Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Daywind Songwriters Receive Title Cut On Kenny Rogers’ First Gospel Album

Hendersonville, TN (March 25, 2011) – When Daywind Publishing songwriters, Marty Funderburk and Gina Vera, sat down to write a new song, they had no idea that it would eventually become the title cut on the legendary Kenny Rogers’ first Gospel album.  But, nearly a decade after the song was penned, that is exactly what has happened.

In preparing for the release of his Gospel project, Kenny Rogers decided he would like to title the album, For The Love Of God.  When Marty Funderburk was approached about writing a song with this title, he recalled that song he had written with Gina many years ago, with the title, “For The Love Of Christ.”  The song was sent to Kenny Rogers, who loved it and asked if it could be re-written to fit the title.  Marty quickly accommodated his request, and less than a month later, the new version had been recorded and added to the song list as the title cut.

“Gina and I could have never imagined that, 10 years after we wrote that song, it would end up criss-crossing the globe on such a monumental project,” relays Marty Funderburk.  “We are so grateful to Kenny Rogers and Cracker Barrel® for allowing us to be a part of this album.”

The project, which is available exclusively through Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, is a collection of inspirational classics that each hold a special meaning to Kenny Rogers. “For The Love Of God” is one of two brand-new songs recorded for the project, the title of which was eventually shortened to The Love Of God, and features guest appearances by Point of Grace, the Whites and Winfield’s Locket.

Marty Funderburk has received multiple Dove Award nominations, including this year’s nominations for “Run And Tell” by the Bowling Family and “Blaze Of Glory” by Chigger Hill Boys & Terri.

The Love Of God released on March 7^th, 2011 and debuted at #8 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.  Kenny Rogers has celebrated numerous country and pop hits through his career, including “Lady,” and his duet with Dolly Parton, “Islands In The Stream”.  “The Love Of God” is the second project he has released through Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®, following the 2010 release of “Kenny Rogers: 50 Years.

In addition to the writers mentioned, Daywind Music Publishing is home to such great writers as Gerald Crabb, Ronny Hinson, and Dianne Wilkinson, among others. To learn more about Daywind Music Publishing, contact Rick Shelton at rshelton@daywind.com.  To purchase The Love Of God, visit any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® or online at http://shop.crackerbarrel.com.