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Beyond the Song: Scotty Inman of Triumphant talks about “Even Me”

Scotty Inman of Triumphant talks about “Even Me”

Jantina de Haan went Beyond the Song to talk to Scotty Inman of Triumphant about their new song, “Even Me.” Inman says that the words are very personal.

“I believe the lyric speaks to everyone. We’ve heard the verse John 3:16 over and over and we see the word ‘world’ and forget to realize God sent His son to die for ‘each one of us; you and me.’ Me, with all my shame, failures, and stains. If you were the only one, he would’ve died for you. It’s truly amazing to believe that ‘God so loved the world,’ means, ‘Even Me.'”

This song wasn’t originally included in the recording list.

“We actually had all songs picked for the album and at the last second Kenna Turner West texted and asked if we were still looking for songs. I told her not really but if she had something we just couldn’t turn down, to send it on. She proceeded to send us our first single (written by: Kenna Turner West, Jeff Bumgardner and Jason Cox) from the album. Funny how that works! I can’t imagine this album with out the song ‘Even Me’ on it. As soon as we heard the demo we all looked at each other without hesitation and said, ‘that’s going on the album.’ This song is already making a mark and ministering to so many people and we pray that’ll continue for many years to come.”

Triumphant Quartet consists of Clayton Inman, Scotty Inman, David Sutton, Eric Bennett; the same line-up they have had for over 15 years. For more information on Triumphant visit their website HERE.

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“25 Days of Sharing”- Eric Bennett

Eric Bennett 

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 #13 goes to Eric Bennett, Bass singer for Triumphant Quartet.

Eric, You guys seem to have a fun time on stage. Can you share with us a funny bus story?

Christmas Wacky Wednesday from SGNScoops

It’s Christmastime here on SGNScoops and we have a brand new Christmas edition of Wacky Wednesday just for you. This time, our question was: What is your favorite Christmas song and why? Let’s shake our Gospel music snowglobe and see what answers the artists have for us.

Thanks again to our special Social Media girl, Jantina de Haan, for securing these responses for us. We hope you enjoy it. Merry Christmas!

Mark Byrd: “Mary Did You Know.” I love the way this song has such a sweet flow but tells a story of a mighty King and Savior.

Eric Bennett: “Hope Has Hands” © Phill Cross; I love the way he describes baby Jesus. Hope has Hands, Freedom has Feet; Truth will stand, The Word will speak. The Holy and Lovely will finally embrace. For Love has a Heartbeat and Grace has a Face…”

Adam Crabb: “O Holy Night,” because it talks about the birth of our Savior and to me, this song is the true spirit of Christmas.

Jaquita Lindsey: “Do You Hear What I Hear.” I remember trying to learn it on the piano, which I never learned to play the piano 🙂 I don’t have a particular reason for liking it. Just because.

Greg Sullivan: “There’s a New Kid In Town.” I like this song because not many people in Bethlehem knew that Jesus had been born and it focuses on how God became man in form of a child. This child would be the Savior of the world.

Randa Jordan: “White Christmas.” I loved the movie as a little girl, loved Bing Crosby, and it stayed with me all these years. It brings to me the happiest of memories.

Arthur Rice: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The song came out in 1943 during WW2 and it was written from a soldier’s perspective of wanting to be home

Gaither Homecoming

with their families for Christmas, even though the last line reveals it wouldn’t be a reality.
The song always reminds me of the reality that so many of our men and women won’t be home for Christmas. And how appreciative we should be for the sacrifice of them and their families, and we pray for their safe and speedy

return home.

Mark Bishop: Wow.. that’s a tough one. It’s hard to narrow it down to one song. For the simplicity of the beautiful message and the melody, it’s hard to beat “Silent Night.” It exemplifies what we should be focusing on at Christmas time, over shopping and gifts. It always makes me a little melancholy, too. Likewise, with “Oh Holy Night.” My sleeper choice would have to be “The Little Drummer Boy.” I love the story that it tells and that we don’t need to bring great gifts to Jesus like the three wise men, we only need to give Him the talents that He gave us. But the greatest Christmas gift of all is to give back to God what He gave us, to begin with.

Matt Fouch: I have a funny one…’You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” I love the original cut on this song and it fits the bass range just perfectly. People always smile when they hear you sing it, It’s a lot of fun.

Autumn Clark of the Nelons

Autumn Clark: “The Christmas song.” Because it is so beautiful and the story it tells.

Scott Peek (DJ of KNMG Radio): “We Are The Reason.” The message can be no clearer. He came to earth as a baby for us. All 33 years of His life were about us His willingness to die on the cross was about us. And it all started that first Christmas morning…”WE ARE THE REASON!”

Harley Madden: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” I think maybe my favorite song for Christmas. And the reason I say that is, back in 1985 my sister passed, and I miss her everyday. But now I think about it, she made my mom a promise for Christmas that year. And that was: She would be home for Christmas. Even though we may not have got our wish for her to be at her earthly home for Christmas, she was made new in her Heavenly home. Sitting at the feet of Jesus. I can’t wait to get to Heaven, to be able to see her again and give her a big hug.

A Wacky Wednesday Merry Christmas from SGNScoops

Triumphant sings up a storm in Tennessee

Triumphant

The Triumphant Quartet performed at Victory Baptist Church, which is located in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., on June 24. Craig Harris was on hand to take pictures.

Scotty Inman

Eric Bennett

David Sutton

Clayton Inman

Aaron Dishman

Former Imperials and Gaither Vocal Band member, Jim Murray, is the minister of music at Victory Baptist Church, and he joined the quartet to sing a song.

Jim Murray

Jim Murray and David Sutton

More about Triumphant:

“Triumphant is the face of quality Gospel Music, Christian integrity, family values, friendship and dedication. The group has been that way since their beginnings in 2003, when the four friends first walked out on to the stage of the Louise Mandrell Theater, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee as a headlining talent. Each current Triumphant group member was there in that defining moment, and has continued together ever since. Their smooth harmonies, and rich quartet sound quickly gained them national attention, recognition and concert demand. That popularity promoted the group in 2008, from singing daily at the theater, to touring nationally and performing in major concert venues, auditoriums and churches. It has also voted them the Fan Favorite Quartet in the Gospel Music field for the last nine years, and each group member also being nominated for and receiving various awards…” For the rest of the bio click here.

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Turning Back Time to Creekside 2017

The Nelons at Creekside 2017

Creekside is always a great time and last year was no different. From the Sunday night concert to Dr. Goff Honors Eric Bennett; from the 2017 Diamond Awards to David Ring, to the Nelons, the Browders and Soul’d Out, Creekside Gospel Music Association far exceeded all expectations in 2017. To see the program from last year, click here: Creekside_Program_2017

The Nelons at Creekside 2017

If you want to be a part of an exciting, surprise-filled week of music, fellowship and encouraging messages, you need to make plans today to travel to the Smoky Mountain Convention Center at Pigeon Forge, Tenn., from Oct. 28 – Nov.1, 2018.

Creekside 2018

Creekside Gospel Music Convention began in 2012 and has enjoyed increasing prominence in the world of Christian music. Celebrating Gospel, Bluegrass and Christian Country music, the event provides free tickets to the evening concerts, including the kick-off Sunday night, Dr. Jerry Goff Honors Arthur Rice on Monday night, the Diamond Awards on Tues. 30th and other special guests for Wed. and Thurs., to be announced. For more information, including lodging at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center and Ramada hotel, please call Rob Patz at 360-933-0741 or visit the Creekside website or Facebook page here.

Read the full SGNScoops Magazine July 2018 HERE

A Creekside Thanksgiving

The Nelons at Creekside

Creekside Gospel Music Convention 2017 ran from October 30 until November 2, with more than 40 artists performing during daytime showcases and evening concerts.

Held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Creekside is growing larger with each year that passes. This year, some of the artists took time to tell us what they would be thankful for this year when Thanksgiving rolls around.

I’m thankful for so many things in my life. I wish I had time to list them all. I’m far more blessed than I deserve. I’m most thankful for God’s grace and mercy in my life. The Bible tells us that all good things come from Him. Whether it be our family, friends or earthly possessions. If I got what I deserved I would have nothing. It’s only by God’s grace, love, and mercy that I am able to be the husband and father that I get to be. It’s only by his grace that I am able to do what I love doing most for a living. Thank you, God, for Your grace. As the title track of our newest project says, I am truly “Beyond Amazed.” — Mike Rogers, Brian Free and Assurance

I’m most thankful for God’s unconditional love, my incredible family, the fact I get to do for a living what I love, and that I get to do it with some of the greatest guys ever — Eric Bennett, Triumphant

I am thankful for my husband, Sean Cook, and my mother, Judy Dittman, for all of their unconditional love. Also, I’m thankful for all of the new friends and fans that I’ve met. God has blessed me so abundantly. I love my home church and church family, I’ve learned that you don’t have to be blood to be family. With that I’m surrounded by the people that I love, and that is such a wonderful gift from God. — Dennise Nichole Dittman, soloist

The Williamsons’ daughters. The Williamsons performed at Creekside.

Today, I’m thankful for our two crazy little girls, Sadie and Olivia. These girls constantly keep us laughing. If there’s one thing I’ve learned after being in ministry for so many years, it’s that there’s a time and a season for everything. There are times to be serious and ministry-minded, and there are times to just act silly and have fun. I’ve got two constant reminders of that. Smile, people. It won’t crack your face … or maybe it will. I dare you to look at these pictures of our girls and not smile. Our girls are the fulfillment of my favorite scripture, James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” They’re precious to me every day, but today, I’m just glad they haven’t learned to take life too seriously. — Lisa Williamson, The Williamsons

I’m thankful for my family most of all, my friends, the Godly men I travel with and what God has done in my life when I didn’t deserve anything. I thank Him every day for all these blessings. — Brian Free, Brian Free and Assurance

Day Three is thankful for the call God placed in our hearts one year ago to form Day Three. Together, Amy Dunnam, Bo Sullivan and myself get to blaze a trail for His kingdom work. God is faithful. It’s been an amazing one-year journey, and we are looking forward to many, many more. –Scott Washam, Day Three

I am thankful for my wife, Amy, my three boys, and all of my singing buddies that travel this country sharing the message of Jesus. God bless, from The Riders. — Jason Oxenrider, the Riders

Gospel Truth Trio is thankful to God for me being one year and two months cancer-free. — Kelly Carter, Gospel Truth

I am thankful for being able to be thankful. — Dennis Cook, soloist

I’m thankful for all the people who support me in my ministry and for the songs God continues to give to me. On another scale, I’m thankful for the things we often take for granted – food, clothing, shelter, family, ability to walk, see, and hear – because, inevitably, nearly every day I’m reminded of all those who don’t. Be thankful for the opportunities you have to bless others. — Kristen A. Stanton, soloist

I am thankful to know I am a child of the King. That’s the most important thing in my life. Then, after God, family, etc. — Sheila A. Blackwell, Creekside volunteer administrator

I just want to say I am thankful that Jesus saved me and delivered me from the pit of bondage. I have to put Him first, because He won’t come second to anything or anybody. Also, I am thankful for my wife and daughter and also to my parents and all my supporters of my ministry who always encourage me to do my best and don’t let others get me down. This is the season to come together in unity as a family and friends and let Jesus be our everything in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving from the Madden family to yours. — Harley Madden, soloist

(I am) so thankful for you and the many friends who have shared this fabulous journey in gospel music. Let us keep on spreading the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. For my husband Howard, our son, daughter, and grandchildren, I am forever thankful and blessed. — Lou Hildreth, member of the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame

Above all, I am thankful to be a child of the King. I am also thankful and honored to be used by Him as a vessel to touch the hearts of many. I am thankful for the gifts He has bestowed on my life with the amazing family I was born into, my two amazing boys, and the gifts of singing and playing my saxophone. Last but not least, I am so thankful for the many amazing friends I have made along this journey over the last almost six years now. — Annette Wallender-Bingaman

(I am) so thankful for healing from third stage cancer. After that the chemotherapy and radiation cut the blood supply off from my hip sockets and they died – it’s called necrosis or something – I was in the wheelchair three years. They said I’d never walk again … but God. Then, during one major surgery, they paralyzed my vocal cords. I could only whisper. They said I’d never sing again … but God. — Sharon from Out of Ashes 

Donna Bledsoe Journey and Ben Journey at Creekside

(I am) so thankful for my salvation and for my 95-year-old mom who is still with us and mostly thankful for God allowing me to be Ben’s mom. Even though he is challenged in many ways with Autism, God has a plan. Ben is perfect in God’s eyes. — Donna Bledsoe Journey, the Journeys

I am thankful to be alive … having almost lost my life in 2011 … every day is a precious gift to me that I will never take for granted. — Debbie Seagraves, soloist

I am thankful that God has allowed me the opportunity to live my dream of singing gospel music full-time. I’m also thankful for the three men I get to travel and stand with every night and minister as God has called us to do – Larry Stewart, Wayne Shuford, and Ivory Luke. Thank you all for your love and support, and thank you God for your love and care for all your children. — Steven Craps, Pine Ridge Boys

I’m thankful for my family, my beautiful wife Christa and my 3 children – Kaleb, Kristen, and Aaron, as well as our granddaughter Adelyn. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to serve in the ministry with Mark209 and thankful for all of our supporters. — Jimmy Reno, Mark209

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior. I am also very thankful for my family, friends, church family and the group I sing with. I am also very thankful that the Lord is using my voice to reach the lost and encourage others. Most of all, I am thankful for the mercy that God showed towards me, that led to my salvation. We serve an awesome God. Happy Thanksgiving to all. God bless you. — Sandy Joyce, Jordan’s Crossroads

Mark209 wins 2017 Diamond Award at Creekside

Every year, Thanksgiving is a horrible reminder of the loss of our two boys on Nov. 20, 2011. So not just this year but every year, I am thankful for Romans 8:28. I’m thankful that even when we cannot see why God allows things to happen in our lives that He always has a plan. If not for the loss of our boys back in 2011, Gail and I would not even know what SGNScoops is. We would have never met all of the amazing people that we have come to know in gospel music. We would not be ministering with Bobby and Amy Richardson. I could go on and on. But in summary, I am thankful for 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.” — Rocky Smith, 4 the Right Reason

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2017 Diamond Awards honor Triumphant, Kelly Nelon

Eric Bennett receives Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo by Craig Harris

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (November 2, 2017) — The Creekside Gospel Music Convention honoured many national and regional Gospel artists on Tues. Oct. 31. The 2017 Diamond Awards were hosted by Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff. Guest artists appearing during the evening included the Hyssongs, Wilbanks and Williamsons. Jean and Ken Grady from Gospel Music Today worked with Rob Patz, owner of SGNScoops, to produce the 2017 Diamond Awards. WATC TV from Atlanta, Georgia, filmed the event for a future special.

Kelly Nelon Clark with 2017 Diamond Award

Triumphant Quartet accept 2017 Diamond Award

And the winners for the 2017 Diamond Awards are…

The J.D. Sumner Living Legend: Brian Free

Mixed Group of the Year: The Williamsons

Quartet of the Year: Triumphant Quartet

Trio of the Year: The Hyssongs

Duet of the Year: Broken Vessels

Female Vocalist of the Year: Kelly Nelon Clark

Male Vocalist of the Year: Jason Crabb

Sunrise Award: Matt Felts

Sunrise Trio of the Year: Sacred Harmony

Sunrise Quartet of the Year: Old time Preachers Quartet

Song of the Year: “Somebody’s Miracle” – Brian Free and Assurance

Album of the Year: “Nature’s Symphony in 432” – The Isaacs

Christian Country Group of the Year: Mark209

Anthony Burger Instrumentalist of the Year: Jeff Stice

The Williamsons with 2017 Diamond Award

Dottie Rambo Songwriter of the Year: Kenna West

Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year: “This Ole’ House of Mine” – Heaven’s Mountain Band

Bluegrass Gospel Song of the Year: “I’ll Ride This Ship to Shore” – Heaven’s Mountain Band

Bluegrass Gospel Male Artist of the Year: Tim Maze

Bluegrass Gospel Female Artist of the Year: Debra Wilson

Bluegrass Gospel Group of the Year: Eagle’s Wings

The Nelons at Creekside

Gospel Music Today Video/DVD of the Year: “Live in Bessemer” – New Ground

Favorite Industry Website: WATC TV Channel 57

Paul Heil Award for Broadcasting: Mickey Bell – WXIC

Publisher’s Choice Award: John Whisnant

Hyssongs win at the 2017 Diamond

Congratulations to each of the Diamond Award winners and nominees. The 2018 Creekside Gospel Music Convention and Diamond Awardsill be held Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2018 at the Smoky Mountain Resort, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For more information contact event convener and Coastal Media CEO, Rob Patz at 360-933-0741.

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Mark209 wins 2017 Diamond Award

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Rob Patz with Diamond Award winner Kenna West

Creekside welcomes Hey Y’all Media as Sponsor

Creekside welcomes Hey Y’all Media as Sponsor

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (October 25, 2017) — Creekside Gospel Music Association is pleased to welcome Hey Y’all Media as sponsor of the VIP passes. Hey Y’all Media, owned by Vonda Easley, is a growing radio promotions company based out of Heflin, Alabama, with clients that include Southern, Country and Bluegrass Gospel music artists. This year at Creekside, attendees will find information about Hey Y’all Media on the back of every VIP badge.

Vonda Easley of Hey Y’all Media

“Hey Y’all Media has had a tremendous year of growth,” says Easley. “We thought it would be great to partner with an event that is experiencing the same.”

VIP passes provide Creekside attendees with preferred seating, special gift bags full of product and other perks during the event. The distinctive badges are now funded by Hey Y’all Media.

“I’m humbled every day by the amount of people who have blessed us at Creekside with sowing into the event by purchasing VIP tickets,” says Rob Patz, owner of Creekside. “That blessing continues with the sponsorship by Hey Y’all Media.”

Hey Y’all Media is also holding a giveaway during Creekside to honor the life’s blood of the gospel music industry, the DeeJay. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the business office at the event to vote for their favorite Deejay. The winner will receive a prize package that will include lodging for Creekside 2018.

Creekside Gospel Music Convention runs Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2017 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Daytime showcases, evening concerts and midnight prayer are all free events.

Special guests include David Ring, Eric Bennett, Dr. Jerry and Jan Goff, Brian Free and Assurance, the Nelons and much more, along with the 2017 Diamond Awards occur on Tuesday evening. Tickets are free but VIP tickets can be purchased for a nominal cost.

For more information, contact Rob Patz at 360-933-0741 or Vonda Easley at 256-310-7892.

Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase at Creekside 2017

Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase to be featured at Creekside 2017

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. (October 16, 2017) – Creekside 2017 is proud to present the Smoky Mountain Gospel Showcase, October 30, at Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For the sixth consecutive year, the Creekside Gospel Music Convention will run Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in beautiful Pigeon Forge. Over 40 Southern, Country and Bluegrass Gospel music artists will participate in the week-long convention. Most tickets for this event are free.

Clayton and Scotty Inman: A Triumphant tandem

Clayton and Scotty Inman. (Craig Harris)

Father/son duo is in 15th year alongside each other on stage

Clayton Inman was your typical baseball dad. He was president of the Sevier County (Tenn.) High School baseball program’s booster club. His son was a left-handed first baseman who appeared to be destined to play at the collegiate level. However, a detour altered that path.

Clayton and Scotty Inman. (Craig Harris)

Now, the Inmans have been playing on the same team for the past 15 years. “It’s been awesome,” Clayton emphasizes. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

However, for that to happen, Scotty Inman had to don a different type of uniform … trading his jersey and cleats for a coat and tie.

Clayton and Scotty Inman. (Craig Harris)

“Growing up, his love for this music was always there,” Clayton points out. “He was a pretty talented athlete. I never pushed him to do this.”

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