Southern Gospel News SGN Scoops Digital

Memorial Day 2014: Somebody Died For Me

As we look toward the Memorial Day weekend, we think of those that have given their lives to give us a peaceful land in which to live. Award-winning artists Triumphant Quartet had a hit song entitled, “Somebody Died For Me”, from their “Everyday” project released in 2009. From a feature story published by SGN Scoops magazine in September 2010, one of the co-writers of “Somebody Died For Me” discussed the creation of this ballad. Excerpts from the article are below:

Triumphant Quartet

The song was written by Christy Sutherland and tells the story of soldier who lived through battle because another soldier, his best friend, died in his place. From a similar feature published in USA Today, Sutherland talks about the song’s concept and creation. “I remember when I read the article thinking ‘What would I do if a friend were to give their life for me?’ In that moment it was as if the Lord said, ‘Somebody did die for you and He is your Friend.’ I was just overwhelmed with a sense of God’s great love for me, that He would send His Son to die for me. I knew I had to write a song. I called my friend and co-writer Kyle Matthews and we wrote the song over a period of a few weeks.”

Christy Sutherland

Sutherland continues, “Triumphant actually heard me perform the song at a charity event in East Tennessee. They asked if they could record the song and I told them I would love for them to record it, but I was planning on releasing my recording to radio as a single. They said that was fine with them and they would not release it as a single before I did. So, I released the song and it became my first Singing News charting single. I am even more excited that it is now climbing the charts with the guys singing it. The highest honor a songwriter can receive is to have other artists wanting to record their songs.”

Triumphant Quartet has received a lot of response from the performance of “Somebody Died For Me”, and will no doubt see that response continue with the release of their next recording, “Love Came Calling”. Vocalists Clayton Inman, David Sutton, Eric Bennet and Scott Inman put their heart and souls into every new release and this latest recording continues with that tradition.

AP Photo/Francois Mori

Somebody Died For Me

He was a troubled kid in and out of jail
When his daddy said this is the last time I’ll pay bail
He enlisted in the army and they sent him to Iraq
He was a different man when he came back
Somebody said the army must’ve whipped you into shape
But he said that’s not the reason that I’ve changed

Somebody died for me (before I even asked for help)
Gave his life for me (when I couldn’t save myself)
I cannot live the way I lived or be the way I was
Every day’s a gift to me because (somebody died for me)

Now they fold the flag and attach a silver star
While the grieving mother leans against his arm
Then he stands before the family and does his best to tell
How he survived the night his best friend fell
He says no one who knew him was surprised he died that way
He tried to live for Jesus oh he always used to say

And I don’t wanna waste a moment
Of the time I have left
With every breath I’m given
God help me not forget

“Somebody Died For Me” was written by Christy Sutherland and Kyle Matthews, recorded by Triumphant Quartet in 2009 on their album Everyday.

Jeff Stice Exits Triumphant Quartet

Waynesville, NC (May 9, 2014) – After taking a personal leave of absence to reflect on God’s best for his life and the life of his family, Jeff Stice has made a decision to end his tenure with the Triumphant Quartet. He will be focusing his energies on joining his sisters in helping to care for their parents. While he may pursue other interests in the future, he feels his family and their needs must be the priority in this season of life.

Eric Bennett shares, “I speak for all the guys in the group when I say that we wish Jeff well in his future endeavors. He and his family will definitely remain in our prayers.”

The decision to hire a piano player for the group remains uncertain at this time. Triumphant, their extended support staff, and their families want to be careful to take time to pray and trust God’s leading in that area of their ministry.

The quartet’s booking agency, the Dominion Agency (a division of Michael Davis & Associates), remains confident that the strong musical presentation, as well as the powerful ministry of the Triumphant Quartet, will remain as excellent as ever. Michael Davis expresses, “We, at the Dominion Agency, love and appreciate Eric, David, Clayton and Scotty. We are so honored to exclusively represent Triumphant Quartet as they continue serving God and blessing audiences with their great music.”

To learn more about the Triumphant Quartet, visit triumphantquartet.com.

To schedule the Triumphant Quartet and other wonderful artists of the Dominion Agency, call 828-454-5900 or email michael@michaeldavisandassociates.com.

To learn more about all of the artists who call the Dominion Agency home, visit dominionagency.com and michaeldavisandassociates.com.

The Dominion Agency is part of a family of stellar talent agencies of Michael Davis & Associates including-
* Dominion Agency
* Adoration Agency
* Mountain Top Talent
* Blue Ridge Artist Agency

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1277
Waynesville, NC 28786
Phone:
828-454-5900
828-454-5917

VISALIA, CA WELCOMES GREAT WESTERN FAN FESTIVAL!

(Nashville, TN) – Visalia, CA is set to welcome the Great Western Fan Festival to the Visalia Convention Center. The annual event welcomes an all-star lineup to the West Coast from May 1-3, 2014.

The weekend will be filled with great gospel music, chapel services, special matinees, a special breakfast club, comedy showcase, and more – all designed to bring the attendees up close and personal with the artists.

The Great Western Fan Festival Talent Contest, held on Saturday morning, will award a Grand Prize of a recording package to one winner. A 1st place winner will be selected in three categories – soloist, duet/trio and group.

An all-star lineup of gospel greats will perform during the weekend including The Hoppers, Triumphant Quartet, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, The Martins, The Browns, Tim Lovelace, Kim Hopper, TaRanda Greene, RSV, California Melody Boys, and Liberty Quartet.

For tickets, more information and to connect with the festival, call iTickets at 1-800-965-9324 or visit the following sites:
www.FanFestivals.com
www.Facebook.com/GreatWesternFanFestival
Twitter: @GospelFanFest
Instagram: FanFestival

GREAT DAY RELEASES SINGLE TO RADIO!

GREAT DAY releases their latest single to radio.  “FOURTH MAN,” written by Tammie and Sarah Herring, from their latest project UNTIL THE DAY, landed at cut #1 on Patterson Promotions VOL 13.

HARMONY ROAD CHRISTMAS SPECIALS FEATURE COLLINGSWORTH FAMILY AND TRIUMPHANT QUARTET Co-Hosted by Scotty Inman

Signal mountain, TN December 5, 2013:

Harmony Road is pleased to present special Christmas programs, airing the next two weekends on The Heartland Network, theWALKtv, WATC57 Atlanta, www.wmjn29.com and other outlets.  These programs are co-hosted by Scotty Inman and feature the music of The Collingsworth Family, and the Triumphant Quartet. Harmony Road is hosted by Singing News Publisher and Solid Gospel radio host, Les Butler.

Music includes “Mary Did You Know” by the Triumphant Quartet, and a powerful rendition of “Oh Holy Night” performed by Kim Collingsworth on the piano as well as classics including “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, “Winter Wonderland” and “Mary Did You Know”.  Harmony Road will feature Christmas music the first three weeks in December. This week’s program originates from the beautiful lobby of the Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN.  You can find more info at www.musicroadresort.com.

More information on Harmony Road and its growing list of affiliates can be found at www.watchheartlandtv.com , www.harmonyroadtv.com or www.facebook.com/harmonyroadtv, or www.thewalktv.com.

Other team members include musician Cody McVey providing special interviews and insights, as well as Roger Spears, Producer and Allan Rhodes, Technical Director

Triumphant Quartet Talks With Rob Patz Of SGNScoops.com

Triumphant Quartet Feels That Simple Is Good.

Triumphant Quartet Feels That Simple Is Good.

By Craig Harris

It was more than good enough on June 21 as the group invaded Edmonson County (Ky.) High School for the sixth annual Jeff Stice Homecoming Concert.

“It’s emotional for me,” Stice – the group’s pianist – said. “I look around, and I see teachers who taught me, a boss I used to work for in Bowling Green (Ky.) … I look out, and I see all these different
chapters of my life looking at me. It’s intimidating. It’s emotional. It’s a blessing.” The group has annual dates in or near each of the group members’ hometowns.

“It’s always exciting to go back home,” Triumphant tenor singer David Sutton said. “Our home folks
have supported us since we were little kids. We look forward to going back home. “It always seems electrifying.”

Stice – an Edmonson County High graduate – typically plays two piano solos during the group’s performance each evening, consisting of either “Down From His Glory” (which he opened with that night), “Mansion Over the Hilltop” or “Halleleujah Chorus.”

His homecoming concert kicked off with Stice taking the stage and performing a series 10 piano solos, intermingled with Stice’s emcee work. Stice spoke of how he began to play the piano and of the instrumental support of his family and friends, calling his dad Jimmy his hero but admitting that he is
his mother Evonia’s “moma’s boy.”

After Stice’s artistry was displayed for the first hour, Clayton Inman and Scotty Inman joined Stice on stage for the dramatic and powerful “He Is,” which earned a standing ovation from the crowd. “It’s
energy … they’re going to get energy from us,” Stice said.

Then, the group took off into what most of the group members agree is a nightly staple, performing
the chart-topping “Saved By Grace.” “It’s my favorite song we’ve ever recorded,” Stice said. “It’s an
anointed song.
“Carroll McGruder is a great writer. I’m so happy for him (receiving the Broadcast Music, Inc., Songwriter of the Year Award recently and being honored for writing ‘Saved By Grace’).”
Sutton added, “The one I still love doing every night is ‘Saved By Grace.’ I love that song. I love the
message. That and “Thinking of a Mansion” … I love both of those songs. Those two songs are just as
fresh tonight as when we started.” Read more »

Leaving Louisville: Twenty Years of NQC

Change is always hard and the NQC Board made a bold step twenty years ago when they announced the move from Nashville to Louisville for Gospel Music’s favorite yearly event.

From scheduled sings on the Belle of Louisville to concerts in the downtown square; from impromptu songs in various area restaurants to special gatherings in local hotels; from Elvis sightings to Uncle Sam in the Exhibit Hall, there are many unforgettable moments for the Gospel music fan at NQC.

Lorraine Walker interviewing Wayne Haun 2007

As a writer for SGM Radio and SGN Scoops, I’ve had the opportunity to interview many interesting people at NQC.

Legacy Five 2008 with Rob Patz and Lorraine Walker

Over the years, I have been privileged to interview such artists as Karen Peck,  Kim Hopper,   Susan Whisnant,Marshall Hall,  Jim Mahalick, Shelly Brown of The Browns, Wayne Haun, Jeff Pearles, The Apostolic Boys, The Skyline Boys, The Prophets, Rambo McGuire, The Booth Brothers, Mark Trammell Quartet, Greater Vision, Legacy Five, Triumphant Quartet, Brian Free and Assurance, and Jonathan and Jordan Wilburn, among others.

Rambo McGuire

Rodney Griffin of Greater Vision 2011

Marshall Hall 2011

Many of these artists wouldn’t have the time to sit with an interviewer during an ordinary concert setting. NQC is also the opportune time for fans to also talk with their favorite singers. What a great opportunity it is to attend NQC and be able to sit down with the makers of the music!

SGM Radio and SGN Scoops would like to extend a special thank you to the board of the National Quartet Convention for continuing on a tradition that began many years ago, for making the necessary decisions for the growth of the festival and for embracing artists, fans and industry alike as we celebrate together our music and our faith.

We look forward to 2014 in Pigeon Forge!

****As a fan who attended the first Louisville NQC, I have many memories of the National Quartet Convention at Freedom Hall. I’m sure our readers do as well, and I invite you to submit these memories for posting here this week. Please submit your NQC thoughts and pictures to lorraine@sgnscoops.com

July 2013 SGNScoops Magazine

Welcome to the July edition of SGNScoops Magazine. We are pleased to showcase the legendary ministry of the Kingsmen Quartet! The Kingsmen have been singing the gospel since the 70′s. Our cover story reflects on the heritage of the Kingsmen and gives their latest news. Also in this issue, enjoy reading about the latest in the ministries of Renaissance Revival, Steve Ladd, and Tribute Quartet. Enjoy the Younger Perspective featuring Ms. Hope Bowling of the Bowling Family. Get a re-cap on the Memphis Quartet show, a concert review on Triumphant Quartet and don’t miss the review on the 18th Annual Father’s Day Concert too. Make sure you catch up on the latest developments of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention and make plans to be with us in October as we honor Ed O’neal and host the Diamond Awards. And- there is more! See what music is hot this month, get Christian fitness tips, be encouraged by Dr. Jeff Steele and get the inside scoop on the Women’s Homecoming taping with Ms. Lou Hildreth- all in this free issue of SGNScoops Magazine. Thanks to our SGNScoops team and we say, welcome to our newest staff writer, Craig Harris! Please enjoy and share!

Gospel Music Today On SGNScoops.com