Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Diamond Awards Top 5

Here it is… The moment we’ve all been waiting for…. The final round for the 2012 Diamond Awards is now open! The fans have spoken and the top 5 finalists have been named in 21 different categories! The winners will be announced on Tuesday night, October 30th at 7:00 during the Diamond Awards Show, hosted by the Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Congratulations to all the finalists. Vote now and please share the link with your friends. Voting closes at midnight, September 17, 2012.

2011 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards Handed Out

Note: SGN Scoops congratulates our Editor-in-Chief Kelly Burton and her husband Rod on their win as Branson Gospel Music Revival for Pacesetter of the year.

Karen Peck & New River, Gaither Vocal Band, Jeff & Sheri Easter, and producers Wayne Haun and Lari Goss Named Big Winners

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (April 13, 2012) – The 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards were handed out last night at a special concert celebration in Smyrna, Tennessee to a standing room only crowd.  The award winners were spread evenly throughout the course of the evening as three artists and two producers walked away with three or four awards apiece.

Karen Peck & New River was the big winner of the evening again this year. The popular trio took home another four awards including a second consecutive win for Fan Favorite Artist of the Year. The group also won Mixed Group of the Year and Progressive Song of the Year (for “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along”). Group founder and owner Karen Peck Gooch took home the coveted Female Vocalist of the Year trophy.

The Gaither Vocal Band won three awards, including Male Group of the Year. The group’s lead vocalist Michael English took home his second consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year honor as well as Producer of the Year (Artist).

Jeff & Sheri Easter also made out well this year taking home their first ever Song of the Year award for their #1 hit single “Born to Climb.” The group also won Country Song of the Year for “Born to Climb.” Group guitarist and last night’s host Madison Easter walked away with his second consecutive Musician of the Year award as well.

Producer, songwriter, and pianist for Ernie Haase & Signature Sound Wayne Haun was the most awarded individual of the evening. Haun took home awards for producing the Album of the Year and Traditional Album of the Year (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound’s A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet) and writing the Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year (for the aforementioned “Born to Climb”).

Lari Goss, who co-produced A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet, took home two awards for that recording as well as Producer of the Year (Professional) for a total of three individual awards throughout the night as well.

The biggest award of the evening – 2011 Pacesetter Award – was handed to the Branson Gospel Music Convention – one of the Southern Gospel industry’s newest and most impressive multi-day events. This was the second consecutive year that the Branson Gospel Music Convention won this prestigious award.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and songwriter Joel Lindsey (co-writer of “Born to Climb”) won two awards throughout the evening as well.

The staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com and the Unthank family introduced a new award to this year’s program – the Susan Unthank Memorial Award. This new award will honor women who have worked in this field of music and made a resounding impact on Southern Gospel music. The very first recipient of the Susan Unthank Memorial Award was veteran booking agent Beckie Simmons Bates.

The event was hosted by Madison Easter and Devin McGlamery.  The evening featured show-shopping performances from the Booth Brothers, Karen Peck & New River, Triumphant Quartet, Jeff & Sheri Easter, the Bowling Family, The Nelons, Sisters, Beyond the Ashes, Three Bridges, The Dunaways, Crystal River, Crawford Crossing, and sponsors the Mystery Men Quartet.

“With the passing of my wife and site founder Susan earlier this year, it made it extremely difficult to do this show without her this year,” mentioned Deon Unthank. “However, we knew that she wouldn’t want us to stop, and though it was touch and go for a while leading up to the show, we are so thankful for everyone who turned up and supported us this year!”

The Absolutely Gospel Music Awards are an annual award handed out each year by the staff at AbsolutelyGospel.com.  Each January, the staff decides upon the nominees in over twenty categories.  In February of that year, the readers of the site are then allowed to vote for their favorites.  This is the tenth year the awards have been in existence.

The official sponsors for the 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration were The Mystery Men.

2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Award Winners:

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Born to Climb” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (written by Wayne Haun & Joel Lindsey)

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (produced by Lari Goss & Wayne Haun)

PACESETTER:
Branson Gospel Music Convention

BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Beyond the Ashes

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Michael English (Gaither Vocal Band)

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR:
Karen Peck Gooch (Karen Peck & New River)

MALE GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Gaither Vocal Band

FEMALE GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Sisters

MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Karen Peck & New River

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Artist):
Joseph Habedank (The Perrys)

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Professional):
Kenna West

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Artist):
Michael English (Gaither Vocal Band)

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Professional):
Lari Goss

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR:
Terry Thompson

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR:
Madison Easter (Jeff & Sheri Easter)

BEST LIVE PERFORMER:
Booth Brothers

TRADITIONAL SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Somebody Died For Me” – Triumphant Quartet (written by Kyle Matthews & Christy Sutherland)

TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
A Tribute to the Cathedral Quartet – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound (produced by Lari Goss & Wayne Haun)

PROGRESSIVE SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” – Karen Peck & New River (written by Stephen Hill)

PROGRESSIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Never Walk Alone – Brian Free & Assurance (produced by Ricky Free)

COUNTRY SONG OF THE YEAR (a tie necessitated 2 winners in this category):
“Born to Climb” – Jeff & Sheri Easter (written by Wayne Haun & Joel Lindsey)
and
“When There’s No Hope, There Is Grace” – The Dunaways (written by Rick Hendrix)

COUNTRY ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Shine – The Bowling Family (produced by Kelly Bowling, Mike Bowling, & Terah Penhollow)

SPECIAL EVENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR:
Christmas – The Isaacs (produced by Ben Isaacs)

FAN FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Karen Peck & New River

SUSAN UNTHANK MEMORIAL AWARD:
Beckie Simmons Bates

More information on the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards and past winners can be found at http://absolutelygospel.com .

About AbsolutelyGospel.com
AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) has grown from relative obscurity to the industry’s leading internet publication for Southern Gospel news and information in only a few short years. The site includes a wide variety of features, consisting of artist interviews, a weekly chart, late-breaking news, and much more.

AbsolutelyGospel.com to Celebrate Gospel Music Tomorrow Evening at 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration!

Show to Host Live Chat via Twitter and Facebook with Hosts and Producers Announcing Winners In Real Time

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (April 11, 2011) – Anticipation has continued to build since the announcement of nominees, hosts and performers in this year’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.  The 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration will take place tomorrow evening, April 12, 2010 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee.

For the first time in the history of this awards program, fans who are unable to attend the live show can keep up with the announcements of the winners and pictures and video clips of performances via Twitter and Facebook. Fans can follow the AbsolutelyGospel.com twitter (@absolutelygospl) or befriend AbsolutelyGospel.com or SoGospelNews.com  on Facebook to find out the winners in real time.

“We had such a great response from our live feed last year that we knew when that fell through this year we had to do something equally as engaging,” mentioned Deon Unthank, administrator of AbsolutelyGospel.com. “We are always looking for new and innovative ways to engage the public, and we feel like this could be an exciting way to do it this year!”

In addition, show hosts Devin McGlamery (@devinmcglamery) and Madison Easter (@maddyfatty) will be posting periodically throughout the night with thoughts on the evening from their perspective. Fans are encouraged to participate in discussion throughout the evening via Twitter and Facebook as well.

The 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration will also boast performances by the Booth Brothers, Triumphant Quartet, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Karen Peck & New River, The Nelons, Bowling Family, Three Bridges, Sisters, Beyond the Ashes, The Dunaways, Crystal River, Crawford Crossing, and sponsors The Mystery Men.

Hosts for the event will be 2010 Musician of the Year Madison Easter (guitarist for Jeff & Sheri Easter) and 2011 Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Devin McGlamery (of Ernie Haase & Signature Sound).

As in year’s past, the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards Celebration is free to the public.  The event will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

As far as nominations go, the Gaither Vocal Band landed a stellar nine nominations this year, more than any other artist. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and The Bowling Family each earned eight nods. Following behind those artists were The Perrys, Dove Brothers, Triumphant Quartet, and Booth Brothers with seven nominations apiece.  Brian Free & Assurance and The Freemans both landed six nominations.  Three artists received five nominations – The Isaacs, Karen Peck & New River and The Greenes.

Jeff & Sheri Easter and Legacy Five both earned four nominations, while several artists received double mentions, including Jason Crabb, The Dunaways, The Nelons, Beyond the Ashes, Crawford Crossing, Sisters, Gordon Mote, the Talley Trio, and Greater Vision.

Songwriter, producer and Signature Sound’s pianist Wayne Haun earned the most individual nominations (8) for his work during 2010. Producer Lari Goss earned seven. Earning four individual nominations were 2010’s Male Vocalist of the Year Michael English and producer Ricky Free. McCray Dove, Marty Funderburk, Kyle Matthews, Dianne Wilkinson, Bill Gaither, and Mike Bowling all landed three individual nominations for their work in 2010.

The Pacesetter Award is awarded to any artist, individual, or organization which has shown great strides in the industry and has raised the bar for others. This year’s nominees for the 2011 Pacesetter are last year’s winner the Branson Gospel Music Convention, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Gaither Vocal Band, digital news outlet SGN Scoops Digital, and syndicated radio program This Week In Gospel Music with Mickey Bell.

For a full list of nominees, visit AbsolutelyGospel.com.

42nd ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS’ NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED TODAY

ATLANTA, GA (February 16, 2011) – The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced today from the Grand Salon of the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta that TobyMac and Chris Tomlin lead the diverse group of artist nominees with six nominations each, while Jason Crabb nabs five, and Francesca Battistelli pulls in four nods from the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. This is the first time the awards have been held outside of Memphis or Nashville. The awards show will take place on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia at 8:00 p.m. EST. The awards will be broadcast on GMC, America’s favorite network for uplifting music and entertainment, on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. EST.

In addition to the Artist and New Artist of the Year nominees; Song of the Year, Album of the Year in each category and Short Video of the Year nominees were announced live.

Ed Leonard, Chairman and President of the GMA board stated, “Congratulations to all the nominees of the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Your immense talents and heart for ministry are cause for honor and celebration. The excitement and energy of the Dove Awards at the Fox Theatre is something we are all looking forward to.”

Out of 43 categories, nominees in 18 categories of the Dove Awards were announced at a press conference today in Atlanta, Georgia at the Fox Theatre; where this year’s award show will be held. The press conference was hosted by a formidable list of Dove and GRAMMY nominees and winners including Francesca Battistelli, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Lecrae, Mandisa, Sisters, Third Day and Carlos Whittaker. The GMA Dove Awards, Gospel music’s biggest night of the year, will feature artists from every style of Gospel/Christian music coming together for an exciting evening of music and celebration.

The 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. EST at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre and will be televised nationwide on GMC ( www.watchgmctv.com), on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 from 7-9p.m. EST. The evening will be full of rare and exciting performances showcasing the genre’s hottest and most diverse artists.

Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories. The Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year from November 1, 2009 through October 31, 2010 and voted on by the members of the GMA. The complete list of nominations is available at www.gospelmusic.org. This year’s press conference was streamed live on www.hearitfirst.com and www.watchgmctv.com.

Tickets to the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards are now on sale at the Fox Theatre box office in Atlanta or at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices range from $25.00 – $200.00. The phone number for Ticketmaster is (800) 745-3000.

About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country and more. The GMA community consists of members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Dove Week and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org or contact the GMA directly at 615.277.1376.

About GMC:
GMC ( www.watchgmctv.com), the fastest-growing network in television and the number one digital network in perceived value (source: BETA Research), is America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. In 2010, The Parents Television Council™ awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval™ to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC was the only television network to receive the highly coveted honor last year.

GMC can be seen in nearly 48 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.

About the Fox Theatre:
The historic Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premiere venues for live entertainment. The Fox’s 4,678 seat theatre is booked more than 300 performances a year ranging from Broadway to rock to comedy to movies. In December 2009, Billboard Magazine ranked the Fox Theatre in Atlanta as “The #1 non-residency venue worldwide for the decade (5,000 seats or less).”

The Fox Theatre is located on Peachtree Street in the middle of the city. Not only is it on the National Historic Register, but it is one of the most beloved landmarks in the city because it is a real memory maker for the citizens of Atlanta. They may have come here to see their first performance or Broadway show; they had their first date here, and maybe even had their first kiss in the balcony. Our ballrooms are spectacular and have hosted everything from Sweet 16s to weddings and corporate events.

GMA DOVE AWARDS NOMINATIONS FULL LIST

(click for full listing) Read more »

The 7th Annual USAGEM Convention and Awards Show Is a Success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (December 1, 2010) – Convention participants are still raving about the spirit experienced at the United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians (USAGEM) 7th Annual Convention and Awards Show. The event was held November 12 and 13, 2010 at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I believe the Lord walked among us at our convention,” said Lynn Fox, the organization’s Vice President.  “It was the best convention and awards show the United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians has ever had.  It was the culmination of seven years of work.  We have come a long way in our understanding of how to plan and implement our plans of putting a convention and awards show together.”

The convention began at noon on Friday, November 12, when artists and organization members gathered on the stage of the Texas Troubadour Theatre to film two closing songs for the television series that was filmed later that day.

With the help and guidance of the Fresh Well Media, each of the 30-minute shows was hosted by USAGEM board member and television veteran Tommie Lewis and his son, Dwayne, and featured performances by three USAGEM members/artists.

On Saturday November 13, the award-winning Christian Country group The Fox Brothers hosted the 7th Annual USAGEM Awards Show. The Fox Brothers guided the show along, mixing home-spun humor with enthusiastic introductions of the outstanding musical acts which performed on the show.  During the show, they also garnered the Group of the Year award for the fourth time and group member, Roy Fox, received the Comedian of the Year Award for the second time.  The brothers closed the show with a performance of their number one hit song “Red, White & Blue”.

The evening featured performances from outstanding artists such as Joanne Cash Yates, Glenn Tubb, The Pearly Gates, the Dynamic Dixie Travelers, Sandi Katy & New Hickory, For Heaven’s Sake, The Gardners, Rene Jones, The Servants, Emily Carey, Caroline Keller, Tommy Brandt, and the Fairfield Four.

Additional artists and individuals who participated in the event were Peggy Inks, Bev McCann, Shelton Bissell, Dr. Harry Yates, The Leipers Fork B luegrass Band, The Higher Trails Band, Sheila Berry, and many more.

After the afternoon awards show, approximately125 USAGEM members and their family members gathered at the Radisson Hotel on Music Valley Drive to celebrate the goodness of God at the organization’s annual convention banquet.

At the banquet, three awards were presented. The Excellence in Media Award was presented to the Family Friendly Entertainment Network.  The “Bruce Cutler Radio Servant’s Award” was given to Tyler, Texas DJ and Christian Country artist Tommy Smith.  The 2010 USAGEM President’s Award was presented to Mrs. Bobbie Wright for her outstanding service and support to the organization in arranging and preparing food at various USAGEM events.

For more information on the event and organization, visit http://www.usagem.org .

The 2010 USAGEM Award Winners:

Diamond Award:  Larrice Byrd

Emerald Award:  The Servants Quartet

Ruby Award:  Edie Jones

Sapphire Award:  Amanda Fessant

Group of the Year:  The Fox Brothers

Duo of the Year:  Lewis & Lewis

Soloist of the Year: Joanne Cash Yates

Female Vocalist of the Year:  Amanda Fessant

Male Vocalist of the Year:  Mitchel Jon

Song of the Year: “I’ve Had Enough” – Performed by The Gardners,  written by Vhonda Asher

Songwriter of the Year:  Joel Hemphill

Musician of the Year: Shelton Bissell

Comedian of the Year:  Roy Fox

Southern Gospel Crown Jewel:  The Hemphills

Black Gospel Crown Jewel:  The Dynamic Dixie Travelers

Christian Country Crown Jewel:  Rene Jones

Bluegrass/Acoustic Crown Jewel:  Glenn Tubb

Contemporary Christian Crown Jewel:  Mitchel Jon

Kris Miller’s Tribute to Fathers

Kris Miller released her new song “I’m listening now” in time for Father’s day. It’s a lovely tribute from her heart to Fathers everywhere. It expresses a child’s gratitude, who finally realizes the wisdom and love that their Dad has given them all through the years. It’s amazing how much smarter they get as we grow up.

Kris and the well known songwriter Marc A. Barnette wrote this song together. It has won many awards already including 1st place in the prestigious ICM award songwriting contest last Oct. and 1st place at the North American Country Music International Awards for co/writing.

Kris’ songwriting has become recognized all through the music industry as being truly inspirational. “I feel the Lord has us go through so many trials and tribulations in this life, along with wonderful and miraculous experiences, to know that as a loving Father, He’s always there to guide us and protect us. We just have to listen to Him. You can understand something intellectually but when you’re put in a tough situation it’s the feelings in your heart that actually make it real. I’m sure a lot of people can sympathize with those in Nashville and other places that have in one day, lost everything, but when it happens to you and suddenly you’re standing there with absolutely nothing, you truly know you’re in the hands of God!

Kris Miller, Multi-Award Singer songwriter, reigning 2 year ICM Songwriting Contest 1st and this year 2nd place also, has in the last few months Kris gone home with more awards:

Most Played New Gospel Selection “God Knows”, played on “One on One & Gospel Classics Syndicated Radio Ministries.  She also won the 2010 Co-Songwriter of the Year Adult New Country, Miller and Weaver for “The Keys” and 2010 Most Promising Co-songwriter of the year Adult New Country, Miller/Dixon, through the North American Country Music International Awards.  Kris, has a song on hold with Daywind right now. Also several new single song contracts. If you are looking for Award winning songs ask Kris J

DJ”S if you don’t have this song yet please email kris@krismillermusic.com

Daywind Music Group Captures 44 Singing News Fan Award Nominations

Hendersonville, TN  – The top five nominees for the 2010 Singing News Fan Awards were announced earlier this week, and Daywind Music Group is honored to have received 44 nominations in all.

Nominations covered a wide range of categories and honored groups, individuals, songs, albums, and songwriters. The Perrys led the pack with 11 nominations in all. The Booth Brothers were not far behind with nine. Receiving six nominations were Legacy Five and Greater Vision. Karen Peck & New River garnered four nods. Brian Free &Assurance garnered a nomination in two categories.  Pat Barker (Mark Trammell Quartet) was nominated for Horizon Individual. Austins Bridge received a nomination for Horizon Artist Of The Year. Daywind had three Album Of The Year nominations and seven Song Of The Year nods. In addition to artist, song, and album nominations, Daywind Music Publishing writers were also recognized.  Gerald Crabb and Ronny Hinson, who are exclusive Daywind writers, each received individual songwriter nods. The other three nominees in that category are Daywind artists, Rodney Griffin, Joseph Habedank, and Jim Brady.

Norman Holland, vice president and A&R director for Daywind Records shares, “We continue to be honored and truly humbled to have such tremendous artists, wonderful musicians, great songs, and gifted songwriters.  Southern Gospel music has the best fans in the world and we are thankful for their show of support to our Daywind family.”

The final round of voting for Singing News subscribers will take place in the July issue of the magazine. The 2010 Singing News Fan Awards, along with the 2010 SGMA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2010, in Dolly Parton’s Celebrity Theatre at Dollywood.

For a complete list of this year’s nominees, visit singingnews.com.  For more information on Daywind Records and its family of artists, visit daywindrecords.com. For more information on the Southern Gospel Music Association, visit sgma.org.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN, and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distribution.

The Freemans Take Home 2 SGM FanFair Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Southern Gospel favorites The Freemans took home two SGM FanFair Awards last night.

The popular family group was awarded Favorite Song for their smash-hit single “Three Rugged Crosses” (written by Marty Funderburk and Ricky Funderburk). In addition, beloved vocalist and Southern Gospel mainstay Chris Freeman was awarded Favorite Alto at the fan-based awards show.

Darrell Freeman of The Freemans said, “We are so honored to have won these two awards. ‘Three Rugged Crosses’ has been a great song for our group, and fans and friends all over the country continue to tell us just how much that song has meant to them.”

“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us,” responded Chris Freeman. “We’ve been doing this for a long time and to still receive recognition is such a humbling experience for us. God has been good to us, and we know that He still has His hand on this ministry. We are looking forward to many more years singing His praises!”

Chris Freeman was also nominated for the Naomi Sego Living Legend Award. However, Jeanette Cooke (The Singing Cookes) was named this year’s recipient.

“There is no one that I could be happier about winning that award than Jeanette,” mentioned Chris. “She has been such an inspiration to me and my family for many many years. We are so excited that she has finally received the recognition that she so richly deserves!”

The winners and nominees in the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair.  The winners for the awards were announced last night, Thursday, May 6, 2010, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

The Freemans have been in the studio working on the follow-up to the award-winning Eyes On the Prize album.  More information will be released on that at a later date.

To visit the newly designed website of The Freemans, visit http://www.the-freemans.com.  You can also visit the group’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/thefreemans07. The group’s Fan Facebook is located at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55933096539.

The Nelons Honored with 2 SGM FanFair Awards

JACKSONVILLE, Fl.  – Legendary Gospel music group The Nelons were honored with two wins in last night’s SGM FanFair Awards. The awards were handed out at a special awards program as a part of the SGM FanFair. The 6th Annual SGM FanFair is taking place this week at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The Nelons won their first SGM FanFair Award for Favorite Trio. In addition, beloved vocalist Kelly Nelon Clark was awarded Favorite Female Vocalist during the event.

Kelly said last night at the awards program, “I am absolutely speechless to have won this award. I love singing with my family, and I have to thank them first and foremost. Also, thank you to all the fans who voted for us! We are so honored.”

“Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to sing with The Nelons,” responded Amber Nelon Thompson after winning Favorite Trio. “I am honored to be a part of the group today!”

Kelly Nelon Clark also served as a co-host of the awards program with John Lanier and Margie Tanner.  The Nelons were a featured performer at the 6th Annual SGM FanFair. They ministered at the weeklong celebration of Gospel music on Wednesday and Thursday evening.

The Nelons released their highly anticipated recording – Beside Still Waters – this past January.  The new release is being touted by many industry insiders as a career highlight for the group.  This is the group’s sophomore outing for Vine Records.

The first single from the album, “He Found Me,” made a big stir at Southern Gospel radio – including peaking at #2 on the SoGospelNews.com Top 40 Weekly Chart, as well as breaking the Top 10 on the Christian Voice Magazine Top 100 Southern Gospel Chart (#8) and SouthernGospelTimes.com Top 40 Fan Chart.

The group just released their follow-up single, “Settled At the Cross,” which features 2010’s Favorite Female Vocalist Kelly Nelon Clark.

The Nelons are booked exclusively through the Dominion Agency.  To find out how you can have The Nelons in your church or at your event – visit the Dominion Agency’s website at http://www.dominionagency.com or call (910) 484-6996.

For more information on The Nelons, visit their website at http://www.thenelons.com .

Eric Dove Wins Favorite Baritone at SGM FanFair Awards

BLADENBORO, N.C. –The SGM FanFair Award winners were announced last night at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The SGM FanFair Awards were handed out as a part of the 6th Annual SGM FanFair.

Two time SGM FanFair Award winners the Dove Brothers were nominated for several awards during the evening, and Eric Dove was named the winner of the Favorite Baritone award.

“Thank you to everyone who placed a vote for me for Favorite Baritone,” said Eric Dove. “I feel very fortunate that I get to do what I do for a living and winning something like this is just an added bonus!”

The Dove Brothers were also nominated for Favorite Male Quartet, an award they won in both 2008 and 2009. In addition, group owner and manager McCray Dove was nominated for Favorite Male Vocalist. Winners and nominees for the SGM FanFair Awards were chosen by the readers of Christian Voice Magazine and attendees of the SGM FanFair.

The Dove Brothers are currently in the process of recording their follow-up to the critically acclaimed and SGN Music Award nominated Hold On record. More information on the new release will be announced at a later date.

Be listening for the group’s current single – “Hold On” – at Southern Gospel radio all across the country.

More information on the Dove Brothers and their new band can be found at http://dovebrothersquartet.com

About the Dove Brothers
Voted Favorite Male Quartet of The Year by the Southern Gospel Music Association and the Singing News Fan Awards, the Dove Brothers’ high energy presentation and progressive arrangements reflect a tangible link to the good old days of gospel music.  Their peers regard them as a class act representing the industry with dignity and respect.  Their latest recording for Sonlite Records is entitled Hold On and spawned off the hit singles “A Little Good News” and “Hold On.”