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The Freemans: Gospel roots run deep

The Freemans have deep gospel music roots

More than thirty years ago, Chris and Darrell Freeman began the family musical legacy known as the Freemans. Their name is synonymous with gospel music. The Freemans have recorded 25 albums and garnered seven number one songs, and the foundation of their success has been the blessing of close-knit family ties paired with a passion for music that glorifies the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Having been influenced by the very roots of gospel music at the young age of 10 years old, Chris Freeman said her earliest memories of gospel music stem from hearing gospel music legends like Andraé Crouch and the Disciples, the Speers, the Happy Goodmans, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Yet the biggest musical influence on her life would be none other than her dad. “My dad was a pastor and a preacher. In fact, he also sang. He made his kids practice. We hated practicing. I don’t regret it now, but I hated it then. But he’s probably been my greatest influence,” said Chris.

Although her dad pastored a church and was also a singer when she was a young girl, Chris always felt down deep in her heart that there was more out there in the way of ministry. She auditioned more than once for positions singing gospel music, but rejection sent her home from Nashville, and back to California. Still, she now sees how God’s hand was working in her life all along, even from the very beginning. 

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The Exceptional Talent of Bo Hinson

The Original Hinsons: Ronnie, Chris Freeman, Larry, Bo Hinson

If you’re a Southern Gospel Music fan, you’re definitely familiar with the legendary Hinson family. Their music and variations of Hinson groups has spanned decades; their sound and message as moving and relevant today as it was when they started.

Hinson connoisseurs will tell you quickly which one is their favorite singer, which is their favorite song, era, group, and hybrid. They can tell you the place, date, and lineup of each Hinson performance they’ve attended.

They talk of how they miss Kenny Hinson and how his son Weston sounds a lot like him when he sings. And you can certainly hear the resemblance.

Kenny Hinson

Gospel singers everywhere, even those named Hinson, are compared to Kenny. And he was one of the greats, no doubt. His music lives on.

I don’t know the Hinsons, and have, unfortunately, never been to hear any of them sing in person, but have been blessed by their music since I became a Christian in 1980 at the age of 20.

It didn’t take me long to discover the Hinson music on the radio and a few Christian TV appearances. Now I enjoy them on the internet. Their songs minister, teach, and inspire Christians seeking a closer walk with Christ. They may never know how many lives they’ve touched, or how, with their music. But I suspect there are many more like me that have untold stories of how their Christian lives were enriched by Hinson music.

Weston Hinson and the Hinson Family

Untold until now, that is. I’m telling my Hinson story in this article.

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Chris Freeman On Gospel Music Today

Chris Freeman On Gospel Music Today

Chris Freeman is the guest on Gospel Music Today for the week of October 9. Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. The Feature Group is Great Day, and Jean reviews new recordings by Nikki Ellison and The Chandlers. An article from Christian Voice magazine is the subject of this week’s News Notes. The show features exclusive concert video of The New Dove Brothers, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Tulsa, OK, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive video of The Perrys, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Nashville, TN.

The show is on KWHB TV47 in Oklahoma every Sunday at 4:30 PM, and on Roku on FFE TV Monday at 8:00 PM and AllNations TV Tuesday and Wednesday at 6:30 PM. On DecentTV.tv on ROKU, Amazon FireTV, and Google Chromecast. Check local TV schedule for Phenix City, AL, Pontotoc, MS, Beaumont, TX, Tyler, TX. Atlanta, TX, and Morrilton, AR. The current edition of Gospel Music Today is online now at the Gospel Music Today website, http://www.gospelmusictoday.com.

Chris Freeman On Gospel Music Today

Chris Freeman On Gospel Music Today

Chris Freeman is the guest on Gospel Music Today for the week of April 17 and Ken and Jean Grady host southern gospel news and concert updates. The Feature Group is Great Day, and Jean reviews new recordings by The Chandlers and Nikki Ellison.  An article by Dell Hyssong, from Christian Voice magazine is the subject of this week’s News Notes. In the News this week is Mark209, The Taylors, Abraham Productions and the SGMA Hall of Fame. The show features a new music video by Sacred Harmony, exclusive concert video of The New Dove Brothers, recorded by Gospel Music Today’s cameras in Tulsa, OK, and a visit to the Gospel Music Today Archives for an exclusive concert video of The Perrys, recorded in Nashville, TN.

Freemans Pre-release New CD Featuring Chris Singing Hinson Songs

Chris Freeman

Nashville, Tennessee (March 21, 2016) The award winning family group, the Freemans has completed the brand new CD project byChris Freeman featuring songs made great during her tenure withthe Hinsons and hosting a “who’s who” in Gospel Music as guests on the recording.

This is a best of both worlds album containing huge Hinson hits and those songs performed only as Chris Freeman can. Without a doubt this CD will become a collectors item. You will want to get this one early.

An enthused Chris Freeman stated, “We are excited to announce that you can now pre-order my new solo CD on our website! Just go to http://www.the-freemans.com/store. You will find the song list and all our guest artists there. My first song to radio is”Burdens Are Lifted Away”. I can’t wait for you to hear this project. All pre-orders will ship around April 1st.”

Here is the song list for The Hinson Side Of Me:

1. How Wrong You Are (Guest Artists: Ronny Hinson & Steve Woods)

2. Homesick To Go (Guest Artist: Mike Bowling)

3. Call Me Gone (Guest Artists: Weston Hinson & Larry Hinson)

4. Burdens Are Lifted Away (Guest Artists: Weston Hinson & Larry Hinson)

5. Ain’t That What It’s All About (Guest Artists: Bo Hinson & Steve Woods)

6. That I Could Still Go Free (Guest Artists: Three Bridges & Gene McDonald)

7. I Never Shall Forget The Day (Guest Artists: Jeremiah Yocum/Redemption Road Singers)

8. Too Many Times (Guest Artist: The Isaacs Sonya, Ben, & Becky)

9. I’ll Never Forget What He’s Done For Me – Bonus Cut (Recorded in 1982 – Darrell Freeman/Eddie            Freeman/Chris Freeman)

For your advance pre-lease copy go to http://www.the-freemans.com/store .

If you would like to interview The Freemans contact AG Publicity atinfo@agpublicity.com.

To learn more about the Freemans go to http://www.the-freemans.com .

Follow them on FaceBook at  https://www.facebook.com/thefreemans or Twitter at https://twitter.com/thefreemansfans

To book the Freemans contact April Potter Holleman by E-Mail:msbookingagent@aol.com  or call 615-479-0954

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Chris Freeman

About The Freemans

History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freeman ministry. Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans experience spans 30+ years. From Darrell’s entrance at age 16 with his family’s group, the Pathways, to Chris’s award-winning teenage years with the Hinsons, the Freemans know the ins and outs of Southern Gospel music.

No doubt, Chris’s unique sound is the reason she was the youngest female artist ever to receive the coveted “Queen of Gospel Music” award two years in a row (’76, ’77) as voted by the readers of Singing News Magazine. In 1980, the lives of Darrel and Chris Freeman became one when they married on August 2nd. After singing with the Pathways for three years Darrell and Chris headed for Nashville and began the Freemans. Joe Freeman, Darrell’s cousin, soon joined. them as the third part harmony, as well as their keyboard player. With this sound they have garnered tremendous growth and success.

In 1997, Darrell and Chris’s daughter, Misty, began playing acoustic guitar with the group on stage. Then in 1998, she began singing with them when they recorded Standing Out. Also on stage is Caylon Freeman, Darrell and Chris’s youngest child. He decided to join his family on the road full-time in 2002. He is now playing the drums and singing some with the group.

Now in their 20th year, the Freemans, still do approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.

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The Freemans Return to Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Pigeon Forge, TN – Creekside Gospel Music Convention is thrilled to announce the return of The Freemans to their stage in Pigeon Forge. The Freemans appeared last year during the 2014 Diamond Awards, receiving the Video/DVD of the Year and Christian Country Group of the Year! The audience enjoyed the music of The Freemans and Creekside is glad they have decided to return.

Freemans 2015

“We are excited to again be apart of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge,” says Chris Freeman. “It’s always a pleasure to work with Rob Patz and all of those that work hard to bring together this event. It’s a great way to start the finishing weeks of another year in the ministry.”

The Freemans perform at 2014 Diamond Awards

“The Freemans are a great bunch of people and a wonderful addition to Creekside,” says Rob Patz, publisher of SGN Scoops, one of the sponsors of the event. “Their music is distinctive and inspiring, and I can’t wait to see if the fans will be honoring them with another Diamond Award this year!”

The Freemans are joining the Hoskins Family, the Williamsons, Dr. Jerry Goff and more at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, held on November 2nd through 5th at Pigeon Forge, TN. Fans are encouraged to reserve their tickets early. For ticket and lodging information, contact Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com or 360-920-4057. For more information visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

Chris Freeman Sets Out On New Venture To Honor The Hinsons

Chris Freeman

Nashville, TN  Forty years ago this month of July, a young, virtually unknown Chris Hawkins, stepped into a Nashville recording studio to begin work on her very first professional gospel music project “Touch of Hinson, Glimpse of Glory.” As a newly arrived member of the already well established group known today as The Original Hinsons, her vocal talents combined on that recording with that of Kenny, Ronny and Larry Hinson, to help catapult The Hinsons into even greater popularity.

Within only 5 years of that initial recording, Chris’ exceptional vocal qualities made her a two time recipient of the award for “Queen of Gospel Music”, from the Singing News Fan Awards and helped to win The Hinsons the prestigious title of “Favorite Group of The Year” from the Singing News Fan Awards in 1979. Chris Hawkins Freeman was eventually inducted along with The Hinsons, into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Over the many years that followed her inception into the hearts and souls of gospel music fans, Chris Freeman has ultimately gained the respected notoriety she deserves as the legendary vocal prodigy who went on to inspire the careers and vocal styles of countless other female artists in the Southern Gospel Music industry and helped to create the sound of the award winning family group The Freemans.

On July 21st, 2014, Chris Hawkins Freeman, will once again step into the studio and begin the process of reliving her legendary past, as she begins the recording of her very first solo project in tribute to her beginnings with The Hinsons. She will not only recapture some of the songs she sang with The Hinsons in the seventies, but she will be sharing the story of the life changing experiences that helped to shape her into the gospel music icon she is today.

Forty years of legendary talent, yet her history is still in the making. Get ready for the new Chris Freeman solo project coming soon and be prepared to fall in love all over again with the female artist that changed the gospel music industry forever.

In other news The Freemans are announcing the addition of a staff member to their ministry team. After years of doing all the groups in-house business by themselves they have added some help to relieve them from the daily grind of business while on the road.

Chris Freeman, Lead singer for the group stated “We are excited to announce that effective July 1, 2014 Robert Rowland III has taken over as office manager for The Freemans and GoldenVine Productions. We feel very blessed to have Robert on our team.”

Darrell Freeman commented “Robert and his wife Lisa Rowland have been close friends of ours for many years. It is very hard to let someone come in and take care of your business and ministry, but Robert is a very loyal and Godly man who believes in what we do.”

“I am so honored and excited to be working with Darrell and Chris Freeman along with the rest of their family. There are no finer or talented people singing Gospel music today.” said Robert Rowland.

Robert Rowland can be contacted by the Freemans new email at thefreemansinc@gmail.com or by text at 501-284-1182.

The Freemans are still reeling with excitement over their new video “Where I’ve Been” available on YouTube.com .

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Chris and Darrell Freeman: Making Love Last

Darrell and Chris Freeman

By Lorraine Walker  Once upon a time there were two family Gospel singing groups. A single man from one family caught a glimpse of the single lady from the other and… Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. In the late ‘70’s, The Hinsons were one of the most sought-after artists in Southern Gospel. As co-hosts of The Gospel Singing Jubilee, the line-up of Kenny, Ronny and Larry Hinson with Chris Hawkins had a popular sound that generated many fans across the country. At the same time, The Pathways were traveling the roads, singing Country Gospel and comprised of both Darrell and brother Eddie Freeman with their family. However, real love isn’t like the fairy-tales and the courtship of Chris and Darrell took more than just a glimpse. But only a little more! Darrell Freeman had driven to Tampa Bay for a Foosball Tournament, a popular activity at the time. He heard the sound of a gospel group and went across the building to hear The Hinsons. He saw Chris Hawkins for the first time, but they didn’t meet. “The first time we actually spoke was at the Union Hall in Lorain, Ohio,” says Darrell. “The Hinsons performed that night and I drove to be there and truly met her finally. Sparks flew right away as I was attracted to her personality, what she looked like, her voice and just how wonderful she was and still is.”

“The first time I remember meeting Darrell was at a concert when I was with The Hinsons,” says Chris. “I really loved his smile and thought to myself, ‘I’d really like to kiss him.’ We actually met a couple more times before we officially started dating.” Chris lived in Hendersonville, Tennessee and Darrell lived in Sandusky, Ohio, so ‘dating’ meant a long-distance relationship of three years before they were married on August 2, 1980 in Hendersonville. Chris remembers that the Hinsons were all present at the wedding. “Ronnie Hinson’s daughter Kim was my flower girl and his son Bo was an usher and candle lighter.” 

Chris joined the Pathways and soon she and Darrell were on their way to Nashville to begin The Freemans with Darrell’s cousin Joe. The Freemans family expanded, and as their children Misty and Caylon grew older and began to flex their musical wings, Misty joined the group on vocals and acoustic guitar. Caylon joined as the drummer and also added vocals for The Freemans. Together they have continued their Country-Southern-Progressive sound that has made the group unique. Chris had won “Queen Of Gospel Music” while still in her teens with The Hinsons, and her distinctive vocals have brought The Freemans much success with singles such as, “Going Back” and “Hello In Heaven.” Other top hits have included “He Chose Me” and “Three Rugged Crosses,” along with Misty’s debut tune, “What Judas Didn’t Know.” Many top songs and honors from SGM Fan Fair, Absolutely Gospel and the Diamond Awards have followed.

The Freemans

The Freemans have the right combination of vocal and instrumental talent to keep them at the top of their peer group for many years to come. The relationship between Chris and Darrell still seems to be the glue that holds this wonderful family group together. As they hit the road every week to minister to hundreds and thousands of people, this couple seem to radiate a strong love and respect for each other, even after 30-plus years of marriage and singing.

“Traveling together is a marriage in itself,” says Darrell. “Traveling hasn’t really affected our marriage because we are together most of the time anyway. I believe our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been. I think we’ve raised two great kids and for them to be traveling all their lives, they’ve done well.” 

“Traveling and working together does have its advantages and disadvantages,” Chris adds. “I can honestly say that Darrell is not only my husband and business partner but also he is my best friend and so through the many years of working together we have grown stronger in our marriage. Darrell is the leader of this ministry and head of the household but we always make business and personal decisions together.” Read more »

The Freemans To Host Legends On the Sea (A Reunion Cruise) This Coming January

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (August 1, 2011) – Southern Gospel favorites The Freemans will be hosting a unique cruise featuring many classic names from Gospel music’s varied history.
 
Set to take place January 16-21, 2012, the “Legends On the Sea (A Reunion Cruise)” will feature such performers as The Classic Hinsons (featuring Ronny Hinson, Larry Hinson, Chris Freeman, and Bo Hinson), Rambo McGuire (remembering The Rambos with special guest Buck Rambo), The Steeles, The Shepherds, The Singing Cookes, and hosts The Freemans.
 
The special cruise will also feature a New Artist Showcase. Artists set to perform on that showcase include Heavens Highway, Chris Hester, The Bilderbacks, Deep Water Band, and The Williamsons.
 
Darrell Freeman of The Freemans said, “This is such a unique opportunity for all of these artists to get together. We are so excited about hosting such legendary names and voices in the industry on this cruise. If you’ve loved the music of these legends, then you won’t want to miss out on this cruise!”
 
The cruise will stop in Nassau, Bahamas and Key West and departs from Jacksonville, Florida. The price of the cruise includes cruise fare, food, all taxes, gratuities, receptions, and concert tickets.
 
For brochures, pricing and complete itinerary visit www.the-freemans.com/cruise.html .
 
The Freemans recently scored their latest #1 single with the lyric driven and poignant song “The Father & the Son.” Penned by celebrated songwriter Dianne Wilkinson, “The Father & the Son” spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart – the Southern Gospel’s most watched and respected weekly radio report.
 
“The Father & the Son” is the debut single from The Freeman’s much-anticipated new recording – Evidence. Four years in the making, Evidence is truly The Freemans’ most transparent and emotional release to date. Evidence features songs that were chosen in response to four pivotal years for the group, which were mired with multiple family deaths and extremely personal losses for individual group members. Those events took the group on an emotional journey that resonates throughout the new recording.
 
Evidence is now available at concert events and on The Freemans’ website.
 
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/thefreemans .
 
About The Freemans
The Freemans are one of Southern Gospel’s most celebrated and critically acclaimed groups.  History, experience and spiritual wisdom are three attributes that can be used to describe the foundation of the Freeman ministry.  Deeply rooted with family, the Freemans’ experience spans 30+ years. Now in their 20th year of ministry, the Freemans still perform at approximately 250 dates a year, and continue to experience tremendous success.

The Freemans Nominated for 3 SGM Fan Fair Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (March 15, 2011) – Southern Gospel favorites The Freemans have received three nominations in the 2011 SGM Fan Fair Awards. The SGM FanFair Awards nominees were announced earlier this month in a press release announcement.

The Freemans collectively received a nomination for Favorite Song of the Year (for their #1 hit “The Father & the Son”).  Meanwhile, group matriarch Chris Freeman landed two individual nominations – Favorite Alto and Naomi Sego Living Legend Award.

The group won Favorite Song (for “Three Rugged Crosses”) and Favorite Alto (Chris Freeman) at last year’s awards ceremony.

“WOW! What a great surprise for us,” mentioned Chris Freeman. “We are so honored that our friends continue to name us among their favorites! Thank you to everyone who placed a vote for us! It means the world to us!”

The 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 will be announced on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the 7th Annual SGM FanFair.

For more information on how to vote, visit http://www.sgmfanfair.com .

These nominations come on the heels of the group’s impressive six nominations in the upcoming 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.  The group earned nominations for Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year (also for “The Father & the Son”), Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year (for Evidence), and Best Live Performer. Chris Freeman also garnered her first nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year this year as well.

The Freemans recently scored their latest #1 single with the lyric driven and poignant song “The Father & the Son.” Penned by celebrated songwriter Dianne Wilkinson, “The Father & the Son” spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on the AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) Top 40 Weekly Chart – the Southern Gospel’s most watched and respected weekly radio report.

“The Father & the Son” is the debut single from The Freeman’s much-anticipated new recording – Evidence. Four years in the making, Evidence is truly The Freemans’ most transparent and emotional release to date. Evidence features songs that were chosen in response to four pivotal years for the group, which were mired with multiple family deaths and extremely personal losses for individual group members. Those events took the group on an emotional journey that resonates throughout the new recording.

Evidence is now available at concert events and on The Freemans’ website.

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/thefreemans .