Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Wilburn and Wilburn releases concept video as they also issue a 30-day challenge

Wilburn & Wilburn

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 2nd, 2014) – Dynamic vocal duo Wilburn and Wilburn have had their hands full as of late, in front of the camera and also in taking a stand.

Wilburn and Wilburn – a Daywind Records recording artist consisting of Jonathan Wilburn and his son Jordan Wilburn – have released a concept video for their song “Help Me Help Someone,” which is on Wilburn and Wilburn’s latest project, “Here Comes Sunday.” The song was a collaborative effort, penned by award-winning songwriter Jimmy Yeary, Country Music personality Cledus T. Judd and Gary LeVox, the lead vocalist of Country Music recording artist Rascal Flatts.

Wilburn and Wilburn has been singing powerful songs since they began touring in March of 2011. When “Help Me Help Someone” was released to radio, it grabbed the attention of Compassion International and filmmaker David Altizer.

“We knew we wanted people to hear the message of this song and for the audience to know that they can make a difference,” Jonathan Wilburn explains. “We want to help folks in need domestically and internationally, and we found a partner that is willing to help us achieve that goal. We challenge everyone who hears this message to evaluate whether they can help just one person today. Compassion has been gracious enough to help us with our vision and in helping us to release this music video.”

Filming for the video recently took place atop the Fifth Third building, a skyscraper in Nashville, Tenn.

“When this plan started unfolding, we wanted to have an impact with people watching the video at home and engage them enough to where they will want to take action,” Daywind Records vice president and A & R director Scott Godsey – who served as the producer of the video – shares. “There are a lot of hurting people in the world, and this song talks about the body of Christ helping those folks. The line in the song that says, ‘we can all make a difference, and it starts with me’ … it is our hope that those words will passionately speak to all of us as we count our innumerable blessings today. It was thoroughly enjoyable working with Compassion and with director David Altizer.”

In addition to Compassion assisting Wilburn and Wilburn with the creation of the video, Wilburn and Wilburn have also become Compassion representatives.

However, Wilburn and Wilburn are not stopping there. They are also issuing a 30-day challenge to both themselves and everyone around them to go above and beyond, a mission to help one person each day for 30 consecutive days. The daily “help” can be as simple as assisting an elderly person with their groceries or a commitment to sponsor a child through an organization such as Compassion International.

Wilburn and Wilburn have been long-time supporters of various charities, and with there continuing to be both foreign and domestic needs, they believe that the Lord can use us all if we simply allow him to do so. The partnership that Wilburn and Wilburn has developed with Compassion will allow their audience to have an opportunity to help children who are much less fortunate. While meeting the tangible needs of those children, Compassion also shares the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Daywind Records is home to an award-winning roster of artists, including Legacy Five, Karen Peck and New River, Tribute Quartet, the Browders and the Nelons. Daywind is distributed to retail through New Day Christian Distributors, Select-O-Hits, and all major digital outlets, including iTunes. For more information, visit www.daywindrecords.com  or contact Amanda Martin at publicity@daywind.com.

For more information on Wilburn & Wilburn, visit www.wilburn2.com.

ANNOUNCING THE VOICE OF HOPE CHRISTMAS TOUR sponsored by COMPASSION

Nashville, TN (November 25, 2013) The Beckie Simmons Agency is thrilled to announce the Voice Of Hope Christmas Tour featuring Gold City, the Bowling Family, Steve Ladd, and Donna King.

The tour will be sponsored by Compassion International and will make stops in West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana/Kentucky during the month of December. The featured artists, Gold City, the Bowling Family, Steve Ladd, and Donna King, will be celebrating the HOPE of Christmas through their music and sharing incredibly memorable evenings with concert attendees.

Gold City’s Daniel Riley expresses, “Christmas truly is the season for giving, and it all started when God gave us the gift of salvation through His Son, as a baby born in a manger. I look at my beautiful family, my wife and two daughters, and think how incredibly blessed I am. I am excited to be embarking on a tour that will allow us all to celebrate Christmas, count our blessings, and, also, provide meaningful support to precious children, who so desperately need it, through the powerful ministry of Compassion International. This really is the season of compassion. When Jesus Christ came to earth–it was with the compassion of a pure and holy God for his children. We hope to share in the joy of that HOPE with you on the Voice Of Hope tour this December.”

Zane King, of Compassion shares, “We are blessed to have such wonderful artists headed out to share the JOY of Christmas and to be a voice for the least of these, those in extreme poverty around the world. This concert tour promises to be uplifting, encouraging, and full of GREAT music! I truly believe it will also make a life changing difference for attendees and for children around the world.”

“To sing about our Savior is ALWAYS an extreme honor. To share an opportunity to change a life through Compassion makes it even better,” expresses Mike Bowling of the Bowling Family, “We are going to have a GREAT TIME together on this tour. Please join us at one of the Voice Of Hope concert dates around the country this December!”

And solo artist Steve Ladd puts it like this; “I’m so excited to be a part of the Voice Of Hope Tour! The Christmas season is a time of Compassion. Celebrating the compassion God had for us by sending his Son to this world is a JOY! What better way to celebrate that than have a powerful night of music all centered around our Savior, and, even more, to offer HOPE to children around the world.”

To find out more about the tour and to get specific information about dates and locations, visit, http://upto.com/s/h9yO.

You can learn more about Compassion at www.compassion.com.

And to find out additional information you can visit the Beckie Simmons Agency at www.bsaworld.com.

The Roys And Vietti Foods Extend “Vietti Vinyl” Campaign To “Family Style Beef Stew”

Nashville, TN (January 11, 2012) — The award-winning brother/sister duo, The Roys, will join Vietti Foods to extend the Vietti Vinyl campaign, with the duo’s image appearing on 500,000 cans of the brand’s Family Style Beef Stew in Family Dollar stores in 25 states throughout 2012.  The Roys are the first artists to grace the Beef Stew can labels; Vietti Chili line participants include: Chris Young, Bo Bice, The Isaacs, John Corbett and Riders In The Sky. The Vietti Vinyl initiative gives voice to musicians, and gives consumers a chance to spice up their music collection, sample new sounds and videos.  “Our company is highly selective in choosing the artists who participate in the Vietti Vinyl program,” says Philip M. Connelly, President, Vietti Foods Company, Inc. “And we are very enthusiastic to partner with The Roys. Fans should expect to discover them on another line of our products in the near future.” “We are beyond excited to join the Vietti Family,” says Elaine Roy. “The company is dedicated to the creation of a superior product and active in several charities.”  The Roys, spokespersons for COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL, believe in giving back.  They are also uniquely qualified to act as ambassadors for their genre. Two-time ICM Duo of the Year (2010, 2009), they were named the organization’s Inspirational Bluegrass Artist of the Year in 2011. Their current CD, LONESOME WHISTLE, continues to bring them not only critical acclaim, but retail success as well, and the disc earned them a spot on BILLBOARD’S Top 50 Bluegrass Albums of 2011 chart. As well, their hit single, “Coal Minin’ Man,” rocketed up the Bluegrass charts worldwide. Recently, Lee and Elaine signed a production deal with ValCom Studios for a new, weekly music-driven variety show (Roots And Music With The Roys), which begins taping next month. “The last few years have been incredible for us,” explains Lee Roy. “Teaming with Vietti in 2012 gives us the chance to expand our music to new markets through the Vietti Vinyl project. We are truly excited about this opportunity.” ABOUT THE ROYS:Massachusetts natives Lee and Elaine Roy are both accomplished musicians (Elaine/guitar; Lee/drums, bass and mandolin), but they are best-known for their superb harmonies, “Rootsy” sound and compelling original songs. They’ve toured extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, and last year they appeared on high-profile television shows on ABC, FOX, GAC, RFD and more. Later this month, the duo heads to Australia for a series of concerts and festivals. www.theroysonline.com . ABOUT VIETTI FOODS:Vietti Foods Company, Inc. (formerly Choice Food of America LLC) is a manufacturer and marketer of shelf-stable food products under its own brands, contract brands, private label and licensed brands. The company produces and merchandises a broad variety of products to supermarkets, mass merchandisers, drug and dollar stores for U.S. distribution and for export. Founded in 1898, Vietti originally incorporated as a Nashville-based company in 1936 and remained under family and management ownership until it became a part of Choice Food Group, Inc. in 2006. In March 2011 the Nashville operation was acquired by Zwanenberg Food Group BV, based in Almelo, The Netherlands. With 1,300 employees and net sales of EUR 350 million, Zwanenberg Food Group (ZFG) is a prominent European producer of deli meats and a leading producer and exporter of meat preserves. www.viettifoodsinc.com.

Bev McCann Sings About God’s Never Ending Love On Mont Eagle Records Debut

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – (October 5, 2011) – Southern Gospel/Christian country singer/songwriter Bev McCann is excited to announce the release of her brand new recording – Love Never Ending.  Love Never Ending is the debut release from McCann on her new label home – Homeland Inspiration Group’s Christian country imprint Mont Eagle Records.
 “I am so excited about the release of this new record,” remarked Bev. “This album has been a real labor of love with a constant shift of producers and record labels. I’m so glad that I finally landed at Mont Eagle Records.”
 Love Never Ending was produced by Scott Godsey (Toney Brothers) and Nick Bruno (Booth Brothers). In addition to Godsey, the album was engineered by Anthony Johnson. The album features many of the industry’s top session musicians including Bruno, Kelly Back, Bruce Watkins, Duncan Mullins, Rob Tripp, and Scott Sanders.
 McCann penned an impressive 10 of the 11 cuts on the record, including personal testimonials like “Child of the King,” “Hear My Cry,” and “I Need You More.”
 “God gave me so many great songs for this recording,” mentioned Bev. “His inspiration was amazing, and I’m thankful that He would allow someone like me to write these songs.”
 The debut single from the recording, “Hear My Cry,” was shipped to Southern Gospel radio several weeks ago and is impacting radio now.
 While Bev’s new website is currently being updated, you can visit her online on Facebook by logging in to http://www.facebook.com/people/Bev-McCann/1159313250 . Pastors, promoters, and individuals interested in booking Bev McCann for your ministry event, please call (615) 867-6852. About Bev McCannA few years ago, God began placing a burden on Bev’s heart to expand her ministry beyond the four walls of our local church and to use music to touch the hurting hearts of His people. Bev recently performed on the historic Ryman stage through her participation in Country Music Association Week.  In addition, Bev is an artist advocate for Compassion International.

Daywind Artists Travel To South America With Compassion International

Pictured L to R: Scott Fowler, Scott Howard, Zane King, Gerald Wolfe, Rodney Griffin & Chris Allman

Hendersonville, TN (February 16, 2011) –Daywind Records recording artists, Greater Vision and Legacy Five, recently traveled to Bogota, Columbia as part of a team from Compassion International.  While there, they witnessed first-hand the work that is being done through Compassion to reach the children of Columbia, as well as their families.

Over the course of four days, the groups were able to visit three of the Compassion projects in Columbia, which included nearly 1,000 school-aged children.  These young people of Bogota met the group of Americans with much excitement and celebration.  The artists not only spent time with the students at their school, but, also, were able to make home visits and meet the families of some of the children involved in the program.

Gerald Wolfe of Greater Vision shares, “I don’t think I have ever been more overwhelmed by an experience than I was by this trip.  It has given me an even greater desire to reach people with the Gospel.”

“I have been on three trips with Compassion and I never cease to be amazed at the real difference they are making in the lives of these kids,” expresses Scott Fowler of Legacy Five.  He continues, “Then these kids make a difference in the families at home.  Then these families make a difference in their communities.  It really is a remarkable thing to witness first hand.”

Zane King, Artist Relations Manager for Compassion International, comments on the impact artists have made through the organization, “The Southern Gospel music community has completely embraced this wonderful ministry by sponsoring thousands of children that are in need.  Along with many others, Greater Vision and Legacy Five have contributed their time and resources to our work all around the world.  More than 150,000 children gave their heart and life to Christ last year alone.  Clearly, the fact that Compassion lifts children, not only from physical poverty, but spiritual poverty, as well, compels our music community to engage in this Kingdom work.”

To view pictures from the recent trip, visit greatervisionmusic.com/photos.html.
Video clips can also be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/user/greatervisionmusic?feature=mhum.

Three-time Dove Award nominee Channing Eleton hosts a Christmas Celebration With Gospel Stars

Eleton, who received three Dove Award nominations and is two-time Southern Gospel Musician of the Year, will welcome several friends for a special concert in Dalton, Ga. for Compassion International.
The Hometown Christmas Celebration with Channing Eleton and Friends is Friday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at Ryman Hall, 2203 South Dixie Highway (U.S. Highway 41) south of Dalton, Ga.
Among Eleton’s friends appearing are Buddy Mullins, formerly of Bill Gaither Vocal Band; Jay Parrack, formerly of Gold City; and Bluegrass legend Randall Franks, “Officer Randy” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.”
“Our Hometown Christmas Celebration is going to be a night of not only great music, but a night of hope, inspiration and encouragement,” Eleton said. “My friends Randall Franks,  Buddy Mullins, Jay Parrack and I are coming together for a good and worthy cause. These guys are so talented and unique in their own right. I can’t wait for my hometown of Dalton to see and hear these friends of mine.””
The event will highlight the work of Compassion International, a Christian child advocacy ministry, that helps children around the world, he said.
“As we celebrate Jesus Christ through our music, we will share His love through the ministry of Compassion International,” he said. “The work of Compassion is a worldwide ministry that feeds, clothes and educates kids that are less fortunate than us. Not only that, they share the love of Christ with them as well.” 
Advance tickets are $12. Admission at the door is $15.
“It’s going to be a fantastic night of music, fellowship and ministry. I can’t wait,” Eleton said.
For more information, call (706) 279-2700 or visit www.ChanningEleton.com.
 
Calendar announcement
 
Friday, Dec. 3
 
Three-time Dove Award nominee Channing Eleton and Compassion International will host a Hometown Christmas Celebration with Channing Eleton and Friends, Friday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at Ryman Hall, 2203 South Dixie Highway (U.S. Highway 41) south of Dalton, Ga. Compassion International is a Christian child advocacy ministry. Also appearing is Buddy Mullins, formerly of Bill Gaither Vocal Band; Jay Parrack, formerly of Gold City; and Bluegrass legend Randall Franks, “Officer Randy” from TV’s “In the Heat of the Night.” Advance tickets are $12. Admission at the door is $15. For more information (706) 279-2700 or www.ChanningEleton.com.

Rod & Kelly Burton Travel to Columbia with Compassion International

Couple Meets Sponsor Child and Sees Ministry’s Work First Hand

HOMEWOOD, Ill. – Rod & Kelly Burton recently traveled to Bogota, Columbia to see the work of Compassion International first-hand. The couple, who together work in various aspects of Gospel music, partnered with Compassion International earlier this year.

The couple spent four days in the foreign country – visiting Compassion International projects and spending time with families who are directly affected by the child-advocacy organization. The Burtons saw the wholistic development it offers with spiritual, education, social, and nutritional opportunities. In addition, the couple was blessed to meet their own sponsor child – Jhordan (5 years old), as well as Kelly’s brother’s sponsor child – Anyi (7 years old).

Kelly Burton said, “We hugged, sang, and danced with the children. We were served by them and on one day, served them. We were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the country’s Compassion staff and the organized, efficient, and Christlike work they are doing for thousands of children in areas saturated with poverty and in some cases, crime.”

The Burtons share the work of Compassion International through their multiple areas of expertise in Gospel music – Rod’s music ministry, Kelly’s writing projects (SGN Scoops Digital), and Branson Gospel Music Revival, an annual event the couple organizes every year.

Kelly continued, “Being part of the work of Compassion and certainly traveling to Colombia has not just changed our life perspective – it has changed the focus of our ministry. I know we are blessed abundantly by living in America, but now we also believe with all our hearts that as Christians, it is our absolute responsibility to help rescue families from the curse of poverty – which often includes a hopelessness that we cannot begin to comprehend. It’s our job to show them the hope of Jesus!”

“After holding a Compassion child in my arms while singing ‘Jesus Loves Me,’ the words of that song are more real than ever,” mentioned Rod Burton. “Jesus loves us all, and those of us who already have that knowledge need to be His hands here on Earth. With Compassion, we are helping equip those in need to make the journey from hopelessness to blessed hope.”

Friends and family can read more about The Burtons’ experience in Columbia and with Compassion International by visiting Rod’s website at http://www.rodburtonmusic.com .

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc.  Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.

You can find out more about the other works of The Burtons by visiting http://www.bransongmr.com or https://www.sgnscoops.com .

About Rod Burton
Rod Burton is one of Southern Gospel’s favorite soloists. Described by family and friends as an interesting cross between big city businessman and down-home country boy, Rod is winning over fans all across the country. His current single is “Son of Man’s Man” from his critically acclaimed New Hope Productions release The Difference.

Compassion International to Sponsor Disney’s Night of Joy

Read more about the work of Compassion International in this month’s SGN Scoops Magazine, coming Monday, Sept 13!

By Stephan Archer | compassion.com

Compassion International, the world’s largest Christian child development and sponsorship organization, will share its message of hope during Disney’s “Night of Joy,” on Sept. 10-11 at Walt Disney World, near Orlando, Fla. During the two-night music festival some of the country’s top Christian artists will be advocating on behalf of the world’s poorest children.

Compassion International will sponsor concerts at the forecourt stage of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. Some of the artists performing at the event are also Compassion advocates and include Mercy Me, Tenth Avenue North and Thousand Foot Krutch.

During the event, those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn how they can change a life by sponsoring a child through Compassion International.

“We are very excited to include Compassion International in Disney’s Night of Joy,” said Jay Zavada, Director, Global Special Events for Disney Parks. “Walt Disney World is the place ‘Where Dreams Come True’ and Compassion International supports the dreams of children around the world.”

Compassion works effectively through local churches to release children from poverty in 26 of the world’s poorest countries. As the world’s largest one-to-one child development and sponsorship organization serving more than one million children worldwide, Compassion takes an individualized, holistic approach to meet the personal needs of each child.

“The opportunity for Compassion and our talented advocates to speak up for children around the world during an event like Night of Joy is simply monumental for an organization like ours,” said Mark Hanlon, senior vice president of Compassion International, USA. “The fact that Disney’s core purpose is to engage and entertain children complements Compassion’s commitment to bring children the hope and love they so desperately deserve.”

Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 26 of the world’s poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children – enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, has awarded Compassion its highest rating—four stars—for nine consecutive years, placing Compassion in the top one percent of all charities.

Rod Burton Partners with Compassion International

HOMEWOOD, Ill. –Popular soloist Rod Burton recently partnered with Compassion International – a ministry designed to benefit children in poverty stricken nations.

Compassion International is an evangelical Christian child development ministry dedicated to helping children in need around the world. Compassion’s programs help release children from poverty in Jesus’ name and enable them to become responsible, fulfilled adults.

Compassion equips children for the future by providing for their core needs – spiritual, physical, economic and social. By working with the local church, Compassion’s program offers educational opportunities, health care and health-related instruction, supplemental nutrition, if needed, life-skills training and opportunities to hear about and respond to the gospel.

“Compassion International was an easy organization for us to partner with,” mentioned Rod Burton. “We believe in this organization and what they are doing around the world. We look forward to working with them for a very long time.”

Rod and his wife Kelly will be traveling to Columbia this August with Compassion International to meet their sponsored child Jhordan.

“We are so excited about meeting Jhordan,” said Rod. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we can’t thank Compassion enough for allowing us this chance.”

To find out more information on Compassion International, visit http://www.compassion.com.

Rod recently announced the release of his debut recording for New Hope Music Productions – The Difference.  The Difference was produced by Grammy-winning engineer Adrian Payne and co-produced by Rod’s longtime friend and talented session musician Jason Webb. This recording is the first release for the newly formed New Hope Music Productions – a recording company opened by Burton and Darrell Webb earlier this year.

The Difference is now available to purchase online or at live events.  For more information on the new recording, visit http://www.rodburtonmusic.com .

Fans are encouraged to visit Rod’s MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/rodburtonmusicinc.  Rod’s ShoutLife can be found at http://www.shoutlife.com/rodburtonmusic.