in addition to the GRAMMY®-nominated Isaacs and 15-time GRAMMY® Award winner Ricky Skaggs.

The LIVE concert DVD recording, filmed in Alexandria, Indiana, features an all-star cast of musicians including Isaacs and soloist Charlotte Ritchie. Hosted by Gaither Music Group’s founder Bill Gaither, the DVD spotlights Walker’s heart for this style of music and his dream to record this collection of songs.

“My country music heroes made some of the best gospel records of all-time, in my opinion,” said Walker. “…folks like Vern Gosdin, Conway Twitty and so many more. People have told me for years, ‘You need to make a gospel album!’ Well, here it is, and I hope it is something that will be a blessing to folks for a long time. This is all another dream come true, and I feel so honored…so fortunate…and so incredibly BLESSED!”

The Blessed, Hymns and Songs of Faith CD and DVD recordings will be airing this fall as part of a TV special on networks including TBN, RFD-TV, PBS, The Heartland Network, FamilyNet, CTN, GMC, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT, TLN and Gaither TV (available on Roku, Google and the Internet). It will be airing in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel and Hope TV.

Bradley Walker, Blessed, Hymns and Songs of Faith DVD cover art

Known for his unequivocal baritone voice and inspiring story, this International Bluegrass Male Vocalist of the Year Award winner received his first three GMA DOVE nominations this year surrounding his release Call Me Old-Fashioned (Gaither Music Group/Farmhouse Recordings), produced by longtime friend, singer and songwriter Rory Feek (Joey+Rory). A well-loved performer for years among country and bluegrass music circles, Walker garnered nods for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year, Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year and Southern Gospel Song of the Year.

That debut recording landed at #9 on the Country Albums chart, #4 on the Contemporary Christian Albums chart and at #1 on the Bluegrass Albums chart in 2016. The companion DVD, hosted by Rory Feek (Joey+Rory), topped the Christian Music Video chart and landed at #1 on the Billboard Top Music Video chart.

Blessed, Hymns and Songs of Faith is exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music and is available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com. The recording will also be available this fall at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®.

For a preview of the DVD visit: https://youtu.be/vhGjoFRM9aY.
To pre-buy the CD and DVD visit: Amazon: http://capcmg.me/BW.BlessedDVD.AM, iTunes: http://capcmg.me/BW.Blessed.iT or the Gaither Store: http://capcmg.me/BW.Blessed
To enjoy a Facebook Live Event with Bradley on September 13th visit: http://capcmg.me/BW.BlessedFBLive
To join Bradley’s Facebook Fan Group visit: http://capcmg.me/BW.FriendsandFans
For further information regarding Bradley visit www.bradleywalker.com or follow him at https://www.facebook.com/bradleywalkermusic/

Blessed CD and DVD Song Listing:
1. AMAZING GRACE
2. FAMILY BIBLE (with The Oak Ridge Boys)
3. ANGEL BAND (with Alison Krauss)
4. I WILL SOMEDAY (with The Isaacs)
5. DRIFTING TOO FAR FROM THE SHORE (with Vince Gill)
6. I’LL FLY AWAY
7. CAST THE FIRST STONE
8. THE OLD RUGGED CROSS (with Jimmy Fortune)
9. BECAUSE HE LIVES (with Charlotte Ritchie and Ben Isaacs)
10. SAY SOMETHING
11. VICTORY IN JESUS
12. ONE DAY AT A TIME (with Rhonda Vincent)
13. WHO WILL SING FOR ME (with Ricky Skaggs)

Bradley Walker
Photo by: Russ Harrington

ABOUT BRADLEY WALKER
Country singer Bradley Walker is a storyteller. His unmistakable, baritone vocals are refreshing yet warmly familiar as are his songs about life, love, family and his Christian faith. In 2016, the IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year honoree partnered with longtime friend/songwriter Rory Feek to record a debut gospel music collection that captured his earnest style—one influenced by Haggard, Whitley, Jones, Gosdin, Milsap and others. Garnering three 2017 GMA DOVE Award nominations, those songs and his inspiring story have impacted countless people through his TV special, airing on over 15 networks.
In 2017, Walker went into the studio with longtime friend Ben Isaacs to record a traditional hymns recording that showcases his authenticity and finds him joining voices with many of his musical heroes. Whether singing on a Gaither HOMECOMING stage, “The Grand Ole Opry” or the “Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree,” this “best-kept secret in country music” continues to put a fresh spin on a timeless style with his unique, faith-infused brand of country music.

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Country Music Icon Alan Jackson Lands No. 1 Chart Positions for Rerelease  

Alan Jackson

Country Music Icon Alan Jackson Lands No. 1 Chart Positions for Rerelease of Precious Memories, Live at the Ryman DVD  Gaither Music Group and Jackson Celebrate This Week’s No. 1 Top-selling DVD on Two Billboard Sales Charts  RFD-TV to Add New Airings of Jackson’s TV Special Surrounding DVD Collection  NASHVILLE, Tenn.–August 25th, 2017— Country music superstarAlan Jackson is back at the top of the charts this week, celebrating the No. 1 spot on this week’sBillboard Music Video chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan, with the rerelease of his LIVE DVD recording entitledPrecious Memories, Live at the Ryman.   Precious Memories, rereleased byGaither Music Group and produced by Martin Fischer and directed byJames Burton Yockey, also garnered the No. 1 position on this week’s Christian Video chart.  In addition, Jackson’s 2-CD Precious Memories set (Universal) climbed up this week’s Country chart to theNo. 8 position and landed the No. 2position on the week’sContemporary Christian Music chart.    “It is a joy to partner with Alan Jackson on this DVD,” stated Gaither Music Group founder and gospel music legend Bill Gaither.  “As a songwriter, I really appreciate the beauty of a well-written song; and Alan has been showing the world for a long time how to write great songs.  On this recording, he went back to songs that both of us treasure—hymns of the church—with lyrics that keep on inspiring us with their timeless messages.”     Taped at the historic Ryman, known as “The Mother Church of Country Music” in Nashville, TN, the nostalgic, 14-song collection captures Jackson’s stage performances of songs from his first gospel recording, Precious Memories, originally released in 2006.  The video, which features Jackson’s heartwarming tones singing signature renditions of traditional hymns and gospel favorites, also includes behind-the-scenes interviews with him, his mother and his wife as he reflects on his musical roots.   The TV special—an immediate hit with viewers across networks—enjoyed a strong premiere on RFD-TV which has now added two shows to its list of airings as follows: September 11th           8:00 p.m. EST September 11th            Midnight EST   The Precious Memories DVD is also airing as part of a television special on DirecTV, Dish TV, TBN, PBS, The Heartland Network, GaitherTV, FamilyNet, CTN, GMC, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, TCT and TLN.  It is airing in Canada on Vision TV, CTS, The Miracle Channel andHope TV.  The DVD is featured on Gaither Music Group’s website, the Gaither Catalog Collection, digital assets, social media and YouTube channel.    Precious Memories, Live at the Ryman is exclusively distributed byCapitol Christian Music Group andUniversal Music and is available now throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including Walmart, iTunes, Amazon, www.gaither.com andwww.alanjackson.com.    The video is AVAILABLE NOW at the following links:   http://capcmg.me/PreciousMemoriesDVD    Amazon http://capcmg.me/am.preciousmemories   A PREVIEW of the DVD can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VotH-56lSjs    Upcoming air dates for the Precious Memories, Live at the Ryman TV special are as follows:  UNITED STATES and CANADA TV LISTINGS: Eastern Time Zone; Check local listings for channels    RFD-TV September 11th           8:00 p.m. EST September 11th            Midnight EST Sept 14       6:30 p.m. Sept 16       6:00 p.m. TBN Sept 16        7:00 p.m. The Heartland Network Sept 12         8:00 p.m. Sept 16         12 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Sept 17         8:00 p.m. Sept 17         12 p.m. Total Living Network Sept 16   check local listing The Walk-TV Sept 16        12 a.m. Sept 17        See Your Local Listings Christian T V Network Sept 16        4 p.m. CTN Sept 16      4 p.m. CTS Sept 16     5:00 p.m. CANADA    The Miracle Channel Sept 16       11:30 p.m.     Vision TV Sept 15        9:00 p.m. Sept 16        5:30 a.m.                           Hope TV Sept 16        12 a.m.                      Sept 17        12 a.m.                       Crossroads TV Sept 16        3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m.   For further information, connect athttps://www.facebook.com/OfficialAlanJackson orwww.alanjackson.com or on Twitter: @OfficialJackson.           Precious Memories, Live at the Ryman–DVD Song List: 1. Blessed Assurance 2. In the Garden 3. I Love to Tell the Story 4. Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus 5. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus 6. When We All Get to Heaven 7. BONUS:  Softly and Tenderly 8. BONUS:  Standing on the Promises 9. Are You Washed in the Blood? / I’ll Fly Away 10. What a Friend We Have in Jesus 11. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms 12. The Old Rugged Cross 13. How Great Thou Art 14. I Want to Stroll over Heaven with You  ABOUT ALAN JACKSON Recently announced as an inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson’s membership among country music’s all-time greats is the latest in a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.   The man from rural Newnan, GA, has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide and ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres. He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers). He has earned more than 150 music industry awards – including 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of GRAMMYS® and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.   Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music. He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who have written more than 20 songs that they have recorded and taken to the top of the charts. Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica.  For more gospel music news click here. For the latest SGNScoops Magazine click here.

Gaither returns to NQC

Gaither Vocal Band by Justin Gilmore

International Gospel Music Icon Returns to Gospel Music’s Largest Annual Event

Gaither Vocal Band and Homecoming Sing-Along Appearances Headline NQC’s All-Star 60th Anniversary Celebration

Pigeon Forge, TN (April 6, 2017) – Clarke Beasley – Executive Vice President, NQC – took the stage during the NQC Spring Break Event at First Baptist Sevierville, TN to make a special announcement that Bill Gaither would be returning to NQC 2017. The 60th Anniversary of NQC – Gospel music’s largest annual event – will feature appearances by the Gaither Vocal Band and the Homecoming Sing-Along on Thursday. The appearances mark a return for Gaither after a 3 year absence at the convention.

“The entire NQC Board is thrilled that we are able to present Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band at the 60th Anniversary celebration of the NQC,” stated Beasley. “Our participants and attendees are overjoyed at Bill’s return.”

Bill Gaither shared, “I am excited to be back at NQC this year with the Gaither Vocal Band celebrating NQC’s 60th Anniversary and we are looking forward to the Homecoming Sing-along on Thursday afternoon with all our friends.”

The 60th anniversary celebration of the National Quartet Convention will be heldSeptember 24-30, 2017 in Pigeon Forge, TN at the LeConte Center. An all-star lineup of the best in gospel music will delight fans during the week with performances including GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame members The Hoppers, Grammy award winner Jason Crabb, and award-winning artists such as Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Kingdom Heirs, Whisnants, Joseph Habedank, the Jim Brady Trio, Mark Trammell Quartet, the Collingsworth Family, Tribute Quartet, The Erwins, Karen Peck & New River and so many more.

In addition to the evening concerts, many other events and activities await thousands of gospel music fans throughout the week including the Singing News Fan Awards, Dr. David Jeremiah’s keynote address, Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Music Hymn Sing and more.

Connect with NQC:
www.NQConline.com
www.Facebook.com/NQConline
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What Love Looks Like: Featuring Morgan Easter from Jeff and Sheri Easter

Morgan Easter

By: Fayth D. Lore

She is a woman full of personality, Jesus and talent. With her contagious smile and confident voice, she walks on stages all across the country with her parents right by her side. Kraft Macaroni and Fruity Pebbles pull the highest rankings in her favorite food category. And, her favorite fur baby is her cat, Alfie. This month’s featured artist is a keeper for sure. I’m pleased to get to share with you about Ms. Morgan Easter, as she shares with us what love looks like.

 After six Dove Awards, two career GRAMMY nominations and multiple other accolades, I believe Jeff and Sheri Easter could say that: “Over and over, again and again, God has been faithful.” Both Jeff and Sheri came from a rich heritage of Gospel Music. Thankfully, for us, they have passed on their love for God and music to their three children.

Morgan Easter with parents Jeff and Sheri Easter

Morgan is their middle child, and the eldest sister. Jeff and Sheri began their singing career in 1988, just a short time after their marriage. Morgan said that her first time on the road was at 10 days old. Morgan explains, “I’ve always traveled with them and don’t know anything different.” However, she didn’t begin traveling full time in the ministry until her teenage years.

“I did attend public school all 12 years. Our school system, where all of my family has graduated from, worked so well with us. They said as long as I kept my grades up I could travel. It was definitely challenging at times, especially the last few years, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It gave me a taste of a normal life and because of it I have many lifelong friends that I cherish deeply.
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Layke Jones of Jim Brady Trio: Making An Impact

Jim Brady Trio

By Craig Harris

Rejection kept a door closed for Layke Jones. However, it also eventually led to an entryway for the aspiring performer. “My sophomore year of college, when Mark Lowry left, I auditioned for the (Gaither) Vocal Band,” Jones explains. “Being a (former) educator, he (Bill Gaither) said, ‘I can’t in good faith take you out of college.’”

After graduating from Anderson (Ind.) University, Jones landed his current position as a vocalist with the Jim Brady Trio in June. “He’s the reason I have this job,” Jones says of Gaither’s involvement. “He’s backed it hard.

“A guy with a Rolodex his size, I’m not sure why he would give me the time of day. It’s a God thing.”

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