Prayer Request and Praise Report for Amy Grant
Written by scoopsnews on June 3, 2020 – 12:20 pm -
(Earlier Today)
From Team Amy – with all that is going on in our world that needs our collective prayer, please also join us in praying for Amy this week as she has heart surgery to correct her PAPVR condition.
(1 hour ago)
Thank you for so many prayers today. Amy is out of surgery and the doctor said it could not have gone better. We would ask for continued prayers over the days, weeks and months to come as she makes a full recovery… xo
Please continue to pray for healing as Amy recovers from surgery….
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TaRanda Greene To Appear at Lipscomb University’s Lighting of the Green, hosted by Amy Grant
Written by Staff on November 21, 2018 – 2:03 pm -
TaRanda Greene To Appear at Lipscomb University’s Lighting of the Green, hosted by Amy Grant
Nashville, TN (November 21, 2018) – The soaring vocals of TaRanda Greene will be featured this year during Lipscomb University’s Lighting of The Green, hosted by superstar, Amy Grant. This is the 14th year for the event and is one of Nashville’s most cherished holiday traditions.
For more than a decade the Lipscomb University community has celebrated the start of the holiday season with beloved Nashville entertainer Amy Grant and friends at the annual Lighting of the Green concert.
Tags: amy grant, christmas, Lighting of The Green, Lipscombe University, nashville, TaRanda
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‘RUSS TAFF: I STILL BELIEVE’ FILLS THEATERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
Written by Staff on November 7, 2018 – 6:53 pm -
Pictured (l-r) following the presentation of “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” at Franklin, Tennessee’s historic Franklin Theatre: Amy Grant, Russ Taff, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman, and Tori Taff.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.— Premiering in more than 700 movie theaters nationwide for a one-time special presentation, Fathom Events/Fuseic Entertainment’s “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” was the #2 per screen average (PSA) movie in America for the night of October 30, according to data collected by Comscore. With multiple screen sellouts in several cities—including Dallas, Minneapolis, Nashville and Tulsa, Oklahoma—the documentary is one of Fathom Events’ top faith-based music-themed presentations.
“Russ Taff: I Still Believe” chronicles the GRAMMY® and Dove Award winning artist’s unparalleled musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism. Taff candidly reveals how a tumultuous past fueled his own addiction and the ultimate healing he embraced in the power of Christ’s love and forgiveness. Immediately following the presentation, theater audiences were treated to a special acoustic session with Taff and GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriters Amy Grant and Steven Curtis Chapman.
“I had no idea what it would feel like to sit in a theater with many of the people I love most in this world and watch some of my darkest moments and deepest regrets play out,” Taff says of the film’s premiere. “What I was completely unprepared for was the wave of unconditional love, compassion, acceptance and encouragement I felt in telling the truth.”
“Our prayer is that this movie starts a conversation about the impact of addiction and trauma,” he adds. “I believe God can use our story to help coax other hurting people out of the shadows—and that is worth every moment of pain it took to get here.”
“We are humbled and overwhelmed by the response we have received from the movie,” said director Rick Altizer, Fuseic Entertainment. “God has done amazing things with this story. We are hearing from people struggling with addictions or marriage issues who saw the film and recognized their own need for help. It took courage for Russ and Tori to be this honest, and their heart to see others find healing is apparent in ‘I Still Believe.’”
Pictured (l-r) at the Franklin Theatre: producer Kent Songer, Fuseic Entertainment;
Russ and Tori Taff; director Rick Altizer, Fuseic Entertainment.
Rising to prominence with The Imperials, trailblazers of the contemporary Christian music movement of the 1970s, Taff was the voice behind such quintessential hits as “Praise the Lord,” “Trumpet of Jesus” and “I’m Forgiven,” among many others. His genre-defying sound later endeared him to Southern Gospel audiences, and he spent nearly three years as a member of the world-renowned Gaither Vocal Band. Taff has recorded 11 solo albums to date, including industry benchmarks Medals (1985), Russ Taff (1987) and Under Their Influence (1991), and his classic singles include “We Will Stand,” “I’m Not Alone,” “Not Gonna Bow” and “Love Is Not A Thing.” From rock giants Kings of Leon to MercyMe’s Bart Millard and Newsboys’ Michael Tait, Taff’s influence is felt throughout the music world.
For further information visit turningpointpr.com, russtaff.com or russtaffmovie.com.
Comedian and singer/songwriter Mark Lowry (left) is pictured with
Russ and Tori Taff at the Franklin Theatre. All Images: KohlPhoto.com
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Tags: amy grant, Christian Music, gospel music, russ taff, Steven Curtis Chapman, tori Taff
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LEGENDARY RECORDING ARTIST RUSS TAFF RELEASES DEBUT WORSHIP ALBUM BELIEVE NOV. 2
Written by Staff on October 4, 2018 – 6:45 am -
Russ Taff “Believe”
His First New Album In Seven Years Features Amy Grant, David Crowder
Brand New Recording Of “I Still Believe” Releases Oct. 5
Multi-GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Russ Taff will release his debut praise and worship album, Believe, Nov. 2 from Sweetwater Studios, a division of Sweetwater Sound, and with global distribution from The Fuel Music. His first new album in over seven years, the full-circle, 12-song project features new recordings of the hits for which Taff is best-loved, including his iconic “I Still Believe” that will be available beginning Friday (Oct. 5) as a single at iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon.com and more digital and streaming outlets everywhere through the link https://the-fuel-music.lnk.to/
Produced by Phil Naish and Mark Hornsby, Believealso features Taff singing “Don’t Try So Hard” with multi-platinum, GRAMMY® winner Amy Grant, “I Am” with three-time GRAMMY® nominee David Crowder, “Isn’t The Name” along with strings recorded at the legendary studio, Abbey Road, and his classic hit “We Will Stand.” The album further features Taff’s signature vocals on worship favorites like “Your Love Never Fails,” “No Longer Slaves,” “Be Still My Soul” and “Same Power.”
“There was a day when I didn’t think I’d ever be able to sing or record again,” reveals Taff. “Grace from above, and from my wife Tori and friends coming alongside me, has breathed new life into my spirit. I’m so grateful for this season, and this new recording is my worshipful offering and heart’s cry.”
“This new project will be a heart-stirring reminder of why Russ became the legend he is,” says Mark Hornsby, Vice President of Operations, Sweetwater Studios. “Weathering personal storms, he remains one of the most powerful and endearing voices in music today, while sharing a clear, worshipful message of grace and hope for everyone, for any circumstance.”
Russ Taff photo credit Erick Anderson
The full Believe track listing follows:
1. Your Love Never Fails
2. I Still Believe
3. Don’t Try So Hard (with Amy Grant)
4. Same Power
5. I Am (with David Crowder)
6. Be Still My Soul
7. No Longer Slaves
8. When I Hear Your Name
9. There Is A Fountain
10. There’s A Hallelujah
11. Isn’t The Name
12. We Will Stand
Releasing three days prior to his new album, the feature-length “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” documentary is in theaters nationally for one-night only Oct. 30. The film chronicles his musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism, the childhood trauma he suffered at the hands of an alcoholic father and abusive mother, the undying, 42-year love story with his wife Tori, and his ultimate embrace of God’s healing and restoration.
Featuring such legendary artists and entertainers as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Newsboys’ Michael Tait, Bill Gaither, Mark Lowry and Chonda Pierce, theater audiences will also have the opportunity to view a special acoustic performance by Taff and multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning Steven Curtis Chapman immediately following the film.
Tickets for “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” can be purchased at FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices.
For more Russ Taff, Believe album and documentary news, go here . For movie news go here. See also Facebook, Twitter andInstagram.
About Russ Taff:
Hailed by Billboard magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music,” Russ Taff has garnered six GRAMMY® Awards and 18 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times—as a soloist, as well as a member of The Imperials and the Gaither Vocal Band—Taff is also a member of the Christian Music Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Walk of Fame. He has recorded 11 solo albums to date, including industry benchmarks Medals (1985), Russ Taff (1987) and Under Their Influence (1991). From rock giants Kings of Leon to Millard, Tait and many others, Taff’s influence is felt throughout the music world.
About Sweetwater Studios:
Sweetwater Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sweetwater Sound, Inc., the largest online music instrument retailer in the country. With three world-class studios designed by Russ Berger and access to a greater diversity of musical equipment and professional audio gear than any other recording studio in the world, Sweetwater Studios is able to accommodate just about any recording, mixing or mastering project, no matter how simple or complex. With renowned staff producer Mark Hornsby at the helm, who has worked on many Grammy and Dove-award winning albums, Sweetwater Studios also has an exceptional staff of producers, engineers, session musicians and studio technicians. For more information on Sweetwater Studios, please visithttp://www.sweetwaterstudios.
About The Fuel Music:
Established in 2008, The Fuel Music & Management, LLC, is a leading artist management and artist solutions company that independently distributes music internationally. Based in Nashville, TN, the Fuel team brings nearly 70 years of combined music industry experience in record label operations, major label distribution and marketing, and artist management for artists ranging from upstart bands to GRAMMY Award nominated, multi-platinum artists. More information on the company can be found atwww.thefuelmusic.com.
Tags: amy grant, believe, bill gaither, Mark Lowry and Chonda Pierce, MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys’ Michael Tait, russ taff, Sweetwater Studios, tori Taff
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FATHOM EVENTS BRINGS ‘RUSS TAFF: I STILL BELIEVE’ TO MOVIE THEATERS NATIONWIDE OCTOBER 30
Written by Staff on September 2, 2018 – 12:11 pm -
FATHOM EVENTS BRINGS ‘RUSS TAFF: I STILL BELIEVE’
TO MOVIE THEATERS NATIONWIDE OCTOBER 30
DENVER—From Fathom Events and Fuseic Entertainment comes the compelling documentary “Russ Taff: I Still Believe,” chronicling the multi-GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning star’s unparalleled musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism.
Playing in cinemas nationwide October 30 at 7:00 p.m. local time, this one-night inspirational event is not-to-be-missed. Immediately following the film, theater audiences will have the opportunity to view a special acoustic session with Taff and his friend, multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman.
Tickets for “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” can be purchased at FathomEvents.com and participating theater box offices.
Fathom Events and Fuseic Entertainment present “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” in nearly 600 select movie theaters on October 30 through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations, visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Acclaimed director Rick Altizer (“Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark”) traces Taff’s iconic four-decade career, as well as the childhood trauma he suffered at the hands of an alcoholic father and abusive mother.
Unable to overcome his shame for many years, Taff turned to alcohol, distancing his family, threatening his career and jeopardizing his life. In “Russ Taff: I Still Believe” the award-winning Gospel singer candidly reveals how a tumultuous past fueled his own addiction and the ultimate healing he embraced in the power of Christ’s love and forgiveness. “I Still Believe” also shines an important spotlight on Taff’s wife of 42 years, Tori. Her tough love, fervent prayers and unfailing devotion helped her husband find freedom from his past through God’s mercy.
Russ Taff
The film includes appearances from such legendary artists and entertainers as Amy Grant, MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys’ Michael Tait, Bill Gaither, and comedians Mark Lowry and Chonda Pierce.
“In this feature, Russ Taff highlights a very important issue—alcoholism—and his journey to overcome that addiction,” Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said. “Events like this offer people the opportunity to reflect on their lives and begin to have conversations around a very real cultural issue.”
About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the leading event cinema distributor with theater locations in all top 100 DMAs® (Designated Market Areas) and ranks as one of the largest overall theater content distributors. Owned by AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), Fathom Events offers a variety of unique entertainment events in movie theaters such as live performances of the Metropolitan Opera, top Broadway stage productions, major sporting events, epic concerts, the yearlong TCM Big Screen Classics series, inspirational events and popular anime franchises. Fathom Events takes audiences behind the scenes for unique extras including audience Q&As, backstage footage and interviews with cast and crew, creating the ultimate VIP experience. Fathom Events’ live Digital Broadcast Network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live and pre-recorded events to 941 locations and 1,496 screens in 181 DMAs. The company also provides corporations a compelling national footprint for hosting employee meetings, customer rewards events and new product launches. For more information, visit FathomEvents.com.
Russ and Tori Taff
Hailed by Billboard magazine as “the single most electrifying voice in Christian music,” Russ Taff has garnered six GRAMMY® Awards and 18 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame an unprecedented three times—as a soloist, as well as a member of The Imperials and the Gaither Vocal Band—Taff is also a member of the Christian Music Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Walk of Fame. He has recorded 11 solo albums to date and his classic singles include “We Will Stand,” “I’m Not Alone,” “Not Gonna Bow” and “Love Is Not A Thing.” From rock giants Kings of Leon to MercyMe’s Bart Millard and Newsboys’ Michael Tait, Taff’s influence is felt throughout the music world.
About Fuseic Entertainment
Director Rick Altizer and producer Kent Songer launched Fuseic Entertainment in 2002 as a developer of proprietary music, animation and film projects that encourage, edify and strengthen faith and belief for individuals and families. Fuseic Entertainment releases include the award-winning 2015 box office hit, “Chonda Pierce: Laughing in the Dark,” as well as last year’s follow-up, “Chonda Pierce: Enough.”
For further information, visit fathomevents.com or turningpointpr.com.
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Tags: amy grant, bill gaither, Christian Music, Fathom Events, Fuseic Entertainment, gospel music, MercyMe’s Bart Millard, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys’ Michael Tait, russ taff, Russ Taff: I Still Believe, Steven Curtis Chapman, tori Taff
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TONIGHT ON TBN: JASON CRABB WELCOMES THE CRABB FAMILY, REBA MCENTIRE, JAY & ALLISON DEMARCUS, AND AMY GRANT
Written by Staff on December 18, 2017 – 12:04 pm -
TONIGHT ON TBN: JASON CRABB WELCOMES THE CRABB FAMILY, REBA MCENTIRE, JAY & ALLISON DEMARCUS, AND AMY GRANT
Tonight – Monday, December 18, 2017 – on a very exciting TBN PRAISE Christmas Special, Jason Crabb welcomes his guests, The Crabb Family, Reba McEntire, Jay & Allison DeMarcus, and Amy Grant.
ABOUT JASON CRABB
WHATEVER THE ROAD
GRAMMY® winner Jason Crabb is well known as one of the most compelling voices in any genre of music.
Jason Crabb
With his power, range, and passion, he has moved easily among musical styles including gospel, country, pop and southern gospel. With his Reunion Records debut, Whatever The Road, fans of that incredible talent will gain a deeper understanding of the heart behind the voice.
In recording his fifth solo album, Crabb poured himself into his songwriting and the payoff is his most personal album yet. In further expanding his creative resume, the dynamic young artist explores the things that matter most and the greatness of the God he serves. “You have to reach in deeper places to write music, and with songwriting you have to stay there for a little bit,” says Crabb, who co-wrote seven of the album’s ten songs.
Working with producers Jason Ingram (Chris Tomlin, Tenth Avenue North, Kari Jobe), and Paul Mabury (Lauren Daigle, One Sonic Society), Crabb takes a bold new step forward, not just lyrically but stylistically, and has finely honed a collection of anthems for the church that have sophisticated pop sensibilities as well as deep, substantive lyrics. (https://www.jasoncrabbmusic.com/bio) (December 18, 2017)
Visit Jason Crabb’s website here.
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Tags: amy grant, Jason Crabb, Jay & Allison DeMarcus, Reba McEntire, The Crabb Family
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Jason Crabb Joins Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Amy Grant, Dolly Parton and More on New Collection: Top 25 Country Songs of Faith
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on November 17, 2014 – 12:49 pm -
Top 25 Country Songs Of Faith
Grammy Winner’s Inspiring Anthem “Love Is Stronger” Featured on Two-Disc Set
Jason Crabb
touch hearts. “Jay DeMarcus, my producer, brought this song to me,” Crabb shares. “I immediately knew I had to record it this song – I knew it would touch people because it touched me. My wife Shellye was going through some very hard times when this song came into our lives – it helped me and I knew it would help others.
JasonCrabb.com
Facebook.com/JasonCrabbMusic
Twitter @JasonCrabbMusic
Tags: amy grant, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Christian Country News, dolly parton, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, TIM McGRAW, Wynonna Judd
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AARON & AMANDA CRABB TAKE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT AS CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED MERCY BOWS
Written by SGN Scoops on April 22, 2013 – 10:11 am -
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriters and worship leaders Aaron & Amanda Crabb take the national spotlight for multiple appearances this week, as their highly-anticipated fourth recording, Mercy (Difference Media/Capitol Christian Distribution), bows tomorrow to critical acclaim.
Aaron & Amanda Crabb are slated to appear tomorrow on Daystar Television Network’s flagship program, “Marcus & Joni,” where they will perform several selections from Mercy. Reaching over 100 million households in the United States and over 680 million households worldwide, Daystar is the fastest growing faith-based television network in the world. In addition, the couple will be featured on an upcoming broadcast of “Life Today with James and Betty Robison,” which airs throughout the United States and Canada and reaches millions of homes in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Highlighting Mercy—among new recordings from such artists as Amy Grant, Alan Jackson and Hawk Nelson—in the “Reasons to Sing This Spring” feature,WatchGMCtv.com says, “Take The Crabb Family’s unmistakable Aaron Crabb with his wife Amanda’s angelic additions and the results are just as appealing to southern gospel audiences as they are the mainstream country scene…”
In addition, CCMMagazine.com’s April issue gives the album a four-star review: “Mercy incorporates the finest elements of country and gospel, invests straightforward messages of Christian hope and features two of the sweetest voices gracing gospel’s recent memory.”
This Sunday San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church will live-stream the official Mercyalbum release party on the ministry’s GETV.org at 6:30 pm CT. The event, which will feature surprise special guests, will be highlighted by Aaron & Amanda Crabb’s performance and the duo responding to questions from fans.
Co-produced by Aaron Crabb and Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs),Mercy features 11 songs revealing a decidedly country direction for the duo, including the project’s debut mainstream country radio single “I’m Learning,” and the multi-format Christian radio single “Take Him To The Place.”
Aaron Crabb gained prominence as a member of the groundbreaking Crabb Family, one of the most popular acts in Southern Gospel music with more than 10 Dove Awards and three GRAMMY® nominations to their credit. Since the group disbanded in 2007, Aaron & Amanda Crabb have released three acclaimed projects as a duo—2008’s Dove-nominated After the Rain, 2009’s CD/DVD Live at Oaktree, and 2010’s Love With No End. The couple serve as worship leaders at San Antonio’s Cornerstone Church.
Difference Media is a division of Cornerstone Church, founded and pastored by John Hagee. The label features some of the leading names in Southern Gospel music, including Aaron & Amanda Crabb, Canton Junction, Matthew Hagee, Tim Duncan, The Cornerstone Sanctuary Choir, John Hagee and The Hagees. A non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members, Cornerstone Church is home to John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts Pastor Hagee’s radio and television teachings throughout America and to 245 countries around the globe. The ministry also operates GETV, a 24/7 online television and video on-demand broadcast of sermons and original programming, as well as music videos and performances by Difference Media artists (www.getv.org).
Difference Media recently signed an exclusive distribution deal with Capitol Christian Distribution (formerly EMI CMG Distribution). Mercy is the label’s inaugural release under the new agreement.
Tags: Aaron and Amanda Crabb, amy grant, ccm magazine, daystar, DIFFERENCE MEDIA, Hawk Nelson
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Aretha Franklin, Ricky Skaggs, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Love Song and Rex Humbard Announced as GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on May 10, 2012 – 4:26 pm -NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 10, 2012 – The GMA Foundation (GMAF) has announced that it will induct Aretha 
Franklin, Ricky Skaggs, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Love Song and Rex Humbard into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
“The diverse talents represented in this years class of inductees have impacted millions of people around the world. It is an honor to induct these individuals” said Charles Dorris, Chairman, GMA Foundation.
The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct the honorees into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at Trinity Music City Auditorium in Hendersonville, TN at 6:00 PM. Admission is free to the public.
The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, established in 1971, has inducted more than 150 members since its inception. Previous inductees include Johnny Cash, DeGarmo & Key, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, Amy Grant, the Statler Brothers, the Winans, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Andrae Crouch, Sandi Patty, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Andrae Crouch & the Disciples, Vestal Goodman, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Shirley Caesar, The Oak Ridge Boys, the Blackwood Brothers, Petra, Bill and Gloria Gaither, the Happy Goodman Family, Larry Norman, George Beverly Shea, Albertina Walker, Pat Boone, Dottie Rambo, Evie, Larry Norman, Richard Smallwood, Jake Hess, The Lewis Family, Cliff Barrows, Thomas A. Dorsey, the Cathedral Quartet, the Fairfield Four, Billy Graham and the Jordanaires. The GMAF is dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the historical development of gospel music and its impact on our culture by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections for a global audience, as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to gospel music. A full list of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees is available at gmahalloffame.org web site here.
ABOUT THE INDUCTEES:
ARETHA FRANKLIN
Although born in soul’s capitol city, Memphis. The Franklin family soon moved to Detroit, MI, where her father, Baptist minister Reverend C. L. Franklin, soon became one of the most revered public figures in black America. During her late preteens, Franklin was regularly singing solo numbers in her father’s New Bethel Baptist Church. She grew up with local and national celebrities visiting in her family home, including gospel greats Albertina Walker and her group The Caravans, Mahalia Jackson and Clara Ward, three women who played a pivotal role in her vocal development.
In 1972, she released the gospel album Amazing Grace. The album eventually became her biggest-selling release ever, selling over two million copies and becoming the best-selling gospel album of all time. In 1987 she again returned to her gospel roots with the album, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, which though it did not repeat the success of Amazing Grace despite a powerful rendition of “Oh Happy Day”, featuring Mavis Staples, but did reach the Top 10 of Billboard’s gospel chart.
Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time as well as the ninth greatest artist of all time. She has won 18 competitive Grammys and two honorary Grammys. She has 20 #1 singles on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and two #1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Respect” (1967) and “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” (1987), Since 1961, she has scored a total of 45 Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. She also has the most million-selling singles of any female artist. Between 1967 and 1982 she had 10 #1 R&B albums—more than any other female artist. In 1987, Aretha became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She was the only featured singer at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.
DALLAS HOLM
Dallas has earned his influence in today’s Christian music throughout more than 40 years of writing, singing and ministry in some 4,000 concerts in every state in the USA as well as many countries abroad. His 38 recordings have garnered gold records, multiple Dove awards, Grammy nominations, number one songs, and countless accolades.
Artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris and Greg Long of Avalon all make reference to Holm’s significant impact on their lives and ministries. Holm can be seen on several of the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos. On one video Gaither introduces Dallas by saying, “This is one of the nicest guys in our entire industry.” This broad appeal and respect by peers has undoubtedly been one of the reasons for Holm’s amazing longevity and relevance. They became the first Contemporary Christian band to receive an RIAA certified Gold Album for Dallas Holm and Praise LIVE.
THE HOPPERS
Multi-award winning family group The Hoppers have been singing to global audiences for over 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. They have performed throughout the United States as well as in Israel, Europe and Africa. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have created a legacy of musical excellence embraced by leading pastors and event organizers. Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, they are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours, and their recordings frequently land at the top of the BILLBOARD sales charts and The Singing News radio charts.
Comprised today of family members Claude & Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, and son Mike Hopper, The Hoppers were formed in 1957 in the rural-farm town of Madison, NC, and have grown continuously for decades, touching countless lives around the world. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with the prestigious Marvin Norcross Award, in addition to numerous industry and fan honors; and she has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean’s wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes. She is noted for the excitement she brings to any live performance, and her unmistakable, rafter-ringing soprano vocals have taken The Hoppers to new heights for many years.
REX HUMBARD
In 1932, Rex Humbard did his first radio program on KTHS Radio, Hot Springs, Arkansas; at the age of 13. His father, Alpha Rex Emanuel Humbard, ran an orphanage and church in downtown Hot Springs. In the midst of the Great Depression, church attendance was poor and offerings for the orphanage suffered greatly. Rex did his radio program every week, singing, playing his guitar and telling the listeners about his father’s church. One year later the seats were full to capacity and the orphans had a new lease on life. From that time forward, Rex Humbard realized the power of the media and the importance of the “life changing” message contained in gospel music.
From 1945 through 1952 (during the war years), Rex and his wife, Maude Aimee, traveled to every section of the USA and Canada conducting tent crusade meetings. In each of these cities they purchased radio time and appeared daily singing gospel music and promoting the tent crusades. In 1949, Rex did his first TV show in Indianapolis, Indiana on the local CBS station. Once again, gospel music was the center piece of the program.
The Rex Humbard Ministry program ran from 1952 to 1985. In the early 1970’s, Time Magazine did a feature story on Rex Humbard and coined the phrase “tele-evangelist” to describe Rex. In 1999, Rex was named as “one of the 25 shapers of the 20th century” by US News and World Report because of his visionary use of the media to promote his message of hope, love and salvation. One of the most vital parts of his ministry was gospel music.
LOVE SONG
In the early 70’s, during the beginnings of what became known as the “Jesus Movement,” a group of young, longhaired, “hippie” musicians called LOVE SONG began to use their music to express their newfound faith in Jesus Christ. A mixture of rock and pop, LOVE SONG’s music was entirely new and unique for the Christian music world.
The music was fresh, sometimes radical, and yet truly inspirational for a generation of young people searching for truth. It helped blaze the path for what we know today as Contemporary Christian Music. They flourished amidst the swirl of national media attention from top record labels and interviews with magazines including ROLLING STONE. God used them in a powerful way to bring many people to Himself. “In a world of imitators, Love Song has been an originator, the first domino that started the others going”
RICKY SKAGGS
Fourteen-time Grammy Award winner and two-time Dove Awards winner, Ricky Skaggs, is affectionately known as one of bluegrass music’s most recognized ambassadors. Singing comes naturally to Skaggs, and singing Gospel songs even more so. At the tender age of 3, he began by harmonizing with his mother as she sang Gospel songs. He began to perform in his church, singing with his parents there. His illustrious path to stardom has always included Gospel songs, as he loves to sing about Jesus and His love for all of us.
From there, Skaggs went on to put his own stamp on the mainstream country and bluegrass formats, resulting in twelve #1 hits, eight Country Music Association Awards and eight Academy of Country Music Awards. 1997 marked Ricky Skaggs’ triumphant return to bluegrass and the establishment of his own Skaggs Family Records label, which has gone on to break new sales records in the genre. Now in his 40th year as a professional musician, he continues to record and tour with his band Kentucky Thunder as one of music’s most sought after live performers.
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THE NASHVILLE CHOIR PRESENTS, “A TRIBUTE TO THE SONGS OF BILL & GLORIA GAITHER,” MAY 1 AT THE SCHERMERHORN SYMPHONY CENTER IN NASHVILLE, TN
Written by SGN Scoops Staff on April 18, 2011 – 4:39 pm -
(Nashville, TN) – The Nashville Choir Presents “A Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither” at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on May 1, 2011 at 7:30PM.
This once-in-a-lifetime tribute to the Grammy and Dove Award Winning songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither will fill the hall of Nashville’s magnificent Schermerhorn Symphony Center with the sounds of The Nashville Choir and Orchestra, along with performing artists, Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patty, Larnelle Harris, The Isaacs, Buddy Greene, Russ Taff, Gordon Mote, Gary McSpadden, Sheila Walsh, Steve Green and the Gaither Vocal Band.
“I was raised on the music of Bill & Gloria Gaither and over the years have been blessed to work with them. All of us at The Nashville Choir are honored to be able to present such a tribute to true Legends of Gospel Music,” says John E. Coates, Founder and Director of The Nashville Choir. Dan Posthuma, who along with longtime Gaither associate Ronn Huff is producing the concert, adds: “The impact that Bill & Gloria’s music has had on the church in our generation is astounding. We all look forward to an inspiring and emotional evening that pays tribute to these powerful songs!”
At the Gaither’s request, the proceeds from the evening will benefit The Gospel Music Trust Fund and The Nashville Choir’s work with the homeless, Hope For Nashville.
Tickets are on sale now through the Schermerhorn Symphony Center Box Office, 615-687-6400 or online at http://www.NashvilleSymphony.org.
ABOUT BILL & GLORIA GAITHER
“The Gaithers are to Christian music what The Beatles are to pop music,” said Donna Hilley, when the American Society of Composers, Artists and Publishers (ASCAP) named them “Gospel Songwriters of the Century.”
The Gaither’s real-life lyrics were born out of their everyday lives as full-time schoolteachers. Bill and Gloria have partnered to write more than 700 songs, including “Because He Lives,” “He Touched Me,” “Let’s Just Praise the Lord,” “Something Beautiful” and “The King is Coming,” to name just a few of the favorites. Bill and Gloria have performed in concert and shot videos around the world. Sharing their stage with countless up-and-coming artists, Bill and Gloria mentored performers such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patty, and Stephen Curtis Chapman, influencing entire generations of artists.
ABOUT THE NASHVILLE CHOIR
The Nashville Choir was formed in 2005 out of a desire to bring Nashville’s Christian community together through music. Under the direction of John E. Coates, The Nashville Choir is an organization of professional-level Christian singers united to show God’s glory in the marketplace bringing all denominations and all peoples together to worship with one voice.
In its short history, The Nashville Choir has appeared at prestigious events in the city including: 3 Community Hymn Sings with the Nashville Symphony, the annual Tennessee Prayer Breakfast since 2007, and at the Inauguration of Governor Bill Haslam. The Nashville Choir recorded “Just As I Am” for the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC, and most recently recorded the choral parts for Walt Disney’s “World Of Color” in California. The Nashville Choir’s heart is firmly planted in Nashville with benefits performed for the Salvation Army, the Rescue Mission, and Room In The Inn. For more information on The Nashville Choir, please visit www.thenashvillechoir.org
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