Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Danny Jones releases “Run” and “Heaven’s Gate”

Danny Jones and band

Globally acclaimed singer/songwriter, Danny Jones, released two singles this summer to 249 countries and nine stores. The songs are “Heaven’s Gate” and “Run.” Outlets include iTunes and Amazon.com.

“Run” was also included in “The Sparrows” movie and CD all-star soundtrack. “Heaven’s Gate” was the ending credits song for the “Vanished” film and included on the CD soundtrack, as well.

Danny was blessed to perform live at the Hollywood premiere of “The Sparrows” in 2015. The film starred Kevin Sorbo, Christopher Atkins, and Judy Norton.

A music video of “Run” is in the works with footage from the actual film.

EHA-NASHVILLE is honored to have this incredible artist on our roster.

Stay tuned for more news on Danny Jones!

For More Information Contact: 256-318-9566

“25 Days of Sharing”- Danny Jones

December is a time for sharing. At Christmas, we (Christians) celebrate The Greatest Gift of All, Jesus Christ.

Over the next few weeks we will be talking with many industry leaders, artists, pastors, promoters, etc. and asking them questions.  They will “share” the answer to the question in 10 seconds or less. We are asking for their best advice on many different topics.

Question #15  goes to Danny Jones, Publisher of the Singing News Magazine.

Danny, you’ve been around gospel music for a long time. You have emceed many concerts.

In 10 seconds or less, do you have an unforgettable moment you can tell us about? 

Williamsons feature in SGNScoops On The Road

The Williamsons: Donnie and Lisa Williamson, Karl Rice, Darin Hebert

SGNScoops is “On The Road!” SGNScoops Magazine writer Robert York had the opportunity to spend some time with the Williamsons last weekend. The group traveled all the way from Weleetka, Okla. to be in Georgia. Saturday night was the 75th birthday concert for their friend James Wright of the Wright Family. Also that evening, the Wright Family performed as well as David Gresham. In addition to Donnie and Lisa Williamson, the group includes Darin Hubert and Karl Rice.

The Williamsons and hosts of Gospel Music USA, Karen Peck, Danny Jones

Donnie Williamson let me know that they would be at Southern Gospel Weekend coming up in Oxford, Alab., March 1, 2, 3. They also had their daughters with them. Monday morning they were scheduled to tape two TV programs for ‘Gospel Music USA’ which is hosted by Danny Jones, Mike LeFevre, and Karen Peck. I met the group with Danny Jones at Cracker Barrel for breakfast before the taping, enjoying a lot of joking and fun. You get Danny and Donnie together and you are in for a treat.

On to the tv station for the taping which was scheduled to start at noon. They taped the two programs and the interviews were just as much fun as breakfast. Also at the taping, the daughters and Lisa sang as a trio together. Gospel Music USA is aired on WATC-TV, which is available in the Atlanta area and also on the internet at www.watc.tv.

The Williamsons have produced more than a dozen recordings, performing material that is mostly written by Lisa and Donnie. They have been nominated in the Top Ten Best Mixed Group across the nation and have had several top 10 songs.

Make your reservations and pack your bags and come to Oxford, Alab., on March 1, 2, 3 and be the Williamsons and many other great Gospel groups. For more information on Southern Gospel Weekend click here.

More Gospel music news here.

Newest SGNScoops Magazine featuring your favorite artists here.

Listen to our Online Gospel music station here. 

Chuck Pettyjohn Launches Solo Ministry

Chuck Pettyjohn

Monroe, GA – Effective immediately, Chuck Pettyjohn has announced his plans to launch his solo ministry, as well as another ministry venture that will soon be announced. Pettyjohn has been a crowd favorite, both as a solo artist and serving in several prominent quartets in the industry. Most recently, he traveled with the Kingsmen Quartet as interim tenor. Prior to that, he served as tenor for The Old Paths in their final year of ministry, as well as with The Proclaimers Quartet. His career in Southern Gospel music began in 1994 with regional charting group, The Joymasters from Canton, GA and continued with Singing News charting groups The Melodyaires from Traveler’s Rest, SC and Pureharmony from Winder, GA.

A seasoned vocalist with many years of experience, Pettyjohn’s smooth tenor voice soars effortlessly as he sings those polished high notes right from his heart. Although he has enjoyed finding that perfect harmony with the groups he has traveled with, he also enjoys singing and speaking as a solo artist. He will continue to fill in with some of his favorite groups, as needed. Chuck is looking forward to special reunion concerts with Pureharmony, bringing a well-loved trio back to North Georgia and beyond. The time has come for him to branch out and serve God in new and challenging ways.

Chuck shares, “My mother and grandmother sang on the radio station in Texas where she grew up. I also had several family members in regional and national groups. It is been my hearts desire to sing and minister through southern gospel music. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure to travel with wonderful quartets and now has opened the door for me to share more than harmony. I am so thrilled to see new doors opening in ministry, from both with music and beyond.”

Danny Jones, Editor of Singing News Magazine, said “To sing is a privilege, but to share from the heart is a calling. Chuck Pettyjohn has answered that calling faithfully.” Diane Wilkinson stated, “Chuck Pettyjohn is a new Southern Gospel solo artist with a powerful testimony and a unique ministry to which God has called him. I first became acquainted with Chuck when he was singing tenor for The Old Paths. I was impressed with his singing, and especially with the evident love for the Lord. I know God has plans to use Chuck in a mighty way!”

Pettyjohn is currently in the studio working on a brand new album, which he expects to release in late summer.

Visit www.chuckpettyjohn.com to learn more about Chuck’s ministry and concert schedule, or to schedule him to sing and speak at your church.

Harmony Road Finalist in 2015 Diamond Awards

Harmony Road

Signal Mountain, TN,  (August 24,

Diamond Awards Top Five Nominees Announced

2015)  Harmony Road TV and Harmony Road Productions have been blessed with Top Five Finalist nominations in the 2015 SGN Scoops Diamond Awards. The Awards will be presented during a special presentation on November 3rd, as part of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention, in Pigeon Forge, TN. Voting continues through September 14, 2015 at www.sgnscoops.com.

Les Butler Veteran Gospel Music Radio Personality Announces New Ventures

“All of us at Harmony Road TV feel blessed to be a Top 5 Finalist in multiple categories,” said Roger Spears, Program Producer. “We know we have a wonderful host in Les Butler. It’s great to see that voters agree and have nominated him for the Paul Heil Broadcaster of the Year Award for his work on Harmony Road TV.”

The program’s website, www.harmonyroadtv.com is a finalist in the Industry Website of the Year category. The website is maintained by its developer, Danny Joines. “We appreciate Danny and his dedication to his work. The website is full of information on where viewers can find the program, links to select episodes of the program, and other videos,” Spears said.

 “The View From Heaven,” the popular and encouraging video from Sunrise Artist of the Year nominee, Noah Hinshaw, is a finalist for Gospel Music Today DVD/Video of the Year.  “The View from Heaven” was produced by Harmony Road Productions. Allan Rhodes of Harmony Road Productions directed the video, which has garnered tens of thousands of online views and been featured on national television programs.

Spears added, “As we begin our fourth season of broadcasting and production, we want to thank all those who have supported our efforts to help spread the Word through music and video.  This includes all the nominees in the Diamond Awards. Each one is deserving, and we feel we’re definitely in good company.”

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The Diamond Awards are presented annually by SGN Scoops. Fans are asked to go to the Diamond Award website to vote from the top five list for their favorite in each area. Voting ends for the Top Five on September 14, 2015. The 2015 Diamond Awards will be presented in a gala ceremony on November 3, 2015 at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention. More information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention can be found on their website or on their Facebook page, or contact Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com.

Mike LeFevre, Danny Jones and Karen Peck on the set of Gospel Music USA!

Karen Peck, Danny Jones, Mike LeFevre. Photo courtesy of Robert York

WATC-TV 57 out of Atlanta, GA airs “Gospel Music USA,” hosted by Mike
LeFevre (The LeFevre Quartet), Danny Jones (Singing News) and Karen Peck
(Karen Peck & New River). This 30-minute segment is filled with your favorite
Southern Gospel music from top artists from all over the USA. Mike, Danny and
Karen bring you face-to-face with the artists as they share their testimonies and
their ministries with their viewers.

Upcoming guests on Gospel Music USA include Jeff Stice, Lauren Talley, Freedom Quartet, Old Paths, Ivan Parker and Archie Watkins. Some of the artists who have appeared on the show are Karen Peck and New River, The LeFevre Quartet, Greater Vision, Triumphant Quartet and The Blackwood Brothers, just to name a few.

Gospel Music USA airs Saturdays at 2:30 pm on WATC TV and Saturday nights at 9 pm as part of the “Saturday Night Gospel Sing” on WATC TOO. Watch Gospel Music USA from the comfort of your own home via live stream here: http://watc.tv/gospelmusicusa/

Behind The Scenes At Gospel Music USA

Karen Peck, Danny Jones, Mike LeFevre

By Robert York

Old Paths Quartet

Gospel Music USA, a TV program aired on WATC-TV in Atlanta, GA and also available on the internet, recently had a two-day taping of the programs in high definition (HD). The station will be totally HD in February when these programs begin to air. Danny Jones, Singing News Editor; Karen Peck of Karen Peck and New River and Mike LeFevre of the LeFevre Quartet are the hosts of the program.

I had the privilege of having breakfast before the first day of taping with Danny, Karen and Mike. Danny and Mike were discussing the most asked question about Mike’s group. Mike responded about how he was related to Eva Mae LeFevre. Mike said his Dad and Eva Mae’s husband

Interview With Old Paths

Uncle Urias were brothers. He went on to talk a little about the family saying that they were five brothers and two sisters in the family. Sister Maude started singing with Uncle Urias and Alf. After Maude left the group, Sister Omega sang with them. The marriage took place and Eva Mae started playing the piano and singing alto with the group.

It was over to the studio for taping the program. There were six groups

Freedom Quartet

scheduled to tape in the two-day session. The first day bought The Old Paths Quartet, Freedom Quartet and Lauren Talley in front of the four cameras and on the new set for the program. Day two was Jeff Stice, Ivan Parker and Archie Watkins. When you put those three hosts together you never know exactly what to expect from them. I would go into some funny details about the introduction of Freedom Quartet but I think it best to let you wait and watch the program.

Lauren Talley

Patricia Mathis, Vice President of WATC-TV and Greg West produce the program which is aired at 2:30 pm eastern time on Saturdays on both TV and the internet. The original show was taped August 13, 2013 and started airing in September of that year. It has been on the air weekly since then. WATC-TV also filmed the SGN Scoops 2014 Diamond Awards and the Lou Hildreth Honors featuring Willie Wynn this past year in Pigeon Forge, TN and aired the programs

Patricia Mathis and Ivan Parker

on their station. For more information including programming details, visit  www.watc.tvhttp://www.watc.tv/

Pictures courtesy of Robert York.

Mike LeFevre, Danny Jones, Jeff Stice

THE 2014 DIAMOND AWARDS TO AIR ON WATC TV ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 29

Diamond Awards

Two hour special taped during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge,Tennessee

The 2014 Diamond Awards is scheduled to air on Monday, December 29 from 7:00-9:00p.m. on WATC TV 57 in Atlanta, Georgia. The two hour special features musical performances by some of the top names in southern gospel, country gospel and bluegrass gospel such as Karen Peck and New River, The Freemans, The Blackwoods, and The Dixie Melody Boys.

“We are pleased that The Diamond Awards will once again air on WATC,” said WATC TV Vice President Patricia Mathis. “This special has become an annual event that our viewers look forward to every year.” WATC TV, in partnership with WGGS TV in Greenville, South Carolina, produced the two hour special for broadcast. Viewers outside of the Atlanta, Georgia viewing area can watch the special as it airs on WATC via the online video stream that is accessible at www.watc.tv. In addition, the special will be rebroadcast on Tuesday, December 30 from 7:00-9:00 a.m. on WATC TV 57; and on Wednesday, December 31 at 9:00-11:00 p.m. on WATC TOO, available over the air in the Atlanta market on Channel 57.2. WATC TV 57 serves the Atlanta market with a mix of Christian, family and educational programming. WATC is the home of the live nightly primetime series, Atlanta Live, as well as Babbie’s House with Babbie Mason; Gospel Music USA with hosts Danny Jones, Mike LeFevre and Karen Peck Gooch; and Jesus Connection with Nancy Harmon. Gospel music series such as Singing Down South, Television’s Gospel Jubilee and Music City Gospel Showcase with Don Frost have used the WATC studios for their productions.

Southern Gospel Music Association’s Hall Of Fame

By Marcie Gray Imagine walking down a hallway filled with familiar faces and voices, some of whom you have listened to since you were a small child, some whom you have met, and perhaps, a few you may be privileged to call friends or family! Just inside the gates of The Dollywood Theme Park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee lies a journey through the history of Southern Gospel music, just waiting to be explored. Established in 1994, and opening its Hall of Fame and Museum doors in 1999, the Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is a professional preservation association of artists, songwriters, industry workers and fans, founded to preserve, protect and promote Southern Gospel Music, its history and heritage. The artists within have dedicated their ministries to delivering a message built around biblical truths and spiritual values, and what a legacy they have left and are still leaving! It’s like homecoming week every time I walk through the SGMA Hall of Fame. As I enter the doorway, the first thing that catches my eye is a shaped note typewriter, surrounded by various song books and a chalk board with a music staff on it. Originally, Southern Gospel music was sung by quartets, many who used songbooks with notes identified by their shape. The tour continues as I sit in a church pew and listen to an animatronic quartet singing “Give the World a Smile.” There is literally something to look at in every corner as I wander through the museum. A collection of vinyl records, a replica of The Blackwood Brothers’ bus, instruments and clothing from legendary artists and collectibles, each having a story of their own to tell, are displayed throughout the museum. The centerpiece of the museum is the Hall of Fame, where bronzed plaques of legendary faces line the corridor. One hundred and fifty-five faces grace the walls of the corridor. Each individual who is inducted is honored with a plaque that bears their picture and a list of achievements in the Southern Gospel industry. Danny Jones, Editor of The Singing News and Executive Director of the SGMA shares, “The Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame is the home to more than 3,000 Southern Gospel artifacts, not to mention a place where 155 members of the Southern Gospel community are honored. Earlier this year, as we were getting the museum ready for Dollywood’s opening day, I cleaned all 155 of those 40-pound bronze plaques that hang in the Hall of Fame. It was impossible not to re-read what each plaque said and truthfully, the memories of many of those special people came flooding back to me. It almost like I could talk to George, Glen, Jake, Rex, Brock, J.G. Anthony, Roger, J.D. —and more—again. Suddenly they didn’t feel so far away now that they’ve gone on to their eternal reward. “As I cleaned each plaque I was reminded of how each of those men and women are on the Hall of Fame roster shaped this thing called Southern Gospel Music. Long-time fans need to come to the Hall of Fame and just relive those days. New fans need to come to the Hall of Fame and learn about those made Southern Gospel Music what it is today. It’s more than a roomful of plaques–it’s a roomful of incredible memories.” One of our own SGN Scoops contributors and one of those who have helped shape Southern Gospel Music, Lou Wills Hildreth, was inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame in 2007. In early February of this year, SGMA President Arthur Rice was minding his own business in Florida, preparing to board a cruise ship with The Kingdom Heirs when his cell phone rang. On the other end one of Dollywood’s fine maintenance men was calling to let Arthur know that a water pipe had burst inside the Hall of Fame and was spewing water throughout the building. Though the water flow was stemmed before any harm could be done to any of the artifacts housed there, substantial facility damage requiring significant repair work was experienced. In the ensuing days, the Dollywood maintenance and construction teams worked diligently to return the Hall of Fame and Museum to its “pre-flood” condition in time for the 2014 opening day festivities. We recently talked to Travis Bridgeman of the Advisory Board of the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum. “In September 2013, I was elected to the Advisory Board,” says Travis Bridgeman. “I had the privilege to walk on the red carpet during SGMA Day at Dollywood for the 2013 Hall of Fame Induction. I am an administrator for the SGMA Facebook and Twitter pages. I post news and facts about the Hall of Fame, as well as recognize the birthdays and anniversaries of the deaths of Hall of Fame members. As a member of the advisory board, I also make recommendations to the executive board to help them with policy and promotion.” Bridgeman continues, “Our theme for this year is Raising the Awareness, which is our campaign to make Southern Gospel music fans and artists aware of the contributions of the Hall of Fame members and how they can keep their memory and our music alive. The SGMA operates the Hall of Fame and Museum from the support of its membership. It is important to join the SGMA to help us preserve the heritage of Southern Gospel music for the generations that have no first-hand knowledge of the pioneers of our music. Each month, over 30,000 people visit Dollywood and have an opportunity to walk inside the only brick-and-mortar museum paying tribute to our legacy and the genre of Southern Gospel music. It is the living link to our past, and stands as an example of the excellence we should strive for today.” The SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum welcomes more than one million visitors annually to read and observe displays and memorabilia from a century of gospel music. Thousands of items from some of the greatest singers, writers and musicians are displayed. The facility includes a gift shop, which carries one of the country’s largest Southern gospel music selections. The SGMA also specializes in vintage and difficult-to-find Southern gospel music products. The SGMA current membership ranks in the thousands with members from almost every state and several foreign countries. Members come from all walks of life joined by a love for the music, an appreciation for the positive, uplifting lyrics and the music’s central message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The artists in this industry have traveled thousands of miles, often through adverse conditions, to entertain, minister and create a musical genre for which the SGMA is committed to preserving. In 2014, inductions will be conducted during the week of the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Some of the inductions will take place during the nightly NQC programming while other inductions will take place during the Singing News Fan Awards. These inductions are included at no extra cost in your NQC admission. If you have not yet visited the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum, a wonderful time to do so would be during Dollywood’s National Southern Gospel And Harvest Celebration, which takes place from September 22, 2014 through November 1, 2014. During those six weeks of wonderful Southern Gospel music, there are opportunities to see your favorite artists in concert, all included in the price of your Dollywood ticket! Visit http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/entertainment/Harvest-Celebration-Gospel-Performers.aspx to view the schedule of artist appearances. You can be an important part of helping the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum to preserve the rich heritage of Southern Gospel music we all love. Visit http://sgma.org/ to find out how you can join the SGMA family. Annual membership is $20, and a lifetime membership can be received for a gift of $1,000. You can also contact the SGMA at (865) 908-4040. From all of us whose hearts are touched by Southern Gospel music and the history that has shaped it into what it is today, we want to say “Thank you” to the SGMA Hall of Fame and Museum Directors and staff. Thanks to your efforts, the legacy of those who came before us will be remembered for generations to come. Photographs and Written by Marcie Gray First Published July 2014 in SGN Scoops digital magazine. For the current issue of SGN Scoops, visit the SGN Scoops website at https://www.sgnscoops.com/

Danny Jones “Secrets of the Snow” Released by Hollywood Movie Execs

{EHA-Nashville, TN} Danny Jones, Contemporary Christian songwriter and Homeland Inspirational Group recording artist, recently celebrated with friends and movie producers in Nashville, as his latest, “Secrets of the Snow” hit Christian Bookstores throughout the nation. The song, which is the title and theme of the movie is performed by Danny in the new DVD and available on the bookshelves and music stores through the U.S. Danny notes, “I am honored and thankful for the great turnout we had in Gallatin, TN last week. Thank you to Robert Jones and all of Homeland Inspirational Group or their tremendous support and encouragement. I appreciate the movie producers and all the advocacy I had to get my songs out. I hope everyone will pick up their copy and enjoy this terrific movie that has a beautiful message! Danny was also presented a Presidential Volunteer “Call to Service” Award at the reception last week. His award was presented by Evie Hawkins on behalf of President Obama who was unable to attend but sent a letter of appreciation thanking Danny for his hard work in his community and the nation.