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Youth in Gospel: Eli Fortner

Youth in Gospel: Eli Fortner

By Lyndsey Chandler

I am pleased to introduce to you Eli Fortner, formerly of the legendary group, the McKameys. He is 25 years old, and until recently, traveled with his family group, which included his parents, grandparents, and an aunt, based out of Clinton, Tennessee. The McKameys retired at the end of November, 2019.

The McKameys are one of Southern Gospels most loved family groups. In 2019, they entered into their sixth decade of spreading God’s message of love and hope through their music. If you are a true gospel fan then you may recognize songs that they sang like, “Right on Time,” “God on The Mountain,” and “There is Jesus.” This group has been such a blessing through their many years of traveling. So, when I was making my decision on who to interview, I knew I wanted to talk with Eli; not only give honor to him, but to his family as well.

Fortner was around the age of five or six years old when his family first put him on stage. He was just three years old when his parents bought him a drum set for his birthday. 

“I started guitar backstage at a McKamey concert,” says Fortner. “My pop would carry two or three, and one was laying backstage. I hollered at him from backstage while he was on stage and asked if I could play it. To be honest, I don’t remember what he said, but I heard a ‘Yes.’ Then Pop saw I had an interest in it, so he gave me one of his the next day. I still have it and use it every now and then.’’

If he was not traveling, Fortner would probably be in construction. His pappaw was a contractor and so is his older brother, Brad. It is kind of a family trait. One thing that is on this musician’s bucket list is to play at the Hollywood Bowl. His favorite fast food is Chick-Fil-A. Besides playing music, he is a bit of a collector of vintage music gear and instruments.

Eli Fortner

“If I’m not on the road, I’m in my home studio,” Fortner says. “God’s blessed me to do what I love for a living, so even if I’m not working for other artists in my studio, I’ll still be making music. Other things you might find me doing is reading or detailing cars… I’m random, I know.”

Fortner relates an incident that was a bit embarrassing.

“I was on tour with Jeff and Sheri Easter, who I dearly love, and the second song was ‘Over and Over.’ I played the intro and all was fine, and then I got a little too proud of myself and went to play the turnaround and completely bombed. Not just missed a note, like it was an epic fail. Everybody had that, ‘You’re fired,’ look on their face, and Jeff went to sing the second verse and pointed his hand to me, making a gun shape with his index finger and thumb acting like he pulled the trigger. I was embarrassed but also laughing at myself and of course all that were on stage were laughing. 

Roger and Eli Fortner

“Jeff and (the others) still won’t let me live it down, and a couple weeks after it happened, a friend, Jared Easter, texted me and showed me it was on YouTube ‘cause the church live streamed the service that night… I’ll never be able to live it down. Moral of the story.. stay humble or you’ll fall flat on your face!” concludes Fortner.

Music is a passion for this young man. “Like, I’ve never thought about setting it aside and doing something else. And every time I hear something cool, like on the radio or streaming, I get inspired and I know inspiration comes from God (because) the Bible says so,” Fortner shares. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that my gift is not my own, but that it comes from God and that it’s my responsibility to use it for him and give it back to him, and hopefully I’ll inspire other people to do the same. So that’s my motivation.” 

I asked Fortner what the message is that he would like to get out to young people. His response was: “Not only should you practice and learn as much about your talent as you possibly can, you should also learn as much about God as you can. Read and study. God reveals himself to those who want to learn about him. 

Fortner continues, “However, talking from my own personal experience, nothing has taught me like my own personal life experiences. Everybody goes through something, but you have to remember, like Psalm 23 says, we go through ‘paths of righteousness for his name’s sake’, not ours. When you’re a gospel artist you’re representing his name. Not yours. Don’t forget that.”

By Lyndsey Chandler

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in January 2020.

Find out more about Eli Fortner HERE

Pray Today For Ruben

Pray Today For Ruben

As many of you know, Mr. Ruben had back surgery on Thursday, February 27th and is doing really well with that. Going home the day after his surgery! However, he started experiencing some chest pain that brought him back to the emergency room, only to find out he had some blockages in his heart that needed repairing. After a heart cath to check out his heart it was determined that he will be having bypass surgery on Monday, March 2nd. We are asking our prayer partners to help us pray for the Great Healer to take control and do what only HE can do, guiding the surgeon and his medical team to a successful outcome! Thank you in advance for your prayers! We love you all.
The McKameys

A Message From The McKameys

Just wanted to let all of our friends know that Mr. Ruben had back surgery this morning, February 27th, and everything went exceptionally well! The doctor was able to do exactly what he was hoping to do. Mr. Ruben has already been up and walking around, and feeling much better! Praise the Lord for his goodness. We thank you all for your prayers and ask that you continue praying for complete healing.
We love you all!
The McKameys

We at SGN Scoops will continue to pray for this special family!

Randall Reviews It: McKameys and New Speer Family

Randall Reviews It featuring the McKameys and New Speer Family

This month, what could be the last album the McKameys record, “The Crown,” is out and I have the privilege of reviewing it. If you had the chance to read last month’s SGNScoops, we featured the New Speer Family on the cover, and here is a review of their latest CD, “A Singing Heritage.” So without further adieu,

Let the reviews begin….

As always, if you enjoy the reviews, pick up this music, or download it, wherever you get good gospel music.

Please send your latest releases for review to Randall Hamm, c/o Q-100 WFLQ-FM, P.O. Box 100, French Lick, Ind., 47432.

By Randall Hamm

The McKameys
“The Crown”
Producer: Roger Fortner and Jeff Collins
Label: Horizon 2019

Songs: “We All Need A Savior” (Sheryl Farris BMI); “You Must Be Born Again” (Rebbecca J. Peck – John M Robinson BMI); “Cleanse Me” (Edwin Orr – John McNeill PD); “Go Back and Pray” (Traditional); “The Holy Spirit Prayed” (Tina Sadler BMI); “Heavy” (Sue C. Smith – Chase McDaniel – Brent Ellison BMI); “Don’t Forget” (Sheryl Farris BMI); “The Crown” (Sheryl Farris BMI); “God Is Good” (Sue C Smith – Tony Wood – Joseph Habedank BMI); “From Dust To Glory” (Sheryl Farris BMI)

The McKameys’ fifty-fourth project, and maybe the last project the group will record as they are today, is entitled “The Crown.” They will retire from the road and performing live concerts in November of this year. The last performance will be in Knoxville, Tenn., on November 23. If you get a chance to see them anywhere in the meantime, do so, as you will be blessed. The McKameys will definitely be missed on the concert circuit. 

McKameys

This new CD is filled with pure mountain harmonies and great messages that come through anointed singers. The CD begins with a Sheryl Farris song, “We All Need A Savior,” and there’s only one true Savior, Jesus Christ.  

Sheryl wrote a total of four songs on this project, including the first single release, “From Dust To Glory.” Man was created from the dust and to dust he shall return. But thanks to our Savior, we once again can obtain glory and be with the one who created us. 

The CD is book ended by Sheryl Farris songs, as well as in between, showing that this is one of the strongest CDs in a while from the McKameys. One of my favorite songs is from the pen of Tina Sadler, who wrote so many great songs like “God Is Good” recorded by Gaither Vocal Band, and Peg gets her strongest song in a while with Sadler’s “The Holy Spirit Prayed.” Sometimes, we don’t know the words to say, but the Holy Spirit intervenes and helps us pray and say what we cannot say. This is my pick for the second single release. 

Eli returns with a song entitled “Heavy.” The cut, fully orchestrated with strings, is a beautiful tune. On piano is Eli’s dad Roger Fortner. Sometimes events and life, just get “Heavy” and I’m so glad that my Savior will help me bear those burdens, if I just ask. Eli didn’t have a song to sing on the last project, but according to Eli, nothing was wrong, they just couldn’t find a song. 

If this is the last album the McKameys record, they will go out on a high note. Just an absolute wonderful CD, from start to finish. As we all are asked to do, “Finish well.” If this is it, the McKameys finish well.

Strongest Songs:  “From Dust To Glory,” “The Holy Spirit Prayed,” “Heavy”

Visit McKameys online HERE

New Speer Family
“A Singing Heritage”
Producer: Brian Speer
Label: Independent

Songs:  “Heaven’s Jubilee” (George Speer); “Sunset Is Coming” (Traditional); “I Feel It In My Soul” (George Speer); “I’m Building A Bridge” (Lee Roy Abernathy); “He Is Mine And I Am His” (George Speer); “The Old Gospel Ship” (Traditional); “My Home Sweet Home” (McWhorter – W.D. Paris); “Won’t We Be Happy” (J.R. Baxter – Denver Crumpler – V.O. Stamps); “The Hallelujah Chorus” (Traditional); “Sweeter Each Day” (George Speer); “The King Is Coming” (William J. Gaither);  “I Never Shall Forget The Day” (George Speer)

Twenty years after the Speer Family retired, Brock Speer’s son has put together a group to continue on with the Speer family heritage. Brian Speer, baritone; along with wife Allison, soprano/lead; Ben Waites, tenor/lead; and Mike Allen, bass, have put together a group that revives the sound and music of his grandfather, George “Dad” Speer and father Brock. 

Around 2000, Marc Speer, Ben Speer’s son, launched New Speer Revival to continue the legacy, along with Karen Apple of the Speers. I hope this new revival will be around for a long while. 

This debut project contains 12 songs in all that the original Speers did, and five written by Dad Speer. The album begins with a snippet of Brock introducing “Heaven’s Jubilee,” which then slips into the new group doing their version. Brian takes the lead and they all do the song justice and more. 

“Sunset is Coming” is a pure joy to hear, and has always been one of my Speer favorites. Allison sounds eerily like Mom Speer on this version, and brought this listener a chill. 

July 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

This album features one of the most powerful and one of the last songs written by Dad Speer, “He Is Mine And I Am His.” A number of groups have cut this over the years including The Trio, composed of Kirk Talley, Ivan Parker, and Anthony Burger, who did the song on their debut album in 2000. Allison is featured and knocks the song out of the park. The whole group does it justice and more. 

Other highlights are “Sweeter Each Day,” “The Old Gospel Ship,” “Home Sweet Home,”  and no Speer album would be complete without doing “The King Is Coming.” The song was first done by the Bill Gaither Trio and Doug Oldham in 1970. The Speers recorded their first version of this classic in 1971 and they have become associated with the song. 

Overall, Brian has put together a group that does justice to the legacy of the Speers. A great first effort and I hope they will continue to honor the legacy. Visit the New Speer Family on Facebook at facebook.com/NewSpeerFamily/ and get a copy of “A Singing Heritage” at newspeerfamily.com/store.html or wherever you get your good gospel music.

Favorite Songs: “He Is Mine And I Am His,” “The Old Gospel Ship,” “Sunset Is Coming”

Visit the New Speer Family online HERE.

Randall Hamm

By Randall Hamm

Visit Randall Hamm on Facebook HERE.

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in July 2019.

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Bill Bailey’s Thanksgiving Gospel Music Spectacular featuring Kingsmen, Gold City, McKameys, Perrys, comes to Vidalia, Georgia on Nov. 24

Bill Bailey’s Thanksgiving Gospel Music Spectacular featuring Kingsmen, Gold City, McKameys, Perrys, comes to Vidalia, Georgia on Nov. 24

Bill Bailey’s Thanksgiving Gospel Music Spectacular comes to the Southeast Technical College in Vidalia, Georgia, on Sat., Nov. 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Kingsmen

Featured in concert will be the KINGSMEN, GOLD CITY, McKAMEYS, and the PERRYS.  

Gold City

This year’s concert will be extra special because the McKameys have announced their retirement in 2019, which means this will be one of the last times they appear in south/central Georgia.

McKameys

No tickets are required for admission.

Perrys

A $15 donation per person will be requested at the door for the concert, and a love offering received during the concert for FCC Ministries.

NQC Moment from 2015- The McKameys

Peg McKamey

Everyone loves this lady! Here is a moment from 2015 NQC. Take a look at The Mckameys singing a crowd favorite, “God on the Mountain.”

Happy Birthday Peg McKamey!

This sweet lady is having a birthday! Join us in wishing her an awesome day and many more. Everyone loves to hear her sing this song so let’s Celebrate her day with this video!

Happy Birthday!

SGN Scoops at NQC: Tribute, Hoppers, Booth Brothers

Tribute Quartet

SGN Scoops roving reporters were out in full force during NQC this week. We hope you enjoy the portraits of faces we’ve all come to know and love.

Ronnie Booth

Be sure to watch for the October issue of SGN Scoops where you will find even more photographs and stories of artists you love and will meet for the first time.

Thanks again to Craig Harris, Michelle and Pat Drummond and all of the SGN Scoops writers and Social Media team.

Dean Hopper

Kim Hopper

Keepers of the Faith tenor singer Levi Taito

Courtney Collingsworth Metz

Kim Collingsworth

Rodney Griffin

Ed O’Neal

Randy Shelnut, Sr.

George Shelton-Dixie Echoes

Scoot Shelnut

Michael Booth

Booth Brothers and Nick Bruno

Gus Gaches, Chris Allman, Michael Booth

Paul Lancaster, Scott Howard, Rodney Griffin

Kingdom Heirs

Steve Hurst and Bethel University’s Renaissance Choir

Peg Bean, Sheryl Farris

Keepers of the Faith

We hope everyone returns to Pigeon Forge on November 2 – 5 for the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. We can’t wait! For more information and to reserve your FREE tickets click on to the Creekside website.

Performers Announced for 2016 Jackie Wilburn Memorial Spring Sing

McKameys

Carthage, Tennessee (August 24, 2015) – Award winning Gospel duet Wilburn and Wilburn are excited to announce that this great annual event is expanding to three days, and the talent line up at the 2016 Jackie Wilburn Memorial Spring Sing is a great one. Joining Wilburn and Wilburn as well as Elaine Wilburn all three days, will be: The Inspirations, the McKameys and the Primitive Quartet.

Wilburn and Wilburn

Jonathan Wilburn says, “We have expanded our event to three days. This will allow our fans to plan a weekend trip to the beautiful middle Tennessee area. There are many things to do and see here in the area. Whether you love the good ole’ outdoors, maybe shopping, or camping, or whatever, there is an activity to fit you. More than anything else we have some of the finest artists in Southern Gospel Music that are planning on being with us.”

The event is held each year in Carthage Tennessee at the Smith County AG Center. Carthage is the home town for the Wilburn family.

The schedule for the 2016 Spring Sing at the AG center in Carthage TN is:

Friday April 29-7pm-The Inspirations, Wilburn and Wilburn, and Elaine Wilburn

Saturday April 30-7pm-The McKameys, Wilburn and Wilburn, and Elaine Wilburn

Sunday May 1-2:30pm-The Primitive QT, Wilburn and Wilburn, and Elaine Wilburn

The AG Center has 15 premium camp sites just steps from the main auditorium. There are plenty of state parks, hotels and restaurants close by. You will not want to miss this year in the hills with Wilburn and Wilburn at the annual Jackie Wilburn Memorial Spring Sing.

For more info or for a free brochure call 256-459-4769. The AG center is located at 159 AG Center Lane, South Carthage, Tennessee, 37030.

If you would like to interview Wilburn & Wilburn contact AG Publicity at info@agpublicity.com .

To learn more about Wilburn and Wilburn go here  or on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/WilburnandWilburn .

To book Wilburn and Wilburn contact Beckie Simmons at the Beckie Simmons Agency at beckie@bsaworld.com or call 615-595-7500 .

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About Wilburn & Wilburn

Wilburn & Wilburn, the Father – Son team of Jonathan and Jordan Wilburn are continuing the tradition for three generations. Jonathan spent the first 16 years of his Southern Gospel Music career singing with his family, the Wilburns, one of Gospel Music’s most beloved and respected families. In 1996 Jonathan would move to Gadsden, Alabama where he would anchor the lead position with Gold City for the next 12 years.

Adding a dimension to this group is Jonathan’s son Jordan. Feeling his call to sing Gospel music at a young age, it is a great match of Father and Son to create a great sound and an excitement that enhances any worship service.

This Week In Gospel Music: Whisnants, McKameys, More!

Susan Whisnant

Nashville, TN (August 14, 2015) – This Week in Gospel Music is going to be a unique show! Mickey Bell goes against the doctor’s orders and calls Susan Whisnant right after she gets home from knee surgery, all in an attempt to catch her still loopy from the medication. Wait ’til you hear what happens! Plus, big news from The McKameys as one of their members retires from road life.

Mickey always has great music, Gospel music news and this week he shares details on a concert you must add to your schedule this year.  All this, plus your chance to win free tickets to the National Quartet Convention and Mickey’s desire to get you to look at page 19 of the August issue of the SGN Scoops magazine.

Don’t forget to download the This Week In Gospel Music app so you can now hear the new show each week the moment it is uploaded on Thursday. Find the app today on www.ThisWeekinGospelMusic.com

 

August 2015 SGNScoops Magazine

We are still adding more stations! Stations can sign up here: bit.ly/stationsignup . Program Directors can check out more information at  www.thisweekingospelmusic.com. AND! We are looking for artists who want to promote their music to a worldwide audience. Contact us at office@thisweekingospelmusic.com 

 

Connect with Mickey Bell on his facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/thisweekingospelmusic

Mickey Bell