Southern Gospel News SGN Scoops Digital

The Inspirations extend relationship with Horizon Records

The Inspirations have extended their relationship with Horizon Records and are in the studio working on a new album, to be released in 2019.

Arden, North Carolina (October 4, 2018) – After multiple charting songs and hit albums with Horizon Records, The Inspirations are happy to announce that they will be continuing to work with the award-winning label as they continue their storied career. Visit the Inspirations website here.

“One of the great blessings of music is the opportunity we have to record our songs. The music we record lives on for generation to generation to be enjoyed. For many years we have enjoyed the privilege of recording with the Crossroads Horizon Records label. We are excited that our relationship continues with them today. As we continue our journey, it is our prayer that we can be associated with Gospel music’s greatest label: Horizon Records,” note The Inspirations, which includes Archie Watkins, tenor; Eddie Deitz, baritone; Matt Dibler, lead; Marlin Shubert, bass; Roland Kesterson, bass guitar and vocals; and Luke Vaught, pianist.

Horizon Records has been The Inspirations’ home for recording since 2001, and the group is currently in the studio working on a new album to be released in 2019.

“The Inspirations are still a class act to work with, and we are excited to extend this relationship into the future. Archie, Eddie, Matt, Marlin, Luke and Roland are carrying on the tradition that our industry was built upon and are still a crowd favorite everywhere they go. Crossroads is so happy to have The Inspirations in our family of artists,” says Greg Bentley, A&R for Crossroads.

To stay up-to-date on new music from The Inspirations, follow them wherever you listen HERE.

Inspirations at NQC 2018

About The Inspirations
The Inspirations first formed in 1964 in Bryson City, North Carolina and became full time in 1969 after hosting their first “Singing In The Smokies” event. With a number of hit songs through the 1970s, the group rose to national attention and joined the Gospel Singing Jubilee Television program. In January of 1970, they secured their first #1 song on the Singing News Chart, “Jesus Is Coming Soon,” marking just the beginning of their chart-topping success. In November of 1973, The Inspirations held the #1 spot for 12 months with “Touring That City.” It was followed with the success of “When I Wake Up To Sleep No More” in 1974 and “Jesus Is Mine” in 1976. In 2001, The Inspirations recorded their first album with Horizon Records, titled Pure Vintage. The album’s first song, “I’ll Not Turn My Back On Him Now,” returned the group to the top of the Singing News chart after 26 years. It was followed with more #1 tracks with “I Have Not Forgotten” and “If You Only Knew.” Today, The Inspirations are working on a new album to be released in 2019 with their current line-up, Archie Watkins, tenor; Eddie Deitz, baritone; Matt Dibler, lead; Marlin Shubert, bass; Roland Kesterson, bass guitar and vocals; and Luke Vaught, pianist.
About Crossroads:
Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, Crossroads Publishing Group and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ life-changing music.

Crossroads Label Group Proudly Congratulates Artists On Ballot for the 2017 GMA Dove Awards®

Crossroads Label Group

ARDEN, N.C. – (July 27, 2017) – The first ballot for the 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards was released to industry professionals this week and Crossroads Label Group had several artists and writers represented among the eligible entries.

Greg Bentley stated, “Each year it’s exciting to see the nominations for the annual GMA Dove Awards. This year is no exception, and we are thrilled to have so many of our artists and songwriters make the first ballot. It’s an honor and privilege to get to work with each and everyone of these and we are more than proud to represent each one.”

The 48th Annual Dove Awards will be presented October 17th, 2017 at Allen Arena at Lipscomb University in Nashville Tennessee and the nominees represent the biggest and bright names in all of Gospel music each year.

Crossroads Label Group proudly congratulates our first round ballot contenders for the 2017 GMA Dove Awards®.

Southern Gospel Artist:

Kingsmen

Lauren Talley

Kingdom Heirs

Kingdom Heirs

New Artist:

Jordan Family Band

Southern Gospel Song:

11th Hour / He Welcomes The Beggar

11th Hour / Can You Burn

Kingdom Heirs / Never Made A Promise

Kingsmen / They Don’t Know

Lauren Talley / I Hear A Song

Mark Bishop / That’s When It’s Time To Pray

Mark Bishop and Forget The Sea

Forget The Sea / I Will Sing

McKameys / That’s Why There’s A Cross

Talleys / There Is Coming A Day

Wisecarvers / Don’t You Think You Ought To Worship Me

Regina Walden (writer) / Never Will I Ever Again

Karen Gillespie (writer) / Gotta Get To Jesus

Bluegrass Song:

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver / Burden Bearer

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver / Best Friends

Kingsmen

Southern Gospel Album:

Kingdom Heirs / Something Good

Lauren Talley / The Gospel

Kingsmen / They Don’t Know

Mark Bishop / Seasons

McKameys / Something Worth Saving

Bluegrass Album:

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver / Burden Bearer

Lawson & Williams / Chapter 3

Christmas Album:

Jeff Collins / Keys To Christmas

Kingdom Heirs / Glory To God In The Highest                               

More information the GMA Dove Awards can be found at www.doveawards.com.

To learn more about Crossroads Label Group, visit the company online at www.crossroadslabelgroup.com.

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday: Top Ten Artist Favorite Pizza Toppings

Thanks for joining us for another Wacky Wednesday on SGN Scoops. Today we ask another insightful question, “What do Gospel artists like to put on their pizza?” (because we know YOU are dying to know that answer!)

Karen Peck and New River

SGN Scoops polled a few artists about various things and tabulated their answers. We have used this (not so great) scientific process to create today’s Wacky Wednesday Top Ten!

The number one answer for favorite toppings was, of course, pepperoni. Who gave us this answer? Chris Jenkins, Karen Peck (who cheated and also asked for pineapple! But that’s okay because we all love Karen and she can say whatever she wants!) Joseph Habedank, Michaela Brown (yes, this kitchen chef actually eats pizza!) Billy Blackwood, and Gary Casto.

Gary Casto and Tribute

Donna King and Lauren Talley only wanted cheese!

David Sutton and Greg Bentley voted for sausage.

Two out of three Booth Brothers** asked for extra tomato sauce. The other one suggested green peppers.

Phil Collingsworth Sr. likes it Hawaiian style, and asked for pineapple.

Clayton Inman, Scotty Inman and Triumphant

Scott Inman also cheated, and instead of suggesting just one topping, he nominated “Meat Lovers” for his favorite. But again, we all love Scotty, so we let him get away with this response.

Speaking of Inmans, Scotty’s dad Clayton had only one word in response to what his favorite pizza topping was: “YES!”

Shannon Smith thinks along the same line as Clayton when he says, “Everything except anchovies!”

Booth Brothers

Hannah Webb stole this writer’s answer when she responded, “Barbeque Chicken!”

We are sure you have come away from this feature feeling more educated about the pizza toppings enjoyed by Southern Gospel artists. Or perhaps…just hungry for pizza. If so, we have accomplished our goal.

Stay tuned for more of these indepth polls right here on SGN Scoops!

Meet today’s contestants…

**Note: The Booth Brothers each answered each question but wouldn’t say whose answer it was…therefore we are leaving it up to you, dear reader, to guess whether the pithy answer comes from Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth or Paul Lancaster!

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday: Top Ten Places Gospel Artists Like To Eat

Thanks for joining us for another Wacky Wednesday on SGN Scoops. Today we ask another insightful question: “Where do Gospel artists like to eat?”

Booth Brothers

SGN Scoops polled about 17 or so artists about various things and tabulated their answers. We have used this (not so great) scientific process to create today’s Wacky Wednesday Top Ten (more or less)!

Zane and Donna King

Our panel of expert artists gave us the following answers.

The Number One answer it seems is, of course, Cracker Barrel. Now we aren’t sure if there is a particular entrée that is preferred by our contestants, although most of us on Facebook are aware that Gerald Wolfe likes Cracker Barrel for the lima beans. He was not one of our panel of guests, but five out of 17 on the panel voted for this country-style restaurant, including Greg Bentley, all three of the Booth Brothers and Donna King.

The next favorite place to eat is in a mall

Greg Bentley

food court, as voted on by Scotty Inman and David Sutton. David also indicated that he enjoys Bourbon Chicken in the mall.

Other favorite restaurants include…

Michaela Brown…Skyline Chili

Karen Peck… Longhorn Steakhouse

Hannah Webb… Panera

Lauren Talley Alvey…Cheesecake Factory

Gary Casto… Waffle House

Billy Blackwood… HuHot

Phil Collingsworth Sr. … Dickey’s Barbeque

Three Bridges

Some other interesting responses include…

Clayton Inman, who likes to eat on the bus.

Joseph Habedank, who likes to investigate local restaurants.

Shannon Smith, who said, “Five Guys may be the most common and consistent, particularly when we’re on a tight

Joseph Habedank

schedule (however, some of the local places are very cool and interesting.)”

So now you know! There may be more than 10 answers, but that is how we roll on the SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday!

Thanks again to all of our participants. Be watching SGN Scoops mainpage for more Wacky Wednesdays in the weeks to come. Do you want to suggest a subject or an artist? Email us at sgnscoops@gmail.com

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday Top Ten

For those of you who wish to find out more about our panel, here are the participants: (please note that not all participants answered every poll question)

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday Top Ten: Watches Male Artists Wear

Thanks for joining us for another Wacky Wednesday on SGN Scoops. Today we ask the deeply spiritual question, “What kind of watches do male artists wear?” SGN Scoops polled about 18 or so artists about various things and tabulated their answers. We have used this (not so great) scientific process to create today’s Wacky Wednesday Top Ten (more or less)!

Our panel of expert classy male Southern Gospel artists gave us the following answers.

Chris Jenkins, The Kingsmen

We’ll start with the fashionable answers… J

Chris Jenkins (Kingsmen): “I tend to wear Fossil and Michael Kors” Don’t miss Chris and all the Kingsmen in the latest edition of SGN Scoops, found on our SGN Scoops mainpage.

Greg Bentley (Crossroads): “Fossil”

Booth Brothers2 (Booth Brothers): “Gotta be any watch with the Fossil brand”

Then we move to the classic answers…

Scott Inman (Triumphant): “Rolex”

Joseph Habedank (Soloist): “Rolex?”

Billy Blackwood (Blackwood Brothers Quartet): “Bulova”

Joseph Habedank

David Sutton (Triumphant): “Have no clue… I wear a Belair from Alan Sutton Jewelry, my brother’s Jewelry store!”

Gary Casto (Tribute): “Dress watch”

And then there is…well…the rest of them!

Clayton Inman (Triumphant): “No idea”

Booth Brothers 3: “Any that costs less than $200 with a few exceptions”

Phil Collingsworth Sr. (Collingsworth Family): “My cell phone!”

Clayton Inman

Shannon Smith (Three Bridges): “I rarely wear one”

Booth Brothers 1: “Cheapest one they can find”

Our Female Correspondents gave these responses:

Karen Peck (Karen Peck and New River): “LOL They don’t wear watches, they use their iPhones!”

Booth Brothers

Donna King (Zane and Donna King): “Over 40: TIMEX. Under 40: Fossil HA!”

Hannah Webb (The Rick Webb Family): “Tag Heuer or Fossil”

Michaela Brown (The Browns): “Rolex”

Lauren Talley Alvey (The Talleys): “I’m probably not the best person to ask; I’ve never noticed!”

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday Top Ten

We are sure you have come away from this feature feeling more educated about the accessories used by male Southern Gospel artists. Or perhaps…just entertained. If so, we have accomplished our goal.

Stay tuned for more of these indepth polls right here on SGN Scoops!

**Note: The Booth Brothers each answered each question but wouldn’t say whose answer it was…therefore we are leaving it up to you, dear reader, to guess whether the pithy answer comes from Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth or Paul Lancaster!

SGNScoops Wacky Wednesday Top Ten: Vacation Time!

Welcome to another edition of Wacky Wednesday. SGN Scoops has polled about 18 or so artists about various things and received their answers. We have used this (not so great) scientific process to tabulate the Wacky Wednesday Top Ten (more or less)!

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday Top Ten

Today our subject is: Where do your favorite artists like to spend their vacations?

Our panel of expert artists gave us the following answers. These are not in any particular order.

It’s obvious that several on our artist panel are preparing to break out their Speedos! These include:

Joseph Habedank: “Rosemary Beach.” (soloist)

Karen Peck: “Destin, Florida.” (Karen Peck and New River)

Karen Peck & New River

Greg Bentley: “Any sunny beach!” (Crossroads Studios)

Billy Blackwood: “Gulf Coast.” (Blackwood Brothers Quartet)

Clayton Inman: “Anywhere with a beach.” (Triumphant)

Gary Casto: “Hawaii!” (Tribute)

**Booth Brother 1: “Warm, sunny

June 2015 SGNScoops Magazine

Florida!” (Booth Brothers)

Chris Jenkins: “Top Regular Destination: Beach; Favorite Of all Time: Jamaica!” (Kingsmen) PS. Don’t miss the Kingsmen feature in the June 2015 edition of SGN Scoops!

2015 SGNScoops Magazine

And then there is the lure of the lake…

Michaela Brown: “Lake Okoboji, Iowa.” (The Browns)

David Sutton: “The lake.” (Triumphant)

This might be the lake…or a nearby river…or stream…

Shannon Smith: “Any place that I can fish, read, and eat.” (Three Bridges)

We also have some fans of the beauty of North Carolina…

**Booth Brother 2: “Cabin in the North Carolina woods.”

Hannah Webb: “North Carolina mountains.” (The Rick Webb Family)

Other artists are going to be flying to their favorite vacation destinations:

Phil Collingsworth Sr.: “London ?” (Collingsworth Family)

Scott Inman: “  Australia!” (Triumphant)

Lauren Talley Alvey: “Honestly, after traveling all the time, when I have some time off, I love to just stay home. If we’re going somewhere, we like Las Vegas a lot for the shopping and shows. (We take Jesus to Sin City.)” (The Talleys)

Donna King: “Southern California because I have two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandsons there!” (Zane and Donna King)

And we are really surprised that only one person said…

Booth Brothers

**Booth Brother 3: “Home.” (Booth Brothers)

Thanks for joining us for Wacky Wednesday. Do you have a suggestion for a question we can ask our artist panel? Write to us at sgnscoops@gmail.com

Stay tuned for more of these indepth polls right here on SGN Scoops!

**Note: The Booth Brothers each answered each question but wouldn’t say whose answer it was…therefore we are leaving it up to you, dear reader, to guess whether the pithy answer comes from Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth or Paul Lancaster!

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday: What Can An SG Newbie Expect At A Concert?

Welcome to another edition of Wacky Wednesday. SGN Scoops has polled about 18 artists about various things and received their answers. We have used this (not so much) scientific process to tabulate the Wacky Wednesday Top Ten (more or less)!

Today our subject is: What can someone new to Southern Gospel expect at a concert?

SGN Scoops Wacky Wednesday Top Ten

Our panel of expert artists gave us the following answers. These are not in any particular order. Do you agree/disagree?

Our first set of artists all gave very positive responses….

Billy Blackwood…It’s supposed to be fun!

Michaela Brown…You’ll leave feeling good!

Karen Peck…It’s very uplifting

Gary Casto

Gary Casto…Best music in the world

David Sutton…You will be blessed

Greg Bentley…It’s life changing!

Booth Brothers1*…Be ready to clap your hands and have a good time!

Booth Brothers 3*…You’ll have a hand-clapping, foot-stomping time!

And then there were very specific comments…

Joseph Habedank…Christian artists are much more accessible than secular artists.

Booth Brothers

Lauren Talley Alvey…Our genre offers something for everyone, regardless of age or background. Most artists I know really care about people and ministry, and we aim to deliver a message each time we step on stage.

Phil Collingsworth Sr. …Our songwriters are highly esteemed

Don’t worry about the concerts being Age Appropriate…

Shannon Smith…The genre is VERY diverse and you’ll like it a lot more than you think you will (especially if you’re young and have been biased against the genre). Give it a chance – there’s a lot to love!

The Browns

Chris Jenkins…Yes, individuals under 40 love Southern Gospel too!

Donna King…It’s NOT old people music. It’s for EVERYBODY!

Have you heard these comments before?

Booth Brothers2*…Someone will think it’s too loud

Clayton Inman…Could get a little loud

Rick Webb Family

I hope you go to concerts to hear the singing because…

Scott Inman…There will a lot of singing

Hannah Webb…Be prepared for at least five encores by the end of the concert 🙂

Thanks for joining us for Wacky Wednesday. Do you have a suggestion for a question we can ask our artist panel? Write to us at sgnscoops@gmail.com

Stay tuned for more of these indepth polls right here on SGN Scoops!

**Note: The Booth Brothers each answered each question but wouldn’t say whose answer it was…therefore we are leaving it up to you, dear reader, to guess whether the pithy answer comes from Michael Booth, Ronnie Booth or Paul Lancaster!

Rodney Birch Signs With Asheville Music Publishing

ARDEN, NC – December 19, 2012 – Rodney Birch has signed a long-term exclusive publishing contract with Asheville Music Publishing (BMI), an imprint of Crossroads Music Publishing, a division of Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing.

Birch recently garnered his first #1 song, “Battle Stand” (The Old Paths). The song is #1 on the December 2012 Singing News Radio Airplay charts. He also wrote two currently climbing hit songs, “God’s Great” (Old Paths) and “Come and See” (The LeFevre Quartet).

Greg Bentley, Director of Publishing for Crossroads Music Publishing, states. “I’ve been working with Rodney for quite a few years now, and have seen his writing ability grow with each year. Rodney writes strong lyrics along with great melodies, and I can always count on him having some strong material when he is turning songs in to us. We are looking forward to many more hits from his pen.”

Artists looking for new material to record can contact Greg Bentley at Crossroads Music by email at greg.bentley@crossroadsmusic.com or by phone at 828-684-3066 ext. 309.

IMAGE CAPTION – LEFT TO RIGHT – Greg Bentley, Rodney Birch.

October 2012 Edition Of SGNScoops Magazine

We are pleased to celebrate 75 years in Gospel Music with Ms. Lou Wills Hildreth in this edition of SGNScoops Magazine. Sandi Duncan Clark captured many of this living legend’s memories in this month’s cover story. Also in this edition enjoy ministry updates from Larnelle Harris, Voices Won, Freedom, Wilburn & Wilburn, the Hinshaws and Jim Mahalick. Get a peek inside the SGNScoops booth at the 2012 NQC as well as follow Charlie Sexton around as he talks to fans who attended this year’s event. Laura speaks with Gospel Music Historian, Dean Adkins, Sandi shares a conversation with Greg Bentley regarding “talent competitions” and Rhonda Frye speaks with Gloria Gaither about the new Gaither Homecoming Bible. See who released new music and find out who is topping charts! Enjoy several inspirational articles including one from guest writer, Janene Dubbeld and keep up with Jeff Hawes as he travels the world with Karen Peck and New River! Don’t miss the latest update on the Creekside Gospel Music Convention too! We excited to share about this year’s outreach project! This month is packed with the latest news in the world of gospel music delivered by a dedicated staff with many years experience in the Industry. Please share with friends and remember- Always digital, always free…… always good!

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Mark Bishop Signs Publishing Agreement

February 2, 2011  Arden, NC – Singer / songwriter Mark Bishop has just signed a publishing agreement with Chris

L to R: Greg Bentley, Jeff Collins, Mark Bishop

White Music and Asheville Music Publishing. This publishing agreement will begin with his May 2011 Sonlite Records release I Still Need Him.