Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Roger Talley joins the Crossroads Music team

Roger Talley joins the Crossroads Music team

Arden, North Carolina (July 22, 2019) — With years of experience as a producer and awarded Southern Gospel artist with his group, The Talleys, Roger Talley brings his expertise to Crossroads Music as he joins the A&R team with a focus on artists on the Horizon, Sonlite, and Skyland labels.

“I am excited to join the A&R team at Crossroads and thank Chris White and Mickey Gamble for giving me this opportunity. I have worked with them for several years as part of The Talleys and on recording projects by other artists,” says Talley. “I am looking forward to working with the incredible staff and sharing my years of experience in recording and artist development with some of today’s most talented up and coming Southern Gospel artists.”

The Talleys sing in the rain in their
“Grab Your Umbrella” video

Talley, an East Tennessee native, is an accomplished pianist, producer, and arranger. He began playing piano at a young age and joined The Hoppers after graduating from college. After that, he launched The Talleys with his brother Kirk and wife Debra, which took the Southern Gospel industry by storm and became one of the most sought after mixed groups in the genre with their groundbreaking arrangements. The group took a break from touring in 1993, but reformed three years later and now consists of Talley, Debra and their daughter Lauren.

Also known for his work in the recording studio, Talley has produced projects for artists such as Jake Hess, Ivan Parker, The John Hagee Family, The Collingsworth Family, The Kingsmen and Lauren Talley. He’s been awarded for his achievements from the Southern Gospel Music Guild Harmony Honors in 2004 and the SGN Music Awards in 2007 for Producer of the Year. Talley is also instrumental with the Abraham Productions team that puts on some of the largest concert events in the industry (Singing In The Sun and Gatlinburg Gathering).

“I am thrilled we are bringing Roger on to our A&R team. I’ve known Roger since I was a teenager and have always had a great working relationship and friendship with him,” says Crossroads’ Greg Bentley. “As Crossroads focuses on our Horizon-Sonlite-Skyland artists, his knowledge of what can make an artist successful as they grow their ministry will be valuable to many of our upcoming artists as well as our established ones. I also know he is highly looked upon in the Gospel Music industry for his business skills and the way he relates with other artists. Bringing Roger in to work with us will leave no question where Crossroads stands on the future of the Gospel side of the overall music industry.”

About Crossroads:
Crossroads is a market leader in the Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana fields. Established in 1993, following the combination of Horizon Music Group and Sonlite Records, Crossroads now operates several divisions including Crossroads Label Group (Horizon Records, Sonlite Records, Mountain Home Music, Skyland Records, Pisgah Ridge Records, Crossroads Records, and Organic Records), Crossroads Distribution, Crossroads Radio Promotions, Crossroads Publishing Group and Crossroads Recording Studios. Led by a strong executive team of Christian music and Bluegrass music veterans, Crossroads combines cutting-edge technology with creative innovation to connect fans with our artists’ life-changing music.

July 2019 SGNScoops Magazine

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Chris White Recuperating

Chris White

It’s been eight days since we posted an update on Chris. With Chris and Kim’s guidance, we decided to hold off until there were some changes to report. We now have the update we’ve been praying for. Chris White is home starting his recuperation process. But who better to hear from than Chris himself.

“I just want to thank the thousands that stood by me and Kim in this very difficult time! When a trauma team of 8 doctors looked at Kim and said “we don’t know what to do next”…..God’s people said “We Do!!” I’m here today because of those prayers! It has made me want to be a new kind of prayer warrior for those truly in need. When there is a moment available, continue to lift me up through the recovery process. Thanks again to everyone!” Chris White
Crossroads would like to thanks the artist, fans, and industry friends who have lifted Chris to the Lord. You will never know how much we appreciate you all!

More news

Chris White in recovery

Chris White

You will likely remember that last week, Greg Bentley of Crossroads Entertainment sent out a prayer prayer request for Chris White, who was having heart surgery at the University of TN Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Friday, March 18.

Chris White to have surgery

Chris White

Crossroads Music would like to request special prayer for Sonlite Records founder Chris White. Chris will be having an open heart surgery procedure to do a heart valve replacement. The procedure will be Friday, March 18th at the University of TN Medical Center in Knoxville TN. Chris and his family covet your prayers.

Find our more about Chris and Sonlite Records here.

SGN Scoops extends our thoughts and prayers to Chris and his family.

Crossroads, Kingdom Heirs, and Old Paths Celebrate #1 Hits

September 11th, The Kingdom Heirs, The Old Paths, and representatives of Sonlite Records, a division of Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing, gathered at the Cardinal Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky to celebrate two recent #1 hits. The Old Paths’ radio single “God’s Great,” written by Rodney Birch, was #1 on the June 2013 Singing News Top 80 chart. The Kingdom Heirs’ #1, “Just Beyond the Sunset,” written by Dianne Wilkinson, is #1 on the current October 2013 Singing News Top 80 chart.”What a run it’s been,” said Kingdom Heirs baritone and manager Steve French. “It took us several years to ever reach that #1 position but now we’ve had eight to make it to the top.  That’s what happens when you have great songs, a great production, and the best radio department in the business!”Old Paths baritone and manager Douglas Roark added, “We never imagined coming out of the gate with #1 songs. But to have two in a row, back to back, is just unbelievable. We owe so much to our record company, Crossroads Entertainment and especially to Jim Stover for doing such a great job representing our songs in the world of radio. We couldn’t be more excited!” Chris White, President of Sonlite Records, commented: “It’s not often that you get to work with what may be two of the best quartets to ever have sung a note in our business. That’s what we’ve got with the Kingdom Heirs and The Old Paths. As well, they are both very serious about how they present the music with their abundance of talent and with the message these songs contain. We’re thrilled with our association with each of these artists.” The Old Paths’ follow-up single, “He’s My Song,” has been heating up the charts; it has already reached the #6 position on the November 2013 chart. Meanwhile, the Kingdom Heirs’ new single, “The Borrowed Tomb,” is off to a strong start, as the #1 most added song for Singing News’ November 2013 Top New Releases chart. Photo: From left to right: Dennis Murphy (Kingdom Heirs), Tim Rackley (The Old Paths), Jerry Martin (Kingdom Heirs), Andy Stringfield (Kingdom Heirs), Jeremy Peace (The Old Paths), Kreis French (Kingdom Heirs), Douglas Roark (The Old Paths), Steve French (Kingdom Heirs), Chris White (Crossroads), Daniel Ashmore (The Old Paths), Jeff Chapman (Kingdom Heirs)

Phil Cross Announces Launch of Phil Cross Productions

Cross Music Group, Chattanooga, TN {June 25, 2013}  With over 30 years’ experience, award-winning songwriter, artist, and producer, Phil Cross announces the launch of a new division of Cross Music Group, Phil Cross Productions.  Phil Cross Productions is a company dedicated to providing outstanding services to artists, churches and organizations including audio recording, video, photography and graphic design, as well as marketing services, mentoring and branding.

“My journey in Gospel music began as a songwriter in 1983 and God has blessed me beyond my highest dreams,” Cross stated. “In 1991, I was led to form Poet Voices, and for more than ten years we were blessed with great God-given success as we traveled singing Gospel Music, the greatest music on earth. During this amazing journey, I have received priceless mentoring by caring friends like Elmer Cole and Chris White.  I know how much these men and others have helped me as they invested their time and talent in both me and my Gospel Music calling.  Likewise, I want to share my talent and expertise with today’s artists, helping them go beyond what they ever thought possible as they connect with Phil Cross Productions.  I am excited to begin this new phase of my life, supporting others through high-quality production services designed to help them be the very best they can be.”

Phil Cross Productions is a division of Cross Music Group, Inc. based in Chattanooga, TN.  The mission of Cross Music Group is to use music to lead people to Christ and to encourage believers. Whether it is through touring or through our products and services, it is our desire to share God as we proclaim Him and praise Him around the world. For more information and a complete listing of services now available at Phil Cross Productions, visit http://philcrossmusic.com/ or call 423-285-8755 or Brian Burchfield 423-754-4350.

About Phil Cross

Phil Cross is known as a one of today’s most anointed Christian music artists and is highly regarded as a composer, singer, and speaker. He began using his God-given musical talents as a teenager and has been writing songs since 1983.  Brought up in a Christian home by loving parents, Phil has truly been blessed with a marvelous life in service to God.

God has miraculously brought Phil Cross to a place of prominence in music ministry.  He has long been known as one of today’s finest composers. He has received many of Gospel music’s highest honors including Dove Awards, Song Of The Year, and Songwriter Of The Year honors.  Although he has gained recognition as a composer and a singer, and has had a great deal of success as a musician, Phil has remained genuine and sincere. His strongest desire is to let everyone know that God is on their side and He has an incredible plan for their lives.

Some of Phil’s notable compositions include: “I Am Redeemed,” “Champion of Love,” “One Holy Lamb,” “Yes I Am,” “When I Get Carried Away” and many more.

The Kingdom Heirs with plaques commemorating their recent #1 hit song

Sonlite Records President Chris White recently presented The Kingdom Heirs with plaques commemorating their recent #1 hit song, “Just Preach Jesus.” The song reached #1 on the April 2013 Singing News Radio Airplay Chart.

“A little over 25 years ago, the Kingdom Heirs’ first single, ‘Test Of Time,’ went to #2, just missing #1,” White said. “Many years later, we still hadn’t reached the top of the charts, beginning to wonder if we ever would. Now, the group has had a very impressive run to the top and ‘Just Preach Jesus’ may be the best so far. Its message makes it both timely and timeless.”

Kingdom Heirs manager Steve French agreed, adding: “‘Just Preach Jesus’ is a song of encouragement for our preachers and pastors. The key to our sermons and what we tell the world about is the same for today as it was for 2000 years, and that’s to tell a lost world about Jesus.”

The Kingdom Heirs’ current single, “Just Beyond the Sunset,” is quickly following “Just Preach Jesus” to the top of the charts. The month it released to radio, it was the song selected by the most radio DJs as a pick hit; in only its second month on the chart, it has already climbed to #20.

CD Release Party for Channing Eleton’s SUMMER RAINS HAVE GONE

(Dalton, Georgia 11/22/11) Friends and Family of Channing Eleton gathered to celebrate the release of his new CD SUMMER RAINS HAVE GONE on Thursday, November 17, 2011. A small crowd consisting of personal friends as well as industry colleagues assembled in Eleton’s personal studio for a special preview. Rhonda Frye, Editor- in- Chief of SGNScoops Magazine, Ken Hicks of Chattanooga’s US101 and Crossroads Executive, Chris White opened the celebration with a few comments regarding the album and Channing’s ministry.  Channing performed several selections from SUMMER RAINS HAVE GONE including “Song and Dance,” “The Harvest,” and “Upon This Ridge” as well as a few other tunes. Channing introduced his family and then sang with his daughters. Eleton comments: “I am overwhelmed by the support and outpouring of love from my friends. It was truly a special night on many levels. Not only was it a time of celebrating the release of my CD, ‘Summer Rains Have Gone,’ it was a sweet time of celebrating and lifting up Jesus. It was a night I’ll never forget.”
 
SUMMER RAINS HAVE GONE is available now and can be purchased from Channing Eleton’s Website: http://channingeleton.com/  and also at ITunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/summer-rains-have-gone/id472529500.

To find out more about Channing’s ministry or concert schedule, visit his website and also follow him  on Twitter www.twitter.com/channingeleton and on FaceBook www.facebook.com/channingeleton

Crossroads Soundtrack Series celebrates 10th Anniversary

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the launch of the Crossroads Soundtrack Series. The series debuted in 2000 as the Singing News Soundtrack Series; at the time of launch, forty soundtracks were issued on cassette—twenty classics and twenty radio hits. Later in 2000, on October 1, the series’ first Christmas tracks were issued.
 
After the licensing agreement with Singing News expired, Crossroads decided to re-brand the soundtracks as the Crossroads Soundtrack Series.
 
In September 2002, the original forty soundtracks were reissued on CD. At that point audio cassettes were phased out, and the series was a CD-only series from that point on. Several years ago, Crossroads added a digital mp3 download purchase option for sales made through http://crossroadsmusic.com/; this mp3 option has proved so popular with international customers and customers needing tracks on short notice that, earlier this year, Crossroads started issuing several of each month’s track releases as digital only.
 
Though the technology formats have changed over the years, the quality has stayed the same. “When we decided to enter the performance track line business,” Crossroads executive Chris White stated, “the one requirement we put upon ourselves was to treat this line of product just like major artist recordings. We wanted the quality of the tracks to be the best in the business.  Therefore, we have always used the same producers, musicians and engineers, that work on all of our major artists’ records.  We constantly receive comments of appreciation from our consumers about the selection and quality of our tracks.”
 
There are now 817 tracks in the series. Six tracks are released month, of which several are issued on CD to retail and several are only available digitally on Crossroads’ recently relaunched online store, http://crossroadsmusic.com/.