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Erwins struck by COVID-19

Erwins

The wonderful Erwin family who most of you have heard on the radio, have been hit by the corona virus.

Yesterday, Tiffany Erwin posted on Facebook:

I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by the love, support and MANY PRAYERS that have been spoken for our family. My mom tested positive on Tuesday for COVID, then Kris went on Tuesday and tested negative. So, Dennis and Katie went Tuesday night and tested positive. All had symptoms, so they said to assume Kris has a false negative. Everyone was doing ok, till yesterday. It started with Kris waking up with fever and trouble breathing. Once his “episodes” were over mom called my sister in her room later with the same thing going on. She probably should have gone to the hospital, but doesn’t want to be alone (and I understand that). However, if she has to, we will have to do it. For now, we made it through the night. All seems quiet for now. My sister is taking care of us all, as I can’t leave my room (which is an excruciating, helpless feeling), and is exhausted. She got tested on Saturday, but we haven’t heard anything yet. Just as you think of it, pray for our family and so many others that are fighting this CRAZY VIRUS!! It IS REAL!! If you got a light case, THANK GOD…it’s not all that way!! Masks are a joke till it hits your family and loved ones…then it changes your mind. Thank you for the prayers!! Trust me, I’ve had a lot of time on my hands to pray for you too. God will get us through this according to His Perfect Will!! Love you all!!

Dennis and Tiffany Erwin, parents of the singing siblings, the Erwins

Earlier today,Tiffany posted an update:

Hey everyone!! Just an update…Everything is quiet right now around here…guess that’s a good thing!!?? For those that have sent advice and information…y’all are AWESOME!! Trust me, we’ve seen and heard it all. WE are doing the vitamin regimen (zinc, Calcium & B3, etc) and have for a while. 3 of the 4 have been given the Hydroxychloriquin (sp?) and z-pak. We are diffusing oils, drinking lemon, ginger, turmeric, honey, etc….trying to do it all, in hopes that something will work and keep things calm around here. Sunday was rough, yesterday was calm (not well, but calm)…today…ONLY GOD KNOWS!! This is truly a “roller coaster” ride. Up one day and down the next. (sometimes it’s literally up one hour & down the next)! I truly believe, the only thing we know is that, WE DON’T KNOW! We are trusting the LORD and in the prayers of HIS PEOPLE!! (SIDE NOTE: Now, if you talk to Dennis, he says everyone is fine…and I truly love that man…but he literally travels from the room he’s sleeping in, to the office, and is pretty much taking care of himself. He has had it very mild, so far, yet sleeps all but about 6-7 hours a day…so he’s far from “normal”. Plus he’s not going CRAZY to get out of the house, and he has NOT stayed in one day since this stuff hit months ago…so he’s far from “normal”. He’s definitely a NOMAD…but this virus has stopped that pretty abruptly.)
I’m thanking God today for another day to live for HIM, a family that is still around me (though I can’t see them) and for a host of friends that care!!! WOW…we are BLESSED beyond what we deserve!! I pray you all stay safe and take this virus seriously!! Don’t buy in to the hysteria…but use your BRAINS!! I fully realize our FAITH & TRUST is in the LORD; however, that SAME GOD gave you a BRAIN!!! USE IT!! Love y’all!!

Please pray for all of the Erwins.

Just a little talk with The Erwins

Just a little talk with The Erwins by Jantina Baksteen

The Erwins travel as a sibling group from the state of Texas. Their alliterative names are Keith, Kody, Kris and Katie. These artists have been steadily rising in the world of gospel music for several years, and have built a large fanbase as well as being honored with award nominations and charting songs. Starting from a tender age, each child sang with their parents as they shared the gospel in camp meetings and tent revivals. Now these adult children have a mature sound that is enjoyed across the states and the world.

Jantina Baksteen: Please introduce yourselves to the readers of SGNScoops.

Keith Erwin: 46 years ago, our father began his evangelistic ministry, traveling all over and singing and preaching the gospel. After 17 years of being single, he met our mother at a tent revival, and soon after that… we came along. Continuing in our father’s ministry early on and even more so as we grew up, was just what we we loved. God birthed a passion for ministry in our hearts and grew it through the years on the road. Now, God has broadened our scope of ministry to the concert halls, singing alongside many of our heroes, while still periodically serving with Dad in Sunday services, revivals, and bible conferences. We’re having the time of our lives. We look back with wonderful memories and ahead with an anticipation that God has mighty plans.

JB: You were involved in the singing industry from your early years. How old were you all? 

Keith Erwin: Well, as I touched on in the first question, we have literally never done anything else. I was actually in the recording studio for the first time when I was 16 months old, singing, “Jesus Loves Me,” on one of my dad’s recordings. All of us really began our musical journey as young as that. 

 JB: What year did you decide to start as a sibling group? 

Keith: I don’t believe there was really a time of decision concerning that choice. It kind of just happened. For awhile there, it was just the three boys, as a male trio, but I guess it was 2011 or 2012, as Katie came along in her singing, it just became clear that she needed to be added to the group. As you can imagine, she changed every dynamic and made the stage look a whole lot better. 

JB: What is it like to travel together so many miles?

Keith: It’s special, it’s stressful, it’s an honor, it’s challenging, it’s exciting, it’s the easiest thing we can ever do, but also, it’s the hardest thing we can ever do. It’s sometimes nasty, but always beautiful, and always worth each and every one of those miles. 

JB: Your current radio song is, “The Power Of The Empty Tomb.” What does the song say to you?

Keith: “The Power Of The Empty Tomb,” says everything every person in this world needs to hear: The tomb is empty. Our Lord is alive. The great Joel Lindsey wrote this lyric.

JB: Do you have a personal testimony that you’d like to share?

Keith: Well this one isn’t directly personal but it does have everything to do with our single we were just talking about. A couple of years ago, Joel Lindsey was at a very low point in his life and even went so far in telling us that he honestly thought that he had written his last song (this coming from a man that has written songs like “Orphans Of God” by Avalon, and “Shall We Gather At The River” by Point Of Grace). He said that a close friend came to his house one afternoon and took a few hours just to speak life and peace into Joel’s heart and soul. As soon as that timely interaction was over, Joel immediately went to his piano, and the words and music to: “Power Of An Empty Tomb,” entered his brilliant mind. Praise the Lord for good friends, a man that’s open to listen, and pure restoration.

JB: Have any of you written a song?

Kris Erwin: I experienced the Nashville writers room for the first time about two years ago now. I was thrilled to co-write the title song on our: “Watch & See,” project with the incredible Kenna West and Jason Cox. They made it an unforgettable experience that I hope to do again in the near future. With the Lord’s help and in his perfect time, we pray there are many to come. 

JB: If you weren’t a professional singer, what job would you do?

Keith: I’ve always loved sports, specifically basketball. I would probably be a basketball coach. 

JB: With what famous or not famous person would you like to spend dinner with? 
All of the Erwins: That’s an easy one. The one and only Bill Gaither.

January 2020 SGNScoops Magazine

JB: Who decides what restaurant to pick when you are traveling the road?

Keith: It’s always and forever a joint decision. But thankfully we don’t have picky eaters on our bus. 

Katie: We try to make it a joint decision on where we eat on the road. We stop at a lot of mall food courts so everyone can choose their own restaurant. That’s an easy fix to living in harmony on and off stage. 

JB: Where can we find you on the web?

Katie: You can find us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Youtube by searching The Erwins or our website is www.erwinministries.com 

By Jantina Baksteen

First published by SGNScoops Magazine in January 2020

January 2020 SGNScoops Magazine

Happy New Year! We are excited to present to you the first issue of SGNScoops Magazine for 2020. This is also the first issue that is a color magazine, sold by subscription and available on the record tables of your favorite artists. If you don’t see the SGNScoops Magazine, condensed hard copy, on an artists’ record table, then please ask them to carry it. We would love for you to see it!

The January issue of SGNScoops Magazine is usually one where our cover highlights an artist that we feel will make waves in Gospel Music in the new year. This year, we bring you Josh and Ashley Franks, whose music has been climbing the charts and whose talented family is well-known in the industry. We hope you enjoy this great article by Jimmy Reno.

Be sure to read all about the Erwins, Eli Fortner, Citizens of Glory, Mark Bishop, and Andy Leftwich; artists whose styles span the breadth of Gospel music. JP Miller reaches a milestone, and we pay tribute to Dr. Buck Morton. All this plus our DJ Spotlight, Coastal Events Update, Publisher’s Point, and the top songs across the country. Thanks to all of our writers this month, including Jantina Baksteen, Justin Gilmore, Lyndsey Chandler, Marcie Gray, Les Butler, Vonda Armstrong, and Rob Patz. Some of these talented people are doing double-duty this month, and all are gracious when asked for something at the last minute. Please check out their biographies at the end of the issue.

We hope you start the year with SGNScoops, but more than that, we hope you start the year with Jesus. He is our Rock and our Foundation, and if you don’t know Him, you are missing out on peace and security that can only be found in a relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you have any questions or comments, please write to me at lorraine@sgnscoops.com

Read the latest SGNScoops Magazine online BELOW

THE MUSIC CITY SHOW CRUISE ANNOUNCES TALENT FOR 2018

The Nelons will appear on the Music City Show Cruise 2018

Spectacular Lineup  For The Music City Show Cruise 2018 Features Fan Favorites Michael English, Nelons, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Karen Peck & New River, Joseph Habedank, Erwins, Tim Lovelace, and more!

Cabins On Sale Now!

Nashville, TN (April 5, 2017) – Some of gospel music’s most beloved artists and inspiring new talent will come together for one amazing week when the 2018 Music City Show Cruise sets sail from March 18-25, 2018. Filled with music day and night, and exotic ports of call – including Haiti, Jamaica and Mexico – this is a vacation you don’t want to miss!

Talent for the cruise is as follows: The Nelons, Michael English, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Karen Peck & New River, Browders, Joseph Habedank, Erwins, Amber Nelon Thompson, Jay Stone Singers, Jeff Stice, Misty Freeman, Allegiance, along with The Music City Show’s Jim Sheldon and Tim Lovelace.

In addition to the music, world-class accommodations and amenities await guests aboard Royal Caribbean’s amazing Oasis of the Seas, including an ice rink, aqua theatre, a ‘living central park,’ rock climbing walls, zip lines, and so much more.

Karen Peck and New River

Cabins start at $798.00 and are on sale now at www.themusiccityshow.com or by calling 1-855-346-7735.

For more Gospel music news click here.

Harmony Road TV 2017 Season Premieres this Weekend

Jody McBrayer with Harmony Road TV Technical Director, Rob Walls, on location at Mansion Music Studio in Franklin, TN

Featuring Music from Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, The Erwins, Southern Raised and Episode Host, Jody McBrayer

Signal Mountain, TN (February 1, 2017) Harmony Road TV, the long running Gospel music video program, is set to begin its new season beginning this weekend. The revamped program features new hosts, new music, and a new look. The first of the program’s revolving hosts is Stowtown Records artist, Jody McBrayer.

Music and video on the program include Ernie Haase and Signature Sound (featuring Devin McGlamery) with “From My Rags to His Riches,” and “Good News from the Graveyard,” from Southern Raised. The program also includes “I choose to be a Christian,” from The Erwins and Jody McBrayer’s powerful video, “This is a Son.” All the music this week is from Stowtown Records artists.

Ernie Haase and Signature Sound of Stowtown Records. Photo by Craig Harris.

Now in it’s fifth season of broadcasting on The Heartland Network, NRBTV, The WALKTV, WATC57 in Atlanta and many more outlets, Harmony Road TV is available to over 90 million homes weekly, across the nation and internationally. Information on networks and times can be found online at their website here.

“All of us at Harmony Road TV are thrilled to begin this new era for the program. We’re excited to present great new hosts, new music and a fresh look.” said Roger Spears, Executive Producer.” “Our goal through the years has been to present the Gospel through music and video, to a large, varied audience. We do this in hopes of reaching the lost, and encouraging the church. Our format, stations, and networks allow us to share this great gospel music, not only with loyal fans, but to those who are new to the genre. We feel these new episodes will help us reach that goal,” he concluded.

Viewers will recognize Jody McBrayer, from one of gospel’s top new trios, Stowtown Records artist, Cana’s Voice, from his time as a soloist, and a member of one of Christian Music’s top groups, Avalon. His video “This is a Son,” is a challenging message to all of us, and is based on his experiences working with homeless through the Bridge Ministry in Nashville.

Beginning with this episode, Harmony Road TV has teamed with Choices of Chattanooga to present a series of messages aimed supporting their ministry, while promoting a “culture of life,” throughout the country. More information on Choices can be found at www.choiceschattanooga.org.

Hosts for future episodes include Kenna West, T. Graham Brown, Darrell Freeman, Rick Francis, Crosby Lane, Mark Bishop, Jospeh Habedank, Sue Duffield and more.

The Erwins by Photos for keeps. Erin Stevens.

The episode was taped at the Mansion Music studio in Franklin, Tennessee, and was directed and edited by Rob Walls of Varnish Films. Rob Patz of Coastal Media is also a producer at Harmony Road TV. The programs were taped at Mansion Music, Jim Oliver’s Smokehouse in Monteagle, TN, and at the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge (aboard the Harmony Road TV, I-Tour mobile studio).

For more information on Harmony Road TV, visit their Facebook page and website.

Erwins release their second Stowtown Records project, Only Faith Can See

The Erwins release their second Stowtown Records project, Only Faith Can See

(Nashville, TN)… StowTown Records and popular young family group, The Erwins, are proud to announce the release of their brand new project, Only Faith Can See.
It is the group’s second StowTown album following their very successful debut project, Ready To Sail.

A total of 11 uplifting and special songs fill the album, including “I Can Through Christ”, “He’s Still Alive”, and “Give It To God”, and the first radio single, “Only Faith Can See”, which ships September 12.
“We have spent many days and hours praying, planning, and working on a project that would honor the Lord and touch many lives,” said lead singer Keith Erwin. “We believe God has answered our prayers.”

“StowTown Records has given us access to the best songs, song writers, musicians and THE best producer in Gospel Music, Mr. Wayne Haun,” added Keith. “We are grateful for the opportunity to proclaim to all what ‘Only Faith Can See’.” Only Faith Can See is available now at Christian bookstores and retailers everywhere as well as most digital outlets.

The Erwins: Paving A New Road

The Erwins

“Gospel music isn’t reaching our youth anymore. It’s dying out.” Have you ever heard that statement before at a Gospel music event? I heard it more than my share of times, both as an attendee and as an artist. Each time, I would cringe inside because it hurt to hear that as a young person involved in gospel music.

I grew up on this music. I was in the audience at the Cathedrals’ Campmeeting Live taping under the tent. I’ve walked the halls of Louisville, Kentucky’s Freedom Hall and heard the echoes of great young talent from the main stage of the National Quartet Convention. I’ve seen the lines of teenagers at a concert who have lined up to take a selfie with their favorite singer, or to have that CD signed that they just bought from the product table, so it’s hard for me to swallow the statement that gospel music is dying, and it doesn’t reach young people anymore.

April 2016 SGNScoops Magazine

This month’s cover (April 2016) features a family group full of young people serving in many different capacities more than just musically. They’re truly paving a new road for Gospel music lovers all over the country, and the results are astounding. They’ve signed with a record label, released their new project, exploded onto the main stage of the National Quartet Convention, and even sung at the Dove Awards! I’m talking about the Erwins, from the great state of Texas.

The Erwins’ ministry began many years ago, with their father, Dennis Erwin answering the call to preach the gospel. “My dad, Dennis Erwin, began preaching the gospel at the age of 20,” Keith describes. “He traveled to every church, rescue mission, and jailhouse that would have him. Seventeen years into his solo ministry, as a 37-year-old single man, he met Tiffany Duke at a tent revival he was serving in. A year or so later, they got married, and the rest is history! I was born two years later and when I turned 18 months old, Dad had me in the studio to sing “Jesus Loves Me” and “The B-I-B-L-E” on one of his recordings. The same story goes for all four siblings. As soon as we could talk, we were singing. As we all grew, we began to sing harmony, and my brothers and I formed a trio. When Katie started singing harmony, we added her and our ministry became what it is today.”
Read more »

SGN Scoops attends the Gatlinburg Gathering of Abraham Productions

Photographs by Erin Stevens, Photos For Keeps

Hoppers

Booth Brothers and the Collingsworth Family

The Gatlinburg Gathering was held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg on the weekend of August 19-22. Erin Stevens was there to photograph the event and she shared these pictures with us! Some of the artists that Erin captured on stage included: The Hoppers, Booth Brothers, Greater Vision, Triumphant, Tribute, Talleys, Brian Free and Assurance, The Collingsworth Family, Jason Crabb,

Karen and Rickey Gooch

Erwins, Ivan Parker, Karen Peck and New River, Mark Trammell Quartet, and the Primitive Quartet.

Booth Brothers

Be sure to make your plans to attend the Gatlinburg Gathering next year.

For more information on Abraham Productions various events throughout the year, visit them online. 

Brian Free and Assurance

Collingsworth Family

Erwins

For all the news, scoops and artist features, keep your browser on SGN Scoops mainpage. 

For more pictures from the Gatlinburg Gathering by Erin Stevens of Photos For Keeps, click below.

Read more »

This Week in Gospel Music: Mickey Bell’s Handcuff Story

Mickey Bell

Do not miss This Week in Gospel Music with your host, Mickey Bell! We guarantee that you will hear things on Mickey Bell’s show that you will not hear anywhere else.

This week, Mickey has an EXCLUSIVE interview with a Southern Gospel artist who was recently handcuffed at a Gospel concert. Was the artist arrested for a felony? Was there a public disturbance? This is an interview you will only hear on this week’s show.

Joseph Habedank and Beth Pless

Plus Mickey talks with Beth Pless of Georgia who is this year’s winner of the NQC Big Ticket Giveaway sponsored by SGN Scoops and The Erwins.

All this plus great Gospel music! Don’t miss it!

Be sure to download the app for This Week in Gospel Music and make your song request today! Also, register now for your chance to win two tickets to the NQC. Go to This Week in Gospel Music’s website by clicking the Contest button. You can win a chance to register your name more than once by listening to Mickey each week. The Show app is on the website and ready for your download, so This Week In Gospel Music is available for you to listen to wherever you are. Go register for the contest and download the app on www.ThisWeekinGospelMusic.com

The Erwins

This Week in Gospel Music airs on WVSG, Virginia; KNMG in Savannah, MO; WWIC Radio AM-1050 in Scottsboro, Alabama; WTGF 90.5 Truth Radio in Pensacola, Fl; Radio CIA Benbrook Texas; WPIL in Heflin, AL, and many more.

Find out more about Mickey Bell from his facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/thisweekingospelmusic

This Week in Gospel Music announces Winner!

The Erwins

This Week in Gospel Music is an exciting time with Mickey Bell, as he is joined with Katie of The Erwin’s to announce the big winner of the NQC ticket giveaway. The winner will receive two tickets to each day of the National Quartet Convention! Be sure to listen and find out if you are the winner!

Mickey talks to the Mylon Hayes Family about the challenges of traveling as a family, as they are experts on the subject! He also has more on the departure of one member of Legacy Five.

Mickey Bell

Be sure to download the app for This Week in Gospel Music and make your song request today! Also, register now for your chance to win two tickets to the NQC. Go to This Week in Gospel Music’s website by clicking the Contest button. You can win a chance to register your name more than once by listening to Mickey each week. The Show app is on the website and ready for your download, so This Week In Gospel Music is available for you to listen to wherever you are. Go register for the contest and download the app on www.ThisWeekinGospelMusic.com

This Week in Gospel Music airs on WVSG, Virginia; KNMG in Savannah, MO; WWIC Radio AM-1050 in Scottsboro, Alabama; WTGF 90.5 Truth Radio in Pensacola, Fl; Radio CIA Benbrook Texas; WPIL in Heflin, AL, and many more.

Find out more about Mickey Bell from his facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/thisweekingospelmusic