Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Colet Selwyn: UK Bass Singer is Gaither-Approved

Colet Selwyn

Every gospel quartet fan loves a great bass singer. If you were to stop an ordinary gospel concert attendee, most will mention the lows of George Younce, and J.D Sumner, to modern day bass singers such as Matt Fouch of Legacy Five and Paul Harkey of Ernie Haase and Signature Sound.

Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Colet Selwyn, whom many of you will be familiar with from the Gaither Homecoming Videos, to talk about his career in Gospel music.

“It all began for me at a young age, from listening to the Psalty, the singing songbook, as a toddler hiding under the covers, or watching my first ever quartet on a DVD performance (while I was living) in India– I can’t remember a time when this music hasn’t been enveloping my growth as a person, and for that I’m so thankful for my parents for that environment.” Selwyn was raised in India and now lives in Scotland.

“As a child, my parents called me the ‘absent-minded professor’ while I grew up. I had a scientist lab coat on and played my air guitar while singing along. As I mouthed along to the music I started unconsciously memorising aspects of the gospel, that Jesus died for my sins and then rose again! What else could help me as a teen when I was confronted by the world and my own failures? Thank God for music that reminded me! My desire, if God permits, is to help make music that helps us remember God’s grace to us in creative and harmonious. ” Selwyn shares.

“At the age of 17, I had just done a local talent show for a church family out of Scotland. Ernie Haase saw it and invited me to sing during Signature Sound’s European tour– and honestly if he hadn’t done that, I’m not sure what my music would have looked like today.” Selwyn adds, “Thank God for Ernie!” 

Bill Gaither and Colet Selwyn

This young bass singer cites several influences that helped shape his rich and resonant voice: “There are three of them: Bill Gaither, George Younce, and Tim Duncan for different reasons. Bill Gaither influenced me through his videos that introduced me to the variety of personalities, and enthusiasm of the gospel music world. George Younce influenced me as he was in the first Gaither DVD I ever saw at a young age, with Old Friends Quartet; he makes old age look good! And lastly, as a teenager I saw Tim Duncan with Signature Sound, and it was then I knew that this music was for young people as well.”

Selwyn has had many opportunities to share the stage with national Southern gospel acts such as Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, along with many others. Recalling this awesome experience, Selwyn shares: “While actually singing with them– I was sort of in a daze, my body in auto-pilot, and my brain freaking out. In retrospect, I was just blown away by the love and the team-focused nature of the guys, they were so encouraging to me, and that’s the type of heart I aspire to nurture.”

When asked about the memorable moments in Selwyn’s career in Gospel music so far, he shared: “Hearing Bill Gaither’s heartfelt laugh and Gloria Gaither’s wise words as we listened, learned, and worshipped together during the Gaither Songwriting Intensive. That was a very special memorable moment for me.”

Funny moments come for everyone, whether it’s a stage mishap or just a good ole road story. “A funny story that I would love to share with you is a number of us from the U.K. had come near the end of a long string of concerts abroad. We had experienced the thrill of singing before a vast audience and were still on a buzz after meeting some celebrities. During the opening song, the roar of the crowd turned into a cacophony of wingbeats as an enormous swarm of mosquitoes decided to envelope the stage. Well, the show must go on! We sang our hearts out while being bitten all over – the officials also came and doused the stage with some sort of insecticide. I’m sure the audience thought it was a new fog machine or something! 

Selwyn says that if there was one message that he would want fans to convey from listening to his music or seeing him in concert, it would be this: “I hope the music encourages, excites, and provides great words of wisdom for people to remember the great words of Christ.”

The next time you see that Colet Selwyn may be featured in a Gaither Homecoming Tour in your area, whether you’re in the grand state of South Carolina, or in the country of Scotland, be sure to go and listen to this awesome talent. You can find out more about him by going to his website (www.coletselwyn.com) or by following him on Instagram @coletselwyn.

By Andrew Brunet
Andrew Brunet is a gospel music social media figure who has a live radio program, as well as being a booking agent and concert promoter. He is currently on the management team at WOTG radio. Andrew can be reached at

andrew@andrewbrunetshow.com

Happy Birthday to Bill Gaither

Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band

Bill Gaither needs no introduction to thousands of people. In case you need a recap, here are some of his accomplishments:

William James Gaither was born on March 28, 1936, in Alexandria, Indiana.

Gloria Gaither

He formed the Bill Gaither Trio in 1956, with his brother Danny and sister Mary Ann.

Bill Gaither

He married Gloria Sickal in 1962. She later joined the Bill Gaither Trio, replacing Mary Ann.

He recorded “He Touched Me” in 1964. He has since written over 700 songs, most of the time with his wife Gloria.

Bill Gaither graduated in 1959 with a major in English and a minor in Music. He worked as an English teacher until 1967, when he began to work full time in Christian music.

Gaither Vocal Band

In 1981, he formed the New Gaither Vocal Band. (Later became just the Gaither Vocal Band.) So many great voices, so many great instrumentalists, were brought to many fans of Southern Gospel Music, Contemporary Christian Music, Christian Country, Bluegrass Gospel…so many careers were born or revived through his leadership.

In 1991, the Gaither Vocal Band recorded “Homecoming” with some of gospel music’s older stars. Thus, the phenomenon that is the “Gaither Homecoming” videos, concerts and books, was born. Many great gospel icons were immortalized on tape before they left on their heavenly journey.

Grammy Awards: 6 – not sure if this number is current.

GMA Dove Awards: 35+

Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1983.

We could go on. But you can google him as well as well can. Do. Gaither.com

So many accolades…

November 2017 SGNScoops Magazine

In an article by Craig Harris, featured in the SGNScoops Magazine in November, 2017, Bill said :

“I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life, not only on stage but coming home and eating with the sweet lady (his wife Gloria) I’ve lived with for more than 54 years,” Gaither shares. “I’m singing with some of the greatest guys I’ve ever sung with. I love life.

“I encourage young artists all the time … I say, ‘if the lights shine brighter on stage than they do at home, you’re in bad trouble’ … but these are great days.”

Happy birthday Bill Gaither. We hope you have many more great days!!

SGNScoops

For more Gospel Music news, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE

It Must Be Christmas when David Phelps sings in December

It Must Be Christmas when David Phelps sings in December. Photo by John Herndon

If the calendar says “December” and David Phelps is ready to sing, it can only mean one thing: It Must Be Christmas!

Phelps, the powerful tenor who is one of gospel music’s most recognizable voices, has been bringing the message of hope through Jesus Christ across the country in his annual “It Must Be Christmas” tour.

We caught up with David after he performed to an enthusiastic crowd at Shelby Christian Church in Shelbyville, Ky. It had been a night of dynamic worship, fun and a challenge to help others.

“It has been great,” Phelps said of his 20th Christmas tour. “We have just been blown away.”

And if the night in Shelbyville was indicative, that reaction goes both ways. The energy flowing from Phelps and his backup band of six musicians and

David Phelps sings with his daughters, Maggie Beth, left, and Callie during a performance at Shelbyville, Ky.
Photo by John Herndon

two vocalists — Phelps’ daughters, Callie, and Maggie Beth — charged a crowd of about 1,000 slightly more than two weeks before Christmas Day.

The tour is sponsored by the KORE Foundation, which promotes the work it does in Haiti, helping farmers become self-sufficient in the poultry business. Midway through the program, Phelps paused so that concert-goers could see a

video of the foundation’s work and be challenged to contribute.

It’s about giving for the One who gave his life. And Phelps makes sure the concert focuses on the season that celebrates God becoming man.

“We drop our non-seasonal music and just do completely Christmas for the month of December,” Phelps says. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Early in the concert, he sang the theme song of the tour, “It Must Be Christmas” and soon after covered Jackie DeShannon’s big 60s hit, “What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love.” Phelps tied the message of the pop song to loving Christ and loving others.

During his Christmas concert, David Phelps called children from the audience to read his humorous book, “Santa Claus Get Well Soon.”
Photo by John Herndon

He says the message reaches people who are searching and he says it’s not uncommon for an attendee to share how the concert has affected him. “We are always humbled and honored when that happens that our music can reach someone on such a personal level,” he says. “It’s always just amazing. We hope that we are honorable vessels to deliver the message of hope that is in the songs.”

Phelps says the Christmas season presents an opportunity to share the message of Christ through song. “Definitely. It’s a great time to come together and celebrate renewal,” he says. “It’s the end of the year and it’s starting over again and that’s what Jesus represents too on many levels. I think it’s a great time of the year for everybody, no matter where they are. They may have not stepped in a church all year long, but they love to come together to listen to Christmas music and to celebrate.”

Phelps became a household name in Christian music during his 15 years as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band. He’s coming up on two years of touring strictly as a soloist and says 2018 has been a blessing.

David Phelps in Shelbyville, Ky. Photo by John Herndon.

“To this point, it’s been very, very busy, but we’re good,” he laughed.

Phelps says his decision to leave the Gaither Vocal Band has presented an opportunity to expand his creativity. “For Bill, it was a job. I would do what he asked me to do. If he wanted me to sing a certain line, I would do that,” Phelps explains, “and that was wonderful! I enjoyed it and stayed there for a long time. He is a great mentor to me.

“But out here, we get to express ourselves a little more as a soloist.”

Phelps closed his concert with what might be his signature song, “Oh, Holy Night” and a rousing version of “Feliz Navidad.”

But even though the It Must Be Christmas Tour continues through Dec. 21, Phelps says 2019 promises to be another big year. “We have a new video coming out just before Easter. It’s called The Hymnal Project,” he says. “We have been working on that and we will be

David Phelps performs his signature song, “Oh Holy Night.” Photo by John Herndon

touring nationally and internationally. We will be recording, too.”

And come December, 2019, David Phelps will be traveling the country to celebrate Christ’s birth once again.

By John Herndon

John Herndon writes regularly for SGNScoops Magazine, and has his own blog here as well.

Named One of USA Today’s “Most-Anticipated Country Albums” This Fall, Multi-Platinum-Selling Country Singer Josh Turner’s I Serve A Savior Is Available Now 

I Serve A Savior by Josh Turner Is Available Now

LEGENDARY RECORDING ARTIST RUSS TAFF RELEASES DEBUT WORSHIP ALBUM BELIEVE NOV. 2

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/ISTILLBELIEVE.

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.com.

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.

Sherry Anne appears with Bill Gaither during Deaf Awareness Month

Sherry Anne with the Gaither Vocal Band #deafawarenessmonth

Recently, gospel music artist Sherry Anne appeared with the Gaither Vocal Band at the beautiful Landmark Theater in Syracuse, New York.

Sherry Anne

Sherry Anne is an accomplished vocalist, chiropractor, and author, having been a part of the SGNScoops Magazine team in the past. On September 15, she shared the stage with Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band.

“Always such a joy and honor to sing with Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band,” says Sherry Anne. Not only did she grace the stage with the popular group,  she was also invited to share her story, hoping to inspire the audience to keep working toward their dreams.

Overcoming the great hurdles of hearing and speech impairment at birth, Sherry Anne was able to pursue and achieve many goals, obtaining her Doctor of Chiropractic and honing her special vocal talent. She has first-hand experience in the challenges of hearing loss and was thrilled to appear at the GVB concert, able to share her story during #deafawarenessmonth.

A videotaping of the beautiful vocalist’s appearance was obtained and is shown below.

For more information on Sherry Anne’s ministry, click here.

Read the full SGNScoops August Magazine Here.
Download the PDF of August SGNScoops Magazine HERE
Find SGNScoops On Facebook HEREListen To Today’s Gospel Music Online HERE

FATHOM EVENTS BRINGS ‘RUSS TAFF: I STILL BELIEVE’  TO MOVIE THEATERS NATIONWIDE OCTOBER 30 

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

About Fuseic Entertainment 

Bill Gaither is still Giving the World a Smile

Bill Gaither and the Gaither Vocal Band

Bill Gaither is having more fun than ever as the Gaither Vocal Band embraces change, releases “We Have This Moment” 

By Craig Harris

Bill Gaither seems to be loosening the reigns … and at the same time, he’s smelling the roses. The 81-year-old gospel music icon admits that he’s currently having more fun than he’s ever had.

“I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had in my whole life, not only on stage, but coming home and eating with the sweet lady (his wife Gloria) I’ve lived with for more than 54 years,” Gaither shares. “I’m singing with some of the greatest guys I’ve ever sung with. I love life.

“I encourage young artists all the time … I say, ‘if the lights shine brighter on stage than they do at home, you’re in bad trouble’ … but these are great days.”

Oct. 13 was one of those days as the Gaither Vocal Band unveiled its latest CD, “We Have This Moment.” Former Gaither Homecoming Tour pianist Gordon Mote produced the project.

Gaither Vocal Band

“We had another change in personnel last spring with Reggie Smith (joining the group after the departure of tenor David Phelps), who is no stranger to our field,” Gaither points out. “He’s been around a long time with us. I’ve said this 100 times … you don’t replace anybody. We’ve had some of the best singers in our industry I feel … Marshall Hall, David Phelps, Michael English, Russ Taff, Mark Lowry, Larnelle Harris … those are incredible singers. But this is one of the best blends we’ve ever had.

Read more »

Lorraine Walker: Don’t be too busy for God this Holiday Season

November 2017 SGNScoops Magazine: Don’t be too busy this Holiday Season

Happy Thanksgiving. This is a holiday month full of giving thanks. I’m so glad for all the good gifts that God has given to me, but most of all, I’m thankful that He is God. In a world where people change and politicians sway from side to side, God is the same – yesterday, today and forever. He is always there, always protecting, always healing, and always providing. I urge you to thank God for who He is today.

I’m also thankful for gospel great Bill Gaither, our cover feature for this month. Gaither has done so much for Christian music. His songwriting with his wife Gloria, his artist promotion through the Homecoming series, and the way he can bring the gospel message to places it seldom goes, like the nearest Walmart, that amazes me. He remains congenial with fans and does not appear to have let his popularity affect his heart or his ministry. Thanks Bill Gaither for all you do.

MICHAEL ENGLISH UNVEILS LOVE IS THE GOLDEN RULE TODAY

This month we also have artists you love and artists you need to hear, and I’m so thankful that we see the message of the gospel carried on to all generations through gospel music. From the youngest who listen to the music of Abigail Aldridge, to my generation who so enjoy Michael English, and even to those who remember the past of gospel music that Charlie Griffin explores in his articles, thanks to all of the artists in this issue and all that proclaim the name of Jesus.

Special thanks as well to all of our writers: Charlie Griffin, Craig Harris, Debbie Seagraves, Derek Simonis, Erin Stevens, Fayth Lore, Jennifer Campbell, Jimmy Reno, Justin Gilmore, Justin McLeod, Leslie McKay, Logan Smith, Paige Givens, Robert York, Roger Barkley, Jr., Sarah Murray, Sheri LaFontaine, Vivian Belknap, David Staton, Dusty Wells, Leslie McKay, Logan Smith, Nathan Kistler, Randall Hamm, Kaleb Powell, Selena Day and Vonda Easley. I really appreciate our copy editors, Joan Walker and Craig Harris. Then, there are those who work behind the scenes to make everything look so lovely – Staci and Pete Schwager and Stephanie Kelley. I’m also thankful for our terrific publisher and owner, Rob Patz, who keeps us on the right track. If you are also thankful for our team, please look them up on Facebook and thank them for their work. They do work hard, each of them, to do their best for the glory of God.

Lorraine Walker, editor of SGNScoops Magazine

As we head into a busy festive season, I am reminded that being too busy can keep me from spending the time with God that I need to, to keep my relationship with Him fresh and strong. I need to hear from Him daily. People wonder how God talks to His people. I hear Him loudly through His word. He also speaks to me through the written word of His servants, the wise counsel of Godly friends, and through the special nudges and sense of His presence during my day. He speaks when His spirit is present in the gathering of His people, who are giving Him glory. Sometimes, He even speaks through the beauty of nature. I have heard Him in the whisper of the leaves on the trees. And sometimes, He whispers to me within my spirit when I am alone with Him. Has God spoken to you today? Are you thankful for His many gifts to you and especially for who He is?

Tell the Lord today how thankful you are that He came to this earth, died and rose again that we might have life. What a great and awesome gift, the gift of salvation through Jesus. Have you accepted this gift?

As always, if you have any comments or questions about this issue or about Jesus, please contact me at lorraine@sgnscoops.com.

Have a great month of giving thanks.

By Lorraine Walker, Editor’s Last Word

SGNScoops magazine, November 2017

For the latest issue of SGNScoops Magazine click here.
For the latest Gospel music news click here.
For online Gospel music radio click here.

Gospel Music Trio Ponder, Sykes & Wright Creates New “Set List”

Gospel Music Trio Ponder, Sykes & Wright Creates New Set List

Ponder, Sykes & Wright releases New Hits Collection and Gears Up for 2018 Tour Schedule

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—November 9th, 2017—Gaither Music Group has just announced the release of Set List, The Best of Ponder, Sykes & Wright, scheduled to release digitally on December 1st to outlets everywhere including iTunes, Amazon, Gaither.com and others.  The recording features some of the most requested hits and favorite songs from this trio, known for seamless, three-part harmony and soothing blends.

David Ponder, Michael Sykes andWoody Wright have been performing together for nearly 40 years.  Individually, they are acclaimed singers and musicians with multiple awards, national platform performances and producer credits.  Together, however, they possess a sound and style all their own—one with country roots, pop sensibilities and the gospel message.

“Set List is a mixture of studio and live cuts, radio releases and a few surprises,” stated Wright.  “Most everywhere I play solo concerts someone will say they remember Ponder Sykes & Wright.  So hopefully those folks will enjoy this collection.”

That collection includes songs like“I Wouldn’t Take Nothin’ for My Journey,” “Higher Ground,” “He Still Speaks,” “I Know Where There’s Water” and more.  This “set list” of songs will be referred to often as the group hits the road this winter and spring for their first tour together in years.

“We’ve discussed putting live dates on the calendar pretty much since we stopped booking dates!” said Wright.  “We’ve been ‘studio dogs’ for so long, but all three of us had the childhood dream to play live music.  It’s way past time for us to hear and share the PS&W harmony live again.”

Gospel Music Trio Ponder, Sykes & Wright 2008

Through decades of producing, writing and recording, that harmony has never lost its impact on the guys.  “This vocal blend is special to me because it was born in my living room,” Wright continued.  “The three of us were in another group together at the time, and we were early for a rehearsal at my house.  We sang the Commodores’ ‘Sail On’ and heard a harmony buzz I’m still not over, nearly 40 years later.”

“I’m ready to share hope as we travel,” stated Ponder, who has experienced newness of life firsthand since he underwent a heart transplant surgery last year.  “On August 5, 2016, God completely healed my severe heart damage/failure by giving me a new heart. God showed me it was part of His plan for me to be healthy so He could use me with Michael and Woody to give people hope–for health, for relationships and hope in Jesus Christ.  I’m ready to share that hope.”

Set List, The Best of Ponder, Sykes & Wright, will be exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.

For further information regarding the group visit them at their webpage or on Facebook. Click here for booking or for tour shedule.

November 2017 SGNScoops Magazine

For further information about the Gaither Homecoming family of artists visit the Gaither webpage, Facebook page or on Twitter.

SGNScoops Magazine features Bill Gaither as the cover feature here.

ABOUT DAVID PONDER
David Ponder has been working in studios since the mid-‘90s, using his talents as an engineer, digital editor, singer, acoustic guitar player, percussionist, composer, vocal engineer and bass player.  He has worked with a “who’s who of artists,” including the Gaither Vocal Band, The Hagees, Bill Gaither, Russ Taff, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jessy Dixon, Cherryholmes, Karen Peck & New River, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Mark Lowry, Dottie Rambo, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, the Martins, The Crabb Family, Vestal Goodman, Bill & Gloria Gaither and more.

ABOUT MICHAEL SYKES
Winner of more than a dozen GMA Dove Awards and multiple GRAMMY ® nominations, Michael Sykes is a musician, songwriter, singer and producer.  Setting out for Nashville at 18 years of age, he began playing piano for various country and gospel groups and soon found himself offering creative input with group harmonies before becoming a producer.

Sykes has produced albums for the industry’s most esteemed artists, including the Gaither Vocal Band, Russ Taff, the Martins, Jeff and Sheri Easter and his full-circle achievement as producer of The Oak Ridge Boys’ DOVE Award-winning album From the Heart.  He has also expressed his artistry through his songwriting accomplishments, including much-loved songs like “Prayer Warrior,” “King of Who I Am,” “Knowing You’ll Be There” and “Make It Real.”  His love for harmony has made him a natural singer as a vocalist with Goodman Revival and Ponder Sykes & Wright.

ABOUT WOODY WRIGHT
Woody Wright grew up studying the writings of Dad Speer, Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, Larry Gatlin and Kris Kristofferson, among others.  Digesting every liner note, song credit and publishing company name, his dream in life was for a gospel or country music artist to sing one of the songs he was writing.

And a few did!  Those credits include such artists as the Gaither Vocal Band, Charley Pride, Mark Lowry, Russ Taff, Jeff & Sheri Easter, The Isaacs, William Lee Golden, Buddy Greene, Karen Peck & New River, Judy Martin Hess, the Booth Brothers, Tanya Goodman Sykes, Chonda Pierce, Lynda Randle, Sammy Hall, Christ Church Choir, The Lewis Family and many more.  A multi-artist concept CD and DVD project called Circuit Rider, that he created with Suzanne Jennings, was just released.

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