Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

HARPER AGENCY ADDS OLD PATHS TO ARTIST ROSTER

Goodlettsville, TN- One of Christian music’s leading booking agencies, The Harper Agency, has announced the signing of popular quartet, The Old Paths. The announcement comes on the heels of the group’s recent Number One national hit, “God’s Great,” their second Number One national hit from their Right Now recording on Crossroads Music’s Sonlite Records label. The song peaked at Number One in the June issue of The Singing News Magazine. Sonlite Records President, Chris White is thrilled with the success of the group’s debut release on the Sonlite label. “When I first heard the Old Paths, I knew immediately that these guys were not just another quartet,” White says. ”It’s a rarity these days to discover an artist who you believe possesses all the main ingredients to succeed quickly.  Now with two Number One songs to their credit in less than a year, they have drawn the attention they deserve.  I trust and believe that their talents will be relevant in our business, for years to come and, I’m glad the Harper Agency will be a part of this process.”

McKameys Release New Music

Cross Roads Music( 06-18-2013)  If there was ever a group that lived this verse with the intent to spread the gospel far and wide, it is The McKameys. A Song Every Day is the title of The McKameys’ new release as well as a reference to their mission and ministry.

From the beginning note of the first song, “The Beatitudes Song,” to the quiet, thoughtful ending notes of “There is A Refuge,” The McKameys deliver what they are known for, Scripture-based lyrics with family harmonies unmistakable when you hit play. From Sheryl Farris’ writing pen comes the powerful ballad “A Hill Worth Dying On.” “If You Have The Robe On” is a more upbeat tune featuring Roger Fortner, and co-written by Steve and Annie Chapman, who wrote the #1 single “Unspoken Request.”

This new recording will uplift and encourage you with the message in each song. There truly is A Song Every Day! Available now at iTunes, other digital retailers, bookstores across the country that stock Southern Gospel, and at: http://crossroadsmusic.com/mckameys/a-song-everyday/

Channing Eleton & Crossroads Agree On Sophomore Record

Arden, NC – August 28, 2012 – Channing Eleton, gospel music vocalist and keyboard wizard, and Crossroads Entertainment & Marketing have agreed to release Eleton’s sophomore project.  Having played with some of the industry’s top groups, such as Poet Voices and Gold City, Channing is finding great success since he launched his own endeavor.

“What I have found in Crossroads Music is a company that not only believes in me, but also shares in my vision of music and ministry.  Chris White is a longtime dear friend and mentor.  Plus, I have the utmost respect for Mickey Gamble and producer Jeff Collins.  To be partnered with these men and their amazing staff is really a dream come true.”

Crossroads executive Chris White states, “I’ve known Channing since the day he took the job with Poet Voices in 1995.  What’s funny is I didn’t even know the guy could sing until he brought me his first record.  It’s a pleasure to have such a class act and person as Channing in our company.”

The new record is scheduled to be a spring 2013 release.

New Music From the Harper Family

What is so great about family bands? They always seem to have a natural chemistry and the ability to fit together just right. Bluegrass has a tradition of great family groups, from the Carter Family to Cherryholmes. In this tradition, where great music is the norm, The Harper Family rises to the top. They exemplify what is so magical about a fine family Bluegrass outfit; seamless playing and singing and an effortless blend that make complex music seem easy.

But this group from Missouri has something extra. They can do all of the above better than most in the business. This first major release, Changes, is a stunning recording with a perfect mix of all Gospel songs that spotlight the incredible talent of this group.

Changes grabs your attention immediately with the opening mandolin/guitar duel on “Salt and Light.” From an epic rendering of “King’s Ransom” to a creative remake of the classic “I’ll Live Again,” this project will make Southern Gospel fans love their sound and bluegrass fans love their message.

We think you will agree—the Harper Family is the future of Gospel Bluegrass!

Changes will be available August, 21 at Crossroads, iTunes, and Amazon. You can preview samples here.

Ivan Parker was in the studio this past week

Ivan Parker was in the studio this past week working on an upcoming ‘classics’ project to include such greats as “Sweeter As the Days Go By”, “I Go to the Rock”, “Tell Me the Story of Jesus”, “It Is No Secret”, and more.

Reaching out for help from his fans to name this new project, Parker announced an ‘Album Title Contest’ which allowed fans to submit names for the album. The contest garnered such an overwhelming response, the deadline to submit the entries had to be extended and ended at 9 PM, EST on July 26, 2012

On Friday, July 27, 2012, Crossroads Music, Parker’s record company, announced the winners who will each receive the very first autographed CDs pulled from the box. They are Rick Sheets and Angela Griffin. They both turned in the title “TIMELESS TREASURES” which sums up this great new release by Ivan Parker, perfectly. Release date is has not yet been announced.

New Music From The Akins! The Akins- Based On A True Story Releases July 17!

From the group who brought you the songs “I Want My Stage to be an Altar,”  “What if God Says No,” and “Any Day Now” comes the highly anticipated follow-up release to their self-titled album.  The Akins- Based on a True Story hits retail on July 17!

Based On A True Story consists of ten new original songs based on truths found in God’s word, and illustrate how those truths apply to events that happen in our everyday lives.  The first single, “Kneel” was released to radio by Crossroads Music on June 25th.  To hear the new single, visit www.facebook.com/theakins and click on the music tab.

About the Akins:

The Akins consist of  three brothers and a dad whose faith and family values shape everything they do.  Their musical talent, tight family harmonies, and live instruments create a unique sound that is enjoyed by all ages.

In recent years, God has nationally expanded The Akins’ ministry with their fresh sound and original songs.  They have had multiple chart-topping songs including their #1 song, “I Want My Stage To Be An Altar.”  They are two time “Horizon Group of the Year” nominees by Singing News Magazine, and have received multiple nominations at the Inspirational Country Music Awards, including “Entertainer of the Year,” “Vocal Group of the Year,” and “Christian Country Song of the Year.”

 
To pre-order The Akins- Based On A True Story visit www.crossroadsmusic.com/akins/based-on-a-true-story/.  For more information about The Akins, visit www.theakinsonline.com.

The Jay Stone Singers Join The Pinnacle Family of Artists

Arden, NC – The heartwarming family group The Jay Stone Singers from Hope Mills, NC has joined the Pinnacle artist roster at Crossroads. They just completed recording the tracks this month for their upcoming project titled Fully Committed, set to release this summer. Bobby and Sharona Carter commented, “As we enter our 34th year, we are excited and so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Crossroads family and the Pinnacle label. We will continue to be FULLY COMMITTED to what God has called our family to do and that is to share the wonderful story of His love through song.”

Jeff Collins, producer for the recording, states, “This is a wonderful family who is truly dedicated to growing their ministry. People will be drawn to them and will especially enjoy Emma and Stone, the very talented children of the family. You won’t meet nicer folks.”