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JASON CRABB HITS A HOME RUN WITH LOVE IS STRONGER!

March 19, 2013 – (NASHVILLE, TN) The reviews are in and critics are raving about Love Is Stronger, the latest release from Grammy award-winning vocalist, Jason Crabb. The second studio release from 17-time Dove Award-winning vocalist has garnered attention from both Christian and mainstream press including CCM Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, Associated Press, and Fox News, among others.

Additionally, the release was highlighted by iTunes – the largest distributor of digital music – as a “New & Noteworthy Release” on the main iTunes page as well as Christian & Gospel page. iTunes selects these spots for releases they deem to be be significant additions to the musical landscape. AOL Music also turned their spotlight onto the project by hosting an AOL Music Listening Party where listeners could stream the entire CD for free during release week.

Produced by a trio of musical heavyweights – Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts), Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin), Wayne Haun (Jessica Simpson, Celine Dion) – the project has received amazing support among reviewers and music fans alike. “I’ve been blown away with how warmly this new music has been embraced,” said Crabb. “I am so proud of this project and my prayer is that the music would touch the listener and give them encouragement.”

Crabb kicked off his release in high-gear as Free Chapel hosted a live CD release celebration featuring Jason, his band and a live orchestra. The event, streamed to over 40,000 people in more than 35 countries, featured special guests Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Andy Andrews and producers Jay DeMarcus and Wayne Haun. From there, Jason was interview by Fox News’ Lauren Green via satellite from Rome, Italy where. Jason continued his high-octane release week taking the stage of the Grand Ole Opry where he debuted two new tracks from the project and he wrapped up the weekend with an appearance at Billy Graham’s “The Cove.”

Here’s just a sample of what people are saying about Love Is Stronger:

“Grammy-winning Christian singer Jason Crabb impressively drives home the theme of how genuine love can be even if there’s heartache and grief. His soaring voice, lyrics of enduring faith and solid production on the 11-track set continue to prove why he is the Gospel Music Association’s reigning male vocalist and artist of the year.”
– Associated Press

“Love is Stronger is a breakthrough album that will thrust Jason Crabb into a bright spotlight…Jason uses tremendous vocal control as he slides effortlessly from soft, tender notes to full-on power belting… Kari Jobe joins her voice with Jason’s on “Love Wins.” The song defies categorization and should reach and bolster many…. This (album) has huge potential to expand Crabb’s audience…Packed from start to finish with strong songs, versatile vocal performances, and an abundance of energy and emotion, this album is not limited to a single musical category…A gem of a record”
– New Release Tuesday

“Few artists on today’s musical landscape possess Jason Crabb’s ability to move effortlessly from one musical style to another, erasing boundaries between country, pop and gospel with the smooth, rich voice that has made him a Grammy winner and the Gospel Music Association’s reigning Male Vocalist and Artist of the Year”
– AOL’s The Boot

“No corn fluff to be found here…rich interpretations of positive lyric themes are set against solid arrangements…Crabb’s soulful tone weaves through this record… An eleven-track gem.”
– Music News New York

“Jason Crabb’s new album (Love Is Stronger) is impressive.”
– Huffington Post 

“One of the most anticipated releases of 2013…He is definitely one of the most talented vocalists out there.  Love Is Stronger is definitely one of the best albums of 2013.”
– Christian Music Review

“…One of the most talented artists this industry we call CCM has ever seen…Spine-tingling artistry…Each moment of the new album is emotive and beyond the confines of any one genre…”
– CCM Magazine

“One of the most gifted vocalists to rise in popularity the past decade…A collection of strong tunes…Brilliant vocal showcases.”
– Roughstock

“Crabb has never been more himself: he shows a greater command over his vocals and he has never sounded more passionate…This CD really brings out the new man in Crabb – one who is confident when he rocks and yet provides the heart pabulum when he croons.”
– Breathecast

“…Truly magical…Powerful, Jason’s delivery is heartfelt and flawless…”
– Absolutely Gospel

“…Truly fulfilling…One of the strongest gospel albums of this year.”
– Nashville Country Club

From the reviews, it is evident that Love Is Stronger, and the overriding messages of love and encouragement contained in the lyrics, have resonated strongly. The 11-track CD was released on March 12, 2013 and contains lyrics that echo Crabb’s own real-life.

Along with the release of the new project, Jason reached a social media milestone during release week crossing over 100,000 “likes” on Facebook. “I love my Facebook family! I love the way everyone prays for and interacts with each other,” Crabb comments. “It’s amazing what one comment can lead to. Many times I’ve posted a scripture or encouraging thought and someone replies back to tell me that it was exactly what they needed at that time.”

Love Is Stronger is available wherever music is sold and online digitally at iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody among others.

Connect with Jason Crabb
Website :: www.JasonCrabb.com
Facebook :: www.Facebook.com/JasonCrabbMusic
Twitter :: www.Twitter.com/JasonCrabbMusic

Photo: From L-R: Paul Franklin, Mel Tillis, Jason Crabb, Pete Fisher (Opry General Manager) and Buck White (The Whites) all smiles as Jason gets ready to take the Grand Ole Opry stage. Photo courtesy Nelon PR

Doyle Lawson Heralded as Legend on Woodsongs

LEXINGTON, KY (March 1, 2013) – Doyle Lawson was heralded as a legend in his appearance on Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour at the historic Lyric Street Theatre on Monday night in downtown Lexington.

With words of praise and appreciation for Lawson and his music throughout the show, host Michael Johnathon began the show talking with Doyle about his inspirations in music, both Bill Monroe and Doyle’s dad. Doyle recalled listening to Bill Monroe on the Grand Ole Opry and admiring how Bill commanded the music he played. “I also grew up in a gospel quartet environment, as my dad sang in an a cappella gospel quartet,” Doyle continued, “so the gospel side has been as much a part of me in developing my music as bluegrass.”

While Lawson is known for his vocals and his band’s signature harmony, with Doyle fresh off the heels of being awarded SPBGMA’s Mandolin Player of the Year earlier this month, Michael Johnathon relayed that Doyle has been as important to the genre of Bluegrass as a musician as he has been as a singer.

New songs from DLQ’s upcoming album were previewed on Woodsongs, such as “Hard to Be Forgotten,” “One Small Miracle,” and the toe-tapping “Fiddlin’ Will” which gave six-time Florida State Fiddle Champion Jason Barie a chance to flex some musical muscle. In response to feedback Johnathon received about DLQ in prior performances on Woodsongs, Michael asked Doyle to give a sample of an a cappella song Johnathon especially liked with a calypso feel. DLQ obliged, and the audience raised the roof with applause for Doyle, Corey, Mike and Josh singing “Greatest Creator of Them All.”

Michael observed that Doyle at 5 years old had listened to his heroes like Bill Monroe on the Grand Ole Opry, and Johnathon said he could imagine 5 year old kids tuning in at home listening to Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s music and wanting to sound like them. Johnathon encouraged kids who were listening to put their hearts and spirits into music, and to be happy in the music they created. He then gave three children from the audience an opportunity to be on stage and introduce the last songs by each of the show’s featured groups, DLQ and alternative grass band Lake Street Dive. Prior to DLQ closing the show with a revved up version of their perennial favorite, “Blue Train,” Doyle was introduced as “one of the most important and best looking bluegrass musicians in History!”

Heralded by Power Source Magazine recently as being much more than sequins, stones and glitz, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver sparkled in performance and appearance on that historic stage in Lexington, and may well have inspired a new generation of listening kids to pick up a mandolin or dobro and put their hearts into music … the way Doyle has spent a lifetime doing, leaving a legacy of priceless music along the way.

With nearly 40 albums to their credit, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver have multiple Grammy, Dove, ICM, IBMA and SPBGMA Award nominations, and are 7-time winners of IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year Award. Every other album release for Doyle Lawson is Gospel, and he must be doing something right, as Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are the reigning Inspirational Country Music Association Vocal Group of the Year, crowned in October at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, while Lawson was still gratefully basking in the glow of his induction into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame at the Ryman Auditorium in September.

Michael Johnathon’s Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour is heard by over 1 million listeners on over 500 radio stations in the U.S. and internationally, plus The Village on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, in addition to the American Forces Radio Network which broadcasts into over 175 countries and every U.S. Naval ship at sea. The show is also seen in millions of homes in America on Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television stations. Woodsongs also holds acclaim as the world’s first multi-camera, weekly series broadcast on the Internet.

The Woodsongs show featuring Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will be available for viewing in the show’s archives on-line in the days to come as Show # 704 at the following link: http://www.woodsongs.com/showlist.asp.

Photo by Kim Hornsby, www.equineimagesbykim.com

Actor/entertainer Randall Franks releases new Christmas music video

Entertainer Randall Franks, “Officer Randy Goode” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night,” is featured on a new video release from Autry-Franks Productions highlighting his vintage studio recording of “Let’s Live Every Day Like It Was Christmas” performed with Grand Ole Opry stars – the Whites, Jesse McReynolds and Jerry Douglas.

“It was so much fun to see these performances like they have not been seen before,” Franks said. “Although we taped the performances to help promote the project 20 years ago, they were mainly used for news stories around the country and the song as a whole was never released. Seeing it and the other interview clips from the project brings back so many wonderful memories. All these wonderful actors and artists donated their time for this charitable effort.”

This performance featuring Randall vocally with Buck, Sharon and Cheryl of the Whites was included among the top 10 country vocal collaborations of the year when the song was released to radio.

It appears on the 20^th Anniversary “Christmas Time’s A Comin’” CD featuring the cast of TV’s “In the Heat of the Night” and Friends from Sonlite and Crimson Records in association with MGM. The CD was produced by Randall Franks and Alan Autry.

The charity CD raises funds for drug abuse prevention charities and features selections from the actors of the popular show with special appearances by country, bluegrass and gospel stars. A donation of $20 in the U.S. to receive the CD can be made at www.shareamericafoundation.org. “In the Heat of the Night” currently airs on WGN America. Read more »

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED STRING POP-GROUP, ANNIE MOSES BAND, TO MAKE GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT NOVEMBER 23 IN NASHVILLE, TN

Los Angeles, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2012)—Critically acclaimed group Annie Moses Band will make its Grand Ole Opry debut this week, on Friday, November 23 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. The band is well known for its beautifully energetic shows and highly successful PBS television specials. This all-American premier string pop/folk group, led by singer & violinist Annie and her talented siblings, will perform alongside other musical greats including Crystal Gayle, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, John Conelee, Jimmy Dickens and The Grascals.

The band is set to perform its current single “Blush,” from Pilgrims & Prodigals, the group’s latest release. Additionally, the group will play their show-stopping rendition of the holiday classic “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” one of the many timeless carols featured on Annie Moses Bands’ upcoming holiday compilation, Annie Moses Band Ultimate Christmas Collection, available nationwide on November 27. Performances will air live at 7pm CT on 650 AM WSM Radio and Sirius XM on Channel 56.

Next week on November 25, fans can also catch the world premiere for their video “Blush” on Great American Country (GAC). The music video was directed by award-winning filmmaker, David Kiern, inside of Tennessee’s glamorous Rippavilla Plantation. Though Rippavilla is a historic mansion infamous for its ghosts, the band saw it as a perfect backdrop for the radio single which marries a nostalgic message to a modern edge.

“Blush” is a song that aims to question our culture’s cynicism and to speak a timeless truth with powerful relevance. The band recognizes that almost everyone in our society has been hurt by broken relationships, and that individuals turn to cynicism rather than a belief in values that create and nurture loving and long-lasting relationships. The song’s message communicates the group’s desire to return to a time when a wounded heart was not an inevitable experience.

For more information on Annie Moses Band and the Grand Ole Opry, please visit www.anniemosesband.com and http://www.opry.com/.

About Annie Moses Band
The Annie Moses Band is made up of six siblings, with their parents Bill and Robin spearheading the lyrics and arrangements. As a whole, the family has earned numerous awards and achievements that testify to the depth of each member’s artistic ability, while collectively creating a blend of captivating styles of classical, jazz, folk and even frisson of Celtic.  The group consists of highly trained experts, most of them having graduated from the prestigious Juilliard. In addition to its PBS specials and tour dates, in the summer the band hosts a Fine Arts Summer Academy, which is an intensive program for young musical artists that allows them to put their technique to work with on-stage performing experience.

Grammy Nominees Jeff & Sheri Easter to appear on the Grand Ole Opry

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated and six-time Dove Award-winning artists Jeff and Sheri Easter are scheduled to appear on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 4 for two shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m.
These gospel music family group mainstays will be premiering songs from their upcoming release Eyes Wide Open (Spring Hill Music) which will hit streets on September 18. They will be performing with other artists, including Carrie Underwood, Little Jimmy Dickens, Jeannie Seely, Jim Ed Brown, Jean Shepherd, Bill Anderson and many others.
“Jeff and I feel so at home at the Opry,” states Sheri. “We both grew up in families of bluegrass gospel artists, so we made a lot of longtime friends over the years, many of whom are part of the Opry family. It always feels like coming back home when we’re there.”
Jeff adds, “Our music has always been country; our lyrics have always been gospel; and we love to sing love songs to each other; so stylistically, we fit in well with not only the Opry artists, but also the Opry fans.”
To learn more about this week’s Grand Ole Opry shows, visit http://www.opry.com or call 1-800-SEE OPRY.

GUY PENROD CELEBRATES #1 DEBUT WITH HYMNS

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Hymns, the sophomore Gaither Music Group/Servant Records recording from Guy Penrod, Christian music’s premier country recording artist, achieved chart-topping sales success following its release March 27.  Hymns was the top seller on Nielsen SoundScan’s Southern Gospel retail chart; #5 on the Current Contemporary Christian chart; and entered The Billboard 200 at #85.  First-week sales of Hymns surpassed those of Penrod’s 2010 solo debut, Breathe Deep, which has gone on to sell more than 85,000 units.

Produced by Penrod and Pete Greene, Hymns showcases 13 of the award-winning artist’s favorite selections, including the debut single, “Does Jesus Care?,” a duet with the legendary George Beverly Shea.  The project also features “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 Gaither Music Group/Servant Records release, 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 made his Grand Ole Opry debut last year.  Prior to his solo career, Penrod spent 14 years with the 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®.  The new recording is positioned heavily at retail and is being aired as part of a direct TV campaign on networks including GAC, RFD, GMC, TBN, FamilyNet, CTS, CTN, TCT, TLN, Airtime 1 and GMTN and in Canada on Grace, Legacy, Miracle and Vision.

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

KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY MAKE GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Acclaimed Irish modern hymn writers and recording artists Keith & Kristyn Getty made their debut on one of the world’s most prestigious stages, Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, on Saturday.  Invited by Grammy-winning country legend Ricky Skaggs, the Gettys shared their signature hymn, “In Christ Alone,” as well as “When Trials Come,” which concluded with a rousing Irish/bluegrass reel featuring Skaggs on mandolin.

Performing during segments hosted by Skaggs on the Opry’s live broadcast, which is seen and heard around the world, Keith & Kristyn Getty were also joined by band members Patrick D’Arcy and Deborah Klemme, as well as acclaimed fiddler Andy Leftwich of Kentucky Thunder.  Saturday’s Opry line-up featured such renowned artists as Patty Loveless, Bill Anderson, The Whites and Crystal Gayle, among others.

Penned by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, “In Christ Alone” is a modern classic that has been recorded by numerous artists and is sung in churches around the globe.  Keith & Kristyn Getty’s stateside recordings include In Christ Alone, Awaken The Dawn and 2011’s Joy – An Irish Christmas.  They have shared their music at Franklin Graham crusades, the GMA Dove Awards, and performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall, among other noted platforms and international tours.  The couple’s most recent tour, “Joy – An Irish Christmas,” played to multiple sold-out venues across the country, including Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Photo: Pictured onstage at the Grand Ole Opry (l-r): Patrick D’Arcy, Keith Getty,
Ricky Skaggs, Kristyn Getty (2012 Copyright Grand Ole Opry, Photo: Chris Hollo)

Guy Penrod Brings “More Power To Ya” To Fans At Grand Ole Opry On Friday, November 11

November 2, 2011 – Guy Penrod brings his brand new Country single, “More Power To Ya” directly to Country fans at the Grand Ole Opry on Friday, November 11.  The Veteran’s Day performance is his debut appearance at the Opry as a solo artist; he will be accompanied by musicians Jason Ahlbrandt and Jonathan Crone along with the Opry Band.  The show kicks off at 7 p.m. (CT), and will be held at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, known worldwide as “The Mother Church of CountryMusic.” Fans can also listen online at www.wsmonline.com.  The evening is an important one for Guy, who shares the bill with one of his Country music heroes, Charley Pride.  “I’ve got his GREATEST HITS CD playing in my truck right now,” Penrod says. It is also Veteran’s Day, and Guy understands what an important day that is for those who have served our nation.  “My Dad was an Air Force veteran who served in Korea,” Penrod states.  “He has a military marker at his grave, and I have the flag from his funeral hanging in my home.  We need to salute not only those who have served, but those who continue to protect and defend the United States of America.”  Penrod, who rose to fame as the powerhouse lead vocalist for The Gaither Vocal Band, was raised in West Texas and, while his local radio station didn’t carry the Opry, there was plenty of good Country music to be heard.  “I grew up listening to some great artists,” Guy says.  “Pride, Ray Price, Marty Robbins, George Jones and Tammy Wynette ruled the airwaves then, and their music is just as impactful today. I am proud to follow in their footsteps at The Ryman.” Guy’s debut solo CD, BREATHE DEEP, was released worldwide in 2010. The best-selling disc generated critical acclaim and earned Guy a Dove Award nomination, chart success and recognition as a stand-alone artist. BREATHE DEEP was the biggest-selling New Southern Gospel album of 2010. He recently entertained the sold-out crowd at the 17th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Show where he was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year.  Penrod has performed over 170 shows on his “Breathe Deep Tour” in 2010-2011, including three days as part of  Dollywood’s Gospel Celebration and various stages around the world. In November, Guy returns to the studio to begin work on a new CD.  The upcoming HYMNS disc has generated an early buzz within the industry and among his fans. He will continue to record through December, and in January heads out on the First Annual Snowbird Tour of Florida.   ABOUT GUY PENRODDuring his 14-year tenure with The Gaither Vocal Band, Guy logged over 3,000 hours of television airtime and generated CD/DVD sales of over 20,000,000 units.  With The GVB, Guy won four Dove Awards and one Grammy; performed at legendary venues, including: Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center; Sydney Opera House and more.  Penrod has performed in front of more than six million fans and appeared onstage in Germany, Norway, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Denmark, Israel, South Africa and Australia. He was inducted in to the Texas Gospel Hall of Fame in 2011. Guy and his wife Angie have eight children and they live just south of Nashville, TN.

Darrell & Tojuana Opens For Lulu Roman

EHA-Nashville, TN} Darrell & Tojuana opened for the sensational HeeHaw star, Lulu Roman, at Cloverdale Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL on Saturday, July 2.
Lulu Roman is managed by Bill G. Anderson/BGA-Entertainment Group and continues to travel across the country singing the Gospel. She recently appeared on the Grand Ole Opry during CMA week alongside Roy Clark, George Hamilton IV, T. Graham Brown, and many more legends of Country Music on the 32nd Annual Sunday Mornin’ Country show. Darrell and Tojuana  noted, “It was so special to sing in concert with Lulu Roman. She is still loved and remembered everywhere she goes. We hope to do it again!”
Darrell & Tojuana have been traveling and singing for many years and have had charting success with their, “God is in the Room” on the Southern Gospel Times. This past year they have been at the top of the charts. Their mission is to spread the Gospel in song and reach as many souls as possible, reminding people of God’s grace and goodness. Their “Dealing With Gold” project was produced by Danny Kramer (Capitol), and David White (formerly of Karen Peck & New River.) The dynamic duet will also be in a National Quartet Convention artist showcase in Louisville, KY, September ’11. For more info and booking info:
office@EHA-Nashville.com
or
www.darrellandtojuana.com
Address:
Darrell & Tojuana (Johnson)
16800 Emily Cauley Road Moss Point, MS 39562. Telephone: 228-588-6109 228-990-5876

SONYA ISAACS AND JIMMY YEARY WELCOME SON AYDEN JAMES YEARY

NASHVILLE, TENN. (JULY 25, 2011) – SONYA ISAACS YEARY and husband JIMMY YEARY announce the birth of their first child, AYDEN JAMES YEARY. The healthy baby boy was born at 7:36 PM, Monday, July 25, 2011 at a Nashville, TN area hospital weighing 9 lbs. 5 oz. and 22 in. long.

Mother, Father and baby are resting comfortably.

ABOUT THE ISAACS:
Sonya Isaacs Yeary is a member of The Isaacs, a multi-award winning family group who began singing 30 years ago. Lily Isaacs, Ben Isaacs, Sonya Isaacs and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman have a unique style that blends tight, family harmony with contemporary acoustic instrumentation that appeals to a variety of audiences. They perform frequently at the Grand Ole Opry, are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert Series and travel throughout the year performing internationally.