Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

GATLIN BROTHERS “FAN FAVORITES” STREAMING LIVE FROM FRANKLIN THEATRE FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.

Photo ID Left to Right: Steve Gatlin, Larry Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin of the Gatlin Brothers
Photo Credit: Jim McGuire

Special Concert Featuring Legendary Trio Set for July 25

Nashville, Tenn. (June 22, 2020) — GRAMMY® Award-winning Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin will bring a special Gatlin Brothers “Fan Favorites” live concert to the historic Franklin Theatre on Saturday, July 25 in Franklin, Tennessee at 8:00 p.m./CT. The concert will be digitally streamed at franklintheatre.com. Tickets will also be available for an intimate audience of 70. It will be the venue’s first live show since the pandemic shutdown. As for the Gatlins, the show has been long in the making.

“I had this idea about 10 years ago when we did a live concert at Bristol Motor Speedway,” says Rudy. “The promoter told me thousands of fans tuned in online and it gave me the idea for Gatlin Brothers ‘Fan Favorites.'”

The brothers plan to perform various songs that they recorded over the course of their career— hit songs as well as cuts that were included on previous albums that aren’t normally performed at a live Gatlin Brothers show.

“We’ll sing songs that we don’t usually have time to do at our concerts, but often get requests for,” explains Rudy. “But we’ll be sure to sing ‘All the Gold in California’ just like The Oak Ridge Boys would never do a concert without ‘Elvira.'”

LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS

Tickets go on-sale Friday, June 26 at 11:00 a.m./CT. Pricing: $56 for theatre seating and $20 for live streaming.

Patrons along with the theatre staff will be required to wear cloth face coverings while in the theatre and seating capacity will be limited to achieve social distancing safety measures. In an effort to provide a contact-free experience, tickets for each show will need to be purchased in advance at franklintheatre.com. All seating will be done with respect to social distancing guidelines. Contact-free purchases can be made from the theatre’s concession stand.

About Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers

Beyond the Song: Mary Burke sings, “I Talk To God”

Beyond the Song: Mary Burke sings, “I Talk To God” By Jantina Baksteen

For this edition I spoke with Mary Burke who has a great new song out to radio, “I Talk To God.” Read her story.

Jantina Baksteen: Can you introduce yourself to the readers of SGNScoops?

Mary Burke: My name is Mary Burke and I am a Southern/Country gospel singer-writer. I have been singing all of my life and have been in church all of my life. I have been traveling for the past five years and trying to share my music and my heart that way. Me and my husband travel, and I sing, and he gives his testimony of how God has brought him from a mighty long way. My husband has been recovering from a severe brain injury for the last 12 years of his life. He has made several improvements and is a complete miracle from God. We are forever thankful for what God has done in our lives and want to share what he has done for us with others. 

JB: How did you roll into music and have your own ministry? 

MB: I have always loved to sing but I felt a call by God to sing for him and I knew it was a calling. I started to really get serious about having my own ministry with my husband and me when he got hurt. I knew that if God brought us through this that we would have so much to share of what he has done.

JB: Who are your musical influences?

MB: My music influences would be Michael English, Sandi Patty, and Amy Grant.

JB: Right now, you have an amazing song put out to radio that is called, “I Talk To God.” It’s on your new album, “I Talk To God.” Are you the writer of this song? 

MB: I am not the writer of the song “I Talk To God.” I chose it because I loved the lyrics and the country feel of it.

JB: When I hear you sing the song, it is as if you shout or cry out to God. What is your personal story behind it?

MB: My personal story to the song is just what it says: “I Talk To God.” I do this every day and every night. He tells me that I am not alone and no matter what comes, wherever I go, every stumbling block can turn in to a stepping stone. When I feel I can’t go on, he carries me until all the hurt is gone. He is with me and I talk to him and I am never alone.

JB: There is a line where you sing of hurt and you can’t go on. What is the story behind that?

MB: There have been many times in my life where I have felt so much hurt and thought that I couldn’t go on. When my husband was hurt in a catastrophic motorcycle accident, I felt this way. I had three young boys and I was in my twenties at the time. God says he will carry us through these times when we feel we can’t go on, with every breath we are holding on, but he will carry us if we will talk to him and allow him too.

JB: Could you share the readers what happened to you husband?

MB: My husband David was on his way home from visiting his dad in a hospital on a Friday night. David had called me to see if I would go for a ride on his motorcycle with him when he got home from work. I didn’t really like the motorcycle much, because this chopper doesn’t have a normal passenger seat. When David called, I was at his parents with Grandma. David and I had three little boys at that time: David, Jr., seven, Daniel, four, and Dawson, two. Our boys were with me at David’s parents. I had asked her that night if she would watch the kids while me and David went for a quick ride that evening. She said only if I only would write a note down on a paper saying that if something happened to us, the kids would go to her. I did that and went home. I wasn’t feeling too good about the idea of the motorcycle ride but would do anything to please my husband. I was out of the shower, I had that same feeling again. I knew something was wrong. I told myself to sit and wait a bit longer, but at a certain time I would go out and find him. I had tried calling him several times but no answer. I went out to start looking for him and I saw an ambulance rush by our house. We lived on a main road and it was the only (way) David would come home. I jumped in the car and began to see visions of lights flash before my eyes. I was too far from the accident at the time to see the lights, but I believe God was preparing me. I finally came to the lights and called my mother-in-law and told her I was at the accident scene. I hadn’t even confirmed it yet, but I already knew in my spirit. I confirmed it with the officer but he had to hold me back because of everything. David was taken by ambulance to a local hospital but then immediately life flighted to the U.T., or University of Toledo, Ohio. When I called the U.T. to find out what was going on, they said he was going to get a craniotomy as soon as possible. When I saw David that night he wasn’t responsive at all. He had blood coming out of his ears and head. His hands were so cold. I said, “Jesus, please hold my hand, and fix him, and don’t let him fade away. He’s my husband and father of our boys. I can’t do this alone.” David stayed in the hospital for nine months. After that, he had to learn everything all over again, and to breathe on his own. Twelve years later, he is my miracle man, and God has been with us every step of the way, since I brought him home from the hospital. Today he can walk with a walker; with assistance walk, eat, and much more. He can drive a car with someone with him at all times. I’m his caregiver but wouldn’t have it any other way.

I remember one night shortly after the accident, me and our boys were laying in bed trying to sleep. David, Jr., Daniel and Dawson. David, Jr., asked me if daddy would ever come home and be the same when he came home. I told him, yes, he will come home eventually, and no, he wouldn’t be the same. I explained to him that in life we all change from day to day and year in year. I said in a few years you won’t be the same either. I explained to him that the accident just changed daddy quicker, but daddy would still love him. Our family has made it in this new normal, for the past 13 years with God’s help. Our boys Daniel, Jr., 20, Daniel, 17, and Dawson, 14, have grown up. And David is there with us to be the dad God wanted him to be. I am one blessed wife and daughter of a King who I talk to everyday. God is my source and help, and I am thankful that He has brought me out of the darkness into the marvelous light. David and I owe our lives to him and that is why we travel and testify of what he has done for us. The Bible says that we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

JB: What message of hope can you share to the readers specially in this time and day, when the world is shaken through this Coronavirus.

MB: I want people to know that even though we are dealing with uncertain things in our life we are not alone. God wants us to talk to him and he is right here with us through whatever we may face. He wants us to step out in faith and trust him and not lean on our own understanding, or anyone else and their understanding. Lean on God and talk to him and let him carry us through all of the trials we face. He says no matter what comes, wherever we go, know that every stumbling block can turn into a stepping stone. I believe this because his word says in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (KJV)

JB: Who is on your bucket list, musically, to spend dinner with and have a good conversation?

MB: I would love to have dinner with Karen Peck! I have been in her company before and have been at the same restaurant but never the same dinner table yet!

JB: What is ahead for you in the near future?

MB: David and I have three boys who are almost grown, so we will be empty-nesters in the near future. We plan to travel full-time and do the work that God has called us during our later years in life. If our health will allow, we will do this until we take our last breath. I believe our later years will be greater than our former years. David is working on a book called, “Broken to Love.” This book is coming and will be about our love story and how we have been broken together. 

JB: Where can we find you on the website? 

MB: My website is http://maryburkeonline.com
And you can follow me on my Facebook page HERE.

Thank you, Mary, for sharing your ministry with SGNScoops. We pray that the work you do through song ministers to others and brings them to salvation, or encourages them through their daily lives.

By Jantina Baksteen

Jantina Baksteen is a regular contributor to SGNScoops Magazine.

Creekside Wants Your Opinion

People praying for each other and showing love. Altar service at Creekside 2019

Have you heard about Creekside? Have you attended Creekside? Do you have any opinions about this terrific, family friendly, Christian music event held yearly in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee?

Creekside Gospel Music Convention occurs every October and highlights Southern, Country, Americana, and Bluegrass Gospel music for five full, entertaining, enriching and uplifting days of concerts, seminars, and prayer.

We want to hear your opinion on artists, facilities, and more. Please click HERE for the survey.

 
Create your own user feedback survey
 

For more information on Creekside click HERE or email rob@sgnscoops.com.

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Tonja Rose Releases New Music Video & Radio Single

“I’m Not Who I Used To Be” Screen Shot

Franklin, TN (September 30, 2019) – Tonja Rose has released a new music video in correlation to her new radio single, “I’m Not Who I Used To Be”. Luke Price Studios directed and produced the video which features John Williams in the story line (the uncle of co-writer Erin Ashleigh) portraying the journey of his own life story. At the time Tonja and Erin wrote this song a few years ago, John’s family had no knowledge of where he was at, he was homeless and suffering from addiction. Later John entered the John 316 Mission Recovery Program in Tulsa, OK where he committed his life to God and as a graduate of the recovery program works with the program to helps others overcome addiction. The video was shot at the Historic King’s Chapel in Arrington, TN (built in 1804) and downtown College Grove, TN.

“I’m Not Who I Used To Be” is the fourth release from the ‘Me, Jesus & The Highway’ album. The album, produced by Tonja and John Mathis Jr. (Bluegrass Valley/Mansion Entertainment), has garnered 3 Singing News Bluegrass Gospel Top 10 chart singles and received 4 Diamond Award Nominations. Tonja is already busy in the studio writing and recording new material for her next album release in 2020. 

Tonja Rose and music video cast at Historic King’s Chapel in Arrington, TN

For more information about Tonja Rose or to watch the new music video for “I’m Not Who I Used To Be”, visit her facebook page: Facebook.com/TonjaRoseMusic

Creekside welcomes Eagle’s Wings and Friends

Creekside Gospel Music Convention welcomes Bluegrass Gospel with Eagle’s Wings and Friends on Wednesday,  Eagle’s Wings will be joined by the Stevens Family Tradition, the East Ridge Boys, and the Family Sowell.

Creekside’s first all Bluegrass Gospel event will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Showcase Hall.

Eagle’s Wings. Picture courtesy of Vonda Armstrong

The annual convention has long welcomed Eagle’s Wings as a favorite participant. This beloved family group will be joined by Brad Stevens and the Stevens Family Tradition, a relatively new band on the Bluegrass scene. The East Ridge Boys, Richie Rose, Fondo Fields, and David Taylor, from Lick Creek, Kentucky, will also be bringing some picking and grinning. The concert wouldn’t be complete without the Family Sowell. This family is based in Knoxville, Tenn., and presents high energy, acoustic music.

Stevens Family Tradition

Creekside encourages all bluegrass fans to make plans to join them for the best week of Southern, Country, and Bluegrass Gospel music, presented in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

East Ridge Boys

Held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Oct. 27 – 31, 2019, Creekside presents music in a family atmosphere, morning through evenings, and ending with midnight prayer.

Family Sowell

For more information on Creekside and all Coastal Events, email events@sgnscoops.com or click HERE.

For Creekside VIP passes, accomodations, and more, call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

For more Gospel music features, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Listen To Todays Gospel Music Here

Prayers requested for mother of Rusty and Chris Golden

Rusty and Chris Golden, both singer/songwriters and active in the Christian music industry, have requested prayer for their mother, Frogene Normand.

Chris posted the following on Facebook earlier today:

Frogene Normand and Rusty Golden

URGENT PRAYERS NEEDED!

Our dear mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few days ago and after weeks of pain, sickness, and suffering, she is trying to gain strength enough to make the trip from south Alabama to Nashville today. Brother Rusty is with her and will be taking her straight to the hospital. We have an appointment with the team at Vanderbilt next week for consultation about the next steps and a treatment plan. Please join our family in praying for strength, guidance and direction, wisdom, and healing if it be His Will.

Chris 

Chris, Rusty, and their brother Craig, are sons of Frogene Normand and William Lee Golden of the Oak Ridge Boys.

For more information please follow Chris Golden on Facebook HERE.

Creekside presents new Singing on the Square with Joy Holden

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (August 19, 2019) — Creekside Gospel Music Convention has offered something new and different each year, but in this eighth year of gospel music presentation, there are many original features. One of the newest, most exciting additions is Singing on the Square.

Joy Holden is the first artist to open this new addition to Creekside. On Mon., Oct. 28, 2019, she will bring the music of Creekside out to the people of Pigeon Forge. Singing on the Square will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., outside of the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Holden will perform with her live band, bringing her original music to the forefront of the Convention Center outdoor stage.

A seasoned musical veteran in the fields of pop and rock, Holden’s debut Christian album was released in 2017. Since that time she has been presenting her high energy, foot stomping music, blessing audiences across the country.

Creekside 2019 presented by Coastal Media

“I am so excited that Joy Holden is going to be initiating the singing on the square concert series,” says Rob Patz, head of Creekside Gospel Music Convention. “This is going to be a great new addition to the Creekside experience, and I believe Joy Holden is exactly the kind of artist to debut our outdoor concert and dinner. I invite all of our Creekside and Pigeon Forge friends to join us.”

Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be held from Oct. 27 – 31, 2019, at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Creekside experience includes daily showcases, evening concerts, special speakers, and midnight prayer. Also, Christian Country at the Creek is being held simultaneously, from Oct. 30 – 31.

Rob Patz. Picture courtesy of Penny Walters and Gloryland.

VIP tickets are still available for this event, along with a few rooms remaining in the preferred accommodation. four tickets and accommodations, call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Meet Singer/Songwriter Don Stiles

The song “Three Story House” has been appearing on many radio and magazine charts for a few months, introducing the music and voice of Don Stiles to listeners across the nation. This talented artist is a songwriter, vocalist and instrumentalist who applies his expertise to both Southern and Country gospel music.

Stiles has been enjoying both genres of gospel music for many years.

“I first listened to gospel music watching the old Gospel Singing Jubilee with the Florida Boys, Happy Goodmans and the Hinsons,” recalls Stiles. “I was about 15 years old when I sang in our local church in Lepanto, Arkansas. Me and my friend Mike Avery sang ‘Old Brush Arbors.'”

Stiles has always been a singer first, with the songwriting a later gift from God. He says the songs just come to him. This musical gentleman also plays the guitar, piano, harmonica and bass guitar, enabling him during the songwriting process.

“I have written between 400 and 500 songs I suppose,” says Stiles. “Two of my favorite songs I’ve written would have to be, ‘The Nail That Pierced My Savior’s Hand,’ and, ‘Satan Lost His Greatest Sinner.’ While I was singing one of these songs, my mother gave her heart to the Lord. While I sang the other song, a younger brother accepted Christ as his Savior as well. How awesome is that?”

Stiles enjoys the songwriting process and having someone to share in his writing. “My favorite cowriter would be my son, Chris. I also enjoy writing with my close friend Doyle Hobson,” says Stiles. His dream would include other writers as well. “I would love to write a song with Lindell Cooley or Bart Millard,” he mused.

All songwriters and vocalists have that one song that is their favorite, even one they wish they had written. Stiles’ is a classic gospel tune.

“‘What a Beautiful Day for the Lord to Come Again,” by Aaron Wilburn and Eddie Crook,” says Stiles. “Why, because no matter what’s going on in and around my life or the world on any given day, it is a ‘Beautiful Day for the Lord to Come Again.'”

Stiles would love to have his work performed by other artists and he names two great male communicator/vocalists: Russ Taff or Jason Crabb.

“’Three Story House’” would be the song,” Stiles notes. “Either one of these brothers would reach many more people with the message in the song than I will.”

Jantina de Haan-Baksteen talked to Stiles about his current release in the Beyond the Song SGNScoops series. For that article, please click HERE

The strong message in “Three Story House” and other Stiles songs displays his faith in Jesus Christ and belief in the Bible. A thorough knowledge of the word of God is a perfect foundation for a Christian songwriter, and a short conversation with Stiles reveals his commitment to the study of the Bible.

“I have several favorite scriptures,” says Stiles, “But one that comes to mind is Ephesians 6:10, which says, ‘…be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.’ If I continue in His strength and power how can I lose?”

With all of the material he has written and sung, Stiles displays a versatility in his song type. He is on both Christian Country and Southern Gospel radio charts. So what kind of an artist is he?

“I wouldn’t categorize myself as strictly Southern Gospel or Christian Country as I am a mixture of both,” says Stiles. “I also have songs that wouldn’t be in either of these categories.”

“As far as explaining the difference I would just say that a Southern Gospel song has more of a traditional, quartet type sound in most cases,” explains Stiles. “Whereas, a Christian Country song would seem to be a bit more upbeat with steel guitar, fiddles, harmonicas. Both are powerful tools for spreading the Gospel of Christ.”

Stiles himself was impacted with the love of Jesus when he was young. “I first heard the gospel when I was a small lad living with my grandparents, as my grandmother was one praying saint for sure,” says Stiles. “She used to read the bible through at least four times each year. Even though I didn’t give my heart to Christ until several years later, the life she lived was very impactful to me.”

Why does Don Stiles travel, sing, and devote his life to impacting others with the gospel?

“I would be terrified to think of what my life would be like had I not met Jesus. Ever since my wife Kathy and my Uncle Sonny Smith invited me to a revival back in November 1974 and I gave my heart and life to Jesus Christ, I have never been the same. The difference Jesus has made and still makes in my life is ‘all the difference.'”

For more information on Don Stiles click HERE

For more Gospel Music news read the latest issue of the SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

Download the latest SGNScoops Magazine PDF Here

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Listen To Today’s Gospel Music Here

“I Have Decided”– A Note From Jessica Horton

I Have Decided by Jessica Horton

“No turning back, no turning back”

When I was a child, I remember God being present in my life – even without a stable faith community. I was often lonely, so I would go and swing by myself. I remember loving to swing so much because when I looked up at the sky, I felt Him looking back at me.

I felt closest to Him during those times especially, and I sought out every opportunity to be near Him. He felt warm, and I knew He loved me.

As I grew older, I began to understand the importance of accepting His invitation to salvation, and when I was nine years old, I decided to follow Jesus.

There has been a lot of speculation about this song. Some theologians argue that to “decide” to follow Jesus doesn’t allow the believer to fully understand that Jesus has already done the work of salvation and the gift is given as God’s choice, not our own. I believe both thoughts are true.

God knows all things from the beginning of time to the end. He is the first to draw us to Himself – we don’t make the first move. He knows every step we will take and knows every variation of choices in our minds. He sent His Son to redeem the world, He accepted the price as full payment for our sins, and His gift is free.

Jessica Horton

Yet, He created us with free will. He wants us to choose Him. If we had the choice between all the spoils of the Garden or a bite of the apple, He wants us to choose His amazing gift of abundance. He wants us to turn away from the things of this world and make a choice – “no turning back, no turning back.”

The history of this beautiful song is one of absolute terror. In the moments that these words were breathed, the author was commanded to renounce his faith. “I have decided…”

The songwriter watched as the village chief of his Indian community murdered his two children while he watched. “Though none go with me…”

And just before this man of God was executed himself, he sang the words, “The world behind me…”

It is my prayer that we as disciples of Jesus will have this same measure of extraordinary faith, backed by the mighty strength of assurance and firm commitment.

Yes, God has already completed the work of salvation. He has already paid the price. But he is calling you and me to choose Him every day and every moment, and receive this incredible gift for ourselves.

Have you decided?

God,

Thank you for Your incredible gift to us. We know that we are nothing without You. Please help us to see the things that are not from you so that we can turn away from them. Give us the strength to choose You every opportunity that we get. Amen.

Scriptures:

Joshua 24:15

John 3:16

John 6:44

Matthew 7:13-14

Revelation 3:20

By Jessica Horton

Find out more about Jessica HERE on Facebook or HERE online.

Jessica Horton is a singer/songwriter from Columbus, MS. She was raised in classic country and gospel, and the soul and sound of these classics often find their way into her music. Her songs feature the acoustic guitar, dobro, mandolin, and other roots instruments. On stage, Jessica brings a live aspect to her show by playing guitar and including singable old-time hymns and gospel songs. Offstage, Jessica spends a lot of time with her husband, David and her church family. She serves as a worship leader and youth director at Shaeffer’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Columbus, MS… (for more click here.)

Jessica Horton will be appearing at Christian Country at the Creek, Oct. 30 – 31, 2019, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. This is a sister event to the Creekside Gospel Music Convention.

For more information on the Christian Country at the Creek and the 2019 Creekside Gospel Music Convention, accommodations, VIP seating, and tickets, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Read the June SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE

Diamond Award nominees featured in Columbus newspaper

The top five nominees in the 2019 Diamond Awards were announced live on Facebook on June 25, 2019. Although Christian music artists and events are often ignored by mainstream media, the nomination of a couple of local artists was noticed by a Columbus Mississippi newspaper.

Leslie and Dennis McKay of McKay Project and M.A.C. Records

Diamond Award nominees Jessica Horton and the McKay Project were featured in a recent edition of the Columbus Dispatch, described in a halfpage article as part of M.A.C. Records of Columbus.

Jessica Horton recently signed with M.A.C. Records and has been nominated for Sunrise Artist of the Year.

Jessica Horton

Dennis and Leslie McKay, known as the McKay Project, have been nominated for Duet of the Year, and for the Christian Country Song of the Year for “Taking Me Home.”

The Diamond Awards are presented by SGNScoops Magazine and Coastal Media. Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media, is thrilled that a local paper would feature Diamond Award nominated artists.

Creekside 2019

“Creekside artists being recognized by city newspapers is terrific,” says Patz. “The more the average citizen is aware of Christian music and those who perform it, the more likely they will be to attend a concert and hear the gospel. That’s what we are about: sharing our music and our lives with those around us at a grassroots level, building our audience and the Church. Together, we can be a vessel for revival across our country.”

The 2019 Diamond Awards will be held as part of Creekside Gospel Music Convention on Oct. 29, 2019 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For information, lodgings, VIP tickets, and more, call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

Voting for the Diamond Awards can be found HERE.

For more information on the McKays go HERE.

For more information on Jessica Horton go HERE.

Read the June SGNScoops Magazine Online HERE