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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

“Jackson, TN Sings the Gospel” is on sale today!

TICKETS FOR “JACKSON SINGS THE GOSPEL” ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

CALL (941) 756-6942 NOW TO GET THE BEST SEATS! 

MC/VISA/DISCOVER/ AMEX ACCEPTED

The McKameys: Our Secret To Longevity in Gospel Music

By Dixie Phillips

Big NEWS!

The McKameys will be performing at Southern Gospel Weekend- Texas. The event will take place April 14-16 , 2016 at Faith Church of Sherman Texas. The McKameys will sing on Friday night during the event. Don’t  miss this event!

Check out this story on the McKameys written by Dixie Phillips………

Years ago my maternal grandmother introduced me to The McKameys. Grandma suffered from insomnia. To help pass the time she turned on her radio and listened to gospel music on a station out of Little Rock, Arkansas. The first time she heard The McKameys singing, “God On The Mountain” she grabbed the nearest pen and attempted to scribble down the lyrics. For the next several nights she had her radio on and her pen in hand, hoping to hear the song again and jot a few more lines down. (This was before Internet and Google.) This was repeated until she finally had written down all the lyrics. She appeared at my front door waving that piece of paper and saying, “You have got to hear this new song!”

Gospel music charts are proof Grandma’s heart wasn’t the only one touched by this legendary group’s music. Multitudes of people have been blessed, strengthened, and encouraged by them. SGN Scoops decided to take a peek behind the hearts of this dynamic ministry to see if we could discover The McKameys’ key to longevity and success.

Peg McKamey Bean

Peg McKamey Bean is the first to admit she had a blessed childhood. “I was raised with a loving dad, stay-at-home mom, and 11 siblings. Mom and Dad loved the Lord and gospel music. Mom played the banjo and Dad was an ordained minister. He planted and pastored many churches, and preached at a lot of revivals.”

As her parents led by example, Peg’s small soul was shaped for Jesus. She still remembers the words her father told her mother when their family faced a financial crisis. “Don’t worry, in some way or another, the Lord will provide.”

In 1957, Peg was singing at Moran Baptist Church in Clinton, Tennessee, with her sisters, Dora and Carol, when she noticed a handsome young man. “Ruben and I met that night. We invited him to play the guitar for our group. We courted for a couple of years and married on June 29, 1959. We sang part-time until 1980. That’s when Ruben and I went full time with our daughters, Connie and Sheryl.”

Not only are The McKameys talented singers, but there is also a gifted songwriter in their group. Ruben and Peg’s youngest daughter, Sheryl, wrote her first gospel song for the group when she was barely 12. Sheryl shared, “The words and music just started coming.” And years later. . . the songs continue to come. Sheryl attributes her songwriting success to keeping her relationship with the Lord fresh and vibrant. “God continues to speak to me as my walk with Him continues to grow. He has walked me through some really tough times and I have always found Him faithful.”

Ruben Bean

Although Sheryl has been writing songs for The McKameys for most of her life, she took a temporary hiatus from singing with the group for a few years and rejoined the group in 2009. Down through the years she has received numerous letters and emails from fans, telling how a particular song ministered to them. The family is always blessed by the testimonies that come in. Fan favorites of Sheryl’s original songs have been “A Borrowed Tomb,” “Prayer Changes Me,” “I Will Trust the Lord,” “I Keep Praying,” and “When He Speaks.” Sheryl said, “The Lord has used “I’ve Won” to strengthen the hearts of many cancer patients. It is very rewarding to write or sing songs that minister hope to people. God continues to stir my heart to encourage others and remind them of the hope we have in Christ.”

The group ministers in concerts about 150 days a year, traveling all over North America. They have had 29 number-one singles and have been honored for having the most number-one hits in Southern Gospel Music. Peg has been voted the Favorite Female Vocalist and Sheryl has been nominated the Singing News Songwriter Award numerous times. The group has been awarded several Singing News Fan Awards throughout the years and the accolades continue to roll in.

Currently the group consists of Peg McKamey Bean, her husband, Ruben; their daughter, Connie Fortner; Connie’s husband, Roger; Connie and Roger’s son, Elijah; and Peg and Ruben’s daughter, Sheryl Farris.

“The McKameys are authentic!” A pastor’s wife from northern Iowa said after she had a personal encounter with the group in 2008. “My husband was diagnosed with end stage renal failure. The doctors said he would die without a kidney transplant. The day of surgery arrived and I was battling a lot of fear and ‘what if’s’. One of my friends contacted The McKameys and asked them to pray for our family. Not only did they pray, but Connie sent an email, sharing her personal story about her son’s kidney transplant. As I read her email, the Lord’s presence filled my heart with hope. Faith devoured fear and I knew my husband was going to be all right.”

With ministry hearts like The McKameys, is it any wonder why God has blessed them? It’s evident the reason for their longevity and success is because they always put Jesus first. This year they celebrate two ministry milestones—their 50^th recording and Peg’s 60^th anniversary singing gospel music.

Peg stated, “We would ask the support of everyone to pray for our family. Keep your head up high. You belong to God. You are special to Him. We love you.”

The group refuses to let the tight schedule and difficulties that come with life on the road detour them from the call God has placed on their lives. “We plan to be faithful to the end.” Peg continued, “We want to encourage and help Christians in these last days. We plan to keep finding good songs and cheer up the people who come to hear us sing.”

If you would like to know more about The McKameys or find out where they are performing next, go to: www.mckameysonline.com.

By Dixie Phillips

First published by SGN Scoops magazine, October 2014.

For current features and the latest issue of SGN Scoops digital magazine, visit http://www.sgnscoops.com/

Alabama’s Oldest & Largest Thanksgiving Gospel Sing