Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Future of the Blackwood Brothers: Changes for Jonathan Mattingly

Future of the Blackwood Brothers: Changes for Jonathan Mattingly

Nashville, TN – Few names are as synonymous with Gospel music as Blackwood.  For nearly nine decades, generations of Blackwood Brothers have shared the Gospel around the globe, having recorded over 200 albums and toured in 47 countries, earned GRAMMY and Dove Awards, and appeared on countless stages and events.

While honoring the long-standing tradition of this legacy, the Blackwood Brothers have decided to scale back from touring full-time, continuing to play select concerts in 2021 and beyond.

In anticipation of the upcoming changes, lead singer Jonathan Mattingly has announced that he will be joining forces with the up and coming trio, Avenue. Mattingly was first introduced to Gospel music fans with his family, the Mattingly Family, before uniting with the Blackwood Brothers in 2017.

“Jon has been a tremendous blessing to the ministry of the Blackwood Brothers and will continue to be as we move forward. We look forward to working with Kasey and Avenue, coordinating our schedules to allow both groups to utilize the great gift that Jon brings to the platform and the ministry as a whole.

Kasey Kemp shares his excitement for welcoming Jonathan into the Avenue family, “Jon and his wife Sarah have been dear friends of our family for many years, so I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to sing together. We are excited about the future and what God has for us going forward!”

To stay up-to-date on current happenings, follow the Blackwood Brothers Quartet, as well as Avenue on social media, or visit blackwoodbrothers.com and avenuemusic.net.

WINTER JUBILEE REVIVAL

WINTER JUBILEE REVIVAL

Pastor Josh & Ashley Franks and People’s Tabernacle Church, 64 Airways Blvd, Savannah, TN will host, “WINTER JUBILEE REVIVAL”.
Listed are the scheduled services.

Free admission, however, a freewill love offering will be received each service. For more information, go to www.ptcsavannah.com or 731-727-8242

New Digital Release From The Beenes Available Now

New Digital Release From The Beenes
Available Now

Nashville, TN  – StowTown Records has announced the release of a brand new recording from The Beenes. Keep Looking Up marks the group’s debut digital recording under the StowTown label. Co-produced by GMA Dove Award winning soloist TaRanda Greene, Brandon Beene and Josh Townsend, this release offers a variety of styles and sounds.

Brandon and Chrysta Beene are music veterans who possess rich musical talents. Their music ministry has afforded them the opportunity to travel for two decades. Adding their teenage daughter Savannah, The Beenes now minister as a family with these songs which highlight their journey of faith.

Keep Looking Up features ten songs including “I Can Do All Things,” written by Chrysta Beene, as well as “It’s Not Over,” co-written by the team of Jeff Ferguson, Savannah McKee and Shara McKee. Brandon shares, “We started this project at the beginning of the pandemic and we wanted to record songs that would bring people hope, encouragement and joy. This album just feels good, like Sunday dinner at Mom’s house after church! It feels happy.”

Additional tunes on the project include a remake of the Israel Houghton song “Taste And See,” as well as the Bill and Gloria Gaither classic, “Because He Lives.” Producer TaRanda Greene expressed her excitement about the project, “Once again, with their beautiful family harmony, The Beenes are putting their stake in the ground and beginning a new era in their 20 year legacy. I am so honored to be a part of Brandon, Chrysta and Savannah’s debut CD as a family. Their hearts are pure, their voices are engaging and their future is bright with God guiding their way. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new sound of The Beenes! This music will touch your heart and leave you wanting more. You will be blessed!”

With Keep Looking Up, The Beenes deliver rich harmonies and versatile musical stylings that will be enjoyed by audiences from all walks of life. Brandon concludes, “This project is a reminder to keep looking up, because our hope is in Christ.“

Keep Looking Up is distributed exclusively by Provident/Sony and available at digital outlets worldwide.

Keep Looking Up Track Listing:
Taste And See
Right Here
Unstoppable God
It’s Not Over
How Big
Thank You Lord
Fallen But Forgiven
I Can Do All Things
Because He Lives
Breathe

The Mark Dubbeld Family Drop New Concept Music Video “Church By The Cotton Field”. 

The Mark Dubbeld Family Drop New Concept Music Video “Church By The Cotton Field”. 

(Nashville, TN January 15, 2020)

The Mark Dubbeld Family and Godsey Media came together to produce the groups new concept video called “Church By The Cotton Field”. The video will debut exclusively via Facebook & YouTube Premiere on Saturday January 16, 2021 at 7pm EST.

YouTube Premiere

https://youtu.be/mNEYJOaYmmM

The video is a true story of a pastor who felt compelled to follow the call of God to area in southern Georgia called Scuffletown. It was an area that was wicked and needed Jesus. A church by the name of Martha Memorial was formed and to this day carry’s the love of Christ to this community. Transformation took place because a pastor and some people of God prayed and shared the gospel message.

The song was written by Janene Dubbeld after learning the story and seeing what God had done through the lives of the believers in Christ. The song simply states, “I found Jesus, I found Jesus in a Church By The Cotton Field.”

Mark Dubbeld, Lead singer for the family says “We trust this song and concept video encourages every believer that they can make a difference in their communities and see restoration and revival. We are grateful for our friends in Bristol, Ga joining with us to share this impactful concept video with the world.”

About
The Mark Dubbeld Family is renowned for inspired originally penned songs, family harmony and a sincere desire to communicate the Gospel. Mark Dubbeld has a long history in Gospel music and stands with his wife Janene who is an accomplished writer.  As parents, Mark and Janene love the music but most especially the message.  They have raised 5 children, of which 3 are part of the family ministry, Elena, Channing, and Britton. It is their desire to give glory to God, as they have a song to sing, a word to write and a call to answer.

For More Information visit their Website www.markdubbeldfamily.com

“Like” The Mark Dubbeld Family on Facebook. Follow on Instagram, YouTube and Twitter

Song Garden Music Group

www.songgardenmusicgroup.com

Godsey Media

www.godseymediamanagement.com 

Waiting in the Dark

Waiting in the Dark

Waiting in the Dark

By: Elise Ingle

fieldsofgracemusic.com

“And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.” Mark 6:47-48

It’s not often that the Lord answers my desperate prayers the way I want Him to. I want deliverance now. I want over-the-counter healing and a quick-mart miracle. I don’t want to wait another minute in my suffering. I cry to the Lord for mercy. I pray specific. I trust and believe. But when the healing doesn’t come and the miracle doesn’t manifest, my heart feels disregarded.

After Jesus fed five thousand men in the wilderness, He promptly sent His disciples away. Up on the mountain, Jesus prayed alone. Sometime in the evening a contrary wind began to blow and sent a roiling chop battering against the belly of the disciples’ boat. Muscles straining, the seasoned fishermen beat back at the waves, shoving their oars at the angry rollers. From His vantage point on the mount, Jesus could clearly see them toiling below. But He didn’t come to the rescue. Not until nearly the next morning.

The fourth watch covered the wee hours of the morning just before dawn, about 3 a.m. until 6 a.m. Our scripture gives us this small detail that poses a big question. If the storm began in the evening, why did Jesus wait so long to come to His disciples? These poor men spent hours and hours, sweating and swapping turns at the oars. In the pitch black of night they would have been begging for mercy, fainter winds, and smaller peaks against the helm. Bailing out buckets of saltwater mingled with tears, they would have fervently prayed for deliverance.

I wonder what kind of thoughts went through their minds as their strength and spirits gave out. Has God forgotten me? Have I done something wrong? Does the Lord not care if I drown? I have had similar thoughts before. I bet you have too. If you’ve ever been in a season of suffering when God seemed far away, you probably felt as if you might also drown in the storm. I think our boys were well past hope when they saw the pale figure of Jesus walking on the waves.

We can only speculate why Jesus waited while His disciples struggled. Perhaps the Lord was teaching them total dependence on God and not in themselves. To “trust in the Lord with all of [their] hearts and lean not to [their] own understanding”. Maybe He wanted them to see that His timing is perfect, even after a long hard fight. Maybe they needed to remember they were mere mortal men and that the only strength and power they had within them came from Christ alone. I know I need these reminders. But my favorite take-away from this story is no matter how long and how hard the night, Jesus will come walking. Hang on my friends. He’s coming. Even if it’s in the fourth watch of the night.

Congratulations to PARDONED and The Top 40 SGN SCOOPS Christian Country February 2021

Congratulations to PARDONED for the Number 1 song, “COME ON BACK”

Congratulations to Balsam Range and The SGN SCOOPS Top 20 Bluegrass February 2021

Congratulations to The Hyssongs and the SGN SCOOPS Top 100 February 2021

Congratulations to The Hyssongs for the Number 1 song , “Turn To The Cross” Feb 2021

20.

The Combs Family – A New Name In Gospel Music

The Combs Family – A New Name In Gospel Music

The Combs Family – From the small town of Baldwin Florida, just a few short miles from Jacksonville, comes a new family group packed with extraordinary vocal talent and warm inviting personalities. Consisting of a father, son and two daughters, the Combs Family are prepared to take on this new year with brand new music from their latest Album, “The Way It Should Be”, produced by Jeremy Peace. Jeremy says, “I’ve had the opportunity to sing and work with many artists over the past 20+ years, but have been blown away by the talent the Combs Family possess. Each vocalist has their own unique ability to deliver a song, and as evident in their new project, the combined vocals have created a masterpiece that is breathtaking, unique and powerful. It has been my honor and privilege to work with this family and to take a small part in what I know is the beginning of a bright future for them.

Wes Combs states, “If there is anything that we have learned from the year 2020, it’s that we need our family. As the Combs Family heads into 2021, we feel that God has a perfect plan for us. A plan that would allow us to sing, minister, and spread the love of Christ together. With our new record, “The Way It Should Be”, we aim to please all audiences, no matter their age, background, or musical preference. We are excited for everyone to take a listen to the music and the message of this new project and pray that God uses it for His glory and honor.

To learn more about the Combs Family and their new album, visit: 

https://thecombsfamilymusic.com

https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-way-it-should-be/1547496785

Beyond the Song: The Bates Family sing He Never Gave Up

Bates Family

Beyond the Song by Jantina Baksteen

For this edition of Beyond the Song, it was great to get back with the Bates Family. These singers are no strangers to gospel music. They are from Pennsylvania and group members are Tim and LaDonna Bates, along with their daughter Laykin.

Tim Bates

Jantina Baksteen: You’ve been traveling the roads since 1985. Are there things you have learned from all the years of singing every weekend? Is there a road story that stands out to you

Tim Bates: Sure, sometimes the road can be a weary place to be. However, it’s at those times that someone will approach you to let you know how much your music has meant to them and that gives you an even greater appreciation to walk in the calling that God has for your life, and to just  keep doing the next right thing.

JB: Is there a road story that stands out to you?

TB: To pick one is hard, but if I had to pick the one that stands out in recent memory, it would be the time we were in North Carolina at a conference and I was preaching that Sunday morning. I had already had my sermon prepared and was ready to go, when just before it was time for me to preach, God changed everything and had me preach on the topic of addiction. At the altar call, there was a young man who responded, told me that the message was for him, that he prayed, “God if you still love me have the preacher preach about addiction today.” Turns out, it was the pastor’s son who was going through a divorce, caught his wife cheating, and turned to alcohol and pornography and lost his job. Two weeks after the conference was over, I had received a phone call from this young man telling me that God had restored his job and he won his court case to get custody of his children. Needless to say, we were both in tears as we rejoiced together. God knows how to love you back together.

JB: On the last interview, we talked about your song, ‘Somewhere Prayin’.” How was this song been received?

TB: “Somewhere Prayin’” has been a pretty special song for us. Besides it going (to the) Top 40 (music chart), we have heard from so many people across the country that have been directly impacted by the message in the song. And, it came to radio in the middle of the pandemic. Only God can orchestrate something like that. Some folks have called it our signature song. I’m not sure about that, but we enjoy staging it night after night.

JB: We all have roadblocks in our lives. How has your song writing reflected your own roadblocks?

TB: Of course, it is our life’s blood as a writer to be influenced by roadblocks, challenging times, moments that are out of our control. With that being said, there have been a ton of positive influences as well. I think, as a writer, you have to stay open minded to whatever creative opportunities may present themselves. I think, when you write about personal experiences, it has the potential to connect faster with the listener. We all go through things from time to time.

Tim and Laykin Bates

JB: Right now you have a new song out to radio entitled, “He Never Gave Up.” Please share with us about this song.

TB: “He Never Gave Up,” is about someone whose back is against the wall, feeling hopeless and afraid, and wondering why the struggles of life are lasting so long. They are really struggling with continuing their relationship with Christ, but somehow their faith carries them through to the realization that through it all “He Never Gave Up,” on them. One of the most powerful songs we have had the pleasure of recording. 

LaDonna Bates

JB: Your wife LaDonna takes the main vocal in the song and does an excellent performance. Does she have a story when she could say, “He Never Gave Up?” 

TB: When she first heard the song, she fell in love with the lyrics. It reminded her of her stroke experience and she just knew she had to sing it. And I agree with you she did a great job on it. Here is a fun fact for you: This is the first song she sang lead on after her stroke. Isn’t that cool!

JB: Is there a song you wish you had written? 

TB: Yes there is a song I wish I could’ve written! It’s called “Had It Not Been,” (written by Rusty Goodman).

JB: How does God reveal lyrics to you?

TB: Songwriting is a craft, just like a mechanic, doctor, contractor, etc. You have to work on your craft to be able to have the ability to connect with the listener. The best way for me to do that is to ask God to help me to work in the spirit of excellence and to anoint my creativity. Anoint means to have the ability to do a thing. Sometimes, I get the chance to co-write and other times I’m flying solo. At any rate, God gives the lyric and helps me craft it with the melody at the same time. I have always written in this fashion since I started in the early 80’s.

Laykin Bates

JB: Then there is young Laykin. She does an excellent job as a young artist. Does she have skills in writing too?  

TB: Laykin is our 13 year old daughter and we are so proud of her. She absolutely loves music, and is currently taking piano. Not sure if that leads to songwriting or not; that is yet to be determined. LaDonna is teaching her harmony parts with us and she is catching on pretty quickly. It is such a blessing to get to sing as a family. 

JB: What are her plans in life? Is she thinking of singing as her career?

TB: As far as a career goes, we hope that she will want to spend her life serving the Lord in this capacity, however, it will be her choice. We will be supportive no matter what.

JB: What is ahead for The Bates Family in 2021?

TB: Like other artists, to get back on the road again. And for me personally, I would love to expand my label Harmony House and do more work on the studio side of our ministry. I really enjoy that side of it.

JB: What is the best way to get in touch with you, to get your music or make a booking?

TB: The easiest way to get in touch is through our website batesfamilygospel.org . Just go to the contact page and you can find what you need to reach (us). You can also buy downloads or full projects, read about us in more detail, or if you want to see if we’re coming to your city, always check out our Bates Dates.

We hope you enjoy the Bates Family singing, “He Never Gave Up.” Click on the picture below for the audio version.

Thank you, Tim and LaDonna for once again sharing your ministry with SGNScoops. Many blessings in 2021. We pray that God will open doors for you to serve Him through song.